Having your roof in Anchorage inspected by a professional contractor twice a year (in the spring and fall) can save you a lot of money in the long run. Minor problems can be detected before they become major issues, and the lifespan of your roof can be extended. Read on for more information about roof inspection and its benefits.

Check the interiors

Begin your inspections inside your house. Bring a flashlight with you and go to the attic. Look for any signs of sagging on the roof deck. Also, check for signs of water damage and leaking—like dark spots and moisture trails—on the roof and walls. If you see light shining through parts of the roof, you’ll need to have your roof fixed by a professional contractor. Also, examine the walls and ceilings for signs of mold and mildew growth.

Check the exteriors

Next, examine the exterior of your home. As ladders and other implements will be needed, it would be better to call a professional contractor to perform this inspection. Have the contractor scan the roof for cracked, torn, or missing shingles, as well as loose materials around areas with flashing like chimneys, vents, and pipes. The gutters and downspouts should also be checked for any debris, as they can impede proper drainage.

Decide whether to repair or replace your roof

Roofs that are less than 15 to 20 years old can be most likely repaired—granted they were properly installed and are regularly maintained. Roofs with major structural and installation issues will require replacement to prevent problems from recurring. Your best bet would be to ask licensed Eagle River roofing contractors like Integrity Roofing & Windows for advice to help you make an informed decision.

Plan the project well

If you decide to replace your old roof, it’s important to plan the project well. Inspections, repairs, and re-installations should be done in the spring and summer, to ensure that your family stays warm and dry during the winter. Upgrading your roof will improve your home’s resale value and curb appeal should you decide to sell it in the future.

Summers in Anchorage aren’t only ideal for recreational activities, as it’s also the perfect time to attend to the inspections and possible repairs you’ve been putting off since winter. By having your roof checked by a professional, you can protect your family from those frigid Alaskan winters.

To many homeowners, the issue of cool roofing is basically cut-and-dry. Roofing systems with high solar reflectance can save energy and money in warmer climates. However, can a cool roof be advantageous for homes in places where cold predominates most times of the year, such as Anchorage, Alaska?

The answer to that question is explained by how a cool roof functions. According to Andre Desjarlais who works for the US Department of Energy and is the program manager for its Building Envelope research program, a cool roof combines solar reflectivity and infrared emittance properties. While these properties are important to keep the roof temperature cool, other properties, such as roof orientation, insulation, and roof pitch, also contribute to the thermal efficiency of an Eagle River roofing system.

The ideal roof would be 100 percent reflective in summer and 100 percent absorbent in winter. Unfortunately, cool roofs can’t change their reflective and emissive properties according to the season. So the efficiency of a roof must be assessed by weighing the amount of energy it saves during the summer months to the energy it consumes, or its “heating penalty” during the cold seasons.

There are at least five reasons why the summer cooling savings you get from a cool roof can counteract its winter heating penalty. First, the sun’s rays are at a lower angle in winter, so reflectivity and absorption aren’t as important as it is in summer. Second, the days are shorter so less solar energy hits the roof over the same 24-hour period as during the summer.

Third, cloud formations increase during winter, so again, less solar energy strikes the roof. Fourth, snow accumulation on the roof blocks out the sun’s energy. Fifth, resources cheaper than electricity (such as oil or natural gas) are used to heat buildings in the winter.

Cool roofs reduce energy use, especially during peak demand times in the summer when utility rates are highest. According to Desjarlais, the peak demand benefits of cool roofing are the same no matter how far north you go. Learn about more specific advantages a cool roof can give you by talking to an Anchorage roof company like Integrity Roofing & Windows.

In early April, while folks in most U.S. cities were planning their spring activities and spring home renovation projects, residents up in Anchorage still endured temperatures as low as 7 degrees Fahrenheit. The persistent cold weather resulted in problems for some homeowners, especially those who used asphalt shingle roofs for their homes. Below are the common problems in asphalt shingle roofs due to adverse weather conditions. (more…)

Windows are the house’s viewing portals to the world outside. They enable you to relish the scenery in the comfort of your own home. Having some time at the window can also leave you with some wonderful memories.

