How to Pick a Quality Roofer (and Avoid Costly Mistakes)

When it comes to window home improvements, it’s important to weigh features and options wisely.  Aside from determining which brand to use, what contractor to hire, and what type of products will best meet your needs, you will also have to factor in issues such as energy efficiency and frame type. Here’s a handy list of things to consider when purchasing these light-liberating and cold-repelling items: #1 How Long Will the Windows Last? You should only invest in replacement windows one time in your life. Many of these products are only made to last for 10 to 20 years. Make sure you understand how long your windows will actually last so you can avoid making a costly expenditure in your golden years. #2 Warranty Be careful about window warranties especially words like “Lifetime Warranty,” since the fine print probably actually refers to the life of the product, not your life. Make sure this distinction is spelled out clearly in writing. #3 Frames There are many frame types: wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, covered wood frames, and composite frames. Most love the look of wood, but wood can also shrink, rot, and warp. Wood is also expensive. You might have to opt for something more economical. Watch out for aluminum frames. Aluminum conducts heat, which means in the chill and harsh months, your overworked heater might run ceaselessly to make up for the heat loss. #4 Energy Efficiency Many fear their utility bills in the winter for good reasons, and energy costs do not seem to show any signs of decreasing in the near future. Hence, energy efficient windows make a lot of sense . Make sure you understand how the type of frame, number of glass panes, the kind of coating (and number of coatings) will affect your windows. The style of filling between the panes (Argon gas and Krypton gas are good energy saving fillings) and how your security locking system will also interact with other product elements to help or hinder your energy savings in icier seasons.Be sure to know the product’s U-factor, which tells you how well they will trap heat. The lower the U-factor rating, the more efficiently your purchase will save off the chilly fingers of winter. #5 Security Locks Most window locking systems are so primitive that a vaguely skilled intruder can master them. Check your security locks and make sure they are sturdy. Granted, if someone really wants to break into your home, they will surely find a way. However, your safety and peace-of-mind will increase knowing you are not giving thieves an open invitation. #6 Window Types Be sure to consider the merits of each window type. For example, certain window types cannot hold an air conditioner, while others have tilting panels, which makes for easier cleaning. Some of the vast styles of windows include: double hung, casement, awning, picture, bay/bow, and garden. An important investment like replacement windows involves a lot of variables and depends on good information. Find a contractor that you can trust to help you understand the finer points, but also invest some time in learning more about these key features so you can find the best solution to your specific home and family needs. If you’re ready to start your search, call one of the window specialists at Century Home Improvements and ask for your FREE consultation .

A Quick Roof Inspection during the Beginning of Summer to Prevent Expensive Repairs Later Now that summer is upon us, many of us are going on vacation, cleaning up all the clutter, sending the kids off to summer camp, and most importantly making sure our roof is in good condition for the summer months ahead. During the summer months, a home’s roof can be exposed to intense sun, humidity, torrential rains and even the possibility of hail. Wet weather in Pennsylvania is more likely during June through September, and constant rainstorms can further deteriorate a roof. Roof Inspections One of the most important things a Homeowner can do to extend the life of a roof is to perform an annual roof inspection . This might sound like a complicated task, but it is fairly simple, and a very basic roof inspection can even be done from the ground. A roof inspection should be performed annually. Please keep in mind we don’t recommend climbing onto your roof unless you are experienced and comfortable with using a ladder. If you are not comfortable with inspecting your roof, leave it up to the professionals, who will carefully perform thorough inspections and look for defects in your roof. A very basic roof inspection can be done from the ground using binoculars. Look for signs of trouble such as holes, loose shingles and other red flag warnings, such as algae and piles of leaves. Algae growth occurs more often in humid climates during the summer months when humidity levels increase. Algae growth appears as a dark greenish stain and areas of moisture. You want to keep an eye for loose or missing shingles and note the places you spot them. Missing or loose shingles are a clear indication of roofing problems. Don’t Forget The Gutters Next, you want to look at your gutters . At this point, you would need a ladder and this is where the inspection gets trickier; thus we only recommend a Professional roof inspector climbing onto your roof. Homeowners walking on the roof can cause the roof to be damaged and there is always an unfortunate chance for slipping or falling. Your professional roof inspector will look for anything that might be blocking the flow of water and clear them by removing debris from the gutter. In severe cases of downspout clogging, a more careful cleaning would have to be performed. While on the roof, the inspector will have a closer look for out of place shingles. If the shingles are in bad shape, the inspector will recommend having them replaced; the last thing you want is wet rotten wood. The next step would be to look for roof debris. Roof debris can cause all kinds of problems and prevent rain from going down the right path. You’ll be surprised at the amount of roof debris that your roof can accumulate. All forms of roof debris should be removed to prevent roof leaks, nesting, interior water leaks and even fire. And finally, if you have an attic your roof inspector will look for signs of wood damage and areas of leakage. Remember, if you are not comfortable climbing a ladder to inspect your roof or you have identified some signs of roof damage while performing these basic roof inspection steps, call a trusted professional roofing contractor. If you find any of the warning signs mentioned, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your roof, but a basic repair may suffice. Taking the time to do a thorough inspection on your roof can save you lots of money in the long run. Century Spouting is the leading home improvement company in the roofing inspection & installation areas, call today for your free estimate!

