Winter not too far away and its time to start thinking about how you will get out of your home/business when the storms strike. Here in Orange County, NY we can experience some of the most brutal storms in the country. Mostly we are always on target for the well known Nor' Easters that paralyze our area for days at a time. It is always good to preplan and line up a good snowplowing contractor so you are not left out in the cold this winter, literally.
Whether you own a business or a home, snowplowing is a must to ensure you can stay open for business or leave for work in the case of snow. Now for most of us snow is nothing more than a nuisance and most people feel moving snow is a brainless job. The concept is pretty basic but for a professional company comes a lot of thought and preparation for winters around here way before any snow falls. Early preparation and equipment inspections are crucial to maintaining a reliable fleet that will be able to withstand the forces of nature when it hits.
Hear in the Northeast we can experience some pretty brutal snowstorms which can be crippling to our homes and our families. Not being able to leave your home for work, food or even medical emergencies can be an uneasy feeling, especially for the elderly. Choosing a reliable snowplow contractor is key and will leave you with peace in mind when the storms hit.
WMB Construction will be with you throughout the duration of the storm, big or small. When large storms hit it may be required that your property be plowed more than once or maybe even numerous time to keep up with the weight of the snowfall. Some storms may also call for heavy machinery to be brought in to move heavy snow piles or snowfalls that our plow trucks can't handle. WMB Construction has machinery to handle this service too!
Here in the northeast we can experience some pretty brutal winters that can leave our homes at high risk if you don't have a good roof. The strongest part of your home may be the foundation but without a adequate roof, your home is worthless! Crippling snowstorms are very common in our area and the weight load of snow on our roofs can result in collaspe of your roof, as we have just seen in Buffalo, NY
Another common problem is ice damming. Ice damming occurs when heat loss from your home due to inadequate insulation melts snow and it freezes when it reaches the soffit of your home. As ice forms water backs up under the shingles causing major water damage to the interior of your home.
A poor roof can leave a home with very little value due to the damage it can do. Sometimes the damage can go unnoticed for years until it is too late! Rot and mildew can run rampant if issues aren't corrected quickly and efficiently!
What are the risks of a poor roof?:
Interior water damage
Rotten wood
Dry rot
Mold/mildew
Health problems
Allergies
Termites
Carpenter ants
Roof collapse
With a new roof replacement you want to do it right. New architectural shingles on the market are rated for 30 yrs. Thats a long time but if not installed correctly, roof will fail!!!
Located in New York, WMB Construction takes great pride in building great decks for our customers. In our area here in the Hudson Valley we can easily enjoy three seasons out of our decks. Outdoor living has become extremely popular due to the fact that most of us aren't taking vacations and using the money to create a backyard oasis. With the added value and the comfort of relaxing in your own home you will easily start to see the benefits.
Five key reasons to add a composte deck to your home:
Maintanance free
Added value to home
Added entertaining area
Great closed in area for the little ones
Create great memories year after year with family and friends
Seen here is a deck WMB CONSTRUCTION built in beautiful Monroe, NY 10950. The floor is Timbertech composite twin finish Pacific Walnut flooring. The flooring has been installed using hidden fastners for a nice clean look with no exposed screw heads. Railings are a severe weather rated composite white.Staircase is a fully covered composite with no exposed lumber. Hidden behind is five custom stringers constructed of treated lumber.
In todays fast pace world most of us have little to no time for anything more than work. The small amount of time left in the day you would rather be relaxing and enjoying rather than maintaining your deck. That is why Timbertech composite decking has become so popular around the world due to its low maintainance.
Treated lumber decks are still a popular choice around the world but require yearly maintanance to keep wood from cracking and checking. Over time the flooring and railings will have to be replaced. Usually at this point the floor joists are still in good shape so composite flooring can be installed over your existing deck structure.
Flooring on this deck is Timbertech Pacific Walnut with hidden fasteners. Hidden fasteners leave a beautiful clean look with no screws exposed.
Benefits of Composite decks:
Low maintainance
Added value to home
No splinters
No replacement of flooring in years down the road
No painting/staining
More time to enjoy your deck instead of working on it
Whether composite or treated lumber, a new deck is always a great retreat to your beautiful backyard. Outdoor living has become priority to many and there is no better place than your own home. Vacations can eat up thousands in a week leaving only memories and and an empty pocket. A new deck/backyard enhancement will create value, memories and a lifetime later you will still have your deck.
Remodeling a home can be a very costly venture. Homeowners looking to add value to their homes may try to add upgrades or renovate entire sections of their homes to make them more marketable. Not all home upgrades and renovations are worth spending your hard-earned money on, though. Here is a look at five ways to make your home renovation worth the money and effort you put into it.
Your roof is the main component of your home. Without a good roof your house will remain worthless. A new roof is always a great investment because no bank ever wants to get involved in loaning money for a home that isn't protected. A poor roof can also increase your chances for mold and mildew build up due to leaking water that can cause health ailments and thousands in damage.
