The walls and the attic are well insulated, but what condition are the windows in?

If your windows are drafty, that insulation in your attic and walls is unable to totally do its job. Yes, you want your windows to look great, but you also need them to function well. You may even want to save money in the way of tax credits and energy savings.

The fact is that new windows are going to be more efficient than old ones, which means that utility costs can go down when old windows are replaced. Statistics have shown that replacing windows can save as much as 10% on energy costs, but they have been known to save as much as 25%.

Why isn’t the savings more than this?

It is because windows are just a portion of the functional parts of homes. The foundation, siding, insulation, roofing, and windows all work together to make the home more efficient. While the windows are just a part of the equation, replacing them does address a very significant problem. If the foundation and insulation are sound and the windows let cold or hot air in, the entire system is not working at its full potential.

In 2009, Energy Star, a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, stated that homeowners can save up to $501 per year if they replace their single-pane windows. If double pane windows are replaced, the money saved can be as much as $247 per year. Of course, the rising energy costs in the past few years have most likely increased the amount of savings that were seen in 2009. Energy Star also calculated that up to 3,839 pounds of carbon dioxide could be eliminated through such replacement. This means that those opting to replace their windows make an impact on their energy costs and the environment.

But to ensure you maximize your savings, you will need to make the right replacement window choice. This is something that you do not have to do by yourself. Your replacement window company can help you choose so that you can invest in certified windows. These are windows that have been certified in that they save energy. The National Fenestration Rating Council certifies windows based on air leakage and heat loss data. It has even been found that it can be worth the money to buy windows that have low-emissivity coating. Argon gas between the panes can also keep the temperature in the home under control by preventing the leakage of heat.

When you replace the windows, you can then get a federal government tax credit on your income tax return. This is a one-time credit for the home improvements that you have made and windows do fall within the qualifying improvements. In 2012, the credits given for 2011 home improvements were 10% of the purchase price up to $500. Window replacements cannot exceed $200 in credits. As long as Energy Star requirements are met by the product, you can claim it.

Replacing windows will save money over the years. You do have to be choosey in what you decide upon, especially if you intend on making some of your money back through tax credits. Most importantly, the home can be more comfortable and you are doing something good for the environment.

A deck can make for a beautiful addition to a home. It adds aesthetic appeal and it adds value. But while this is a process that seems rather simple, it is one that does require a plan and it is one that is methodical. When you hire a professional deck builder to build your deck for you, you are removing a great deal of stress from the project, unneeded expenses, and ensuring that it is done as soon as possible and in the correct way.

When you tell the deck builder what you want, it is good to go over the purpose of the deck. For instance, it is good to know how many guests on average you want the deck to hold. This is to ensure it is sturdy enough to handle all of the weight. If you want to include a small area for children, you can ensure that area is built. Play areas also keep children concentrated in one area so that they do not run around the deck. This can make social gatherings much safer.

You will also need to decide upon the exact location. It is standard for a deck to be an extension of the home, so you may want to extend it from your back door. You can also have a standalone deck. Where you want it is up to you. This will help you create a solid deck plan that will be the guide for the builder during the entire project. Even the decking material and the color are going to be important parts of the plan. These decisions can be made based upon the style of your home and your individual taste.

What you may find is that the process is one that is much simpler as it may seem at first. You start with a budget, you work within that budget, and you still acquire the deck that you need to add to your home’s value and the functionality of it.

Would you believe that gutter systems tend to lead people to some rather nasty ladder falls? Well, if you have ever climbed a ladder to deal with your gutter system or you know someone who has, then you believe this.

In fact, the U.S. Government Product Safety Commission says that ladder falls account for 59% of fall deaths in individuals aged 65-74. This is a rather staggering figure.

One of the most common reasons as to why someone climbs a ladder is because they have something to take care of with their roof or their gutters. Usually, it is the gutters because they can become clogged. In fact, someone in Minnesota is probably climbing a ladder right now, clearing their gutter of leaves that have fallen from nearby trees.

Now, let’s look at what your gutters are supposed to do for you: The main thing is to protect the home by collecting water when it rains or when snow melts and directing that water away from the foundation of the home through the downspouts. This keeps water from entering the basement through the foundation walls.

In the mid-1960s, gutters were installed on homes in 10 foot sections and they were joined together by lap seams. Unfortunately, the seams would start to leak over time due to the adhesive drying up and the seam expanding and contracting. Years later, seamless gutters would be introduced and manufactured at the work site. This did away with leaking seams. However, there was still an issue with the fact the gutters were open and susceptible to clogging by debris and leaves. Fortunately, a number of products have been created to prevent this. Toppers, screens, and filters can keep a lot of debris out of the gutter system.

This prevented a great deal of people from climbing ladders to clean out or repair their gutters.

While the number of accidents reduces with the installation of seamless gutters and the products that are used to keep debris out of them, there are still some individuals climbing ladders to check on the gutter systems. They may think it is too expensive for a professional to look at them and make any necessary repairs. The fact is that it is not as expensive as some may think.

Having a professional install the gutters, inspect them, and maintain them can help reduce the 59% of falls to a number that is less devastating. This figure is only taking into account a certain age group, however. Individuals of all ages experience these types of falls every day. Some result in minor injuries, while others can be deadly.

Residential buildings and homes account for nearly 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions and energy use in the United States. The most common inefficiency contributing to this number is the old window. These windows have inferior curtains, poor seals, and a number of other issues that can make an old window a person’s personal energy crisis. This is especially true for the individual living on a budget that would benefit greatly financially if their windows performed well.

A new study released on October 2^nd shows that doing such things as replacing and retrofitting older windows can be much cheaper than hanging on to the older windows. Decades worth of research was analyzed in the study, which looked at the performance of double hung windows. The study looked at carbon, relative energy, and the savings that are achieved when the old windows are no longer a factor.

