How to Choose a Material for Replacement Windows and Doors

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When browsing replacement windows and doors, you’ll soon learn that customization options abound. From striking front doors with glass to sturdy exterior steel doors, the materials and styles you choose will significantly affect your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and security. Explore some of the most popular window and door materials, their benefits, and how to make the right choice for your Eastern Iowa home.

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How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement

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Your roof is a protective shield over your head, keeping your home comfortable, secure, and energy-efficient. That’s why quality roof installation requires careful planning, hard work, and professional execution. When it’s time to install a new roof, having a game plan can minimize the disruption to your everyday life. So, how should you prepare? Let’s break down the steps before and during your roof replacement. Read more

Preparing Your Roof for a Storm

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It’s easy to forget about the roof over your head until a severe storm rolls in. However, it’s crucial not to let storm season sneak up on you. The last thing you want is for your roof to sustain damage you could have prevented, leading to expensive storm damage roof repair. Here are some ways to prepare your roof to withstand the elements. Read more

Types of Roof Damage

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The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, keeping your family warm, dry, and safe, no matter the weather. However, storm events can cause roof damage and compromise this crucial structure. Understanding what harm your roof can sustain, and knowing the signs of roof damage to watch for, are the first steps toward getting it repaired. Read more

How to Clean Vinyl Siding

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Your home’s siding is one of the first things guests notice as they approach your property. Is your vinyl siding dirty, stained, and moldy? Here’s how to clean vinyl siding so it sparkles once more. Read more

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding

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Vinyl siding is a popular choice for home exteriors. First introduced in the 1950s as an alternative to aluminum siding, vinyl has come a long way over the past 70 years. Despite the passing of decades and the introduction of numerous new materials, vinyl still reigns as the most popular siding option in North America. This enduring popularity can be attributed to vinyl’s many advantages, but it’s crucial to learn about the drawbacks as well. Let’s explore vinyl siding pros and cons and how to do vinyl siding right. Read more

Are Vinyl Windows High Quality

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I’m shopping for new windows for my home and want to get a quality product.  My friend told me that if I want quality I should stay away from vinyl. Is that true?

While it’s true that some vinyl windows are poorly made and may not perform well over time, there are also some really well-made, high quality vinyl windows available today. The key is to understand the differences and know what to look for when shopping for windows. Many people know that energy efficiency is important. However, just because a window is energy efficient, doesn’t mean it’s a good quality window. In an effort to make energy-efficient windows at a low cost, some window manufacturers cut corners in other areas that are equally important.  Read more

I’m house shopping, what sort of things should I consider about the windows on properties that I look at?

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We work with a lot of REALTORS who represent buyers and this is one of their most common questions. Many consumers believe that because vinyl windows tend to look similar, they are all equal in quality, but they are not. Two key ingredients to a quality window are the efficiency and the strength of the window. Just because a house has windows that go up and down, tilt out for easy cleaning and are double pane doesn’t mean the windows are efficient. Nor does it mean they are structurally strong and will continue to perform down the road. Read more

Do I NEED Triple Pane Windows in Iowa?

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I’ve heard that triple pane windows aren’t necessary for our Iowa climate.  Do you agree?

There is no doubt that triple pane windows are better than double pane windows when it comes to energy efficiency, condensation resistance, and noise reduction. They are also better at keeping your home consistently more comfortable. But with these added benefits come added costs, and many people wonder if the additional cost of triple pane windows is worth it. Read more

Argon Gas? In my Windows?

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I keep hearing window companies talk about argon gas.  What is it and why should I consider it for my new windows?

That’s a great question! Argon gas is an inert, dense gas that is often inserted in the space between the panes of glass to increase the energy efficiency of a window.  A double-paned window with only air between the panes is more efficient than a single paned window. However, a double-paned window with argon gas between the panes boosts the energy efficiency of the window and generally helps it meet strict Energy Star efficiency standards. You can think of argon gas between your window panes as functioning much like the insulation between your walls and floors.  The insulation helps to keep your home more efficient and comfortable throughout the year. Read more