Signs that you need a new roof:
Algae growth on shingles
Damaged flashing
Buckling of sheathing under shingles
Curling of shingles
Blistering of shingles
Missing shingles
Ceiling spots inside of your home
Missing granules on shingles
Evidence of rotting
Your bathroom isone of the most frequented rooms in your home. It is the room where you freshen up everyday and take care of your personal hygiene. Bathroom remodels have been known to return 30-40% on your initial investment when you sell. Nobody wants to move into a home knowing that the bathroom is in need of complete renovation and will in most cases pay more for the home with a good finished bathroom remodel.
Signs that you might need a bathroom remodel:
Visual evidence of mold and mildew build up
Soft spots on floor/and or walls(may indicate rot which could be serious if not addressed)
Leaking water
Musty smell
Grout missing in many areas
Your Kitchen is the most frequented room in your home. It brings family together and is the heart of every home. The kitchen is usually the first room you see in a house, so with that being said, it is the most important. I have seen returns as high a 50% on real nice kitchen remodels. The first thing you want to do when selling is knock your buyer off their feet and you can do this with a good quality kitchen.
Signs you might need a new kitchen:
Soft spots on floors
Cabinets are delaminating
Cabinets are faded
Circuit breakers keep tripping when you plug in appliances
Mold and mildew build up
Decks are always a great benefit to any home. Outdoor living and entertaining is on a rise and each year the demand keeps rising for these projects. It creates a personal oaisis and tranquility right in your backyard. It is a guaranteed investment that you and your family can enjoy for years and still have return at the end.
Signs you might need a new deck:
Deck surface is splintering
Deck bounces or sways when walking on it
Railings are loose and wobbly
Finished basements are key to any home. Unfinished it adds no square footage or value to your home. A nice finished basement will most likely have any male interested in purchasing your home know it has beautiful hideaway known as "The Man Cave"! But besides that it creates a great area for entertaining or even just a playroom for the kids. The ideas can become endless when designing your basement. You can add a bathroom, bar, play areas, pool table, etc.!!! A definate asset to your home. Right off the bat when listing your home your square footage will increase by 600-1000 which equals big gains.
Why you might want to remodel your basement:
Added square footage
Added value
Creates entertaining/playing area
When performing any remodel it is important to pay attention to detail and quality! The sight of a poor install can have adverse affects on your return. While all these recommended projects can be costly, I advise customers to set up a five to ten year plan to save and complete these projects for your enjoyment and to increase the value of your largest investment, your home!
If you are considering remodeling your basement you will likely find that your town requires the installation of egress windows. Most building codes mandate that egress windows be installed in order to provide an adequate escape route in an emergency situation, such as a fire. Besides adding safety and increasing your home's value, egress windows can greatly increase airflow and light, changing what was once a dark basement into a light, airy living space.
Egress windows are designed to allow people to escape a basement in the event of a fire. Most often, egress windows are installed during a basement renovation in order to comply with local building codes. Many towns have specific measurements that must be met, so it will be necessary to contact your local building-codes office in order to find out exactly what size window you must install in your basement.
Egress windows come in as many varieties as typical windows, with as many different levels of quality and insulation, depending on the manufacturer. But all egress windows are designed to provide a safe escape route in the event of emergency. Most often, they provide about 6 square feet of roughly rectangular window surface. Check with the manufacturer if there is any question of whether a particular window is suitable to be used as an egress window.
Benefits of adding an egress window:
Added safety
More natural light
Ventilation
Creates cleaner basement enviroment and decreases the chances for mold and mildew
Peace in mind that your loved ones will be safe
Added value
Aesthetically, they can change the look and feel of a basement
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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.
A recent egress window installation byWMB Constructionwhere we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.
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.
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
An egress window is a window that is required in specific locations in a dwelling and is intended to provide an emergency means of exiting a dwelling. Windows must meet specific size and requirements to qualify as an egress window.
Subscribe for the latest blogs on new products and up to date information
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.
A recent egress window installation byWMB Constructionwhere we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.
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.
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
An egress window is a window that is required in specific locations in a dwelling and is intended to provide an emergency means of exiting a dwelling. Windows must meet specific size and requirements to qualify as an egress window.
WHERE ARE EGRESS WINDOWS REQUIRED?
Egress windows are required in every room used for sleeping purposes (bedrooms) on any floor and in basements with habitable space. If you are constructing a new home, the code requires that you put an egress window in each bedroom. It also requires an egress window in the basement if habitablerooms will be finished in the basement. If you install a basement bedroom or bedrooms, an egress window is required in each bedroom. If you have an existing home and you add a sleeping room in an unfinished basement, the code requires that you install an egress window in the sleeping room or rooms.
