Vinyl Replacement Windows Starting at $399 Installed
Call CAT EXTERIORS for details on having NEW Vinyl Replacement windows installed and start saving on Energy Bills. Purchases may be eligible for Tax Rebates. Call for details. (Limited time offer)

781-924-5018     *     www.CATExteriors.com

Then Pair Your New Windows with Hunter Douglas Shades from Inspiring Windows

SAVE $100 or More with Rebates and Receive a FREE LiteRise® Cordless Lifting-System

You Can Light Up a Room. With Hunter Douglas Silhouette Window Shadings, you can diffuse and disperse the sun’s rays into softy and pleasing light through your room

781-924-5399     *     www.InspiringWindows.com

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See other related articles:
Window Performance Rating Labels
Replacement Windows Mean Warmer Houses
Are Replacement Windows Worth It?

See our Videos on Youtube: Click Here

]]> http://www.catexteriors.com/vinyl-windows-hunter-dougla-shades/feed 0 http://www.catexteriors.com/housewrap-2 http://www.catexteriors.com/housewrap-2#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:33:18 +0000 admin http://www.catexteriors.com/?p=509 By: Terry Quinn, CS, CAPS, CGR, VSI (CAT Exteriors. Hanover Ma)

Vinyl Siding is not Water proof! So you need an underlayment to protect your house when moisture gets under the siding.

Green Guard Raindrop

That’s why we use house wrap. House wrap is a synthetic material used in building today to replace standard tar paper underlayment hat was used in years past.   It is a weather-resistant barrier that improves buildings energy efficiency and it helps stop moisture from entering the house and allow water vapor to escape to the outside which will keep the R-value of the insulation from dropping.

A main purpose of house wrap is to prevent entry of moisture or rain into the wall cavity. MOST sidings are not water barriers. All GOOD house wraps provide waterproof protection when properly installed over the sheathing and behind the siding.

 Advantages of house wrap are:

• Provide U.V. protection
• Most exceed code requirements for air and water protection
• Save money on heating and cooling costs
• Reduce air infiltration
• Allow vapor to flow out of the building

 Disadvantages:

• If not installed properly, it will cause more damage than benefits.
• Gaps or seams not sealed effectively will allow water to penetrate the building’s interior
• It’s not a vapor retarder and should not be treated as one
• Improper lapping of house wrap will cause mold and moisture problems

Don’t rely on the siding to stop the water. The purpose of siding is to look good and it does shed some of the water, but it also lets some in. Flashing and house wrap must shed that water and allow it to weep out from behind the siding and not wet the sheathing or framing which will cause rot.

Just some thoughts to consider when planning your vinyl siding installation. And remember the most important part of any vinyl siding job is to hire a proven, well established company to install your siding job, who has a long track record and is certified by the vinyl siding institute such as Almar Building and Remodeling or CAT Exteriors.

To get answers to more of your questions about Vinyl Siding you can watch our videos answering the top 18 questions we get from homeowners presented by Terry Quinn, for our exteriors division CAT Exteriors. Click Here: (http://www.youtube.com/CATExteriors)
Terry Quinn, CS, CAPS, CGR, VSI  is the President of CAT Exteriors a division of Almar Building & Remodeling Co in Hanover Ma. Almar is a 3^rd-generation, full service general contractor, and satisfying homeowners for over 53 years on the South Shore (Weymouth, Braintree, Holbrook, Quincy, Milton). CAT & Almar handle both large and small projects including: Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Windows, Doors, Siding, Decks, and other carpentry projects. With 5 licensed constructions supervisors, Almar is also RRP certified to work on homes built prior to 1978. Visit the website for more information http://www.catexteriors.com

3tab Certainteed Shingles

The classic 3- tab shingles has been around a long time. For decades it has been the standard in roofing. While they are still the least expensive option for roofing choices there are new and better options. It’s easy to tell 3 tab shingles by their flat look. They are constructed of two layers of asphalt wrapped around a fiberglass mat designed with three equally sized tabs.

Advantage
 The primary reason they are chosen is PRICE and price alone.

Disadvantage
Three tabs come in 25 and 30 year varieties, but you can find these in shed shingles rated to last only 15 years. They lay so flat that any ripples or inconsistencies in the roof deck will show right through your finished roof, and you will see it from the ground. They do not have a very high uplift rating for wind. Most manufactures have reduced the color selections and the amount of products they produce.