Although it’s been a pretty warm fall in southeastern Pennsylvania, the cool nights are a reminder that cold weather is not too far off. Maybe you’ve already started thinking about this and prepping your home for winter. Or maybe you’ve been enjoying the warm weather, deliberately ignoring the coming cool weather. For maximum benefits, you could replace your windows with more energy-efficient ones to eliminate leaks to offset high heating costs. However, if you are looking for some easier ways to save a little money on heating costs this winter, we’ve got some ideas for you. Purchase some caulk and expanding foam and seal cracks and air leaks around windows, doors, in your attic, basement and more. Maybe just one or two leaks aren’t so bad, but add up all the leaks in your home and it can equal some major inefficiency. Turn on your furnace now and make sure it’s working properly. The last thing you want is your furnace to break in the middle of frigid January weather. Just doing a basic audit is an extra cost, but it’s worth having a professional ensure that it’s working at maximum potential. Figure out what rooms get little traffic or use in your home and simply shut the vents and doors. Containing the heat in the parts of your home that you actually use will save your costs. Swap your thermostat for a programmable one – but don’t forget to program it! Studies have shown that programmable thermostats don’t typically save you money…but that’s because humans forget to program them. Set it to lower (or higher in the summer) temperatures during the night or if no one is home during the day. Restrict the higher temperatures for when you’re actually home. Do you have a fireplace? Use it for family nights and keep the thermostat a little cooler than normal for the rest of the home. Make sure that you are keeping the vents closed when not in use to avoid letting cool air in that way. Can’t afford to replace all of your windows right now? That’s ok. You can replace a few at a time, or save up for it and cover them with plastic in the meantime. It’s not pretty, but it does a great job insulating them. While you’re at it, make sure you are changing your screens to storm windows to save even more. Run your ceiling fans in reverse. Not many people realize this is even possible, but it helps push the warm air back down to circulate the room again. Turn down your water heater. Most are set to a high 140 degrees, but few people need water that hot. Moving it down to 120 degrees can save a bit of cash in heating costs. Hopefully these tips will help you as you prep your home for the cold winter months. Start now to make sure you have your heating bill under control so you can save that extra cash for the upcoming Holidays. Century Spouting is the leading home improvement company in the window & doors replacement area, call today for your free estimate !

