Windows; Why is Vinyl a Better Choice? by guest author Dan

Why are vinyl windows a better choice than windows made from wood or aluminum?
Your choice of framing material goes a long way toward determining the longevity and energy-efficiency of the total window system. Wood windows possess excellent thermal qualities but are prone to weather deterioration and require maintenance (painting) at regular intervals. Aluminum windows are very durable, yet offer little insulating value because they conduct energy rapidly.

Vinyl windows are your best choice because they offer thermal characteristics similar to wood, are extremely durable and provide a finish that is virtually maintenance-free. Also, keep in mind that the best performing vinyl window systems have multi-chambered frames with welded corners.

This is a first in a series of articles by guest author, Dan

By The Time You See It, It's Too Late.....

We've posted here and on our website's 'News & Notes' page advice and our approach to the tub/shower liner business.

If you look back thru this site you will find one of our blogs about liners with a few photos of jobs that originally thought they could just do a liner.  In many cases, like these, the damage is so obvious that a liner can be discounted as an alternative.

But, we had a case recently where we were convinced a liner was not a good way to go, because to our eyes it looked like there would be trouble behind the walls.  The homeowner though wasn't completely convinced, but went with our judgement anyway.

Well, we did the remodel a couple of weeks ago and when we took out the tile and wall board......let's just say there was no room for doubt anymore.  It turned out the original valve had a very slow leak and had been soaking the wall board and 2 x 4's for quite some time.  The smell, not very pleasant!  We called in the clean up crew and a few days later we were able to get back in, install the new valve, moisture board and surround. 

I had a chance to visit with our client shortly after we were completed and she confessed, she hadn't been completely convinced about the need to do a complete take out; but, was now very thankfull she had it done. 

She went on to say something I think will stick with me for quite awhile...."by the time you see it, it's too late", refering to what to her was minor damage, but to us indicated something more serious requiring a repair more than a liner could give. 

Think about it for a minute...how many people get up one morning and decide to simply change the look of their bath alcove?  Most of the time it's done because there is some visible problem. Our client is very right.....'by the time you see it'; it's usually going to be too late to simply cover it up.

You can clean the surface as thoroughly as you want, but if the problem is subsurface, all the cleaning in the world and then a liner won't make the problem go away. You'll just be able to hide it for a while.

At Dalco, "We fix problems, we don't just cover them up"!

Why Choose Dalco for Your New Roof...

 

A neighbor of mine recently asked three very well known St. Louis based roofing companies to give him a bid for a new roof and expected he would have a meeting with someone from each to go over his needs, give him ideas and explain his options.

WELL…………..

After making his calls; he waited patiently for these companies to call.  To his amazement, NOT ONE ever set an appointment.  He eventually received a proposal from each in the mail, he didn't even know any of them had been to his home!

He called me because he also had an appointment set with Dalco and wondered if it was standard practice in the roofing industry not to have a face-to-face with the customer to explain the bid, scope of work and roofing products that would be used.

Not being directly associated with our roofing department; I couldn’t tell him what the competitions normal practices were; but assured him our associate would visit with him and discuss his proposal in detail and go over any questions or concerns he may have.

But, now I was curious; just what was normal?  So, I called a few folks we had done roofs for, and asked about their experiences with other roofers bidding.  SURPRISE ME……it seems that IT IS normal practice in the industry to just mail bids with no face-to-face contact.  They seem to expect a customer will sign a multi thousand dollar bid without contact of any sort....I WAS AMAZED!!!

So I got back to my friend and asked to see the proposals he had received.  Even I couldn’t tell exactly what he would have gotten from any of the other companies.  I guess I just don’t understand this part of the industry, but I can sure tell you that if it were my roof I would want more a whole lot more detail before parting with my hard earned cash!

SO……

Why choose Dalco for your new roof?

1.      You WILL have a face-to-face meeting with an experienced associate who will explain in detail what each line item of your proposal means.

2.      If you have ventilation issues, these will be discussed with you and an appropriate product selected to correct the situation.

