Window Replacement Billings MT
Montana’s climate is unpredictable, with the possibility of temperatures varying between ninety degrees one day to just above freezing the next. And, while the nuances in the weather are one reason that many Montana residents love their home state, knowing that the weather is entirely unpredictable is a concern for the homeowner who is in the process of building a brand new home.
The windows throughout the home, for instance, are responsible for protecting and insulating the homeowner from the elements, and the homeowner involved in a new build has the opportunity to choose the windows that will work best for their lifestyle and the overall efficiency of the home.
While the look of the windows will represent the style of the homeowner and the volume of the windows throughout the home will contribute to the amount of light being allowed in the home, understanding the windows insulating capabilities is also a very important aspect when deciding which windows are appropriate for the Montana climate.
Window Replacement Billings MT
Windows are rated for their insulation capabilities by a value called the U-Factor. The U-factor is a number that represents the combined insulating factor of the window frame, the glaze on the glass panes, and the spacer that separates the glass panes. The lower the number of the U-Factor, the more efficient the windows.
For climates like Montana, windows should have a U-Factor of .30 and below, and many of today’s highly efficient double pane windows will perform to these standards. Some triple paned windows have a U-Factor of .15 and below, and are some of the most efficient windows ever built.
Also, widows have a number that determines the amount of solar heat gain, and this number is defined by the abbreviation SHGC. And, while the efficiency of the windows in the Montana climate should be at or below .30, the SHGC should be greater than 0.6 to maximize the possible solar heat gain on the colder wintry days. Also, it is important to consider where the windows are placed because the efficiency needs for the home are different in accordance with the daily angle of the sun.
Contact Lynnrich today for all of your window replacement needs!
5 Ways Your Windows Are Begging You To Replace Them
Your windows may not have smart-technology, but they do talk to you and tell you when they are getting old. Well-maintained windows last about 20 years or more, depending on different factors. If you live off the coast, your windows might age quicker than they would if you were inland. Here are five signs you can look for to know if your windows might need replacing.
- You think you are losing money because of drafty windows.
Your utility bills can be 10 to 25 percent higher than they should be when you have drafty windows.
- Your windows are broken or damaged.
Windows need to have new weatherstripping or hardware repairs over time, but when you can’t open the windows, or they fog up, you may need to replace them.
- You see condensation on the windows.
When condensation appears between the two panes of your windows, it’s a sure sign that the window’s seals have failed and need to be replaced. Not all condensation is a sign of failing windows, though. You may want to talk to your builder to address the problem.
- You hear a lot of outside noise.
Efficient windows cancel out a lot of noise that occurs outside your home. If you stand by a window and hear cars driving by, your windows may not be as efficient as they once were.
- You see wood decaying around the windows.
When the window frames begin to rot or decay, it’s a good sign you need an upgrade. The moisture that the wood frames are exposed to causes the frame to warp. This makes it difficult to open and close the windows.
Repairing old windows can solve a problem, but it may not fix THE PROBLEM. Sometimes, small things are simply symptoms of a bigger issue. Replacing your windows offers savings on utility bills, protecting the value of your home and improving its looks.
Contact us today for all of your window replacement needs!
Pros and Cons of Siding
Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense against the hot sun, the winter cold, strong winds and rain. Siding materials have to be strong and durable to withstand the onslaught of elements, but beautiful enough to maintain your home’s value. Today’s siding materials are much improved over the past, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each kind. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the most popular materials.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is a popular choice because it’s affordable, insect-proof, fade-resistant and virtually indestructible. Most manufacturers tout the product as being maintenance-free, but there will be occasional work cleaning the siding and making sure mold does not accumulate. Vinyl siding comes in many colors and designs, allowing you to have the look you want.
Wood Siding
Wood is a valued material in home building, due to its timeless beauty. Wood siding can make your home more valuable. Although wood siding does last many years, it does require more maintenance than vinyl. It is more expensive than vinyl siding, too.
