Twin Cities Siding Professionals Knowledge Center

Older homes become more energy efficient with new replacement windows. Here’s how to choose the right ones for your home. 

With many homes more than 15 years old, it’s a good idea to consider updating old windows with more energy efficient replacement windows. Older windows can often be worn out, leak air, and not function or operate well. Replacement windows are more energy efficient, are more durable, are low maintenance, and are easier to operate than the windows installed in the home when it was new.  

New windows on an older home are a great investment which can increase your home’s value as well as decrease your energy usage and lower your energy bills. Choosing the right windows is key to making sure your investment pays off. Working with a good replacement window installation contractor will help you make the right decision when selecting your replacement windows. Make sure you work with someone you trust who is willing to help educate you on the various types of windows available.  

In addition to replacing inefficient windows, when considering replacement windows you also have the opportunity to change the style of your windows and possibly add a bay window or a bow window. A few simple changes can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home.  

When selecting the glass for your windows, be sure to pay attention to Low-E coatings. Low-E is a coating that keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer. This will increase the energy efficiency of your replacement windows by decreasing the amount of energy that can get through the glass.  

Your replacement window installation contractor will also help advise you on the different types of framing materials available for use in your older home. Vinyl is the most common material for home use and is sturdy and low maintenance as well as being energy efficient.

When selecting replacement windows for your older home, be sure to enlist the help of a reliable replacement window installation contractor or specialist. Do your homework, make sure the contractor is knowledgeable and is someone you trust. Don’t always go for the lowest bidder because as we all know, you get what you pay for. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured and is someone you feel comfortable with. When you find the right one, they can help make your window replacement project a success.

If you are in search of companies that deal with home replacement windows, you should know that your local market offers many options. Different contractors offer different services, materials and solutions for your window replacement needs.

Marvin windows and doors are a premiere manufacturer of customized wood and clad products. Offering over 11,000 standard sizes, Marvin customizes (using different shapes, styles and sizes) their windows and doors to the specifications of the buyer, leaving you with a window that’s unique to the look and feel of your home.

Marvin has two divisions of products: Infinity: Replacement Windows and Integrity: Windows and Doors. Both of these Marvin divisions design their products using Ultrex, a durable, maintenance-free fiber-glass material that is far superior to all other window materials.

The majority of Marvin customers prefer vinyl replacement windows due to their low level of maintenance and durability. They are also energy efficient allowing your home’s energy cost to significantly decrease. When you use vinyl replacement windows, you can be assured that there will be no cracking, dry rotting, peeling paint or warping of the wood. 

Along with material, design is another crucial aspect to the Marvin customized product. Window designs include: special casement windows, glider windows, awning windows, bay windows, double hung windows and many more.

If you are worried about the weather and its affect on the home replacement windows, it is time to stop your worries. Marvin windows offer excellent protection from storm and rough weather conditions. There are different varieties and specialties of storm windows that you can select based upon the location of your house.  

Marvin products are used for residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Whether your home was just built or is a historic landmark, Marvin windows are molded to fit the architecture and design of your home.

With Marvin’s “Built Around You” promise, you are guaranteed a superior quality product from a company that prides themselves on excellence.

For more information on Marvin Replacement Windows visit www.tcsidingprofessionals.com or call 651-255-2844.

You’ve been thinking about new siding for your home but can’t justify why it’s a good choice. Here are three reasons new siding is well worth the investment. 

There are always so many home improvement projects that can be done. Sometimes it’s hard to know what the best choice is and what will give you the greatest return as well as the most satisfaction. New siding is not usually one of the home improvement projects that immediately spring to mind for most homeowners. But James Hardie siding can be a great investment for many reasons. 

Your Home’s Appearance 

James Hardie siding can immediately improve the appearance of the exterior of your home. It’s better than new paint in that it gives the entire house a new look, not just a fresh color. It takes away any look of old, tattered siding. Fiber-cement siding products are available with the ability to be attached to the house with blind nailing. Blind nailing means the siding panels can be attached to the home with nails that are covered when the panels are overlapped, so you can’t see any nail holes. No nail holes in the panels create a smooth and polished finish to the outside of your house. It can not only increase the appearance, but also increase the resale value and the home’s appeal to potential buyers.  For 5 years in a row Remodeling Magazine named fiber-cement siding installation as the #1 return on investment you can make for your home.

Strength, Durability and Longevity 

With the wide variety of new siding products available today, getting fiber-cement siding truly increases the durability of your home’s exterior. It protects against water, weather, wind, fire and pests. And because of the durability of James Hardie siding, it is stronger than older siding, is less likely to crack or warp, and will need less maintenance. Because of this, the life expectancy of it is a great deal longer than older materials or other products.  

