When choosing between a fiber cement siding and LP smart siding, it’s important to know your facts. For most, once you understand the strengths of each option, the best choice for your home will be obvious. To assist you in this process, All-Weather is giving you all the details you’ll need to make an informed decision.

The Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding & ColorPlus Technology

According to This Old House, fiber cement siding “might be your best siding option.” The major benefit of choosing fiber cement siding (pictured above) is certainly its durability. It masquerades as wood or masonry, wears like concrete, is not susceptible to warping, sagging, or cracking, and is fire resistant, which means it can survive even the harshest of elements.

This type of siding features a smoother woodgrain, or you can choose an option that features a completely smooth look. Our James Hardie fiber cement siding uses ColorPlus Technology, which means multiple coats of paint are applied and cured in between each coat for a strong bond that will last for years. This ColorPlus Technology gives homeowners the best choices in long-lasting color and comes with a 15-year warranty that covers paint and labor, protecting against peeling, cracking, and chipping.

The Benefits of LP SmartSide Siding & Diamond Kote Finish

Another great choice in upscale siding is our LP SmartSide siding (pictured above), which is quickly making a name for itself due to its extreme impact-resistance, and beautiful appearance which has a texture similar to beautiful cedar wood. Choosing LP SmartSide siding gives homeowners the added benefits of its unique Smartguard technology, as well as the option to finish it using the innovative Diamond Kote finish, which is sure to provide years of maintenance-free beauty.

Diamond Kote Finishing is a pre-finish applied to LP SmartSide siding with over 30 colors to choose from and a custom color option. The Diamond Kote Finish comes backed by a 30-year, No-Fade Warranty from Wausau Supply Company which ensures the long-lasting beauty of your siding.

The Difference Between Factory Primed vs. Factory Finished

Both choices in upscale siding come with the option to be either primed or factory finished. Factory primed means your siding will be installed by us, and once we are finished, it’s already primed and ready for your painter to apply paint.

On the other hand, factory finished means your siding comes completely painted and factory finished for long-lasting color and easy installation. Simply put, if your siding is factory finished when we’re finished with the installation, you’re finished too! Both choices of siding also provide the option for vertical siding or a stucco panel, as well as simulated wood shake shingles for a more Cape Cod or Victorian look.

The Good News: We Have Both!

The good news is that as one of the few companies that offer both options, All-Weather is uniquely equipped to help you decide which option is right for you. Make plans to visit our showroom and chat with our knowledgeable staff. They look forward to serving you!

If you have further questions about choosing siding, please feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (913) 262-4380. We look forward to hearing from you!

Windows

The Differences In Replacing Full-Frame & Pocket Insert Windows

October 24, 2016 Doug Bennett

Whether you decide to replace your windows to gain energy efficiency or because you have to replace a broken or rotted window, it will be a significant investment in your home. As with any investment, it’s important to look at all the options and make a choice that you will be pleased with for years to come. There are two different types of replacement window installations: full-frame and pocket insert and today, All-Weather is breaking them down for you:

The Difference Between Full-Frame & Pocket Insert Window Replacement

A full-frame installation means that the entire original window and frame are removed and a new window is installed. A pocket insert replacement means that a new window is set into an existing frame opening. There are some major differences between these two types of replacement windows you’ll need to understand before you can choose the best option for your home.

FAQs: Full-Frame Window Installation

When is full-frame replacement recommended? When older windows have deteriorated beyond repair, making insert window placement impossible, or when safety concerns are present, full-frame replacement windows are installed.
How is a full-frame replacement window installed? After removal of the entire window sash and frame, the installer checks for damage around the frame then seals any gaps and repairs any leaks or damage. Next, he preps the frame and sets the new window in the rough opening. Then the window is squared, insulated and cased with interior and exterior trim.
What are the advantages to this type of replacement window? Full-frame replacement gives maximum quality and energy efficiency because it is most like new construction with new casing, trim, and sills as well as flashing for water protection. Additionally, the glass viewing area is often larger with the new window because the exterior trim is minimized.
What are the disadvantages to this type of replacement window? Full frame replacement takes more time and costs more in labor and materials. In addition, after installation trim and sills must be stained or painted. In some cases, even walls will need to be repainted from removal of the old casing and trim.

