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Where we often make our mistake though, is looking at the cost of having window replacement or repair done. Not at what they could save us over time, or the value-add to the property they provide. Window replacement, locks, and doorknobs updated, vinyl siding, insulation update, roof replacement are all costly endeavors. However, if you plan to sell your home, you’ll get a good portion of your money back. If this is your forever home, then the benefits you’ll get will come in the way of energy savings.   

How do you know when a window seal is broken? 

Time marches on they say, and that is obvious when you look at your windows. Windows are exposed to the outdoor elements 24/7/365. With that in mind, windows that are fifteen years old or older probably have broken or worn window seals. To confirm this, some characteristics indications would be any or all the following:   

• There is condensation or fog between the double pane glass.
• The distorted view through the glass panes.
• Efforts to clean the exterior side is useless.
• The glass is cracked.
• With the windows closed, you still feel air coming in.  

What are the best replacement windows? 

Window replacement can enhance your home’s appearance, enhancing the curb appeal. It will make it less drafty, quieter, and will help your energy bills by making the HVAC system work less. Double-hung style windows are the more common now, and they have improved over the years! They are much easier to clean yourself in between the times you have them professionally cleaned. 

When it comes to which brand is the best in window replacement, this must be a personal decision, with your budget being the foremost concern. The key features you want to focus on as you shop window replacements are: 

The materials and construction of the frame is the first decision to be made for your window replacement project. Fiberglass and wood are better insulators. Vinyl frames are the most popular, offer good insulation too, with aluminum frames coming in last for insulation but high in the inexpensive category. 

The number of panes is your next choice with a window replacement job. Standard today is double-pane glass which comes with a spacer and an argon gas-filled cavity for added insulation. Triple-pane windows are available today, and why they do cut back the noise drastically, the cost is drastically more too. Single-pane windows are not recommended and becoming harder to acquire. 

You should talk through each of these decisions for a variety of brands. Consider the aesthetics and functionality of each. The pricing can have a wide range, so as you gather bids, ask for them in an itemized list with details on the features of each window replacement product you’re considering.   

The better the window replacement, the more they will cost, and the installation cost will depend on the complexity of the job and the number of windows. Two things of, you will recoup the cost in energy savings now and your home’s value for the future if you sell. 

Window replacement is expensive, so do your homework and research. The more you know, the better able you’ll be to make the right choice for you. The contractor you choose to work with may have a preference, but that should not be your decision. 

Can you replace your own windows? 

Perhaps you’re thinking, how hard could this be to do? Well, if you haven’t done it before, could be harder than you’re thinking. First, you need to have a clear and complete understanding of the original window installation. Then there are the measurements, and the unplanned, unseen installation issues. 

Installing window replacements can be complex and monotonous, even without any issues or problems. There are two ways to replace a window: 

• Pocket replacement installation
• Full-frame replacement installation 

Most window replacement jobs are the pocket type installations. The full-frame replacement includes replacing the exterior and the interior trim is left in place and the original opening before putting in the window itself. 

It is common for the windows to be moved strategically in the opening because of shifting over the years. This requires using shims to make the new window fit correctly and work properly. Another thing to consider, when you have our window replacements by a professional contractor, the exterior casing is wrapped to match and make it watertight. 

Do you install replacement windows from the inside or outside? 

In most cases, window replacements are installed from the exterior side of the house. There are some situations where an interior install is necessary. Most companies install from the outside, but there isn’t a wrong or right way, but there are factors that can decide. 

Exterior window replacement installation requires the contractor to cut the blind stop trim out on the exterior where the current window is attached. This piece can be difficult to remove and will need to be replaced to give your window replacement a finished look. The preference to do this on the outside is to not disrupt your home on the inside. 

Sometimes there isn’t a choice because of the window type and the interior trim. Once the window replacement is complete and the contractor correctly caulks around the window, it will be airtight. 

Window replacement is an expense, nobody will argue that. As a homeowner, you need to review the positives that window replacement will bring to you, and while it won’t refill your bank account soon, it will. Want to learn more about window options for your home in Frisco & Richardson, TX? Call Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC at 214-471-6210 and speak with our professionals today!

Do uneven floors mean foundation problems?

