The “ROI” of Window & Door Replacement 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!

Doors, Insulation, Windows

6 Steps to Prepare Your Home & Wallet For Winter

November 21, 2016 Doug Bennett

Winter is around the corner, which means now is the best time to prepare your home for the upcoming colder months. Our winter savings and comfort checklist will help you lower your utility bills, protect your house, and keep your family warm all season long. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Here’s a great tip if your ceiling fans are equipped with a reverse switch. Once you’ve turned your furnace on for the winter, use your fan’s reverse switch to run the fan’s blades in a clockwise direction. This will create an updraft and push down the warm air from the ceiling into the room. This is especially helpful if your home has high ceilings!

2. Check Your Roof and Gutters

Look for damaged, missing or loose shingles and have them repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent leakage during a winter storm or from melting snow. Additionally, remove any leaves, pine needles or other debris from your roof as this promotes deterioration of the shingles.

Don’t forget to clean the gutters as well! A clogged gutter will cause water to back up on the house, damaging your roof, siding, and wood trim. A gutter full of debris can also cause ice dams and leakage.

3. Check Windows and Doors

Check the upper and lower sash of all windows, including storm windows, to make sure they are locked. This may seem obvious, but many homeowners forget to lock their windows and sometimes even to close them. This can result in extremely high energy bills and safety issues.

Another important step is to thoroughly clean your window sills and weep holes. Closing windows with debris in the sills can damage the window and leave small gaps for cold air to come in. Now is also the ideal time to clean the outdoor glass on your windows before it gets too cold to do so. This will also allow more sunlight to shine through, which will aid in warming your home throughout the cold winter months.

Check your doors for drafts. Since doors expand in the heat and contract in the cold, small gaps can occur in the winter, allowing cold air to come in and warm air to go out. If you can’t seem to find where the cold is coming from, turn off the lights in your home during the day and check for light coming through around the edges of your door. If light is coming through, chances are that’s where the cold is coming in as well. The best way to solve this issue is to replace the door altogether.

4. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

This is something every homeowner should do at this time of year! During a tune-up, a licensed technician will make small adjustments, such as lubricating moving parts, inspecting and cleaning condensate drains, and testing the unit’s starting capabilities. Small problems can be detected before they turn into larger, more expensive repairs. Regular maintenance also leads to fewer unexpected breakdowns.

5. Call a Chimney Sweep

A professional chimney sweep will ensure your chimney and vents are clean and in good condition. This will prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. They’ll also make sure your chimney isn’t letting in cold air, which will reduce your utility bills and increase comfort!

For more information regarding replacement windows, entry doors, storm doors, and storm windows, please contact All-Weather today!

Doors

Winter Season Patio Door Replacement

November 11, 2016 Doug Bennett

It’s getting chilly outside, which means the last thing on your mind is a party on the patio. However, right now is the perfect time to think about your patio doors. Why? All-Weather is here to explain.

Keep the Snowstorm Outdoors

Trying to keep your home warm and cozy is hard enough, but imagine your worn out patio door getting stuck, wide open, on a cold snowy day. While your doors may have slid along the track breezily during the summer months, once the harsh cold sets in things may get a bit sticky. Replace your outdated patio doors now to ensure you don’t get stuck in the cold this winter.

Save Money & Energy

One way you can save a bundle on utility bills is by installing an updated energy-efficient patio door. The U.S. Department of Energy advises modern glass doors with updated metal frames that feature a “thermal break.” This is an insulator constructed between the inner and outer part of the frame. Special coatings can also improve energy efficiency.

You may think to yourself, “My patio door looks great! I don’t need to replace it.” But it’s not just the glass that keeps the cold out and the warmth in. It’s also the weatherstripping. As weatherstripping ages it becomes cracked and worn. The seal becomes less effective, which means old patio doors will become vents letting out the warm air and allowing in the cold. Put a new patio door on your winterizing to-do list.

Update the Little Things

There are many ways to update a patio door in order to have it operating well during winter weather. You can replace rollers, screens, and glass. However, if you have a door that is difficult to open and close, it is best to replace it altogether to avoid a larger issue down the road.

Opt for Professional Installation

Your patio door is the only thing standing between your warm home and the extreme cold outdoors, which is why it’s important to hire a professional for installation. Trust the experienced professionals at All-Weather to replace your patio door this winter.

Contact us online or give us a call at (913) 262-4380 for your free patio door estimate. And for more helpful tips on keeping your home warm this winter, check out our blog!

Doors

Entry Door Replacement During The Holidays

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!

Doors, Uncategorized

Update Your Home’s Entry Door for Energy Savings

September 22, 2016 Doug Bennett

entry-door-therma-tru-kansas-city Everyone wants a beautiful home inside and out, and you invest a lot of time and effort into the appearance and condition of your home. One thing that may be overlooked, though, is your entry door. This is a vital part of the house because it affects the temperature, security, and appearance of your home.

