Category Archives: Siding

Replacing Your Windows & Siding Simultaneously

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Posted by Andy Lindus on March 25, 2013 – 12:31 pm
Filed under Awning, Bay, Bow, Casement, CenterLock Siding, Construction, Double Hung, Garden, James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, SeasonGuard Siding, Siding, Sliding, Sweaty Windows, Vinyl Windows, Window Condensation, Windows, Wood Siding, Wood Windows, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Though the weather may not reflect it, the calendar is saying that spring has sprung!  Earlier this month, we took an entire day to get all of our employees in the same room at same time.  (With 100+of us, this can feel like quite a feat!)  “Aha moments” are always abundant when we get everyone in the same room (though a JibJab video and caffeine can be of great assistance in the morning!)  One of our installers brought up the fact that there are several ways a homeowner benefits from replacing their windows and siding at the same time.  While this concept makes perfect sense in our industry, it’s not something a homeowner may even be aware of as they plan home improvement projects. 

Why it’s a Good Idea

Replacing your siding and windows in tandem allows you to achieve the best possible scenario.  It oftentimes saves you money because caulking and sealing window openings & trim and siding joints will only need to happen once.  This saves you in labor costs by not having this work performed twice.  Because these two projects are so often done concurrently, it’s fairly easy to find a contractor that can perform both tasks which also saves you by not having to hire two separate companies.  Another way you save by replacing siding and windows synchronically is in energy costs.

Protecting Your Home if the Work Must Be Performed Separately

If you’ve already had the siding replaced and are now noticing that your windows aren’t as energy efficient as they once were, there are still ways to protect your siding during the removal of the old windows.  One method is to install window trim around current windows when the new siding is installed.  This prevents the new siding from protruding the nailing fins.  This means that when the old windows are removed only the window trims will need to be removed, leaving the siding undisturbed.  Installing window trims with screws, rather than nails, can also minimize damage during the window removal process.

Tell-tale signs it’s time to replace your windows:

  • You hear your windows rattling when it is windy outside
  • You notice your windows develop an icy or frosty glaze inside the window pane
  • You feel your home becomes drafty with cold air in the winter months and warm air in the summer months
  • You see excessive condensation on your windows or they become fogged
  • You have to prop your windows open because they will not stay open on their own

 

Tell-tale signs it’s time to replace your siding:

  • You are adding on to your home
  • Your current siding looks weathered and constantly needs new paint
  • Existing siding has extensive insect damage or dry rot
  • Current siding has stains or has weathered unevenly
  • Existing siding shows signs of buckling or decay.

 

Looking for a professional to assist you with new windows & siding?   Let the professionals at Lindus Construction help you. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

 

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Protect Yourself from Storm Chasers

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Posted by Andy Lindus on July 9, 2012 – 6:48 am
Filed under basement waterproofing, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Lindus Construction, Siding
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When major storms leave damage to your home, it can be tempting to work with the first contractor that comes knocking on your door, the company that promises you a new roof by the end of the week, or the lowest bidder.  However, not educating yourself about who you are working with can have serious consequences.  In the construction industry, the term “storm chasers” are those that travel to areas affected by storms and approach those in need of assistance with repairs.  Oftentimes, they require cash up-front in exchange for quick repairs.

Unlike reliable contractors, storm chasers will offer to act as the sole contact with a homeowner’s insurance company.  If a homeowner signs documents authorizing a storm chaser to act as sole contact with an insurance company, their insurance settlement check may be made out to the storm chaser, not the home owner.  If this happens, the homeowner relinquishes the right to withhold payment if work is not completed in the manner that was agreed to.  The storm chaser is then free to use subpar materials & or even leave the job incomplete because they have already received full payment.

Oftentimes, storm chasers do not carry insurance policies, leaving the homeowner at risk.  If a roofer is injured while working on your home and the contractor they are working for does not have insurance, their medical bills may become the responsibility of the home owner.

Another area where storm chasers fall short is warranties.  Most roofing materials have warranties to protect the homeowner.  However, warranties are void if the roofing was installed incorrectly.  If you’re dealing with a storm chaser that has no permanent address, it’s difficult to receive support if the product they installed malfunctions before the end of its intended lifespan.  A local contractor has a reputation to uphold and will likely do everything to rectify the situation if something goes wrong with a product down the road.  Their contracts often offer very specific terms that they are likely to honor.

 

 

10 Signs You May Be Dealing With a Storm Chaser

1)      The company solicits business door to door and shows up right after storm damage has occurred.

2)      They offer you a way to not have to pay your insurance deductible.  (This is insurance fraud.)

3)      Contracts are vague and do not state exact dollar amounts & are encouraged to be signed prior to meeting with your insurance adjuster

4)      They do not provide evidence of having insurance or a construction license number.

5)      You are responsible for obtaining the building permit.

