Cedar Siding: Clapboard and Shingles

We’re Cedar Siding Contractors in MA, RI, & NHside_wood_1

United Home Experts & United Painting Co. is your professional siding company. We offer cedar clapboards (also called beveled siding), cedar shingles, and cedar shakes (bigger, rough cut shingles). We also install many different styles and types of novelty wood siding. We believe that when maintained properly, it’s hard to beat the rich look of natural wood. A quality wood exterior should last as long as you own your home, and should improve your home’s appearance and value. We use many of the best grades of red or white cedar shingles or clapboards.

Did you know that cedar siding can last for hundreds of years? A recent siding project of ours in N. Andover, MA, built in the early 1800s, had only a few repairs required to the original clapboard siding. This damage was due mostly to extended snow build-up near the base of the house.

Reasons why some customers choose Cedar Siding

side_wood_2Cedar Siding is Beautiful

Cedar Siding is, above all, a wood of exceptional beauty. In its natural, unfinished state, it has a richly textured, tactile grain combined with a palette of warm, mellow tones ranging from light amber to deep honey brown. Cedar Siding also remains subtly aromatic, and the characteristic fragrance of cedar adds another dimension to Cedar Siding’s universal appeal.

Cedar Siding is Durable

Cedar Siding contains natural oils that act as preservatives to help the wood resist insect attack and decay. Cedar siding is also a dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight. Properly finished and maintained, cedar siding ages gracefully and endures for many years. When high quality cedar is chosen, it is free of pitch and resin and it finishes to a richly glowing surface that can be enhanced with transparent or full-bodied stains or with paints.

Visit SidingMagazine.com’s Siding Calculatorto get a range of how much it would cost to replace your home’s siding.

Board
Board
Available surfaced or saw textured. Recommended 1″ minimum overlap. Widths 8″ and over use 2 nails 3-4″ apart.		E.W.P - 18
E.W.P – 18
Available in smooth face. Reversible pattern usually used for interior applications.		E.W.P - 11
E.W.P – 11
Available in smooth face. Pattern used for interior ceilings or sidings.
Bevel (clapboard)
Bevel (clapboard)
Plain Bevel may be used with smooth face exposed or sawn face exposed for textured effect. Recommended 1″ minimum overlap on plain bevel siding		E.W.P - 2 & 4
E.W.P – 2 & 4
Combination of #2 & #4 patterns. Can be used on either side.		E.W.P Channel Rustic 7/8 reveal
E.W.P Channel Rustic 7/8″ reveal
Available in saw face. Used as siding.
Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden
Thicker than Bevel Siding. Rabbeted edge.		E.W.P - E & CB
E.W.P – E & CB
Available in smooth face. Reversible pattern. Usually used for porch ceilings.		E.W.P Channel Rustic 1/2 reveal
E.W.P Channel Rustic 1/2″ reveal
Available in saw face. Used as siding.
Log Cabin
Log Cabin
1 1/2″ at thickest point. Nail 1 1/2″ up from lower edge of piece.		E.W.P 106 drop siding
E.W.P 106 drop siding
Available in smooth face. Used as siding, resembles clapboard from a distance.		E.W.P 105 drop siding
Same as pattern 106 in appearance. Milled with a ship lap edge.
E.W.P - 2
E.W.P – 2
Available in smooth face. Usually used in interior applications. Use single finish nail and angle into tongue.		E.W.P double clapboard T&G
E.W.P double clapboard T&G
Available in smooth face. Looks like bevel when installed.		E.W.P double clapboard S/2
E.W.P double clapboard S/2
Available in smooth face. Looks like bevel when installed.
E.W.P - 4
E.W.P – 4
Available in smooth face. Reversible pattern. Usually used for porch ceilings or interior applications		E.W.P 1-inch center match
E.W.P 1″ center match
Available in smooth face. Pattern used for flooring or siding applications.		E.W.P 1-inch shiplap
E.W.P 1″ shiplap
Available in saw or smooth face. Usually used as siding.