Energy Efficiency 

Fiber-cement siding will increase the energy efficiency of your home. You can customize the type of insulation installed with your new siding to increase the amount of air that is able to penetrate the exterior walls of your home. This will help to keep the warm air in your house in the cold months and the warm air out of your house in the summer. Thus, creates a more energy efficient home, reducing your energy consumption, and lowering your energy bills.

With the improved appearance of your home, the strength and durability of fiber-cement siding products available on the market, and the increase in your home’s energy efficiency, the benefits of fiber-cement siding greatly outweigh the siding costs.

 Click here to see pictures of homes that have James Hardie fiber-cement siding installed.

There’s a huge variety of siding products on the market. Here are some reasons fiber cement siding is a great choice. 

When your house is ready for new siding, it’s hard to determine what siding products are going to be the best fit for your home. You need to decide what type of material is the best complement to your home and your neighborhood. You need to figure out what siding product will hold up the longest in the climate you live in. And most important, you need to choose the siding that you like the best! Fiber cement siding is a great choice for a lot of reasons.  

First of all, fiber cement siding resembles wood. For the many homeowners who desire the look of wood without the expense and maintenance, this is an important feature. Aside from it looking like wood, fiber cement siding is more durable than wood siding. It is made up of a combination of cement, sand and cellulose fiber. These components are cured with pressurized steam which is what gives it strength and durability as well as resistance to cracking. It is resistant to termites, water, warping and shrinking, rotting, and weather damage. It’s also fire resistant, which in some cases can even help your insurance rates. And even better, it’s guaranteed for 30 years.  

Fiber cement siding is created to look like wood and has wood grain texture embossed into the finish. It comes in a variety of widths from 4 to 11 inches, allowing a lot of flexibility in the design and appearance of your new siding. It’s manufactured to be durable enough for blind nailing, which means that the siding panels can be overlapped to cover nail holes. This isn’t always possible with wood siding, which allows the nail holes to be visible on the side of the house.  

This siding product must be painted, which can be done at the factory (pre-painted) before installation, or at the project site within 90 days of installation.  And you can use either water based acrylic paints or stains for the siding panels. Because the fiber cement siding doesn’t expand or contract with temperature changes the way wood does, you don’t have to worry about the paint cracking or peeling. This means your paint or stain has a much longer lifetime than it does on wood.  

When you decide to go ahead with your new siding installation, your siding contractor can advise you on the right fiber cement siding product for your home and project. Whatever size and finish you choose, this siding product is an excellent choice! 

Twin Cities Siding Professionals works exclusively with James Hardie fiber cement siding.  If you would like to talk to an expert about James Hardie fiber cement siding feel free to give them a call at 651-255-2844.

Most people are familiar with traditional home siding materials like hardboard siding, cedar siding, aluminum siding and vinyl siding. But the fastest growing siding product in the U.S. is fiber-cement. The reasons are numerous:  durability, value, beauty, low maintenance. We think it is the best product you can put on your home.

But don’t take our word for it. Read what the experts are saying about James Hardie fiber-cement siding. Then decide for yourself if it is right for your home. 

• paccrestinspections.com says: “Fiber-cement siding has the look of wood siding but has a lower cost and lower maintenance. Market share is approaching ten percent, according to manufacturers. Most newly constructed homes with lap siding will have this type of siding. Additional benefits include resistance to termites and fire. Fiber-cement siding will not rot, buckle or warp and holds paint for several years longer than conventional wood siding. Moisture resistance is a concern, but problems can be avoided if the siding is installed correctly and properly treated.”
• pacrestinspections.com also says: “James-Hardie Company. This product appears to perform very well in moist environments.  Fiber-cement siding manufactured by James-Hardie  Company (Hardi-Plank®, Hardi-Panel®, and Hardi-Home®) have gained product recognition and an increasing market share.”
• Soundhome.com says:  “One newer and promising product on the market is Hardi Board and Hardi Plank. These are concrete composite products and look like bevel or lap siding. The reports, so far, are very promising.”
• About.com says: “Fiber cement siding can have the appearance of wood, stucco, or masonry. This durable, natural-looking material is often called by the brand names HardiPlank® and HardiPanel®. If you want the look of authentic wood with a bit less maintenance, cement fiber is a good option. Fiber cement siding is fireproof, termite-proof, and may have a warranty up to fifty years.”

Want to find out more about this extraordinary siding product? Call Twin Cities Siding Professionals at 651-255-2844, or visit our web site at: www.tcsidingprofessionals.com .