WHAT ARE SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EGRESS
WINDOW?
An egress window must satisfy four International Residential Code (IRC) criteria:
• Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
• Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
• Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor).
• Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in
The window must have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. Net clear opening refers to the actual free and clear space that exists when the window is open. It is not the rough opening size or the glass panel size, but the actual opening a person can crawl through.
The window opening must be operational from the inside without keys or tools. Bars, grilles and grates may be installed over windows but must be operational without tools or keys and still allow the minimum clear opening.
You might assume that a 20-in. by 24-in. window would be acceptable for egress. However, those dimensions would yield a net clear opening of only 3.3 sq. ft. To achieve the required net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft., a 20-in. wide window would have to be 42 in. high. Likewise, a 24-in. high window would have to be 34 in. wide
Is your home looking old and deteriorated? Does the thought of spending thousands to replace leave you with a pounding headache? The anwser is to save what you have and enhance it with a Benjamin Moore paint upgrade. For a fraction of the cost to replace, you can beautify your home instantly without the mess of a major renovation.
Benefits of painting:
Instant results
Superior protection
Removal of any mold and mildew
Cheaper than replacing
Thousands of colors to choose from
Can change colors at any time as opposed to pre-colored vinyl or composites
Cleaner appearance and smell
This is a project before we started in beautiful Monroe, NY. The appearance was that the staircase was in need of complete replacement. After evaluating the integrity of the staircase I came to the conclusion that the problem was years of mold and mildew build up. This was great news for both me and the customer.
How did WMB Construction enhance the staircase:
Treated all mold and mildew with bleach to kill it
Powerwashed all surfaces
Applied primer where necessary
Glued and nailed loose railing sections
Caulked voids where necessary
Applied two coats of Benjamin Moore exterior grade latex paint to all surfaces
The results are unmatched and within two days, years of damaged had been fixed. With two coats of Benjamin Moore high grade latex paint, all the surfaces have been sealed for years of continued use. Preparation and the use of good quality products is everything when producing a quality finished product!!!
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.
Benefits of wood doors:
Beautiful wood grain
High end look
Warm feel and touch
Scratches easily fixed
Benefits of steel doors:
Lower maintenance
No cracking or bowing
Less exspensive
Energy efficient
Good insulating value
Secure
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
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
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!
Here in the northeast we experience some pretty gruelling winters that put our homes roof to the biggest test. What is under your roof shingles makes a huge difference.
Proper use of Ice & Water Barrier Products, plus insulation and ventilation, help prevent - a major culprit when it comes to roof leaks.
What is an ice dam? A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof.
What causes an ice dam? Ice dams form when indoor heating rises through the ceiling into the attic and warms the roof surface.
How do they form? Snow on the heated part of the roof melts and flows down until it meets the part of the roof that is below 32 degrees. At that point, the water freezes into an ice dam.
How do ice dams lead to water damage? Water backs up behind the dam and, as it sits on the roof, works its way under the roof covering and flows into the attic. From there it can seep through insulation, ceilings, walls and other areas where it can cause damage.
How do you prevent an ice dam? Keeping a consistent attic temperature can help prevent ice dams. Insulation and ventilation are key components of maintaining the proper conditions in the attic and on the roof deck.
Proper roof ventilation systems:
Soffit vents
Gable vents
Ridge vents
Attic fans
Why Owens Corning?
Since 1977, Owens Corning has been a leading manufacturer of shingles and accessories for the residential roofing market. Though best known for our PINK® Fiberglas insulation, Owens Corning is also a leader in the roofing market.
In fact, according to a Hanley-Wood Publishing survey of 3,400 U.S. builders, Owens Corning Roofing products were voted "the most recognizable brand in the market."
Since Owens Corning invented glass fiber during the 1970s, it has become the material standard for shingles, and is used by most shingle manufacturers. The fiberglass composition of roof shingles plays an important role in protecting homes from moisture and other weather-related elements.
We take great pride in our roofing shingles and accessories and we believe that we have a great deal of responsibility to homeowners. That's why we make sure every Owens Corning shingle meets your high expectations.
Every shingle we make combines consistent quality with long-lasting beauty and maximum protection. Performance is at the heart of every Owens Corning roofing product.
Every Owens Corning shingle line features:
Fiberglas® mat that adds weather protection, greater fire resistance and longer life.
Weathering-grade asphalt that holds the granules on the shingle and protects the roof from water.
Colorful mineral granules that help reflect the sun's rays while adding beauty and style to the roof.
Heat-activated adhesive strip that bonds shingles into a single, watertight unit.
Class A Fire Rating, the highest available for residential applications.
Wind Resistance Rating for winds and gusts up to 110 mph depending on the shingle style selected.
Limited product warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on shingle style.
Staircase is a fully covered composite with no exposed lumber. Hidden behind is five custom stringers constructed of treated lumber.
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