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!!!
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
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!
Your roof is the main component of your home. Let's face it, without a good roof, your home would be unlivable. A poor roof can generate many problems within a home; mold, mildew, allergens, rot, termites, carpenter ants, etc.!!! Most of these issues can go unknown for years until it is too late!!! We tell all of our customers that preventive maintaince is key to a healthy roof and home where ever you live. Years of unknown damage can cost thousands extra in the long run!!!
Benifits of a new roof installation:
Ice shield installed to take away from ice damming problems in the winter.
Aluminum drip edge installed to prevent capillary action of water coming back into your home.
Ridge vent installed to increase ventilation=longer roof life.
Remove any rot from roof deck.
Peace in mind
How do you know your roof is in need of replacement:
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.
What do you gain by installing an egress window?
Added safety for you and your loved oned
Better air circulation in your basement creating a better enviroment to eliminate mold and mildew issues
Added natural light
No issues with your building department(especially if you are selling)
If you have been shopping for windows or if it's time for a window replacement in your home, Andersen High-Performance™ Low-E4™ glass is for you. Get windows that stay cleaner, dry faster for easy cleaning and that have up to 99% less water spots*.
The new Low-E4™ glass reduces water spots up to 99%* and minimizes dirt build-up on the window when activated by sunlight. Andersen Low-E4™ glass saves time and money. It dries faster with fewer water spots and energy-efficient Low-E4™ glass also adds the thermal protection of Low-E glass to a home**.
High-Performance™ Low-E4™ glass reduces sound penetration and protects your interior from damaging UV rays. During shipping and finishing, a removable film protects Low-E4™ glass from dirt or mortar. Like all Andersen windows and doors, Low-E4™ glass comes with a 20-year limited warranty.
* exterior glass only, when activated ** A study of identical homes comparing Low-E to ordinary dual-pane glass showed 25% in savings on cooling bills. 10% on heating bills. Savings may vary geographically.
UV Protection
Andersen Advantage
Ordinary dual-pane glass lets 62% of UV light pass through. Our High-Performance™ Low-E glass cuts that down to 17% with virtually no effect on the clarity and color of the light.
With Low-E glass, if your thermostat is set at 70°, the temperature of the innermost glass pane won't drop below 57° even if it's 0° outside. In warm climates, Low-E glass works just as hard to keep your home cool. For extreme climates, we also offer High-Performance Sun™ glass for maximum UV protection and temperature control.
Ten Tips for Good Installation
Read and follow the installation instructions.
Install your Andersen products only in the vertical position.
Check the rough opening to make sure it is sized properly and is square and level.
Apply proper flashing under and around window and door openings.
Double-check the alignment of the window before finally anchoring it in the wall, and properly secure using appropriate fasteners.
Insulate the interior cavity between the window frame and the rough opening. Do not overpack.
Stain and/or seal all unfinished wood surfaces promptly to minimize moisture absorption.
Keep paint off the weatherstrip and the interior hardware finish.
Protect the window during construction and plastering.
Ensure proper installation and operation of the window before applying the interior trim.
Proper measurement and installation of Andersen products is the sole responsibility of the architect, building owner, contractor and/or consumer.
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If you have been shopping for windows or if it's time for a window replacement in your home, Andersen High-Performance™ Low-E4™ glass is for you. Get windows that stay cleaner, dry faster for easy cleaning and that have up to 99% less water spots*.