Terms & Terminology

Battens
narrow strips of wood placed over joints in vertical wood plank siding to seal the joints
Beveled
clapboards that are tapered rather than cut perfectly rectangular
Brick veneer
a wall construction method in which a layer of bricks is attached to the wood framework of a house using brick ties
Carpenter ants
large black ants that make may make their nests in walls, behind siding, or in insulation; carpenter ants don’t eat wood they excavate wood to build their homes in the cavities left behind
Caulking
waterproof material used to seal joints at intersections of building components, used with some types of siding
Checking
a crack or split along the grain in wood plank siding as a result of cupping
Clapboard
overlapping, horizontal wood plank siding made from either rectangular planks or taped planks
Composition board
planks or sheets of weather resistant compressed wood fibers used as siding
Course
each row of siding material
Cupping
a warp across the board in wood plank siding
Detachment
separation of the siding material-veneer or stucco- from its attachment to the house
Double course
an undercourse of shingles or shakes, not exposed to the weather, is covered completely by a top course
Dust mites
virtually walking stomachs
Flashing
a type of sheet metal used at intersections of building components to prevent water penetration, flashings are commonly used above doors and windows in exterior walls and are used under the siding to prohibit water penetration
Lintel
a steel angle iron or beam over window and door openings that spans the opening and transfers the weight of the masonry to the sides of the opening
Milled planks
various cuts of plank siding, including V-groove, channel, rabbeted bevel, shiplap and drop
Model Building Code
these building codes vary by area of the country and are considered the standard for that area
Moisture permeable
a surface that allows moisture to pass through it
Scarfed joint
joint used in plywood siding where edges of abutting sheets are angle cut to fit snugly and prevent water penetration
Shiplap
a style of milled plank, used in siding, that is laid close enough so as to appear to be butted
Single course
wood shingles or shakes applied where each course is exposed to the weather
Spalling
crumbling and falling away of bricks, concrete or blocks
Stucco
a type of water resistant, plaster like siding material made of cement, sand and water; it may have an acrylic finish
T & G
tongue and groove, a connection system between components, like wood, in which the tab or tongue of one board is placed into the grove at the end of another board
Termites
social insects that live either in the ground or in wood and eat wood, they can cause serious structural damage to a home
Veneer
veneer is one ply or one thickness of something; in siding there are brick and stone veneers; there are also veneers of one wood bonded to another
Wall cladding
another term for siding
Wall sheathing
sheets of plywood or wood planking used to cover the wall framework of the house
Windload Pressure
is a measurement of how well a panel might perform in high wind areas
Wire mesh
a mesh attached to the wall sheathing and studs used to anchor a stucco base coat to the wall
Wood plank siding
rectangular wood planks, installed horizontally or vertically
Wood shakes
thick, rough, uneven shingles that hand split, split and sawn on one side, or sawn on both sides, used as siding
Wood shingles
sawn shingles that are of uniform thickness
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Which Type of Roof is Best For You?

When considering the replacement of a roof, homeowners should take a look at different types of roofs and how they fit within the needs and desires of the homeowner before making a final decision. Whether working with a limited budget, looking for an eco-friendly choice, or just wanting to add character to a home, there are many choices available to suit a homeowner’s needs.

1. Asphalt Composition ShinglesAshland Gilman

For those with a budget in mind, asphalt composition shingles may be the best roof for them. The shingles are made of paper fiber mat or fiberglass and are mixed with asphalt and covered in tiny mineral bits. Asphalt shingles are purchased by about 80% of all homeowners. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are a petroleum product, making them a less eco-friendly choice. Though asphalt shingles can be recycled, many times they are simply taken to the landfill. Durability for asphalt shingles is not great, particularly in hot climates. Most roofs will need replacing between the 15- and 20-year mark.

2. Wood ShinglesWood-Roof-resized-600

Wood shingles are a moderate choice in terms of affordability and run around the same price as metal shingles.  Only downfall is that they are very expensive in comparison to asphalt. Rot-resistant wood such as cedar is used to make these shingles. Wood shingles are an attractive, natural, and eco-friendly choice. Unless treated, wood shingles have low resistance to fire but excellent wind resistance. Wood roofs last roughly 15 to 25 years.

3. Clay Tile

Clay tiles are heavy but durable and last well over 50 years. However, homeowners will pay a premium for these gorgeous, character-filled roof toppers. Made from natural materials, clay tiles are eco-friendly and require little to no maintenance. Clay tiles are fine to use with moderate to steep slope roofs and are extremely fire resistant. Unfortunately, resistance to wind is somewhat low.

4. Slate

A slate roof is a primo choice in every way. The cost is quite steep—$1,000 to $2,000 per square—and require specially trained workers for installment. The payoff, however, is in length of life. These roofs are the oldest known form of roofing and will last practically forever. They are made from completely natural materials, making them eco-friendly. In addition, slate roofs have the highest level of resistance to wind and fire. Due to the weighty nature of these types of roofs, a reinforced structure is required to support them.

