Home Improvement Blog

Wood vs. Steel vs. Fiberglass Doors. Whats the best choice?

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Dec 08, 2012 @ 02:58 PM

Wood Doors vs. Steel Doors vs. Fiberglass Doors

Even after 25 years, fiberglass remains the most advanced material for entryways — able to satisfy both today’s and tomorrow’s homeowners by giving them the look of wood doors and the strength of steel doors, without the compromises of either. In fact, fiberglass doors offer just what homeowners want* — the optimum combination of security, energy efficiency, performance and aesthetics. Therma-Tru not only pioneered the fiberglass door category but we continue to lead the industry.

 

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Benefits of wood doors:

  • Beautiful wood grain

  • High end look

  • Warm feel and touch

  • Scratches easily fixed

 

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Benefits of steel doors:

  • Lower maintenance

  • No cracking or bowing

  • Less exspensive

  • Energy efficient

  • Good insulating value

  • Secure

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Benefits of fiberglass doors:

  • Lowest maintenace

  • Resists cracking and denting

  • Offers smooth or wood grain finishes

  • Won't rot, deteriorate or rust

  • Can be painted or stained

  • Energy efficient

  • Won't warp, bow or twist

  • Five times the insulating value of wood

  • Secure

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Therma-Tru offers decorative glass options:

  • Increase curb appeal and the perceived value of your home

  • Allow more light into your home

  • Reflect your personal style

  • Are offered in impact rated glass options to increase security and protection from severe weather

 

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 After looking at all three door choices, fiberglass seems to be the best choice all around. Wood still has the best appearance and steel is right in the middle with economy and insulating values. When remodeling  your home with a new door upgrade the options can be endless. Therma-Tru has thousands of different choices and configurations to choose from. Call WMB Construction today for your next door installation!

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, remodel, Construction, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, Roofing, improvements, windows, insulation, siding

Check out our latest bathroom remodel

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Jun 30, 2012 @ 09:34 AM

 

A bathroom remodel is always exciting and something to look forward to. Removing all of that mold and mildew to start with! WMB Construction has been tranforming customers bathroom dreams into reality for years in beautiful Orange County, NY.

 

Before

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After

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Most bathroom remodels are performed within two weeks from start to finish. We try to minimize any inconvenience to your regular schedule while construction is performed.

What to expect during your bathroom remodel:

  • First day all contents are removed from bathroom down to original studs.

  • Second day all plumbing and electrical is performed. New tub installed.

  • Third day all sheetrock and cement board installed.

  • By the fourth day we are usually ready to start installing your ceramic tiles on walls and floor. Tile installation can take 1-4 days depending on amount of tile and precision cuts to be made.

  • After tile has been installed and glued has dried we apply latex fortified grout to all seams of tile.

  • Paint all walls and ceiling.

  • Install all new plumbing and electrical fixtures.

  • Drop clothes are layed down everyday and removed at the end of everyday.

  • At the end of project all tools, material and garbage is removed off premises.


 

How we enhanced and protected this bathroom:

  • First we removed all over the toxic mold and mildew from bathroom.

  • Installed a new high quality  "Americast" tub in place of the old tub.

  • Replaced all corroded supply valves and tub plumbing.

  • Installed waterproof cement board on walls of tub area and on floors for superior protection.

  • Removed old exhaust fan and installed a new high powered and quiet one. Old fan was vented into attic creating mold and mildew to grow. We vented exhaust through the roof.

  • Constructed in walls shelf.

  • Installed all new high end coppertone fixtures.

  • Caulked all seams and corners in tub area for superior water protection

  • Installed new fiberglass insulation in walls and ceiling to gain more R-value.

  • Removed double hung window in tub area and added an awning window.

  • Removed soffit over tub area for more light and ventilation.


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WMB CONSTRUCTION has years of experience in the field to install the bathroom of your dreams with peace in mind that everything was installed correctly and finished in a timely matter so you and your family can get back to schedule. Leave the hard work to the professionals.


 

 

 

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, bathrooms, construction-general--monroe, improvements, drainage

Egress windows Orange County, NY

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 22, 2012 @ 10:21 PM

Egress windows are essentially fire escape windows installed in finished basements. It is a national code that enstates that all finished basements must have a window of 5.7 sq. ft., no more than 44 inches to the sill height and 22 inch clear opening to be able to escape in case of an emergency.

