Learn The Basics Of Roofing
Posted May 21st, 2010 by Ron and filed in Roofing
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By Ron Jumper
The best advice is always simple, such as “if you don’t know, just ask” and today we are going to cover some roofing topics that come up from time to time. At Erie Construction Mid West, we want to make our customers comfortable and confident in their home improvement decisions.
Q: I hate the color of my shingles, can I paint them?
A: Yes, you can but it’s not advisable. Shingles lose their granules over time. What you can easily wind up with is a splotchy looking roof. Keep them painted every few years, though and you’ll be okay. Another thing, shingles are made so that there are variations in coloring. With a painted roof, there will be no variations. It will be all one color.
Q: The roofer didn’t remove the little plastic strip from the back of my shingles. Should this have been removed?
A: No, it does not need to be removed. That particular brand of shingle is designed so that the sealant seals right through the strip. The strip is there to help keep the shingles from sticking together before the’re installed.
Q: My shingles got beat up in the last hail storm we had and I’m tired of replacing them. What type of roof should I use?
A: If the hail is big enough, then it won’t matter what you use, the material will still get destroyed. There are some shingles that can take quite a hit and remain in good shape.
Q: I did some repairs to my roof and noticed there is no roofing felt under them. Is this the correct way to install shingles?
A: No, it is not. Unless it’s an overlay (recover), there should be felt underlayment separating the roofing materials and the deck. Many home builders install roofs this way so that they can save money. It is frowned upon by the National Roofing Contractor’s Association, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Assocation, and any roofer with integrity. Erie Construction Mid West does not condone thess type of installation practices.
Underlayment provides a vapor barrier between the roof deck and the shingles, is a secondary waterproofing element of the roof, and prevents the wood deck from leaching oils from the asphalt shingles.
I hope this has been helpful. At Erie Construction Mid West, we take an honest approach to making sure we satisfy our customers.
Vinyl Siding Receiving Help From Congress
Posted May 11th, 2010 by Ron and filed in Vinyl Siding
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At Erie Construction Mid West, we want to make sure consumers are informed and have nothing to complain about when it comes being knowledgeable of the different products and services we offer. Recently, a house bill approved last week to provide incentives for homeowners to install better insulation includes an amendment co-sponsored by Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy that she said would boost the vinyl-siding industry in Ohio.
The Kilroy amendment would offer rebates to homeowners who install insulated vinyl siding as part of a plan to reduce their energy use. According to the Columbus Democrat, four of the nine vinyl-siding plants in the country are in Ohio. Erie Construction Mid West has plenty of loyal customers in Ohio, so we want to make sure they are well-informed on any new changes being made that they could benefit from. No complaints there, right?
The $6.6 billion “Cash for Caulkers” measure, which passed the House by a vote of 246-161, would provide as many as 3 million homeowners with rebates to finance better insulation and energy-saving doors and windows. Erie Construction Mid West can work out a perfect payment plan for you.
Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, who co-sponsored the Kilroy amendment, then joined most Republicans in opposing the bill, contending that it was not paid for. Breann Gonzalez, a Tiberi spokeswoman, said that “at a time when 43 cents on every dollar that the U.S. spends is borrowed, do taxpayers really want to pick up another $6.6 billion tab?”
While we all could complain about paying more taxes, judge for yourself whether this new bill can benefit you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for more information.
Energy Conservation
Posted April 30th, 2010 by Ron and filed in Energy Conservation
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Erie Construction Mid West wants to help you save money in all aspects of home improvement. If you buy new insulation, roofing, or windows, you can become eligible for a tax break from Uncle Sam. Our company will take all the appropriate measures to make sure you qualify. The rising of energy bills has caused some people to try to find ways to conserve energy. Let us help you save money on your energy bill!
Back in 2005, the Energy Star reported that the Energy Policy Act of 2005 established tax credits for being energy efficient. The bill was signed by President Bush on August 8, 2005. Home builders may earn a $2,000 tax credit for a new home that saves 50% of heating and cooling energy over the 2004 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) and supplements. At least 1/5 of that savings must be the result of building envelope improvements. A credit of $1,000 is available for a 30% savings under the terms listed above, with 1/3 coming from building envelope improvements. The homes must be built or produced between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2007 in order to be qualified for the tax break.
