When Should You Replace Your Siding

When Should You Replace Your Siding | Siding Replacement | New Windows for America

Siding is your home’s first line of defense against weather and pests; acting like an exterior windbreaker while insulating and protecting your home. When siding starts to fall apart, it becomes quite unsightly and invites pests and moisture leading to larger problems. Replacing your home’s siding may seem like a daunting and large project, but if using the right contractor, and the right products, and depending on how long you live in your home, chances are you probably only have to do it once. Unfortunately, your home’s siding won’t last forever. So how do you know when it is time to replace your siding?

Here are some signs to look for when you think you may need to do a siding replacement.

Excessive Maintenance

Taking care of your Colorado home’s siding will help prolong the life of your siding. Does it seem like you continually must repair spots on your home’s siding? Scheduling an inspection or maintenance check on your siding should be done once or twice a year, while the cleaning and maintenance are left up to the homeowner. This can be quite a time-consuming project, and you may want to consider having a siding that is more low maintenance to make better use of your time with other daily activities.

Extreme Color Fading or Peeling

Curb appeal is important to you and your neighborhood. Once the color on the siding begins to fade it can become quite unsightly. Do you find yourself having to paint your siding more frequently because it is peeling? In Colorado, we have 300+ days of sunshine per year, and that sun can be brutal on our homes. If you had sun-damaged siding and replaced or repainted it several times, and the damage returns quickly, this may mean a structural problem.  There are options for sun-resistant vinyl siding, and fiber cement siding available in a variety of colors that don’t require constant maintenance and will retain their color for many years.

Cracks & Gaps

Cracks and gaps can be quite unsightly but can also lead to inviting in moisture or pests. The integrity of the underlying wood structure may be comprised or worn down. Water damage from rain, snow, or pests may contribute to some of the siding becoming loose. Although these small areas can be repaired as a short-term solution, it is recommended to replace damaged siding as soon as possible to protect your home, as well as the appearance of your home.

Rotting & Warping

Does it look like your siding is warped, buckled, or starting to crumble? This could be a sign of rot which can spread across the exterior. To test for rot, insert a screwdriver gently under the boards and joints around the gutters and chimneys. Is the area soft, and easy to poke into? This could be a sign of rotting damage. There are many new brands of siding like cement board or siding made from a vinyl composition that do not naturally decay when exposed to long periods of moisture. 

Damage from Pests or Storms

Large-scale damage from storms or small damage from pests can present themselves as larger problems if not repaired or replaced. The damage could allow moisture to get into and under the siding which could reach your home’s structural framework or mold growth.

Higher Energy Bills

Rising costs of electricity and temperature swings may not be the only cause of your higher energy bills. Older siding does not insulate your home as well, making your furnace and air conditioner work harder to maintain the temperature in your home. Air leaks and drafts are common in defective or old siding. It may be time to replace your siding if you find you are paying more for heating and cooling bills.

Benefits of Replacing your Siding

Your home can look dramatically different with new siding, enhancing, and upgrading your home’s curb appeal, as well as increasing the value of your home. Installing and upgrading your siding could make a big difference in eliminating drafts, as well as saving on your energy bills in the winter and summer months. Ask the Team at New Windows for America about the different types of siding we offer, as well as siding that is rated by Energy Star for efficiency advantages.

Ready to Get Started on Your Siding Replacement Project?

If you are unsure if your home’s siding needs to be replaced, call the team at New Windows for America. We have 25+ years of experience with installing windows, and doors, including siding installation, specifically suited for our Colorado climate. We can help you figure out whether you can repair or need to replace your siding. New Windows for America offers some of the industry’s best brands, including James Hardie Siding, LP SmartSide, and Crane Performance Siding to name a few. We are happy to work with you on finding the best siding replacement for your Colorado home and can offer you a free estimate and determine if your siding needs to be replaced.

Contact our New Windows for America Team today with any siding questions you may have!

