Andersen vs Harvey Windows

Buying new or replacement windows can be a huge and often frightening proposition.  There are so many choices out there, and the average homeowner may be afraid of making a mistake that they will have to live with for years afterward. But the decision does not have to be a frightening one. In the harsh Northeast, where the summers are just as brutal on windows as the winters. Here we’ll discuss 2 options that the homeowner can choose.

 VS

Those options are Andersen 400 Windows and Harvey Majesty Windows. None of this is to say that there are not Andersendifferences between the products of the two companies or that the product from one company might not be slightly more suitable to a particular situation.  So let us look at a few specifics.

An internal comparison survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, roofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products. The ratings provided are opinion based and not the result of lab testing or product specification examination.This article is intended merely to provide information to New England homeowners.

Warranty

A warranty tells a homeowner how strongly a manufacturer believes in its own product.  The longer a warranty, the more faith a manufacturer has in its product.  Obviously no manufacturer wants a homeowner to collect on a warranty, so manufacturers go to great lengths to make certain their product exceeds the terms of the warranty.  This is great for the homeowner. The warranties of the Andersen 400 Windows and the Harvey Majesty Windows are very comparable. The Andersen windows are double-insulated with a 20-year warranty on the glass and a 10-year warranty on all other parts.  The Harvey product is also double-insulated with the exact same 20-year warranty on glass and 10 years on all other parts.

Warranties for both companies are transferable to a new owner should a homeowner sell before the warranty period is up”a terrific plus for a buyer, and one that could well aid in the sale of a home.

Andersen Windows allows customers to choose from a number of different types of glass, including Low-E4 tempered glass, which reduces water spots on the glass by up to 99%, or Low-E4 Smartsun tempered glass, which filters out up to 95% of all harmful UV rays.  All Low-E4 glass helps reduce energy consumption in a home. Andersen’s option of Low-E4 Glass may be a deciding factor for some purchasers.

Primary FeaturesHarveyWindows

The Harvey Majesty product comes in a wide choice of shapes: ellipsis, trapezoid, round top and more.  If the homeowner requires specialized shapes for windows or glass, Harvey windows might be a good place to start.  Both the upper and lower sash tilts in for easy cleaning, and the tilting mechanism never needs adjusting.  Harvey Windows are available in both pine and oak frames for easy staining or painting.

The Andersen window also tilts in for easy cleaning and the frames are customizable for non-standard window sizes, ideal for replacements in an historical home.  Anderson also offers a virtually invisible screen to keep insects out in the summer.  The Andersen line offers a rich wood interior that can be stained or painted to match the owner’s d(C)cor, and all Andersen products feature a low-maintenance exterior frame.  Andersen windows are also cleverly designed for fast installation with almost no disruption to any existing frame or siding.

Installation

For maximum warranty protection it is advisable that window experts such as United Home Experts are consulted and employed for any home remodel of this importance.  Allowing outside experts to help in choosing the right windows for a particular situation, as well as doing the actual installation, makes good business sense and may help insure the overall value of a home.

0 Comments/by

How to Fix Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding (or cladding) is a particularly popular option with homeowners because of its strong structural fibercement-blogphoto33-resized-600integrity and resistance to the common pitfalls of other types of siding such as weather and insect damage. However, no siding is perfect, and even fiber cement cladding is bound to start breaking down after years of wear and tear from the elements regardless of the quality of the original installation job. If this happens, the specialists at United Home Experts can fix the damage by either repairing or replacing portions of the siding.

Here we will give you the low-cost solution to repair the damages, but we caution you because the integrity of the siding is now compromised. The siding has been cracked and there is now a potential for moisture to build up and cost serious issues within the siding.

We highly suggest contacting us to provide an estimate or if you have a warranty with us, give us a call. You can contact the office of United Home Experts at 508-881-8555.

If the fiber cement cladding on a home has endured the kind of damage that has left glaring holes and cracks, then it cannot be saved, and it will be necessary to replace it. However, there are instances in which the cladding can be repaired. If damage is limited to a few cracks and holes in somewhat hidden places on the outside of the house, it is possible to fix the siding without replacing it entirely. United Home Experts has both experience and expertise when it comes to executing either plan.

The first step involved in fixing fiber cement is to clean the siding. Mold, mildew and stains can be tough to remove, so the best way to attack them is to use a light wire brush dipped in water mixed with bleach and dishwashing detergent. Then, contractors often use a power washer with a liquid of trisodium phosphate mixed with water to spray over the affected areas followed by a thorough water rinse.

