Dry rot is a form of wood decay that occurs when specific types of fungi consume the structural components of the wood, compromising its strength and rigidity. It is notorious for its ability to silently weaken wooden structures without any apparent external indications. Utah's specific climate conditions, characterized by high altitude and extreme weather changes, can potentially lead to the growth of dry rot when wood is exposed to moisture.Typically, dry rot tends to develop in areas where water seeps into the house. As the fungus matures, it causes the lumber to shrink and develop cracks.
It is important for homeowners to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces for any signs of damage, such as darker wood or cracks and crumbling. Changes in texture or a spongy feel when touched can be signs of wood that has been affected by dry rot. In addition, if you notice paint or finishes that have an uneven appearance, with areas of bubbling or flaking, it could indicate the possibility of dry rot underneath.
Window damage caused by poor installation flashing can be observed at the lower corners of the windows and then extends outward. In some instances, the entire wall area beneath the window may be severely decayed. Decay As a result of kick-out flashing or step flashings that have improperly constructed connections between eave to wall, eave to roof, or roof to wall, are a frequent issue.
Overlooking these indicators during routine inspections can result in more significant harm. Dry rot has the ability to rapidly spread and can even travel through non-wood materials to reach other wooden structures. Failure to address dry rot can have serious consequences, such as compromising the stability of your home and incurring substantial expenses for intricate repairs or replacements. Homeowners must remain vigilant and proactive in order to safeguard their homes from this widespread problem.
Prior to commencing any construction repairs for a wet wall issue, it is crucial for homeowners to identify the source of water leakage and carry out the necessary repairs to prevent any potential issues in the future. Hiring a professional home exterior contractor will speed up the process of determining trouble areas and making sure leaks don’t recur. Even after fixing the water source (the leak), the fungus responsible for dry rot will still persist. This fungus has the remarkable ability to withstand various environmental conditions by remaining inactive during periods of excessive moisture or drought. When the moisture level in the wood reaches the optimal range, the dry rot will resume its growth.
Swapping out old windows for new ones goes beyond just enhancing the appearance; it also boosts the energy efficiency and safety of your home. When it comes to aesthetics, windows act as the eyes of the house, offering a peek into the property's style and upkeep. Practically speaking, they function as shields from the elements, providers of comfort, and guardians of safety for us. Improving the energy efficiency or aesthetics of a home can be a driving force behind choosing to replace older windows.
Windows not only show their age in terms of appearance, but also in terms of how well they work. Signs of inefficiency include condensation between double panes, noticeable drafts, deteriorated frames, and difficulty opening or closing the window. Another indication is when you have trouble opening or closing the window. There is a chance that the effectiveness in preventing the elements from entering and allowing comfort to enter may decrease, leading one to think about upgrading.
Moisture poses a silent threat to the integrity of windows. As time goes by, water damage may start to show through twisted frames, peeling paint, or the growth of mold. These issues can weaken the building and pose health risks. If these issues are caught early on, it can help avoid extensive damage to both the windows and the interior areas they safeguard.
Opting for energy-efficient windows can lead to significant savings on your monthly energy bills. Installing new windows in a home can help create a more comfortable environment year-round and lower utility costs. Various advanced technologies like double or triple glazing, inert gas fills, and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are integrated into their design to enhance their performance.
One often overlooked benefit of modern windows is their ability to enhance the security and tranquility of a home. Enhanced locking mechanisms and tougher glass choices enhance home security, while better sealing technology and strong frames reduce external noise.
There are many benefits to replacing windows, such as improved appearance, reduced upkeep, energy cost savings, greater comfort, and improved safety. Installing windows made with modern technology is more than just a renovation; it's a long-term investment in your home.
There are numerous ways to improve your home, and two areas that provide a great return on investment are upgrading windows and upgrading exterior doors. These enhancements are beneficial for anyone looking to improve the aesthetic of their home as well as efficiency. It’s easy to paint your front door, and that can be an appealing and quick update, but if your door is old, it may be letting out a lot of air from your home. A common dad line is: “I’m not paying to cool down (or heat up) the entire neighborhood!” but that’s what a lot of homes are doing without us realizing it.
Leaking doors don’t always need to be replaced. Sometimes they can be fixed with the proper application of tools and professional installation. For example, a metal or vinyl door pan can be added below a door threshold to reduce drafting or water infiltration possibilities. After the appropriate fixes, RAM Builders can paint or stain the door to make it look beautiful as well as function efficiently. Installing a new door may be needed for many reasons ranging from security needs to design desires. Three-point locking systems are common on newer doors, providing peace of mind to your family.
