Category Archives: WCCO

Increase Home Energy Efficiency with a RESNET Assessment

Posted by Andy Lindus on April 26, 2013 – 4:08 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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RESNET stands for, Residential Energy Services Network, and is a nationally recognized certification and rating system in the United States for home energy efficiency. As a RESNET qualified EnergySmart Contractor, such as Lindus Construction, you can rest assured that you are working with a professional that has the knowledge from passing a RESNET administered exam as well as successfully completing approved energy efficiency training.

In today’s age, when we are all looking where to save a dollar or two, a home energy assessment could be exactly what you are looking for to improve your home’s energy efficiency and put more green back in your pockets. An energy audit will determine three things for you;

  • Where and how energy is being lost in your home
  • Which systems are operating efficiently
  • What kind of cost effective measures can be put into place to make your home more comfortable, affordable & more important more energy efficient

Did you know that a duct leaking air in your home wastes between 10-30% of heating & cooling energy and it may require as much as one ton of AC just to overcome that leak?

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Energy Weakness Areas in your Home That Will Be Checked

  • Porches
  • Roof Overhangs
  • Shafts for chimneys or pipes
  • Protruding or indented windows & doors
  • Crawlspaces & basements that are connected to the outdoors

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Blower Door Testing

Blower door testing is done by depressurizing your home, to amplify air leakage, so it can be measured and air leaks can be located. Blower door testing is one of the most practical ways to predict energy saving from air sealing methods. Some of the biggest sources of air leakage in your home are;

  • Penetration through top plates & gaps between sheetrock
  • Around electrical boxes
  • Recessed can lights
  • Open floor joists, chases & fireplaces
  • Wall cavity openings at the bottom of kneewalls
  • Open furrdowns or dropped ceilings
  • Attic access areas
  • Whole house fans

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Benefits of Having a Home Energy Assessment

  • Your energy bills will be lower increasing your energy saving
  • Consistent comfort throughout your home instead of feeling too warm or cold
  • Increased resale value for your home
  • Being informed of potential hidden problems enabling you to take action before a problem gets out of hand
  • Helping the environment from less greenhouse gases being generated from your home

Lindus Construction is proud to now be RESNET certified and would like to help you in your quest for energy efficiency in your home. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com  to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Make sure to tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9a-10a for the Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

 

 

 

Decking Components 101

Posted by Andy Lindus on April 19, 2013 – 1:17 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Decking, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Whether you have chosen to build a deck yourself, or hire your local contractor, it is important to be up-to-date on your deck-building vocabulary to understand the roles of each of your decks components. Once you have mastered the terminology of planning of your next deck, from researching building codes, obtaining permits and setting up an estimate. Being able to clearly communicate your vision of your new deck design will make it easier for everyone involved and also ensure accuracy of what you want your final product to be.

The main components of a deck

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Ledger Board – if your deck will be attached to your home, the use of a ledger board will be necessary. This is equal in size to the joists that anchor the deck to the house and supports one end of the joists. It will be bolted to the side of the house and metal flashing will be installed behind and on top of it to keep water out. The ledger board will be a treated piece of lumber that is as straight as possible avoiding any warp.

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Beams – are large horizontal boards typically made of 4x, or doubled 2x lumber. They are supportive posts that hold the weight of your decking materials and people or items that will be placed on your deck. They will be bolted to the deck beam posts. These beams provide additional support above and beyond the nails and bolts of the deck, which can weaken over time resulting in improper structure support.

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Joists – think of them as the ribcage of your skeleton. They are used to build your deck frame. Their main purpose is to maintain the shape and strength of your deck. They are usually 2x lumber that is commonly placed perpendicular to your house and across your beams. They are installed parallel to each other for ease of construction and to distribute weight evenly for the integrity of the structure.

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Posts – in the past, 4×4 pressure treated posts for deck supports were commonly used, but now 6×6 pressure treated posts are ideal because they are much stronger, more stable and offer a larger surface area for supporting beams and joists.

