Posted by Rick Luppino on Sat, Jun 18, 2011 @ 09:14 AM
Certaineed Vinyl Shake Vs Wood Cedar Shakes
There's something about cedar shakes that give a home a certain charm. This rustic look is much sought after, and many homeowners with cottage-style homes love the look of rustic shakes. The only major problem with real cedar shakes is that they are very costly and require continued maintenance to protect them from rotting. But you can actually get the look of cedar and the protection of vinyl with no painting when you get Certainteed Cedar Impression Shakes. These vinyl shakes are manufactured to look like cedar, by taking an actual imprint from a natural cedar shake and molding it into the vinyl you can't tell that is not wood and they will last much longer and provide more protection because they're actually made out of vinyl, which is more durable than cedar.
Certainteed Cedar Impression Shakes are a great way to get a rustic look for your home without also inviting problems like leaks or drafts. These vinyl shakes are manufactured to look absolutely authentic. They closely resemble real cedar. They're deliberately engineered to have a rougher, more rustic look. You can get them in a variety of different styles and colors, so that you can be sure to get shakes that match the overall design, aesthetic, and color scheme of your home. There's a shake to match every home, so you're sure to find the perfect shake to fit your home.
One of the biggest advantages of Certainteed Cedar Impression Shakes over regular cedar shakes is that they're so durable. Cedar is subject to degradation by the elements. It can provide some protection from driving wind, pouring rain, heavy snows, and scorching sun, but it does begin to show signs of wear and tear over time. The color of the paint can also begin to fade. But vinyl shakes are far more durable than cedar, and will last for much longer. They will also provide better protection against the elements because they are designed and engineered to eliminate potential cracks and leaks.
Certainteed Cedar Impression Shakes need to be installed by a experienced siding company who is a Certified Certainteed Master Craftsman. The shakes have a special built in thermometer so the crew can ajust there cuts for proper expansion and cintraction depending on the currant temperature that day. This is critical when installing Certainteed Vinyl Shakes to insure they don't buckle aon the home.
Suburban Windows & Siding are Certified Master craftsman by Certainteed and have been installing Cedar Impression Vinyl Shakes for 20 years.
For an online estimate of your home using our special mesuring software vist our Vinyl Siding Prices page and fill out the form.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 @ 08:30 AM
Certainteed provides a lot of excellent building products for homes in a variety of styles. They're known for their durable products and for providing a variety of aesthetics that different homeowners are looking for. One of their most popular products has to be Certainteed Monogram Siding. This line of durable vinyl siding provides a variety of different colors and finishes, and also provides reliable protection for your home. Vinyl siding is maintenance free and has a natural wood look, which is another factor that makes vinyl siding such a popular choice. If you want to revamp the look of your home, installing vinyl siding is a great way to do it.
One of the best things about Certainteed Monogram Siding is the natural embossed cedar Finnish that is taken from a piece of rough cedar clapboard.Monogram vinyl siding installs better than other brands due to the special locking system that insures a straiter looking panel. It is also available in 16 and 20 foot lengths to give you the seamless look of continuous siding. Vinyl siding expands and contract significantly with changes in temperature, so you want to make sure that it's installed in such a way that it provides total coverage and protection from your home, no matter the weather.
Another great aspect of Certainteed Monogram Siding is that it comes in such a wide range of colors and finishes. Because it comes already colored and doesn't need to be painted, it can also save you an extra step in your vinyl siding installation, which will save you a lot of time in the long run. With so many different colors and finishes to choose from, it's easy to find a siding design that fits with your home's design aesthetic and color scheme. Many different home styles lend themselves well to the use of siding, including Cape Cod, Victorian, and others.
When it comes to vinyl siding installation, you just want to make sure that you find a company that has experience working with Certainteed Monogram Siding. That way, you can be sure that it'll be installed properly by a company that you trust. When choosing a company to do this work for you, it can help for you to ask how long they've been working with this product, and how familiar they are with it overall. Then, you can be sure that it'll be installed properly, and that you'll have the look you want without any problems down the line.
Suburban Windows & Siding is a certified Certainteed master craftsman and has been installing Certainteed products for 25 years. We have homes with Certainteed Cedar impression vinyl shakes and Monogram siding in many colors for your to preview.
Give us a call or fill out our form and we can measure your home on- line with our special software and email you a ballpark estimate for you home. On-line Estimate System
Posted by Rick Luppino on Sat, Mar 19, 2011 @ 03:37 PM
How to Shop for Replacement Windows, get a Window Price online and eliminate old drafty windows.