Architectural Certainteed Shingles (Landmark)

Architectural shingles or (dimensional, laminated or composite) are constructed with a heavier base mat with multiple layers of asphalt adhered to it. They weigh almost 50% more than three tab shingles. They appear to have a texture similar to cedar shakes.

Advantages
Laminated shingles do a much better job of hiding imperfections in the roofing structure.  Architectural shingles are heavier making them less likely to blow off. They are rated for 80 to 120 mPH, versus only 60 for most 3 tabs. They increase your home’s curb appeal and make it more valuable in an appraisal. Most have longer warranties than 3 tabs. They are available in warranties that run from 25 to 50 years

Disadvantage
The only disadvantage is cost. The material does cost a little more. However the cost is only for the shingles themselves, not the labor or the accessories like nails and the dumpster costs. Homeowners are surprised to see how small the difference is.

At Almar Building and Remodeling, and CAT Exteriors we offer both 3-tab and architectural shingles. We are happy to supply you with either and install them on your home. We can also answer any questions you may have about the process of replacing your existing roof.  Please visit us at our web sites http://www.CATExteriors.com or at our office us at 781-924-5018

House-wrap. Siding is not water proof so you want to make sure you have a barrier between the siding and your sheathing. The wrap deflects water away from the sheathing, serves as a barrier to air infiltration, and allow moisture vapor to escape.

Insulation Board. Lays flat, makes your home quieter, Covers the studs where cavity insulation doesn’t, increased the R value of your wall area, reducing you costs. Insulation board comes in 1/4” to 2” and 1.0 to 10.0 R values.

Exterior Molding.  Dental Moldings will add crisp architectural detail to your home, and help make it look more dramatic than a standard siding renovation.

Shutters. Polypropylene shutters come in 15 colors and 15 standard sizes and 3 standard widths. Special sizes are also available. Shutters come in open louver, raised panel and board-n-batten designs, quarter round arch tops are also available

PVC Trim.  PVC is made of stable high-density PVC that won’t rot, split or chip, and will never absorb water. It has a density and workability comparable to white pine, but until pine it won’t rot. It can be painted or left in it the white color that it normally comes.

There are several PVC Trim manufactures now including Azek, Certainteed, Fypon, and even a local manufacture Harvey Building Products now makes PVC Trim.

Just some things to consider when planning your vinyl siding installation. And remember the most important part of any vinyl siding job is to hire a proven, well established company to install your siding job, who has a long track record and is certified by the vinyl siding institute such as Almar Building and Remodeling or CAT Exteriors.
To get answers to more of your questions about Vinyl Siding you can watch our videos answering the top 18 questions we get from homeowners presented by Terry Quinn, for our exteriors division CAT Exteriors. Click Here:

Allison Q Guido, CS is the Owner/General Manager of CAT Exteriors a division of Almar Building & Remodeling Co in Hanover Ma. Almar is a 3^rd-generation, full service general contractor, and satisfying homeowners for over 53 years on the South Shore. Almar handles both large and small projects including: Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Windows, Doors, Siding, Decks, and other carpentry projects. With 5 licensed constructions supervisors, Almar is also RRP certified to work on homes built prior to 1978. Visit their website for more information about Allison and Almar Building. http://www.catexteriors.com

Like most products roofing has a shelf life. If properly installed and ventilated, most asphalt roof shingles should out last the warranted life span listed. But there are several things that can limit a roofs life and there are ways of telling if it’s time to consider having some work done to your roof. 

1. The age of the shingles. You will find many shingles will perform for 5-10 years longer than the listed time on the warrantee, but after that date it is best to keep an eye out for problems
2. Visually inspect your roof for missing, cracked, torn or shingles that have lost their granules.
3. Watch for build ups of shingle granules especially in the gutters and where the downspouts dump out. This indicates that the shingles are losing their protective coating. (granules keep the asphalt in place)
4. Look for signs of mold or rot or moisture getting into the house. Remember that water travels to the lowest place before it drips off and the leak may not be right above the water spot on your ceiling.
5. Check that you have proper ventilation.  All asphalt shingle roofs should have both ridge and soffit ventilation.
6. In your attic, look for light coming from the outside. This is a sign of openings in your roof or attic walls.  If light can get in, so can water.
7. Look for any places where the roof surface dips or sags, this is a sign of rotted sheathing and it is usually caused by mold due to roof leaks.
8. Worn or loose flashings.  Most leaks start around a chimney, vent pipe, skylight, or other roof protrusion.
9. Worn or improperly shingles valleys.  This is a common problem and develops over time when the installation was done improperly. It works for a few years, but then brakes down, a low pitched roof with a cut or open valley lined with metal is usually the issue.
10. Check that all vents, bath, kitchen, clothes dryer, all exit the building and no moisture is being trapped inside.

