Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

I get many questions on how to install vinyl siding from many website visitors. It's really fun to work with vinyl siding. It's very popular for new construction. You can easily do your own house siding without the help of siding contractors. Even beginners can make their homes look really nice because the vinyl fits together easily and all imperfections are covered up.

I have worked with a few types of vinyl siding and I like most of them. My favorite is "Heartland Siding". Man, that stuff is durable, it looks great and keeps its color, and it's a dream to work with.

I think it's called "HeartTech" Siding now. I have no affiliation to the company that makes this stuff, I just really like the siding products. After years of seeing how vinyl siding holds up through extreme weather conditions, I absolutely love the stuff.

Vinyl siding is also a dream to maintain and clean.

I will go over a few of the aspects of siding installation.

First, we need to know why we should choose vinyl siding.

Second, we need to understand the rules for installing vinyl, because of the expansion and contraction with varying temperatures.Third, we'll get started by measuring and prepping the walls for vinyl.

Fourth, we need to apply all the eaves and soffit which are made of metal, but really easy to put on.

Fifth, we'll put on the vinyl corners and the flashing and trim around doors and windows.

Sixth, we'll start nailing the vinyl panels in place.

And last, there are only a few vinyl siding tools needed to do all the vinyl and trim work and all these tools are inexpensive.

The picture above shows how all the siding components fit together. I will cover each aspect of siding installation.

Vinyl Siding is a lot cheaper than you probably think it is. When an older home is resided with vinyl the difference is usually dramatic. Naturally, you would think that something that makes such a difference would be costly. Not only that, but us do-it-yourselfers don't have to pay for labor, so it's really inexpensive. Anyone can learn how to install vinyl siding and there definitely should be more people learning how, especially when you find out how much you can save by doing it yourself.

As in most things we deal with in home construction, vinyl siding costs less than one-third the total installation price. All the rest comes from contracted labor.

I just recently had some friends who asked for bids to install vinyl siding on their 2,000 sq. ft. home. I knew that the vinyl and accessories would cost maybe $2,000 maximum. The bid they received was for $7200. The siding contractor could have the whole project finished in about three days. It would look fantastic, and he would pocket $5,000 for three days work.

People don't really complain about the high cost of siding installers for two reasons. First, the job they do almost always looks so excellent, and second, they don't know how much of a profit margin they just paid out.

The basics of installing vinyl siding is not the siding at all, but rather, the flashing ,the eaves, soffits, windows, and door trims.

The flashing around windows and doors will need to be done first. Think of it this way: Rain will need to make a sweeping motion from the roof, down the walls, and on to the ground without any retention or chances of getting in.

Flashing windows is as easy as cutting out strips of metal that are about six inches wide and the length or width of the window. It's important to start at the bottom of the window. Nail the strip in place, then overlap that piece with the side pieces.

Last, put the top piece on overlapping the side pieces so the water runs down, not into the wall. It's all about overlapping.

You will need to put up J-trim all around the windows and doors. J-channel comes in long strips and it cuts really easy with tin snips. The J-trim is what the vinyl tucks into so the jagged edges aren't visible. Look at the pic below of my kitchen window. You can see where the white J-trim covers up the edges of the vinyl. Learning to cover unfinished-looking rough work is part of learning how to install vinyl siding.

Ugly house eh? That's why vinyl siding is such a cool thing. It covers up all the ugliness. Learning how to install vinyl siding helps us turn that ugly duckling house into a beautiful swan almost overnight.

The soffit material is usually metal not vinyl. The soffit panels all slide in place and connect together between the channel trims. On the fascia, which is the eave face, you will need to put on a utility strip toward the very top of the eave just below the roof metal or shingles. The fascia is usually the right size for eaves, but you can trim it if you need to.

You will need to rent or buy a snap-lock tool to punch snap lock lugs into the fascia about 1/2-inch from the top. The fascia will lock into place when you push it up into the utility strip. Some installers call this dog-earring the panels.

Next we will put on all the corner pieces. There are outside corners and inside corners. These are vinyl and you need to make sure to leave expansion room. Remember, vinyl expands and contracts with temperature changes. You don't want to restrict that movement by driving nails in too tight. The corners need to expand also. The corners will sort of hang on the walls. The most basic thing to remember about vinyl siding is that during the hot and cold seasons it will expand and contract.

Next, you will need special vinyl fittings for all external outlets and spigots. Also, you'll need outside lighting fixture fittings, and a dryer vent fitting.