6)      Unmarked vehicles or a vehicle with only a magnet that states the company name.

7)      No local references are available.

8)      Offers a price that seems too good to be true.

9)      Uses a PO box as their address.

10)  Out of area license plates and/or driver’s licenses.

In addition to the harm they can cause a local homeowner, storm chasers can be detrimental to the local economy.  Why?  Storm chasers often cut corners on things like insurance and materials, likely making them the cheapest contractor to work with.  If this happens repeatedly, it can make it difficult for legitimate contractors to have market share, causing them to go out of business.  This, in turn, provides the consumer with fewer places locally when a home repair is needed.

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate for your home improvement needs today!

Upcycling? Be Creative During Your Home Renovation Project!

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Posted by Andy Lindus on June 15, 2012 – 12:41 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Construction, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Remodeling, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Windows, Wood Siding
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Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. The term upcycling began to gain traction in the mid 90’s. Upcycling allows you to re-invent and re-use materials in your home that are free and could be frightening in abundance during your remodeling process. Since reducing your carbon footprint and waste production seems to be headline news in today’s world take on one of these inspiring upcycling projects and do your part that will benefit the Earth as well as the character of your home. You are able to upcycle all different kinds of items during your home renovation such as wood siding, doors, windows, metal roofing and shutters just to name a few. By easily stripping, painting or even using as is the upcycled materials you will be able to have a center piece in your home that will be desired by many. Below we will discuss some of the resourceful ways to turn your remodeling project debris into stunning focal points in your home.

Wood Siding & Reclaimed Wood
If you are having your wood siding replaced on your home or tearing down an old barn or shed don’t feel that you need to throw away all of the material that is being taken off. A way to upcycle these products are:

•    Make a headboard

•    Build a bench or table and chairs

•    Use it as flooring that you sand and refinish

•    Frame mirrors or make into a useful chalk board frame

•    Add it to your walls as wainscoting

•    Build an island for your kitchen or bar area

Shutters
When replacing your old shutters be sure to save them. Shutters are very versatile when it comes to upcycling in your home. Trust us; you will not believe the endless possibilities with a product you would normally not think twice about discarding.

•    Doors to an armoire

•    Window treatments inside your home

•    Mail organizer

•    Pantry Doors

•    Garden Bench

•    Ceiling Tiles

•    Shelving with hooks

•    Wall Art

•    Clothing Racks

Windows & Doors
Usually the reason that you replace old windows and doors is because they are no longer energy efficient and usually need a facelift due to age. This is why these two products when you are having them replaced in your home look incredible when upcycled. These two products are much desired in the world of upcycling and here is how you can incorporate them into your current living space.

•    Window planters

•    Greenhouse

•    Laundry hamper

•    Picture frame

•    Display case

•    Flower box

•    Tables

Metal Roofing
Who knew that metal roofing could look so cool in your home! These amazing home design ideas incorporating corrugated metal roofing in your home will knock your socks off.

•    Shower area

•    Ceiling tiles

•    Fencing

•    Gardening beds

•    Kitchen backsplash

•    Tree house for the kids

Upcycling movement going on at Lindus Construction

We have a few ladies in our office, Carla Benson, Amy Jilk and Sara Haase, who are starting to become upcycling masters. We have large dumpsters here where our crews come and unload debris materials from the job site. It is not an uncommon sight to see these three out digging for treasure. The ladies are so accustomed at looking for these diamonds in the rough the guys here know to set aside certain items for them such as doors, windows, wood etc. Here are a few pictures of some of their upcycling masterpieces they have created with other people’s trash that has become their own treasure. If you like creative ideas make sure to join Pinterest. If you are already on Pinterest follow us at http://www.pinterest.com/linduscon or Pin our website at www.lindusconstruction.com.

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate for your home improvement needs today!

We Are On Your Side! Understanding What Different Siding Options Are Available

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Posted by Andy Lindus on June 8, 2012 – 1:15 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, CenterLock Siding, Construction, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Home Safety, James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, SeasonGuard Siding, Siding, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Wood Siding
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The exterior of your home is exposed to the elements 24 hours a day 365 days a year so choosing the correct siding to fit your needs is something that deserves research and an educated decision. According to Remodeling Magazine investing in new siding can be an excellent choice in terms of ROI. The cost of siding in terms of resale value recouped is 69% in the Midwest. The type of siding you choose for your home not only will determine the cost associated with it, but also the aesthetic appeal you are striving for. There are many different siding materials on the market today to choose from.  We will discuss wood, fiber cement, vinyl and steel siding informing you on what you can expect regarding durability, maintenance and performance ability.

