Tips for deciding when to replace windows

This is a information that was posted by our window manufacturer, Simonton Windows, on their Facebook page. It seemed like some information that you might be interested in. If you need anything, please let us know.

Did you Know? Replacing old windows and doors is one of the best investments for your home averaging a 91.6% return. 

Tips for Deciding When to Replace Windows 

Looking for tips to help evaluate the effectiveness of windows and doors in a home you're going to purchase, or just want to see if it's time to replace your windows? Try these for starters:

1. Determine how many panes of glass are in the windows. Single-paned windows are the least energy efficient. You can replace them with  double- or triple-paned ENERGY STAR® compliant windows to enhance energy efficiency and make a home more comfortable during all seasons.  
2. Look for condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-glazed windows. This could indicate seal failure. If this is the case, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window.
3. Do your windows open and close easily? If your windows are hard to open or close—or they won’t stay open or locked—this could be a sign that the windows need replacing.
4. Have someone stand outside your window. With a small flashlight, stand inside and “travel” around the window’s perimeter. If the person outside sees areas of light coming through, this is an indication of seal failure—and probably energy loss.
5. Does it seems especially noisy in your house? If you live near an airport or busy street, consider replacing your windows with laminated glass windows to help reduce noise transmission.
6. Did your neighbors just build a new home that’s too close to your bathroom? For added privacy, request decorative obscure glass in your windows. This will allow light to flow into the home, but will keep your privacy!

How Much Do Gutters Cost?

Do you have gutters? Looking for an idea of what gutters and gutter covers will cost to put on your home? According to costhelper.com the average home has anywhere from 120 to 250 linear feet of eave, which is where your gutters go. It is very important to have a gutter system to collect water from your roof and divert away from your eave trim and foundation. Large sprawling ranch homes have more roof edges and therefore more feet of gutters than a two story or three story home. You have to factor in that with less gutters on a 2 or 3 story home, you would have more downspouts. On average you can expect to pay $4-$9 per linear foot for an open aluminum gutter system, plus about $5-$8 per foot for downspouts.

All American Exteriors will install Aluminum 5" Open Gutter Systems in the Metro Atlanta Area for approximately $3.75 per linear foot, for gutters and downspouts. 6" Aluminum Gutters Systems run approximately $4.50 per linear foot for gutters and downpouts. Of course their are extenuating circumstances where the cost of installed gutters can go up. These circumstances usually include the height of the home and how many corners or mitres that gutters include. On average a 120 linear feet of gutters would cost around $450 for the gutters and approximately $375 for about 4 two story downspouts, for a total of $825. A home that is a little larger with more gutter footage and less height for downspouts with an average of 250 linear feet of gutters and about 9 one story downspouts would be $937.50 for the gutters and $438.75 for a total of $1,376.25.

If you were to take these same 2 scenarios but with a 6" open aluminum gutters system the prices would look about like this:
6" 2 story home with open aluminum gutters would be approximately $540 for the gutters and $414 for the downspouts for a total of $954. The 6" ranch home would be about $1125 for the gutters and $526.50 for a total of $1651.50.

As you can see there is not a whole lot of difference between the 5" and 6" gutter cost. A 6" gutter system allows more water to flow into the gutters and keep water from filling the gutter system too quickly. 6" gutters are a good idea to use when you have a large roof where a lot of water can accumulate very quickly. Also water begins to flow very rapidly when the pitch of a roof is steep. This can cause gutters to overflow and cause damage to your eave trim. Do you keep your gutters clean flowing? Most homes have trees near or close by, which continually drop or blow leaves and debris into your gutters, creating clogs, leading to overflow in front, behind, and under your gutters.

There are lots of leaf-free systems which really do keep the leaves out, but they also forget to manage the water, which is the main reason you have gutters on your home! The water function design flaws don't materialize for a few years, after the damage has been done!