Once all the fittings and trimmings are in place, you can start applying the vinyl panels. You apply the starter strip and work your way up.

Why choose vinyl siding?

Rules for installing vinyl

Getting started

Eaves and soffit

Flashing and trim

Nailing the vinyl panels

Vinyl siding tools

Cleaning vinyl siding

Why banks love vinyl siding

How to paint vinyl siding

Original post:
How to install vinyl siding for beginners and do it yourselfers

While replacing windows can seem a daunting project, many DIYers (Do-It-Yourselfers) successfully tackle their own replacement projects each year. Here are some resources that can help you in determining if you want to do the project yourself, as well as some tools to help get you started.

1. Window Installation Skills Do you have the necessary skills to replace your own windows? The level of skills needed to replace your own windows can vary, depending on the replacement project type. Installing a full-frame replacement window, for example, is more complex than installing an insert replacement window. An insert replacement window allows you to keep the existing window frame and trim, whereas a full-frame replacement window requires a complete tear-out and replacement of the existing one. A good place to start for determining the magnitude of a replacement project (and if your skills match the project) is to download the product installation guide for each window or watch our installation videos.

2. The Right Tools Do you have the right tools to do the replacement job yourself? Andersen window installation guides provide product-specific lists of the required tools and materials, but most installation projects require a few standard tools:

Continue reading here:
Do It Yourself: Installing Your Own Replacement Windows

Prefinished plank flooring is easier to install than hardwood flooring and offers the same appearance. The "planks" consist of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) sandwiched between plastic laminate.

Step 1: Acclimate the flooring. Flooring should sit in the room for at least 48 hours prior to installation, giving it time to expand or contract in relation to the room's temperature and humidity. This prevents buckling and other problems after installation.

Step 2: Remove existing baseboard molding. Use the pry bar to remove baseboard from the wall and set the pieces aside for reinstallation. Floating laminate planks (the kind used in this project) should be installed over a hard, smooth surface, such as vinyl. Remove damaged flooring to reveal the subfloor.

Step 3: Install the underlayment. Clear the floor of staples, nails, and other debris. Roll out the underlayment. Do not overlap adjoining strips. Use the utility knife to cut pieces as needed. The foam underlayment deadens sound and helps the floor feel more resilient.

Step 4: Plan the layout. To decide which direction to lay the planks, consider which wall is the longest and straightest. Avoid a narrow strip against the focal-point wall. Planks in the last row should be at least 2 inches wide. Figure on a 1/4-inch gap at each wall. Note it: If the last row will be less than 2 inches wide, add that width to the width of a full plank and divide by 2. Cut planks in the first and last rows to this width.

Step 5: Cut the first row. Depending on your layout, you may need to rip, or cut, the first row of planks lengthwise. If using a power saw, cut with the finished side down; if using a handsaw, cut with the finished side up. Use clamps to steady the planks as you cut them.

Step 6: Leave an expansion gap. Wedge the space chips that come with your installation kit between the wall and the planks to leave an expansion gap of 1/4 inch.

Step 7: Install the first row. Install the planks with the tongue side facing the wall (some manufacturers recommend you cut off the tongue edge of planks that face walls). Connect one plank to another by connecting the tongues and grooves. You may be able to snugly connect the planks by hand, or you may need to use a pull bar from the installation kit and a hammer to pull them together or a tapping block to tap the joints together. Cut the last plank in the row to length (save the scrap if it's at least 12 inches long).

Step 8: Install additional rows. As you snap on new rows, stagger the seams at least 12 inches in adjoining rows. You often can start a new row with the scrap from the plank you cut to end the previous row.

Step 9: Install the last row. You'll need to slide the planks into position at an angle, then gently pry them into place with the pry bar. Be sure you leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the last row and the wall.

Step 10: Cut around door casings. Don't try to cut planks to fit around door casings. Instead, use the jamb saw to cut the door casing about 1/16 inch above the height of the flooring, giving the plank room to slide under the casing. Rest a piece of flooring with underlayment on the floor and against the casing. Rest the jamb saw on top and cut the casing to the desired height.

Step 11. Reinstall the trim. After the planks are in place, reinstall the baseboard molding using the hammer and finishing nails. Then install shoe molding over the expansion joints and use transition strips to connect the laminate to adjoining surfaces, such as tile or carpet. Do not nail through the floor, just through the trim and wall.

More here:
How to Install Laminate Wood Floor - Better Homes & Gardens

Repair strategy and buying materials

It used to be that a broken window was a cheap fixa piece of glass, some glazing compound and a few minutes workand then tell the kids to play ball somewhere else next time.

