Understanding Replacement Window Energy Ratings

Let’s say that you have decided on the material, style and color of replacement windows for your home.  Now you are ready to go, right?  Well, not so quick.  Certainly the design of the windows is an important factor for your project, but don’t overlook an equally important step in selecting replacement windows: ratings, especially energy ratings.

Most of us know that the EPA issues the Energy Star rating which is signified by the Energy Star emblem.  Choosing a window with an Energy Star rating is a must but it is not the only rating to consider.  The Energy Star seal of approval is only issued after other organizations test and rate the window first.  After these tests are completed the EPA issues the Energy Star rating to those that tested sufficiently to earn the Energy Star emblem.  So while it is very important to choose an Energy Star certified replacement window, it may help you to make an even better selection by knowing that certain Energy Star windows may have tested better than others.

One testing organization that does ratings is the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC). If you see a NFRC ratings label, you can determine from their rating how well your window should keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter while also blocking wind and water. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is another ratings system. Depending on the climate where you live your window will be rated based on how warm or cool it keeps your home.  A window that is well-rated in Florida, for example, might not be well-rated in Ohio.

If you are contemplating a window replacement project at your home, then why not let the experts at Feazel help you choose the best energy efficient window for your home by providing a free inspection?  We are tops in customer service and customer experience and would welcome the chance to show you why. Schedule your free window inspection now and get 1 free window when you buy 3!

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Since our founding in 1988 we have been a top choice for roof replacement by offering the best customer service, stress free buying experience and the highest standards.

Is it Time to Replace that Broken Window?

How do you know if it’s better to repair or replace windows that are no longer functioning well or are broken?  The correct answer is not always easy to determine.  There are many factors that need to be considered. 

 

Perhaps the first issue that should be evaluated when trying to determine repair versus replacement is the age of the windows in question.  If your windows are 30 plus years old, then replacement is usually the best course.  Likewise, 20 plus year old aluminum or aluminum clad windows are a good bet for replacement rather than repair.  This is because the improved energy and comfort performance of new windows is greatest when they are replacing older windows which, in turn, assist in offsetting the increased cost of replacement versus repair.  Additionally, when repairing older windows it is often times very difficult to find the replacement parts needed for repair.

 

If your home’s windows are not significantly aged and have broken glass or panes, then repair is a definite option.  Windows that simply need new weather-stripping do not need to be replaced and can be repaired.  Also, windows that have faulty locks or counterbalances may be able to be repaired depending on their age and the availability of replacement parts.

 

Please contact us if you are still not sure about repairing or replacing your home’s windows.  We will be glad to provide a risk-free inspection to help you decide.  Our customer experience is second to none and you can count on us to provide honest advice that both fits the actual needs of your windows and your budget.

 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Call or visit usonline to learn more about replacement windows or any of the other services we offer.

 

5 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing that others see when looking at your house.  And the front of your home either has what is commonly referred to as “curb appeal” or not.  There are many ways to boost the curb appeal of your home but only some provide a dramatic and immediate impact not only to the curb appeal but also to the value of the home.  These include new windows, front door, siding, landscaping and planters.

 

A home with an attractive combination of windows, front door, siding and landscaping with planters always stands out from a home that has only some or none of these features.  It welcomes all that visit it or view it with a balanced and comfortable look that fits together well.  Think of the front door as the face of your home and the first thing somebody notices.  Then visualize the windows and siding as the well balanced body of the home.  Finally, attractive landscaping and planters function as the attire and accessories that adds to the entire look and feel that others sense when visiting or passing by.

 

If the curb appeal of your home needs some updating and replacement windows and/or new siding are on the list we encourage you to learn more about Feazel’s residential homeservices. We offer the best replacement window and siding customer experience in Ohio.  We know this because our largest source of business is referrals and repeat customers who have been very satisfied with the service, quality and value Feazel offers.

 

Our warranty on new windows lasts for as long as you own the home and covers both the windows and the labor.  It is also fully transferable for 10 years if you sell the home.  We also offer a complete selection of American made siding choices to fit any budget.  And you can use our “Design Your Home App” to preview siding options on your home to find the one that offers the best curb appeal.

 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Since our founding in 1988 we have been a top choice for roofreplacement by offering the best customer service, stress free buying experience and the highest standards.

 

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

If you are a homeowner that is seeking to prevent roof leaks from occurring, then you should be aware of the most common conditions that may cause a leak to develop if left unchecked.  Fortunately, most roof leaks can be easily repaired.  However, the common refrain “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when it comes to roof leaks. 

