Why You Should Install Storm Windows & Doors Before Winter in Kansas City

November 11, 2015 Doug Bennett

The inevitable chill of winter is not far off. Before it gets here make sure your home is prepared to fend off the elements efficiently and able to keep you and your loved ones nice and toasty. While your mind might immediately think about calling your furnace technician, you might actually want to take a second to think about your home’s windows and doors. Up to 40% of your home’s energy costs in the winter can be spent combating air infiltration through windows and doors. Infiltration is the air leaking around and thru older and poor fitting windows and doors. At All-Weather, we know that one of the best ways to keep air infiltration to a minimum in your home is by installing storm windows and installing front doors in Kansas City. Here are just a few reasons they’ll help keep you warmer and your energy bills lower this winter.

Storm Windows & Doors Create an Extra Barrier Against Air Infiltration

Storm windows are secondary windows installed on the interior or exterior of the primary windows. They can help buffer extreme temperatures by blocking the amount of outside air that reaches the inside of the home. A properly installed high performance storm window can virtually eliminate air infiltration by creating a barrier outside of the primary window. The result is much less pressure on the primary window and the reduction of air leakage.

They’re an Economically Smart Decision

Not only will installing storm windows and doors help decrease your energy bills, but they can also be a less expensive alternative to installing all new energy-efficient windows. While energy-efficient replacement windows in Kansas City are still your best bet to cut costs and increase the longevity of your windows, it’s not always in everyone’s budget. Storm windows can cost as little as a quarter of the price of a quality replacement window, and they can help reduce heat loss by up to 20% or more if you currently have single pane windows.

Storm Windows & Doors Reduce Maintenance Needs

Since storm windows and doors add an extra barrier, they also help protect your primary windows and doors from the elements. Besides harsh winds, storm windows also help protect against rain, snow, sleet, hail, and other debris that gets hurled through the air by heavy winds. This can help reduce the amount of maintenance you’ll need on your windows and doors, which will also help increase their lifespan.

Not any old storm window or door will do though. Make sure you look for a quality product that can be installed by a company that knows what they’re doing. Call All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding today at 913-262-4380 to check out your storm window options before winter gets here.

Doors, General News, Windows

6 Steps to Button Up Your Home for Fall

October 20, 2015 Doug Bennett

With the changing leaves comes a change in season as well. Before winter’s chill sets into the Kansas City metro area, make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row. Taking a few preventative steps now towards winterizing your home can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle later on down the road.

Take Care of Leaky Windows & Doors

Take these extra steps to keep your home more comfortable and your energy bills lower this winter. Check your windows and exterior doors for air leaks near the edges and frames. Put your hand an inch or two away from your window or door near edges and feel around for a draft of wind. If you find any leaks, use caulk to seal them up. You can call a window and door expert from All-Weather to come out to your house and test the energy efficiency of your windows and doors for a more thorough evaluation. If you’ve been on the fence about replacing any windows or doors, now is also the time the bite the bullet while the weather is still nice out.

Clear Out the Gutters

All the foliage is beautiful this this time of year, but it can get stuck in some hard to reach places when it falls for the season, like in your gutters. If you don’t already have gutter protectors, now is the time to clean out leaves and debris. Leaves and other debris can clog your gutters, causing water damage to your roof, dislodging gutters, and creating ice dams in the winter that can be downright dangerous.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets

You’re probably watering your lawn less and less now, but pretty soon it will be time to leave it be for the season. At that point it’s important to drain your outdoor faucets and hoses of all water and disconnect them for the season. If the water supply is kept on, you could risk frozen water still in the system bursting some of your pipes, which can be a costly repair.

Clean Out the Chimney

Make an appointment to get your chimney cleaned before your start using your fireplace again this season. This will ensure that your chimney is clear of any debris that might have gathered in the flue since last winter. Animals can build nests and soot can build up over time. These can become a potential fire and smoke hazard if left uncleared and clogging your chimney.

Test Smoke Detectors

You should always test your smoke detector twice a year, and the fall should be one of those times. When the holiday season gets here you’ll have all types of potential fire hazards, christmas trees and lights strung up, the oven baking, a fire in the fireplace, the list goes on. Make sure your smoke detector has full batteries and is working correctly leading into this busy time. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Get a Furnace Tune-Up

Now is also a great time to get a furnace tune-up to ensure a more comfortable season. Furnace tune-ups keep your system working efficiently, which helps keep your heating bills lower, and helps decrease the likelihood of breakdowns when you’ll need your furnace the most this winter.

