Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Effects of Hail on Your Home

Posted by Andy Lindus on May 22, 2013 – 5:38 pm
Filed under Construction, GAF, GAF Roofing, Midwest LeafGuard, Storm Damage, Uncategorized
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A hail storm can have devastating effects on your home.  Each year, the effects of hail damage cost Americans around $1 billion dollars.  Throughout your home’s exterior, hail damage manifests itself in different ways.  Here’s what to look for:

Roofing-When hail hits your roof; it can cause the granules on your shingles to loosen.  One of the main purposes of the granules is to safeguard your roof from the sun & precipitation.  Granule loss will accelerate the deterioration of your roof as it is no longer protected from nature’s elements.  In some cases, this can mean a leaky roof.  A quick way to verify whether your shingles have been damaged is to look at your gutter’s downspouts. If you notice a significant amount of roofing granules collecting, it’s a sign that your roof may have been damaged in a hailstorm.  Your roof vents and flashing will often show indentations if hail has occurred.  Even without seeing this, it is a good idea to work with a reputable professional to evaluate whether your roof has been compromised.  Some effects of hail are not immediately evident; a roof can be weakened by hail, but not fail for a year or two.  Hail can void your roofing manufacturer’s warranty, another reason it’s important to have your roof evaluated if you suspect hail damage.

Siding- Because siding can be fabricated from different materials, the way that hail damages it can vary.  Vinyl siding holds up quite well to denting, however, if hit hard enough its pliability may be compromised and breaks, cracks or holes can occur.  Wood and metal siding can dent from hail; the amount is determined by the size of the hail, angle that it falls at and how fast it is traveling when it makes contact.  The best time to inspect your siding for damage is early in the morning or at dusk.  This will make indentations easier to see.  The winds that often occur during hailstorms can also cause your siding to pull away from your home.

Windows- Hail storms can damage windows.  Signs that your windows have been affected by hail are: a damaged window frame, broken glass, holes and cracks.  Denting of your window sashes, wraps and frames is not always easily detectable.  A trick is to run your hand along these areas to see if you feel any indentations.  However, when in doubt, consult a professional.

Gutters- Gutters are placed close to your roof line and are susceptible to damage.  If you find that you have hail damage on your roof, it’s likely that your gutters were damaged as well, though it may be tricky for you to tell standing on the ground.  Be sure to have them evaluated by a professional who will be able to detect indentations caused by the storm.

We would be happy to come in and help you restore your home to its natural beauty. 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. 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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More than Just Shingles-The Components of an Asphalt Roof

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Posted by Andy Lindus on April 15, 2013 – 12:16 pm
Filed under Construction, GAF, GAF Roofing, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Lindus Construction, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
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When researching what you need to know before hiring a professional to assist in a home improvement project, you’ll oftentimes find that it’s recommended that you contact at least 3 companies to give you an estimate.  Price is one of the driving factors many homeowners consider when choosing whom to hire.  It can often be a cause for bewilderment when an estimate for a project such as a roof, varies widely between companies.  Unless you encounter storm damage, it’s unlikely that during your tenure as owner of a home, you’ll replace your roof more than twice.  So it’s no wonder that confusion is likely to arise when bids come in vastly different.  It’s important to take to heart that your roof is more than just shingles.  When installed correctly, your roof is an entire system that has several layers in order to maximize the system’s lifespan and protect your home from Mother Nature.

Here, at Lindus Construction, we have chosen to align ourselves with GAF which is North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial asphalt roofing.  We appreciate the thoughtfulness behind their approach to roofing and the fact that they lead the industry with a 50 year non-prorated warranty on labor & materials. Here are the elements contained in a GAF asphalt roofing system:

Weather Watch Leak Barrier Ice & Water Shield: This is the first thing to be installed.  All leak barriers have a backside that is tacky which helps it adhere to the roof decking.  An advantage of the Weather Watch system is that it contains a special adhesive that allows for one-time repositioning, something not commonly found in other brands.  It aggressively adheres over time.  The advantage of having the adhesive take time to adhere is that if the underside is too sticky from the get-go, air pockets can occur during the application process.  Eventually these air pockets will be punctured which creates an opportunity for a leak.