Typically, roof leaks can be caused both by natural causes and/or roof conditions that result from improper work or repairs. The most common natural or environmental cause is damage to shingles, tiles, or seams from storms, ice, wind or hail. The roofing conditions that commonly lead to roof leaks include work that is performed improperly on skylights or flashing leaving seams that become corroded and eventually allow water to seep through as well as improper attic ventilation. 

Less common but still prevalent are other roof conditions that lead to leaks such as ponding water, exposed nail heads, built-up debris and, in the winter, ice dams that stop proper drainage during periods of melting which forces water to back up under shingles.

Sometimes the most difficult step in repairing a leaking roof is correctly determining the source of the leak.  Homeowners often assume that the location in their ceiling where the drip is occurring is also the originating point of the leak in the roof.  But the leak could be travelling from another point via a rafter or other means.  Also, the leak could be originating in the plumbing of the home.

Perhaps the most important step in preventing roof leaks is to perform periodic and proper inspections of your entire roofing system.  At Feazel we perform superior roofing inspections, maintenance, repair and replacement.  Feel free to contact us if you would like a free roof inspection.  And, if you are currently experiencing a roof leak, we will offer you an affordable solution to the leak and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for any repairs that we perform.

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Central Ohio and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Since our founding in 1988 we have been a top choice for roof replacement by offering the best customer service, stress free buying experience and the highest standards.

Summer and Winter Roof Replacement

If roof repairs are no longer an economical option and your roof has reached the end of its useful life, then the time has come to replace it.  In a perfect world that time would come with at least some advance notice that would allow a homeowner to plan both the timing of the replacement as well as the cost.  But as we all know we don’t live in a perfect world.

So what happens if you learn your shingle roof needs replacement and it’s the middle of the winter months?  Is it best to try and wait until the weather is warmer to replace it?  Or can the work be performed satisfactorily in the winter?  The answer depends on a number of factors, but the bottom-line is that a roof can be successfully replaced during any time of the year if done properly.

The first question that needs to be answered is whether the roof needs immediate replacement or can it perform satisfactorily for an additional but limited amount of time. If the roof is not in need of immediate replacement, then the homeowner has the option to wait until the weather is more favorable.  However, if its winter and the need for replacement is immediate, then the following guidelines are a must.

First, it is important to follow the shingle manufacturer’s recommendations for installing their product in the winter.  Second, proper temperature of the shingles upon installation is important so they should be stored at a warm temperature before use and installed during the most favorable weather conditions.  Finally, most asphalt shingles have self-sealing strips that require the warmth of the sun heating the roof to seal properly.  A proper installer will know that installation without the required solar heating being forecast may require adding adhesive to the underside of the shingle during installation that will keep it in place until self-sealing can take place naturally.

At Feazel we are experts in roof installations and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee no matter what time of year we replace your roof.  Contact us anytime and we will be glad to provide our expert opinion on your roof replacement.

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Central Ohio and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Call or visit us online to learn more about roofing materials or any of the other full line of residential home services we offer.

The Importance of Chimney Flashing

Homeowners that are conscientious about the long-term maintenance of their home typically focus on the major areas such as the roof, windows, siding, HVAC systems, and paint and caulking.  But there are other less visible areas, especially those that comprise the entire “roofing system”, that should also be a focus to the concerned homeowner. 

One of these areas is for homes that have chimneys.  The importance of properly installed chimney flashing should not be underestimated when the result of improper installation could be leaks that may cause costly damage.  On the other hand, if installed correctly, flashing at the chimney (as well as other locations on the roof) will create a protective seal that prevents water intrusion that would either leak or cause moisture damage that may significantly lessen the life of the roof.

A common construction shortcut when it comes to chimney flashing is called “pinning”  This is when the unskilled worker will nail the flashing to mortar of the chimney and apply caulk to the top edge to create a waterproof seal.  Unfortunately, this is not a long term solution as we all know caulk shrinks and denigrates in not much time with UV exposure.  Feazel’s skilled craftsman will instead utilize the “grind and tuck” technique where the mortar is grinded so that the upper edge of the flashing can be bent and inserted right into the mortar joint itself and then use mortar caulk to create a permanent, waterproof seal.

If you are having problems with your chimney flashing, or any other part of your roof or roofing system, then please contact us for a free evaluation.  We are residential home services experts that are friendly and helpful and look forward to assisting you.

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry.  We strive to maintain our highly regarded reputation earned over the past 28+ years.  We encourage you to think of Feazel first when you need chimney and masonry services.