4 Common Gutter Issues & How to Fix Them

February 22, 2017 Doug Bennett

Many homeowners overlook their gutters, assuming that they’re simply there to help divert excess rainwater. However, your home’s gutters may be your home’s most vital safety feature, protecting your roof, walls, and foundation against water damage.

We’re breaking down the importance of having your gutters inspected and maintained each season and some common problems associated with neglected gutters.

1. Find Gutter Leaks to Prevent Further Damage

The potential damage caused by a leaky gutter should never be underestimated. The stream of water making its way through a crack can cause many different forms of damage. These may include any of the following:

Rotting fascia boards (the board mounted just behind the gutter)
Attic flooding, which lead to mold and mildew
Bubbling, flaking, or chipped exterior paint
Foundation and siding damage
Damaged soffits and overhangs

Even a relatively minor looking leak can cause major damage over time, so it’s important to fix them when you find them. Leaks commonly occur along the seams where two lengths of gutter are connected. They may also happen anywhere along a gutter if leaves, or other debris, have caused it to back up allowing water to spill over the side.

This particular problem can be effectively minimized by having a professional install splash guards on your gutter or by having new gutters made with larger downspouts to help with overflowing water.

2. Ice Dams Do Major Damage

Ice dams can become a serious roofing issue if they aren’t repaired. Ice dams are caused when the temperature is hovering right around the freezing point and heat escapes up through the attic causing ice to melt. This water then runs down to the relatively colder edge of your roof, where it freezes again. Over time, this leads to the formation of a solid wall of ice called an ice dam.

Ice dams melt and create ponding water in the spring, which often finds its way into your home through weak points, leading to costly forms of water damage. An ice dam also represents a potential threat to your gutters because the weight of the dam can easily cause stress fractures, deformations, and other problems.

3. Seasonal Cleaning & Gutter Covers Can Prevent Gutter Damage

Do you often find things like tennis balls or gravel in your gutters? While this might seem weird and unusual, it’s actually not. Heavy rain can cause particles from your roof to deposit into your gutters and cause clogging issues. With the added leaves and sticks from surrounding trees on your property, gutters can get clogged with lots of gunk.

In order to avoid clogging your gutters, and causing an overflow of water, simply add gutter covers! These can be custom fabricated to perfectly fit your home’s gutters and keep debris and foreign objects from wreaking havoc on your home. Even better, these gutter covers can be built right into your existing gutters so you never have to worry about them falling off!

4. Stay On Top of Your Home’s Gutter Maintenance

The best way to prevent the types of gutter issues discussed above is to have your gutters professionally cleaned and inspected on a regular basis. This kind of attention will ensure that your gutters are able to do their job, no matter the season or situation.

For more professional advice on getting your home’s windows, doors, and siding ready for springtime, call All-Weather at (913) 262-4380 or schedule an appointment online today!

General News

What Damage Has Old Man Winter Done to Your Home? What to Look For & How to Fix It

February 17, 2017 Doug Bennett

Although we’re supposed to have six more weeks of winter according to Punxsutawney Phil, now is a good time to start taking a look around and seeing what type of damage the winter has done to your home. While the term is “spring cleaning,” it’s a good idea to start getting together a list of what you want to look for well before spring arrives.

To help you get ready for spring, we’ve put together a list of six signs that winter took a toll on your home.

1. Caulk Pulling Away from Windows

There are two primary reasons why this occurs:

1) Condensation between the back of the frame and the wall could make the frame swell and push against the brickwork.

2) Dry winter air could have shrunk the air-exposed part of the frame revealing a crack.

These gaps create a problem because they allow in cold air, rain and snow over time, as well as damaging the frame further. Fixing this can be done with either a spray insulation foam or by reapplying window caulk.

2. Wood Rot on Windows & Doors

Take a close look at the frames around your windows and doors (both internal and external) for wood rot that could have formed during the winter months. Due to wind, rain, hail and snow, the wood can become exposed to, and soak up, moisture. This causes the wood to become soft and damp, enabling wood rot. Aside from being an issue for structural stability, it is also a good way to invite termites and carpenter ants into your home.

Try the knock test. Tap all along the frame and compare the sounds at different points. If more than one-third of any piece is “soft” or “hollow” sounding, you should call a professional to assess the damage before the problem continues to spread.

3. Debris in Window Sills

Leaving debris in window sills can damage windows when you open them up in the spring. Bits of branches, leaves, rocks, and wind-blown debris can all cause damage to your windows if left alone. Bits and pieces can get caught in the tracks of the windows, making it necessary to remove the entire window in order to dig it out. Or, if you’re unaware that something is there and you attempt to force the window down, you can cause damage to the frame. Taking a bit of time now to clean off the sills and remove the debris will save you the hassle in the long run.