3.      Your installation will be performed by experienced, well train roofing installers.

4.      Your property will be thoroughly cleaned of job related debris and hauled away.

5.      Dalco is fully insured for your protection.

6.      All protrusions, valleys, flashing will be handled according to strict manufacturers requirements and specifications.

7.      You will receive a written non-prorated labor warranty.

8.      Dalco is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association.

9.      Dalco is a Platinum Preferred contractor with Owens Corning.

10.   We have experience working with most homeowners insurance.

11.   We will even provide a list of installed projects for your drive by inspection AND with Dalco, your in home estimate is FREE.

So, before you sign a roofing contract….KNOW WHAT YOU'RE PAYING FOR! 

I Need My Kitchen Remodeled, Now What?

With all the information available to us, it still amazes me the number of calls we get: “I hired ‘some guy’ to remodel my kitchen and he’s half done, it’s been four weeks and I haven’t seen him in two….I need someone to come and finish the job!”.

Folks….do a little research and don’t hire the guy that was referred by a friend of someone who did a job for the next door neighbor of someone who works with a buddy your uncle plays golf with!

Referrals are one of the number one sources we get most of our business.  It’s a compliment to any company when its customers think highly enough of the work that’s been done to pass on their name.  Just make sure it’s a first had referral.

Check what others have to say about the company you’re interested in by checking a few of the dozens of review sites.  Yellow Pages, Google, City Search and others have easily accessible sites that give reviews on hundreds of companies around the area.

There is also the BBB; even though the BBB doesn’t post positive reviews.  They can give additional valuable information regarding the company’s history and size, among other things.

Find out how long a company has been in business and what is their in house design and install experience?  Quite a few dealers have added installation in order to make ends meet; this doesn’t mean they know anything about the ins and outs of kitchen installations.

Now you’ve done your homework and narrowed the choices; it’s time to call for some appointments.

Insist your consultation take place in your home and NEVER pay for this service.  Why in house?  No one can give you anything resembling a complete quote until a job site survey is completed.  If the company wants to charge for this….walk away!  Find out if there will be a design fee.  Some companies will charge upwards of $600 for this service, they do this to “lock you in”. 

Next, you have to feel comfortable with the company.  If you are being subjected to hard sell tactics, invite the company to leave.  And, watch out for the old ‘if you buy tonight, we can offer X% off’ or ‘let me call my manager’.  This is the old tin man style of selling, outdated, insulting and worst of all; you never know what your true cost might have been.

You’ve done your homework, checked reviews and you feel you’ve made a good choice of companies.

Now it’s time to TRUST.  Your designer will help take you through the maze of products, will work with you on budget and ultimately you will end up with a kitchen you will be proud of and you will know you were instrumental in the final product.

The end reward is worth the effort!

IS A LINER RIGHT FOR MY HOME?

Just this week we did two job site surveys for three bathrooms our clients had requested we use the liner method instead of replacement.

As per one of our former blogs, there is a time and place for liners as this may be a perfectly good solution to a given issue. But, often we find it is'nt.

Below are a few photos of these surveys.  Two photos of tubs, a shower floor and a behind the wall view, at the shower.

The first photo shows, water has gotten behind the tile as evidenced by significant grout discoloration.  The valve is also in need of replacement.  Note too, the significant water damage around the insert soap holder.  With this much damage, replacement of the wall board behind the tile is a strong probability. 

In the second we see a stone style base, probably from the 60’s.  The client had already taken down portions of the wall to determine damage.  With the shower pan leakage showing from basement below, the sub floor under the shower must be replaced.

Another view (3rd) of the same shower shows mold growth in the insulation (right hand end of shower).  Not readily noticeable, is rot of the wall plate.  You could cover these issues up, but do you really want to?  Our client decided to replace.

The last tub photo is'nt in nearly the condition as the others.  However, upon inspection, we again see discoloration of the grout at the first and second rows of tile a clear sign of water leaking behind the tile.  What the extent of damage may be to the wall is unknown without removing some of the tile.  Given the visable discoloration and the desire for a new tub/shower valve this customer has opted to go with a new surround.