With a view toward saving money on energy bills and improving the value of a home, many people want to purchase energy efficient windows to replace their older, drafty windows. Replacement windows can make cleaning easier, offer unobstructed views, and make the envelope of your building tighter, reducing heat exchange with the outside. This reduction in heat exchange means that your heating and cooling systems do not have to run as much, which saves you money in energy. It is also more environmentally friendly. However, when you start trying to compare replacement window prices, the process can be very confusing and flat out frustrating.
The reason for this frustration is the way that most companies mandate how you must shop for their windows. Like old-school insurance salesmen, they feel that in order to get your business, they must be with you and your spouse at your house giving you a sales pitch. Many companies will say that in order to quote you even ballpark replacement window prices they must see your windows and your house. They need to be able to recommend the best type for your house, see the shapes, and measure the sizes of the replacement windows. However, if you know what type of energy efficient windows you want to purchase, there is really no reason why they should have to meet with you in order to give you an estimate.
The meeting method has proved effective for salesmen to close a sale right on the spot. After all, when you've already spent a couple of hours with a replacement windows salesperson, who wants to do it all over again with several others, just to compare replacement window prices? The shopping process would be so much more convenient if you could simply call up a window company and tell them the number of energy efficient windows you want replaced and their measurements. With a few quick questions, these professionals should be able to give you at least a general idea of the cost.
Then, you could shop for replacement windows similarly to that way you shop for other things. Call around or visit websites, checking out a comparison of products, prices, and services associated with replacement window prices. Once you have decided on a company you are happy with, and then they can come out and give you a firm estimate for your energy efficient windows. Educating yourself can help you advocate for the shopping process you want to experience.
At Suburban Windows & Siding that's how we do business. We have built our Website to Educate homeowners about Replacement windows and Replacement Windows prices.
We even provide links to our compeditors right on our home page and encourage you to shop around.
Try our Online Estimate System and check out our Free Report Window Scams Revealed
This will give you an idea about the different windows and there cost and teach you what to look out for so you don't get ripped off.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Sat, Jan 29, 2011 @ 10:36 AM
You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof. This article will explain what ice dams are, how they form and the best methods for removing them safely.
What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas
What causes ice dams?
Ice dams are usually caused by heavy snowfall and improper ventilation in the attic. This causes warmer areas in your attic then the snow begins to melt, even when the outside temperature is well below freezing. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting it runs down your roof underneath the snow until it reaches a "colder" section like the soffit's, valleys or in gutters then it begins to freeze again, this process of thawing and refreezing is what causes an ice dam.
Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly but they can still occur if the conditions are right. The gutters will be just as cold as it is outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. So even if you don't have a soffit for the water to refreeze in, the melted water will most likely refreeze when flowing into the gutters.
How can I remove an existing ice dam?
Properly removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous if you don't know how. In the past some members of the media suggested hiring a contractor to pull the gutters off your home so the whole ice dam process would be solved. This suggestion was well intended but wrong. Contractors that started removing gutters caused significant damage to roofing and guttering systems, then when the snow melted it dropped next to the homes foundation and caused the basements to flood.
WARNING!
Performing ice dam removal is risking severe personal injury and damage to the roof if not done properly. Never walk on a snow covered roof and make sure if your using a ladder you follow the proper safety procedures. I highly suggest contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.
Immediate action: Remove snow and ice dam from the roof this will eliminate the main ingredients necessary for the formation of another ice dam and will usually stop the water from coming in within an hour. Using a roof rake and push broom (not water) remove the snow by carefully pulling it down the slope of the roof line. Never pull snow across the roof or it may break off the shingles and other damages. Then carefully chip away a channel through the ice dam so the water will be able to flow through, just make sure you stop when you get close to the roofing. It's not necessary to remove all of the ice in the gutters or the ice dam itself if you have removed the snow from the roof, it will melt when the temperatures rise.
How can I prevent ice dams in the future?
Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams. The usual recommendation for proper ventilation is 1 square foot of vent for every 150 feet of attic floor area but each climate region may have it's own recommendations so I would suggest contacting a licensed local insulation company near you. If you have small louvered vents at either end of the attic known as gable vents you can either replace them with larger vents, or install an electric vent fan over the inside of them. These special fans usually work on a thermostat and will pull outside air into the attic to keep the temperature inside consistent.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Mon, Jan 17, 2011 @ 05:09 PM
When shopping for Replacement Windows in Ct you'll find there are many window contractors and types of Replacement Windows. Connecticut is home to several windows manufactures and distributors selling energy efficient Replacement Windows Ct. Some of the more popular manufactures are Alside, Harvey Industries, Mercury and ABC distributors and Slocomb Windows & Doors. There are several things to consider when selecting a Replacement Window in Ct for your home. Since Connecticut is a colder climate you want to make sure you select a Window that is going to keep the cold weather out. The main way that windows loose energy is through air infiltration which is drafts through your windows, this account for over 40% of heat loss. 