Americans are being ultra conscious of how and where they spend their money these days. Investing in your home is a great choice in this economy. Many homeowners are choosing to increase their home’s energy efficiency at the same time they increase the appearance of their home by replacing windows and doors.  

These are not simple, do-it-yourself projects, and hiring a good and reliable contractor is highly recommended. Finding a good contractor can help you define your needs and expectations, get the right information for your project, and make educated decisions about the materials you select for your window and door replacement. It can often seem challenging to find a good contractor as well, but here are some tips for hiring a door contractor and replacement window installation contractor for your home improvement project.  

The first thing you should check before you hire a window and door contractor is their insurance. A reliable contractor will be insured so that you are not liable should there be any damage or injury during the course of your installation project. You’ll also want to hire a contractor that offers a warranty, not just for the materials, but also for the labor and installation.  

A window and door contractor should give you complete information about all of the packages they have available and the prices that will fit your budget. There should be no hidden charges and everything should be laid out with an estimate of the total cost including labor and materials. It’s important to be sure that you have a contract with them and be sure that everything they are doing including labor, materials, time, cost and installation are spelled out on the contract. Also make sure the details of the door and replacement window installation are completely clear and are what you agreed to. This should also include the manufacturer of the replacement doors and windows.  

And finally, one of the most important things about a contractor you are going to hire is that you feel comfortable with them and feel you can trust them. Take time to do your homework and research local door contractors and replacement window installation contractors before you sign on the dotted line. You want to be sure you understand what you’re paying for and where your money is going.

This is your investment, so make sure you find the right contractor to install your windows and doors in your home.

If you’re like many Americans, you may be considering home renovation in place of buying a new home. And if you’re like a lot of ‘do-it-yourselfers’ you think, “How hard can it be?” But then you start doing some research and some planning, and maybe even start making some holes in walls you no longer think are necessary, and suddenly reality begins to sink in. Home renovation is hard work! And it’s time consuming. And it’s dirty and messy. And it takes some expertise you don’t have. And now you’ve started the project and you don’t know where to go or how to move forward. So you’re left with a hole in your kitchen wall (or bathroom or bedroom) and no idea how to fix the electrical or put up drywall. Now you’re thinking, maybe I should have called a professional! 

In Favor of Home Renovation 

Home renovation is a popular type of home improvement project, especially when the real estate market is down. It’s a great alternative to selling your home or buying a new one. Your house gets a makeover and you get to live in a new, updated space. You can change the feel or layout of your home at the same time you add value. Your home is your biggest investment. Room remodeling can add value to the house, make it more appealing to potential buyers, and add resale value. Simple changes can be a quick fix for restless homeowners, but room remodeling can have a huge impact. Even if you have no plans to sell your house or any desire to move, changing the interior of your home by expanding rooms, updating appliances and reworking living spaces can make your old house feel brand new again.  

Home Renovation in a Nutshell 

Home renovation is an ambitious undertaking. It requires enough engineering and construction knowledge to be able to tear down walls without compromising the integrity of the structure of your home. It also requires knowledge of electrical and plumbing systems. And it can often involve simple room planning and design and an understanding of traffic flow patterns in a house. When taking on any significant home renovation, especially when doing room remodeling or construction remodeling, more than one person is usually needed to complete the work. And understanding different trades and the craftsmen that are masters in them is essential. But who has time to become a master carpenter/sider/roofer/window installer/plumber/electrician? Many of us like to think of ourselves as pretty handy and able to tackle some big projects but sometimes it’s best to leave the big projects to the experts.  

In Favor of a Home Improvement Contractor 

Most homeowners can take on small home improvement projects. We can paint and put up wallpaper, install new showerheads and change out our cabinet hardware. And, if we’re really ambitious, we may even attempt to lay our own flooring or retile our shower. Home renovation, however, requires a great deal of knowledge and experience to be done right. If a remodeling project is not done properly, a number of problems can arise including mishaps and unwanted and unexpected results. A home improvement contractor can help prevent those unwanted outcomes and can ensure the success of your project.  

A home improvement contractor can offer their knowledge and experience as well as their expertise. In addition to guiding you through the planning process including project design and layout, they can also help you determine the best choices for what changes will work and what won’t. A good contractor understands the structural makeup of buildings, including your home. Basically they’ll know what will happen if you make a hole in the wrong wall. Understanding how the walls interact with each other to support the rest of the structure is their job, so they have a unique understanding of what can and can’t be done. Because of this they can offer their expertise on your project and offer options and advice to enhance your results.  