After the power washing and rinsing stage is complete, contractors will then use a caulk gun to replace any eroded caulking material around windows, trim or doorframes. Once all affected areas have been redone, they will move on to fill in the cracks and holes in the siding with a special patching material designed specifically for this purpose. After small holes and cracks are filled in and everything has dried, contractors move on to painting if necessary. Experts are careful to use 100% acrylic paint and apply it with paint rollers.

Whether homeowners need contractors to install fiber cement siding, replace it or repair it, they can count on the specialists at United Home Experts for all of their siding needs. Years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers throughout Massachusetts and beyond testify to the company’s dedication to high quality work and customer service.

0 Comments/by

Pella vs. Andersen Windows

An internal comparison paint survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, roofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products. The ratings provided are opinion based and not the result of lab testing or product specification examination.

 VS

 Homeowners in New England know that the weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters are typical in this region, which is why having the most efficient, high-quality windows installed in the home is crucial. This article will compare and contrast the window products offered by two top names in the industry: Pella, and Andersen. They are two companies that end up measuring up quite even.

Both companies have been succeeding in the window industry for over 80 years, which contributes to their good reputations. When it comes to warranty, both manufacturers deliver, with similar warranties of around 20 years for glass and 10 years for non-glass parts. As for style, this is perhaps the biggest area of variation. While both manufacturers offer homeowners a wide variety of styles of windows, such as bay, single or double-hung, casement, sliding, awning, and specialty or custom, Andersen claims to offer the most options in the business. For example, the company produces a picture window, which Pella does not seem to have. However, Pella offers a specialty feature of its own with its Rolscreen window screen, which is actually the company’s claim to fame. The technology behind this screen enables homeowners to simply roll it away when it is not needed. Overall, the companies offer a wide array of similar styles with just a few slight differences. This also holds true for the types of frames that both companies offer, namely wood, vinyl and composite.

Homeowners can also expect high energy efficiency in their Pella or Andersen windows. Both companies makePellaWindows-resized-600 use of low-E or low emissivity coating. This microscopic metal coating lies in the glass of windows, acting as a self-reflector of heat in the winter, and keeping heat out during the hotter months. Pella windows for the region have this feature, along with “Pella innovation” in the form of the best possible combinations of glass, thermal breaks and shades to achieve maximum results. Andersen offers Low-E4, Low-E4 SmartSun and Low-E4 Sun glass, which are custom-made to work best in different climates.

Pella and Andersen have both become trusted and respected leaders in the window industry for good reason. They offer high-quality products of a huge variety that are overall very comparable in all the areas that matter.

0 Comments/by

Certainteed vs Atlas Shingles

certainteedlogo150dpik-resized-600 (1)VSAtlas

Re-roofing a home is a huge project and one which should not be started without a great deal of planning.  One consideration is the type and quality of shingle that will be applied.  Two of the top companies in this part of the country, companies that understand the needs of homeowners here in the harsh climate of the Northeast, are Certainteed Asphalt and Atlas roofing products.

Quality

Let’s start with the assumption that both companies manufacture a quality product.  However, there are certain important differences that may set one company above the other.

Atlas offers only one asphalt 3-tab shingle.  It is called the Glassmaster.  The Atlas asphalt shingle has a 25-year warranty.  By way of comparison, Certainteed asphalt has four different 3-tab asphalt and fiberglass shingles for the homeowner to choose from.  One of Certainteed’s shingles has a comparable 25-year guarantee, with two CertainTeed shingles guaranteed for 30 years.  From the perspective of choice, CertainTeed has Atlas beat, hands down.

A second measure of quality is how well a roof holds up in windy conditions.  That is important here in the Northeast, as high winds occur with surprising frequency.  The Atlas Glassmaster is rated for winds of 60 miles per hour.   Two of the Certainteed options available to homeowners are rated at 60 miles per hour, but Certainteed offers two additional styles of shingles rated at 70 miles per hour  –  something Atlas does not offer.

Color & Design Choicesshingle-siding

CertainTeed is known throughout the industry for its blend of colors in virtually all of its lines of shingles.  Many contractors claim there is no color, no trim, no siding that the color blends available in the Certainteed lines cannot match or compliment.  This compares to nine colors available in Atlas’ Glassmaster series.  Once again, when it comes to color selection, the clear winner  –  by far  –  is Certainteed.

Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems may not seem like a sexy topic, but for a homeowner applying a new roof ventilation systems are vitally important.  Ventilation systems determine to a large degree how long a particular roof will last and how long the underlying structure will hold up.  Moisture is the bane of all homeowners.  Too much moisture trapped under the roof of a home potentially equals huge trouble, either today or tomorrow.

Certainteed’s impact resistant ridge caps, which cover the vents cut at the peak of a roof to allow hot air to escape the attic, are of such quality that insurance companies often request that Certainteed’s impact resistant ridge caps be used in order to fully guarantee a roof.

Professional Installation or DIY?001-resized-600

Many homeowners feel they can save a few bucks by roofing their own home  –  and in the short run, they might.  But what many homeowners fail to take into consideration is the cost and difficulty of tearing off and getting rid of an existing roof, plus the time and effort required for roofing a home.  The experts at a place such as United Home Experts can not only offer a wealth of information as far as planning a roofing project, they can also do all of the work, clean up the entire area and  –  most importantly of all  –  they provide a guarantee, something a do-it-yourselfer cannot always obtain.  With a guarantee, a homeowner purchases peace of mind, something that no dollar value can be applied to.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, both Certainteed and Atlas both make superior roofing products.  But in comparison, it is clear that the products manufactured at Certainteed are superior in all important areas.  Your home’s roof is one of its most important features  –  it is not something on which to cut corners and accept second best.

This internal roofing survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, roofing, window, and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Opinions were retrieved from our staff based on our individual experience using or examining the products. The ratings provided are opinion based and not the result of lab testing or product specification examination.

0 Comments/by

Fiber Cement Siding Issues: Paint Peeling

fibercementweatherboards-resized-600

The siding industry for houses is an ever-expanding one thanks to a growing number of manufacturers developing new materials for the job. While vinyl siding remains the most popular option for its cost-efficiency, durability, and versatility, more homeowners are now turning to fiber cement siding for their siding needs. This material, also called cladding, is made up of a mixture of vinyl-based siding material with cement and wood particles.

Important Qualities of Fiber Cement Cladding

The appeal of fiber cement cladding lies in its exceptional structural integrity due to the material’s high cement content. It has a reputation for performing well in all types of weather and for resisting common siding problems such as insects, weather, and rot. However, fiber cement cladding can be susceptible to problems such as rot and mold, which occur when moisture enters exposed areas of cladding. This can lead to the siding swelling and crumbling, which ultimately leads to paint peeling. Peeling paint remains one of the most common and visibly unappealing problems that can arise when it comes to fiber siding cladding.

Peeling Paint and Fiber Cement CladdingFiberCement-BlogPhoto03

Peeling paint is a result of improper installation of fiber cement cladding. Installing fiber cement cladding is known to be tricky to install, which has led manufacturers of the material to produce longer and longer manuals detailing how to do it properly. While it is helpful for installers to have so much information — sometimes over 150 pages worth — at hand, it also leaves more room for error, as it becomes more difficult for installers to comply with so many standards. If contractors fail to install the fiber cement cladding in compliance with the manufacturer’s standards, homeowners lose their warranties, leaving them with high repair costs.

When the paint of fiber cement cladding peels, it often occurs in areas where moisture can collect or splash back, such as under windows and near roofs. This can cause paint to peel prematurely. Fiber cement cladding is not colored, so when the paint on it peels off, it leaves unsightly gray spots that can stand out, especially in contrast to a bright or dark paint color.

Avoiding Potentially Steep Maintenance Costs

With so much room for error when it comes to fiber cement cladding, homeowners need contractors they can trust. United Home Experts has been offering homeowners in Massachusetts and beyond professional and reliable service necessary for the toughest construction jobs, including installing fiber cement siding. Years of experience and a commitment to high quality service make United Home Experts a solid option for homeowners..

0 Comments/by

Simonton Windows vs Harvey Windows

An internal comparison survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, roofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products. The ratings provided are opinion based and not the result of lab testing or product specification examination.

VS

 

When it comes to window replacement, there seems to be a great debate as to which is the best brand between Simonton and Harvey. The manufacturers of both brands offer their window product line to homeowners and contractors within the New England region.

In addition, both have received high praises from experts and customers who have successfully installed windows from both companies. Despite the positive feedback on both of these providers, based on our personal opinion in working with products and personnel from each manufacturer, only one deserves to be called the best window replacement brand which can truly offer ultimate quality, price, and customer satisfaction: Simonton Windows.