However, windows are every bit fragile, and a wayward object can cause them to come crashing down in a pile of shards. Aside from compromising the interior of the house to the elements, a broken window can also be a safety hazard for you and your family. During winter in Alaska, the last thing you want is the house temperature teetering in the 20s once the windows are broken. You must call in a contractor skilled in window replacement in Anchorage such as Integrity Roofing and Windows to sort things out. You can choose from windows of different styles, materials, and finishes.

Before calling in the contractor to fix your broken window, you have to clean up the entire area of shards. Once done, you will need to measure the frame of the broken window from top to bottom. List down the dimensions of the frame and show them to the contractor. The caulking, the old seals, plus the screws and the nails, should be stripped out as well.

Depending on the house’s general architecture, the contractor may have a number of replacement options arrayed. Each option has its strengths. Casements have tighter seals, which prevent air leakage in the frame. Double-hungs have the sashes moving upwards.

While a quality contractor is on the case regarding your windows, there is a good chance you can count on them for good Anchorage Alaska roofing solutions too. This is essential as the long deep Alaska winter may have taken its toll on the covers. The services range from ice dam solutions, hot roofing, and total roof replacement. More importantly, you can expect your roofer to provide you windows with good insulating properties.

No one should wait too long before replacing a broken window. Putting up fresh windows and securing solid roofing options should equip your home with additional protection against the elements, especially during winter in Alaska. Your world need not crumble when your window shatters.

Anchorage Alaska is the northernmost city in the United States thus homeowners who live in some parts of the city like Eagle River experience very cold winters. One of the key ways residents cope with temperature drops is to crank up the heating units to maximum. However, doing this leads to a spike in electricity costs. As an alternative, many homeowners can opt to have their Eagle River roofing contractors install energy-efficient windows.

What is an Energy-Efficient Window?

For a window unit to be considered energy-efficient, it should effectively reduce air leakage in the home. One of the main reasons your home is freezing is the warm air that leaves through your windows, and the cold air that comes in. With energy-efficient windows, there is minimal exchange of warm air from your body and the cold air outside, thus, a warmer temperature during winter.

How is it made?

Energy-efficient windows have double panes to keep heat inside your home. In some cases, gases are added in the space between the panes to provide extra insulation. Low-emission coatings are applied on the glass to reflect infrared light, which can keep heat out in the summer, and in, during winter.

How should you choose a dealer?

In choosing an energy-efficient window replacement, make sure you can save on the material and installation costs. Roofing contractors like Integrity Roofing and Windows offer different services so always ask and compare. You can also inquire about the Energy Star rating of each window type to know its energy-efficiency.

How should you choose a window?

Your windows should add value and curb appeal to your home. Look into the many different designs before you make a choice. There are double-hung windows that open from top to bottom, casements that swing out, or mullions that install two or more small panes on a single frame by using dividers.

Choosing your replacement windows from Eagle River contractors can make your home more comfortable and impervious to the weather outside. Make sure you install the right one. Doing so will not only add beauty to your home, it will also save you on energy costs.

With a few touch ups and several thousands of dollars of investing in quality material, you, too, can have a house that’s so stunning that neighbors would swear they’ve seen photos of your residence on Architectural Digest. One way to add aesthetic appeal to your Anchorage roofing system and to augment your attic’s functionality and air circulation is by installing windows. You just really cannot underestimate the power of windows.

Before anything else, remember that roof windows are different from skylights. A skylight refers to any opening in your top ceiling that lets natural light illuminate a room. A roof window, however, is a window on the topmost floor of the house, usually an attic.

Occupants of a house who wish to exit the structure during emergencies can use roof windows, while most skylights don’t even have openings where anyone can pass through. However, because they are openings, roof windows have to be installed properly as they are prone to leaks. Leaks, of course, mean expensive repairs.

Now, the next step involves choosing windows in Anchorage. Just as spending too much time basking under the sun is bad for your skin, so is letting in too much sunlight through your windows. It’s important to have some sort of control mechanism that manages the amount of sunlight entering the house throughout the day. Installing retractable blinds can make this possible.