Choosing a new roof for one’s home is a big decision. It is important to consider style and needs, but equally important is choosing a good company to complete the installation. Many roofing contractors are notorious for poor service or running off with deposits. As a result, it is important to choose a trusted company with an established reputation.  United Home Experts is a highly recommended company that offers quality roof installation and friendly service. United Home Experts can offer homeowners affordable estimates to suit the needs of any budget.

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Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

There are asphalt shingles that use a different base material than the usual asphalt roof shingles. One of these is the fiberglass asphalt shingle. In contrast, regular asphalt shingle, also called organic asphalt shingle, uses paper or shredded wood as its base.  Fiberglass acts as the mat for this type. This gives it characteristics not found in the organic shingle.

What Makes It Different

These fiberglass asphalt roof shingles Roofare thinner compared to those with a paper base. The matting needs to be sturdy enough in order to support the asphalt placed on it. Because the fiberglass type needs less material to support asphalt, they are much lighter. Installation is thus made considerably easier.

Heat and fire resistance is also much higher with this type of roof shingle. Paper, being paper (or wood being wood, for that matter), is susceptible to heat and fire. This causes it to ignite at temperatures lower than the fiberglass variety. The higher fire rating of the fiberglass shingle makes it more ideal for warmer regions, although it can also work as well in colder ones.

The manufacturers’ warranties also differ. Fiberglass warranties go as high as half a century while the organic variety warranties generally range from 25 years to 40 years, or even less for some. The warranty, however, does not automatically make a particular brand a good choice. It represents, to some extent, the manufacturers’ confidence in their product.

Quality Standards

The material used to make a roof shingle does not automatically make it good. It depends on the standards used by the manufacturer when they make the product. The minimum acceptable standard for organic and fiberglass is different for each type. For the organic variety, the standard is set by ASTM D225. On the other hand, ASTM D3462 is the standard for fiberglass. These asphalt shingles need to meet these minimum requirements before they are deemed acceptable for installation in a home or building. How far these standards are exceeded by the manufacturer is an indication of their quality.

The United Home Experts Advantage

Here at United Home Experts, we strive to provide one of the highest warranties in the country for fiberglass shingles. On top of this we also provides a warranty on installation that ranges between five to fifteen years. This provides the prospective customer with an idea of how confident they can be with the roof shingles provided by United Home Experts.

CertainTeed, one of the best manufacturers in CertainTeed Logothe nation of asphalt shingles, have rated United Home Experts as a SELECT ShingleMaster. This is the highest rating they have for a roofer. This is due to the company’s long experience in the roofing business and the many satisfied customers it has. Incidentally, this has also earned them an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.

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Brick and Stone Veneers Beautify a Home

A comparison between authentic and manufactured brick and stone veneers reveals that both the brick veneers and the stone veneers have more pros than cons over the genuine article. To begin with, the veneers are considerably less expensive to purchase and install, but they will never appear as authentic as the actual stone or brick themselves.

Everlast Home
An Everlast Composite Siding project done with a Stone Veneer front.

For homes located in a region such as eastern New England, true brick and stone may not be advisable. It is porous, so it allows moisture to seep between the stone and mortar, thus potentially causing severe damage to the exterior of the home. The stone and brick veneers are also more durable and more fireproof than the genuine stone or brick materials.

The manufactured product offers better insulation and requires less maintenance. There is no stain or paint required with faux rock veneer siding, and it requires no special foundation or footing, thus eliminating the time and expense of construction as is the case in the natural stone and brick materials.

In harsh climates such as that of eastern New England, siding is secondary in importance only to a roof in fending off the elements of heavy rainstorms, raging winds, and harsh sun. Siding materials manufactured of steel, fiber cement, vinyl, wood composites, and brick or stone veneers all protect the home from inclement weather conditions. These materials can be used creatively by mixing them, such as adding brick to wood shingles or contrasting stone veneer and a fiber cement product resembling cedar shake. In a period home, both the manufactured stone and brick veneer siding can be made to fit in beautifully when replacing damaged authentic stone and brick material.

The stone and brick veneer siding is manufactured using a mixture of natural materials like Portland cement, aggregates that are light in weight, and iron oxide for color. Together these ingredients give integrity to the stone’s natural appearance during the manufacturing process.