Yes, uneven floors show that your home needs foundation repair. Here are three issues causing it:

House Settling

In some parts of the country, the ground will settle under the weight of a house and the house will become uneven, causing foundation problems and others. You will notice cracked bricks along the exterior or around the fireplace, the drywall cracks, and squeaky floors.

Meager Support Design

The floor joists and support columns’ purpose are to hold the weight of a house. When support to columns isn’t set the proper distance or the floor joists are spanned too far apart, it can cause problems. Those problems can range from sagging floors, squeaky floors, and gaps between the floors and walls.

Standing Water

When a home has dampness, standing water, and other problems that are water and weather-related, it can damage the structure and plumbing issues. This can be water leaked into the basement or crawl space, where more than just structure problems happen when the wood there begins to rot and sag. This can become a health hazard with mold growing under your home.  

What are the signs of a bad foundation?

Your home is an expensive investment and do anything you can to protect that investment. The foundation is an important part of that investment, so knowing what indicators you should be watchful of will tell you if your home needs foundation repair:

• Cracks in chimney, floors, walls
• Settling or sinking floors
• Upheaval in floors
• Doors sticking or won’t open/close
• Exterior doors and windows have gaps
• Floors sag or are uneven
• Crawl of pier and beam damp
• Cabinets and counters separating from wall

How do you fix foundation cracks?

No matter where you live if your house sits on a concrete slab or is on a pier and beam, it will move with the ground, even a fraction. While that small of a movement won’t make any difference, when you’ve had several of these movements, it adds up. Fortunately, there are foundation repair services, or you can try a DIY production that you’ll find in any big box store.

The DIY kits are usually a vinyl concrete patch and can repair cracks that are more 1/8” thick or thicker. If your home as a structural slab and there are several small cracks or cracks that are bigger than ¼” wide, a professional foundation repair is the better choice.

Can a sinking foundation be fixed?

As we have already covered earlier, a home’s foundation is important to structural integrity. When it is weak, the whole house is weak.  While it is not a cheap fix, a foundation repair is possible if you are familiar with the load-bearing importance and how it is right, or it is wrong. There is not an in-between.

Once you notice that your foundation is sinking, using the indicators we have mentioned earlier, call a professional structural engineer. They will have specific education and training in diagnosing foundation problems, but not an interest in the foundation repair itself. Once they have assessed the matter, they will advise you what they can do.

Your next phone call should be to several foundation repair companies that will do their own inspection and then advise you what needs to be done and provide you a price. Foundation repair is not cheap, so get pricing from several contractors. Review their certification, experience, licensing, and referrals.

Ask them which technique they will use for the foundation repair and what their warranty is on the job. They may use a high-pressure grouting method or plant load-bearing piers under the house to raise the house and stabilize the foundation.

Whenever you have a severe storm pass through the area, whether or not it’s hailed, it’s always a good idea to get your roof checked out for damages. Even just heavy rains can cause problems like leaks to occur. If your roof has been damaged by a storm in the Frisco & Richardson, TX area, and you need roofing storm damage repair, call on the experienced professionals at Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC. We provide a full range of repair services, and you can reach us at 214-471-6210.  

What does roof damage from hail look like?

If a recent storm has dumped hail along with it, and you are wondering how to spot roof hail damage, unless there are obvious holes, it isn’t always easy to tell if the roof is damaged. Hail damage to roof of house will also vary depending on the type of roofing material on your home.

Hail damage is usually random. There is no discernible pattern to it. One section of shingles may have no damage at all, while a nearby section may be rife with dents. Asphalt and architectural or composition shingles will usually show black or shiny spots where missing granules have been knocked away. 

In some cases, without close inspection, the damage may not be discernible. With standard asphalt shingle roofs hail may make the shingles soft to the touch. A professional roofer will be able to spot these damages and other signs of hail damage. Because spotting roof hail damage isn’t always easy here are a few tips to help you as a homeowner find it.

Roof hail damage 4 tips for Homeowners

• Look for damage like water stains or drips from the ceiling inside your house. If leaks have developed shortly after a hailstorm, you probably have hail damage.
• Inspect your property for evidence of hail impact marks. If you see impact marks on decks or siding, your roof may have damage as well.
• Have a trusted roofer that provides free inspections and estimates to inspect the roof. Make sure the roofer will speak with your insurer to help with the claim.
• Go over your insurance policy to see what’s covered and let your insurer know you want to file a claim.  