If you’re worried that putting windows in your lofts would not complement the architectural design of your house, don’t fret. The beauty of roof windows is that they are widely considered neutral pieces that blend with most housing styles. Plus, when installed properly, windows of the right material can make your home energy-efficient.

Thus, before deciding on your own to tear down parts of your attic to make room for windows, ask a roofing contractor who has extensive experience in installing them for all sorts of houses. You may realize that you will be spending a bit, but it’s worth the price once you find that your house’s curb appeal and resale value have increased exponentially all because of the simple addition of roof windows.

Most people replace their old windows as soon as they notice that the units are leaking air and are contributing to ballooning energy bills. Aside from window replacement in the name of energy efficiency, new windows likewise add charm, elegance, and resale value to the property. Propitiously, Anchorage window replacement contractors offer a wide range of window styles, some of which will most likely meet your home’s unique needs.

Single and double-hung windows

The single-hung window is possibly the most popular window style in the country today. The design is quite straight-forward: one sash is positioned over another, with the lower sash capable of sliding up and down to allow for ventilation. Double-hung windows are a lot the same, except that both sashes are operational. This design is helpful because the top sash slides down, allowing hot summer air to escape.

Sliders/gliders

Slider (or, sometimes, glider) windows are the second most popular type of window. Like single-and double-hung windows, they have sashes that slide open and close, except that the sliding direction is side to side, not up and down. Sliders/gliders are available with two or more sashes and any number of these sashes may either be fixed or operational.

Casement windows

Casement windows open much like a door, i.e., hinged on one side and operated with a hand crank. These hand cranks make this type of window a lot more airtight than most others. Crank devices and rubber seal combine to make casement windows excellent at keeping out cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer. Consult an Anchorage Alaska roofing and window replacement company like Integrity Roofing & Windows to find out the different options available.

Bay and bow windows

Bay windows are large, multi-pane units typically consisting of three or more walls that jut out from the house. Commonly, there’s a large, wide wall in the middle, with two narrower ones flanking it at 30, 45, or 90 degrees. Bow windows are similar to bay windows in that they are also made of three or more walls that project from the house. The difference, however, is that they have a radial or elliptical formation.

Your choice of window styles would depend on factors including personal preference, budget, and your home’s needs, among others. Should you find the options overwhelming, you can always rely on the expert recommendations of professional window contractors.

For homeowners, finding quality windows and doors in Anchorage can be quite a task. There are so many types out in the market, and it can be difficult to discern which ones would be right for your home. For this reason, it’s important for any responsible Anchorage homeowner to be familiar with a few key deciding factors in choosing replacement doors and windows.

Durability

One consideration when looking for replacement windows and doors is durability. The last thing you need is a replacement door or window that has to be replaced again after just a year or two. Durability involves resistance to weathering and other environmental factors. Wood-based windows and doors offer relatively good durability, but other materials such as steel generally offer better weather resistance.

Insulating Ability

Insulating ability of doors and windows contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the home. For areas that commonly experience cold weather conditions such as Anchorage, even the tiniest bit of added insulation one gets from replacement doors and windows certainly matters. Different materials offer different levels of insulation. For instance, aluminum-based products offer lower insulation values than, say, fiberglass and steel.

Maintenance

The level of maintenance replacement doors and windows require should also be considered. Homeowners are usually too busy handling day-to-day affairs to even bother with maintaining their home’s windows or doors. For this reason, modern technology doors and windows that require less maintenance are constantly being developed. From the traditional wood-based products that require regular maintenance, many suppliers such as Integrity Roofing & Windows have come a long way in offering newer materials that are considered to be virtually maintenance-free.

Aesthetics

Wood is usually the top pick for replacement doors and windows in Anchorage because of the aesthetic appeal it provides. Wood can easily be painted, offers a wide variety of designs, and can perfectly suit any home design. Many other door and window materials try to mimic the texture and appearance of wood. When deciding based on aesthetics, it’s important that you also consider your home’s décor theme.