This applies to homeowners as well, visit www.energystar.gov for complete details on the tax credit you can receive. These projects must be completed during the same two-year period as the home builders above. Credits for homeowners cannot exceed $500 during the two year period. This really becomes a win-win situation for the homeowner, you not only save on your energy bill but you save money on your taxes as well! How can you not like that? We, hear at Erie Construction Mid West, are striving to give our viewers every possible resource in saving money on their home.
You may wonder how you can conserve energy and lower your monthly bill, well don’t be in the dark any longer. We have all the resources necessary to make your house the most energy efficient house on the block! With the help of Doug Rye (www.dougrye.com ) and our excellent staff here at the Erie Construction Mid West, we will make sure you know everything you need to know to conserve energy and save money.
EPA Lead Certification
Posted April 23rd, 2010 by Ron and filed in Environment
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Listen up home owners, you should be aware of a new law that just took effect Thursday, April 22. Contractors must have gone through a special lead certification program. Erie Construction Mid West has completed the necessary training, but maybe the competition hasn’t. Why take that chance?
If you plan to remodel a home built before 1978, you’ll need to check with your contractor to see if they are certified to work around lead based paint. The new law is designed to keep families, and workers, safe.
As of last Thursday, the EPA requires all contractors who work in homes where lead is present, to be certified in proper lead safety techniques.
Anyone who disturbs greater than six square feet internally, anyone who disturbs greater than 20 feet externally, must be certified and is subject to a large fine otherwise. That includes painting contractors, electricians, plumbers, heating and ventilation contractors, and even landlords. Again, Erie Construction Mid West is EPA Lead Certified to handle any and all of your home improvement needs.
If you want to do a home remodeling project and your home was built before 1978, one of the best things to do is contact your local county health department and ask them to do a lead risk assessment. If lead is found, contact Erie Construction Mid West and we will help fix the problem. Otherwise, your next remodeling project may put your family at risk for lead poisoning. That is a risk that no family should take.
Homeowners should ask contractors to see certification that they are properly trained in lead-safe practices. They are supposed to have the documents with them. If you have questions about lead practices, feel free to contact us to learn more about the entire process so you can rest easy knowing you are in good hands.
Vinyl Siding
Posted April 14th, 2010 by Ron and filed in Vinyl Siding
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Erie Construction Mid West knows that, as a homeowner, the exterior wall material you choose has a major effect on the appearance of your home. How would you like to have the look of freshly painted lumber on the side of your home – for a fraction of the cost of real lumber – with a look that will last a lifetime with little or no maintenance? Believe it or not, you have just chosen vinyl siding!
Erie Construction Mid West’s Vinyl siding is the choice of many homeowners across the country, not only because of low maintenance but also the added insulation it provides, especially on older homes that lack adequate insulation. Most siding contractors install foam insulation under the siding or use siding that already has the insulating foam fused to it. This can result in an R-value 450% greater than conventional insulation, and an energy savings of up to 30%.
Vinyl siding will simply not rot, tarnish, bleach, crack or peel. Even if you have a brick home, you probably have some elements of wood that require repainting every few years. Replace those wood elements with vinyl siding, and throw your paintbrush away!
Low maintenance, true beauty, substantial energy savings – vinyl siding has it all. Contact Erie Construction Mid West today for the name of a reliable and proven siding contractor in your area. We believe in this product, and you will too!
Energy Saving Windows
Posted April 7th, 2010 by Ron and filed in Windows
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Replacing old leaky windows with modern tight ones can cut your energy costs in half, and Erie Construction Midwest wants to make sure consumers are made aware. This is a pretty strong statement and much of it depends on the climate where you live, the condition of your present windows, whether you have adequate insulation, and numerous other factors. The decision to replace your windows cannot be made quickly. Cost and the pay-back period – how long it takes the energy savings to pay for the windows – generally is the first consideration. But the decision is seldom made on purely economic grounds. New windows improve your home’s aesthetics and increase its value. However, the number one reason for getting new windows today it seems is Energy Savings.