It won’t be long before all the trees are bare and you rush from your warm house to your warm car to your warm office to avoid the harsh winter weather. Soon enough you’ll be missing the warm sun and maybe even feeling a little of that seasonal depression that a lack of Vitamin D causes (you can get Vitamin D supplements to help, we recommend Vitamin D3). If you have a sunroom or conservatory , now is the perfect time to use it. Don’t let it be a 3-season room when some simple heating could give it some extra functionality. If you haven’t used your sunroom in the winter because it wasn’t heated — there are still some things you can do to change that. You’re in luck if your sunroom has double-paned glass — or insulated glass — because it will let in a lot less cold air. Even if it doesn’t, you can still heat the room. It just won’t be as energy efficient. There are invasive and extensive projects you can do — and there are quick fixes to get you through the season. Here’s a guide to both. Extensive Projects Extend the existing ductwork into the sunroom. This probably should have been done when the sunroom was first installed , but one is typically able to do it after the fact. Install electric baseboards if extending ductwork is not possible. This can be very energy efficient if done properly. Install a ventless fireplace. Not only does it look nice and create a cozy ambiance, but it also will do a great job heating a small space. Quick Fixes Bring in a space heater or two and heat the room only when you are using it. Is the floor tile or wood? Adding a thick carpet with a carpet pad underneath it can do a world of difference in keeping the room insulated. Try a portable fireplace that does not require installation. This could be a patio heater brought inside, a wood stove, or an electric fireplace. Hopefully one of these solutions will increase the usability of your sunroom this winter. Not only will you have extra space to relax, but you will be able to enjoy the sunshine without freezing to death in the snow.  Century Spouting is the leading home improvement company in the sunroom installation areas, call today for your free estimate!

Go Well Beyond Summer with These 5 Home Improvement Projects If this winter and so-called “spring” have proven anything to Pennsylvania homeowners, it’s that you can never over-prepare your house for harsh weather. Some homeowners saw six-foot long icicles dangling over their heads from their spouting with bases as wide as a foot. Other homeowners saw soft spots in their roof buckle and even cave thanks to the heavy, wet snow made all the heavier by several thick coatings of ice. If that weren’t enough, the wet spring may have exposed issues with warped siding, rotting windowsills and doorframes, and the structural integrity of your deck. The good news is that summer is the time to take care of these problems, and if repaired correctly, additional headaches can be avoided for many years. Here are five summer improvement projects that will last throughout the coming year and well beyond: 1. Insulate and ventilate your attic space. Perhaps the most important step you can take to keep those massive icicles from hanging like the Sword of Damocles over your family is insulating the attic and ventilating the attic space. Any heat loss from the main house needs to be cooled in the attic space. Proper insulation installment will ensure heat stays in your home, rather than warming your roof. Once your roof is properly insulated, snow and ice can no longer turn to water, and can no longer create the ice dams in your spouting that cause the formation of icicles. New roofing materials are designed to accomplish that needed result. Attics that are either not insulated or insulated poorly are the primary cause of the kind of icicles we saw this winter. 2. Repair or replace your roof. If your roof buckled over the winter, chances are good that a single spot is not the only area of concern. Roofing correction is dangerous work, so it may be best to contact a professional. Professional roofing contractors can examine your rooftop and determine whether the situation calls for repair or complete replacement. Professionals can also help you determine whether asphalt, slate, rubber, or metal roofing is the best type for your home’s style and protection. 3. Reframe or replace your windows. Those dark spots on your windowsills and the soft spots beneath your windows’ exterior frame could mean big and expensive problems down the road if not fixed soon. Dry rot is most often to blame and is actually a fungus caused by moisture intrusion. The best prevention for this type of problem is window casement repair, or in extreme circumstances, replacement windows . Modern replacement windows use new materials to prevent dry rot and can actually save you money, because they elevate your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. 4. Address warped or buckling siding. One of the most common causes of warped or buckled vinyl siding is improper installation. Unfortunately, once it begins to buckle, most siding cannot be repaired, and full or partial replacement is necessary. Century’s professionals can offer you a wide variety of quality products and ensure your siding is hung properly, giving you peace of mind for many years. 5. Fix your deck. Ignoring structural issues with your deck may not only be expensive, it can be dangerous. Your deck is one of your home’s most popular spots during nice weather, so ensuring it is safe for your family and friends is of paramount importance. Incorrect decking hardware, improper installation and moisture penetration can combine to create hazardous deck conditions. Contact a Century Spouting professional to isolate the problem and determine your best options.