If you need to repair your windows due to damage like this, we at All-Weather know all about fixing them up.

4. Loose Shingles

Your roof takes quite a beating throughout the winter. Rain, snow, ice, hail, and wind all tear at it regularly during the colder months, and it’s important to perform regular check ups to see how it’s holding up. You want to keep an eye out for things like:

Missing shingles
Soft spots
Gaps in between shingles
Bubbles underneath the shingles

5. Clogged Gutters

When the winter winds blow, you have no idea what might end up in your gutters. From the usual leaves and pine needles s, to birds nests and random garbage, your gutters tend to collect assorted debris. While it can be messy, it’s also a timesaver in the end. If your gutters aren’t letting water wash down, it can build up in the gutters themselves or on your roof, depending on how bad the blockage is. With enough ice, your gutters could end up ripping completely off of your roof. Water left standing on your roof can get underneath your shingles and rot out parts of your roof.

6. Damaged Screens

The winter elements can all damage your screens over the winter, and it’s important to check them regularly. If they’re ripped or broken, you should get them replaced so that you can let in the cool spring breezes, but no pests, when spring arrives. At All-Weather, we would love to help out by making sure that your windows and screens are sturdy and secure, so you can enjoy the warmer weather. Whether it’s broken windows or screens, or it’s just time for a new look, we can do it all.

If you think you have windows, doors, or siding that needs to be repaired or replaced, call All-Weather at (913) 262-4380. We will work with you to keep the winter wind out, and your home looking its best.

Doors, Uncategorized

Which Entry Door Is Right for Your Kansas City Home? Take the Quiz & Find Out

January 24, 2017 Doug Bennett

Sick of staring at the drab, out-of-date entry door? Unsure of what you’d like to replace it with? All-Weather can help! Now there is a fun quiz you can take to find out which of the Kansas City entry doors are right for your home. Before you take the quiz, here are a few ideas to help assess your entry door needs:

Behind Door #1: The Problem Solver

If certain things aggravate you about your current door, don’t replace it with a door that may create those same problems down the road. Assess your main need, and choose accordingly. Are you trying to keep cool air in and hot air out? Are you also interested in the best security to keep the bad guys out? Our quiz will help you solve these answers and make sure you don’t make the same mistakes twice.

Behind Door #2: Say It With Style

Your entry door is the first impression of your home and tells everyone about your personal living style. Do you have a grand Gothic entry that opens up to cottage, shabby chic? Don’t re-decorate your cozy, comfy digs. It’s easier to get an exterior door to match your interior style rather than winding up with an extreme makeover: your home edition.

Behind Door #3: How Much Is That Doorway In the Window?

Price points are always an important factor in the final decision. Don’t set yourself up for a big disappointment by falling in love with a front door that’s out of your budget. Keep your sights set on the doors you can afford. Stop by an All-Weather showroom and we’ll be happy to help find an entry door that will fit your home’s needs and your budget!

Take All-Weather’s Door Finder Quiz

If you can’t decide on the right door, click here to take our door finder quiz. Our quiz will help you answer all those nagging questions, like:

What door fits your home’s personality?
What door fits your home’s needs?
What door offers special options to meet particular performance demands?

Once you complete the quiz, and select the door of your dreams, then trust the home exterior experts at All-Weather to install your new exterior door. Homeowners in Kansas City have been enjoying the expertise and quality service of All-Weather for more than 30 years in exterior options like siding, windows and exterior doors.

Still can’t make up your mind? Let us help! Give us a call at (913) 262-4380 or contact us online today!

Siding

New Year, New Siding: The Best Siding Options for 2017

January 17, 2017 Doug Bennett

If you’ve been trying like mad to heat your home this winter, but can’t seem to do it efficiently, you may be looking for ways to improve the energy-efficiency of your home. Why not start with the siding installation on your Kansas City home? To get you started, we’re showing you the best siding options for 2017.

LP SmartSide Siding

This modern resin product deflects dents and dings as well as resists moisture and humidity. If you’ve experienced warping or shrinkage that has contributed to rot in older types of siding, then you could benefit from upgrading to LP SmartSide siding.

This siding gives your home the warm, natural beauty of real cedar, with modern materials that resist natural decay, fungus growth, and termite invasion. If you have environmental concerns about a cedar based siding, rest easy. This siding option is made of an engineered wood substrate, a renewable resource with a reduced environmental impact.

At All-Weather, we proudly offer our clients a 5-year 100% labor and replacement on LP SmartSide trim and siding along with a 50-year prorated limited warranty.