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A recent egress window installation byWMB Construction where we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.

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Here we closed in the block foundation and added a footing drain to relieve water pressure. Foundation will be tarred and backfilled with lots of 3/4" gravel to keep the water moving.

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All parging is complete and window looks like it has always been there. A little paint to match is all the customer needs once concrete has cured. Water issues were corrected to keep this basement dry while also conforming to building codes.

Benefits by installing an egress window:

  • Added ventilation to your basement

  • Added natural light which helps prevent growth of mold and mildew

  • Peace in mind that your loved ones will be protected and safe from harms way

  • Added value to your home

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, basements, construction-general--monroe, footing drain, excavating, egress windows, additions, finished basement

Five key reasons to remodel your bathroom

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 22, 2012 @ 12:52 PM

A bathroom remodel is most likely in the near future for many of us. The naturally moist enviroment of your bathroom will take its toll on any room over the years. WMB CONSTRUCTIONhas been professionally remodeling bathrooms for years out of Monroe in beautiful Orange County, NY

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Hidden behind your ceramic tiles you may find mold, mildew and rot. When we renovated this bathroom we found that the toilet bowl flange had been leaking for years which called for major repair to the subfloor.

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Tub areas always take a beating due to the fact they are always in contact with water. If you don't take care of your tub, it won't take care of you.

 

Problems with this tub:

  • This is the cheapest tub you can install, a steel tub. As you can see, the drain has completely rotted out. this wouldn't happen with a cast iron or Americast tub.

  • Diverter is too low. When showering water hits your body and goes behind schutching plates creating leaks over time.

  • Caulking maintainance has not been kept up on this tub.

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New tub, cement board, plumbing and tile and the bathroom takes on a whole new smell and look.bathroom kitchen remodel hudson valley ny

Five Key Reasons for Bathroom Remodel:

  • Added value to your home

  • More healthy enviroment for you and your family

  • Upgrade your bathroom for a more modern look

  • Faster sale of your home. Kitchens and bathrooms make for faster sales at a higher profit.

  • Peace in mind that all mold and mildew has been removed

 

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, bathrooms, Construction, construction-general--monroe, drainage

Start planning your outdoor project now!

Posted by william bateman on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 09:47 AM

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Dreaded winter has arrived bringing in the cold and windy weather that we experience every year here in the northeast. Bathing suits and barbeques have been put away and for most of us our outdoor activities have been moved indoors. But rest assure, summer is not too far away!

Now is the time to start planning for your homes outside oasis!

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Besides the occassional vacation here and there, your home is the area where you live and create the most memories in. From everyday life to the family parties to the last minute BBQ,s with a few friends. Creating a peaceful and tranquil outdoor enviroment to your home will not only greatly increase the value of your home but also offer that vacation feeling without the hassles.

Three recommended outdoor enhancements: 

1) Deck

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  • Added entertaining area

  • Can be constructed around pools

  • Screen in areas can be created

  • Elevated decks can be built for second story applications

  • Added value to your home

  • Options of treat/cedar lumber or mantainance free composite

2) Pool House/Purgula

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  • Added outdoor kitchen areas can be added to your entertaining area

  • Hidden pool equipment and protected inside from mother nature

  • Purgulas add a unique look to any project and help filter sun

  • Create outdoor shower and changing area

3) Concrete patio

 

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  • Offers added entertaining area at ground level

  • Great base for fire pits

  • Variety of colors

 

Now is the time to start planning for your outdoor projects!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, bathrooms, outdoors, Roofing Monroe NY, kitchens, excavating, general, contractor, home, improvements

Key factors to consider when remodeling your bathroom

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Sep 17, 2011 @ 07:42 PM

Is your bathroom old and deteriorated? Is mold and mildew overtaking everything in your bathroom? Ready for a change? WMB Construction has been transforming bathrooms with these problems for many years in the area with unmatched results. Your bathroom is the most frequented room in your home and also adds the most value to your home. It also has the most potential for producing mold and mildew conditions that can create a potentially hazardous atmosphere.