Home improvement contractors know the people in the industry. They know architects, designers, and craftsman. They know the suppliers and who has what and for the best price. Imagine if you had to figure out what materials are available, what would work best for your project and then figure out where to buy them and how to get the best price. And then imagine trying to get the materials delivered and unloaded and then determine how to install them. Not to mention the permits you may or may not have remembered to get. And if you need help, how will you know who to hire that is reliable and capable? This is what your contractor will do; be your home renovation project manager.  

Home improvement contractors will save you time and money. By acting as your project manager they will be in charge of everything including contracts, budgets, laborers, and installers. They’ll take care of the purchase and delivery of your project materials. They will also obtain the building permits specific to your project. You won’t have to try to figure out what permits you need or where you need to go to get them or what it takes to get them issued. The contractor can do all of that for you.  

Things to Keep in Mind 

When planning your residential remodel, keep in mind a few things. First, decide what your renovation is going to encompass. Is it a siding remodel? A replacement window remodel? A replacement door remodel? If you’re going for resale value and want the biggest return on your investment, fiber-cement siding will give you the biggest bang for your buck. However, any renovation project that increases the size of the home and its square footage will add value. If your remodel is strictly to improve resale value, remember when you’re doing the planning that it’s important to make sure you don’t upgrade your house beyond what your neighborhood can support. The house must appeal to potential buyers that are interested in homes that fit the area.  

When taking on a big renovation project, think about energy efficiency and ways that you can improve it in your home. If you’re installing new windows, for example, pay attention to the energy ratings. New windows can dramatically increase the energy efficiency of your home. New entry doors can do the same. Finding doors with improved insulation and better weather stripping can decrease the amount of energy that escapes from your house and can significantly reduce your energy bills over time. Also consider upgrading your insulation on exterior walls when adding or expanding rooms. This will help your house hold in the heat in the winter and keep in the cool in the summer.  

Finding the Right Contractor 

Hiring a good home improvement contractor is a great choice when deciding on a room remodeling or construction remodeling project for your home. Just a few things to know before you sign on the dotted line…

• Make sure the contractor you hire is insured!
  • They should have general liability insurance as well as Workers Compensation to protect you from any incidents that may occur on your property over the course of your renovation.
• Never hire the lowest bidder just because they’re the lowest bidder!
  • A lot of inferior contractors know that homeowners are looking for the best price so they bid low knowing they’ll often get the job and then they perform substandard work and offer no guarantee.
• Once you’ve gotten some bids from reputable contractors, do some more research.
  •  Contact some of their previous clients. Take a look at some other work they’ve completed. And spend some time talking to them. Do they understand your vision? Are they willing to work within your budget? Are they experts in their field? Do you feel comfortable with them and do you trust them? The answer to all of these questions should be “yes” before you hire them.  

Once you’ve chosen a home improvement contractor, make sure the contract you sign includes every detail of your project. This includes a timeline and schedule of the project including completion date, payment details including whether or not a deposit is required, specifics of all materials that will be used and most important, a guarantee not only of the installation and completion, but of the quality of the workmanship. A good contractor will automatically include these in the contract or will be willing to add them at your request.  

Home Renovation: How Hard Can it Be When you Have a Good Contractor? 

Not hard at all! Taking the time to carefully decide on and plan your project and hire your contractor along with patience while the work is being done is essential to a successful home renovation. When you have the right contractor, it makes everything easier. Because your home renovations are important to you, you want the work done right. Making sure this happens is up to your home improvement contractor.  

Residential remodeling will help you to enjoy your existing home in ways you hadn’t imagined. You can expand rooms, upgrade appliances, create a more energy efficient environment, and create a new living space without having to buy a new house. A home renovation will let you keep the house you own and find new ways to enjoy your old home.   

While no one wants to spend money on a new roof, there are plenty of good reasons you may need to spend money on a new roof! And hiring a good roofing contractor is necessary when getting a new roof. 

A new roof is usually not on the wish list of most homeowners when it comes to home improvement projects. Your roof is what protects your home and its contents from the elements so when it’s time for a new roof, it’s a worthy investment. Roofing repairs and roof replacement are not do-it-yourself projects. Hiring a good roofing contractor is a necessity when it’s time for a new roof and when you’re ready for a roofing estimate. How do you know when it’s time to find a contractor? Here are some clues that your roof is ready to be replaced.  

Cupping or Curling Shingles 

Though most of us don’t make a habit of inspecting our roofs on a regular basis, cupped or curled shingles are a common indication of degradation of your roof materials and can often be a precursor to leaks. Sometimes cupped or curled shingles on residential roofing can be seen from the street. If you see either of these on your roof, it’s time to call a roofing contractor.  