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a popular siding choice, especially in the south. The siding lasts 50 to 80 years. Material-wise, it’s very affordable, but labor costs can inflate the price a lot. You can obtain many different textures and colors with stucco, but you won’t want to paint it.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber-cement siding has the same durability as cement. Wood-boring insects cannot penetrate it, nor does it rot. You can find many different textures and colors. Some products resemble wood, brick or natural stone. Fiber-cement is low-maintenance. You will need to refinish the siding after 15 years. It is more expensive than vinyl, but not generally as expensive as wood.
If you are considering an exterior home remodel, contact Lynnrich about which siding material fits the needs of your home, based on the style of your home, the climate in your community and your end results.
Got Bees? It Could Be A Siding Problem
Honeybees are either a godsend or a nuisance, depending on where they are. Everyone loves to see the beautiful flowers in spring, pollinated by the bees, but no one wants beehives near their home or even under the siding in their home. Bees love to build nests in siding, window frames and under shutters. It only takes a small crack for them to get through, but the longer the bees nest somewhere, the larger it becomes.
Bees are drawn to decaying wood, which could be behind your siding. They also like bright flowers, which often grow near the house. Sometimes, the color of the siding attracts the bees. The space between the siding and your home can be a perfect spot for a colony. Signs that you have bees include hearing buzzing, observing the bees or seeing damage to your siding, like small holes.
If you suspect you have a colony behind your siding, you may want to check local ordinances before killing them. Some species of bees are protected and on the endangered species list. However, wasps and yellow jackets, which are often mistaken for bees, are not. You should identify the insect before trying to remove it. Watch the activity for a few days to see if you can tell where the bees are getting in to the walls and the number of them.
You have at least four options for dealing with bees behind your siding:
- Leave them alone
- Plug the holes or use a sealer
- Exterminate the bees yourself or call a professional
- Relocate the colony
With any of these options, you still have to deal with the remaining hive and honeycomb behind your siding. The honeycomb will melt and attract more insects, causing more damage. Ideally, you may have to remove the siding, clean out the hive, then put up new siding and make sure the holes are sealed.
If you have any questions about seamless siding for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
Are Energy Star Windows Worth It?
If you’re remodeling your windows, then you might be considering Energy Star windows. These windows can cost considerably more than windows that aren’t Energy Star qualified. Is it worth making the investment? Learn more about the benefits of Energy Star products that go beyond saving the environment.
- Protect the contents of your home through low-emissivity coatings which reduce UV rays through the windows. In other words, the sunlight won’t damage your artwork, carpets, furniture and drapes. Although the heat gain is reduced, the visible light that enters into your home isn’t.
- Energy Star windows will perform as labeled. You can trust the marketing, because these products go through a rigorous certification process.
- Save money on your utility bills. A typical home will save $100 or more annually on heating and cooling costs when you install Energy Star windows. How much you save will depend on the style of windows you currently have, single or double pane, and where you live.
- Reduce your carbon footprint by installing more efficient windows through reducing your energy consumption.
- Energy Star products help keep your home more comfortable by keeping the temperature consistent during the winter and summer.
- Higher-performance windows reduce the load on your HVAC.
- Energy Star windows reduce the condensation around your windows, reducing the amount of water damage to the frame and surrounding materials.
When it comes to deciding whether Energy Star windows are worth it, don’t just look at the initial cost. Consider the long-term savings on your energy bill and your carbon footprint. Although the federal tax credit ended for Energy Star product installation, your state or community may have rebates and/or discounts for installing more efficient appliances and materials in your home. This could greatly affect the cost of your Energy Star windows. Don’t discount the value of windows labeled with the Energy Star certification.
If you have any questions about Energy Star Windows for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
How to Protect Your Siding from Moisture
The siding of your home serves as the primary defense against all manner of weather, pests, wind, mold, and mildew – but moisture is something that can quickly compromise even high-quality siding. This means that you need to do everything possible to protect your siding from moisture, so that your siding can continue to protect you from all those other things.
Since your siding also acts as a kind of external skin to your house, you could very easily miss any damage which may have occurred beneath the skin. Here are some steps you can take to shield your siding from moisture damage, so it can continue to effectively perform its intended function.