Why Replacement Windows, New Siding, and Doors are More Affordable Than You Might Think

When you consider what replacement windows, fresh siding, and new doors can do for your Denver or Boulder home, it’s an easy choice to have them installed. But, for a lot of homeowners, it isn’t quite that easy – they are afraid of the costs that might be involved with a home improvement project, like replacing windows or doors, or replacing siding.

At New Windows for America we can certainly understand that. However, you should know that replacement windows, siding, and doors can be more affordable than you might think. Here are five quick reasons why:

  1. You don’t have to break the bank for quality windows, doors, and siding. Because we sell our products factory-direct, you don’t have to deal with middlemen or huge price markups. That means you can get high-quality windows, doors, and siding on a reasonable budget.
  2. Our products are Energy-Star® rated and are custom-fitted for your home by the qualified and trained staff at New Windows for America.
  3. Financing is available for qualified customers. You can give your home a fresh look and more energy efficiency without writing a big check. That’s because, in addition to our low prices, we offer financing for qualified customers. So, you don’t have to wait to make your home more beautiful, comfortable, and valuable.
  4. Windows, doors, and siding can last for decades. When you invest in quality home improvement materials and craftsmanship, it’s an expense that you won’t have to worry about again for a long time. Many of our products can last for decades with the proper care and maintenance.
  5. You can save on energy bills and tax incentives. Our customers love that our products can save them big on their utility bills month after month. In addition, the state government often provides tax rebates and incentives for making your home more energy-efficient.

If you want to find out exactly how durable doors and siding can fit into your home improvement plans and budget, please call us today at (303) 920-0175, or schedule your FREE in-home estimate. It only takes a few minutes, and our helpful team will be happy to answer any questions you might have without subjecting you to unwanted sales pressure.

Home Renovation and Window Replacement: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Denver Window Replacement

These days, home renovation is more popular than ever. We spend a lot of time in our houses, so why shouldn’t we make them as beautiful, comfortable, and efficient as possible?

For all the attention paid to the glamorous parts of the home renovation process – like putting in new floors, or painting the walls – Denver window replacement tends to be overlooked. Even on popular home renovation television shows, new windows seem to just “appear,” without too much thought being given to which window should be used or where they’re going to come from.

With that in mind, we’d like to give you a quick, step-by-step guide to choosing the right replacement windows as part of your home renovation project:

  • Match styles to design patterns. Occasionally, homeowners will fall in love with a particular type of window, forgetting that it might not match the overall style or decor of a room. Look at the big picture when matching windows to design patterns.
  • Measure everything twice. It goes without saying that getting the sizes wrong when it comes to your Denver window replacement project can lead to delays, headaches, and additional expenses. At New Windows for America, we make sure your measurements are exact and accurate.
  • Think colors, lines, and aesthetics. Some styles of windows look even better (or conversely, not as impressive) when put next to certain colors or items of furniture. When in doubt, talk with your New Windows for America design consultant who can make sure your different pieces will work well together.
  • Don’t feel confined by an existing window style. A lot of homeowners feel like it’s simplest to just replace existing windows with a newer set of the same style. While that’s sometimes true, you can often dramatically change the look of a room just by experimenting with different window replacement options.
  • Look ahead to maintenance. Some lower-cost windows are less durable and harder to clean. Try to choose the windows you’ll want to have in your home later, not just the ones that are easiest to buy right now.
  • Make efficiency a priority. In the same way, a good set of windows can pay for itself pretty quickly with lower energy bills. That’s particularly true for those of us living around the Rockies, so make sure your new windows will be energy-efficient.
  • Get expert help. When you aren’t sure what kinds of windows you want or need, don’t forget that New Windows for America is an expert in replacement windows,and we provide free estimates.

With these steps in place, you’ll know the basics of Denver window replacement and how it fits into your overall home renovation project. For more advice, or to see the different styles and how they could work in the space you’re trying to create, contact us today by calling us at (303) 920-0175, email us for a free estimate, or visit our showroom. A member of our New Windows for America team will be happy to walk you through your different choices for design, efficiency, and installation.