Many homeowners living in New England, especially those Energy Starlocated in the eastern area, prefer vinyl windows over aluminum and wood because of vinyl’s energy efficient nature. Installing fixtures that are energy-efficient can help homeowners save on costly energy bills. And when it comes to “going green,” Simonton’s products are an excellent choice, with product lines awarded with the ENERGY STAR seal. Their added features such as double-tower glazing, Intercept, Supercept, and Superspacer, all of which offer optimum condensation resistance, make Simonton an even more energy-saving choice than Harvey’s ENERGY STAR products.

Simonton knows that homeowners have different tastes and a wide variety of specific needs when it comes to their homes. With this in mind, purchasing from a company that offers a wide variety of windows in different shapes and sizes is ideal. Simonton offers a plethora of window styles for both new and replacement construction projects.  On the Generations line, featured by United Home Experts, Simonton offers several interior wood grain finishes that closely mimic real wood. They also offer a variety of exterior finish colors, and polished metal sash locks.  See this page for more. When contrasted with the smaller selection of window collections from Harvey Windows, Simonton is clearly a better choice for a wide variety of homeowner tastes.

The last factor that consumers consider when choosing windows between Harvey and Simonton is durability and ease of use in the long haul. Considering that the company has almost 70 years of experience in building windows, it is clear that Simonton has successfully perfected windows craftsmanship. Simonton’s aesthetically pleasing, innovative design has a legacy of lasting and timeless elegance. Simonton has also won J.D. Powers & Associates award 3 times!

For 70 years, homeowners have turned to Simonton for the best in beautiful, durable and high-quality windows. When it comes to the utmost in energy-efficiency, value, design, and durability, the product offerings from Simonton Windows are undoubtedly the better choice for home window replacement needs!

LivingRoom

0 Comments/by

Integrity from Marvin Windows vs Harvey Windows

This article will take a look into two different products, Marvin Integrity and Harvey windows. Integrity windows integrity_logo_205_90feature a selection of fiberglass windows with fiberglass frames, while Harvey Industries windows offer insulating windows in wood or vinyl.

Window Types

Harvey Industries offers 5 different types of windows, including vinyl, wood, impact, acoustic, and storm. The impact windows were designed to hold up against rigorous coastal conditions such as wind, rain, and other debris. Acoustic windows were created to reduce traffic noise and are thus suitable for those living in the city or near a highway. The acoustic windows help to filter out the sound from aircraft, trains, and cars, as well as provide heating and cooling cost savings.

Customers also have the option to choose between some added options screens on their windows, which provide 50% more visibility than standard fiberglass screens as well as improved airflow into the home.wood-ultrex-image2

Integrity offers 7 different types of window frame styles, all illustrated clearly on the company’s website. These types include polygon windows, round windows, single windows, double windows, casement and awning windows, glider windows, and bay windows. This large selection guarantees that customers will be able to find the right fit for them.

Integrity window frames are made up of Ultrex fiberglass. Ultrex fiberglass is the key element used in making Integrity windows. Ultrex is 8x stronger than vinyl, it’s durable, weather resistant, and beautiful.  Integrity windows are available in either “All-Ultrex” meaning fiberglass inside and out, or “Wood-Ultrex” meaning fiberglass on the outside with hand crafted wood on the inside.  This series combines the strength of a fiberglass material with the traditional look of a handcrafted wood frame. The strength of fiberglass means the window frames can be thinner giving the homeowner more glass space and visibility in each window opening.

Homeowners will find that there is a large selection from both companies, which gives them the flexibility to explore all their options and find the perfect windows for their home.

Resources

Harvey Industries maintains a website that is relatively easy to navigate. However, many of the options have to be individually searched for, and the windows types are not distinctly separated on the website. In addition, the website provides comprehensive information on the manufacturer’s warranties on paint and other components.

Integrity offers a full resource library with each of its products, detailing specific measures and other important information. These details are all on PDF files that can be downloaded at any time from the Integrity website.

Buyers can make use of both company’s resources before making a decision. Both companies have a comprehensive online presence, allowing for homeowners to make a selection that they are comfortable with and are informed about.

In summary, one might choose Harvey windows specifically for noise reduction or resistance to damage from coastal weather, but in our experience Integrity windows are superior in beauty, strength, and sleekness (glass space).