In the same way hail damage can be hard to spot, some plumbing problems can be hard to spot because the pipes run underground. In older many of those underground pipes, as well as the rest of the plumbing could be out of date and cause so many problems it may require whole home repiping to ensure the plumbing is working properly.

How do you know if your roof is damaged?

Not all damages to your roof will be caused by hail damage or by storms. Some damage just comes from wear and tear. Besides damage from severe weather, below are some other damages roofs have that will need repair.

• Curled, cracked or missing shingles: Indicates it’s time to repair or replace your shingles.
• Dark, dirty or wet shingles: These shingles are trapping moisture and risking leaks.
• Large amounts of shingle granules in the gutters: This indicates the shingles are worn and need to be replaced.
• Stained ceiling and walls: This is an indication you have a roof leak that needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
• Outside light streaming into the attic: You probably have damaged or missing shingles that need to be replaced to avoid leaks.
• Sagging roof deck: This indicates moisture has penetrated through the roof and caused the decking or rafters to sag. 

Is hail damage to roof covered by insurance?

For most insurers, roof hail damage is covered by homeowners policies. The coverage may depend on where you live, and the frequency with which hailstorms occur. In areas like Kansas or Oklahoma, where hail is frequent, insurers may only cover hail damage to the structure of the roof. Some damage may be considered cosmetic. Insurance will cover damage caused by certain perils such as wind, fire, and hail damage. Damage caused by age and neglect are normally not covered. Individual policies may differ, and the amount covered may vary. You will also normally need to pay a deductible before the insurance will pay for the repair. Check with your insurance company to find out exactly what your policy covers when it comes to roof hail damage.

How long do you have to file an insurance claim for hail damage?

Insurance policies will vary, but for roof hail damage the standard for most insurers is that you must file a claim within one year after you’ve determined your roof has been damaged. That said, it’s normally better to file the claim as soon as possible, because the longer you wait the more serious the damage can become. The wait may also affect how much is covered by your insurer.

Do I have to pay a deductible for hail damage to my roof?

With most insurance policies, homeowners will have to pay a deductible for roof hail damage. The amount of the deductible will depend on where you live, and the frequency in which hail storms occur. In high-risk areas a separate deductible may established specifically for this type of damage.

Why do we have gutters and downpipes on our homes?

Gutters and downspouts have been constructed for the purpose of funneling water away from the soil, roofing materials, siding and foundation of a property. With too much water infiltration on roofing materials, you can expect rot, damaged insulation, moss growth and more that can mess up the integrity of your roof. As far as too much water on the ground, you can erode soil and compromise the foundation or basement of a home. With wet soil, you can drown your plants as well as cause a shift in your foundation. With a moving foundation, you’ll risk damages to your pipes that are connected to it which can cause pipe corrosion, leaks and slab leaks. 

When should gutters be replaced?

Your gutter system should ideally last for at least 20 years, yet there are many signs that can point the need for gutter installation. It’s important to realize that in order to catch problems before they escalate it would be best to have seasonal maintenance done with your gutter systems. Certain signs to consider with gutter replacement can be fairly obvious, as seem with holes, cracks or rust spots. These can be fixed with sealant or even flashing yet if there are more than 6 sections where this is occurring it would be best to rely on gutter replacement. Another issue that can point to repair is with broken fasteners or missing nails or screws. Replacement can be easy as sometimes a particular storm may loosen them, yet if they are problems that continue if could be that gutters are not fitted correctly to the home or they have been worn. Other issues that can point to faulty gutters are by paying attention to visual cues being displayed outside of the home. Namely when you see sagging gutters, separated gutters, broken gutters, gutters that pull away from the roof, exterior paint peeling on the siding or trim, dirt channels, pooling water, eroded landscaping or flooded basements.

What is the difference between seamless gutters and regular gutters?