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Deck Boards – are the main surface boards to your deck that you are able to walk across. The easiest way to install them is horizontally. If you choose to have more of a custom look, you can place your deck planks at a 45° angle across the joists. If you choose diagonally placed decking, it will increase your strength, but your waste of materials could also increase up to 15% and the labor is also more extensive then on horizontally placed deck boards.

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Fascia Board – this board is used to cover framing and decking with a wide 2x piece of lumber. To add a more distinctive look you can add a “picture-frame” edge, which adds some visual interest by creating a shadow line.

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Railings – a general rule of thumb is that a deck any higher than 18” above the ground should have a railing installed, and check your local building codes to see what their requirements are if you are thinking of going without a deck railing. There are so many different choices on the market today for your railings from metal balusters, composite, wood, glass, cable and branch deck railings. Your deck railing is where you can express your creativity for all to see so make sure to do your research on which style will compliment your deck the most.

Lindus Construction is an expert in the industry when it comes to planning & building your next deck. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free no-obligation estimate. Tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9am-10am for our Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

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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Flashing-A Roof Leak Preventative

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Posted by Andy Lindus on April 8, 2013 – 12:30 pm
Filed under GAF, GAF Roofing, Roofing, Roofing Installation, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
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When it comes to replacing your roof, homeowners spend a lot of time selecting shingle style and color.  There’s nothing wrong with this, especially when you consider that companies like GAF put out roofing systems that have non-prorated warranties that last 50 years.   But it’s also, if not equally more important, to understand the components being installed in conjunction with your shingles because they act as additional protectors for your home from issues such as water damage.  One of these protective components is called flashing.  Likely, flashing is not something that is top of mind when it comes to re-roofing your home, but failure to pay ample attention to it can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your roof and lead to water damage in your home.

What Is Flashing:  Flashing is metal that aids to protect your roof from water intrusion where a roof meets a wall.  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.

Types of Flashing:

Kickout- Itsprimary purpose is to protect your home’s structure, windows & siding.  Additionally, it prevents water from going behind your siding where your roof meets a wall.  This type of flashing is installed over the edge of your roof.  Without it, the water that drains down your roof will come crashing down your roof and splash onto your windows & siding.  As this process repeats, mold, rot and structural damage can occur.

Valley- On a roof, a valley is an area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “V” shaped depression.  Valleys can be common sources of roof leaking because they catch water speeding down two roof planes; they disperse more water off a roof than does any individual roof plane.  Inadequate or improper installation of valley flashing can result in circumstances such as your roof caving in or your roof decking rotting.  Valleys come in two varieties.  They are: closed valley & open valley.  A closed valley is where the metal flashing is installed first and then the shingles are placed on top of it.  An open valley is where the flashing is laid first, followed by the shingles.  The tin is left exposed.  Additionally, three rows of ice and water shield are placed in this area.  Some homeowners feel that the closed valley is better because the metal is hidden from sight, therefore making the roof more aesthetically appealing.  An argument can be made for the open valley because the valleys of your roof handle more water than any other part of your roof.  Over time, this can cause the granules on your shingles to erode off.  Open valleys add an additional protectant so that this process is slowed.Some homeowners feel that the closed valley is better because the metal is hidden from sight, therefore making the roof more aesthetically appealing.  An argument can be made for the open valley because the valleys of your roof handle more water than any other part of your roof.  Over time, this can cause the granules on your shingles to erode off.  Open valleys add an additional protectant so that this process is slowed.

Step- Step flashing gets its name because it is comprised of several pieces of flashing that “step up” the roof with each progression of shingles and when the process is completed, the flashing looks like steps going up a wall.  Step flashing is important because it is a protectant against leaking where a roof & wall come together.  Improper step flashing can also lead to leaking where a chimney and wall meet.

