Some home improvements make your home look better. Some are more for maintenance, and others are to increase energy efficiency, add living areas, or improve your lifestyle. From mundane to fun, summer is the best time for home improvements. Take a look at this list and see if there are any to-dos that you can get done. 

9 Home Improvements and Repairs to Make This Summer

1. Power Wash

There’s nothing uglier than a home with mildew on the side of it. It’s usually on the north side where the sun doesn’t shine for long. But a quick hit with a power washer and some mildew removing detergent will have your home looking good as new. Power washers are also great for removing ground in grime from sidewalks, patios, driveways, porches, and foundations too. 

2. Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a smart move for comfort, energy savings and lowering the energy bill. Installing ceiling fans allows you to keep the air conditioner turned up a few extra degrees without feeling warmer. It’s the wind chill effect – it is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the “wind” (moving air from the fan blades) increases, the body is cooled at a faster rate causing the skin temperature to drop. 

3. Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause major problems with roof leaks, mold, and even structural damage if left for too long. Gutters should be cleaned twice a year. Clear large debris such as leaves and branches out and then hose gutters down to get rid of dirt and smaller debris like grit from shingles. Make sure to check the downspout for clogs and inspect the gutters for cracks, sags, or signs of rust. If gutters are in bad shape, you may need to replace them so they don’t cause damage to your home.

4. Build a Deck/Patio

Adding a deck or patio is one of the bigger projects, but definitely one of the more exciting changes you can make. It increases your home’s space, value, and enjoyment. You can spend more time together with family and friends and get outside and enjoy the season. 

5. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

There are companies who perform professional energy audits and they can tell you exactly where your home’s energy inefficiencies lie. But you can also do your own home energy audit to make it more comfortable or energy efficient. Simple things such as sealing leaks around drafty windows and doors, installing additional insulation (especially in the attic), and inspecting ductwork for leaks and sealing them will all help your home feel better and waste less energy. Don’t forget to change the furnace filter!

6. Inspect the Roof

The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. That doesn’t mean all roofs will last that long. Look for any broken or cracked shingles, any areas that look weathered or curled on the edges. If you experience standing water every time it rains, or you’ve noticed any leaks or water stains on your ceiling, it’s best to call a professional inspector. Catching roof problems early can prevent costly repairs later on.

7. Replace Old Drafty Windows

This is another job that’s on the bigger side and you’ll have to hire professionals to do it, but it will not only make your home look better and feel better, but it will raise the value of your home as well. Homeowners usually know when they need to replace their windows and summer is the best time to do it. New windows will make your home more energy efficient and lower energy bills. Here are the top three things to consider before buying windows.

8. Inspect Your Home’s Exterior 

Take some time to walk around your home and inspect the exterior walls. If you notice any peeling paint, cracks, sagging panels, mold growth, small holes, or any other damage to the walls or siding. Catching these problems early will help prevent wood rot (especially around windows) which can be costly to repair before painting. You may need to repaint, or you may decide to upgrade to new siding. Doing either will maintain your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Adding siding will also increase your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some siding tips.

9. Install New Doors

Entry doors are the gateways to your home and create a lasting first impression of your most important investment. An eye-catching front door will enhance your home’s perceived value. You will have a hard time finding a more beautiful investment in your home and return on your money. Plus, they will make your home more energy efficient. Here are 11 things you won’t get when you buy a door from a big box store.

All-Weather Windows, Doors, and Siding can help with quite a few of these home improvement projects. You can trust us for quality products and excellent installation. For over 30 years, we have served the KC metro area and now have a customer base of over 40,000 satisfied customers. We are proud of the reputation for quality we have built over the last three decades and we’d love to help you make your home more beautiful and energy efficient.

Call us at (913) 648-9589 for any window, door, or siding help. Or visit our showroom at 7710 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Overland Park to see our products up close. We’ll be happy to give you a free estimate.

At All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, we know you want quality windows and you don’t want to pay more than you should. Since most homeowners only purchase replacement windows once or twice in a lifetime, it’s hard to know what they should cost. That’s why we put together these tips on buying the best replacement windows. If someone else tries to sell you something you don’t need, you’ll be armed with the information you need to make a smart decision.

There are basically three areas where you can spend erroneously thinking you need that feature or option, when in reality, it won’t provide much benefit. Take them all into consideration when researching and getting quotes and you’ll know how to avoid paying more for something you don’t really need.

1. Price Does Not Equal Performance

You may be inclined to think that a more expensive window is obviously a better window. That is not always the case. In an independent study of casement windows, the least expensive window scored highest. It all depends on the materials and the statistics. When comparing, look at energy ratings, materials (vinyl, wood, aluminum, composite), and warranties. All will affect your satisfaction level after the purchase. Decide which features are important to you and whether they are worth the extra cost difference.

2. Don’t Pay for More Energy Savings Than You Need

Window manufacturers make windows that can withstand some pretty extreme temperatures. However, if you live in the Kansas City area, do you really need windows that are rated for a much colder climate? Avoid overkill and get the windows that will deliver enough energy efficiency, but not way too much. The only place you’ll notice the difference is in your wallet. The NFRC label helps you compare between energy-efficient windows by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories. While the ENERGY STAR label tells you that a product is energy-efficient, the NFRC helps you compare between energy-efficient products by giving you independent ratings in several energy performance categories.

3. Watch Out for Options & Upgrades

It’s easy to overspend on options. Upgrades can easily add 50% or more to the base cost of a window. If you add features, make sure to focus on the features that add value. Low-E coatings improve efficiency, but triple glazing probably isn’t necessary unless you live in an extremely cold climate. Double-hung window sashes (tilt in make cleaning easier), full screens, finer meshed screens, and hardware upgrades will quickly add up, so be careful.  

Other Ways to Save on Replacement Windows

Keep More Money in Your Pocket with Pocket Replacement Windows

If your existing frames and sills are in good shape, you may be a good candidate for pocket replacement windows. Also known as partial replacement windows, these windows are slightly smaller and fit into the existing frames. You save money on materials and labor. Otherwise, you’ll need full-replacement windows.

Finding an Installer

At All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, we choose to offer Andersen replacement windows to our Kansas City customers. The Andersen window brand has demonstrated integrity and innovation for over 100 years and is the most recognized and most used brand in the window industry. Andersen replacement windows are simply the best replacement windows in Kansas City that we have found.

Even the best windows won’t deliver the look or comfort you expect if they’re installed improperly. Many major window manufacturers train and certify installers for their specific products. At All-Weather, we are proud to be an Andersen Window Circle of Excellence dealer. You can have extra confidence that when we install your windows, we do it exactly the way the manufacturer recommends so the window provides superior performance for years to come. Additionally, using the same contractor for purchase and installation can minimize the chances of problems arising later.

If you’re looking into replacement windows, give us a call at (913) 262-4380 or contact us online and we’ll be happy to help you make this important decision with confidence.