In most homes, the attic is the hottest part of the house during the summer. Without adequate attic insulation, the extreme heat generated there transfers into the living space of the home and increases the demand on the air conditioning system. During the winter months, inadequate insulation in the attic can cause heat loss and overwork the heating system.

As much as 25% of the heat loss and 40% of the heat intrusion in a home occurs in the attic. The attic is by far the most critical area of the house to have insulated properly. Properly insulating and air sealing the attic spaces provides thermal protection and energy efficiency. This leads to reduced energy bills and a more comfortable home to live in.

No matter what kind of insulation is currently up there, one quick way to determine if the home needs more is to look across the span of the attic. If the insulation is just level with or below your ceiling joists; more insulation is needed. It is important that the insulation be evenly distributed with no low spots. Often, there is enough insulation in the middle of the attic and very little along the eaves. It is recommended to insulate up to at least an R-40 level.

Energy efficiency is a hot topic and seems to be on everyone's mind today. How can it not be with the rising costs of heating and cooling your home? The first place a lot of home owners turn to help reduce energy costs is replacement windows.

The majority of replacement windows are constructed of vinyl, but there are some big differences within the vinyl replacement family. Most manufacturers use a hollow PVC frame. Their logic behind this is that the dead air that is trapped in the cavity acts as an insulator. While this is true; it has been proven to be a poor insulator in relation to other options on the market. Dead air has the same density as regular air, and therefore is an inadequate barrier.

To truly get something energy efficient, you need to fill the void between the two panes of glass with something that is more dense than the outside air—think oil and water. Even old wood window frames have a better rate of heat exchange than that of a hollow PVC frame because wood is more dense than air.

So we know that the worst vinyl windows simply have a hollow PVC frame. The next step up would be to fill the cavity in the PVC frame. There are two ways to do this. First is a stick method. This is where the manufacturer fills the cavity with rigid foam that still leaves small voids that air can pass through. The Best way is to use a low expanding foam, which eliminates any air space and gives you superior insulation ability. The density of the foam leaves no room for the air to pass through.

Budget Exteriors uses only Soft-Lite windows due to their extremely high energy efficiency rating. Soft-Lite is a leader in the window industry with their expanded foam filled frames combined with a glass pack which utilizes the super-spacer system with a low-E coating and an Argon gas-filled air space between the two pieces of double strength glass. There is truly no better solution to energy savings in window replacement than Soft-Lite windows.

There are many benefits to installing new vinyl siding over your existing siding as long as the old material is sound and free of rot and decay. As a way to generate more profit most remodeling contractors neglect to tell you the benefits of overlay siding. Budget Exteriors feels that every customer is entitled to all the facts to make the most informed decision possible when investing in their most valuable asset, their home.

Leaving existing wood based product on your house and covering over with vinyl not only saves you money on removal labor, it also saves on dump fees, and is a more environmentally friendly way to remodel because it keeps the old material out of landfills.

Other benefits include additional energy savings due to the insulation value that the old material provides. This is also a green way of reducing energy usage and cost. Using vinyl overlay also reduces air infiltration and noise. The old siding also increases the structural integrity of your home by acting as an exoskeleton, adding more protection to your home. Since the siding is applied over the old painted cladding, there are added health benefits to overlay depending on the age of your home. Disturbing old paint can lead to poisonous lead dust release (See "Benefits of Using an RRP Certified Firm"). Overlay traps lead dust under a layer of vinyl, preventing release.

Older homes generally have a lot of character, a lot of memories, and a lot of lead products used in construction of the home. Over time the lead in those products breaks down and easily becomes airborne in the form of lead dust when disturbed.

Studies indicate that renovation work done without the correct training can create significant lead dust hazards if lead-based paint is disturbed. The lead dust generated by such work can cause lead poisoning in anyone; but children, pregnant women, workers and pets are most susceptible.

To combat the dangers of lead dust released during renovation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. The RRP rule (40 CFR 745) requires that a certified firm using certified renovators must perform renovations conducted for compensation.

A properly certified contractor is your first line of defense against lead poisoning. Renovations that are done without proper training and safe guards can, and most likely will, cause cross-contamination. Cross-contamination is lead dust that is carried from an infected area to another area that did not previously contain lead.

Using a certified firm with properly trained and certified contractors can also enhance the value of your home as awareness of laws, safety issues, and health hazards associated with lead dust grows. Having proof that these issues having been properly handled during renovations and remodels can increase the salability of your home. Budget Exteriors verifies that all of its contractors are certified renovators.

