Posted by Rick Luppino on Sat, Feb 04, 2012 @ 11:36 PM
Finding a contractor for Replacement Window Installation in Ct is as important as finding a quality Replacement Window Product. There are many Replacement Window Contractors in CT but the problem is there are to many. Just because someone calls them self a window contractor doesn't mean that they are going to give you the best Replacement Window or the best installation . 
The quality of the Replacement Window is very important when it comes to energy efficiency and thermal performance. The better the Replacement Window you buy the better the savings will be on your energy bills. However if the Replacement Window Installation is not done properly even a high quality Replacement Window will perform poorly and not save you the energy and money that it should.
The steps taken to install replacement windows vary depending on the type of windows you have in your home. Sometimes the old windows need to be removed from the outside of the home. Typically most Replacement Window Installations in CT are done from inside the home. The nice thing is that the interior trim is not disturbed when installing replacement windows. There is a small piece of trim on the inside of the window that is carefully removed to allow the window installer to take out the old window sashes.
When Installing Replacement Windows the existing jamb from the old window stay in place. this is the beauty of a Replacement Window in CT, the new Replacement Windows are custom made to fit into each opening eliminating the need for expensive carpentry work and patch work to the inside and the out side of your home. Any good Replacement Window Installation will include removal of the old storm window and discarding of all the old windows from the property. A good Replacement Window Contractor will not charge your extra for this service.
By far the most important steps to quality Replacement Window Installation in CT is to make sure that the Replacement Window is properly sealed inside and out with 100% silicone sealant. Many Replacement Window Contractors don't properly address this step to the window installation. The window installer who many times is a subcontractor will insulate around the window and caulk the window after the inside blind stop trim is reinstalled. This is not the correct way to seal around a window. The Replacement Window must be installed so drafts don't leak in around the window frame. Air infiltration is one of the most important features in a Replacement Window next Insulated Glass. Choosing a Replacement Window with the lowest air infiltration rate like the Enviro-Star Doublehung Window is the first step and having a proper installation is as important.
The proper way to make sure that your Replacement Window Installation is done right is to have your Replacement Window Contractor properly seal your Replacement Window inside and out with 100% silicone caulking. This is done by placing a bead of caulking on the outside blind stop molding before the new windows is placed in the opening. This will create a gasket around the outside of the window. Then after the Replacement Window is put into the opening and before the interior trim stop in reinstalled, another bead of 100% silicone MUST be placed around the entire perimeter of the Replacement Window including the sill. Now your have a complete seal and vapor lock around your window. finally a third layer of caulk is put around the entire exterior perimeter to ensure that no drafts can come through the frame of your new Replacement Window Installation CT.
For a high quality Replacement Window Installation in CT and high quality Replacement Window at the most compeditive Price, try our online estimate system for Replacement Windows by Suburban Windows & Siding and recieve your price by email.
Replacement Window Online Estimate
Posted by Rick Luppino on Thu, Feb 02, 2012 @ 08:43 AM
The best way to hire a Replacement Window Contractor in CT is to start by asking your family and friends who may have already gone through the process. Replacement Windows are like any other home improvement project and it is important to do your homework so you don't get ripped off.
In my 26 years in the window and siding business I have heard my share of hour stories. Most of the time the home owner hired a Replacement Windows Contractor in CT that was not properly licensed and insured and didn't have a contract that specified all the details they were getting. The other problems came from dealing with a high priced high pressure window contractor who pressured them into buying that day and the home owner never took the time to check out the company.
There are many types of Replacement Windows Contractors in CT doing business and you need to be aware of what type you are dealing with before you decide to buy windows from them.
The first thing to be aware of is how you found the Replacement Windows Contractor you want to hire. Did they come to you or did you search the Internet for them. Did you see an add in the paper or on TV or did a friend refer you to them. A personal referral from a friend or family member is usually the best way to hire a Replacement Window Contractor in CT because they have been tested by someone you trust.
You still want to check them out just in case the person who referred you God forbid fell prey to some slick high priced company. Chances are they got a good window but will have paid almost double for it. Don't tell them if that was the case but do your home work still.
Always check references and make the calls, don't slack on this, find out what other people are saying about the Replacement Window Contractor you are getting an estimate from. Never fall for today only discounts. If I give you a price today any good contractor in CT will hold that price for a period of time. Suburban windows holds it for a minimum of 90 days. If a contractor wants you to make a decision that day it's because they don't want you to shop or check there references.
Suburban Windows & Siding is the only Replacement Window Contractor in CT the is willing to give you a Price upfront before we meet with you. Check out our Online Estimate System for Replacement Window Prices for the easiest Replacement Windows Estimate in CT.
Suburban Windows Will not be undersold, we garentee that we will meet or beat any Replacement Window Contractors Estimate in CT with a Replacement Windows of equal or better quality.
Posted by Rick Luppino on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 @ 08:28 AM
How do you find the most Energy Efficient Replacement Windows in CT. There are so many Replacement Window companies and manufactures in CT selling windows that the choice can be very difficult.
There are several components to look for when buying Energy Efficient Replacement Windows for your home in CT. Then first thing is to find a reputable replacement windows contractor who won't rip you off. This can be a task in itself but you must find a company you can trust that will provide you with a Replacement windows that is efficient and affordable as well.
This starts by selecting a Replacement Window Company in CT who will not sell you something you don't want and can't afford. If you pay to much for Energy Efficient Replacement Windows in CT then you will never get a return on your investment and it won't be worth it. Be aware of the high priced high pressure Replacement Window Companies CT who insist that both husband and wife be present for the estimate. This is a sign that they want to put the hard close on your that night. Also do not agree to an appointment with a replacement window company who knocks on your door, this type of business is just canvasing for leads for there sales force and are the highest priced companies in the business.
When Buying Energy Efficient Replacement Windows in CT look for the following features.
- Replacement Windows that have welded construction.
- Replacement Windows with triple weather stripping.
- Replacement Windows with the lowest air leakage rating.
- Windows with a low u value, preferably a .26 or lower.
- Replacement Windows with a warm edge spacer.
These are some of the features that you need to look for when buying the most Energy Efficient Replacement Windows in CT. Suburban windows in CT feature our Enviro-Star Replacement Windows by Okna Windows and Doors.
The Enviro-Star Replacement Window has the lowest air leakage rating a 0.01 of any Replacement Window in CT and a 0.26 u value with a warm edge spacer to give you the most energy efficient window in CT at the best price possible.
Suburban Windows & Siding is the only Replacement Window company in CT that is willing to give you a Price upfront before we meet with your. Check out out our Online Estimate System for Replacement Window Prices CT.
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.