Tiger Paw Roof Deck Protection: The purpose of this product is to provide a crucial additional layer of protection between your shingles and your roof deck.  It assists in deterring water, ice and snow from penetrating the underside of your shingles which can compromise your roof’s structure and your home’s interior.  Typical “felts” are less thick and are susceptible to tearing while workers are hammering on your roof.  This can cause tears which are prone to leaking.  Tiger Paw Roof Deck Protection will also assist in shingles being laid flat and uniform which will give your roof more aesthetic appeal.

Flashing: Flashing is metal that aids to protect your roof from water intrusion where your roof meets a wall in your home.  The intention of flashing is to defer the flow of water away from the home, rather than allowing your roofing and underlayment to absorb it which can cause water damage.  There are several different types of flashing including: kickout, valley step, etc.  Failure to utilize the correct amount, placed in the right areas can lead to leaking in your home, mold and a shortened lifespan of your roof.

Venting System: Without adequate ventilation, heat and moisture can build up in your attic which can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase.  Another side effect of inadequate ventilation is ice dams.  Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water will drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold overhang. The overhang tends to be at the same temperature as the outdoors and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam can cause damage to the roof, which will result in water leaks to the inside. Frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under the roof damage.  It’s also important to note that many roofing manufacturers will not warranty a roof that is not ventilated correctly.

Lindus Construction offers both asphalt and metal roofing options. In 2011, they were named the #1 Roofer in the United States by GAF, which is North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing. 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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The Best & Worst of Bathroom Flooring

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Posted by Andy Lindus on March 22, 2013 – 1:16 pm
Filed under Bathroom, Ceramic Tiles, Concrete, Flooring, Glass Tile, Laminated Flooring, Linoleum Tiles, Sheeted Linoleum, Uncategorized, Wood Flooring
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When it comes to your bathroom, there’s lot of factors to consider when it comes to flooring materials.  Being as it’s the wettest room in your house, your selection needs to be a material that can handle moisture, but also something that will prevent slipping while still being easy to clean.  Other helpful factors in determining which material works best include the number of people using the bathroom and your budget.  In this blog, we’ll break down the best and worst bathroom flooring materials and the reasons why.

The Best

Concrete

With concrete, you can choose between tiles or solid concrete.  Concrete makes sense because of its durability and because it can be sealed to keep water out.  It’s an easy material to maintain and can be stained to the color of your choosing.  It is resistant to moisture, staining and reduces allergens.  Bear in mind that it may require resealing on occasion.

Sheeted Linoleum

If your heart is set on linoleum in your bathroom, opt for sheets which come in rolls and are trimmed to the bathroom’s size.  There are no seams which can allow moisture to penetrate, causing warping.  If you go this route, be sure to have a reputable contractor do the installation because if it’s done incorrectly, sheeted linoleum can have the same problems as linoleum tiles.  Sheeted linoleum is desirable in a bathroom because it’s generally able to assist in cutting back on the amount of pathogens found in a bathroom.

Ceramic Tiles

There are many reasons that ceramic tiles are a favored bathroom material; they are long-lasting and non-porous.  Plus, they come in oodles of designs.  Just watch out, because certain ceramic tiles can be slippery.  Grout lines have to be sealed in order minimize staining.

The Worst

Carpet

Carpet is an impractical bathroom flooring selection for multiple reasons.  While it provides a feeling of warmth, carpeting accumulates moisture which can lead to mildew.  Carpeting can also be tricky to clean and easily stains.  Humidity and carpeting also don’t mix well and a musty smell will likely always be present in the bathroom.

Laminated Flooring

Verify that the warranty that comes with your flooring is not voided by placement in a bathroom.  However, if you are set on having laminate flooring in your bathroom, you’ll appreciate the fact that it’s easy to clean.  This type of flooring has glued-in seams that prohibit water from seeping through the cracks in the gaps between the floorboards.  However, those that lock into place can allow water to infiltrate the seams which can cause the floor to warp and blister.

Hardwood Flooring

Like carpeting, hardwood flooring provides a feeling of warmth.  Its cosmetic appeal is hard to beat.  Hardwood flooring is tough to make work in a moist bathroom because sitting water and humidity can cause the wood to crack and bend.  Once this happens, the flooring cannot be repaired.

Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum tiles resist water more effectively than hardwood or laminated floors because they are oil based.  However, unlike sheeted linoleum, linoleum tiles can still be penetrated by moisture because the tiles have seams.  When this occurs, distortion and gapping can result.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is a popular choice because of the endless choices of colors and patterns.  Oftentimes, it’s comprised of recyclable materials making it an eco-friendly choice.  Glass is appealing because it is resistant to temperature changes and humidity.  It also cleans easily.  Be mindful of the type of glass you select because it can be slippery, but choosing a sandblasted glass surface gets you around this risk.  Do know that glass floors can scratch.

Lindus Construction offers free no-obligation estimates on home remodeling 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. 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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How “Green” are Your Bamboo Floors?

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Posted by Andy Lindus on February 26, 2013 – 9:57 pm
Filed under Bamboo, Building a House, Flooring, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Laminate flooring, Remodeling, Uncategorized, Wood Flooring
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If you perform a quick internet research of the greenest flooring materials on the market, bamboo is likely to pop up at the top of the list.  There are several reasons for this.  First of all, bamboo is a grass that grows much faster than trees do.  This makes it a renewable resource.  Another plus is that unlike trees, bamboo does not need to be replanted because the harvesting procedure leaves the plant’s roots intact.  A benefit to the plant’s root system is that it holds the soil in place, preventing erosion.  If grown in its natural habitat, the need for watering, fertilizer and pesticides is minimal, if not nonexistent.  In addition, bamboo absorbs carbon at a higher rate than most trees tend to.

As you likely realize, Bamboo is a plant that is not native to the United States.  In fact, the vast majority of Bamboo that is used in flooring is grown in China.  A disturbing trend has been deforestation to accommodate the growth of more bamboo.  This means that animals that rely on the forest for food and habitat are displaced.  While bamboo does not require fertilizer, some growers are turning to it as a way to increase their crop size.  Another hush-hush topic surrounding the growth and manufacturing of bamboo is worker treatment.  Because the bulk of bamboo is shipped in from overseas, there is no fair trade certification to guarantee that workers are paid equitably and that conditions are safe.  In most cases, bamboo flooring is priced similarly to hardwoods even though bamboo grows much faster in rural China, which indicates that a profit is being made, though it’s unclear if the workers are getting a share of it.

Once the raw material arrives at the factory, the bamboo undergoes a manufacturing process to transform it into flooring.  As part of the production process, the bamboo is laminated and sometimes the adhesive used in the process contains formaldehyde.  This creates a problem for the environment because some of the formaldehyde is emitted into the air causing pollution.  It’s vital that the final product is tested to ensure that it meets the Greenguard and LEED standard of no more than .05 parts per million of formaldehyde or your home’s indoor air quality is at risk.  Some companies use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in place of formaldehyde which can also have detrimental effects to your health, as VOCs have been proven to cause cancer in animals and the same is believed to be true in humans, though further research is required.

Once the product is finished, it is transported to the US (usually via boat) and then trucked to a supplier or big box store.  Stop and think for a moment about the amount of fuel and carbon emissions it takes just to get this far in the process.  The material itself is recognized by the Forest Stewardship Council as meeting the criteria for social responsibility and sustainability, but one must question themselves, is the transportation required truly classified as “sustainable”?

To conclude, if you’re choosing to go with bamboo floors in your home exclusively because of their green benefits, it’s vital that you research where and how it is being grown and manufactured both for the vitality of the environment and of your family.

Lindus Construction offers free no-obligation estimates on home remodeling 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. 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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Can I Install a New Roof Over My Old One?

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Posted by Andy Lindus on February 18, 2013 – 3:09 pm
Filed under GAF, GAF Roofing, Lindus Construction, Roofing, Roofing Installation, Uncategorized, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Installing a new roof is a sizable investment and most homeowners want to ensure that they’re being wise with their money.  As a cost-saving measure, some may look to eliminate the cost of the tear-off of the old roof by simply roofing the new roof over the old one.  It may seem like a good idea to put new shingles over the old ones, thinking that it may offer additional protection.  We believe this mentality to be a pennywise and dollar foolish for the following reasons:

Legality

Most homes in the Midwest are classified as “moderate hail zones”.  When a home receives this classification, it is illegal to install a new asphalt roof over an existing one.  Check your local ordinances to see whether this is even a possibility before moving forward with the project.

