Our family just moved into an older home. We knew when we bought the house that the windows needed updating….but now it seems like a job for sooner rather than later. 

With all the rainfall, we’ve noticed that the windows on the main level are leaking. We’ve laid towels on the windowsill to work as extra insulation, but it’s not a permanent fix. 

My issue? It’s not something I had budgeted for right now. Can I get away with only replacing the ones that are letting water in?  

Thanks, 

Jeremy from Lake Wynonah, PA

Jeremy, that’s a great question.

I understand not wanting to spend extra money if you can hold off on it for a while. It sounds like replacing some of the windows is already a surprise expense and you don’t want to spend more than you have to.

When it comes to replacing windows, the answer can vary.

Here’s something to think about: if you already have some leaking windows? The rest aren’t far behind.

Your old windows can be causing problems you can’t see (i.e. costing you extra every month in electrical bills).

The best way to know when to replace all the windows?

Check the Damage

When you first bought your home, you knew the windows needed updating. They showed signs of damage even before leaking and that’s how you knew they would become a problem down the road.

But windows facing weather are going to wear faster than those on a protected side of your home.

If you really can’t see yourself spending the money to fully replace the windows in your home- here’s a quick way to assess how critical the damage is:

If your windows are:

• • Difficult to open and close
  • Letting in a draft (and increasing your electrical bill)
  • Chipped, damaged, or water stained

They’re worth replacing.

You already know your windows are old- these are signs that the next step (leaking!) is on its way.

When your house was first built, all of the windows were installed at the same time. It’s possible the previous homeowners might have replaced some of the windows before others- but it’s more likely that they’re all the same age.

Make Your Replacement Last

Jeremy, I understand wanting to make the most of your budget.

Although there’s no way to get around replacing the broken windows you can take steps to make sure your new ones last.

Our supplier, Simonton, specializes in quality, energy efficient windows, made with durability as a top priority.

Picture windows are a great budget friendly option for your home. These windows are fixed (don’t open) and cost between 30-50% less than double hung windows.

Look how nicely they showcase this living room by letting in undisrupted natural light:

Single hung windows are another great option for homeowners looking to save on their replacement. These windows open at the bottom, but the top panel is stationary. Again- they cost a little less than traditional double hung windows.

Here’s an example:

When it comes to new windows, we recommend vinyl over wood.

Why?

Three reasons:

• • Twice the lifespan of wood
  • Little to no maintenance
  • Added insulation for extra energy efficiency

Want to learn more about why we love vinyl? You can read about all the benefits of choosing vinyl here. 

New House, New Windows

Whether or not you replace all the windows at once? That’s a choice I’ll leave to you.

But there are options to lower the cost. Choosing a thoughtful selection of fixed vs. single or double hung can save you thousands on materials.

When you’re ready to start replacing your windows, (some or all of them) our team is ready to help.

You can reach me at 570-345-0406 to talk more about window replacements and get on our schedule.

Talk soon,

Vern

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The post Ask Vern: Should I Replace All My Windows? appeared first on Martin Roofing & Siding.

Our daffodils have awaken from their winter slumber and I hear those first lines of Robert Frost’s poem A Prayer in Spring:

“Oh give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away.”

Spring is the very definition of hope and happiness. And gardens? There’s no better representative of the seasonality of life, and the anticipation of blessings to come.

I enjoy every season here in Pine Grove, PA. Living in Africa for a few seasons in the mission field gave me a deep appreciation for the ebb and flow of our weather. But spring holds a special place this year as the world slowly recovers from 2020 disruptions and we return to the people and activities we love with renewed appreciation.

I sat down today to tell you about garden window inserts: those green-house style windows above the kitchen sink, sheltering colorful plants in our deep snowy days.

If you found yourself cultivating a succulent collection during the pandemic- or having a renewed interest in homestead gardening- this easy home addition is a great way to customize your space. These windows are not only a beautiful way to capture the life of spring year-round in Pennsylvania- they boast benefits like:

• • Versatility: use them in spring to start seeds, in the summer to promote growth in tropical plants, or in the winter to bring houseplants out of dormancy
  • Energy Efficiency: your drafty kitchen needs new windows anyway- so why not add something special that also decreases your utility bills
  • And Increased Natural Light: Does winter get you blue? Boosting natural light in your home is a great way to lift your spirits year-round

Designing Around Your Green Thumb with Garden Windows

I had to laugh when I read Domino’s executive director Kate Berry designs her home “houseplants first, furniture second.”

Kate Berry has next-level houseplant commitment.

Still, we all have some favorite plants we tend with love. Whether it’s a Dracaena trifasciata you got when you were first married (and is still miraculously alive!) or an amaryllis you bought last week to enjoy the first red bloom, you aren’t alone in finding a little inside greenery a source of comfort.