As we’ve said, there are times when liners are a good idea and Dalco is happy to oblige in these circumstances. 

However, if your bath or shower resembles these, beware.  The one product liner companies have a vested interested in selling that product.  A real remodeling company offers a range of products and will present SOLUTIONS, not just COVER UPS.




Note water damage at tile and soap dish

 



In basement below, subfloor shows damage





Mold growth in insulation



Grout is discolored from water leaks



ENTRY DOORS, PORTAL TO YOUR HOME

We all have them and many of us seldom use them…Entry Doors.

You know who you are…you pull in the garage and go in through a side door, kick off your shoes to sit down and relax a while.

But, then come the holidays, or a few friends are coming over, or maybe just the pizza delivery guy and you go to the front door.  And, to your embarrassment the thing sticks, the knob barely works, it’s dragging a scratch in the floor or the surface is pealing. 

Well, that front door says a lot about who we are and how we live.  A worn, faded, pealing front door is like going to a job interview with holes in the elbows of your jacket….not good!

And, what about energy loss in the hot and cold seasons?  Can you see light around the door when it’s closed?  If you can, dollar bills are simple floating away…the gas & electric company sure love you!

Time to change that thing out!  Give us a call, the in home estimate is FREE!

Select from steel or fiberglass entry door systems, most qualify for energy tax credits, all will cut your energy loss and save you bucks.  And, you no longer have to be embarrassed to have your friends come in through that old builder grade door installed decades ago.

We can offer you a large selection of doors to fit most every budget.  All are insulated and have up to date weather stripping, you may even add decorative lights (windows for us normal people); new hardware in all the latest styles and colors that even the rainbow is envious of.

Don’t wait too long, the energy credits are set to expire at the end of the year and you’ll miss your chance to save this extra cash!

Fiberglass and Steel Entry Doors by Dalco Home Remodeling, check us out, www.dalcohomeremodeling.com.

Mike N.

NOT ALL LINERS ARE CREATED EQUAL

We’ve all seen the ads; someone in a freshly pressed white shirt and slacks rings the door bell and in a flash there appears a brand new, pristine bathroom right down to the new paint.  If life and remodeling could be as easy as TV makes it look!

Ask yourself, is a liner even possible in my bathroom?  Let’s face it, you know what your bathroom looks like and if putting a liner on the tub and walls could solve your problem, you’d have done it years ago.

Let’s look at your tub walls.  You’ve probably got tile and had some minor leaks over the years.  You patched with grout or caulk but still small leaks keep popping up.  What do you think the walls behind the tile look like by now?

Probably DISGUSTING!  And….You may have mold, or even worse termites or carpenter ants. 

Do you really want to cover this up?

You don’t have tile?  You’ve got one of those big plastic inserts with all the caulk, soap dishes, & grab bar….guess what?  You can’t line that thing anyway!

And…what about your tub or shower floor?  Ask the liner salesman, how do you make it fit?  ‘Oh!...we custom make the liner to exactly match your tub, it’s then glued in and then you have a nice new tub’.

Really?...We’ve been removing tub liners over the last couple of years and found they have a very bad tendency to leak water at the drain area between the liner and the existing tub.  That sounds wonderful…. a squishy tub floor; and eventually mold soup!

And, how much is this problem waiting to happen?  Don’t take our word for it; get a quote.  Don't be shocked when you hear, '$4000.00, but it'll only take a couple of days'!

Shoot, we can do a new tub and drain, replace your valve, install new water resistant wall board and install cultured marble; and, you could out to dinner for that kind of money!

So, why does Dalco even offer liners?  Like all absolutes, there are no absolutes and on occasion the bath really does just need a face lift. 

We don’t use the cheap plastic liners; we will not line the tub (we don’t want to be back in a year with an unhappy customer).  We will line thin set tile walls or cultured marble that may have suffered minor none water damage or perhaps is just out of style.  We go over these with a solid surface style material that is a substantial 3/8” thick, trim it out and, install matching accessories; and even a matching vanity top if your desire.