If you are serious about replacing your windows, compare your windows with new windows for an idea of the difference new ones can make or whether you should merely refinish and add weather-stripping to the old windows. Either way, Erie Construction Midwest is here to help.
The first choice you make probably will be the window style. The three most popular are Double-Hung, Casement, and Slider. Sliding windows are a horizontal variation of double-hung. Most companies also offer Bay and Bow windows, which are custom made to fit the opening in your home.
Some windows that look the same can be vastly different in how they perform. Several manufacturers’ associations and independent testing labs have uniform testing and rating criteria to measure the quality and energy performance of windows. The one I like is the Energy Star Seal, which means the windows have exceeded government standards in energy efficiency.
Erie Construction Midwest expects a 30% fuel savings if you install all new windows. For example – if you spend $200 a month on gas and electric, that’s $2400 annually, but consider energy costs going up at least 13% a year over the next 10 years, you would have spent $48,730…If the windows save you 25% each month, based on those figures you would have saved $12,182 more than new windows would cost for the average home today. Adding replacement windows in our opinion is the best investment you can make in your home with today’s energy crisis.
Not only are our vinyl replacement windows energy efficient, they are also beautiful and quite easy to maintain. Since they are made of vinyl, they will never need painting. And no more climbing the ladder to clean hard to reach windows, Erie Construction Midwest can promise that. These new windows tilt in for ease of maintenance, and they are designed to block harmful UV rays that can fade your carpet and furniture.
The advances in window technology during the past few years have been astounding. Windows no longer just let in light and allow you to see the outside world. New vinyl replacement windows can also protect your home and prevent the loss of heat during the winter and cool air during the summer.
There is no better, easier and more affordable way to add value to your home than vinyl replacement windows. They are beautiful, energy efficient and require very little maintenance. What more could you ask for?
Contact Erie Construction Midwest today, and we will put you in touch with a proven and reliable manufacturer and installer in your area. It’s time to see what new vinyl replacement windows can do for your home.
Are You Sure That’s A Safe Roof Over Your Head?
Posted February 2nd, 2010 by Ron and filed in Roofing
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You don’t have to watch HBO’s hit show The Sopranos to know that construction workers and contractors can pull a fast one on you if you’re not careful. It is very important to know what roofing contractor to hire, what warranty is right for you, and how to take care of your roof once you have it. Be able to know when something isn’t right, whether it is during the process of redoing the roof or when it gets older and certain areas begin falling apart. Erie Construction Midwest is here to make sure these things never happen to you!
The first step in the process is to know what you’re looking for. Homeowners, typically, select the style and color they want for their roof, but leave the specific brand choice up to the contractor. It is very important to understand weight, warranty, and cost are not effective measures of the quality or reliability of roofing products. There are three things to consider, besides color and style, that will help you make the right choice. First, know the materials’ resistance to the elements- weathering, hail, impact, wind, or fire. Second, understand the warranty of all the manufacturer’s products. Third, be careful and choose the right contractor for you. Costs will vary depending on the material used and the complexity of the roof shape. Not only will the materials be priced differently, but the labor costs to install different materials can vary drastically. With Eric Construction Midwest, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.
When your Erie Construction contractor says, “Your house is about 7 squares and has a really tough pitch” we want you to know what is going on. Roofing is measured in squares. A square represents 100 square feet of area- generally a 10×10 area. Typically, the steeper the “pitch” or angle of your roof, the greater the repair or replacement cost because of the extra safety considerations and labor time involved.
Erie Construction Midwest knows there are many factors that go into how long the lifespan of your roof will be. The location of your home makes a critical difference in the longevity of the materials being used. For example, shade from trees or wet, humid weather can create moss problems for some roofs, while those in drier climates may suffer more wear from hail or excessive heat. Fire-prone areas may be more dangerous for homes with wood roofs, while windy conditions put constant stress on any roof. There are ways to test the resistance of your roof. Make sure your roof is adequate in impact resistance, wind resistance, and fire resistance.