Keep nearby shrubbery trimmed
While everyone can appreciate the aesthetic value that trees and shrubs bring to a home’s exterior, any of them which are planted too close to the house can potentially lead to moisture damage. Leaves and branches retain water, and when they brush up against the siding, they can drop that moisture off on your house, where it can seep in. Leaves also release water vapor into the air via tiny pores, and proximity to the house can cause that moisture to be released right into the siding.
Direct sprinkler heads away from the house
This might sound obvious, but you should be careful about the direction of sprinkler heads as they water the lawn or the flower bed. Make sure that even at its furthest point of projection, the sprinkler can’t reach the siding of your home, because if it does, that water will be absorbed into the siding and damage may occur.
Keep gutters clear
If your gutters become clogged with debris, they won’t be able to carry out their primary function, which is to direct water away from your house’s siding and foundation. Check for debris every couple months, and clean the gutters when any kind of debris begins accumulating. This is especially important in the fall, when trees begin to shed their leaves.
Don’t let snow or ice pile up
In the winter time, snow can accumulate into piles wherever it gets directed, and if that happens to be up against your house, some of it will melt and seep in. If snow piles up against the house itself, make sure to gently shovel it away, so no scraping or scoring occurs to the siding.
If you have any questions about a steel siding for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
Differences Between Horizontal and Vertical Siding
Though it may seem as if the differences between horizontal and vertical siding are incredibly simple and obvious (i.e. one runs horizontally along the lines of a building and the other runs vertically), there is a lot more to the story. Let’s take a few minutes to understand these differences and recognize which is the best solution for your building or remodeling needs.
While you may be in the very earliest stages of a project, such as just now beginning to plan a remodel or construction, you still need to consider all of the variables. As a simple illustration of this, just ask yourself if your siding is to be wood, vinyl, or another material. What sort of insulation and R-value will it have? What about colors and textures?
As you already see or know, deciding how to hang the siding is just one of the options. It may, initially seem like a minor detail, and yet it does make a big difference in the appearance of the property.
Horizontal siding is the iconic or “classic” way to for builders and homeowners to position the material. Simple, fast and easily done, it can save a lot of time and money. Yet, there are a few downsides that most don’t hear much about. For example, it is more prone to water damage over time, and it can also become dislodged more easily and allow water and damage. It is not as easy to clean as vertical siding, though both involve a time-consuming process.
Vertical siding gives a property a more modern and edgy appearance, and is possible with almost any common siding material. As indicated, it is easier to clean but it is a bit more complex to install and usually requires furring strips that create a water tight mount.
So, if you are curious about the differences between horizontal and vertical siding, they are simply that vertical can take more time and have more material costs. However, vertical siding gives a property a unique look and is far more waterproof and easier to clean. If you are going for “classic” and affordable, go with horizontal, but if you want edgy and easy to clean, vertical may be for you!
If you have any questions about a steel siding for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
5 Signs that You Need New Gutters
Gutters are extremely important to your home. Not only do they prevent water damage to your roof by directing rainwater to the ground, but they can keep water from seeping into your home’s foundation by directing it away from your home. Sadly, like all other structures, gutters do not last forever. They are susceptible to damage and need to be replaced over time. Here are some signs that will tell you when that time has come.
You See Any Kind of Cracks
Small cracks in your gutters may not seem like a big deal, but they can turn into larger cracks if they are left unchecked. The same goes for any split seams where the gutter sections fit together. In any case, these openings are signs that your gutters should be replaced, no matter how minor they may seem.
You See Peeling Paint or Signs of Rust
Reddish brown flakes on your gutters are signs of rust, which will turn even the sturdiest of structures into a corroded mess. If you don’t have metallic gutters, you might still notice paint peeling or flaking off if you look closely enough. Both of these are signs that your gutters are old and should be replaced before it is too late.