LP-smart-siding-kansas-city

Diamond Kote Pre-Finishing Siding

If you love color then you are going to love Diamond Kote Pre-Finishing Siding. This low-maintenance siding offers a color collection sure to please every style. Express yourself as you enhance the beauty of your home without having to repaint. Backed with a 30 year warranty, this siding resists fading and continues to look vibrant for years to come. Created from natural pigments and applied with state-of-the-art robotic methods, Diamond Kote is the perfect pairing of nature and technology. Diamond Kote Pre-Finishing

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

J James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding ames Hardie’s fiber cement siding boasts extreme durability making it a great alternative to traditional wood or vinyl siding. This siding is weather and fire resistant, while also combating swelling, mold, and cracking from water exposure. Along with a 30-year limited warranty, it also comes with a ColorPlus Technology 15-year limited warranty which applies to every pre-colored piece of trim and siding, as well as the paint and labor. Color options, wood alternative, strength, energy efficiency and security. HardiePlank has it all.

New Siding Now Means A Greater ROI Later

Schedule your home improvement project now and maximize the potential return on investment (ROI) that a siding upgrade provides. You can increase the value of your home and enjoy a return as high as 65% in resale value. For homeowners who plan to stay, they can enjoy an even greater ROI, as much as 80%, in improved energy efficiency. At All-Weather, you will find the highest-quality siding with a variety of custom options.

Contact the professionals at All-Weather to schedule your free siding consultation today!

Doors

How to DIY Your Old Door into a Gorgeous New Table

January 12, 2017 Doug Bennett

A unique table is a great way to jazz up your living room or spark conversation during your next dinner party. However, custom tables can be quite expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Luckily, there’s an incredibly affordable way to get the custom table you’ve been looking for by upcycling your old entryway door! If you’ve got a weekend and an old door that needs new life, this easy DIY project is sure to impress.

What You’ll Need:

In order to begin the conversion process, you’ll need these materials:

One door. This will be the tabletop.
Four wooden posts. These will be the table legs.
Four boards measuring 1x3x8 feet. These will be the skirt boards for the table.
Beveled-cut glass measured the same size as the door. This will protect the door and provide a flat surface for the table.

It’s also a good idea to have these tools:

Power sander and sandpaper.
Pocket-hole jig.
Chop saw.
Drill and screws.
Paint and brushes.

Time to Build It

Cut the wood posts to the desired height of the table. A standard dining table is 29 inches; subtract from that the thickness of the door plus the glass, and that will be the length of your posts.
Construct the skirt of the table from the plank boards. The skirt is a wood overhang that connects the legs and holds up the tabletop. You’ll be cutting them down from 8 feet. Measure the length and the width of your door. Then from each number, subtract the 2 inches plus the thickness of the wood posts. Use these numbers to determine how long each board should be (you’ll be cutting two boards for each number).
You’ll drill three pocket holes on the inside ends of the skirt boards, so you can attach the skirt to the posts. Then, drill a number of pocket holes along the inside of the skirt board, spacing them a foot apart. This is how you’ll attach the skirt boards to the underside of the door.
This is a great time to prepare the tabletop. Sand the door with the power sander and sandpaper, apply primer and then paint it to the desired color. Wait for it to dry before continuing.
Now let’s assemble the table. Screw the legs to the skirt through the pocket holes. Next, place the table base on top and screw through the single pocket holes that you drilled on the inside of the skirt boards.
Finally, lay the glass on top of the door. You may need assistance as glass of this size can be quite heavy, which also helps it to stay in place during the course of regular use.

Need a new entry door to replace the old one? Contact us today for a free consultation on what benefits you’ll gain when you install a new entry door.

Doors

The Top 5 Entry Door Trends for 2017

January 3, 2017 Doug Bennett

The front door is the focal point of your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017, a stylish and beautiful door can add an average of 90.7 percent of your cost to the value to your home. A new entry door not only boosts your home’s curb appeal, but improves energy efficiency and security. There are many options available and making the right choice can be overwhelming. To help you get started, let’s take a look at some of the top entry door trends for 2017.

1. Go for the Grand Entryway

Grand entryways are a popular trend. If you want your entryway to be a showstopper, then you should choose a door that is stunning and ornate to welcome guests into it (like the example pictured above.) Keep in mind, however, that you want your door to keep with the overall style of your home

2. Add A Unique Touch

Another way to stand out in 2017 is to be casual, but a little unusual. Consider adding a unique touch such as doors with transom windows (pictured on the right) or even arched doors.

If you have an older home, choose a door that is consistent with the style and era of your home. Unsure of your options? We have lots to offer!