3 Great Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

When you’re trying to sell your home – or just give it a fresher look – you’ll quickly find out there are literally dozens of things you can do to improve its “curb appeal.”

Ways to improve your curb appeal

Some of these are easy and simple, like planting new grass or clearing away old bushes and leaves. Things like landscaping will only take you so far, though, and eventually you might find yourself looking for things you can do to make your house more attractive to neighbors and buyers that don’t involve breaking the bank.

New Windows for America has just the answers you’re looking for. Below, you’ll find three great – and relatively inexpensive – ways you can improve your home’s curb appeal this spring almost instantly:


Replace the Windows


Although most homebuyers wouldn’t name the windows in a house as the first thing they notice, glass that is old, cracked, or dingy certainly makes a strong impression… and not a good one.

New windows, on the other hand, make a home seem brighter and more cheerful. Plus, installing energy-efficient windows can be a huge selling point, especially around the Front Range where temperatures can swing pretty strongly in both directions. Everyone likes to save money on utilities, especially new homebuyers.


Install a New Front Door

Is your front door inviting? Does it seem safe? Is it letting lots of hot or cold air outside and raising energy bills?

These are the kinds of questions people ask themselves when they see your home, and especially when it comes to deciding what a property is worth. And it’s important to note that the style and condition of your front door are going to factor heavily into the first impression someone gets when they visit your house. Front doors are visible from the street and tend to be the first part of a home someone actually interacts with.


Get New Siding Installed

Siding that’s worn, chipped, or aesthetically displeasing can scare buyers and visitors away before they ever even see the inside of your home. Strong curb appeal is really about first (and often instant) impressions, so it’s important that your home’s siding indicates that the property is well maintained and in good shape.

Any of these three improvements – or better yet, all of them together – could go a long way toward making a stronger first impression with your home. Best of all, the changes aren’t just cosmetic; replacing windows, doors, and siding is a great way to make your home safer, more energy-efficient, and valuable as a piece of real estate.

Why not stop by our showroom, call us at 303.920.0175, or fill out our FREE In-home Estimate Request to the right, and let New Windows for America show you how easy it is to improve your home’s curb appeal with better windows, doors, and siding?

7 Signs Your Home Needs New Siding

Often, homeowners will wait as long as possible before changing or replacing the siding on their houses. That’s understandable – getting new siding is affordable, but it still requires an investment, and most of us would prefer to save money when and where we can.

Replacement Siding Denver

Still, replacing your home’s siding isn’t something you want to delay for too long, since old, worn, or damaged siding can lead to other problems like mold, mildew, and higher utility bills all while making your house look dreary and poorly maintained.

It’s a good idea to look at your options well before you reach that point. With that in mind, here are seven signs your home probably needs new siding:

  1. Your siding is cracked and chipped. These are obvious signs that your home’s siding is deteriorating, and should never be ignored. Paint is your first layer of protection against pests and the elements, so pay attention if your siding seems to be in rough condition.
  2. You’ve repainted it five times already. In the same way, if you find that you’re constantly repainting the siding on your home, that’s probably a sign that the underlying material has been damaged and isn’t offering the protection it used to.
  3. You’re noticing more moisture in your home. The siding on your home keeps moisture out, which is critical for avoiding mold and mildew. If you start noticing these kinds of problems in your house, you should look for answers right away before your health, or the equity of your home, is affected.
  4. Your energy bills are higher than ever. Along with moisture, damaged siding will tend to let in hot and cold air. Along with the issues already mentioned, this can lead to dramatically higher utility bills in a short period of time.
  5. Your siding looks loose or faded. Sometimes, when siding is getting worn out, it will start to sag or lose its original color. Not only does this make your home an eyesore, but it could also be an obvious sign of bigger problems.
  6. You notice rotting under the siding or in your home. Occasionally, damaged siding will start to rot from underneath. That might be visible when you run your hands along the siding or from points inside your home.
  7. It’s time for a change. Your siding doesn’t necessarily have to be damaged to be replaced. If you just want to give your home a fresher look, changing your siding might be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make an instant improvement.