AND…Our liner installation really does only take one day and by the same time next day you will be enjoying your updated bathroom.

So, not all liners are created equal when you know the facts!
Mike N

.     

                

KITCHEN CABINET REFACING & DALCO

We are finding more and more people calling in asking about cabinet refacing and they are telling us they had a granite or quartz top installed a year or two earlier.  Now they want new cabinets and have been told the top can't be removed.  We are in complete agreement, trying to remove a stone top and reusing it is very risky, our policy is we won't remove one either.  So what is the customer, who now wants to update the look of their cabinets to do?

Well refacing may just be the ticket.  But, not just any refacing!  Watch what you're being offered.  You may end up worse off than before!

Many of our competitors still use plastic laminates.  Plastic, is durable!  But, durable aside, plastic probably isn't the look you have in mind!

At Dalco our refacing system uses real hardwood doors and drawer heads and wood veneer overlay for the frames.

And, with Dalco refacing we offer a mind bending number of wood species, colors and door styles to choose from.  If we don't have what you're looking for, it quite likely isn't available.

And, the finished product?   We let our jobs speak for themselves.  Your are welcome to visit our web page http://www.dalcohomeremodeling.com/, click the kitchen tab, go to the refacing gallery and see just a few of the transformations we have done in the last few months.

Call us at 314-298-7300 or visit our web page and request your free in home estimate.  We can take what you thought you were stuck with and turn it into the dream kitchen you were hoping for.

'And, remember if you buy from someone else and find out how much Dalco could have saved you, you'll probably blow your stack!'

Mike N.

WHAT DID YOUR $189 WINDOWS REALLY COST?

We (Dalco) recently signed a contract with a gentleman; we’ll call him Mr. Jones, to replace the windows in his home.  After concluding, Mr. Jones thanked us for the way we conducted our business and then wanted to pass on his experience with one of the $189 window companies.

He began by saying he was “a little skeptical at the $189 price, but thought it worth looking in to.”

He went on, “You know the old saying; ‘if it looks too good to be true’, well it was!”

Mr. Jones continued, “Yes, I could have a double hung window for $189.00; but, if I wanted a screen-extra, if I exterior trimmed-extra, Low-E or the Argon-extra, grids-extra.”

“As it turned out; the $189 guy’s final price for my double hung windows with all the things I wanted, and that you [Dalco] included; was more!”

But, the story didn’t end there.  “Your Dalco bid also included a small picture window in the bathroom and a casement window in the kitchen……”

Mr. Jones exclaimed, “The $189 guy’s quote for that little window in the bathroom (a window with NO working parts) was $477.00 installed….that’s more than twice the advertised $189.00 price…and no working parts!  And, the kitchen window, I won’t even talk about!”

“Well”, Mr. Jones said, “I’m sure glad I took a look at Dalco’s prices before I signed.  I saved some money and relearned an old lesson!”

We’re glad Mr. Jones decided to invite Dalco to install his new windows and even more so he made the correct decision to check out the final pricing before placing his order with one of the $189 guys.  Thanks Mr. Jones and remember us for your other remodeling needs…Dalco!

Mike N.

VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Windows give us the warmth of a sunny spring day while securing our most treasured possessions.  They protect us from the elements, conserve energy, add value to your home and help protect the environment.
 
Custom built by Dalco Home Remodeling here in Missouri.  Our experienced team of sales associates and remeasure personnel will ensure your windows will fit your opening sizes and be the correct window type for that part of your home.  Backed by our industry leading Lifetime Warranty.  You will be comfortable knowing that Dalco Home Remodeling has installed replacement windows in thousands of homes just like yours for over 30 years.

At Dalco over 50% of our customers are refered to us by other customers.

This customer purchased her replacement windows from another window company and has received her bill.  She should have called Dalco!

"Remember, if you buy from someone else and find out how much Dalco could have saved you, you'll blow your stack"

Dalco, remodeling St. Louis one house at a time for over 30 years!