The Everclean Gutter system that is offered by All American Exteriors is a quality product that is guaranteed for life never to clog or leak. All American Exteriors even gives you a money back guarantee, in writing, that if you are not 100% satisfied, All American will come take the Everclean system off and give you your money back for the covers. You can't ask for a better warranty than that. Costhelper.com has an area that actual customers can leave information for what they paid for gutters and covered gutter systems. There are customers that have paid for different covered systems ranging from $10.45 per foot to over $50 per foot. The Everclean Gutter system can be installed on your home with a new 6" Aluminum gutter for $12.50 per linear foot. Again there are circumstances that can raise the cost, but for most homes a typical installation for a 2 story home would cost approximately $1914 and a ranch home would cost about $1737.50 more. The cost to have the Everclean gutter system installed on your home and never having to ever worry about your gutters far outways the potential dangers of climbing ladders and cleaning your gutters month after month after month.

Call or Email All American Exteriors Today!!Look closely, do your homework, and select the product designed to keep the leaves out AND protect your home from water damage.For More Information about the Everclean Gutter System Click Here. www.MyGutters.com

2012 Ugly Gutter Contest

So we've told you recently the importance of having a gutter that allows water to flow freely through it. Who wants to climb up a dangerous ladder every month and clean their gutters?

Do you have some "Ugly Gutters" that need cleaning, or replacing? Go to Facebook.com/myexteriors and click Like and submit your pictures for the 2012 "Ugly Gutter" Contest. Always rely on All American Exteriors where Your Home is our Business. www.myexteriors.com

10 Reasons You Need Gutters

1. Moisture Control- Keeps basements, crawl spaces, and garages dry and free of conditions that support mold and wood fungi growth by controlling roof damage.

2. Foundation Protection- Limit the movement of active zone soils underneath the foundation by reducing the amount of water that enters the foundation wall.

3. Protect back fill- Top soil around the foundation is the weakest link in foundation moisture control. Preventing topsoil erosion can help prevent future structural damage.

4. Shield windows and doors- Most durability issues arise from bulk water intrusion through windows and doors. Roof drainage will direct water away from sensitive areas.

5. Protect plants and shrubs- Standing water in flower beds around the home can permit harmful plant fungi to develop as well as attract ants, roaches, and termites.

6. Protect Fascia- Water migration may cause rotting and insects that can be costly to repair. Quickly moving water away from rafter and roof joints is essential to a home's long term durability.

7. Increase roof overhang- Rain gutters can add up to 6" of protective roof overhang, providing additional shielding of windows and doors, improving drying time and moisture levels.

8. Prevent splash back- Rain gutters keep siding and masonry looking new by preventing splash back of dirt, grass and minerals that stain the exterior and can be difficult to remove over time.

9. Decorative detail- Rain gutters are not just functional, but can accentuate the architecture of any home. There are many styles available.

10. Rainwater collection- Collecting rainwater is the simplest way to water your lawn and plants all the while contributing to water conservation.

Spring is here! Are there trees in your gutters???

Do you ever think about your gutters? What is the purpose of them? Why is there a small sapling tree growing out of my gutter? Why do I have a river gushing over my front porch? These are important questions to ask yourself. Making sure that your gutters are free of debris is imperative to preserving your roof, foundation, and siding. Having a blockage causes all kinds of headaches for homeowners. The problem may not surface until it is too late and too costly.

Gutter was blocked causing water to back up and damage the fascia.

Water not flowing properly away from foundation of the house. This rotted the studs, plate, and damaged the masonry foundation.

Most homes have trees that are near or close which continually drop or blow leaves into your gutters.This debris creates clogs which causes your gutters to overflow from the front and the back of your gutters. It is necessary to clean your gutters at least once every three months, but we recommend cleaning them once a month. For a stress free solution to keeping your gutters clean for life visit our website at www.myexteriors.com.

Just a little bit about us.....

We are a family owned and operated business. Peter and Thomas Williams are brothers who wanted to work together using both of their strengths to form a quality business. Founded in 2001 we have been involved in construction/ remodeling for over 10 years now. We strive to bring a high level of knowledge, experience, and integrity to our work. This gives our customers complete confidence in All American Exteriors. We are committed to installing quality products that will last and provide a long term guarantee. We feel that it is important to provide a product to customers that we would use on our personal homes. We want the projects that we complete for our customers to satisfy and bring pride to them. We specialize in roofing, siding, gutters, and windows but are experienced in all aspects of construction/ remodeling of your home. Contact us today 770-957-0504 or visit our website at www.myexteriors.com.