Call All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding today at 913-262-4380 to help you prepare your home for the cold season in Kansas City.

Windows

5 Ways to Reuse Old Windows

October 7, 2015 Doug Bennett

Have you recently replaced your old drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows just in time for the cooler season? If so you’re one smart cookie, but you don’t have to throw away your old windows, you can recycle them! We don’t mean in a compost pile. We mean, there are several ways you can reuse old windows that can add charm to your home.

Create a Unique Chalkboard

Use your old windows, panes and all, in new and creative ways that you can use to add a little pizzaz to your house. Try using chalkboard paint to paint over the glass in between panes. Hang the old window in your office, kitchen or foyer and use as a place to leave notes or reminders.

Shadowbox Coffee Table

Another option is adding hinges to one side and attaching it to an old dresser drawer and adding legs to create your very own shadow box coffee table! You can use it as a way to creatively display items, while also using it as storage.

DIY Picture Frame

Use double sided disappearing tape to place pictures in different grid panes of an old window. Then hang it for a rustic shabby-chic display.

Framed Mirror

Replace the glass in the old window frame with a custom fit mirror for an unexpected decoration. This unique look is a great way to also bring more light into a room. Reflective objects disperse light, which is great in rooms with fewer windows.

Greenhouse

If you’ve got a green thumb, you’ll love this one. Use hinges to attach the old window to a plywood box so that it opens on one side. Then add soil and plant herbs or vegetables that grow in the winter. The window will allow your plants and herbs to get much needed sunlight, while also shielding them from the harsh wind and snow.

If you’re going to be replacing your windows soon, these are some great ways to recycle. But many of these ideas require some DIY. If DIY projects aren’t for you, All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding can also dispose of your old windows for you, free of charge. No worries. Call us today at 913-962-4380 .

Doors, Windows

All-Weather Helps Homeowners In Energy Savings: Project Recap

October 1, 2015 Doug Bennett

When it comes to windows, doors and siding in Kansas City, All-Weather has you covered. Each one of our projects is carefully handled from the time the homeowner asks for an estimate to the time of its completion. Our customers love the work we do, and we love to do great work for our customers. We also like showing off the work we do for our customers. Here’s a recent project we wrapped up for a customer in Leawood.

What We Replaced

The homeowners had owned the house for more than 10 years and have been living with the same windows that were original to the 17-year-old home. They were starting to become drafty and inefficient. All-Weather’s team replaced 14 windows in the back and a sliding glass door with products from our Andersen 400 Series.

How the Project Changed Their Home

Their old windows had become drafty over the years, which had really affected the comfort level of their home as well as their heating and cooling bills year round. With their new Anderson replacement windows installed, the homeowners house has become significantly more energy efficient. Drafts are kept at bay, allowing the home to feel cooler in the summer, and warmer in the fall.

In Their Own Words

We were very happy to serve our customers needs, and we are so happy the project has been such a success for them. Here’s what the homeowners had to say about their experience working with the All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding team, “They were very professional, considerate and nice to work with…from the owner to salespeople to installers. They always cleaned up every day.”

If you’re interested in replacing your old, drafty windows with newer energy efficient ones, call the window and door replacement experts at All-Weather today at 913-262-4380.

Siding

Choose Quality Siding: Diamond Kote Pre-finished Siding Will Impress You

September 3, 2015 Doug Bennett

Siding isn’t something you change very often on your home. It’s a big decision that you’ll see every day for years on end. So do your research before you choose a siding option you’ll have to live with. All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding has been in the business of helping Kansas City homeowners install quality products that are beautiful and that stand up to the elements for more than 25 years. We only suggest products we know you’ll be happy with. One that we’ve recently added to our product line-up is Diamond Kote pre-finished siding in the Kansas City area. Here’s why we know you’ll love it.