Vent Pipe- It’s not uncommon to see a vent pipe sticking out from numerous places along your roofline.  Vent pipes can be for bathroom vents, sewer vents, hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.  Over time, due to nature’s elements, the seal between the pipe and roof begins to erode.  Installing vent pipe flashing defends against water damage to your home.

Chimney- Like its name states, chimney flashing is positioned around a chimney for the purpose of sealing it off against water.  One type of chimney flashing is called “chimney cricket”.  This piece of metal is installed on the back side of the chimney with the intention of diverting water away from it, as chimneys are an area that can easily leak.  If you notice stains on the walls that are in close proximity to your chimney, it’s quite likely that your chimney flashing has been comprised.  Prompt attention should be paid to this matter to avoid further damage, including mold growth.

Skylight-When a skylight is installed, a hole is cut in your roof to accommodate it.  Skylights must have flashing installed around them.  Without it, leaking can occur, damaging the interior of your home.  Many skylight companies offer flashing kits that are specifically designed for their product.

Drip Edge-Drip edge flashing can be installed on your roof’s gable edges and eaves. It will preserve the fascia board from windblown rain.  Additionally, it assists in bolstering roof shingles from sagging into your gutters or being broken should a tree branch fall on it.  Drip edge flashing also serves as a preventative for shingles being pulled off the roof during heavy winds.

Sidewall-This type of flashing should be installed where a section of roofing meets a vertical wall.  This will add an additional level of protection to prevent water from leaking behind your walls, 01siding, etc.  This can lead to rot, mold, etc. which can end up causing a homeowner thousands of dollars.

Lindus Construction offers the #1 selling roofing systems in North America, GAF Asphalt Roofing and was recognized in 2011 as the #1GAF roofing contractor in the country. 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.

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Why You Should Install Double Hung Windows!

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Posted by Andy Lindus on April 5, 2013 – 1:44 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Double Hung, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, SeasonGuard, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Windows, www.lindusconstruction.com
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You look through them every day and how often do you think about what impact your existing windows have on the beauty, value, and inside comfort of your home? Replacing your windows can help improve the look of your home and add long lasting value, plus save on energy bills. If you are ready for unmistakable window elegance with striking curb appeal, then SeasonGuard double hung windows are your answer. This high caliber window has a double contoured narrow-line with exclusive mortised locks and wood style coved trim around the glass that creates beauty and defines the craftsmanship you have desired in a window.

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Features & Benefits of SeasonGuard Double Hung Windows

  • The signature narrow line window design provides maximum glass view areas.
  • UltraCore® polyurethane window frame insulation provides added comfort and ultimate energy efficiency.
  • Lift out sliders, with dual brass rollers featuring a stainless steel axle for years of worry free performance.
  • In-swing sashes offer added efficiency being able to easily clean the window from inside your home.
  • Provides minimal maintenance and easy operation with tilt-in feature, contoured lift-rails and pre-tensioned, dual pulley Block & Tackle balance system.
  • Advanced, triple weather-stripping seals for top efficiency performance.
  • Polyurethane window frame insulation provides added comfort and the ultimate in energy efficiency.
  • Coved interior glazing bead for added elegance and traditional design lines.
  • Enjoy added peace of mind with recessed pick resistant locks and night latches for venting.
  • Extruded aluminum screen frame with heavy-duty aluminum corner reinforcements for years of worry free performance.

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How to operate your double hung windows

  • Unlock sash locks.
  • Raise lower sash at least 2-3 inches.
  • Release both tilt latches and pull top of sash toward you.
  • To tilt-in top sash ,first tilt-in lower sash. Then repeat steps 2 & 3 for top sash

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Federal Tax Credit

Did you know that if you have new energy efficient windows installed in your home this year, or even had them installed last year in 2012, that you are eligible for a Federal Credit up to $200. Check out the Energy Star website for more information. At http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.