Failed Flashing 

Flashing is the material used where the roof materials connect. It can be found around chimneys and where roof levels change. If you can see flashing from the ground and it appears to be pulling away from the other roof materials, it may be time to inspect the roof. If you don’t feel comfortable taking a look yourself, a roofing contractor will generally inspect your roof for free, as well as give you a roofing estimate if there is indeed damage to the flashing. If the flashing is failing it gives water a chance to seep under the roof material and into the home.  

Lost Granules 

On asphalt shingles there are granules that coat the shingles and add to its protective quality. When the granules start to come loose and fall away, the shingles become weak making your roof more vulnerable to leaks and further damage. You can sometimes see granules on the ground below the eaves of your home after a heavy rain. If this is the case, a new roof, or roofing repairs at the minimum, may be in order.  

Missing Shingles

If your roof is missing shingles, this is the perfect entry for water to find its way into your home. A roofing contractor can give you an estimate on repair or replacement of these shingles. Once water gets into your home it can damage not only insulation, but also your personal belongings. In addition it can create mold which can be very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.  

If you feel like your roof may be suffering from any of these issues, calling a roofing contractor is a great place to start. They can inspect your roof and let you know if there is damage, how extensive and if it can be taken care of through roofing repairs or if a replacement roof.

There are so many choices when it comes to replacement windows. Read on for information on a few of the more common window types. 

Many people finally choose to replace old, drafty windows because they get tired of looking at old ugly windows. Having new energy efficient windows is a bonus! While energy efficiency is important, deciding on what types of replacement windows is the first step. When focusing primarily on improving the appearance of your home and windows, there are a number of different choices to consider.

Five common types of windows you may consider: 

Awning Window 

Awning windows open out with a hinge at the top. Screens are generally on the inside of these windows and since they open from the bottom, are a great option in rainy climates since water will run down the window.  

Bay Window 

A bay window juts out from the exterior wall and is usually comprised of at least three window panels. They enhance the view, increasing the amount of window space available. They are also available with either stationary glass or functional, opening windows. Bay windows are a great addition to a room as they give the room a more open and spacious feel while allowing a greater view of the outdoors. If you’re considering expanding your room when you decide to install replacement windows, a bay window is a great option. 

Casement Window 

Like an awning window, a casement window is on a hinge rather than a slide. A casement window, however, hangs on a side hinge. The screens are on the inside and this type of window allows for better room ventilation than sliding windows.  

Double Hung Window 

A double hung window is what most people would consider a standard window. They are made up of two panels which hang one above the other with the bottom window sliding up either a small amount or to halfway up the total space of the window. The double pane window now also comes in a tilt model that allows ease in cleaning the outside of the window as the pane unhooks and tilts into the interior of the house.  

Gliding Window 

Gliding windows are similar to double hung windows in that they slide, however gliding windows slide horizontally and double hung windows slide vertically. 

These are some of the most common types of window styles. It’s a matter of personal taste which one you’ll choose for your home improvement project.

Some projects are too big for a do-it-yourselfer. Here are some important things to consider when ”tackling” your home remodeling project.  

The average homeowner can do a variety of small home improvement projects. When you decide to take on home renovations, however, it’s a good idea to go to a professional. Home renovations, especially siding and window installations, are projects that require experience and expertise. If they’re not installed correctly, they can cause a number of problems to just plain unattractive results. Hiring a home improvement contractor for your project can help prevent any unwanted outcomes and can ensure the success of your remodeling.  

Home improvement contractors can give you direction when planning your project. They can help you determine the best design and layout choices for both you and your home. They can offer options and advice on materials to enhance the final product and they can help you create a realistic budget. And once the planning is done and you’re ready for the work to begin, not only do they employ experts in the industry or direct employees, but they are insured which will protect you from any liability issues while the project is in progress.  

Home improvement contractors will save you time. They act as a project manager for your home renovations. They manage everything from contracts and budgets to laborers and installers to purchasing and delivery of all the project materials. Imagine doing all of that yourself! In addition to being project manager, your contractor will obtain the building permits you need. You won’t have to try to figure out what permits are required or where you need to go to get them or what it takes to get them issued. The contractor can do all of that for you. They’ll also be able to get the best materials from the best manufacturers for the best prices. You won’t have to shop around and try to wheel and deal with suppliers.  

Because your home renovations are important to you, you want a guarantee of the work. Making sure the job is done right is up to your home improvement contractor.  You can include in the contract a guarantee of the materials, the workmanship and the completion of the project.  In fact, I recommend it!