Seamless gutter installation is advantageous to regular gutters as they are designed to match the specifications of each property in order to avoid mismatched areas or gaps. With a seamless gutter installation, you can resolve issues seen with previous models as seen with splits, breaks, and gaps as a result of numerous joints. When you have joints eliminated there will be less of a change for debris build-up or the development of clogs. Water can be more easily flushed as there will be less of a likelihood of blockages from leaves or twigs. This design essentially makes them less of pulling factor for critters or nesting birds. Due to the above factors, there is minimal maintenance duties required with seamless gutter installation options.  Finally, you can expect greater property value with higher resale values. The curb appeal is heightened due to superior products and attractive looks.

Gutter Installation Cost

Gutter installation costs will range in price depending on the materials chosen as well as design. With aluminum or galvanized steel gutter installation, you may expect $4-$9 per linear foot. With vinyl gutter installation prices are generally $3-$5 due to being easier materials to install. finally, stainless steel can be known to be higher in cost at $9-$20 per linear foot with copper coming in at a high $25-$40 per linear foot. 

What To Know About Gutter Installation

Gutter installation should be done by keeping your roofing specifications in mind and should be properly fitted in accordance with it. As far as who does gutter installation, it’s important to get into contact with your local professional gutter installation contractors, commercial or residential roofing services.

If you’re interested in gutter installation in Frisco & Richardson, TX call 214-471-6210 with Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC!

On average, for most homeowners with an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect your roof to last about 20 to at best 30 years. For tile or metal roofs, you can expect the roof to last 50 years or more.

If you’ve owned your home from the time it was built, you probably know how old it is. But many homeowners are unaware of the age of their roof. One of the best ways to figure out how old your roof is and to find out if it needs to be replaced or requires repairs is through a professional roof inspection. At Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC, we provide a free roof inspection before we ever do any work on your roof.

The inspection gives our roofers, and you, a good picture of your roof’s condition. We can advise you from there about whether or not it’s time for a roof replacement in Frisco & Richardson, TX.

Attic Check

After checking any records, one of the first places to check for problems is the attic. With a flashlight in hand, you can get a really good idea of your roof’s condition with a peek in your attic. The main thing you’ll be looking for is signs of leaks.

If you look inside your attic on a clear day and see light streaming in from the top of the house, that’s indication you may have a leak. Other signs of leaks include seeing stains or streaks, as well as damp insulation or mold growth.

While in the attic, you may also catch structural damages such as cracks in the framework that may signify weaknesses in the structure.

In some cases, leaks may be repaired, but if they’ve gone unchecked for a long time, the leaks could have caused further damage or created structural weaknesses requiring replacement.

Shingle and Flashing Inspection

Following your venture in the attic, it’s time to check the roof itself for damages. Key areas you’re going to check are the shingles or tiles and the flashing around vents and chimneys.

When you are inspecting your shingles, you want to make sure they are laying flat against the roof. If you spot areas in which shingles are missing or see cracked,r buckled, curled, or otherwise damaged shingles, you will definitely need repairs and extensive damage may require replacement.

The metal strips around vents, chimneys and skylights is known as flashing. Flashing helps keep water away from the inside of your home and aids with drainage. Any cracks or breaks or other damage to the flashing, may mean water has gotten inside the home and could be causing a leak. In older homes the flashing could be made of cement or roofing tar. If this is the case, an upgrade may be in order.

Sags

If you gaze up along your roof line, it should appear straight. If it drops down in any place, your roof structure is seriously damaged. Sags indicate your sheathing is rotting or deteriorating and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Letting a roof sag too long is dangerous. Your roof is at risk of collapsing.

Moss, Mold or Fungus Growth on Shingles

If you note any growth of moss, mold or fungus on your roof, moisture is probably trapped underneath it. This could lead to leaks or cause the structure to rot or deteriorate and could be a sign it’s time for a roof replacement.

If you see any of these signs, it may be time for a roof replacement. While a roof replacement might not be in order, repairs need to be made as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

If you are uncertain about any of these problems consult with a professional roofer and get a roof inspection. We recommend a yearly inspection as part of your regular maintenance to make sure your roof is in good condition. With regular maintenance, your roof’s lifespan will not be shortened and an early replacement will not be required.

Call Us Today

If you are ready for a roof replacement in Frisco & Richardson, TX or surrounding cities, make sure to rely on the professionals at Kilker Roofing and Construction, LLC. To schedule a service call us today at 214-471-6210.