Once the mixing is complete, the resulting material is cast into natural stone and brick constructed molds, resulting in a realistic product weighing substantially less than their natural counterparts.Veneer-BlogPhoto29-resized-600

There is a wide variety of stone and brick types, colors and patterns available to suit every style of home from lodge to castle and modest to mansion. Brick and stone veneer can be used along with other natural or manufactured products as well to produce a custom look adding welcome curb appeal and overall value to the home.

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Make a Statement with Barn Wood Siding

A house with an accompanying barn on the property is not a home until it encompasses the true nature and feel of the surrounding area in which it is located, as well as the pride of ownership of its inhabitants. Having both of these is no easy feat, especially when one has to factor in the cost of having these two mediums meet in the middle. Fortunately, it does not have to mean that a homeowner must sacrifice one for the other, but it does entail knowing all the options one has. That being said, one of the best-known secrets to beautifying a home and barn without breaking the bank is to invest in house siding materials.

Why Does Siding Make Sense for New England Homeowners?

Those living in the Eastern New England area know that its climate can prove quite challenging. Between the wet, rainy season and the biting cold winter months, a home and barn’s exterior takes a beating year after year. Any investment into the preservation of the structures’ exteriors must be made with those simple facts in mind; otherwise the expense is not justified. House siding takes care of all that; it gives the structure a sturdy, resilient exterior that can hold up to the most demanding weather conditions, yet brings an appealing aesthetic quality that will please even the most discerning critic. Available in options to suit a broad range of tastes and budgets, house siding is the right choice for the savvy homeowner.

Barn Wood Siding Has Traditional Appeal.

Making the decision to have high-quality siding installed is one of the fastest and most economical ways to change up the look and feel of a barn. Of course, with so many options in siding currently available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed trying to decide on just one. For those wanting to capture the appeal of Eastern New England living, nothing says authentic like cedar wood siding. The natural beauty of cedar is going to deliver a rustic appeal that will give a barn a pleasing facade for many years to come. This surprisingly affordable option ties together the best part of traditional materials and delivers it in a modern presentation that appeals to and surpasses current standards.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let United Home Experts Help.

When it comes to getting the job done right, United Home Experts are the obvious choice. The company is there to take the homeowner step-by-step to completion, with guaranteed results – from helping the homeowner choose the best option to answering questions about the process itself. Don’t leave it up to chance; let United Home Experts demonstrate why they are leaders in the industry and the standard by which all others are measured.

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Choosing a Cedar Siding Contractor

Selecting the right home siding in the eastern New England area depends upon choosing a knowledgeable, reputable contractor. Hiring an expensive contractor does not necessarily guarantee that homeowners will receive the best craftsmanship available. Inexperienced contractors tend to rush through clients, but United Home Experts has over 10 years of experience in the home renovation industry, specializing in the unique needs of New England homeowners.

Unethical companies often try to charge for services that homeowners do not need. In the end, homeowners regret picking an inexperienced contractor who provided second-rate craftsmanship at a high price. The best strategy for vetting home siding contractors is to pay close attention to the amount of information that a company conveys during their initial assessment.

Contractors that are new to the industry will simply list the general choices of home siding: vinyl, metal, composites, and wood shingles or cladding. Amateur home improvement companies too often omit the newest products on the market because these contractors lack the experience of working with new siding materials. One such new siding option is polymer siding, which has a cedar-like appearance. This siding combines the weather-resistance of composite siding with the rustic, organic aesthetic of cedar shingles, and United Home Experts has the know-how necessary to handle this new siding product.

Inexperienced contractors Wood Rothaphazardly install new siding on top of damaged exterior walls, assuring expensive home renovation projects in the future. Moisture damage underneath old home siding often hides the true source of the problem. Winters in New England are notoriously rough on home siding, but cedar-like polymer siding has the added durability and moisture-resistance homeowners require to stand up to heavy snowfalls. Experienced contractors like United Home Experts can discern between residual wear-and-tear and unsightly damage caused by inclement weather.

The problem of proper insulation goes unnoticed by the average contractor. The insulating properties of polymer siding make this popular siding material an intriguing option for New England homeowners. Homes have different insulation installed based upon the era when they were originally constructed. For instance, homes built before the 1990s very likely contain insulation that is not nearly as moisture-resistant as insulation installed today.