If you do not maintain the finish on a door it will only have so much life. Road grit (Dust, dirt and pollen) and acid rain can work its way into the clear coat on the door and make paints and materials on it more vulnerable — which in turn leads to no protection. Below is how you can clean your door to keep it in good shape and to avoid any scratches. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for recommendations on how to clean the door. Most manufacturers will say to wash the door with soapy water and to rinse well. Items Needed Car wash soap Bucket Water Soft Bristle Brush Car Wax Cloth or Rag Steps Step 1: Pour soap into the bucket and fill with water from the hose Step 2: Scrub the door with the soft bristle brush using the soap and water mixture Step 3: Hose off the soap using a light spray Do not use a power washer as the doors seals are not made to withstand 250 psi and could push water where it does not belong. Step 4: Let air dry or use a cloth to dry the door before applying the wax Step 5: Once the door is completely dry apply the car wax to the door using a cloth or rag Helpful Tips When Cleaning Your Door Use any auto wax that is safe to use with clear coat finishes on cars. Avoid applying excessive wax to the door as it may tend to yellow if too much is applied. Be sure to rinse all metal and rubber parts of the door. Avoid using power washers; doors/frames are made out of wood and are not made to withstand high pressures. Wood will absorb water which can cause it to swell, resulting in the paint or aluminum to give.

Replacing vinyl siding can be a difficult decision, and quite often gets put off until it’s too late. Knowing when it’s time to replace your siding is important to preventing interior damage to walls, floors and ceilings. If you see these common problems, chances are better than good that your siding’s time has come. Warping or Buckling: Warped or buckled siding needs to be replaced, but it doesn’t always mean all of it needs to go. In some cases, warping or buckling can be indicative of incorrectly hung siding. In this case, only a portion of the siding should be re-hung. If you see warping or buckling in more than one area, or see it in conjunction with cracked or loose siding, this is a sure sign a full replacement is necessary. Fading: If you’ve recently moved into a new home, and the color of your siding is gray or white, check beneath its layers or look at areas that are not as exposed to ensure it wasn’t a darker color at one time. Vinyl siding is designed to hold its color for its entire life cycle. If it has faded, this is a strong indicator that it needs to be replaced. Mold and Mildew: While this may not always mean it’s time to replace your siding, it should serve as a red flag to take a closer look. Bubbling: The whole reason people hang vinyl siding on the exterior of their home is to prevent moisture from penetrating and doing damage. Holes: Holes can have a variety of causes. They can be created by flying debris, vandalism, or age that results in brittleness. Holes in one area may not be a cause for alarm, but they can indicate a need to replace that section. Any sort of holes can allow water damage to occur. Each of these signs might indicate a serious problem exists, but the only way to be sure is by having one of Century Spouting’s siding experts come and take a look.

5 Questions To Ask Before Deciding To Remodel Your Home

Shed Debris and Allow Water To Flow Freely Into Gutters: How Gutter Helmet Helps Your Home & Your Life Gutters can be a necessary evil: they can be hard to reach and difficult to clean, but without them, water can infiltrate your home and destroy its foundation. In fact, even with gutters, water can be a nuisance for homeowners. Clogs created by debris, nuts, and seeds not only can lead to water damage in your home, but they can lead to the formation of pools that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests. If not adequately maintained, gutters can go from being essential to being a headache. Fortunately, Gutter Helmet can put an end to the endless cycle of maintenance. When installed by a spouting specialist from Century Home Improvements, Gutter Helmet prevents the clogs that cause problems. Designed to shed debris and allow water to flow freely into gutters, Gutter Helmet is a marvel of modern engineering . They start with a PermaLife™ paint finish that prevents wear and tear from the elements. A textured, nose-forward design helps facilitate the surface tension that keeps water holding the sides and cascading toward the downspouts. Gutter Helmet’s precise design aligns it perfectly with the gutter to ensure water gets in but debris, leaves and animals stay out. While the physics and engineering provide the functional elements that so many customers find worthwhile, Gutter Helmet’s most important benefit might just be the peace of mind it offers homeowners. In a fast-paced society like ours, with busy days an even busier lives, having one less thing to worry about may very well be the biggest benefit of all. Don’t delay! Contact your Century Home Improvements Gutter Helmet Specialist today to learn more.