Weight

Asphalt shingles are heavy and adding a second layer of them to your roof may compromise your home’s walls and roof structure.  Even if your area does permit shingles to be placed on your roof in multiple layers, eventually you will incur the cost of removing them because your roof can only support so much weight before its integrity is compromised.

Manufacturer Warranty

Roofing manufacturers have warranties in place to protect consumers from the cost of replacing a roof should their product malfunction.  Manufacturer warranties oftentimes will not cover new shingles being layered on top of old ones.  The reasoning being that it is unlikely that the new shingles will be able to lay flat.  If the shingles are not laid on a flat surface, they won’t conform to each other the way they are supposed to.  Winds that the shingles should be able to stand up to may cause them to loosen.  This leaves the homeowner with repair bills or the cost of replacing the roof sooner than they should have had to.

Sealing Issues

It’s improbable that your current shingles will line up with the existing ones.  This will prevent the current shingles from sealing properly and as a result, they may come off during high winds easier than they normally would.

Roof Deck Inspection

A roof deck is the underlayment that shingles are laid on top of.  By adding shingles on top of the old roof, there is no opportunity to inspect the roof deck to ensure that the current wood is not wearing out.  Worn out portions of the roof deck can cause leaking.  Stripping the roof down to the roof deck, also give the nails being used in the new roof a better chance to hold.

Lindus Construction offers both metal & asphalt roofing systems. In 2011, they were recognized by GAF (North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing) as the #1 GAF Roofer in the country. Lindus Construction’s successes of past recognitions include winning all 6 of GAF’s excellence awards in 2011 & 2010. Only the top 3% of all roofing contractors have qualified as Master Elite™ contractors. To become a factory-certified GAF Master Elite™ roofing contractor, companies must be fully licensed, adequately insured, have a demonstrated reputation for providing quality roofing services and be committed to on-going professional training.

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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Sneaky Ways Builders are Cutting Corners

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Posted by Andy Lindus on February 15, 2013 – 1:58 pm
Filed under Builder Grade Materials, Building a House, Construction, GAF Roofing, Home Maintenance, Lindus Construction, Uncategorized, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Sadly, there are a lot of shady businesses out there and, as a result, watchdog websites like Google Reviews, GuildQuality, the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List are thriving.  Dishonest businesspeople can be found in every industry so it’s important to protect yourself to make sure you’re working with someone trustworthy by doing your homework prior to hiring them.  Even if someone checks out on paper, it’s important to educate yourself on ways that you can be taken advantage of in order to protect yourself to avoid costly lessons.  An important fact to note is that a bulk of the components of reliable construction are things the general consumer is not privy to and may not even be able to see.

Be aware of the following ways that a builder can take advantage of an over trusting homeowner.

Bait & Switch

A roof, is a roof, is a roof, right?  WRONG!  During an initial sit-down, a contractor can promise you quality materials but when it comes time for the actual install, cheaper materials may be substituted.  Something like this can be hard to detect until a few years down the road when materials start aging prematurely and you’re stuck with the cost of installing a new roof.  Make sure that if you’re promised high quality materials that you’re being delivered the goods you agreed to.  As a homeowner, you have the right to carefully look over any materials before and after installation to make sure the work appears to have been done correctly and according to the terms you agreed to.  Don’t be afraid to question anything that seems off.  A reputable company has nothing to hide and will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Bogus Work

Sometimes, it’s not always possible to verify whether additional work will be needed until a project commences.  For example, a contractor who is in process of installing new flooring could find that some of the subflooring is rotten.  Upon discovering this, the homeowner should be alerted and should be responsible for paying for the additional work.  However, red flags should go up anytime a contractor continuously nitpicks and constantly presents issues that require additional funds.  They could, in fact, be trying to pad their bill by fixing things that aren’t broken.  Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion for excessive requests to perform additional work that were not part of your original agreement.