If you have an entry door that is older and outdated, or not working as well as it should be, you may have thought about fixing or replacing it. Here are some instances where you may need to decide if your door is a quick fix or a total nix.

Want to find the perfect door for your home? Take our FREE door finder quiz!

1.) Your Door Is Letting in Air & Creating a Draft

Noticing a breeze as you walk by your front door? This can be a problem that your electric bill may well attest to. In addition to losing money on energy bills, you’re also providing an open-door-policy for insects. If you can feel a breeze, there is likely enough space for pests to come in, regardless of whether or not they are welcome.

In order to fully fix this issue, we suggest replacing your entry door (especially before winter). A good quality replacement for your entry door that fits well will surely save you money, and sanity, without the guessing game of making countless small repairs with no improvements.

2.) Your Door Isn’t Functioning Properly

In most cases, the entry door is the main entrance for guests into a home. If your door is on the fritz and not functioning properly, avoid making your guests awkwardly enter through the makeshift garage door entrance. Problems can include broken, noisy hinges, a rusted lock, damaged trim, or maybe your door is jamming and difficult to open and close.

These things can cause serious safety and security issues if neglected, and anything that is broken on a door would especially be of concern to those with children. While in some cases it may be something small that is simple to repair, several of these repairs can add up! Replacing the door offers a more permanent solution, especially if the fundamental parts of the door are worn out.

3.) Your Door Is Outdated or Doesn’t Match the Style of Your Home

Perhaps the paint is peeling, or there are scratch marks at the bottom from the last homeowner’s dog. The appearance of your front door is definitely something people notice. Seeing it every day, you may not have given it much thought, but it affects how both the interior and exterior of your home look. Replacing or repairing your entry door is a simple change that will add value to your home.

At All-Weather, we understand the importance of a good quality door, and we provide solutions to all the above issues with our strong, long-lasting doors to ensure your home stays secure while looking great. Contact us today for more information!

Doors, General News, Uncategorized, Windows

Wood Rot: Is This Silent Killer Ruining Your Windows?

July 13, 2016 Doug Bennett

It’s the silent killer lurking in many homes and it’s causing serious damage. If you’ve ever owned a home, chances are you’ve heard of wood rot, but hopefully you’ve never seen its full effects.

All-Weather Window, Doors, & Siding has seen it all when it comes to wood rot, which is why we want to help you prevent it from destroying your home. Keep reading for the need-to-knows on wood rot and how you can keep this silent killer from entering your home.

What Is Wood Rot?

Wood rot is caused by fungi attacking wood that has been wet at some time. Moisture is needed to initiate the rotting process, and it’s also needed to sustain it. Generally, the fungi needs wood with at least 20% moisture content to grow. Wood rot experts explain that dry wood doesn’t rot, but once wood is wet you will always be at risk for wood rot.

How to Spot Wood Rot

There are two different types of wood rot: brown rot and white rot. Brown rot typically has a cubical appearance and looks similar to a mud puddle that has dried and cracked. Also, as its name implies, it’s brown – usually darker than the original wood color. The wood can become dry and powdery in advanced cases this is sometimes referred to as “dry rot”.

White rot is lighter in color (dirty white or grayish to yellowish) and looks and feels spongy or fibrous. Sometimes wood rot can grow undetected for a long time. At other times, it develops ‘fruiting bodies’ and becomes more noticeable. These fruiting bodies give the wood a crusty or scabby appearance.

Is Wood Rot Mold?

Although they grow under similar moisture conditions, rot, mold, and mildew are all different lifeforms. Mold and mildew don’t actually damage wood, but they do indicate the presence of moisture. They can also increase the wood’s ability to absorb moisture, which makes it more likely to provide the correct growing conditions for rot.

Wood rot feeds off damp wood using minute feeder threads called “hyphae”. This feedings process sucks nutrients, and thus strength, from the wood. This causes the wood to gradually decompose in place. Wood rot if so insidious that it can go unnoticed until it has done a tremendous amount of irreversible damage.

How Expensive Is Fixing a Window with Wood Rot?

The cost of repairs depends on how extensive the damage is. You cannot allow the replacement wood to come in contact with the old, rot-infested wood because it can contaminate the new wood. In rare cases, if you catch the wood rot early enough, it might be possible to repair the window and its frame.

The best way to find out is to hire a window professional to evaluate the situation and decide the best course of action. In many cases, it’s probably better to replace the window rather than try to repair it. This is particularly true with wood-framed windows.

How to Avoid & Prevent Wood Rot?