Don’t jump ahead and assume you need a new roof if you have a leak.  Insure that the problem is the roofing and not gutters backing up or downspouts clogged with leaves and pine needles. This is a simple fix to the problem.

Most problems are repairable.   I recently inspected a roof for a condominium where the trustees were sure they had to spend $50,000 to replace a 12 year old roof that had 30 year shingles on it.   It turned out that one of the members had done a repair after a windstorm and did it incorrectly, and being close to the ocean, the side with the prevailing winds needed to have the tabs sealed down with additional roof cement. Something that is in the manufacturer’s instructions for a high wind area.

At CAT Exteriors (A Division of Almar Building & Remodeling Co), we offer roof inspections for $79.00 done by a roofing expert and provide you with a written report of our finding.  If you decide that you would like pricing to repair any problems we may find, we can provide that also.

Contact us on line or at 781-924-5018 to find out more about when we are scheduling inspections or to schedule having your roof replaced.

There is very value information on each of your new windows. These labels can help you determine how well a product will perform the functions of helping to cool your home in the summer, warm your building in the winter, keep out wind, and resist condensation.*

Starting from the top left and going left to right and top to bottom there are 5 ratings and we will explain each and whether or not to look for a HIGH or a LOW rating.

1. U-Factor: measures the rate of heat transfer and tell you how well the window insulates. The LOWER the U-factor, the better the window insulates. This is the entire window, including the frame and spacer material.

2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures the fraction of solar energy transmitted and tells you how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight.
The LOWER the SHGC the less solar hear the window transmits, and is more effective at reducing cooling cost during the summer. Your homes orientation and external shading will determine the optimal SHGC for a particular window, door, or skylight.

3. Visible Transmittance (VT) measures the amount of light the window lets through. The HIGHER the VT, the more light you see. The VT you need for a window, door, or skylight should be determined by your home’s day lighting requirements and/or whether you need to reduce interior glare in a space.

4. Air Leakage (AL) measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. The LOWER the Al value the less air leakage, or the tighter the window.

5. Condensation Resistance measures how well the window resists water build-up. The HIGHER the condensation resistance factor, the less water build-up the window allows. One thing to remember, Windows DO NOT make water. High humidity in a home does that.

ENERGY STAR labels were established to make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.

Your estimated savings in the Boston area when installing energy star qualified windows, doors and skylights, for a typical home for a year would be.

1. When replacing single-pane windows $501.00 or 156 gallons of gas (per year)
2. When replacing double-pane, clear glass windows $208.00 or 65 gallons of gas (per year)

The Remodeling Professionals at CAT Exteriors (a division of Almar Building & Remodeling Co, Hanover Ma) have been installing new and replacement windows, doors and skylights for over 50 years on the south shore, and would be happy to provide you with an estimate to start you saving money on your heating and cooling bills now. Financing is avilable.

Contact us at 781-924-5018 for a no obligation appointment and start saving now.

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*http://www.nfrc.org/label.aspx

Myth #1: Vinyl siding fades in the sun.

The truth revealed: If you have vinyl siding installed in Pembroke, you’ll discover that the color lasts for decades. This is true even of the darker colors, such as brown, green, and blue. Vinyl siding technology has improved tremendously over the years, resulting in complete color that can stand up to the sun. Compare this to painted wooden clapboard, which needs touching up on a regular basis to counter the effects of the sun.

Myth #2: Vinyl siding needs lots of upkeep.

The truth revealed: Vinyl siding requires less maintenance and upkeep than any other kind of exterior cladding. Wooden clapboard siding needs to be painted, but vinyl siding never does. The color stays strong and vibrant for years. The fact the color goes all the way through the vinyl means minor scratches and scuffs just don’t show. A quick hit with the pressure washer will keep your home looking fresh and tidy. It’s easy maintenance – great for the older homeowner.

Myth #3: Vinyl siding hurts the resale value of your home.