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Recent bathroom job we ripped out! The mold and mildew behind the tile is clearly obvious. The customers were so surprised to see what was growing behind their walls, especially because they were considering Rebath or Bathfitters! Those companies cover up toxins that should be removed from your home!!!

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 On top of just finding mold and mildew behind the tiles, we next found a great deal of rotten wood under the tile floor and vinyl shower base. WMB Construction removed all the mold and mildew and recommended a "mud job" to replace the worn out vinyl base.

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What is a "Mud Job"?

Instead of a vinyl shower base, we form and construct our own out of concrete and tile for superior strength and longevity.

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Added benefits of performing a "Mud Job"

  • Concrete shower bases are far more stronger and durable than regular vinyl bases

  • More aesthetically appealing appearance

  • Added value to your home

  • Base will not crack, tarnish or fade over time

  • Give your bathroom a more unique look

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WMB Construction constructed and installed the very popular in wall shelf. It coordinates with all the decor in the bathroom. A really awesome accent!!!

 

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Bathroom remodels

  • Kitchen remodels

  • All phases of home improvements

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, construction-general, bathrooms

Can you imagine your next bathroom?

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Jul 09, 2011 @ 10:05 PM

You shower, bathe, and take care of all your basic needs in your bathroom. It is the one area of your home where you can relax and create a surreal enviroment. Whether your prefence is a hot shower or a warm bubble bath to loosen your muscles, the bathroom is the room that will bring relaxation and comfort to your own home.

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A bathroom remodel might be an excellent choice for you and your family. A bathroom remodel is more than just an enhancement, it is an added investment to your home.

Bathroom remodel benefits:

  • Instant added value to your home

  • Removal of all toxic mold and mildew

  • Enhanced appearance

  • Create a relaxation area for after those stressful work days

  •  Create better use of space in your bathroom. Integrate elegant pieces of furniture or extra closets for more useful storage

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 Many concerns my customers have are; how long and what is involved with a full bathroom remodel. All bathrooms are different as far as size, water damage, age, tilework involved, plumbing, etc.....

What to expect in a bathroom remodel:  

  • First day is full removal of bathroom contents. Drop clothes are placed throughout your home to maintain cleanliness.

  • Next day plumbing and electrical is performed and new walls start to be installed.

  • Tile, paint, fixtures, grout, etc...... are all installed. Standard start to finish for a bathroom remodel is 1 1/2 weeks.

  • Everyday your home will be cleanly vacuumed and drop clothes removed so you and your family can maintain regular life.

  • For homes with only one bathroom, Porta-Potty arrangements can be made.

 

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, remodeling, bathrooms, construction-general--monroe

Enhance the style and beauty of your home with moulding

Posted by william bateman on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 @ 09:47 PM

Mouldings can dress up any room in your home and add character. Small accents can give your home that "POP" factor. Just imagine what a little added moulding could do for the look and value of your home.

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In the kitchen, adding moulding is a simple, affordable way to increase your investment. Update your favorite room by incorporating wide profile moulding above your cabinets. Maybe your island can become an exciting feature with enhancements like wooden corbels, columns and extra floor trim.

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In the dining room, a stunning coffered ceiling will transform the entire room. Add a chair rail and install a thin picture frame trim along the bottom paneling for a polished result. With so many options for creating a fashionable look, you can choose a moulding style just right for your decor.

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In the bedroom you can create a quick, affordable update that creates visual impact. Add wide profile moulding at the top of the walls and around tray ceilings. Increasing the decorative moulding around windows and doors also denotes elegance. Trim a large mirror with beautiful moulding, forming a picture frame above your dresser, or design a headboard trimmed in decorative mouldind that can be painted or stained. These updates make your room a more sophisticated retreat and add plenty of value.

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Nothing upgrades the focal point of a home like beautiful moulding. Dramatically transform your living area with wide profile moulding to produce a stately design. Create a distinguished mantel or build a wide profile base to make any living room a showpeice. Thick window trim and embellished columns finish the elegant make over that increases the value of your home.

 

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, remodeling, construction-general--monroe, moulding

Pressure treated wood decks

Posted by william bateman on Wed, May 04, 2011 @ 02:20 PM

There are reported to be some 30,000,000 wood decks in the United States, and the number increases with every new subdivision. Despite the ongoing use of some naturally durable species of wood and the emergence of several types of artificial wood, the overwhelmingly chosen material for decks is pressure-treated wood.