3. It’s Time to Go Bigger

Front doors are becoming larger. If you have a high enough ceiling in your entrance hall, you may wish to consider an eight, or perhaps even nine-foot-tall door. In addition to growing taller, doors are getting wider, some designs are three-and-a-half feet wide. Therma-Tru currently offers a door measuring three-foot six-inch-wide, and eight-foot-tall.

4. Energy Efficiency is a Must

Homeowners are increasingly concerned about energy-efficiency and seek products with the latest technology to keep the home functional and comfortable. Not only do we offer energy efficient solutions for your entry door, we provide a beautiful, wide range of styles to match your home perfectly.

5. Steel Makes It Stronger

Security doors are for the refined homeowner who appreciates the absolute best. Available in unique designs, these heavy gauge, welded steel doorframes and decorative panels give a lifetime of security and beauty. Check out a beautiful option in the picture to the right!

Don’t Wait to Make it Great!

Any time is a great time to replace your entry door. Especially if you are upgrading to a more energy-efficient door. The sooner you have your new door installed, the sooner you can begin saving money on your utility bills.

Give us a call at (913) 262-4380 or stop by one of our showrooms today! It’s easy to schedule appointments and see the newest products on the market.

Doors, Siding, Windows

Cost vs. Value Report: How New Windows, Doors, & Siding Can Save You Money in 2017

December 27, 2016 Doug Bennett

Have you heard the news? The final analysis from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report shows that adding new windows, installing exterior doors, as well as adding new and beautiful home siding benefits your home and saves you money.

The experts at All-Weather are breaking down this valuable report to give you the facts and trends that truly matter:

Remodel Return Comparisons

As we move into 2017, remodel trends are geared toward curb appeal features that are more energy-efficient than ever. An average home remodel project gave homeowners a nearly 65% return by increasing the value of a home sold within one year of project completion. That number is nearly 3% greater than what it was in 2015.

With new door, window and siding designs that feature gorgeous craftsmanship and greater energy-efficiency, 2017 should see an even larger increase of return on investment for home sales after remodel project completion.

2017 Remodeling Trends

This coming year homeowners are expected to focus on the areas of greater returns heightening the value of their investment. Those key areas would be doors, windows and siding. For example, the replacement door of choice for 2016 was fiberglass.

Homeowners who anticipate putting a house on the market are upgrading to get a return on investment through better sale prices, but they aren’t the only ones. Data indicates that within six months of moving into a new home, about 60% of homeowners delve into a home improvement project. Return on investment for new homeowners is accumulated gradually through lower energy costs and choosing the most valuable features to remodel or replace. For a great return on your investment, consider upgrading to the latest designs of these home features:

- Steel Entry Door: Upgrades recouped more than 90% of investment through utility savings created by innovative energy-efficient designs and higher resale value of home.

- Fiberglass Entry Door: Upgrades recouped more than 82% of investment through utility savings created by innovative energy-efficient designs and improving the resale value of the home.

- Siding: Upgrades recouped nearly 80% of investment by installing higher quality siding with better insulating properties that created energy savings as well as curb appeal quality which improved market value at sale.

Windows: Whether homeowners opted for wood or vinyl replacement windows, consumers enjoyed recouping more than 70% of their investment through energy savings and enjoyed a higher resale price.

To get started on your own project, schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (913) 262-4380. Here at All-Weather, we’ve been improving homes in Kansas City for over 30 years and we’d love to help make your remodel a reality, while also saving you money!

Doors, Insulation, Windows

Why You Don’t Have to Wait Until Spring To Replace Your Windows

December 20, 2016 Doug Bennett

If you think you have to wait until the weather is warm to install new windows, think again. Not only can you benefit from tax rebates before the end of the year, you can also start saving money on your heating bills!

Many homeowners assume it’s too cold for installation, but this is a common misconception. All-Weather is breaking down how this process takes place during the cold winter months and how it can benefit you.

How Your Current Windows Are Costing You Money

It’s old news that older models of windows are not energy-efficient. Over the past five years, there has been a revolution in housing materials due to America’s commitment to reduce its overall carbon footprint. To ensure these numbers are lower, the government has encouraged new patented products to become part of their Energy Star program. Simply put, the higher the Energy Star rating, the lower your utility bills will be. When your home is using less energy to heat or cool it, the overall carbon footprint is reduced, plus you save money on utility bills.

How Winter Window Installation Works

If you think that snow will be blowing into your home from every opening during your winter window installation, think again. We work hard to ensure that your home is not freezing cold while we are installing your windows, and this begins with only working on one window at a time.