Drafty windows are uncomfortable and energy wasters. Conduction is an other big culprit, conducion is the transfer of heat through an object, when you touch your cold windows the heat from your warm hand is tranfered to the glass just like the warm air in you home. The job of a good quality Replacement Window is to slow the trasfer of heat and cold, you also want to stop the heat from radiating from the sun in the summer as well. At Suburban windows & Siding we have a special partnership with Slocomb Windows and the Earth Wise Group that offer one of the only Windows with the Good House Keeping Seal. The Earthwise Window has a triple wearther stripping to eliminate drafty windows and a high performance 12 layer Low E coating "Ultra Flec" with and R5 Rating and a extra coating of Tin on the inside layer of glass to stop heat tranfer, giving you one of the most addvanced Replacement Windows on the market today.
Now that you know a little more about windows in Ct, I think it's about time you really learned what your window project will cost. What makes us at Suburban so unique is that we've set up a one-of-a-kind online estimate tool that let's you see what your project will cost before you meet with us! So click here now to get a price and also check out our incredibly popular free report.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Sun, Oct 24, 2010 @ 01:36 PM
Shopping for Vinyl Siding or Replacement Windows can be a daunting experience. If have ever shopped for any kind of home improvement then you know it's no picnic to begin with. Vinyl Siding or Replacement Windows are even more difficult.
I'm going to give you the inside scoop on how not to get ripped off and waste your time. I have been in this business for 25 years and have seen it all.
The first thing I will tell you is defiantly get a few estimate and NEVER sign a contract on the first call. It amazes me how many homeowners get coned into buying Siding and Windows from the first contractor they meet with.
Folks, you have to realize that there are no"TODAY ONLY DISCOUNTS" It's all a game to get you to sign that night.
Here are some of the warning signs, any contractor that insists that you and you spouse be present for the presentation. Lets face it, in todays busy world it's hard enough for you and your spouse to get together to spend time alone, let alone spend two hours with some siding and window salesman who is going to try every trick in the book to get you to sign a contract that night. Yea that's what I want to do after a hard days work.
The reason they insist you are together is because they have to eliminate all objections to buying that day.
If there is only one of the decision maker there it's an easy out for you because all you have to say is, " I have to talk to my husband or wife " Even if you both have time to be there you should still take the time to think about and discuss any big financial outlay anyway.
At Suburban Windows & Siding we provide you with references and addresses to jobs we have done as well as our license and insurance credentials. How can you check out a company properly if you sign that day? Our Home Owners Guide to Buying Windows and Siding shows you what to look for.
Then theres the DROP, I love this !! companies that start at some astronamical price and price condition you through the entire pitch only to give you thousands off for Today Only, not a good enough deal, let me call my boss and see if there are any specials that I can give you TODAY. Heres one, let me use your home as a MODLE HOME, sure, a sign in the front yard is worth another thousand or two, please.
There is always the financing too, NEVER Finance a home improvment project from a contractor.
There not a Bank, would you hire your bank to install your Siding or Windows ? of course not. These finance companies are the biggest scam in the industry.
They will offer you defered payments, 90 days same as cash but what they don't tell you is that they PAY the Finance company points to defer your payment, where do you think that money came from?
The way to avoid all of this is to know what to ask when you set up an appointment and know what kind of add you responded to.
The companies that practice these sales tactics will use the following marketing tactics.
Telemarketing and canvasing are the two big ones, they are costly and are meant to catch you cold when you are not really in the market.
Companies spending tons of money on Radio and television, who do think is paying for that?
Big news paper adds or adds with to good to be true prices, like the $189.00 windows or any of the trade in specials, $99.00 trade in, free windows with Vinyl Siding.
All bait and switch meant to get you and your spouse in front of there sales force to let them go to work on you.
Ok, so how do you find an Honest and repeatable contractor that wont pressure you into buying and wont rip you off.
- Ask your friends and family.
- A personal referral is one of the best ways to get a good contractor. You still have to check them out in case your friend fell pray to the above.
- Go looking, that's the beauty of the Internet, you can do allot of research and weed out the scams.
- Check references and the Better Business bureaus.
- Meet with at least three companies, gather information and see who makes you feel the most comfortable.
- Don't just look at price, look at quality,who spends the time helping you make your decision and who do feel you can work with the best and trust with your Home.
I hope this helps save a few homeowners from getting ripped off. If your in the market for Vinyl Siding or Replacement Windows and live in Connecticut we would be happy to estimate your job. Check out out Details to Check When Siding page and Replacement Windows.