But its not always that easy these days. Theres a lot of high-tech, double-pane insulating glass around that not only gets broken but also can lose the seal between the panes and permanently fog up. Replacing a piece of insulating window glass gets expensive. And often you have to hire a pro to do the job, which can get very expensive.

This article shows how you can cut this cost by replacing insulating glass yourself. Sometimes the job is so easy that almost any novice can do it. But other windows can be so difficult that youre better off turning them over to a pro. Well tell you how to figure out whether you can do it yourself.

Repair strategy Start by removing, if possible, the entire sash containing the broken or fogged-up insulating glass (see Removing Window Sashes). Take it to a window repair specialist at a glass shop. Look under Windows or Windows, Repair in the Yellow Pages, and call first.

The specialist will measure the size and thickness of the glass panel, help you identify the manufacturer and determine if a fogged-up window is still under warranty (see Window warranties). Some special kinds of glass like low-E and gas-filled units must be special-ordered.

The window specialist will estimate the price of new glass and also tell you the cost to install it in the old frame. Installation costs will double or triple if the specialist has to come to your home. Prices can vary quite a bit, so call around to compare prices of both the glass and the installation.

If you buy the glass and install it yourself following our step-by-step photos, also buy any of the supplies youll need from the repair specialist. Ask for advice so youll know whether the jobs just too big for you to get into, or not worth the money youll save. Keep in mind that glass dealers may not warranty the glass if you install it yourself. Be sure to ask. You should expect a 10- to 20-year warranty against seal failure.

Manufacturers install glass in window frames in three different ways: with gaskets, adhesive tape or caulk. Well show each method, starting with the easiest.

Most insulating glass sashes are easy to remove if theyre the type that you can open. But you cant always remove stationary sashes. These have to be repaired in place. Here are the most common types of openable sashes and how to remove them.

Take out the screws that secure two diagonally opposite corners. Leave the other two corners fastened to help you reassemble the frame squarely.

Tap the frame loose from the gasket and glass with a wooden block and hammer. Be careful not to mar or damage the frame. Use a piece of old carpeting if necessary

Remove the old gasket and wrap it around the edges of the new insulating glass unit. Then push the frame pieces back together around the gasket, tapping it tight with a hammer if necessary.

Seal the gaps in the corners with a small bead of clear neutral-cure silicone to keep out water.

In this installation method, the edges of the insulating glass are wrapped in a one-piece molded gasket of vinyl or neoprene. The frame is held together by four screws, one at each corner. The grooves in the frame hold the window in place. Sashes assembled by this method usually come apart easily, and they are just as easy to reassemble.

Some additional tips:

Pry out the stops with a thin pry bar or thin-blade putty knife. Usually you'll need to begin at the top, then do the sides and finally the bottom.

Flip the window over. and slice through the tape bond with a thin, flexible putty knife or a utility knife. If you can't slide the knife in, you'll probably have to break out the glass, as shown in Method 3, Photo 3 below .

Lay the new tape in place after you scrape the old tape and adhesive from the frame and clean off any remaining adhesive with paint thinner or solvent.

Position the glass against the setting blocks and drop it in place. Take care: Once the glass touches the tape, it adheres and can't be adjusted. For accurate placement of a glass panel larger than the one shown, lean the frame against a wall and have a helper steady the frame while you set the bottom edge in place, then tip the panel into the frame. After the glass is in place, replace the stops and caulk any gaps at the corners with clear silicone.

Some windows are sealed with double-face adhesive setting tape. Usually these windows have removable vinyl, aluminum or wood stops on one side, with the adhesive tape placed between the glass and the frame on the other. The tape is usually 1/16 in. or 1/8 in. thick, so youll have enough room to slip a thin-blade putty knife or utility knife between the glass and frame to slice through the tape.

Some additional tips:

This is a cross-section of an insulated-glass window.

Pry off the stops with a thin pry bar and/or stiff putty knives. Work them off gradually to avoid breaking them and damaging the frame

Flip the window over and try to cut the caulk with a utility knife. Sometimes the caulk is weak, and the glass comes free. But usually it won't, and you'll have to break the glass, as in Photos 3 and 4.

Turn the window over again, cover the glass with cardboard and smash it as close to the frame as possible with a hammer. Wear goggles, a dust mask and leather gloves for safety.

Pry the glass out piece by piece. If the frame shows signs of cracking or chipping, use a heat gun to soften the adhesive. Then scrape and clean the edges. Keep the work surface clean or padded so you don't damage the frame surfaces.