Every year Remodeling magazine puts out a list of the best vs. worst home repairs for your money. There are three exterior remodeling projects that repeatedly top the good side of that list. The number one project for your money is a new front entry door. According to US NEWS, homeowners who replace their front entry doors recoup an average of 129% of their cost upon selling their home. One of the reasons for this is that a new front entry door boosts curb appeal. It makes a huge impression on anyone coming up the walk from the street. Other than the size and color of the house, the front door is the thing that most buyers notice when getting a first impression of a house.

Number four on the list is vinyl siding replacement. Homeowners get an average of 80% of their cost back when upgrading to vinyl siding. The relatively low cost of vinyl siding combined with the massive boost in curb appeal and lack of maintenance makes this a huge draw for potential buyers. Vinyl siding is extremely low maintenance and lasts up to 25 years. It really will make your house look brand new for a long, long time.

Also on the list of best exterior remodeling projects is wood window replacement. Changing to vinyl windows will recoup 77% of your cost upon sale of your home, and the energy savings will more than pay for the windows in the years between now and then. Not only do vinyl windows increase the beauty and appeal of your home, but they make it more efficient, easier to maintain, and most homeowners also qualify for federal tax benefits for the year that they upgrade to windows with qualfying energy ratings.

A lot of homeowners are do-it-yourself-ers. Why hire someone to do it for you if you have the tools and have seen a few episodes of Home Improvement—especially if the contractor uses subcontractors? Think of it this way: if you're getting married, and hire an event planner, you don't expect them to run around baking the cake, playing in the band, taking the photos, and serving the guests. You pay the planner for their knowledge of the industry and their organizational skills to make the most out of the event.

The same thing happens when you want to do a major remodeling project like a new roof, or new siding. Even if you know how to bake a cake or take some photos, and even if you have a really nifty camera, that's probably not what you specialize in. Contractors like Budget Exteriors are the big picture thinkers. They are the ones who will walk you through the project step-by-step, making sure that you are getting the best quality and value you can. They are also the ones who will make sure all necessary permits, safety regulations, and legal details are taken care of. A lot of do-it-yourself homeowners don't even think about the permit process. They are too busy thinking about window colors and light fixtures. Often these issues don't even come up until the house is up for sale. Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems, but could even stop an otherwise smooth sale.

There are some times when you just need a professional. Charles A. Lindbergh didn’t build the Spirit of St. Louis for his trip across the Atlantic, he hired professionals from Columbia Aircraft. Lewis and Clark didn’t guide themselves across the country, they hired the services of an experienced Indian guide. If you can’t paint the Mona Lisa using a nail gun or don’t have a nail gun, you should probably hire a professional to perform your exterior home repairs.

You might think that exterior home remodeling isn’t a solo flight across the Atlantic, or a trip from the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean, but there are dangers and pitfalls involved that can be just as devastating. Future sale of your home could be blocked by failure to comply with local building ordinances. Thousands of your hard-earned dollars could be lost in a project undertaken with less than the best materials, tools and knowledge. Even climbing a ladder to replace shingles or a section of gutter can go awry due to soft ground or mere chance.

The remodeling professionals at Budget Exteriors have advanced knowledge in all aspects of exterior home remodeling. Our satisfaction and safety record is second-to-none. While it is virtually impossible to recreate Da Vinci’s masterpiece in roofing nails, we can help you turn your home into the work of art it deserves to be.

Condensation is a very common problem in Minnesota and Wisconsin cold climate areas. Condensation is water or frost that forms on windows due to changes in temperature and relative humidity. It forms when warm air comes in contact with cool, dry air. Faulty windows do not cause condensation, but single-pane windows without proper insulation barriers can have more frequent attacks of condensation.

Glass windowpanes are the first place condensation is usually noticeable because the glass surfaces have a lower temperature than interior areas of the home due to direct contact with cold exterior air. During humid summer months your house absorbs moisture, allowing condensation to occur when you start heating your home in the winter.

Controlling the humidity level and air circulation in your home can reduce condensation. Opening a window briefly is a quick, temporary solution to the problem. Opening drapes and blinds will allow air to circulate better. Turning off any humidifying devices will allow relative humidity levels to balance more closely with low exterior humidity. Using a dehumidifying device is another possible solution.

If you have condensation problems and would like more information, please call us and we will send you our information packet.

In this time of deforestation, global warming, and carbon footprints; most people are searching for ways to do as little damage as possible. Small everyday things can have global impact when repeated by enough people. What most people don’t realize is that vinyl siding is great way to help the environment while saving time and money.