Wood Siding

Wood siding has been used on homes for hundreds of years. Wood is a natural insulator so it will help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A big benefit in using wood siding is that it is a renewable resource unlike many of the other siding options available on the market. This type of siding does require a lot of maintenance to protect it from the elements so painting and staining this product every 4-5 years is essential to avoid rotting, warping, cracking or splitting. The nice thing about wood siding is that if it is properly maintained, it can last up to 30 years. One of the most important things to know if you choose wood siding is to make sure during the installation process that it acclimates on your property, is properly sealed and is thoroughly protected. Multiple choices of wood siding exist and some of the most popular are:

Clapboard – Clapboards are long rectangular boards that are squared off and installed on your home overlapping in a horizontal manner

Shingles & Shakes – Wood shingle siding is very similar to roofing shingles except they are installed on the sides of your home. The shingles are wedge shaped and shakes are basically the same thing except they are thicker.

Wood Composite – Wood composite is a mixture of wood chips, glue and other types of debris that are compressed to make sturdy boards. It tends to be similar to plywood.

 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive, long lasting, durable and easy to maintain. Vinyl siding tends to stand up to the elements and does pretty well in severe weather. The newer versions of vinyl are much stronger than previously produced. It is virtually maintenance free and only requires power washing once or twice a year. With technology increasing in the manufacturing the color is now baked through the vinyl instead of applied onto it. A partial downside to vinyl siding is that it can trap moisture underneath the side panes which cause it to grow mold and mildew. Vinyl siding also helps insulate your home depending on the thickness of what the siding is backed with. We would recommend using CenterLock vinyl siding which provides a low maintenance, cost effective, traditional look to your home. The exclusive double lock design of CenterLock keeps panels flat and tight to the wall, producing a straighter, more even wall surface.

 

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement Siding is made of a mix of cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It is virtually maintenance free, insect proof and inhibits fungal growth.  Most fiber cement siding comes with a 50 year warranty. The nice thing about Fiber Cement Siding is that it can be made to mimic virtually any other siding material including wood lap boards. Since this product is made of up 90% cement and sand it is inherently resistant to flames. This siding is superior to its counterparts when it comes to standing up to severe weather. Fiber Cement siding does have to be re-painted periodically. We would recommend James Hardie Fiber Cement siding. It is available in 26 colors and a variety of looks and textures.  It is backed by a 50-year transferable warranty against rotting, cracking and delaminating.

 

Steel Siding

Metal is the most durable and strong siding product on the market today. It does not shift overtime or absorb moisture. It is resistant to bumps, dents and dings that any of the other siding products will endure. Since you are dealing with a steel product the possibility of rust is possible, but most unlikely. This would only be caused if your product was installed incorrectly where the edges were not covered. Steel siding is essentially maintenance free by just needing an occasional power wash to rid it of dirt. Since the invention of seamless steel siding, it is hard to compare this amazing product to any other.  We would recommend using SeasonGuard Steel Siding. It will last a lifetime due to being made out of 26 gauge seamless steel and is 20 percent thicker than other seamless siding. It is beautiful, durable and energy efficient. It comes in over 50 different colors with a 35 year non-prorated finish warranty against fading, chipping and cracking.

 

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. We proudly carry SeasonGuard Steel Siding, James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, CenterLock Vinyl Siding and many more!! Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free siding in-home estimate!

 

Why You Need to Consider Replacing Your Windows

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Posted by Andy Lindus on February 23, 2012 – 6:02 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Energy Efficient Homes, GAF Roofing, Gutters, Insulation, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, Roofing, SeasonGuard, Siding, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Windows
        

Installing SeasonGuard windows is one of the best investments a homeowner can make today. New, energy-efficient, windows will add value to your home especially at resale time. And more importantly, we will provide you with professional custom-fit windows that accent your home.

Tell-tale signs it’s time to replace your windows

  • You hear your windows rattling when it is windy outside
  • You notice your windows develop an icy or frosty glaze inside the window pane
  • You feel your home becomes drafty with cold air in the winter months and warm air in the summer months
  • You see excessive condensation on your windows or they become fogged
  • You have to prop your windows open because they will not stay open on their own

Lindus Construction, a local family-owned business for 30 + years, is offering a sensational promotion through the end of February where you can take off $200 per window when you choose SeasonGuard windows to be installed in your home. SeasonGuard windows are manufactured right here in the Midwest exclusively for Lindus Construction. You can be confident you are buying a quality product because SeasonGuard windows are the only windows to receive the Energy Star Award three years in a row.  New windows can dramatically affect the look and beauty of your home and also offer you increased safety to protect the ones who mean the most to you in your life.

Installing SeasonGuard replacement windows in your home today will offer you:

  • Maintenance free, custom-fit windows
  • Reduced heating and cooling costs
  • Federal tax credit for energy-efficient improvements
  • Lifetime warranties on all moving parts, workmanship, glass breakage, seal failure and finish

Make sure to take advantage of our value-added promotion that goes until the end of February by calling 1-800-873-1451 or checking us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

Click Here to watch the SeasonGuard Installation Process