Apply a bead of clear neutral-cure silicone to the frame and drop in the new insulated glass. Make sure any setting blocks are properly positioned. Then run a thin bead of caulk along the backside of the stops and tack them in place with 3/4-in. brads spaced every 6 in. Let excess caulk dry, then scrape it off with a razor scraper.

Insulating glass thats caulked in place is virtually glued to the frame. In addition, its held by a stop, which might also be caulked and very difficult to cut through with a knife. You might have to smash out the window, then pry out the glass piece by piece (Photos 3 and 4).

Tip: For easy cleanup, place glass on top of a sturdy tarp to catch all the shards. Many wood frames have the glass caulked in place, and its difficult to replace the glass without damaging the frame. So you might want to consider having a window repair specialist handle this glazing method. If you do it yourself, allow at least a couple of hours to remove the old glass and clean the frame. Some additional tips:

This shows the anatomy of an insulated-glass window with caulk.

Most insulating glass now carries a 20-year warranty against defects and seal failure. Older windows may carry a 5- or 10-year warranty. Seal failure is the most common problem. You know the seal has failed when moisture begins to appear between the two panels of glass.

Tip:: Check your warranty at the first sign of fogging.

The fogging might not be all that irritating at first, but in a few years it will be, and by then your warranty may have expired. If you dont know the window manufacturer, a repair specialist can help you identify the unit.

Major manufacturers usually put tiny identifying marks on the window hardware, the glass spacer or the glass itself. Sometimes these marks include the date the unit was made.

KEEP IN MIND: Warranties cover the new insulating glass unit but not the cost of installation.

Go here to see the original:
How to Replace Insulating Glass | The Family Handyman

Spend more time enjoying the view and less time on maintenance with replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen.

Our custom, energy efficient windows are installed by our team of professional installers. Each project starts with an in-home consultation to learn about your needs and ends with beautiful new windows from one company that builds, installs, and warrants your new windows. Click on the different window styles below to see our many options for replacing your windows.

Grilles and hardware finishes are classic ways to customize your windows and complement your home's architectural style. Renewal by Andersen grilles have a solid or dual-colored finish to match both your interior and exterior window color selection.

Complement your interior decor with our three standard hardware finishes - white, canvas and stone - or select one of our optional Estate Collection hardware finishes like classic Bright Brass or elegant Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Use our window visualizer to preview how different options would look from inside or outside your home.

Need help deciding? Looking for a quote? Schedule a complimentary in-home window consultation with our window design experts.

Visit one of our showrooms to see our window styles and features in person, or schedule an in home consultation today.

Read the rest here:
Replacement Windows, Replacement Doors - Renewal by Andersen

According to REMODELING Magazines 2012-13 Window Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range vinyl window replacement cost should average $9,720.This is an average of replacing 10 windows in a typical home.

Now that youve got a ballpark number, youd probably like to know what factors can influence the total cost of window replacement, some of which can make your project much less or much more expensive. Although there are many factors, lets look at a few important ones:

Choice of Vinyl Windows Over Wood

Vinyl windows are less expensive than wood windows and just as effective when it comes to energy efficiency. Increased energy efficiency can help save you money over time.

Other significant benefits:

REMODELINGs report also reveals you could recoup up to 71.2% of your cost of replacement windows if you choose energy-efficient vinyl windows. A vinyl window replacement project could even deliver a bigger return on investment than many other popular home improvement projects such as adding or remodeling a bathroom, kitchen or sunroom.

How Climate Effects Window Choice and Cost

Whether you live in a cold or warm climate or somewhere in between, having an energy efficient home is very important. The type of window you choose helps determine how the comfort of your home is influenced by the weather outside.

If youre looking for long-term energy savings and live in warmer climates, dual pane, windows are a great way to keep cool air in and help keep energy costs down. Choose glazing with an extremely low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient especially for east and west windows to significantly lower air-conditioning loads. Simontons ProSolar Shade Low E glass with Argon gas is designed to provide maximum performance in warmer climates.

In a cooler climates, you want to allow some of the suns warmth into your home.Consider chosing a dual-pane window with ProSolar Low E glass with Argon gas or even a triple-pane window can provide the add insulation you need.

Replacing windows with dual-pane Low E glass with requires a higher initial investment the cost is between $40 and $55 per square foot but adding Low E dual-pane glass offers greater energy savings over the long term with lower energy costs. Depending on the window size and thickness of glass you choose, the average market value for dual-glazed, Double Hung windows ranges from $150 to $1,000 for one window.