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Treated wood, sold in nearly every lumber outlet in North America, is favored for a variety of reasons: it has a natural appearance, its resistance to termites and rot is well established, wood is a plentiful and renewable resource, and treated wood is usually the most economical choice.

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Longevity.  Preserved wood resists damage from termites and fungal decay for decades; some producers offer warranties that extend for the life of the purchaser.

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More than 80% of all U.S. decks are built entirely or partially with preserved wood, according to national surveys. Even when redwood or composite decking is used for the deck platform, preserved wood is usually used for posts, beams, and joists because of its structural strength and ability to withstand deterioration in ground contact.

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Pressure treated lumber is a tried and true product that produces a quality finished product every time.  Over the years a little maintenance may be involved to keep the wood from drying out and splintering but lets face it, there is no such thing as maintainance free.

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Decks are the #1 area of your home for outside relaxation and entertaining. Could you imagine your home without one? You will gain instant gratification once your deck has been installed. Not to mention the added value to your home!

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Raised decks

  • Ground decks

  • Tiered decks

  • Pool decks

  • 6 x 6 retaining walls

  • Powerwashing

  • Paint and staining

  • Deck repair

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, General Contractor, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe

Pros and Cons of different decking material

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 03, 2011 @ 10:19 AM

You are looking to build new deck but you may be confused about what type of material to use. This is a very common question that customers ask me all the time. Cedar, pressure treated and composite will all create a beautiful finished product in the end. It mostly boils down to the customer. If you like the look and feel of wood and don't mind a little maintenance over the years, wood is for you. If maintenance free is on your mind, composite is for you.

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The pros and cons of cedar decking:

If the natural look of wood is tops on your list, use cedar. The heartwood of the tree (the deeper colored red part, not the white sap part) is rot resistant. Cedar doesn’t readily absorb moisture— and, since moisture is what creates twisting and splitting, cedar decking tends to lie flat and straight. Most carpenters figure a lifespan of 15 to 20 years for cedar deck boards, but it can deteriorate faster when used for ground-level decks
and for shaded decks that are slow to dry out.

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To retain the color, you have to clean it and reseal it every year or two, and even then it’s a losing battle. I’ve never seen a 10-year-old cedar deck that still had that warm, rich look of new wood. Cedar is also soft; when used for stairs or for decks where furniture gets dragged around a lot, the edges in particular can get beat up. Finally, the cost of the cedar is moderate, more than pressure-treated but somewhat less than composite.

The pros and cons of pressure-treated decking:

If economy and longevity are your bag, go with pressure-treated wood. It’s stainable, hard enough to resist abuse, and many brands carry a lifetime (though limited) warranty. But beware, not all treated woods are created equal. The standard treated decking at my local lumberyard costs less than cedar. But inexpensive treated wood is often full of moisture and will shrink unevenly and twist when it dries. One homeowner told me, “Yeah, my treated deck may last forever—but it’s going to look BAD forever too.”

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We suggest you buy “choice,” “premium” or “select” treated boards. At about 40 percent more per linear foot, you’ll pay more, but the boards have fewer knots and straighter grain. And, since many of the higher grade choices are kiln-dried both before and after pressure treatment, they have less tendency to warp.

The pros and cons of composite decking:

If near-zero maintenance is your goal, buy composite decking. Most is made from recycled plastic and wood chips or sawdust. It’s more expensive than cedar, but once it’s down, it won’t rot, splinter or twist. The color change is even (though in shady, damp areas it can turn dark, like the example in the photo). You can even stain most types after four to six months. Since the material is defect free, you can use every inch. Maintenance involves spraying it off with a hose. Some people don’t like the look of the stuff and it’s cold on bare feet. But if you want to relax on your deck instead of work on it, bite the bullet and spend the extra cash.

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WMB Construction specializes in all forms of deck construction. We will work with you to find a deck that fits your budget and life style.

  • Raised decks

  • Ground level decks

  • Pool decks

  • Deck extensions

  • Pergolas

  • Tiered decks

  • Powerwashing

  • Deck painting and staining

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe, Creations