Lindus Construction is proud to provide Minnesota & Western Wisconsin with SeasonGuard Windows. .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

Your Home’s Moisture Levels-When Wetter Isn’t Better

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Posted by Andy Lindus on April 2, 2013 – 2:30 pm
Filed under GAF, GAF Roofing, Lindus Construction, Roofing, Sweaty Windows, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Window Condensation
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It’s no secret that moisture in your home can be a leading cause of health ailments such as asthma & upper respiratory conditions.  With this year’s winter dragging on and on and on, it’s a good idea toexamine your home for moisture related issues that may have presented themselves over the winter months.

Beyond the health issues that excessive moisture in your home can create, it’s also vital to address issues with moisture before they negatively affect your property. There are several places where moisture can present itself, all of which can end up directly affecting your wallet & your health.

Windows & Doors: Leaking often first occurs near the corners.  Telltale signs of impending water damage include paint that is discolored or peeling.  Windows that sweat can also be an indicator that moisture is occurring when it shouldn’t.  (For more on sweating windows: (http://www.lindusconstruction.com/blog/2012/11/why-are-my-windows-sweating/)

Roof: Any shingles that permit water to saturate your roof’s underlayment should be replaced.  Areas where this is more likely to occur are attic vents and chimneys.  Water that is visible through your ceiling may have already coated your attic floors and trusses which is why it’s so important to address any loose shingles as soon as you see them.  Another preventative measure that can be taken is investing in quality flashing.  Flashing is a slender metal bar found in roofing that acts as a water intrusion preventative in spaces where two different surfaces fit together.

Foundation: A cracked foundation is the perfect vessel to deliver water into your home.  As soon as cracks are identified and the damage has been evaluated, the cracks should be filled.

Clogged Gutters: The purpose of rain gutters is to divert rain water away from your home.  If they are clogged, the water will spill over which can result in a multitude of issues including: damp basements, destroyed landscaping, rotting wood (around windows) and icy sidewalks.  Invest in clog-free gutters such as LeafGuard and never experience this issue again.

Exhaust Fans & Venting: Exhaust fans are designed to redirect moisture from your home’s interior to the outdoors.  Be sure yours is in good working order or risk excessive moisture which cancause mold to grow, which will negatively affect your family’s health.

Sprinkler System: The purpose of your sprinkler system is to water your grass, not your foundation.  Make sure that your system’s misting pattern is directed away from your home so that water does not land near your foundation.

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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LP SmartSide – Pioneers in Sustainable Siding For Your Home!

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Posted by Andy Lindus on March 29, 2013 – 1:58 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, LP, LP SmartSide, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Picking the right siding for your home is a delicate balancing act between good looks, durability, maintenance & affordability. LP SmartSide siding is a resilient mix of wood strands & fibers, zinc borate, and superior exterior-grade resins that are proven to withstand extreme heat, cold, humidity & rainfall.

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LP SmartSide works and cuts just like traditional wood, taking nails and screw with ease for easy installation. It does not require special safety training and special gear to protect against airborne silica, like fiber cement. Their warranty is unmatched with their 5/50-year limited warranty providing a 5-year 100% labor and replacement feature and a 5/50-year prorated limited warranty on the product.

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How LP SmartSide is manufactured

LP SmartSide is manufactured in Tomahawk, WI. All the wood that is used at their facility is SFI® (sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified, which is the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. SFI® certification helps insure that the wood being used only comes from well-managed forests. By having LP SmartSide installed on your home, you are helping builders reduce waste on the jobsite. This is because without knots, fewer siding needs to be discarded.  Fewer knots also mean that the siding can be produced in longer lengths, which cuts back on the number of pieces used.  Because the siding is so durable, you may even qualify for certification points in current leading green building programs now available. Here is the manufacturing process of LP SmartSide:

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  • When the logs arrive on site, they go through a conditioning process so it comes in at the right moisture content for the bark to be removed off the log.
  • They reuse the bark and any other byproducts of the log for heating their facility so nothing is wasted.
  • After the bark is removed, the log itself is turned into precisely shaped strands of wood that are now ready to be dried.
  • The size of the wood strands is very precise; that is what gives their product such strength & durability, allowing it to lay flat and true to your home.
  • After the strands are cut, they still contain 50% moisture content and the product is tumbled in large steel drums that force the moisture out of the product to between 5%-10%.
  • Once the strands of wood are dried they go through the SmartGuard process, which is the blending of the strands with an exterior rated binder, which acts as industrial strength glue.
  • In addition to the SmartGuard process, they add a wood preservative treatment that is environmentally safe and EPA registered. The American Wood Preservatives Association recognizes it because it’s proven effective against termites, wood decay and rot. That is why LP SmartSide has an industry leading 50-year warranty.
  • After the SmartGuard and wood preservative process, the strands of the product have been mixed thoroughly together and are formed into a woven mat that is overlaid with a resin impregnated paper.
  • It then travels into a heated press, and under intense heated pressure, the mat that is 6-8 inches thick is compacted down to as small as 3/8 inch.
  • The realistic wood grain finish is pressed into the product from plates during the heated pressure process allowing for the look of wood without having to deal the natural defects of it.
  • The wood grain finish is very realistic and doesn’t have the natural defects of natural wood. When the product is being pressed under the heat and pressure, there are plates that push the wood grain texture into the product.
  • Once pressed, it comes out in a sheet that is about 16 feet long that is cut down into 4’x16’ sheet products.
  • They further cut these sheets down into the specific sizing that is needed.

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Lindus Construction is proud to be a Platinum member of LP’s Build Smart Preferred Remodeler Program. We have gone through extensive training with LP through jobsite audits and LP University to make sure that every job is done to the specifications that the manufacturer entails. We also offer a visual remodeler program that allows you to view LP® SmartSide® on your current home. LP® SmartSide® comes in 100 different profiles so the possibilities are endless!!

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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.

 

“Fresh Air” Skylights & Why You Can’t Go Another Day Without One in Your Home

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Posted by Andy Lindus on March 20, 2013 – 8:09 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, VELUX, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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I don’t think there is a single person in the Twin Cities area that is not ready for spring to arrive in a big way. We are ready to put gloomy cloudy, days behind us and open the windows to let the fresh air and sunshine in.  If you are in the mood to maximize the combination of fresh air and sunshine into your living area, we have just the home improvement product for you. It is called the Solar Powered “Fresh Air” skylight by VELUX. You will see the features and benefits below by adding skylights to you home and how it will not only increase your mood, but put money back in your pocketbook as well.

 

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Artificial lighting is one of the largest sources of energy consumption in the United States, accounting for up to 40% of a structure’s total energy use. By installing a skylight properly in your home, you will recoup your money in less than two years. By adding natural light to your living area with skylights, you will be reducing your use of artificial light in those areas on average up to 70%-80%.  The best thing about exposing yourself to natural light more often is that you can expect a 24% increase in energy according to scientific experts!

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How it works

The Solar Powered “Fresh Air” skylight features a solar panel that captures any available daylight and uses it to recharge a highly efficient, fully concealed, battery powered operator and control system. The battery-powered operator is the power source that opens and closes the skylight, and the solar panel serves as the charging source for the system

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Benefits of adding a Solar Powered “Fresh Air” skylight in your home

  • 30% federal tax credit is eligible the Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylight.
  • The no leak warranty carries a 10-year installation warranty, plus 20-years on glass. 10-years on the product & 5-years on blinds & controls.
  • Adding fresh air and ventilation to your home is essential to your health & well-being.
  • The solar panel works even on cloudy days with indirect sunlight. It does not have to be exposed to direct sunlight to function.
  • In case of inclement weather, it has an integrated rain sensor that will close the automatically.
  • The skylight requires no wiring, which makes for easy and cost effective installation.
  • It is remote controlled for extreme ease of use.
  • The inner pane is laminated for additional safety so if the glass accidentally broke it will not shatter. Laminated glass meets codes for products installed out of reach.
  • There are eight different choices of blinds to choose from. If you order the skylight & the blind at the same time VELUX will pre-program your remote to control both the window and the blind.