FAQ’s: Pocket Insert Window Installation

When is a pocket insert window recommended? Pocket insert windows are recommended when the existing frame is square, level, and in good condition. The existing opening must be structurally sound in order for the casing and trim to stay in place.
How is a pocket insert window installed? The installer removes the sash along with interior and exterior stops, then fills any spaces or gaps and preps the surface. The installer sets the insert window into the opening and insulates around it. The casing and trim remain in place so it is unlikely that staining or painting will be needed.
What are the advantages to this type of replacement window? Pocket Insert windows are quickly and easily installed with less labor and few materials, so the cost is reduced but many of the benefits for energy efficiency and a fresh look remain if the job is done correctly.
What are the disadvantages to this type of replacement window? Because pocket windows are inset into the existing frame, there may be some loss of visible glass. In addition, new insulation cannot be added between the window frame and rough opening and water protection cannot be added to the sill.

Regardless of the type of replacement window you choose, the certified installers from All-Weather will help you rest easy knowing that the job is done right. We guarantee our work and pride ourselves on our quality products, so contact us today for a free consultation.

Insulation

3 Common Causes of a Drafty Home & How to Spot Them

October 14, 2016 Doug Bennett

There are many reasons why you may experience drafts throughout your house, but how do you fix the issue? Get to the root of the issue and be prepared for the oncoming winter by checking these different areas:

1. Outdated Windows & Doors

How old are your windows or doors? Every window and door wears out over time, with wood frames warping, causing gaps in some spots and tighter squeezes in others. This leaves room for air that’s meant to stay outside to come in. This not only leads to a drafty home, but also a rise in energy bills.

2. Gaps Around Outlets & Fixtures

Check around your electrical outlets and light fixtures, especially around recessed lights. These are some of the common places where air seeps into a room. Also, if you have a fireplace, you’ll want to be sure that the damper of your chimney is closed when the fireplace is not in use. When open, it leaves a wide open pathway for outside air.

3. Insufficient Attic Insulation

If you still cannot find the cause of the draft, the problem could be your attic insulation. Did you know that 90% of homes in the U.S. are under insulated? Most homeowners don’t think to assess this aspect of their home, but it could be costing you money and your comfort.

A properly insulated attic not only makes you more comfortable all year round, but it saves you money. Since heat rises, the hot air in your house in the winter goes up to the attic. If the heat is leaking out due to insufficient insulation, so is your warmth; and more of your hard-earned money is going toward energy bills.

How To Tell If My Attic Is Under Insulated

Here’s a good way to tell if your attic is under insulated: next time it snows, compare the rate of melting on your roof with your neighbors’ around you. If yours melts quicker, that is a sign that your attic is giving off warm air – air that should be keeping your family warm. Your drafty house problems could be caused by your lack of attic insulation.

Whatever you determine to be the cause of your drafty house, All-Weather can seal up any area, from the attic to windows to replacement doors. The company has been in business in Kansas City for over 30 years and knows all about making homes comfortable while keeping heating and cooling affordable all year round.

For more information on how we can help your drafty home, contact All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding or give us a call at (913) 262-4380.

Doors

4 Reasons to Replace Your Entry Door This Holiday Season

October 10, 2016 Doug Bennett

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’ve been unhappy with your front door either because it’s drafty, creaky, loose or just plain worn out, now is the perfect time to get your door replaced! Not convinced? Check out these 5 reasons to replace your entry door before this holiday season:

1. Lower Energy Bills & Keep Cozy

An old, drafty door is not only unattractive, it’s a HUGE waste of energy! Doors that aren’t properly fitted or installed have a tendency to let cold air seep in all winter long, which means cold feet and even higher energy bills trying to warm them up! Replacing your door now, before heating season kicks in, will save you money all winter long, not to mention keep you and your guests cozy.

2. Impress Your Guests & Nosy Neighbors

Holiday season means company. Family and friends will be visiting, and wouldn’t you like to greet them by opening a beautiful new door bedecked with a fragrant wreath? The holidays are also a time when everybody’s looking at houses to check out their holiday decorations. A new door will do wonders for your home’s winter curb appeal.

3. More Appointment Availability

Door contractors are less busy at this time of year, meaning they’ll get to your installation quickly, blocking off your entry to keep the cold out while they install your new door. It’s quick and easy, and they’ll be done in half a day — probably before the kids get home from school!

4. Added Curb Appeal & Resale Value

A new door will update your home and add a little more value too. You’re busy “buttoning things up” for warmth around the house at this time of year anyway, so why not do it right and replace that drafty old front door at the same time?

All Weather is Kansas City’s premiere supplier of doors, windows and siding and have been for more than 30 years. For more information on our top of the line products and services, contact us online or give us a call at (913) 262-4380 today!

Simply The Best in Replacement Windows, Doors, and Siding in Kansas City...Guaranteed!

Monthly Archives: October 2016

The Benefits & Differences of Choosing Fiber Cement or LP SmartSide Siding for Your Home