by Dependable Construction | Aug 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
No matter what state you pick to call home or business, the weather can take its toll on your siding. With the highs and lows seen here in Ohio we understand this better than most. So when you decided to choose a siding, you want to know that it will hold up to the winter chill and summer heat. Dependable Construction is here to help with James Hardie® siding.
James Hardie® siding was created with all climates in mind. They have come up with a way to help customers in the Dayton area buy Hardie Board® siding based on specific performance attributes that relate to the “HardieZone” where they live.
While competing companies only offer a one-size-fits-all approach to your home’s exterior, James Hardie® sells their fiber cement siding products based on eight different climatic variables.
Using the HardieZone™ System, it is easy for Property Owners to choose the right type of Hardie Board® siding for them. When you work with a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, they will often show customers a video on HardieZone™ and allow them to examine the various products available for their home. There are actually ten different climatic zones available, but your siding contractor will identify the right type of siding and install it to the homeowner’s specifications.
James Hardie® fiber cement siding is known for its durability and long lasting beauty. Unlike other siding materials, Hardie Board® is designed to last for up to fifty years without rotting, cracking, or other weather related problems. It is also considered one of the few “green and sustainable” building products available in the siding industry. To learn more about Hardie Board products and how they can pay you back when you sell your home or business, contact Dependable Construction.
by Dependable Construction | Aug 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
At Dependable Construction, homeowners will always get the personal attention they need to make the best decision about their replacement windows.
If you are looking for a way to spend that tax refund, then replacement windows might be the perfect home improvement. But even the best laid plans never come to fruition unless you find a good contractor. In Dayton homeowners look no further than, Dependable Construction. They have built a reputation on being one of the most reliable contractors in the Dayton area. They believe that when it comes to choosing a contractor it’s important to ask a lot of questions.
Getting new windows is not just a simple matter of finding a contractor and writing a check. You will need to be involved in some very important decisions about the windows you choose. One of the most important reasons to have replacement windows installed is to improve the energy efficiency of your home by decreasing the loss of hot and cold air through the windows, but with so many brands on the market today and hundreds of options to choose from, the number of decisions can be mind boggling.
When searching for replacement windows, you may find two technical terms to describe the quality of the windows. These are the “U” factor and the “R” factor. The “U” factor measures the transfer of energy and the “R” factor measures the window’s ability to contain energy. Ideally, replacement windows should have the lowest “U” factor and the highest “R” factor possible.
If you need to replace existing windows, you will first want to look at the frames to see if they will also need to be replaced. This will determine whether you need a new construction window or a replacement window. Take a good look at the sill or the casing that runs along the bottom of the window frame. If there is any rot here you will want to replace the entire window, frame and all.
When you visit with a Dayton area window contractor, you will soon how many different types of replacement windows you can buy. Without an experienced window specialist, the process of choosing a window could be daunting. At Dependable Construction, you will get the personal attention you need to make the best decision about your replacement windows.
![Energy and efficiency rating on vinyl replacement windows.]()
by Dependable Construction | Jul 26, 2017 | Uncategorized
At Dependable Construction we understand that your home improvement dollars are limited and that your priority as a homeowner is to always make sure you get what you expect when you pull out your wallet. So its best that homeowners understand exactly what their getting when considering purchasing new replacement windows.
New windows, as I’m sure you know, are much more than two ordinary pieces of glass held together in a frame. Windows have evolved even over the past few years as research and development have delivered more efficient products to the marketplace. Window glass today is actually quite high tech so they do a lot more than provide a nice windbreak and view through.
Along with the advanced technology of today’s replacement windows has come industry standards and measurement rating to guide homeowners in their replacement window selection.
Window ratings.
When it’s time for new windows, it can be very tempting to believe everything you hear from one of the so call “experts” that show up at your door. Dependable Construction however has been a longtime trusted window contractor in Dayton, Oh. We understand that the bes advertising a company can have is positive word-of-mouth. That’s why we always first explain to homeowners who are looking at replacing their old, inefficient windows the U Factor and other ratings for energy efficiency that they will encounter while shopping around.
U Factor ratings were developed by the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) as a way to measure a window’s energy efficiency, using four different criteria. Fenestration, by the way, is just a fancy name for windows. All windows are given a rating between 1 and 3, with the lower numbers being representing better efficiency, to make it is easy for consumers to make meaningful comparisons between their replacement window choices.
You may be familiar with the U.S. government’s Energy Star ratings from the last time you purchased a new refrigerator or washer and dryer. In the window industry, the only windows that meet the standard for an Energy Star efficiency rating are those that also meet NFRC standards for energy savings.
Just like the appliance industry has made improvements in the efficiency of their products, the replacement window industry has made remarkable progress in building products that can help to decrease the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home.
But not all replacement window contractors offer the same quality of window, which is why it is important to understand the ratings before making a decision on replacement windows that a homeowner will most likely have to live with for many years to come.