A very important part of the process is choosing the right warranty for you. You should always read the fine print very carefully and save the wrapper from one of the shingles so that you can verify what product was used. Some examples of warranties are:
Pro-rated: The manufacturer pays claims based on the age of the roof. The older your roof, the less the manufacturer will pay to replace an older roof with a newer one.
First Owner: Some warranties apply only to the first owner of a roof. If you plan to sell your home soon, the new owner will not be allowed to continue the warranty.
Warranty Fee For Flat Roofs: Obtaining a warranty from the manufacturer of a system for flat roofs may be cost-prohibitive. However, a local contractor may provide a two-year warranty.
Wind: Applies specifically to damage caused by wind.
Hail: Applies specifically to damage caused by hail. Hail warranties are not common.
Materials And Defects: The manufacturer’s warranty is typically limited to product defects that result from the manufacturing process. If your roofing contractor, for example, incorrectly installs the roof and a leak develops, the manufacturer would not be responsible for repairs. However, the workmanship defects may be covered by a warranty given to the homeowner by the installer.
Workmanship: Manufacturers do not allow contractors to alter printed product warranties. The contractor may provide a workmanship warranty. The terms of this warranty would be written in the contract between the installer and the homeowner. This warranty period varies depending on the terms of the contract.
Besides being able to understand what products are being used and what warranty is needed, there are several other reasons to consider when choosing the right contractor. You should always look for an established, licensed or bonded roofer and request references. It is really important to request to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage is carried. When you receive a written estimate, make sure it goes into details beyond price and time. You should know exactly what is going on. Always BE SKEPTICAL! Never feel like you shouldn’t ask questions. Eric Construction welcomes any and all questions, there is nothing to hide.
When your roof is finished, you should try to maintain it so you get as much out of your roof as possible. Don’t walk on the roof anymore than is necessary, obviously there are times when repairs are needed. Be sure to keep your trees trimmed at the right length so they don’t rub against the house or provide an incorrect amount of shade. Always keep your roof, valleys, gutters, and downspouts free from buildup of leaves, twigs, and other litter preventing proper drainage. During the maintenance process, be sure to check for any signs that your roof is damaged. Notice if any shingles are missing, notice if any puddles have built up, and notice any damage around vents or chimneys.
The process can be a breeze if you follow the right steps. The Home Improvement Net wants to make sure you have a trouble-free operation. With our knowledge, the joke can be on the contractor and not on you! There is an old business saying that goes like this, “If you are making a deal and you can’t find the fool in the deal, then the fool is you so get out of there.” Erie Construction doesn’t want the fool to be you.
Roofing
Posted February 2nd, 2010 by Kimberly Johnson and filed in Roofing
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Erie Construction Mid-West knows that for most people, the home is their largest single investment, and the roof of the home is a large part of that investment. The roof not only protects the home, it contributes to the overall look of the house it protects. That’s why when it comes time to repair or replace the roof, Erie Construction advises homeowners to consider three things.
First, the materials that are used – Erie Construction Mid-West knows that different areas of the country require different materials. For example, homeowners in fire-prone areas should avoid wood shake materials. Homeowners in dry climates may suffer wear from hail or excessive heat, and windy conditions put constant stress on any roof. The Erie Metal Roof from Erie Construction is available in styles resembling authentic shake, and defends your home against fire. Erie Metal Roofing also resists hail, heat, and wind conditions to protect your home from the elements.
Second, the warranty is very important. There are many types of warranties, and warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The installer should also provide a warranty that guarantees workmanship. The homeowner should examine these warranties carefully. Erie Construction knows its products will stand the test of time. Its warranty policy reflects the confidence the company has in what it makes and sells. All products carry our 50 year limited warranty. Further, if you sell your house, most warranties are transferable to the new owners.
Third, and probably most critical, is the choice of the right roofing contractor. For over 30 years, Erie Construction Mid-West Inc. has manufactured, supplied and installed quality home-remodeling products. Our 50 year limited warranties and convenient financing ensure that our customers are receiving the best value for investment.
If you are looking to Erie Construction for a new roof, we are here to help.
So, if a new roof is in your future, contact Erie Metal Roofing today to find a location near you!
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