Above all else, price has always been a key deciding factor when shopping for replacement windows and doors. It’s important that you set a budget before you go and look for new windows or doors. Working around a budget helps you create more informed and realistic decisions regarding your choices.

Windows frame the ever changing scenery outside your home. One moment you’re watching a squirrel nibbling on a nut, the next you’re noticing the lovely marigold blooms being visited by a busy bee. If you recently invested in energy-efficient window replacement in Anchorage through well-established companies like Integrity Roofing & Windows, you might want to make looking out the window a more delightful experience by using stylish window treatments.

What are window treatments?

Window treatments are trappings placed on, in, over, or around a window to enhance its appearance and efficiency. Examples of window treatments include curtains, sheers, drapes, shutters, and blinds. Each type has a specific purpose and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find a window treatment that can match your home’s style or theme.

How do I choose the right accessories for my windows?

Did you get bay, double hung, awning, or bow replacement windows? A window’s lay-out and measurements can determine which window treatment can make it look like a work of art. For instance, bay windows could be covered up with two layers of fabric like sheer and patterned velvet sheets to make them look more elegant.

Think about your purpose.

Although window treatments are often regarded as aesthetic elements, they can be functional too. Think about your window improvement goals. Do you want curtains or blinds that look great, or are you more intent on finding coverings that provide shade and privacy? If you can’t decide which is more important, you can have the best of both thanks to latest window treatments that are eye catching and good insulators as well.

Explore different materials.

A window treatment, no matter how beautiful, can be a pain if it’s not made of ideal materials. Take note that those made of fabric will need to be washed regularly, whereas wood or plastic ones may only need routine dusting. Research on the different types of materials and opt for those that offer convenience, beauty, and economy.

Just like home roofing in Anchorage Alaska, windows and their embellishments have to be maintained too. Once you’ve chosen and installed window treatments, don’t forget to preserve their beauty by performing routine maintenance tasks. These can keep your home and outdoor view as pleasant as you’d want them to be.

Every nature lover’s dream is to bask in the sun, breathe fresh air and enjoy postcard-perfect views. One good place to do this is in Anchorage, Alaska, especially during the summer solstice when there are 22 hours of functional daylight. Unfortunately, climate change has threatened the loss of these picturesque sceneries, and has also affected the roof of most homes in Anchorage. Here are environment-friendly materials you can consider for your roofing system to help prevent further destruction of our environment and slow down climate change while keeping a stable roof above your head.

Metal Roofing

According to the Department of Energy, metal roofs reduce heat penetration by 45 percent which effectively cuts down heating and cooling costs. Owing to its strength, this Anchorage roofing material is also able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Its wide range of fade-resistant colors matches most home designs, improving every home’s curb appeal, and increasing its value.

Once you decide on metal roofing, be sure to choose a certified contractor like Integrity Roofing and Windows for proper installation. A reliable replacement contractor also offers manufacturer warranty on materials and products and its own lifetime warranty for workmanship. It has factory-trained crew who know the latest technologies and trends in the industry and apply them in their work.

Water-based Sealant

To ensure that your metal roofing remains in good condition, have it sealed every two years to prevent leaks, and to properly direct water from the roof into the gutter when it rains. After a storm, have your roof inspected for cracks or gaps and have these sealed immediately using water-based sealants. While they do not last as long as oil-based sealants, water-based sealants are environment-friendly and don’t cause pollution.

Insulation

Keep your home well-insulated to make your HVAC system work more efficiently. Add insulation to your attic to maximize the benefit of a metal roof. You can use wool and cellulose which don’t trigger respiratory illnesses like allergies. Choose windows and doors that provide ample insulation like low-e glass windows and energy-efficient fiberglass doors from versatile Anchorage roofers.

Skylights

Another way to lower your electricity consumption is to install skylights that allow natural light to come into your home. Skylights add aesthetic value to your home. If you want better air circulation, you can opt for ventilating skylights which you can open and close as the weather calls for.