Questions & Answers

Do you have questions about siding or remodeling? You want to make changes to your home, but you're just not sure what to expect. Email your questions to us and we will do our best to help you gain the knowledge you need to move forward on your home projects.

If you have questions and want answers, email us: jim@quantumremodeling.com

General Information

Recently we were asked to give an estimate on a new door with a southern exposure. The wood entry door was installed only three years ago and now it looks like it has been there for 20 years or more based on the splits and warping. The problem was simple to correct. The contractor that installed the wood door should have informed the homeowner not to install a full glass storm door. Most contractors, as well as the manufactures of wood and or fiberglass doors, will tell you not to install a full glass storm door in front of a wood or fiberglass door because the lack of ventilation will cause the door to dry out. When you apply a full glass storm in front of a wood or fiberglass door the temperature between the non-ventilated storm door will increase the temperature by 10 to 20 degrees. If you want a full screen door then please leave it as just that, a full screen door. With proper maintenance, your entryway door will last years longer.

Question

Why do you sell both Simonton and Harvey replacement windows?

Answer

We sell and install both Simonton and Harvey windows because of the quality and the fact that both companies stand behind their products. Our name relies on our workmanship and the quality of the products we use.

Question

I want to apply new vinyl siding to my home, and I want the old Masonite siding removed. What should I expect the removal cost to be?

Answer

Most siding contractors gauge their prices by a per square calculation. A square is a 10'x10' section. To get a good idea of what your cost would be, simply measure the width times height of each side of your home. For example, a 28' x 14' side would be about 392' or roughly 4 squares (before removing window and door areas).

Question

I want to hire a contractor to add an addition. What should I look for besides price?

Answer

There are some contractors that will entice you with lowball prices and, upon receiving the job, tell you that they underbid, and they need more money for an unforeseen problem. Be aware that a low price is not always the best thing. Check references: ask for addresses of locations they've remodeled, as well as the homeowner's name and contact info to make sure that they really did the work. Most customers will have no problem giving a reference if the job was done correctly. Also check the web for any complaints. Make sure you get a binder from their insurance company and call the insurance company to make sure they are up to date and legitimate. The last and final rule, before you sign anything read the contract thoroughly. If you’re not sure what it is saying, ask questions. Taking the time to check references and other possible information you can gather about your contractor will save you a lot of future headaches and money.

Question

My contractor is using pressure-treated turned posts for our farmer's porch roof supports. A friend of mine told me that would be a big mistake because they will split and look terrible in about a year or two. Is this true?

Answer

Your friend is correct. Even if you prime and paint the posts, they will split. Pressure-treated lumber is supposed to sit for at least 6 months to a year before you apply any type of sealer or paint, and over that time it will split. I recommend going with non-treated support columns that you can seal or prime and paint right away. You will still have minor splitting (that is only natural), but it is better than a crack that spans halfway down your support column.

Question

We had a contractor apply some new Azek trim on our house last spring and now all the seams and corners are spread apart about a half an inch or more. Can you tell me why that happened and what can we do?

Answer

If your contractor had experience with Azek products, he should have known that you must use Gorilla PVC or Bond & Fill for all 45-degree connections and/or overlaps. This will prevent gapping. Azek expands with heat and shrinks when the temperature drops to freezing temperatures. To repair what you have now will require some removal and adding new Azek.

Question

We are building a deck off of the back of our home and we want to know what we should use for flashing.

Answer

If you are using pressure-treated lumber, then you must use aluminum flashing. If you use the standard metal flashing, the types of chemicals found in pressure-treated lumber will eat away at the flashing over time, creating holes.