When a client comes to us for window replacements as asks about garden windows for their kitchen or sunroom, I’m thrilled. Why? I know the level of enjoyment they’ll get from an addition like this, season after season. Call me sentimental, but that makes me happy.

New Window AND New Garden in One!

By swapping out your classic windows for a window designed to grow plants, you’re creating an in-home garden.

Plus, these windows are designed with insulation in mind to guarantee your plants (and home) stay warm.

Garden windows can be replacement windows or a completely new build. Garden windows brighten and add a touch of life to your home. Is your office overcrowded and dim? Does your kitchen feel closed off and uninviting? A garden window can transform these spaces into a place you love to spend time in.

Garden windows are versatile in both design and function. On top of adding a customizable space to your home they also:

• • Save on power bills by being energy efficient
  • Add insulation to protect from freezing winter drafts
  • And are low/no maintenance

Sold on the idea, but want a little inspiration before you book your project? Here are a few favorites to help you fall in love.

Add a Touch of Hope to Your Kitchen

Another famous poet, Chilean-born Pablo Neruda, always- and only- wrote in green ink. He claimed it was the color of “esperanza”. Hope.

With green trending as a kitchen cabinet color this year, too, I can’t think of a better way to incorporate all of our wishes for 2021 than to make space in your kitchen for plant-life.

Your kitchen is the life of your home. It’s where your family spends the most time growing together. Celebrate that by putting fresh herbs within reach and creating a place to watch as seedlings sprout for your vegetable garden outside.

Our two littles at home love being a part of anything outdoors, and miss that interaction when they’re cooped up in the winter. What a great way to grow something, and enjoy something, together.

Garden windows are boxes, designed to sit further out from your home than standard windows.

Our supplier, Simonton creates the most durable vinyl windows on the market- and their windows can be customized to fit your space and shelving needs.

(Want to know more: Vinyl is the most durable material for windows.)

Despite the name, garden windows aren’t just for gardens. They can be used to showcase family heirlooms and treasures collected from travels. This family used their window to store kitchen goods and add a touch of color to their kitchen:

Adding Garden Windows to Your Bathroom

Another great place for garden window inserts? The bathroom.

I know what you’re thinking:

Why would I want a window in the bathroom? 

Trust me, you’re going to love:

• • How natural light makes your bathroom appear larger than it is
  • The extra protection against mold/mildew the fresh air gives your space
  • Plus, plants in the bathroom increase air quality and protect from bathroom bacteria

Worried about privacy?

We’ll work with you to design the best window for your bathroom. Our supplier specializes in glass surfaces (reflective, frosted, and more) that can be easily changed for privacy needs.

Are you so excited about garden windows you’re thinking about putting them everywhere?

Bad news: These windows aren’t great for large application.

Good news: Let’s talk about bay windows.

The Perfect Window for Your Living Room

Bay windows are perfect for brightening up large spaces- like the living room. The name comes from the word ‘baee,’ an old french word that means opening.

Bay windows are made of three or more windows that meet at an angle, leaving extra space for decorating, sitting, eating, and more.

Need a place to showcase your plants and watch them flourish? Give them the best space in the house:

Some house plants grow better with direct sunlight. Succulents and cacti love all the sunlight they can get, whereas herbs grow better in a garden window where they’ll get consistent indirect light throughout the day.

Have you always wanted a reading nook? Doesn’t the idea of a warm and comfy spot to sit and read sound amazing? Check out how these homeowners did just that when designing their bay window:

Bay windows look great in bedrooms, too! Take this home for example:

The window makes this otherwise small room feel large and inviting.

Book a Garden Window or a Bay Window Remodel for Your Home

All that’s left to do is call us and reserve your spot on our schedule. Most window replacements take just one day- and the impact on your home’s design value is just as stunning as it looks!

Call my husband Vern at 570-345-0406 and we’ll help you design the perfect fit for your space.

Make next winter as beautiful as this spring with a garden window in your kitchen- or a built out bay in your breakfast nook.

Until then, enjoy the beautiful weather-

Jenny Martin

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The post Garden Window Inspiration for 2021 appeared first on Martin Roofing & Siding.

The weather this week is all snow! I love a good winter blanket outside…as long as I’m warm inside to admire it.

After spending a couple years in Kenya when we were younger, I really appreciate the beauty of Pennsylvania winters. When I’m not chasing the kids around trying to dry their   snowboots in between outside play times, you’ll find me wrapped in my favorite fleece blanket, helping clients choose materials for their spring projects.

It’s my favorite way to spend a ‘snow day’.

But the key to a perfect snow day is the word “cozy”. And if your home is getting chilly as the temperatures drop? It can be hard to really enjoy the winter in Pine Grove.