The best aspect of cedar-like polymer siding is its sheer beauty. Homeowners who desire the rustic appearance of wood siding should take a closer look at new siding materials. United Home Experts understands the link between craftsmanship and overall aesthetic, which ranks this siding company among the best in the region.

Wood-BlogPhoto4-resized-600

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Glass Block and other Types of Basement Windows

Glass block windows are very practical for Basement windowbasements as they are weather tight, basically maintenance free and let the sun into what is usually a dark interior space.

Glass block windows can be purchased as preassembled glass panels with blocks mortared together.  The glass block panels are heavy at 100 pounds or more, so an expert installer is required whether the window is for a home under construction or a replacement window in an existing dwelling.

Fortunately for homeowners in the eastern New England states they have the superior installers available at their disposal in United Home Experts (unitedhomeexperts.com).  These professionals will not only install the new basement windows but will aid the homeowner in their proper selection.

The selection process is important.  The windows meant for a basement just as windows for the other rooms in a home come in various materials, construction and quality.  United Home Experts have access to many brands of windows not just one so the windows can be carefully selected from an unbiased standpoint.

Among the many options available, one that is often chosen for the basement is a window that matches the other windows in the home.  This rule of decor can be ignored, however, and stained glass or glass block windows can be selected for a more exciting and unconventional appearance.  Both of these window variations can be either stationary or have ventilation capabilities.

As in all residential windows basement windows can be manufactured to save energy using environmentally friendly materials.  The windows should be double-paned and double glazed.  This will make for a quieter basement space that will also save money and energy.  Low-E rated windows have a coating between the glass panes that reflects heat, keeping the interior of the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Glass block windows can be manufactured to be just as eco-friendly as their more conventional cousins.

Traditionally windows in the basement have been something of an afterthought.  The thinking used to be that any old window would do since no one spends much time down there anyway.  This concept has undergone some dramatic changes.

In today’s homes, a basement has become an actual living space demanding the same amenities and attractive appearance as all the other rooms in the house.

Homeowners have also come to the realization that those rusty, decrepit windows in the basement take away from the overall curb appeal of the homes’ exterior.

For eastern New Englanders the basement window problem has been solved by the professionals at United Home Experts.  Do not put up with ugly, inefficient, money wasting basement windows any longer.  Contact the experts in basement window selection and installation at UnitedHomeExperts.com.

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The Advantages of Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

The problem with re-roofing a house is not just the expense.  It is also the time and inconvenience, as well as the durability of the materials.

Therefore, when a home needs a new roof, several factors must be weighed.  Cost is one factor.  Another is how quickly the job can SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERAbe completed.  The third, and possibly the most important consideration, is durability.  In other words, how long will the new roof last?

Roofs in the Northeast, for example, must be able to withstand extremely harsh weather—everything from intense heat to extreme cold, high winds, and pounding rain.

Homeowners have many choices when it comes to the composition of a new roof.  Three of the most common are wood shingles, tile, and fiberglass asphalt shingles.

For homes which are subject to the extremes in weather that the Northeast is famous for, only one style of roofing meets all three homeowner requirements: fair price, speed of installation, and long-lasting durability. That choice is fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Wood shingles warp and crack under the extreme temperature variations of the Northeast.  To a somewhat lesser extent, the same is true of tile shingles. Fiberglass asphalt shingles, which come in a number of pleasing colors and patterns, are clearly the best choice when it comes to protecting a home, especially in the harsh conditions of the Northeast.

Roof shingles made from fiberglass asphalt expand and contract with temperature rather than crack, and roofing shingles professionally installed by a quality company such as United Home Experts are 100% guaranteed. Other companies may offer a slightly more attractive price, but when it comes to top-notch, skilled craftsmanship there is nothing more solid than a company such as United Home Experts, which has almost 8,000 happy customers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Start with a free quote.  It is important to deal with a company that will provide an actual quote and not an estimate – estimates have a way of vanishing into thin air when the work actually begins.  It is also important that the quote not be part of a high-pressure sales pitch.

Choice is another important consideration.  The color and pattern of the roof must complement the home it protects.  Many companies offer only a limited number of choices when it comes to roofing material, but a reliable company such as United Home Experts offers the homeowner a wide range of choices when it comes to its durable, long-lasting, guaranteed roof shingles.