You Notice Pools of Water by Your Foundation
Gutters are meant to direct water away from your foundation; this is why they have spouts that extend several feet away from your house. If you notice pools of water or signs of mildew near your foundation, your gutters are not doing their job. There is most likely a leak somewhere, which will call for a replacement.
You Notice Water Damage Near or Underneath Your Gutters
Just like the pools of water that are not supposed to be near your home’s foundation, water damage directly underneath your gutters means that they are leaking. Replace your gutters before the damage gets any worse.
Your Gutters are Sagging
Finally, gutters that are sagging or pulling away from your house are definitely in poor shape. This is actually the easiest sign to look for since you will be able to notice it clearly from the ground. In any case, call a roofing professional to have a new gutter system installed when you notice this or any of these other signs.
If you have any questions about gutters for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Siding
Well maintained siding gives your home a cared-for look. It also reduces repair costs and the time needed for upkeep. Just like your car, your siding benefits from preventive maintenance, which can extend its lifespan by many years.
Here is an overview of how to clean and maintain your siding.
Annual Inspections
Every type of siding, whether it is made of wood, vinyl or aluminum, needs to be inspected at least once a year. Check for cracks, holes, worn spots and loose boards. Does it look faded, rusty or warped? Are some sections dirtier than others?
If you’ve had a major storm, especially high winds, inspect the siding as soon as you can. This can result is serious damage, which can cause cracks that let in moisture. These need to be repaired as quickly as possible to save your home from future problems, including mold, insects and rot.
The Importance of Cleaning
Siding should be cleaned twice a year, whatever it is made of. Normal wear and tear and the effects of weather and the environment can hasten deterioration. Cobwebs collect, dirt sticks to the surface and mildew can set in.
When you clean you siding, you are protecting your investment in your home. Replacing siding is expensive. It is always cheaper and less complicated to clean what you have.
Maintaining Your Vinyl Siding
The big advantage of vinyl siding is how low maintenance it is. Power washing it twice a year is all it needs. If you’re a do-it-your-selfer, this is an easy project.
Maintaining Your Wood Siding
Wood siding needs regular upkeep, beside twice a year cleaning. Every 5 years or so, the boards need to be treated. If you live in an area of weather extremes, it could need it every 2 to 3 years.
Maintaining Your Aluminum Siding
Metal siding needs cleaning every six months or so. One danger to look out for is rust. Scrape it off and add sealant. If your metal siding is painted, you will need to repaint the spots that are chipped or peeling.
If you have any questions about a steel siding for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
Window Condensation: What Your Windows Are Telling You
Condensation is normal on windows for short periods, especially when winter starts. But ongoing moisture on your windows can be a sign of trouble.
If you don’t deal with prolonged moisture problems, you can end up with mold, mildew and rot. This harms the window frame and trim, and your home’s air quality.
Here is an overview of what your windows are telling you when condensation forms.
Too Much Moisture
If condensation regularly forms around the corners and bottom of your windows, you have a humidity issue. You need to let the moisture out and let in dry air. Two ways to fix this are:
- Turn on an exhaust fan, like the one in your bathroom
- Or open one of your windows for 15 to 20 minutes a day
Bad Seals
If you have dual pane windows, you shouldn’t see moisture collect between the two sections of glass. It indicates that the seal has broken down, letting in air from outside. The trapped air causes moisture, which leads to a foggy appearance on the glass.
Leaking Gas in Double Pane Windows
Do you notice condensation in the center of a double-pane window within your home? Most likely, argon gas is leaking between the two panes. This makes the glass bend inward. It can even cause the two panes of glass to touch.
Argon is an insulating component. Since it is leaking, your windows are no longer effective and they need to be replaced.
Swollen Wood
If you have difficulty opening or closing a window with a wood frame, it’s probably because the wood is swollen with moisture. Reduce the humidity in your home. Over time, the wood will shrink to its normal size and the windows will be easy to open and close.
Leak in Your Roof or Siding
Does your window shut firmly but you see water inside? Is the water at the top? The trouble is probably caused by a leak in your roof or your siding. Water is dripping down and entering at your window.
If you have any questions about a energy efficient windows for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.
