Vinyl windows are among the most popular replacement window options on the market. If you’re considering them, read on as local replacement window and siding contractor Homecraft Inc. answers frequently asked questions about vinyl windows.
Thermal bridging is a phenomenon that causes thermal tracking or ghosting. In today’s post, local vinyl siding company Homecraft Inc. discusses what causes thermal bridging, its effects on your home, and what you can do to prevent it.
Thermal bridging is a phenomenon that results from temperature differences between the framing and the insulated sections in walls and ceilings. This causes thermal tracking or “ghosting,” where the shape of the underlying framing is tracked on the walls and ceilings, sometimes even on siding. The cooler parts of the wall or ceiling form a barely noticeable layer of condensation, which attracts soot, dust, and other fine particles.
Thermal tracking is barely noticeable at first. By the time it becomes noticeable, it’s difficult to remove. The only practical way to address it is to repaint the wall or replace the wallpaper. Siding may also be repainted, depending on the material.
To prevent thermal tracking, you need to address its cause, thermal bridging, as well as other factors:
Insulation — Your home has an insulated enclosure known as the energy envelope, which is made up of the exterior walls, the attic, and fenestrations (windows, entry doors, and skylights). Thermal bridging happens when the framing doesn’t have enough insulation, resulting in temperature differences. Therefore, wall and attic insulation needs to be applied. Installing insulated vinyl siding can bolster exterior wall insulation, and is less likely to form exterior thermal tracking.
Indoor Air Quality — Thermal tracks are formed accumulated particulates in the air, typically a combination of soot and dust. If your home is heated using a fuel-burning heating system, you need to make sure the exhaust is not leaking into your indoor living spaces. You also have to make sure that HVAC air filters are replaced when clogged. Installing a whole-home air purifier can also help remove indoor air pollutants.
Relative Indoor Humidity — Condensation is the third factor that contributes to thermal tracking. Keeping indoor humidity at 50% relative to outdoor humidity levels can help prevent indoor condensation. Running exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen can help control sources of indoor condensation. An indoor humidifier/dehumidifier, integrated with your HVAC system, can help maintain relative indoor humidity levels all year round.
Homecraft Inc. is your leading provider of entry doors and insulated vinyl siding. Give us a call at (302) 703-1109 or (610) 215-2562. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Newark, Wilmington and Middletown, DE.
Investing in hiring reliable window installers for your window replacement will pay off in a big way, not just upon completion but also in the long run. In today’s post, the local roofers at Homecraft Inc. share another reason to invest in good window installers: so you don’t have to worry about the following common window installation mistakes.
You’ve probably met a few people who did something once and pretended to know it all. Good window installers never rest on their laurels and stop learning. This is an important trait when you’re in the business.
Windows may look the same, replacement window manufacturers build their windows differently, which means there are differences in how they’re installed. Even small components like fasteners are not interchangeable; making the mistake of not following manufacturer instructions to the letter can result in problems like leaks, rattling or difficult operation. At Homecraft Inc., we offer replacement windows from Andersen® and ProVia®, and our installers are trained not to mistake one for the other.
Good installers will always make sure that they are working on a sound structure before they begin installation. A good roofing installer will make sure that the roof deck isn’t damaged or structurally compromised before installing a new roof. A good window installer will likewise make sure that the window opening and framing structure is structurally sound before the new window comes on.
Replacement window companies are expected to have more than just a passing knowledge of local and international building codes, and ensure compliance with every installation. This is important because noncompliant installations can pose safety risks and will be compelled by the city inspector to be torn down. Some homes may be so old that they’re not up to date with window building codes, and window installers are expected to perform corrections.
Homecraft Inc. is your leading provider of roof repair and window installation services. Give us a call at (302) 703-1109 or (610) 215-2562. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Newark, Middletown and Bear, DE.
Skylights provide natural lighting to parts of the home where windows can’t. In today’s post, skylight and replacement windows contractor Homecraft Inc. shares another benefit of skylights that you may not know about: making your home more eco-friendly.
When buying new doors for their homes, some homeowners tend to think that it’s an easy task to accomplish. In fact, some think all you have to do is walk into a store, make your pick and then have it installed in your home. In reality, however, picking a storm door for your home isn’t actually that simple; experts say that there are a few things you need to look for first before making your pick.
Here are the things you need to look for in a new storm door.
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As a homeowner, you might be delighted to learn from your roofing professional that you have a wide range of material options when it comes to your gutters. According to experts, you can choose between materials such as vinyl, copper or even steel for your home’s new gutter system. However, while these are all good gutter materials, homeowners should never forget about aluminum and its various benefits, such as:
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When you’re replacing your home’s siding, you have a variety of options to consider when it comes to materials. For instance, you can choose anything from fiber cement to stucco to even steel siding. And while all of these materials are beneficial for any home, there is one that you should always consider: vinyl siding.
Here are the four different benefits of vinyl siding.
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