THE RIGHT PRODUCTS CAN DRAMATICALLY BOOST YOUR HOME'S APPEARANCE AND SECURITY.
THE HOME REMODELING EXPERTS AT EVEREST SIDING AND WINDOWS WILL ASSIST YOU TO SELECT THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME AND GET YOU THE BEST VALUE POSSIBLE.
Siding FAQs
Windows FAQs
Windows with vinyl frames help guard against the damaging effects of window condensation because of the high insulating value of the vinyl. Double glazed windows are far more effective than single glazed windows in reducing window condensation because they tolerate higher percentages of relative indoor humidity before condensation occurs. This higher allowable humidity level reduces drying of furnishings and improves the “comfort level” of the living space.
Windows do not cause condensation. On the contrary, the right windows can be a great help in controlling and reducing it.
Condensation on windows is an alarming signal of excess humidity in a home. When water, fog or ice forms on a window, the consequences can be devastating. Peeling paint, rotting wood and rusted metal can all result from this excess humidity.
Condensation occurs on windows when warm moist air comes in contact with the colder surface of the window. Although it is natural to assume that the windows are to blame, the fact is that the windows are merely a visible sign that humidity exists in the home.
Indoor moisture is caused by a variety of factors. Common household activities such as cooking, showering, running washing machines and dishwashers — every activity that uses hot water — adds moisture to the air.
Newer homes are more often subject to condensation because they are constructed with more weather tight materials and methods than homes built before energy costs were a concern. Weather stripping, improved insulation, vapor barriers and modern construction techniques are designed to reduce air leakage. At the same time, however, these can act to seal in moisture. Unless provisions are made to allow this moisture to escape, moisture buildup can result.
- During showers and baths, cooking, dishwashing and other steam-producing occasions.
- During the start of each heating season. Houses absorb moisture during humid summers. This will generally dry out after a few weeks of heating.
- During sharp temperature changes. Sudden drops in temperature, especially during the heating season, can create temporary condensation problems.
- During new construction or remodeling. Building materials contain a great deal of moisture. When the heat is turned on, this moisture will flow into the air inside the home. It usually will disappear after the first heating season.
There are several instances when temporary window condensation can occur, including:
- Vent clothes dryers, gas burners, etc. to the outdoors.
- Check that all ventilation equipment is adjusted properly.
- Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
- Air out the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room during and after use by opening a window for a few minutes.
- Make sure attic louvers remain open all year round and that crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
- Consult a local heating and ventilation contractor to help determine whether ventilation is adequate and whether it can be improved.
- Insure humidifiers are correctly set according to the outside temperature.
There are many simple steps that can be taken to reduce the humidity level in the home:
Roofing FAQs
Most work should not be done by yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.
Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof system), if possible.
Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile, and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.
Actual roof system lifespan is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate roof maintenance.
Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives.
The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.
For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices. There also are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs.
Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Insist on a contractor who is committed to quality work.
When considering your roofing options, the following formula may help:
Annual Roofing Cost = Total Cost (Materials & Labor)/Life Expectancy of Roof System (in years)
Ridge vents, gables vents, and dormer vents work by passive (natural) draft air convection. This means that as hot air rises in your attic, it should flow out from these vents creating a natural draft through the attic. However, as you have probably noticed if you currently have any of these vents installed on your home, they are not very effective at reducing the temperature of your attic.
Turbine vents are designed to pull hot air out of your attic when the wind blows. These vents are equally ineffective at removing attic heat due to frequent mechanical problems, low air moving capability, and a dependence on the wind to supply the power needed to induce a draft through the attic.
Solar attic vents operate on the principle of active (forced) draft air convection. Our vents create an air draft through your attic many times more powerful than that of natural draft air convection techniques. By inducing a greater air daft through the attic, these solar attic vents can effectively cool your entire attic and keep it cool throughout the day.