This week we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about, you guessed it: windows.

Do you have the furnace on high and the wood stove piled full- but still can seem to keep the cold air out?

Drafty homes can come from a variety of issues, including:

• • Siding
  • Roofing
  • Crawlspaces

We’ve been talking about those, too. You can read more here on how to identify a leaking envelope and the best way to fix it. 

But honestly, if you’re reading this article you already know your windows are letting in the cold air.

Want to learn more about your options before you call a contractor? Read on!

“Should I Install Wood or Vinyl Windows?”

A lot of folks assume, when it comes to home improvement, a higher price automatically means a better product.

And sometimes that’s true! Quality products do often cost more because they are manufactured in the USA, made with better materials, or assembled using more rigorous standards.

But you know how the secret to an amazing Shoofly pie is using Brer Rabbit Molasses- and not trying to fancy it up with the top shelf organic brands or extra add-ins? Sometimes the best thing, the thing that gets the job done and done well, isn’t the most expensive product on the shelf.

When it comes to windows, quality doesn’t always mean high-cost. Plus, who doesn’t love the added satisfaction of sitting in a warm home knowing they’ve saved thousands of dollars?

Our crew is skilled in installing both wood and vinyl windows, but we have a clear preference for materials when it comes to updating windows in an existing home. Vinyl wins remodels everytime.

Here’s why.

The “Pros” of Wood Windows

I love driving through historic neighborhoods and looking at old houses. The architecture is grand and the story behind each home makes me appreciate the depth of American history as a whole.

When it comes to windows though? Many neighborhoods require wood vs. vinyl.

And those historical neighborhoods with more lenient rules? You just don’t see vinyl. It’s standard practice to refinish a home’s original windows or install wood windows that look as close to period as possible.

Why is that? Is it just for the timeless look…or are wood windows better than vinyl?

One reason you see wood used in these neighborhoods is that it’s easy to customize. If a window needs replaced, you can reuse old hardware to keep true to its original. You can paint or stain a window to match a certain era.

Check out this historic home, for example:

The homeowner’s opted for a light yellow color, which really compliments the original siding.

For those of us who don’t live in historic homes, the main reason homeowners choose wood is durability. Well-maintained wood windows can last for decades longer than vinyl.

But the durability comes at a price: Constant. Maintenance.

Unlike vinyl, wood came from a once-living material. This means that the wood is sensitive to the environment and can begin to crack in heat/cold fluctuations. If a wooden window is hit with too much direct sunlight, they need regularly oiled to prevent splintering.

Plus, most wood windows need resealed every 2-3 years.

This maintenance might not seem like much, but when added to the other important checks and tasks a homeowner needs to be mindful of…it’s a solid reason why more and more high-end homes and new builds prefer vinyl.

Why We Love Vinyl for Home Remodels

Hours of maintenance and care on your new windows? No thank you!

Vinyl windows don’t need constant upkeep and maintenance. In fact, an occasional cleaning of the glass and frames to keep the dust off is all you need.

Right below maintenance, overall cost is another huge advantage vinyl windows have over wood replacements. Vinyl windows typically cost around ½ the price of solid quality wood windows.

And the best part? When you choose vinyl windows, you’ll continue to save money over their entire lifetime.

How? These windows are energy efficient. Vinyl windows are installed with foam filled frames, which create an extra barrier of insulation. This added insulation is what helps decrease your energy bills. Making the switch to vinyl can save you as much as $465 a year on your utilities.

Not only that, but the insulation creates a sound barrier against the outside. If you live next to a busy highway or railway, vinyl windows go a long way toward making your home a peaceful refuge.

“But what about style? If I’m going to spend money to replace my windows- I want something that looks great!” – You

I agree!

Are you leaning towards wood windows vs. vinyl because you don’t want to sacrifice style?

Many homeowners don’t realize vinyl doesn’t just come in white. There are hundreds of different color and texture options for those who want the freedom of vinyl but the look of wood.

Check out this wood-look vinyl:

Or maybe you like the colorful window trend, like this house:

Whether you live in a modern development or a historic beauty, there’s a vinyl window style fit for every era.

Another benefit?

New vinyl windows can increase your home’s value. According to Remodeling Magazine, new vinyl windows can have a return on investment as high as 73.4%

Vinyl windows are like the gift that keeps on giving! Are you ready to make the switch?

This could be your home’s last drafty winter.

Vern and his crew don’t just replace roofing and siding, they’re skilled craftsmen who can install the vinyl (or wood!) windows your home needs to keep warm.

Give us a call at 570-345-0406 to get your home on our schedule for spring. We’d love to make chilly winters a long-forgotten memory for you and your family.

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