Want to learn more about siding, windows, and doors – and how you can use them to give your home a fresher look while making it safer and more energy-efficient at the same time?

Contact us today or stop by our showroom to speak with a member of our team.

Windows: Essential Parts of These Popular Projects

There are many options for windows, so there’s no need to think of Denver window installation as a project with inherent limits. Instead, it can result in a dramatically improved architectural appearance just as much as it can restore an original design. Here are some of the most common types of projects that involve windows:

Structural Restoration

This is most commonly needed when the old windows had wood frames. Wood rots, cracks, and is subject to being eaten by insects. Eventually, new window frames are needed because the old ones have failed. The new ones can be made of wood, but it’s more common for homeowners to switch to vinyl or metal in order to avoid further problems with rotting or insects.

Storm damage also results in the need for straightforward restorations. In these cases, new windows are typically parts of larger projects. Carpentry work, replacement siding, and windows may all be included. This can be a good time to go ahead and make upgrades, but often, insurance policies only cover restoring the house to its original design.

Architectural Upgrades

Homeowners can really get creative when they have budgeted for a full-on redesign of a part of the house. Now is the time to go for custom windows in unique shapes, put in a row of plate glass windows, or add a sliding window wall. The last two options will allow light to flood into the room and make it very cheery. Be sure to use insulated, double-glazed windows so that it doesn’t get hot as well!

Smaller upgrades are less costly and can be done much faster. Try adding a small custom-shaped window to an area that’s usually too dark. This works very well in high places where it’d be a hassle to use artificial lighting. Add unique windows over doors, too. Their high placement preserves home security while bringing visual distinctiveness to the house.

Upgrading Old Windows

Sometimes it’s not the looks of the window that need to change, but its functionality. Replace old single-glazed panes with double-glazed ones for a huge boost in efficiency. Add frosted windows to bathrooms and other private areas to bring in light without the possibility of prying eyes. Replace windows that don’t open with ones that do so that fresh air can be let into the house.

These are just some of the ideas that can be used to freshen up a house with windows.

Stop by and visit New Windows for America today, or contact us for more information!

Siding, Trim and Railing: 2019 Is All About Color!

By Brian Kirn – CertainTeed

As the industry’s color leader, we’re always listening to our customers’ feedback and evaluating what colors to add and to which products. In 2019, we’re excited to extend 16 colors to a variety of products in the CertainTeed lineup.

Siding to Get New Colors

Cedar Impressions

We’ve been blown away by the positive response to Cedar Impressions® Individual 5″ Sawmill Shingles‘ authentic cedar shingle appearance. After receiving a multitude of requests for solid colors to mimic the look of painted/dipped shingles, we’re proud to announce the launch of five solid colors to the Individual 5″ Sawmill Shingle panels and mitered corners: Colonial White, Natural Clay, Savannah Wicker, Seagrass and Sterling Gray.

Monogram

We’ll also be launching two new additional colors to the Monogram® line for the standard Double 4″ (D4) Clapboard, Double 5″ Clapboard and Double 5″ Dutchlap profiles, as well as to the extended length panels (16′, 20′ and 25′) in the D4 profile and to the Board & Batten Single 7″ family. These two new bold colors – Melrose, a saturated red apple color, and Brownstone, a bold, creamy chocolate color with hints of red – join the four colors added in 2018 (Espresso, Slate, Midnight Blue and Castle Stone). These new colors will also be introduced in a full line of complementary accessories that include: J-Channel, Undersill Trim, Outside Corner, Inside Corner, Bay Window Corner, T4 Universal Soffit and Trim Coil.

We have introduced a new solid color accessory for the Cedar Impressions Single 7″ Straight Edge Perfection Shingles that will very closely match the color Cedar Blend. The color will be available in the full line of Cedar Blend Solid accessories, which includes Outside Corner, Inside Corner, J-Channel, Undersill Trim, Cornice Mold and Bay Window Corner.