Incorrect Installations

Shady home builders under a time crunch may be using the cheapest, and therefore, most inexperienced subcontractors to get their work done.  Manufacturers dictate the parameter their roofing needs to be installed (nail/staple size, crown width, nails per shingle, etc.)  This ensures that the roofing lasts as long as it is supposed to.  An incorrectly installed roof may not be immediately evident, but sooner than later, it may start showing premature signs of wear.  If this happens, a manufacturer is unlikely to warranty the roof because they will fault the installer.  The installer, if you can track them down, they will not have ill consequences because you do not have a warranty in writing from them.  North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, GAF, will come out inspect GAF roofs after installation to make sure the roof was installed correctly.  This protects the homeowner and the contractor if the roof ages prematurely.

Subpar Materials

To many, the term “builder grade” implies something with enough quality that a builder would use it.  The name is a bit misleading since builders are technically using them but by no means are builder grade materials the crème de la crème.  In most cases, builder grade materials are just of average quality and are pre-built and mass-produced.  Research and understand the materials that are used in your home.  While some extra money upfront to pay for quality materials may seem like an inconvenience, it is money well spent when you don’t have to replace your current windows, roofing, siding, etc. sooner than you should have to.

 

Lindus Construction offers free no-obligation estimates on new home & home remodeling 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. 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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The Best Apps for Home Maintenance-2.0

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Posted by Andy Lindus on February 7, 2013 – 2:46 pm
Filed under Apps, Construction, Home Construction, Lindus Construction, Uncategorized
Tagged as , , , , , , ,

The Best Apps for Home Maintenance-2.0

Back in June, we analyzed some of most recent home improvement apps available.  (Need a refresher?  Visit http://www.lindusconstruction.com/blog/2012/06/the-best-apps-for-home-maintenance/)  This blog was our highest read in 2012 so we decided to again review the good, the bad & the ugly of home improvement apps.

iRoofing

Price: Free

Rating: 4 Stars

Features:This app is designed for contractors with an iPad.  The app allows contractors to measure a roof and order materials.  Rather than having to get up on a roof, the contractor can utilize satellite images to properly estimate the amount of materials needed.  There’s a spot to show customers what their roof will look like by dropping in images of different roof patterns and colors.

Our Take: Great design; we love how handy it is when you’re on the go.  In a dream scenario, we’d love to see a version for the iPhone too.

Measure Master Pro

Price: $5.99

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Features: This app features is useful because it lets users convert between metric & US measurements.  Functions include feet-inch-fractions, inch fraction, yards, decimal feet, decimal inches

Our Take: It’s great for calculations on the go but we’d like to see it come with a stair calculator function the next time the app is updated.

ConcreteCalc Pro

Price: $9.99

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Features: This app assists contractors with determining the amount of concrete needed for a project, eliminating waste and speeding up estimates.  On smaller jobs, it will even show you the number of bags of concrete needed.  It can also convert measurements building different types of building dimension formats.

Our Take: More convenient than a physical calculator and much easier than doing the math yourself.  The information the app provides is accurate.

iScape

Price: $9.99

Rating: 4 Stars

Features: This app allows you to take a picture of your home and import photos of trees, mulch, shrubs, grass, planters, etc. to see what they’d look on your property.

Our Take: We like this app because it allows you to see what different landscaping options would look like on YOUR home.  It’s user friendly and has lots of different pictures to choose from and it even includes an area for you to see what holiday decorations would look like on your home.

Houzz Kids’ Rooms

Price: Free

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Features: There is a plethora of photos of kids’ rooms with information on the people that designed them and the products used.  You can add them to your ideabook for future reference.

Our Take: We LOVE the Houzz app & website.  (Follow us and we’ll follow you back!)  This app is a really fun approach to designing a unique bedroom for your child and see what others have done with filters for different age groups.  This simple platform allows you to sit down with your child and iPad and go over the endless possibilities. 

HomeSnap Real Estate

Price: Free

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Features:Snap a photos of a house and find out its estimated value, bed/bath count, taxes, area schools, etc.  You can also type in an address to get information.

