FAQs
Siding FAQs | Windows FAQs
Siding FAQs
- How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
- What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?
- Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
- Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
- How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
- What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
- What accessories and trim are available?
- My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
- Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
- If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
- Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
1. How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.
Regina Window Sales & Exteriors offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. Vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
2. What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?
Maybe you're tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards. You may wonder, "Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? Even if it can, is it worth the cost?" Or maybe you're thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding...or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding...or eliminating dented metal siding...or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls.
Now is the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of Regina Window Sales & Exteriors premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home–whether it's a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse. New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. For years, Regina Window Sales & Exteriors has been helping Regina area families create homes that match their dreams and fit their budgets.
We also have a full range of trim, soffit, fascia, eavestrough, cladding, shutters and accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors. Virtually any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your home's exterior.
3. Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably "yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding.
If your home has special problems–for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off–the cost of painting can become truly staggering.
Investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. As a homeowner, you can recoup a significant portion of the cost of vinyl siding in terms of resale value added to the home.
Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious–vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.
4. Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding's outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in North America. Vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners. It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.
Leading manufacturers offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Plus, Regina Window Sales & Exteriors vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
Regina Window Sales & Exteriors vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a wide variety of classic siding profiles–plus low-maintenance trim products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home.
Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there's no better choice than vinyl siding from Regina Window Sales & Exteriors.
5. How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. One of the highest paybacks comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes.
Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agents, new siding and new windows will cause the house to sell quicker for more money.
Another very important point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater energy efficiency, value and market appeal to your home.
6. What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Regina Window Sales & Exteriors, for example, offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colours.
Not sure what "exact look" you want? Just check out the many styles that are available, right here on our Web site. For more information, visit the Regina Window Sales & Exteriors showroom or call to schedule an appointment with one of our consultant’s to review your options, photos and product samples in the comfort of your home to help you plan your special remodeling project.
7. What accessories and trim are available?
When you renovate the exterior of your home, you should think about more than just siding. You will need trim for windows and doors, inside and outside corners. You also may need fascia, eavestrough and soffit to finish the underside of eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang.
Regina Window Sales & Exteriors will create a finishing touch that sets your home apart for the others. Regina Window Sales & Exteriors offers a complete range of easy-care accessory and trim options. Standard trim lets you merge siding and trim pieces to create a balanced, uniform look. Decorative accessories provide the premium look of hand-crafted beauty. These trim products give you an exceptional way to add special elegance at windows, doors, corners and other key accent areas.
Regina Window Sales & Exteriors even offers easy-care replacement windows and shutters. In fact, no other vinyl siding company offers you as many trim and accessory options. That's why Regina Window Sales & Exteriors is the first choice among homeowners who really want choices.
8. My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
Yes. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material; stucco, brick, stone, natural logs…….
If you have special installation concerns, give Regina Window Sales & Exteriors a call.
9. Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It's used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction.
It's ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through Regina Window Sales & Exteriors siding, it never has to be scraped, sanded or painted.
10. If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
It's simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning.
Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.
Do not rub vigorously. This may create glossy areas over the vinyl siding finish. For hard-to-remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution that's recommended by the manufacturer. If you wash the entire house, start at the bottom and work up to the top, as less streaking will result. It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose.
11. Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as the contractor’s or your schedule allows. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.
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Windows FAQs
- What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?
- Is there any difference in how windows are made?
- Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?
- Aren't all window manufacturers essentially the same?
- What about strength, protection and noise reduction?
- Do new windows require a lot of maintenance?
- I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?
- What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
- What energy-saving options should I know about?
- What is the Energy Star Program?
- Will new windows be a good investment?
- Aren't all window warranties practically the same?
1. What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?
Basically there are three types of materials used.
- Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators.
- Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot.
- Solid vinyl windows never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications.
Custom-sized windows are recommended for the very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. Custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.
2. Is there any difference in how windows are made?
There are two basic types of construction:
- Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners.
- Welded windows are becoming more and more popular. A chemical or heat process is used for joining the corners.
3. Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?
Yes. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, we can custom-manufacture it all for you. You may want to consult an independent design specialist to find the type of window that best complements your home's natural design.
4. Aren't all window manufacturers essentially the same?
No. Many companies buy their parts and glass from various outside sources. We extrude most of our own parts from the raw vinyl (PVC) resin ourselves.
You should also know that although a lot of manufacturers claim their windows are Canadian-made, many in fact may be imported from the USA and other foreign countries. We're proud to say that our windows are manufactured right here in Canada.
5. What about strength, protection and noise reduction?
You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. Computer-controlled processes ensure a perfectly square window sash and mainframe with superior strength. For exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements and unwanted intrusions. In addition, our insulating glass unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier.
Homeowners say there's a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes. A full interlock system at the point where upper and lower sashes meet helps stop air infiltration while providing an additional barrier against unwanted intrusions.
6. Do new windows require a lot of maintenance?
No. Our frames and sashes are made of vinyl. You can say goodbye to painting and caulking. New windows won't stick and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.
7. I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?
Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them do not really indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts of the window, like the glass and its R-value, and do not give an overall picture. Tested in nationally-certified labs and our own modern test facility, our windows are engineered to provide the optimum in energy savings and are monitored by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
8. What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame. We use the latest technology, known as a high performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit.
9. What energy-saving options should I know about?
You should give careful consideration to windows that feature double pane glazing with double layered Low-E, Argon gas and Super Spacer.
Double Low-E glass is an excellent barrier against outside heat penetration, inside heat loss and ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork.
Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air which helps to increase the energy efficiency of a window. Argon gas also helps to make your home quieter as well.
Our windows meet or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all four climate zones set forth by the ENERGY STAR® Window program.
*Optional Triple pane glazing, double layered Low-E, double Krypton gas is available for superior efficiency.
10. What is the ENERGY STAR® Program?
The ENERGY STAR® program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the environmental and economic benefits of these products through the ENERGY STAR label and other program activities.
11. Will new windows be a good investment?
Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, they're virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, the transferability of one of the strongest warranties in the business may easily add to the resale value of your home.
12. Aren't all window warranties practically the same?
Not really. There are as many warranties as there are window manufacturers. Some brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your warranty is only as good as the company behind it.
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