Click here to read the entire article

Top 10 Spring Things to Check

Spring Cleaning

Spring has sprung! The days are longer and the air is warmer. Time to put away the winter coats and break out the toolbox. Winter storms and temperatures can wreak havoc on a home and finding out where repairs may be necessary is vital. Some are cheap; others…not so much. In any case, it needs to be done. So get up off your duff, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to look at these Top 10 Spring Things to Check!

  1. Spring Cleaning. Your house has been shut up all winter; hermetically sealed against the cold winter storms. Now that spring is here, it’s time to open the windows and start dusting! Make a list of what need to go into storage and which rooms are in most dire need of cleaning.
  2. Change the Filter. This is a bi-annual job best done during the spring and fall. Clogged air filters in the furnace often cause the unit to work harder which means a higher energy bill.
  3. Air out the Attic. Leaks or condensation buildup in the attic are a great place for mold and mildew to start. By opening attic vents and letting a fan blow through, you dry out the stale, possible humid air and make it harder for spores to grow. This is also a fantastic time to look for those leaks and get them repaired.
  4. Test the top. While we’re on the subject on the roof, safely climb up and check for broken, worn, or buckled shingles. The summer heat will exacerbate any damage that’s already been done during the winter and increase the chances of a leak. While you’re up there, check the chimney as well.
  5. Gauge the Gutters. This one gets a whole section of its own since this can be a huge job. Yearly cleaning of the gutters will keep old detritus from compacting and composting; weighing down the bracers and creating sagging areas. It’s also another place to figure out how much graveling your shingles have lost.
  6. Scope the Sides. Since you started at the top, work your way down. Look for cracks and leaks around window frames and doorways. Are there breaks or damage to the siding? Maybe this is the year to slap a fresh coat of paint on.
  7. Brace the Bottom. The melting snow has a tendency to wash earth away from the foundation so you may need to replace it with new compacted soil to prevent basement leaks. Look at outdoor faucets as well for breaks or leaks in the wall around them.
  8. Look at the Lawn. Wander around your yard and find low spots where water may collect. It may be great for the grass in that area, but it also means that water is flowing away from other spots that won’t look as healthy later on in the season. De-winterize your lawn tools now as well. Change out old gas and clean the contacts so that you aren’t fighting to start the mower when the time does come to trim the grass.
  9. Check the Cooler. Whether you have forced air A/C or and evaporative cooler, this is the time to get them cleaned and cleared. Check the A/C condenser for any twigs or other fan blade damaging debris that might cause costly repairs. Open up the swamp cooler and clean the media to prevent that nasty musty smell the first few times you run it.
  10. Deck out the Deck. Let’s face it, with longer days, you’re going to be out here more and it needs to be nice. Look for damaged or warped boards that need to be replaced. Break out and hose off the patio furniture that has been buried at the back of the garage since late fall. Take the cover off of the grill and give the slats a scrape to clear off the dust that has collected.

Prepping for spring and summer isn’t really hard to do. It can be time consuming and may claim a few weekends. While inspecting your house, take a look at your windows, siding and doors. Do they need spring cleaning, or maybe even replacement? Contact New Windows for America for a FREE estimate! When you have completed this checklist, you will know that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer.

What You Need to Know About Colorado Home Siding Replacement

Replacement Home Siding Denver

Do you need new Colorado home siding replacement? If your house has been around for decades, you might. That’s because, even though siding lasts a long time, it will eventually wear down under the weather conditions you find in Denver and Boulder. When it does, replacing it should be one of your top priorities, since new siding doesn’t just make your home look great, but also makes it safer and more efficient.