Our Take: We tried a few houses in our area and the information was incomplete and we felt, a little inaccurate.  It was disappointing to see current homes for sale online not be able to pull up complete information in this app.  It might work well in other portions of the country or be great for amusement purposes but not anything to take seriously, let alone pay for in its current state.

Dwell

Price: Free

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Features: This app is the official app for Dwell magazine.  It has videos and slide shows of modern home designs and details on home design trends.  It’s integrated with Facebook & Twitter too so you can keep your friends and followers up to speed on what you like.

Our Take: Decent app but not as good as those produced by Houzz.  Fun to look at but we’d like to see more photos and an easier way to search for what you’re looking for.  It’s not something we’d pay for but for a free app, it is better than most.

Handy Man DIY

Price: $1.99

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Features: App is designed to assist you with organizing your home renovation project.  There’s a spot where you can enter your room’s measurements to see how much trim and flooring you need.  There’s a how to section that links up with YouTube videos to show you how complete certain home improvement tasks.

 Our Take: The YouTube section can be helpful if you need a refresher on how to do something or want to verify technique.  We caution you from undertaking a project such as installing siding on your own if you’ve never done it before.  The wish lists are good; we think the do it yourself tips could be better.  Points for the app being easy to use; we’d like to see it become even more comprehensive in future editions but it’s a start.

Have a home improvement app you love or love to hate?  Let us know by shooting us a message on Facebook and we may include it in an upcoming blog.

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!

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Pros & Cons of Flat Roofing

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Posted by Andy Lindus on January 14, 2013 – 1:27 pm
Filed under Flat Roof, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

A flat roof, just as the name suggests, is laid horizontally though it may contain a minor incline.  Synthetic rubber & asphalt are the two most common flat roofing materials.  When determining whether your next roof should be rubber, it’s important to consider the benefits and disadvantages.  In this blog, we’ll tackle this issue so that you can make a more educated decision.

MAINTENANCE- Flat roofs need to be monitored more than a pitched because there is no way for water to naturally filter away.  This causes standing water, debris and clogged drainage systems which can cause big trouble for the roof’s lifespan.

Our Vote: CON

PRICE-Flat roofs are easier to install because they lack pitch.  This makes it easier for installers to navigate the roof during the installation process which makes it go by quicker.  It is cheaper to insure a company installing flat roofs than one installing pitched roofs because a flat roof is harder to fall off of.  Flat roofs also lack the rafters and engineered trusses that pitched roofs require, making them less costly because they need fewer materials.

Our Vote: PRO

LIFESPAN-Because of the beating flat roofs take because they do not naturally drain, their life expectancy can be as short as 10 years.  Even if you don’t plan on owning the structure for 10 years, a flat roof can also affect your ability to sell the property because the next owner will likely be aware of the roof’s shortened lifespan.  By contrast, an asphalt or metal pitched roof can have non-prorated warranties on labor and materials that last up to 50 years.

Our Vote: CON

INSURANCE-Flat roofs are more prone to leaking.  Insurance companies take this into account and often raise rates accordingly.  On the other hand, metal roofs can actually lower your insurance premiums because they are more resistant to fire and hail.  Because of how metal roofs are engineered, they actually discourage the build up of snow on their roofs.

Our Vote: CON

HEAT ABSORBTION- A flat roof is designed to absorb heat.  Because it lacks pitch, the entire roof is exposed to the sun all day long.  While this sounds appealing for Midwest winters, you mustremember that in the winter the sun is at lowest point so the heating capabilities can be minimal compared to the upped energy bills you’ll experience in the summer months when your home’s air conditioner has to work harder to keep your home cool.

Our Vote: CON

USEABLE SPACE- Have you ever been in a home where the upstairs rooms have walls with extreme angles?  Having a flat roof eliminates this issue and can allow for more space.  Walls with pitched roofs, especially those with extreme pitches, can eliminate the amount of livable space.  Additionally, flat roofs can allow for entertaining space with a rooftop deck or patio.

Our Vote: PRO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lindus Construction offers free no-obligation estimates on home roofing 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. 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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Building a Home? A Word about Builder Grade Materials.