Vinyl siding systems use an insulation backer board that can increase a home’s r-value up to 5.1. R-value is the measure of a home’s energy efficiency. By using insulation behind the siding rather than just in the walls between the studs, you can cut down on thermal bridging—which will carry heat from your home.

Vinyl siding also helps to cut down on the amount of waste going to scrap piles and dumps. The manufacturing process for vinyl siding creates virtually no waste because the scrap materials can be immediately recycled back into the process. The installation of vinyl siding also generates less waste than other siding materials.

Studies have shown that average scrap rates from vinyl siding are less than 1.9% of total construction waste. Other siding options have a much higher percentage of scrap. Masonry for instance has a 12.5% of total construction scrap rate.

Vinyl siding also poses no serious health risks. It releases fewer toxic chemicals than any other exterior cladding. Vinyl siding does not contain any risk of lead dust poisoning like older painted wood siding might.

Perhaps the best thing about vinyl siding is that it is designed to last longer than any other exterior cladding. It is low-maintenance, energy efficient, wind/water/insect resistant, and retains its color. Vinyl siding lasts for years without the need to paint or scrape due to thru-and-thru color. This reduces the amount of paint waste produced, and the amount of energy you spend maintaining your home.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 bill has reinstated the Energy Tax Credits for energy efficient products. This bill reinstates eligible products installed back through 2012 and extending through the end of 2013. The bill mandates that the product(s) meet Energy Star program requirements and that the residence is the primary residence for the taxpayer (rental properties will not qualify). We are happy to announce that our products are Energy Star Rated! Homeowners should take advantage of this credit while it lasts! Homeowners should also consult their tax advisor to determine whether they qualify for potential income tax credits under Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code. Listed below is a summary of what products installed will credit back.

• Insulation Tax Credit Amount:
  10% of the cost, up to $500 (product cost only)
• Doors Tax Credit Amount:
  10% of the cost, up to $500 (product cost only)
• Windows Tax Credit Amount:
  10% of the cost, up to $200 (product cost only)

If you have received any energy credits on your returns from prior years, you will not qualify for additional credits beyond the maximum amounts listed above.

Also keep in mind that along with the tax credit you can receive, you will also be saving money on your energy bills! Your utility company may also offer additional rebates for energy efficient products installed at your home. Please check with your utility company to make sure you will meet their requirements. We look forward to meeting with you to talk about our energy efficient products!

Ice dams are an all too common occurrence in our cold weather climate. Although it is almost impossible to completely eliminate ice dams, it is possible to greatly reduce the likelihood of getting them and the damage they can cause.

Damage caused by ice dams can often cost thousands of dollars to repair, only to happen again and again because the problem was never addressed when the cosmetic repairs were made.

First is to understand how ice dams work. Ice dams are caused by the refreezing of melted snow from the roof at the edge of the overhang of your home. As the water refreezes it dams up at the edge and works backwards up the roof under the shingles and often times into the structure of the home thus causing damage and possibly health risks if left unfixed.

Now to understand why this happens is a bit more complex. There are several things that contribute to this problem.

• 1. Heat loss due to poor or inadequate insulation
• 2. Inadequate, incorrect, or no ventilation
• 3. Poor structural design for the climate that the home is expected to perform in
• 4. Clogged gutters, or improperly installed gutters
• 5. Unsealed by-passes
• 6. Geographic location

Often times several issues may exist at once, compounding the reason for ice dams.

Even if you meet or exceed the state recommended level of an R-49 of insulation, without proper ventilation you are still very likely to encounter problems with ice dams.

Ventilation is used to ensure that your attic is at the proper temperature for the season. Improperly vented attics also cause higher cooling bills in the summer as well as premature aging of your shingles.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of homes that have roofs that allow for proper ventilation nor do they meet the state recommended r-values. Most common of these are vault roofs.

However, not all vaults are created equally. It is important to have a qualified contractor do a visual inspection of your attic space to determine the best remedies for your problem.

What Budget Exteriors can do to help prevent ice dams:

• Insulate to an R-49 level—The Department of Energy recommends an R-49 level of insulation in the attic. Having an increased level of insulation will reduce the amount of heat that rises into the attic from the house; which will in turn reduce temperature fluctuations that could lead to ice dams.
• Evaluate Attic Ventilation—The goal is to create a cool, dry underside for the roof deck. This is done by gathering as much air as possible from underneath the soffit of the house and allowing it to exit through the roof vents.
• Seal Attic Bypasses—Any area that can cause leaks to the attic can contribute to the problem. This includes lighting, exhaust vents, chimneys, attic hatches, etc.