Window Style and Shape

Although the following factors can have an impact on the cost of replacement windows and sliding patio doors, you may find them worthwhile:

Window Warranty Coverage

Its always wise to compare window warranties as you consider the cost of home replacement windows and doors. The bigger the manufacturer and the better the warranty, the greater the chance that the company will stand behind the products it manufactures. Most big window manufacturers warrant window glass for 10 years and the frames and hardware for 20. Simonton has one of the leading warranties in the industry

For REMODELINGs full Cost vs. Value Report including how you can recoup a significant amount of your vinyl replacement windows cost when you decide to sell your home please visit costvsvalue.com.

See the rest here:
How Much Do Home Replacement Windows Cost | Simonton Windows ...

When Maddy Krauss and her husband, Paul Friedberg, first laid eyes on their 1897 Shingle-style home, they fell in love with its handcrafted turn-of-the-century construction, wide front porch, and massive entry-hall staircase. They were also delighted to find that many of the original architectural details were still intact, including wood paneling, exquisite carvings, stained-glass windows, and an ornate cast-bronze fireplace.

The windows were another story. The originals had been swapped out a decade earlier for low-quality sash kits that were drafty, ugly, and completely inappropriate for the graceful Victorian-era home, This Old House TVs fall 2007 project in Newton, Massachusetts. The solution: Call in TOH general contractor Tom Silva and his crew to install energy-efficient replacements.

Because the existing window frames were sound and square, Tom could use insert replacement unitsin this case, Andersen's Woodwright Insert Replacement Windows, vinyl-clad wood units fitted with energy-saving, low-e insulated glass. These fully assembled, ready-to-install windows slip right into the existing openings. When the job was done, the house had beautiful new double-hungs that looked right, worked smoothly, and gave Maddy and Paul one more thing to love about their old house. Here's a look at how Tom made the switch, with tips for choosing and installing replacement windows.

View post:
How to Install Replacement Windows | This Old House

Nolan Ryan on Siding

Baseball Legend

3 Convenient Locations To Serve You

Since 1988, Allied Siding & Windows Has Serviced Over 25,000 Satisfied Customers with Home Improvement Projects in Texas, Including Unprecedented Work with HardiePlank Lap Siding and window replacements for the home.

In fact, Allied Siding & Windows installs more HardiePlank Lap Siding than any other company in America. Now with sales and production teams in Houston, Austin, and Dallas, Allied Siding & Windows is equipped to deliver award-winning products and high-quality service in the completion of projects involving siding, replacement windows, roofingandgutters.

Our work with HardiePlank Lap Siding and Simonton Replacement Windows has earned national recognition. This level of excellence and performance is apparent in every Allied Siding & Windows division.

Leonard Courtright, owner and president of Allied Siding & Windows, has more than 25 years of experience in the service industry, and he believes that complete customer satisfaction is the key to Allieds continued success. The business he has built on professional integrity and world class workmanship is showcased on these pages for your review, in hopes that Allied Siding & Windows can soon be of service to you!

Originally posted here:
Texas Home Siding & Window Replacement | Allied

APPLIANCE REPAIR - DO IT YOURSELF!

It's like having a professional looking over your shoulder walking you through the repair....

W. Millhouse, Orange, CA

Why pay $50-$60 just for someone to come to your house and diagnose the machine, (and after that, even MORE for them to actually DO the repair) when you can do it yourself for less than twenty-five bucks?" "The same questions tend to get asked about the same machines over and over. We've taken the answers and put them in a convenient, easy to read online form....

Douglas Emley, author Cheap & Easy! Appliance Repair Manuals

EB appliance repair manuals are written in plain English (with a touch of humor) and cut right to the heart of the problem how to diagnose and fix the most common problems with the most common machines. Thoroughly illustrated, and designed SPECIFICALLY for the do-it-yourselfer, our manuals are endorsed by thousands of satisfied customers as well as the members of the Handyman Club of America, and appliance service and parts professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada. With simple instructions and easy to follow diagrams you'll be saying goodbye to costly repair bills and hours of waiting for the repairman.

ARE YOU LOSING 300 BUCKS WORTH OF FOOD

IN A REFRIGERATOR THAT'S GETTING WARM?

All of our easy to follow manuals are available ONLINE for your immediate access, so you can start your repairs right away!!

Go here to see the original:
Free Easy Do It Yourself Appliance Repair Manuals

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Chicago Pressure Washing | Chicago Power Washing