Advanced Color Technology Keeps Siding Fade-Free

Diamond Kote’s pre-finished siding is specifically designed to hold up to the day-to-day elements. It starts by using only the purest raw materials, like naturally derived color pigments found in the earth. Then, a computer applied robotic spray guarantees an even coating of color. From there, a state-of-the-art oven curing process produces a durable, scratch-resistant finish. This process helps protect against blistering, peeling, and flaking for long-term, low-maintenance performance.

Custom Color for a Unique Look

And it’s not only the technology of Diamond Kote pre-finished siding that you’ll be impressed with, but you’ll also fall in love with your color options. Offering several color collection options, from neutrals to nature-inspired, to dramatic bold, to premium rustics, you’re sure to find a vibrant, rich, and luxe color that is perfect for your home. And if not, you’re in luck. Diamond Kote can also combine colors to create a custom blend just for you. The freedom to create your dream home is within arm’s reach.

Check out the amazing pre-finished siding options by Diamond Kote Siding at All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding today. Drop by one of our showrooms, or call us today at 913-262-4380 to set up an appointment or in-home consultation.

Doors, Windows

All-Weather Introduces New Product: Wincore Vinyl Replacement Windows & Entry Doors

August 27, 2015 Doug Bennett

All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding is proud to announce our new partnership with Wincore Windows & Doors. We will now carry their replacement windows and entry doors alongside our other outstanding products. As a company that has made its name on quality products and service, we can assure you that our latest partnership follows our deep-rooted standard for excellence. Here are just a few reasons to consider Wincore vinyl replacement windows and Kansas city entry doors for your home.

Superior Window Technology

Wincore’s vinyl replacement windows are crafted with the latest technological advances. You can expect things like contoured vinyl frames that truly replicate the traditional appearance of wood, as well as Low-E glass coupled with warm-edge technology that ensures state-of-the-art modern performance and most importantly energy efficiency. These replacement windows are manufactured to really stand up to the elements and perform at a high level.

Beautiful Doors That Perform

Wincore entry door systems create beautiful entry doors that greet your guests with classic elegance and style. These doors are made with top quality materials and construction, and also come with a Lifetime Limited Transferrable Warranty. You can also expect nearly every door in Wincore’s line to come with the EnergyStar label. These doors seal your home off from the harsh elements outside and help keep your energy bills low each month. And you won’t have to sacrifice beauty for performance. Wincore gives you a wide variety of options when it comes to hardware, color, glass, etc., so it’s easy to customize your door exactly the way you want it.

Call All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding today at 913-262-4380 or come into one of our showrooms to get more information on Wincore products for your Kansas City area home. We know you’ll be just as impressed as we are with these new products.

Doors

FAQ: Can All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding Replace a Door without a New Frame?

August 20, 2015 Doug Bennett

We often get phone calls from homeowners in Kansas City asking if we can replace their doors and keep their existing frame in place. While the simple answer is, yes we can, we really don’t recommend going with this option. It may seem like a logical and money savvy decision at first, but it’s really in your best interest to install a new door with the frame it comes with. Here’s why we highly recommend this path.

It Can Cause Delays

While it is technically possible for us to replace your door while working with an existing frame, it can end up being more hassle than it’s worth. This is true for both time and money. Having to work around and with your existing frame without damaging it can cause delays in the job completion. It causes inefficiencies in the process, which can also end up costing you more of your time and money.

Take the All-Weather Door Finder Quiz!

It’s Not Good for Your Energy Bills

Another reason we don’t suggest replacing your door without also replacing your door frame is because the new door you choose won’t necessarily fit perfectly into your existing door frame. It can make your door less efficient at guarding your home from the elements, leaving it drafty and not very energy efficient. Not only will this leave your home less comfortable, but it will also make it more difficult for your home’s heating and cooling system to operate efficiently. This will likely end up costing you on your monthly energy bills.

If there’s a specific reason for keeping your existing door frame, like maybe you prefer its style, we can work with you on recreating it within your new door and frame. We can customize your door frames so you can have the exact look you want without sacrificing the functionality of your new door.

Call All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding at 913-262-4380 to talk about your door replacement options today.