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Posted by Andy Lindus on January 7, 2013 – 2:23 pm
Filed under Builder Grade Materials, Building a House, Doors, Entry Doors, GAF Roofing, Gutters, Home Construction, Lindus Construction, Uncategorized
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Anyone who’s built a home or considered building a home has likely heard the term “builder grade” materials.  But when there are so many details to consider, a potential home builder may not look as deeply into understanding what these materials are and how they can affect your home down the road.

What’s In a Name?

To many, the term “builder grade” implies something with enough quality that a builder would use it.  The name is a bit misleading since builders are technically using them but by no means arebuilder grade materials the crème de la crème.  In most cases, builder grade materials are just of average quality and are pre-built and mass-produced.

Grading

In the construction industry, the quality hierarchy for materials is as follows:

Ultimate Custom Grade

                   I

      Custom Grade

                   I

      Quality Grade

I

       Builder Grade

 

Buyer Beware

While builder grade products vary from contractor to contractor, it’s important to understand the consequences of opting for builder grade products, which are often only short-term solutions.

 

Builder Grade Windows

Windows can dramatically affect the look and beauty of your home by adding light and providing a feeling of spaciousness.  Choosing quality windows in your home can reduce heating and cooling costs because your furnace and air conditioner have to work less to heat or cool outside air that’s getting into your house.  Builder grade windows meet the bare minimum requirements and may not be multi-chambered for insulation purposes, allowing for drafts.  Mass production also means that builder windows are less likely to come in odd sizes.  In the event that you fill an odd sized window hole with a builder grade window, you may end up with gaps that will allow outside air to escape into your home.

Builder Grade Entry Doors

Like quality windows, a well-made entry door will protect your home from nature’s elements.  Opt for a high quality door that is insulated rather than a hollow one that provides less protection and can be easily damaged.

Builder Grade Gutters

All gutters are created equal right?  WRONG!  Cheaply made gutters are susceptible to clogs which can cause water to spill over your gutter and pool on the ground below. This can result in damage to your shrubs; lead to surface erosion; and seep into your foundation causing cracks and basement flooding.

Water can also spill behind the gutter causing damage to the wood of your soffit and fascia.

If you have add-on toppers, helmets or hoods that are attached to your roof and hang over your gutters, they are usually held in place by screws and nails hammered into your roof. Putting holes in your roof can cause leaks and may void your roof warrantees.

Don’t underestimate the danger of clogs attracting pests. Some critters are attracted to the acorns and seeds that can collect in your gutters. Insects, mold and bacteria can grow in standing water.

Shameless plug: Opt for LeafGuard Gutters, the only system to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. They keep leaves and debris out of your gutters preventing water damage from clogs and you will never have to get on a ladder again. They come with a LIFETIME guarantee, unlike any other gutter system on the market.

Builder Grade Vinyl Siding

Oftentimes, builder grade vinyl siding is less thick and dependable than higher grades.  Lower quality siding can fall victim to nature’s elements, cracking & fading with sun exposure and denting easier during storms.  A major expense of any siding job is the actual installation, so do yourself a favor and opt for a higher grade product which will last longer.

Builder Grade Roofing

It’s important to not lower your standards with a builder grade material because while it make seem sensible at the time, you’ll likely end up with the cost of replacing a malfunctioning roof sooner than you would like.   Companies such as GAF (North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing materials) offer warranties that last up to 50 years.  It’s worth noting that these warranties cover both labor and materials and are non-prorated.  This makes it one of the best warranties in the industry.

Our Two Cents

We feel it’s important to be respectful of your budget when building a home; however that does not mean you should have to settle for subpar materials.  Talk to your contractor about the materials they’re using and the warranties that come with them to avoid any ugly “surprises” a few years down the road because the last thing you want to be doing in five years is replacing all of the windows in your home.

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.

The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Building a Home

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Posted by Andy Lindus on December 18, 2012 – 4:24 pm
Filed under Building a House, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Lindus Construction, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Windows, www.lindusconstruction.com
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As the adage goes, “Hindsight is always 20/20”. In the construction industry, no more is this true than when it comes to building a home.  Some of the biggest reasons are because it’s something that someone may only do once (if at all) and because of all of the little decisions that go into making the home YOURS.  As a construction company in business since 1979, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the experience as positive and stress-free as possible.  Allow us to list off our biggest list of no-no’s when it comes to building a home.