For more information on ice dams visit this University of Minnesota Ice Dam Information web page.

If you notice ice dams on your home, please contact us for a free in-home consultation.

Most people buy replacement windows only once in their life. Because of the manufacturing lead-time and installation required, windows can be a complicated purchase that should involve careful review and consultation before a final decision is made. The two primary ingredients to a successful window purchase are the product itself and the professional installation of that product. Most homeowners simply trust their contractors to install the best windows for their home, but it’s a good idea to ask some pointed questions about the product you’re getting. Here are the top five questions to ask about your window manufacturer.

• 1. How long have you been manufacturing these types of windows?
• a. Soft-Lite has been manufacturing windows since 1934, and was one of the first companies in the country to manufacture vinyl windows, beginning in the 1950s.
• 2. What does your warranty cover?
• a. Our warranty covers any confirmed manufacturing defect. A replacement part will be furnished at no cost to you. Our warranty excludes labor and is transferable.
• 3. Are your products Gold-Label Certified by AAMA?
• a. Absolutely. Look to the inside head of every Soft-Lite window for the AAMA Gold Label decal. Gold Label windows have passed stringent performance tests for resistance to air leakage, water penetration, and wind pressure.
• 4. Are your products Energy Star compliant and tested by the NFRC?
• a. Yes. Built with low-emissivity glass, all our products meet or exceed Energy Star requirements in all 50 states and have been tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
• 5. What awards and industry recognition has your company earned?
• a. Every year since 1996, Soft-Lite has been placed on Window and Door’s Top 100 Manufacturer’s annual list. Soft-Lite is also a five-time Crystal Achievement Awards winner. We have been honored winners of the Ohio Partnership for Excellence Award, and have been listed by Top 100 Companies to Watch, as well as having won other significant industry awards and recognition.

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the window, door, and skylight industry. The AAMA tests these products to see how they will perform in relationship to air, water, and structural integrity.

Only windows that are certified under both the AAMA and the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) can carry the AAMA Gold Certification Label. One of the many requirements that come with this level certification is that the manufacturer must submit to surprise inspections to ensure continued production quality and compliance with AAMA and NFRC certification practices.

Three tests are also required for a window to meet Gold or Silver certification. If the Gold label is not affixed to the window, it is not a certified window and has not passed these tests:

AAMA Air Leakage Test—While blowing a 25mph blast of air at the window, they test for the amount of air that is able to pass through the window. Leakage amounts are measured in terms of cubic feet per minute. Any window with an air infiltration number above .30cfm fails this test. The lower the number, the less cold air drafts into your home. Budget Exteriors carries a Nordic Tech Imperial LS window, which tests out at .02cfm. That’s 15 times better than the standard. Windows with less air leakage save energy and money.

AAMA Water Leakage Test—The window is subjected to the equivalent of 8 inches of rain per hour and increasing wind loads until water leaks through the window. The minimum standard is 33mph. The Nordic Tech Imperial LS window withstands 56mp – almost double the standard.

AAMA Uniform Load Structural Test—Increasing wind is blown against the window until it breaks. The minimum standard that a window must withstand is 94mph winds before it breaks. Our Nordic Tech Imperial LS window withstands 195mph winds – more than double the minimum standard and equal to an F-3 tornado capable of tearing off roofs, overturning train cars, and throwing parked cars.

Summertime is the perfect time to fight high energy bills by adding attic insulation, and the Owens Corning™ AttiCat® System is the perfect way to do it. Budget Exteriors carries the complete AttiCat® Blown-In Insulation System to insulate attics quickly, and with no mess. And, AttiCat® loosefill insulation doesn’t settle, maintaining its R-value so it helps keep the cool inside for many summers to come.

Insulate now and save up to 20%* on cooling and heating bills year round. Need one more reason to insulate with AttiCat® Insulation? Save up to $500** with the 2013 Energy Tax Credit! We’re stocked up, and ready to make your home more comfortable. Call Budget Exteriors for a quote today!

*Savings vary. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.

**There is a maximum $500 lifetime limitation on this credit. For more information, visit www.irs.gov and www.EnergyStar.gov.

Budget Exteriors is proud to congratulate Irondale High School FIRST Robotics Team 2052 and their robot KnightKrawler.

Over the past year, KnightKrawler took home the Championship Banner at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth and the Minnesota 10,000 Lakes Regional in Minneapolis. The team also competed in the Minnesota State High School League Championship and brought home their third Championship Banner of the season.

We have been glad for the opportunity to assist Team 2052 on their path to victory as a team sponsor and we look forward to the streak continuing next year.