Over time, sliding doors can become stiff, making them hard to open and close. Large sliding glass doors that are single pane let out a lot of air from the inside of your home, making them very inefficient. Upgrading to a high-quality sliding door will reduce frustrations and will save you money immediately. Mother Nature will thank you, too. Your doors get a lot of wear and tear, making it one area that you don’t want to cut corners.
Windows are a valuable upgrade for any home of any age. Older homes with original windows likely have resources constantly flowing out of the glass wasting your hard-earned money. Additionally, your home may sound louder with the inefficient windows letting in outside noises. New windows have a lot of benefits that go beyond efficiency and looks. They improve the comfort in your home by preventing drafts and excess dust to seep in and they can be easier to clean with a number of upgraded design options. Plus, they also make it a more pleasant experience for you to look outside while watching the weather roll by or the kids play in the yard. Many older homes have small windows, making the inside of the home feel dark. We can expand those windows creating much-desired light and openness for your home.
Window companies are common around Utah, but don’t get taken advantage of. You want to pick a reputable and experienced company to ensure your windows are installed correctly and in a timely fashion. Often, it’s not the cheapest or fastest option you want, especially when it comes to an important upgrade like this. RAM Builders can update and upgrade anything the outside of your home needs. No matter the size of the job, call us today for a free assessment and quote.
Missing or improperly installed window flashing can cause major problems. Most of these problems go undetected for many years. When we are finally called out to the job, it is often too late…..
We see mold and organic growth in the driest desert climates. Trapped water in the wall system of a wood framed structure can cause significant damage.
Using window flashing is a must, but installing it properly is even more important. The flashing at the top of this window is directing water right into the home.
No window flashing was used on this home. No window leaking, no stucco cracks, just a musty smell inside the home.
Window leaks are more common than you would think.
Hidden Damage
When your home has a construction problem, most people want the quickest, cheapest, and easiest fix. If you're told by the handyman that it can be fixed for $50, why spend $500 with a specialized contractor? Many people do not put a high value on our home when it comes to repairs, and we're guilty of it, too! After all, who wants to dump money into a project that gives you no return?
No one thinks they have a major problem. It’s a small amount of water collecting on the window sill, bubbled paint, or damp carpet that generates the phone call. The scary thing is that a window could have a serious leak and you would never know it.
Window Replacement…..fail
We are not always the first company to get the phone call when a home owner thinks there is a problem with their windows. Window replacement companies have been ‘fixing’ window leaks for years. Cut out the old window, slam in the new, and a bead of cheap caulk is the only defense from water intrusion.
On many occasions we have been called out to look at at a home where windows were previously replaced by another contractor. When we show up and see a flush fin or ‘Z’ bar window installed over the exterior cladding, or a window caulked to the exterior cladding, the answer can be hard to swallow: “Sorry ma'am, but the $30,000 you just spent to replace your windows was a complete waste of money and now you have to throw them away and start over.”
Window Replacement Companies
It does not matter what type of exterior cladding you have when trying to decide what to do with your windows. Whether it’s stucco, siding, stone or EIFS, the method of repair should be the same. If you use the cut and caulk method to replace your windows, it is not a permanent fix and often times you will create a much more serious problem.
I hear the ‘used car sales approach’ from siding and window replacement companies on the radio all the time; “Simply the Best for Less” is a commonly heard slogan on our local talk radio station. Window replacement companies are in the business of selling you new windows. They do not make money on the labor and cannot use proper methods because the cost would be way too high for most homeowners. Offering the “Best for Less” should be saved for the local used car salesmen.
The Proper Approach to Window Replacement and Leaks
Many times when we arrived at a home with leaking windows, we will see caulk smeared all over the exterior of home. Attempts to caulk the window to the exterior cladding will not fix the problem. It is important to remember that the vapor and moisture barrier on your home is what keeps water out, not caulk. (to learn more about this, watch our video “What’s Happening behind your Stucco”).
When you cut through the barrier or existing window flashing, you will leave an avenue for moisture entry no matter how much caulk you try to pump into the gaps. The process of tying in the window frame with the moisture barrier is done using specific window flashing materials. The only way to truly replace your windows, or fix a leaking window, is to tear off the exterior cladding around each window and properly integrate the moisture barrier with approved window flashing material and sealant. This process is not easy, and is often costly when working on existing homes. If builders would pay closer attention to the installation of the windows during original construction, the problems we see with window installation could be reversed for very little additional cost. I do not believe that Home Builders skip the important steps when installing windows to save money. Ignorance is generally the real problem. Knowledge = the competent builder.