In order for wood rot to grow, it needs four things:

Moisture (at least 20% moisture content)
Food in the form of the carbohydrates found in wood (cellulose and lignin)
Oxygen
Favorable temperatures (40-100 degrees Fahrenheit)

It’s pretty difficult to change the oxygen and temperature and still have a house that’s livable. And most homes include at least some wood. That means controlling moisture is the only way you will have a chance at preventing wood rot damage in your home. Overall, the most important step in preventing wood rot is to find the source of the moisture and eliminate it.

Are your windows crumbling at the seams? Wood rot could be your culprit. Give All-Weather a call at (913) 262-4380 or schedule your appointment online today! We’d be happy to assist you with all of your window needs.

Doors, General News

Therma-Tru Pulse Series Entry Doors in Kansas City

June 23, 2016 Doug Bennett

Does your home need a new entry doors in Kansas City this summer? If you’ve been coming home to the same front door for years, you might be surprised at how others see your entry. Does it suit the style of your home? Does it add character or enhance your home’s best architectural features? If it doesn’t, maybe it’s time for that new front door!

Looking for a stand out entry door? Look no further than All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding.

Whether your home is cool and contemporary, a mid-century modern treasure, or a cozy cottage, there’s an entry door that’s perfect for your unique home.

Bright Colors for Every Home

Some people want their entry to blend into the rest of their home’s exterior while others want a front door that ‘pops’ with color. A colorful door can be perfect for reflecting the personality of the family inside.

If your home has a fairly neutral exterior, choosing a door color like lime green or sunny yellow will bring some interest to the front of your home while also reflecting your lively family’s personality. Colorful front doors work particularly well with the already sometimes quirky cottage feel.

Glass & Metal for a Modern Touch

Glass and metal doors nicely complement the architecture of many mid-century modern and contemporary homes. Their cool, clean aesthetic pair perfectly with the cool, clean lines of these architectural styles. Stained wood doors are also popular choices for the warmth they add to contemporary homes.

Make an Entrance with Therma-Tru’s Pulse Series

Now you can enjoy the ‘modern art’ look of these doors without the installation woes (some are extremely heavy!) or the maintenance issues of real wood. All-Weather offers Therma-Tru Pulse Series doors which have the same beautiful look in easier-to-care-for fiberglass.

Choose a door from this collection inspired by nature and made using AccuGrain technology for a door that gives you the same warmth as real wood without the rotting and warping issues. And for a more modern feel, choose the smooth fiberglass finish instead.

Therma-Tru’s Pulse Series has something for every bold personality, and the option of customization to make sure you stand out from the rest! Use this interactive tool to design the perfect front door for your new entry. It even has options for choosing a paintable door so you can still have that ‘pop’ of color!

If you’ve decided to update your entry door, contact us. We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and would love to add you to our ever-growing list of satisfied customers!

The Best Windows, Doors & Siding in KC. Guaranteed!

Remodel Return Comparisons

2017 Remodeling Trends

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!

How Your Current Windows Are Costing You Money

How Winter Window Installation Works

Scheduling Is Easier in the Winter Months

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

Use Fishing Line for Hanging

Removable Self-Adhesive Hooks

Magnetic Wreath Hanger

Over-the-Door-Wreath Hanger

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!

If You Want It All, Choose Wincore Windows

The Cozy Factor

The Money-Saving Factor

The Charity Factor

The Convenience Factor

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!

1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

2. Check Your Roof and Gutters

3. Check Windows and Doors

4. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

5. Call a Chimney Sweep

For more information regarding replacement windows, entry doors, storm doors, and storm windows, please contact All-Weather today!

Keep the Snowstorm Outdoors

Save Money & Energy

Update the Little Things

Opt for Professional Installation

Contact us online or give us a call at (913) 262-4380 for your free patio door estimate. And for more helpful tips on keeping your home warm this winter, check out our blog!

1. Lower Energy Bills & Keep Cozy

2. Impress Your Guests & Nosy Neighbors

3. More Appointment Availability

4. Added Curb Appeal & Resale Value

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!

1.) Your Door Is Letting in Air & Creating a Draft

2.) Your Door Isn’t Functioning Properly

3.) Your Door Is Outdated or Doesn’t Match the Style of Your Home

At All-Weather, we understand the importance of a good quality door, and we provide solutions to all the above issues with our strong, long-lasting doors to ensure your home stays secure while looking great. Contact us today for more information!

What Is Wood Rot?

How to Spot Wood Rot

Is Wood Rot Mold?

How Expensive Is Fixing a Window with Wood Rot?

How to Avoid & Prevent Wood Rot?

Are your windows crumbling at the seams? Wood rot could be your culprit. Give All-Weather a call at (913) 262-4380 or schedule your appointment online today! We’d be happy to assist you with all of your window needs.

Bright Colors for Every Home

Glass & Metal for a Modern Touch

Make an Entrance with Therma-Tru’s Pulse Series

If you’ve decided to update your entry door, contact us. We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and would love to add you to our ever-growing list of satisfied customers!

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