Acting as Your Own General Contractor:

Think of a general contractor as the coach of a team.  Their job is to gather bids, work with any subcontractors and make sure that the work is done correctly, within your budget and on schedule.  A general contractor has connections within the industry and has solid relationships with subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.).  These subcontractors want to perform exceptional work for general contractors because they know that this is how they will stay in business.  Subcontractors are less likely to stay on time and within budget for someone they know they have little chance of ever working with again, such as the homeowner.  While on the front end, hiring a general contractor can seem like an added expense, working with a skilled professional will often keep you on schedule and within budget.

Taking a Laid Back of an Approach:

Your home is one of the biggest investments of your life.  Don’t be passive.  Be present when it comes to making decisions.  Read and understand the contract and have a lawyer review it if necessary.  Ask for copies of the company’s insurance policy because if someone gets hurt on the jobsite and the contractor is not insured, the homeowner can be responsible for the medical bills of the injured.  Once construction has commenced it can be very costly and difficult to make changes to your plans so take time to consider what you want before getting started.

Shoddy House Plans:

 It’s vital that you have a set of plans that clearly detail the layout of your home.  Without this, you cannot get accurate estimates on labor or materials.  Additionally, unclear plans can cost you down the road when a plumber thinks a sink is going in one place and the electrician places lighting in a spot that makes no sense.  This can lead to scheduling conflicts, work that must be redone, etc.  Who pays for this?  YOU.

Cutting Corners on Budget:

 A builder who can build your dream home $30,000 cheaper and 2 months faster than the others you bid out likely has something to hide.  A builder may lowball an offer to get your business and then may tack on expenses as the project goes on.  Even if extra fees aren’t accessed later, it’s likely that a significant difference in pricing also means a significant difference in the quality of materials.  Do you really want to replace your home’s windows in the next 5 years because you took the cheap way out?

Poor Location:

Is it convenient to live near a grocery store, strip mall or 24 hourgas station?  Absolutely!  Have you ever heard of a realtor specifically seeking these locations out for a home buyer?  No!  Why?  While we’re not suggesting your closest neighbor be a half hour away, the most appealing homes to future buyers are not those directly adjacent to areas like this.  Busy streets and stores are not quiet or family friendly.  Consider resale value before settling on a lot because it’s the cheapest around.  Things like slope, water table and terrain also affect how easy it is to construct a home on a piece of land, so be sure to do your homework before buying a lot.    

Building a Home That Doesn’t Make Sense For Your Neighborhood:

Beforeground breaks, take a hard look at homes in the neighborhood and make sure the size of your home is similar to those in the surrounding area.  The smallest and largest home in a neighborhood is often the hardest to sell.  The styling of your home should also be in line with the rest of the neighborhood.  A stucco home is going to stick out like a sore thumb in a neighborhood full of Victorian styled homes.

Having a Budget without a Buffer:

It’s important to establish a budget when buildinga home.  The budget should include a slush fund that takes into consideration unforeseen circumstances and overages because even with the best intentioned bid, incidentals will likely still come up.

Not Planning Ahead:

Think down the road, ten or twenty years.  Is there a need to addadditional rooms to accommodate for an expanded family or aging parents?  It’s best to accommodate for incidentals when building.  If you plan to retire in your home, you may want to consider the number of stairs, width of doorways, etc.  Your toddlers are going to turn into teenagers, are you okay with their bedroom being in a basement with its own entrance?

Working with the Wrong Builder:

Take some time to evaluate several builders sothat you find someone who is right for you.  Be sure to talk to previous clients.  Find someone you connect with and who can transform your ideas into a reality.  It’s also a good idea to check with websites such as the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List and GuildQuality to see what others have to say about these businesses.  Ask potential builders to see examples of previous work both in photos and in person.  Don’t forget that you’ll be dealing with the builder for a span of several months.

Some of the best-built homes in western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities Metro area were designed and built by Lindus Construction. The homeowners love their new custom designed homes; everything is completely functional with no wasted space. The construction quality is impeccable and best of all the homes are low maintenance.  Interested in learning more?  Visit us at www.lindusconstruction .com or call 800-873-1451.