The conclusion stated that upgrading windows, in addition to applying insulating shades, can result in a great deal of energy savings in practically any climate zone.

Everything from weather stripping to sealing and insulation are important factors. Adding cellular shades to the new windows can result in an even better return on investment for an individual. In addition, newer windows tend to last a very long time and that means they will more than pay for themselves. They also add to the personality of the home.

The most significant detail, however, is how much cool air will stay in during the summer and how much warm air will stay in the home during the winter. This is one of the main factors that dictates how hard the heating and air have to work to keep the residence a comfortable temperature.

For those that have a difficult time deciding what to do about their windows, the National Center for Preservation Training and Technology’s executive director, Kirk Cordell, couldn’t have said it better. He said that careful planning can affordably increase energy efficiency in a residential building or home without compromising the quality of the design or the historic character of the home.

Following the floods that occurred in June, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is warning those in Northern Minnesota about the dangers of working with contractors during the recovery.

Officials with the department state that any time a natural disaster occurs, there are contractors that chase the storms so they can take advantage of individuals in need. While it has been a while since the floods, many individuals are still working on recovery and this means the false contractors are still out there trying to take money from the vulnerable.

To avoid becoming a victim of these scammers, individuals should make sure that the contractor has a license to do business in Minnesota. It is also important to obtain quotes from multiple contractors unless you know the contractor you want to do business with and you trust them. If you do not already have a roofing contractor or storm damage restoration company in place that you trust, quotes make it easier to get the best deal. However, keep in mind that the cheapest is not always the best. You have to look at the whole picture to make sure you are receiving the best deal.

You don’t want to take the first contractor who comes knocking on your door with a contract, stating that they will do the job the fastest at the lowest prices. Make sure you ask questions and ensure the contract is in writing. It is best if you contact the contractor on your own rather than rely on someone knocking at your door.

If you have any questions as to whether or not a contractor is licensed to do business in Minnesota, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

It’s that time of year when homeowners and businesses have to take caution when hiring contractors to do anything to their property. Unfortunately, there are many out there that claim to be legitimate contractors for those hiring them to then find out something different after the fact.

In Southwest Idaho, a roofing contractor has been charged with fraud. In this case, the accusation states that the contractor defrauded federal programs that were designed to help veterans and businesses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says that Meridian man, Patrick J. Large, 62, is charged with scheming against a federal surplus property program. This has resulted in over a dozen counts of fraud for Large, which also includes making false statements and money laundering. Federal authorities say he was indicted in February by federal grand jury and the charges remained sealed until July. He made his first court appearance on July 31^st.

A late September trial has been scheduled.

The indictment states that Large is accused of operating his schemes from 2003 until 2010.

If the federal government can be scammed by those wishing to put a little more money in their pockets, it is fair to say that consumers need to be even more cautious than ever, especially if a contractor comes to your door after a storm, telling you they will repair your roof or other damage to your home if you pay them a specific amount of money up front. Usually, they will take that initial payment and run.

If it’s time to replace your roof and you want something different, we can help you. We offer different styles and colors of roofing that will suit your unique taste. It is very important for your roofing to match the style of your home. By giving your home the look it deserves, it is going to be more aesthetically appealing to those passing by. You are also going to feel much better about it.

In addition, a new roof offers your home protection. Your roof protects your home from leaks that can ruin the ceilings, walls, cause insulation to fall, and much more. This is why it is important to replace your roof when it is time.

Knowing When To Replace Your Roof

You may be wondering when the right time to replace your roof is. It is a good idea to know what the lifespan of your roof is so that you know approximately when it should be replaced. However, the best way to know is to have regular inspections by a Spring Park roofing contractor who can tell you when it is time. You can have repairs done when needed, but there is that time when a roof reaches the end of its life and you need to do something about it. You can use this replacement to choose the roof you want your home to have. There are so many more options available now compared to 20-30 years ago when your roof may have been installed.

Contact A Spring Park Hail Damage Repair Company

Glacier Companies takes care of everything from roof inspections to roof repairs so that the integrity of your roof can be preserved. That way your home as a whole is kept safe. To find out more about how Glacier Companies can help you and to schedule your free estimate, call us at 612-202-2930 or fill out the contact form on this page and we will contact you ASAP so that your home receives the attention it deserves from a company with experience.

Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. It is what takes the brunt of the weather first and the most, which is understandable considering it is the top of your home. It is constructed in a way that moisture is directed into the gutter system to then be directed away from the foundation of the home so that you do not experience damage to your foundation. It is what keeps water out of your attic and helps your home maintain temperature.

Overall, there are so many components to your roof that protects your home and makes it function that you can’t afford for it to be damaged, whether by the weather or age. That is why we are the Wayzata roofing contractor to turn to when it comes to keeping your roof in tip top shape.

Danger Of Leaks

Leaks are dangerous for your home. This is because water, while a necessary part of life, can be devastating when it touches things it should not touch. Water should never be able to make its way past your roof because it will ruin ceilings and walls. It will cause mold, which can cause a strange smell to develop in your home and this can ruin your air quality.

Overall, leaks are dangerous to your wallet as well. Many individuals have had to have parts of their ceilings replaced, while others have had to have their walls replaced. They’ve also had to utilize the services of companies that eradicate mold. In the end, the expense can be quite shocking. When you take measures to repair leaks as soon as possible, a lot of that shock never has to happen.

Contact A Wayzata Hail Damage Repair Company

When your home needs repairs, it is ideal to work with a company that can perform a number of services for you at once. This is the most cost-effective way to make your home everything it can be. To schedule your free estimate, contact Glacier Companies by filling out the contact form on this page or by calling 612-202-2930.