Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: The importance of selecting a reputable contractor can not be overstated. We have organized the following guidelines witch will help as you begin this vital selection process.

• Ask the contractor for customer references. Former customers are a great source of information.
• Inquire about financial stability of the contractor. Bank and supplier references may help with this.
• Ask about the contractor’s expertise and experience with your type of project. Is the contractor a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry?
• Verify that all subcontractors used by the contractor are reliable.
• Contact the Division of Customer Protection at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture for possible complaints concerning the contractor.

Answer: The initial stage is the planning and permit process. After this process is complete the demolition phase begins. Dust, debris, and dumpsters will be visible around the work zone. This can be hectic; however this phase comes to an end very quickly. Our workers will be sure to clean up everyday. Next is the framing once this is completed our customers normally feel a lot more comfortable with the process. Then comes the sub contractors to finish the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. The building inspector will then take a look to insure everything has been done correctly. After he ensures a job well done it is time to close up the walls by dry walling. The next step is the finishing work, painting, insulation of all doors, woodwork, flooring, cabinets, tile, and floor coverings, est. However be confident that with our educated and supportive staff, your remodeling venture will be completed more rapidly than you realize. The final step is for you to sit back and enjoy the home of your dreams.

Answer: A lot of confusion surrounds these two measurements, so lets shed some light on them. The R-value of a window is determined by measuring the thermal resistance at the center of the glass, not the frame, not the perimeter of the glass, and not the entire window. In 1992 the U-factor became the recognized method by which windows are tested for thermal performance. The U-factor (U-value) is a uniform test which measures the level of heat (BTU’s) transmittance of the entire window as it would be in your home. Therefore, the less heat that transfers through the window, the lower the U-factor, the better the window. As a minimum standard, ENERGY STAR recommends windows with a U-factor of 0.35 or less. Currently, windows are available with U-factors as low as 0.15.

Answer: Yes. For any window to meet the minimum standard of 0.35 U-factor set by the ENERGY STAR program, it must have a single coat of low-e. The reason for this is, in a multilayered window, the principal mechanism by which heat is transferred is through thermal radiation. To counteract this, a low-emmitance (low-e) coating, which is a microscopically thin metallic oxide coating, is applied to the surface of the glass. This method significantly reduces the amount of this radiant heat transfer.

Answer: Why do windows need gas fill? Prior to gas filling, thermal pane windows were sealed with either air or dry nitrogen. What then happened is that within the sealed thermal pane, convection occurs with cold air settling to the bottom resulting in a cooler surface. Filling the space with a less conductive, more viscous gas minimizes the convection currents and reduces the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside. The result is a more efficient and comfortable window. The two choices of gas fill on the market today are argon and krypton. Both gases are similar in that they are inert, colorless, and odorless gases; however, they do perform differently. Krypton is the best performing gas of the two and is generally used a narrow air space (less than 3/8”) as in a triple pane window. Previously, argon was the most commonly used gas fill and can still be found in most double pane windows. So, filling the space between the window panes reduces the overall transfer of heat from the inside to the outside. The result is a more comfortable window.

Answer: Our siding is available in 40 ft lengths. We have yet to run into a situation were a home is longer than that without a window or door braking it up. We bring the 40 ft pieces to your home and cut it to size on sight.

Answer: No, in fact it has the same desable reading as a traditional asphalt roof. However, it is a different sounding noise. A metal roofing system on your home will not create any additional noise inside your home.

Answer: Yes, with care Classic metal roofing panels are made from flat aluminum sheet whitch is formed into its final shape. It actually takes 184 square feet of aluninum to cover a 100 square foot area. The forming process used to make the product gives added strength and rigidity; therefor occasional trips to the roof pose no problem. Unlike other products, Classic metal roofing doesn’t become brittle as it ages. For unusually high traffic areas, foam inserts are available for added walkability.

Answer: Being a permanent roofing solution; you will never have to repair or replace a metal roof. So, yes, it does cost two or even three times the price of asphalt. $800-$1200 a square (a square being a ten foot by ten foot section)