Siding • Windows
Gutters • Insulation
Sunrooms

Insulating Vinyl Windows

Q) What are the advantages of vinyl replacement windows?
A) First since they are custom ordered to the exact size needed, they can generally be installed by our professional crew very quickly and little disruption to the home.

Q) Why vinyl windows?
A) Vinyl is virtually maintenance free. It is not affected by the elements the way wood or steel windows are. Vinyl windows are also warmer.

Q) What makes an “Insulated” window?
A) An insulated window or thermal pane refers to dual panes of glass separated by dead air space. The dead air acts as an insulator between inside temperatures and outside temperatures. While this system works well, the addition of Argon Gas and Low E glass is even more efficient. Triple glazed windows are also available.

Q) Will Insulated windows save me money on heating costs?
A) Yes they will. Some customers have reported a decrease in fuel consumption of as much as 50/5 in a single season. With rising heating costs, this can add up to significant savings. You also may be eligible for Federal Energy Tax Credits by installing Energy Star windows.

Q) Aren’t all vinyl windows the same?
A) All vinyl windows Look very similar. As with most things it’s what you Can’t see that makes the difference. How the window is constructed and of what materials is what makes the difference. The Alside windows we install carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Blown Insulation

Q) How much insulation do I need?
A) The recommendation in the Northeast is R-49 to R-54 in the attic and R-19 in the walls.

Q) Will adding insulation save me money?
A) Absolutely! With today’s fuel prices, insulation is the best investment a home owner can make. Often energy savings will pay for the job in 1 – 2 years.

Q) Which is better rolled insulation or blown?
A) Dense pack blown insulation provides a complete blanket of insulation. Rolled fiberglass has seams between every roll allowing heat loss.

Q) What is R-value?
A) R-value is a measure of resistance to heat loss of varying insulation materials. The higher the R-value the more insulating value. It is useful in comparing products but does not tell the whole story.

Q) Which is a better insulator fiberglass or cellulose?
A) Cellulose if a far more efficient insulator. All R-values are determined in independent test laboratories at 75 degrees. However, in the real world, as the temperature dips below 75 degrees (test temperature) fiberglass lose some R-value. Sometimes as much as 50%. Cellulose gives you the same R-value at 75 degrees or -30 degrees.

Vinyl Siding

Q) I’ve been told vinyl is vinyl, buy the cheapest. Is there really any difference between products?
A) Absolutely! First choose a siding brand from a top manufacturer, such as Certainteed, Mastic or Alside. All manufacturers offer a good, better, best. Choosing the best siding panel offered in the long run you will be much more satisfied even if it is a few dollars more initially.

Q) What makes one siding product better than another?
A) First off higher quality products are made from virgin vinyl. Some low end products are made from “Re-grind”, essentially scrap that is reused. Secondly look at the thickness. Better products are 44 thousands, the best are 46 thousands, cheaper “builder grade” sidings are only .040.

Q) What other features are important?
A) Look for siding with a double nailing hem and a hurricane lock. These features keep the siding on the wall in high wind situations. Some of the best products have been tested at category 5 hurricane conditions.

Q) How important is the installation?
A) The installation is the MOST important aspect of the job. As with most things the little finishing details make the difference between an “OK” job and a truly GREAT job. This is especially the case in trim work like facia, window and door casings. Remember you are only going to do this once. Have it done right.

Q) How late into the year can vinyl siding be installed?
A) All year. The nailing technique varies slightly with temperature but some of our largest and most beautiful jobs have been done in the dead of winter.

Q) Have vinyl products changed over the years?
A) Absolutely! Today’s products are much higher quality than the older products were. In addition there are so many exciting new products. In years past vinyl siding was basically a double 4” clapboard style in a handful of colors. Today’s siding panels are available in 4”, 5”, 6” ad 7” in dozens of colors including the darker tones. Today’s technology can stabilize the darker colors like browns, greens and reds. Also available are shakes, shingle and half rounds. These can be used on the entire house or as an accent. These products look so much like real cedar you’ll have to touch them to know for sure.