Lindus Construction is a proud 5-star dealer of VELUX Skylights. Give us a call now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free no-obligation estimate on a Solar “Fresh Air” skylight so you can enjoy it all summer. Tune into WCCO 830AM on Saturday’s from 9-10am for our Home Improvement show with Andy Lindus & Denny Long.

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
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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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2012 Rewind of Lindus Construction

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Posted by Andy Lindus on December 21, 2012 – 2:45 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

We have so much to be grateful for this year at Lindus Construction/Midwest LeafGuard. 2012 was a year of growth and professional accomplishments that exceeded our wildest expectations. We have continued to be cautiously optimistic and that has allowed us to continue having employees that are committed in providing our customers with First Time Quality experiences. I have been fortunate enough to be named one of Professional Remodeler’s “40 under 40” and our company was named “2012 Remodeler of the Year”. I wanted to take this time to write about what 2012 has brought us and what we are thankful for.

Professional Remodeler’s 40 under 40 are chosen from nearly 100 applications that are diverse in their professional and personal interests, as well as in their service to professional societies and charitable organizations. I was fortunate enough to be named among these forty people along with a lot of my peers that I look up to. I started working at Lindus Construction, at the age of 12, working my way up to Sales Manager and now Chief Operating Officer.

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My entrepreneurial spirit has always been a leading factor in my professional life since a very young age. I started my first LeafGuard franchise at the age of 19 and installed every job. My mother, Emily, has always encouraged me to market our business to the best of our ability and we have taken our marketing plan to the next level this past year. We have been able to grow our WCCO Home Improvement radio show on 830AM to the top rated show in its Saturday morning timeslot. Another one of our strategies for 2012 was to be an expert in the industry for homeowners. We ramped up our weekly blog posts to two a week ranging from DIY home improvement projects to what to know when hiring a contractor. We are completely transparent when educating homeowners from our experiences and giving them the tools to have the most successful home improvement project.

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We have been given the opportunity to have stable growth due to the industry  leading companies that we work with such as LeafGuard, GAF asphalt roofing, Englert metal roofing and Pella windows just to name a few. Working with these strong brands has given us the confidence to offer lifetime workmanship warranties due to the impeccable performance and durability they offer.

Professional Remodeler of the year is one of our greatest accomplishments and we are truly humbled by this honor. What started thirty three years ago, run out of my parent’s home in Woodville, WI has turned into an annual business of $18 million flourishing across the Midwest. Lindus Construction proved its resilience in May of 1995 when we started installing LeafGuard, a one-piece seamless gutter system, geared toward shedding leaves away preventing clogged gutters forever – guaranteed! Our first year installing LeafGuard, in Western Wisconsin and Minnesota, we installed 7,000 feet of gutter. Never in our wildest dreams did we think the next year we would install 70,000 feet and then the next 200,000 feet. On average we are now installing 400,000-500,000 feet of LeafGuard gutters each year. We have been able to expand our LeafGuard franchise opportunities to St. Cloud, Minn., Rochester, Minn., Des Moines, Omaha, Green Bay and most recently Cincinnati that will be opening in January of 2013 and run by Jeff & Jen Anderson of Woodville, WI. Our success of opening these new franchises has come from having each manager become a partial franchise-holder so they have the same desire for success that we do.

Our entrepreneurial spirit and our innovative ownership model that we have created will keep Lindus Construction moving forward for another 33 years to come. We have the most passionate, loyal and hardworking employees that anyone could ever ask for and we applaud our success to them. They are the glue of our foundation and without them we would not be where we are today. We have exciting new plans for 2013 and we appreciate all of our customers that we have been given the opportunity to work with this past year.

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Andy Lindus

COO Lindus Construction/MidwestLeafGuard