Frequently Asked Questions
Exterior remodeling, including replacing windows, doors, siding and roofing on your home will not only enhance its overall beauty, but will give your budget a boost by helping conserve costly energy. Below are some frequently asked questions that will help you clearly understand our approach to exterior remodeling, along with other helpful information.Windows:
Q: I live in an older home and I am struggling to keep the house warm
- how do I tell if I need new windows?
A: It is common for older homes to have drafty windows. Deteriorated glazing, a poorly sealed sash, and gaps between the window frame and siding, allows air to pass through. If the surface of the wood is soft or your window is having trouble holding paint, you could have window rot. Left untreated, a rotting window can lead to rotten framing and siding, and mold issues. Old Capitol Exteriors can help you diagnose the problem - contact us! to schedule a consultation.
Q: If I have storm windows over my single pane windows, do I still need to replace my windows?
A: Yes, storm windows are not energy efficient and do not sufficiently block wind draft. In addition, storm windows are a pain to deal with and make it especially difficult to clean the windows. Our replacement windows will eliminate your storm windows and we will remove them for you at no additional charge.
Q: How long does the window installation process typically take? Do I have to be home during the installation?
A: The majority of homes take only one to two days to complete the project. However, each window is custom manufactured for your home, which can take up to four weeks. Having access to the inside of your home may be necessary, depending on the type of window and the required installation process. Your comfort is of most importance to us and we believe it is a good idea for you to be present while the work is being performed.
Q: Does your installation process involve removing or disturbing the interior trim inside my home?
A: No. In fact, the majority of our installation occurs from the outside so our procedures are non-invasive and we do not remove or disturb the interior trim. This also eliminates the need for repainting and staining that occurs with some other company's methods.
Q: How do I know I'm choosing the right product? Where can I find more information on energy efficient windows?
A: The type of window you choose for your home depends largely on your personal preference, as well as the architecture of your home. A large factor in determining which type of window you need will be what the design of your home calls for. Visit www.efficientwindows.org for more information on energy efficient windows. You may also contract one of our certified Old Capitol Exteriors representatives for more information.
Q: Are there tax benefits to doing our window replacement project?
A: Click on this link to stay updated on the latest energy tax credit developments: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
Q: Do you have window options available for someone who does not want vinyl?
A: Yes. We offer real wood windows with maintenance free exteriors, paintable milled PVC no-rot windows, and a variety of other custom window and door products.
Q: Do you offer exterior painting?
A: Yes. We provide all services related to exterior remodeling and home improvement, including exterior painting. In addition to windows and doors, Old Capitol Exteriors specializes in sliding/trim and roof replacement.
Q: What is your workmanship warranty?
A: Old Capitol Exteriors offers a Workmanship Warranty on all labor performed for five (5) years.
Roofing:
Q: What are some signs to look for to determine if my roof needs to be replaced?
A: A leak, of course, is the most obvious sign your roof needs to be examined for replacement or repair. Any visible cracked, warped or missing shingles are also red flags. Other things you may notice on the interior of you home are leaks in the attic, blistering or peeling paint, discoloration of wallpaper, or dirty looking areas on your wall or ceiling. High utility costs may be another sign you roof needs to be replaced.
Q: Why should I hire a professional to repair or replace my roof?
A: If you are installing a new roof, replacing an existing roof or just looking into making repairs, you should consider using a professional. In addition to owning the proper equipment, Old Capitol Exteriors is experienced in working with a variety of roofing situations, such as steeply pitched roofs. As professionals, we can make recommendations about which shingles will perform best for your home and assist you in deciding which colors will best compliment your home. In addition, we are experienced in working with your insurance company when you are filing an insurance claim. As a result, we can help avoid delays with you roofing project.
Q: Do I need to be home to receive an estimate??
A: No. All necessary measurements and inspections are obtained from outside the home. However, it can be beneficial to meet with the estimator so you have an opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns you may have. This also allows you to let the estimator know specific goals or ideas you have for your roof and it gives you a chance to ask questions.
Q: How long does the roof installation typically take? Do I have to be home
the installation?