0 Comments/by

Problems with Fiber Cement Siding

FiberCement-BlogPhoto34

Homeowners have a myriad of options for the siding they install on their homes. There are currently many alternatives to traditional vinyl siding on the market today; many companies in the siding industry now create new and innovative kinds of siding in an effort to find the right formula to keep out the elements and still maintain a clean appearance. More companies are now manufacturing fiber cement siding, a material that falls into a category of siding called cladded siding. Cladding is silica-based siding material mixed with other materials such as cement and wood particles.

What is fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement cladding is now becoming more popular with homeowners. One of the advantages of fiber cement is its strong structural integrity. This type of siding does a great job of protecting houses from the elements because it is partly made up of cement, a solid and structurally sound material. However, there are still problems with fiber cement siding that can occur. Homeowners can end up dealing with rotting fiber cement among other problems due to improper installation. For this reason, homeowners should do their research to end up working with high quality materials and an experienced contractor.

What problems can a homeowner expect with fiber cement cladding?FiberCement-BlogPhoto21-resized-600

Fiber cement siding is known to be difficult to install properly. Warranties from the material manufacturer are only valid if installation is done exactly in accordance with its installation specifications. This means that if an inexperienced or untrained contractor incorrectly installs siding, the homeowner will end up needing to pay the high cost of repairs.

The number one problem associated with fiber cement siding involves moisture seeping into cracks and being absorbed by the wood particles in the fiber cement material, which can cause substantial damage. If contractors fail to install water barriers between the plywood and siding, moisture can get between the siding and plywood, which can then cause the plywood to rot and mold. It can also cause paint to peel and crumble, which leaves unsightly gray spots.

Should a homeowner seek professionals for installation of this siding type?

Professionalism and expertise are crucial factors when it comes to finding the right contractor. Homeowners all over Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire have been trusting United Home Experts with their home improvement needs for years. United Home Experts has the experience and training necessary to ensure a precise and complete siding job from start to finish. The company is also happy to put customers in touch with references who can speak to the high quality work of United Home Experts.

0 Comments/by

Removing Asbestos Siding

In the not-so-olden days, asbestos was found in everything from roofing materials to insulation to siding. In the Asbestos-GuyCutpast 20 years or so, asbestos has slowly been disappearing from old homes and buildings. Gradually, people began to realize that although asbestos materials provided great insulation and was inexpensive to install, the health risks were not worth it.

What happens when a homeowner decides their siding needs an upgrade, only to discover the outdated siding contains asbestos? Some homeowners undertake the removal themselves, while others contact a professional to help with safe removal and disposal. Many considerations lead to the decision of having the asbestos removed professionally, the most important being that it is dangerous to attempt removal alone.

Dangerous Nature of Asbestos Siding

Asbestos particles break down with heat and exposure to the elements. Installing or removing siding with asbestos also breaks down molecule particles, releasing dangerous particles. Inhaling these elements damages lungs and passageways. Long-term exposure to asbestos materials can create long-term chronic lung issues. Immediate removal of these materials is very important.

Expensive Removal Equipment

Proper removal of siding with asbestos particles demands special equipment and cleanup of the equipment afterward. Overalls and protective gloves are worn by workers, with the clothing often being disposable. Workers also use respirators to ensure that the asbestos particles remain in the air and not in their lungs. The professionals removing the siding will also need marked bags for storage of the removed siding and insulation.

Specific Removal Techniques

Workers remove siding with asbestos as quickly and efficiently as possible. Mostly intact siding boards reduce the risk of hazardous materials being released into the environment. In addition, siding surfaces and the surrounding area will need to be cleaned to decontaminate the area from any remaining particles that might still be in the air or on surfaces.

Proper Disposal

As mentioned previously, properly marked hazardous material bags will be used for asbestos-related waste removal. These bags should be visibly marked as having dangerous asbestos materials. The bags and materials can not be disposed of in just any landfill, but must be disposed of in specific landfills marked for hazardous materials and waste.

Finding the Right Siding Company

Asbestos continuously releases dangerous dust, so the quicker it is removed the better. However, it is always best to contact a professional for asbestos siding removal. Homeowners in the Massachusetts area can contact United Home Experts, who are leaders in siding replacement and installation. Their professionals will be happy to survey the property and give an estimate for removal of dangerous siding material and replace it with new siding. Homeowners who opt for a professional can rest assured that their home and family are in good hands.

 team92012update

0 Comments/by