To help you understand why – and because it’s important to choose the right replacement siding in Colorado – here are four things you should know:

  1. New home siding is beautiful. Perhaps the best reason to change the siding on your home is simply to give it a fresher look. Whether you’re trying to improve its “curb appeal” to buyers, or just add a new touch to the property, replacement siding can give your house a fresh appeal in a short period of time.
  2. Home siding is fire-resistant. Siding manufacturers have developed a number of ways to make their products more fire-resistant. Hopefully, that’s a feature you’ll never need, but if you do then it could help to save lives, or minimize the amount of damage that has been done to your most important investment.
  3. The right siding can lower your energy bills. As with doors and windows, replacing the siding on your home can help make your house more energy-efficient. That means fewer bills in the summer and the winter, along with more comfortable living spaces for your entire family. Your replacement siding may even pay for itself over time!
  4. Different materials (and styles) make Colorado home siding versatile. One of the greatest things about replacement siding for your Colorado home is that it can be adapted for virtually any look, color, or style. That means your home can be modern or traditional, urban or rustic; you can decide the style you want without sacrificing all the other great benefits that come with vinyl or steel siding.

When you need the very best in Colorado home siding, it’s time to call or visit New Windows for America. Not only do we have a great selection and competitive prices, but all of our products are backed by strong warranties and our commitment to customer satisfaction. Why not talk to us about new siding for your Denver or Boulder home today?

Call us today at (303) 920-0175 or click here to request a FREE estimate!

Fix the Money Leaks to Keep Out Summer Heat

All throughout winter, you worked hard to keep the warm air in and cold air out. Unfortunately, it difficult to make outdoor repairs in the middle of a snow storm. However, with spring making its way in and the ice melting away, it’s time to start finding and sealing the leaks in your house. These leaks can be difficult to locate if you don’t know what to look for and consultants are expensive, so here are a few quick tricks to check your home’s integrity.

  1. Windows – During the winter, you may have noticed that cold areas or condensation collected around one or more of your windows. This means that the window is probably leaking. Fortunately, finding out how much is a simple process. On one side of the window (inside or outside), use a hair dryer to direct air around the edges. On the other side, hold a piece of tinsel or a burning candle in the area that the hair dryer is blowing. If the candle flickers or the tinsel moves, you’ve found a leak which may be repaired with a sealer or weather stripping, but will ultimately require replacement.
    On the other hand, if you’ve performed the above leak test and found no weak spots, but the window was still cold in the chilly months, it may be time to replace the window with something more energy efficient. The rubber and sealers that manufacturers used in the past have a tendency to break down over time; allowing heat exchange between glass in double paned windows or miniscule leaks in single panes. Either way, it’s time for new ones.
  2. Doors – The hair dryer/candle test can be used for doorways as well. Just as with windows, look for air movement to indicate leaks. Unlike windows, however, weather stripping provides a shorter term fix due to the swinging nature of doors. Additionally, the foam insulation in aluminum doors will deteriorate in less than 10 years and the metal will transmit unwanted outdoor heat inside. This is harder to check except in extreme temperature conditions. The simplest fix is replacement with solid wooden doors.
  3. Siding – This can be the most difficult section to check since there are very few places that will show air leaks. The good news is that many companies sell FLIR attachments that will connect to your iPhone or Android and allow you to detect thermal changes in the sides of your house. Once you have found a leak, your local DIY store should have more than a few sealing options for you.
  4. Roofing – If you have access to your attic, then you have three excellent options for finding heat leaks. The first method uses nothing more than your eyes. Search for water stains or mildew patches where condensation or water leaks have developed. If you find none of these, go to your thermostat and turn the fan to “On”. With all of your outside windows and doors closed, this will create positive pressure and it’s time to break out the candle again. Search the edges of the attic: the floor, the apex, and seams between roofing boards. If none of these have revealed any problems, safely ascend to the rooftop and use your FLIR attachment to look for changes in temperature that might indicate a small, unnoticed leak. A tube of roofing tar is fine for one or two small spots, but large scale leaks will need a professional roofer.

Blocking out hot summer temperatures is just as important as sealing away cold winter air. By finding leaks, you will stay comfortable and happy during the extreme months. Most importantly, the energy savings will more than balance out the cost of repairs. Keep your house (and your checkbook) protected.

Click here for an in-home Estimate! We are offering a FREE Dinner with an In-Home Appointment (decision makers must be present)