Many contractors will sell thermal replacement windows without ever discussing the U-Factor ratings, but as a consumer you should always ask for these numbers before deciding what you will buy. If a contractor tries to tell you that ratings don’t matter or that all replacement windows are alike, walk away.
While we can all agree that today’s windows are far and away more efficient than the original windows in homes more than a few decades old, all window manufacturers are not created equal. That’s why Dependable Construction uses Siminton Windows as our main source for high-quality, energy efficient windows. The beautiful, functional help add immediate curb appeal to our customer’s homes.
The NFRC ratings are done in the following areas:
U-Factor — Similar to the R-Factor rating on home insulation, the U-Factor, sometimes called a U-Value, measures the amount of non-solar heat loss that occurs through the window. Values for U-Factor range from 0.15 to 1.20. The lower the number the more efficient the window because it has more insulating ability.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient — Measures the level of “heat gain” during the summer months. Solar radiation that passes through windows is measured in terms of its solar heat-gain coefficient, or SHGC. SHGC ratings are a useful way to quantify the energy efficiency of windows. Whereas the U-Factor is used to quantify the amount of non-solar heat that passes through a window or skylight, the SHGC quantifies the amount of solar heat that passes through the window. SHGC ratings have a value between 0 and 1, with 1 being the maximum amount of solar heat passes through the window and 0 being the least. An SHGC rating of .30 means that 30 percent of available solar heat is able to pass through the window.
Air Leakage (AL) — This refers to the window assembly and not the glass. The Air Leakage rating is based on the measurement of air that passes through leaks in the window assembly in terms of the number of cubic feet of air that a square foot of window area. A rating of .30 or less is required for a window to achieve an Energy Star rating, so if you don’t see the Energy Star symbol on the windows you are considering as replacements for your old, inefficient windows, you know that they have too high an AL rating.
Condensation Resistance (CR) — A CR rating is a measurement telling us how well a window resists the formation of condensation on the inside surface of the window. CR values from 1 to 100 are based on interior surface temperatures at 30%, 50%, and 70% indoor relative humidity for a given outside air temperature of 0° Fahrenheit under 15 mph wind conditions. Unlike the other energy ratings that apply to windows, a high number is a good thing when it comes to condensation resistance.
Visible Transmittance (VT) — measures the amount of light that can pass through a window, and has less to do with energy efficiency than with homeowner preference (VT) is an optical property indicating the fraction of visible light transmitted through the window. Specially selective coatings on quality modern replacement windows permit different amounts of visible, infrared and ultraviolet light. The higher the VT rating, the more light passes through.
As you can see, a lot goes in to determining whats the best replacement window. As a trusted window contractor in the Dayton, Oh area, Dependable Construction encourages customers to look at all of the relevant NFRC ratings, as each of them play an important role in determining which type of window is best for their home.
by Dependable Construction | Jul 24, 2017 | Uncategorized
Remodeling and renovating your home can add space, improve energy efficiency and make it look terrific, but will all these renovations help increase the selling price? Dependable Construction would love to sell them all, but lets look at the ones that will give you the best bang for your buck.
If your thinking of selling your home, and want to get the most out of your property with some improvement it’s important to recognize that not all improvements are created equal. Some could actually make selling your home more difficult. Now how do you tell the difference?
Improvements with the best resale value
Now some projects will add more value to your home than others. Some will only help your home sell faster. Here are some that have the best chance of raising the selling price.
Kitchens – Nothing has the potential of closing the sale faster than a contemporary kitchen. This is particularly true in older homes, where they add the most value. Just read a few real estate listings and you’ll notice how many of them mention an updated kitchen.
Bathrooms – Next to kitchens, bathroom remodels are likely to bring in good returns at the time of sale. Whether it’s a completely new bathroom or a few updated fixtures, these improvements tend to pay off nicely.
Exterior improvements – The “curb appeal” of your home is a big deal, so it’s smart to include this in your improvement plan. This usually includes new siding. Remember, while fiber cement siding is more expensive, it also brings the best return on investment. It is also important to spruce up the landscaping, particularly in the front of the home.
Windows and roofs – While they may be expensive to replace, buyers expect these to be in decent condition. These are the type of improvements that may not boost the resale value too much, but not replacing them could reduce the price significantly.
Which projects have a negative effect on resale value?
It’s hard to imagine that an improvement to your home would negatively impact its resale value, but they can. Generally, the rule is that improvements should be appealing to many different lifestyles and tastes. The more personal these choices are; the less likely they will positively affect resale value.
If you’re wondering if a project might negatively affect resale value? Here are a few general indicators.
Garage conversions – While it’s true that converting a garage can give you more living space; it probably won’t add value to your home. Most buyers would prefer having a garage.
Luxurious upgrades – No one wants to purchase the cheapest home improvements, but some of the highest-quality upgrades tend to lose value in relation to their cost. Some good examples of this include marble floors in the bathroom or high-end cabinetry in the kitchen.