General News, Windows

Energy Performance Ratings for Windows & Doors and What They Mean

July 29, 2015 Doug Bennett

Window Energy Ratings When you’re shopping for new windows or doors, there’s a lot to pay attention to. Something you’re sure to see, but probably unsure exactly what it means, are the performance ratings on the labels. This can be confusing for many homeowners, but it’s definitely something that’s worth your time becoming familiar with. These performance ratings can give you a lot of insight into how the window or door will perform in your home when it comes to energy efficiency. While you may not take that performance aspect of a window or door into mind, a product with a good rating can help you save lots when it comes to your heating and cooling bills year round. All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding sums up the top three energy performance ratings and what they mean for you.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) operates a program that tests, certifies, and labels windows, doors, and skylights based on their energy performance ratings. The NFRC label provides a reliable way to determine a window’s energy properties and to compare products. You can find these labels on all ENERGY STAR® qualified window, door, and skylight products. ENERGY STAR bases its qualification only on U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and air leakage ratings.

U-Factor

This performance rating is based on the rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts non-solar heat flow. It’s usually expressed in units of Btu/hr-ft2-oF. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window, door, or skylight.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

This performance rating is also seen abbreviated as SHGC, and i s the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight. The lower the SHGC rating, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its ability to provide shade. A product with a high SHGC rating is more effective at collecting solar heat during the winter. A product with a low SHGC rating is more effective at reducing cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat gain from the sun. Which type of SHGC rating you look for in products for your home should depend on your home’s climate, orientation, and external shading, as well as the climate of the area where you live. Arizona homes, for instance would likely look for windows and doors with a low SHGC rating, while a home in Minnesota might look for products with higher SHGC ratings.

Air Leakage

No one likes drafty doors or windows. This performance rating will give you a good idea how airtight a door, window, or skylight is. It measures the rate of air movement around a window, door, or skylight. It’s expressed in units of cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame area (cfm/ft2). A product with a low air leakage rating is tighter, and less likely to become drafty than one with a high air leakage rating.

For more information on how energy-efficient windows and doors can help you save, call your trusted home experts at All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding at 913-262-4380.

Uncategorized

3 Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

July 16, 2015 Doug Bennett

Natural light can be very flattering for your home, and can help open up your home, but it can also cause a lot of heat gain in the summer months. While that can be beneficial in the winter months, it can also exacerbate your air conditioning needs and send your cooling costs through the roof. Nobody likes that. So how can you still reap the benefits of big, bright windows without having to suffer the drawbacks? Make sure you install the right type of window treatments. Here are three energy-efficient window treatment options to check out.

Awnings

Window awnings are a great choice for energy-efficient window treatments. They can help reduce solar heat gain in the summer by as much as 65% on south-facing windows, and as much as 75% on west-facing windows. Choose awnings with tightly woven materials that are lighter in color. These tend to reflect more sunlight, which further helps reduce heat gain.

Draperies

Indoor draperies are another great way to reduce the power of the sun’s rays in your home. Medium colored draperies with a white backing are the most energy efficient. These have been shown to reduce heat gain by as much as 33%. They can also be useful in the winter months, by helping seal the heat inside, and reduce heat loss.

Shades

As long as these are properly installed, they can be one of the most energy-efficient ways to reduce heat gain in your home through windows. Make sure your shades are mounted as close to the glass as possible with the sides of the shade held close to the wall. For greater efficiency, use dual shades—highly reflective, white lined on one side and heat absorbing dark on the other side. These can then be reversed with the seasons. The reflective surface should always face the warmest side.

For helping figuring out which type of window treatment is best for different areas of your home, call the window experts at All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding at 913-262-4380. You can also check out our window guide with 112 Ways to Make Your Windows Stand Out.

General News

All-Weather Cuts The Ribbon & Celebrates New Ownership

June 30, 2015 Doug Bennett

This past month the All-Weather team celebrated our new ownership. Formerly owned by Kim and Oanh Blake, the torch was passed on to Doug & Jolene Bennett on June 18^th and was made official with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Thank You To The Mission Community

“All-Weather has spent 29 years in Mission and hopes to be here for 29 more,” Doug Bennett shared. The All-Weather team wanted to give a big thank you to all who came out to help us celebrate. We were joined by family, friends, members of the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor of Mission, Steve Schowengerdt. Be sure to check out the photos from the ribbon cutting below!

Weren’t able to attend the celebration? We invite you to stop by our Mission showroom to meet the All-Weather team.

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