A: The majority of homes take two days to complete the project. However, due to inclement weather, the job may encounter delays. Although there is no need for you to be home during the installation process, your comfort level is of most importance to us. Some homeowners like to watch the progress of the job, while others prefer to leave when the hammering begins.
Q: What can I do to prevent winter leaks caused by ice dams and
wind-driven rain?
A: Standard to our roofing package, Old Capitol Exteriors installs a long-lasting, water resistant modified asphalt sheet applied under the roof shingles in the valleys to protect your home against interior leaks.
Q: What is a ridge-vent?
A: A ridge-vent is a patented weatherproof venting system that helps keep air moving through the attic, balancing the outdoor and indoor temperature. A roof that is poorly ventilated can result in damage such as warped roof decking or cracked shingles.
Q: Will my landscaping be protected?
A: Old Capitol Exteriors takes extra care to ensure the perimeter of your home will be protected from roofing debris. As professional contractors, we remove all roofing debris, clean out the gutters, and do a thorough cleaning of the ground and landscape. This includes the use of a magnet to pick up any nails that may have fallen to the ground.
Q: What is your workmanship warranty?
A: Old Capitol Exteriors offers a Workmanship Warranty on all labor performed for five (5) years.
Siding:
Q: How long does siding installation typically take? Do I have to be home during the installation?
A: The majority of homes take 7 to 10 days to complete the project. However, the time depends on the amount and type of siding, layout of the home and weather. Although it is not necessary for you to be home while the work is being performed, we believe it is a good idea for you to be there on the first day the work begin so any questions can be addressed.
Q: Do you remove all the siding the first day?
A: No. We work the home in sections and try to take off only what we can replace in a day.
Q: How is the siding attached to the walls?
A: We use corrosion resistant nails from a pneumatic nail gun. We use electro-galvanized roofing nails for blind nailing, double hot-dipped galvanized nails or stainless nails for exposed nailing.
Q: Will my landscaping be protected?
A: Because most homes have bushes and flower beds right next to the house, we cannot avoid them. Old Capitol Exteriors takes extra care to try to cover, protect, or pull back out of the way as best we can. No matter how careful we are, we must get into the flower beds to work and thus, some damage is unavoidable.
Q: What siding manufacturer(s) do your recommend?
A: We recommend CertainTeed (fiber cement) because of its durability, versatility and warranty.
Q: What colors are available for siding?
A: When painting, virtually any color is available. For fiber cement products, there are approximately twelve available colors. One of our professional siding consultants will bring color samples to your home to assist you with the perfect selection to compliment your home.
Q: What brands of exterior paint do you use?
A: We use several brands of paint: Sherwin Williams Duration, Dupont, Valspar American Tradition, and Behr.
Q: How long will the paint on my new siding last?
A: With enhancements to the stability of siding products, improvements gained from using a high quality paint, and proper maintenance, your paint could last up to 15 years. However, areas with significant exposure to the outside elements may recognize more rapid decline.
Q: How is the paint applied?
A: Large areas will be sprayed while the more confined, smaller ares will be rolled. All jobs will have brush work for detailed painting.
Q: Do you replace insulation if it is bad or missing?
A: Yes. The first 40-square feet is included in the price. If additional insulation is needed, there will be an additional cost.
Q: Do you find much damage behind the old siding? Is the damage behind the siding covered in the cost?
A: Most of the time we the damage to be negligible and only requires minor repairs. About 25% of the time, we find significant water damage, insect damage, or structural defects that require additional framing work. The minor repairs that are found in most homes is included in the cost. However, if we find significant damage or defects, there will be additional costs. Your Old Capitol Exteriors project representative will review the repairs and costs with you prior to completing the work.
Q: What is your workmanship warranty?
A: Old Capitol Exteriors offers a Workmanship Warranty on all labor performed for five (5) years.
Q: What preparation do I need to do before work begins?
A: If any of your exterior walls have pictures or shelves, you may want to remove them as the vibration from the installation process may cause them to fall. Even if you have something that is not on an outside wall, but you are concerned about it, it is best practice to remove it.