Rooms that don’t fit in – Converting your back porch into a music room may be a perfect way to help your budding musician, if your dining room window now looks into the music room, it might not be well received by buyers.
Swimming pools – Having a pool might seem like the ultimate luxury to you, but when it comes time to sell it could become a liability. Parents of young children might see it as a safety hazard, and some people don’t want to be bothered with pool maintenance. A lot will depend on where you live, though. A pool in Florida will be a much bigger selling point than a pool in Wisconsin.
What else can affect resale value?
Even when you do the right projects in your home, don’t expect a guaranteed return on investment. Your changes should still conform to the other houses in your neighborhood. If you live in a neighborhood of smaller homes, yet you’ve added more space to your home, it might not pay off in resale value. People who want a few extra bedrooms are more likely to look in other developments. So keep all this in mind before you choose to start your next project and place your house on the market.
by Dependable Construction | Jul 21, 2017 | Uncategorized
Commercial roofing leaks can be disastrous if they aren’t spotted and addressed early. Since it’s very easy for a destructive leaks to go unnoticed for a while its important your property has regular inspections. According to Dependable Construction, a reputable roofing contractor based in South West, OH, the best way to prevent astronomical repair costs at your commercial space is to have your roof check regularly for any signs of leakage.
Professionals recommend checking your commercial roof at least once per month and after any heavy rain, high winds, and hail or snow storms. To accurately identify commercial roofing leaks, use this easy five-step guide of when to do your monthly roof assessments:
- Are There Puddles After It Rains? Take the time to check out your roof after a heavy rainstorm. If there are puddles or pooling water in areas that’s not a good sign. Once pooling begins, it won’t reverse without addressing the issue. You can avoid costly repairs if you address pooling the minute you see it, so call a professional.
- Damaged Sealant?Protective sealant is an excellent way to add an extra barrier against storm damage. Damaged sealant is most often not a sign of leaking, but it does put your roof at an increased risk of future damage. If your sealant is worn, have a new coating applied.
- Damaged Roof Flashing: The joints of your commercial roof are protected by weather-resistant materials, but if the material is torn or damaged, the joints are exposed, making them susceptible to leaking. Check each joint area when during your roof assessment.
- Bubbles On The Surface Of The Roof:If you see bubbling on the surface of your commercial roof, it means there’s already moisture trapped under the roof’s cover. This weakens your roof’s resistance to rain and wind damage and can lead to major leaking.
- Tears & Cracks In The Roof:Some commercial property owners ignore visible tears and cracks in their roofs. They think, as long as there’s no water inside the building, everything is fine. If you see damage, you should do something immediately.
To have your roof assessed or serviced, contact the commercial roofing specialists at Dependable Construction today. You can reach them at 937.318.9572.
by Dependable Construction | Jul 19, 2017 | Uncategorized
Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new business or home build or just remodeling what you already have, James Hardie siding products offer an affordable way to add beauty to your Property’s exterior.
If you’re in the market for new siding or building a new home or business, you’ve no doubt heard many arguments for and against vinyl siding. Have you ever wished there was a “middle-of-the-road” option; one that combined the best of aluminum and vinyl siding into one product? Well, James Hardie® siding might be the perfect answer.
One of the most durable building products available today, James Hardie fiber cement siding is made from a combination of wood fibers and cement, pressed into a mold that takes on the character of wood grain, which offers the ideal surface for any color paint. The James Hardie is a leader in manufacturing and developing technologies for strong, long-lasting building products.
James Hardie® siding is the epitome of style
Unlike traditional vinyl siding, James Hardie’s siding products are available in a wide range of textures and/or wood grains. Because it is installed one plank at a time instead of large sections like vinyl, James Hardie siding has a much more customized and appealing look, and can be painted a new color every 5-10 years. This gives you the chance to change the look of your house. Which means your projects will stand out for their artistic vision and will endure for many years to come. Instead of “settling” for the limited number of options available in vinyl, James Hardie® siding will bring your design ideas to life.
James Hardie® siding products offer unlimited creativity
Whether you’re starting that new home or office build or remodeling, James Hardie siding products offer an affordable way to add beauty to your property’s exterior. With both low maintenance and weather resistant, fiber cement resists the punishing winds and heat we see. But even more than all of its practical features, Property Owners choose James Hardie® siding for its terrific looks. Even up close, it has a rich appearance that looks a lot like wood, but it holds color better and requires much less upkeep.
As you search for a contractor to install your new siding, you will find that vinyl siding contractors are everywhere, but it may not be easy to find an experienced installer of James Hardie® siding. Fortunately, Property Owners you can rely on one of most experienced installers – Dependable Construction– to bring your design concepts to realization. Dependable Construction has been serving their customers with reliable and professional installation of siding, windows and doors. Property Owners can reach them at 937.318.9572 or you can visit them at www.dependabilityfirst.com.
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