We close off and isolate the room we are working on while the rest of the home remains warm and comfortable. Of course, if there are blizzard-type conditions that mean your home could be compromised, we will reschedule our services.

Scheduling Is Easier in the Winter Months

Psst.. want to know a secret? The window installation industry typically lowers window pricing in wintertime and it is much easier to schedule an appointment because homeowners typically assume that you can’t during winter months. However, unlike certain types of construction, window installation is easy any time of the year.

Another advantage is that there are rebates available at federal, state, and sometimes local taxation levels. In some cases, having your windows installed by the end of 2016 means that you will get a tax deduction or rebate for all or part of your install.

Want to know more about having your windows replaced? Give us a call at (913) 262-4380 or contact us online today!

Doors, General News

How to Hang Holiday Decorations without Damaging Your Front Door

December 12, 2016 Doug Bennett

December is here and it’s not just the halls you want to deck… that front door could use a little holiday spirit, too!

But wait, before you get out the power tools or pick up a hammer, consider some alternative methods for displaying your holiday cheer. Here are four tips on how to hang your holiday decorations without damaging your front door:

Use Fishing Line for Hanging

Got an extra roll of fishing line lurking in the garage? Put it to work for your wreath! First, loop fishing line through the wreath, then create two additional loops and place them through your wreath. Place one of these two loops over each top corner of the door, and, voila — your wreath appears to be “floating” on your door and there’s no damage to be found.

Removable Self-Adhesive Hooks

These are ideal for displaying holiday decor both indoors and out. Command Hooks by 3M are specially designed to hold items without doing any damage to the surface. It’s a good idea to estimate the weight for the item that you want to hang before selecting the hook, because each pack of Command Hooks will indicate how much weight it can bear.

Magnetic Wreath Hanger

If your door is made of glass or metal, you can use a magnetic wreath hanger. As with Command Hooks, you will want to make certain that the hanger you choose is sufficient to hold the weight of the wreath. How does a magnet work on glass? These magnets are double sided and one half goes on each side of the glass sandwiching it between. Because it has to hold the wreath through a layer of glass, you will probably be better off selecting a lighter-weight wreath.

Over-the-Door-Wreath Hanger

Last but not least, there is always the over-the-door wreath hanger, which you can find in plastic or metal. These work very similarly to the over-the-door clothes hangers you can hang clothes on, but they’re much longer for better placement of your wreath. One little secret to keep it from scratching your door with any swinging motion is to attach a piece of felt to the back of the hanger where it touches the door. Couldn’t be easier!

Does your front door need a facelift? It’s probably time to replace it! We replace entry doors, storm doors and so much more. Contact All-Weather online or give us a call at (913) 262-4380 for more information!

Doors, Windows

Save Money & Fight Breast Cancer With Wincore Replacement Windows

November 25, 2016 Doug Bennett

There are so many choices in window replacements, but think about how convenient it would be to choose a brand that saves you money, gives back to a great cause, and keeps you cozy all winter long. Well, All-Weather can give you all of that with Wincore Windows! Continue reading to see just how much you can benefit from having these top-of-the-line windows installed by the experts at All-Weather.

If You Want It All, Choose Wincore Windows

All-Weather offers the latest in window technology with Wincore replacement windows. These windows have contoured vinyl frames, which means you can still achieve the traditional look of wood trim while also choosing a product that is maintenance-free, durable, and truly weather-proof.

The Cozy Factor

With ultra-high performance glass, a home protected with Wincore Windows will have the ultimate cozy atmosphere. Wincore Windows offer features like triple-paned glass, which are sealed airtight with insulating gas to fill the space between panes. One of the many features that gives Wincore Windows an energy-efficiency rating worthy of the Department of Energy’s approval and the Energy Star seal.

The Money-Saving Factor

After upgrading to Wincore, homeowners will first realize their savings when they see the utility bills start to drop. But the savings don’t stop there! By choosing Wincore products bearing the Energy Star seal, homeowners may also qualify for certain tax credits. That could mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket just by making the right choice with Wincore!

The Charity Factor

Wincore Windows not only believes in tough, reliable products, they also believe in the strong people who are battling breast cancer. A portion of all Wincore product sales are committed to nonprofits that support breast cancer research. By choosing Wincore Windows from All-Weather, you can give back to a great cause while also choosing the best products for your home.

The Convenience Factor

The All-Weather team does it all: doors, windows, and siding. We provide service under a single umbrella, which means the ultimate convenience for our loyal customers. Contact us today and get everything you want: the very best in products, service, giving, savings, and convenience.

Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at (913) 262-4380 to talk with an expert at All-Weather. We’d love to help with all your window, door, and siding needs!

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