The truth revealed: Having vinyl siding installed on your Pembroke home will not hurt the resale value of your home. Today’s buyers have been educated about the many benefits of vinyl siding. They appreciate the lasting color, high quality, and low maintenance routine of vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is available in a range of colors and finishes, to complement your home’s design and look.

Do you have any more questions about vinyl siding? Not sure if vinyl siding is the right choice for your Pembroke home? Make your decisions based on the facts – not myths and misinformation! Give us a call: we’d be happy to answer all of your questions.

Keeping warm in winter in Quincy is no joke. Home heating experts tell us that one of the biggest challenges to keeping a home warm and comfortable is leaking windows and doors. Older homes often feature single-pane glass windows, which offer virtually no protection against the elements. Double-pane windows are an improvement, but they’ve been on the market for quite a while. If the seals of these windows have been damaged or compromised, the heat leaks right out!

If warm air is getting out, cold air is getting in. Chilly drafts can make your home very uncomfortable. They can also be a health hazard for our oldest and youngest family members. It is the elderly and small children who have the toughest time maintaining their interior body temperature. When they’re exposed to cold drafts, they can become chilled quickly. Cold air sinks, and small children often play on the floor. Having replacement windows installed in Quincy is a good way to eliminate uncomfortable and potentially harmful cold drafts.

Today’s replacement windows in Quincy combine engineered glass with insulating gasses to maximize the amount of heat that stays in your home. Replacement windows are customizable to fit your home and enhance the appearance of your house. They come in a range of sizes and finishes, and are designed for easy cleaning.

Your home is your largest investment. Protect it by choosing replacement windows from a reputable Quincy building contractor who has a long-established reputation for excellent. It’s been our privilege to provide Quincy home owners with custom home renovations, including replacement window installation, for decades. We’re here to help you. Give us a call to learn how having replacement windows installed now will make your home a warmer place to be this winter.

The first consideration to take into account is what type of siding do you have on the rest of the home. In some cases, such as a brick home, the budget dictates another cladding choice for the exterior. Vinyl siding is an excellent value. It is durable enough to stand up to all four seasons of Holbrook weather without fading, cracking, or splitting. Aesthetically, it pairs well with all types of existing exterior siding: the wide range of colors and finishes available for Vinyl Siding in Holbrook gives you many choices to complement your home’s look.

If you already have vinyl siding installed, you may want your addition sided to match. In Holbrook, you’ve got the benefit of an experienced, expert vinyl installation team that can make that happen. Today’s vinyl siding colors are vibrant and long lasting. You won’t have to worry about them fading.

One of the main advantages of choosing vinyl siding in Holbrook is the fact that vinyl requires little, if any, maintenance. You don’t have to paint vinyl siding. The color goes right through, so minor scratches and scuffs don’t even show. Many homeowners do pressure wash the house every year or so – it’s very affordable to have a handyman do this if you don’t want to do it yourself. Painting wooden siding on the other hand is a chronic expense. You will save money on home maintenance and upkeep when you choose vinyl siding.

If you need to choose siding for your home addition in Holbrook, give us a call! We’ve got all the information you need to make a good decision.

Chipped and fainting paint, old sagging aluminum siding, and other less-than-attractive exterior cladding options can hurt your home’s curb appeal and resale value. It’s important to have the exterior of your home looking great. What’s the best way to upgrade the appearance of your home without breaking the bank?

It’s time to talk about vinyl siding in Halifax. As you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll see that there are several different types of exteriors people choose here. Vinyl siding is very popular, and for good reason. The color is strong and doesn’t fade; there is no maintenance required, and, if installed properly by a Halifax vinyl siding company, new vinyl siding can totally transform the appearance of your home.

This is important information to have if you’re planning on selling your home someday. We’re often asked what color siding helps sell a home. The answer is it depends: white siding is a classic favorite, but blue has strong popular appeal. Consider what color you enjoy the most as well. High quality vinyl siding will not fade so you’ll be able to enjoy the color for a long, long time.

The exterior of your home should reflect the style and sophistication of the interior. Designers talk about having cohesive spaces. This is a home where everything works, and there’s no jarring disconnects. A beautiful exterior suggests that a wonderful home resides behind the doors, where as a tired, dirty exterior discourages further investigation. If you want a home that is as warm and welcoming as you are, consider having vinyl siding installed in Halifax.