Choosing a roofing material that is guaranteed to last and hiring a rock-solid locally based company that treats each and every customer with respect is of vital importance.  After all, a house is more than just a long-term investment – a house is also a home.

natick roof b and a (1)

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Advantages of Double Hung Windows

United Home Experts are a team of professionals providing many home renovation services, including replacement windows.  The areas served by United Home Experts are Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Southern New Hampshire.  The professionals at United Home Experts offer a free in-home evaluation or a free quote through the website.  Courteous and efficient services are priorities to providing product to each homeowner.

These double windows offer many benefits to the homeowner along the east coast.  Both the upper and lower sashes can be opened, windows-thumb-our-workto allow warm air to escape and allows cooler air to circulate in the home.   Double hung window benefits also include the design causing these windows to be cleaned easier, both inside and out.  The double sash design affords the homeowner ease in keeping windows clear and clean.

Another benefit of these windows is that they look like traditional windows while offering convenience in cleaning and greater options in ventilation.  Another double hung windows benefit are the security features.  The windows can be locked from the inside and still raised to allow air to circulate, yet the windows are locked low enough to prevent intruders from entering the home. These windows are designed to offer the homeowner convenience and security, while adding the triple benefit of lowering energy costs.

Double hung window benefits include a custom fit the unique window opening of the home.  This type of customized fitting guarantees there will never be a problem with unwanted drafts or loss of heat.  Plenty of natural light brightens the home while assuring the greatest benefits in energy efficiency.  Double hung windows add convenience, lower energy costs and beautification to a home.  Double hung windows are double-paned and are built to be sturdy and durable.  Double panes add extra security to the homeowner through being difficult, if not impossible, to break.

The professionals at United Home Experts are prepared to assist with window renovation or window replacement from start to finish.  The professionals at United Home Experts will install double hung windows at minimum inconvenience to the homeowner.  There will be no mess left behind for the homeowner and any required building permits are requested and posted at no inconvenience to the homeowner.  United Home Experts offer high priority and a quality experience to homeowners. The Better Business Bureaus in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Southern New Hampshire have provided their highest ratings to the professionals at United Home Experts.

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Understanding the Value and Selection of Replacement Windows

The windows in a home are vital to the home’s insulation and appearance.  Quality windows will keep the inhabitants of the home comfortable as well as add resale value to the home.  Most any window will keep a mild drizzle from entering the interior, and a shade can be pulled to protect the home dwellers from the heat.  These are not the type of windows that add value to the home.

Homeowners, particularly those in harsh climates such as found in the New England states with their hot summers, sometimes brutal winters and erosive salt air in all seasons, should definitely consider quality replacement windows for their home.  Fortunately, New England homeowners can consult the trusted professionals in home remodeling and repair at United Home Experts.

A good quality window is constructed to last and to save energy.  The appropriate replacement window selections are numerous, so it is a sound idea to hire a local reputable contractor to assist the homeowner in choosing the appropriate windows for his particular climate and budget.  Because of the wide selection of quality window brands and styles available at United Home Experts, they are able to guide homeowners towards the most intelligent choice for their particular home, as well as to offer flawless installation.

Replacement Windows Selection

Replacement windows selection that stands the test of time can be made of high quality materials in wood, vinyl, or fiberglass.  They can come in practically any size and shape to accommodate an existing window opening or a newly created one.  Besides the construction and shape of the window itself, there are important qualities of the windowpane to consider when buying new windows for their quality, appearance and addition to the home’s resale value.

The window’s coating can also significantly add to the window’s quality and energy-efficient properties.  Low emittance (Low-E) coatings are extremely thin layers of metallic oxides superimposed on a glazing surface that reduces radioactive heat flow.  This blocks heat transfer between pane layers to lower the total flow through the window.  Low emittance coatings can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, thus adding even more energy-saving capabilities to the windows.

The Importance of R-Value and U Factor in Windows

These are important considerations in the purchase of replacement windows for the home.  The U-factor expresses the insulation value of the window.  The R-value is a measurement of the window’s ability to insulate other parts of the interior of a building, such as its walls, floors, and roofs.  The highest quality windows will have a low U-factor and a high R-value.

Cost Benefit Analysis

For homeowners in areas of extreme weather such as the New England states noted above, the energy-saving properties of quality windows alone are a cost benefit to the annual energy bills.  Add to this the significant increase in the resale value of the home, and it is clear the proper installation of appropriate high quality windows by a reputable regional contractor like United Home Experts makes replacement windows an intelligent decision for any homeowner.

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