Also get a copy of our Home Owner Buyers Guide and watch our Enviro-Star Video if your shopping for Replacement Windows.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Wed, Oct 20, 2010 @ 08:51 AM
I just discovered a great new on line classified add site called Thumtack.com. They offer all kinds of listings to local businesses and services. They are similar to a craigslist but seem to offer businesses more ways to help them get found on line. I really liked the tips they offered on posting my add and linking it back to my websites. I would recommend Thumbtack.com to anyone who want to advertise there business on line and also to anyone who is searching for verified and reputably people to do business with. Check out our listing for Replcement Windows & Siding installation.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Sun, Sep 26, 2010 @ 02:40 PM
Getting an estimate for Replacement Windows can be a very inconvenient experience. First you have to decide who to call for the estimate and how many contractors you should meet with. It's always smart to get two or three bids, any more than that will just make you nuts. You will start to forget what you saw and all the windows will look the same.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could find out how much a company charges for there windows before you set an appointment ? Try calling windows companies and asking for a price on replacement windows over the phone and see where that gets you. Whats the big secret ? why wont they give you an idea of the cost of there windows ? Then many companies will insist that both husband and wife are present for the demonstration that can last as long as 2 to 3 hours. This is not a pleasant way to shop for anything.
The reason that companies do this is that they want an opportunity to give there sales pitch in hopes that they can close you on there product that night.
With a few simple questions about your windows any windows company can give you a pretty accurate estimate on what there product will cost. You can check them out through there website and then if everything sounds good have them over to give you a brief demonstration of there product and why you should do business with them.
This is why Suburban Windows & Siding has developed the first on line estimate system for Replacement Windows.
Here you will watch a 5 minute video that will give you information about Suburban Windows a high performance Enviro-Star Replacement Windows . At the end of the presentation you enter in the quantity and type of windows you have and we will email you your estimate within 24 hours.
Posted by James Desmond on Tue, Aug 10, 2010 @ 11:46 AM
This year the federal government has provided an energy tax credit for any homeowner who purchases energy-efficient products or a renewable energy system for their home, perhaps you may be eligible for a federal tax credit and you don't even know it! The tax credit is good for up to 30% of the cost of your product but only up to $1500 and this tax credit is set to expire December 31. Below you will find an overview of the federal tax credits for a few energy efficient products.
Beware, purchasing ENERGY STAR products doesn't necessarily mean that you are eligible for this 2010 tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, but may not be eligible for the tax credit.
WINDOWS/DOORS/SKYLIGHTS: Energy efficient replacement windows, doors, and skylights can dramatically reduce your energy bills.
*Must have a U-Value of <=.30
*Must have a SHGC of <=.30
*Tax Credit doesn't include installation costs
Our Heat Mirror Replacement Windows far exceed the standards with a .24 U- Value.
STORM WINDOWS/ STORM DOORS:
*Must have <=.30 for U-Value and SHGC
*Must meet the IECC
BIOMASS STOVES: which burn biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water. Biomass fuel includes agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.
*Must have a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.
*Tax Credit does include installation costs.
ROOFING: qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your home.
*Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
*Tax Credit does not include installation costs.
GAS,OIL,PROPANE WATER HEATERS: Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.
*Must have an energy factor of >=.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.
*Tax Credit does include installation costs.
Get An Estimate On Heat Mirror Replacement Windows
Click On Online estimate for Replacement Windows by Suburban Windows & Siding and get your window price online.
Posted by James Desmond on Wed, Jul 21, 2010 @ 11:34 AM
If you have ever looked at a wall in your house and wondered "Why isn't there a window there?" then you are not alone. The importance of where your windows are located in your home is often overlooked and sometimes not properly thought out. Here at Suburban Windows & Siding we have a lot of customers who ask if its possible to install a window opening where there is currently not one.
We always encourage homeowners that a window can be installed anywhere in their house for a few important reasons. Proper window placement encourages good ventilation, which lessens your dependence on air conditioning in the summer. It can also minimize heating costs in the winter by providing adequate solar heat gain. Window placement can also effect your furniture and carpeting because overtime fading can occur from damaging UV rays. When it comes to choosing replacement windows, it is definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each section of your home might actually require a different type of window.
Facing South: To calculate how many windows should be installed, south-facing windows' square footage should be 8% to 12% of the finished floor area(cumulative). If you have energy efficient windows, such as Heat Mirror, then the total glass area could increase up to 10-15% without overheating your home. The Heat Mirror replacement windows help to heat up your home in the cold, frosty winter, but prevent it from entering in the humid summer.
Facing East & West: Use low solar heat gain, or low-E, coatings for all around energy efficiency. East-facing windows should have a 4% ratio of finished floor area to glazing area; west-facing windows should have 2%.
Facing North: Windows on the north side of your house should also have a 4% ratio of finished floor area to glazing area.
