Home Maintenance Archives | GNH Lumber & Home 1

How to Choose Replacement Windows

Posted on September 18, 2024September 19, 2024

The autumn season is the perfect time to swap out drafty old windows with new energy efficient ones. Investing in replacement windows now will equal savings on heating costs all winter long—and beyond. But how do you choose replacement windows in the first place?

One shortcut is to visit your local GNH Lumber to discuss your window replacement project with our seasoned experts.

Click here to get started now.

To help you choose just the right windows for your home and budget, we recommend considering some common cost-saving options and answering a few common questions beforehand:

1) PLANNING

Start by considering which windows you want to replace. Do you want to replace all of them, one floor at a time, or just individual units that will save energy and add convenience to a particular room in your home?

2) BUDGET

Prepare a preliminary budget. This will help you determine how many windows you can replace with the styles, features, and materials you want. Pay particular attention to the window’s thermal performance since this will factor into the cost. Windows that qualify for tax rebates may cost more initially but these costs are offset by rebates and greater energy savings over time!

3) APPLICATION

What do you want your new windows to do? Are they architectural design features or will they provide specific functionality? Do you want the windows to open and close? How they should operate? Vinyl windows like Smarter Windows from GNH Lumber will provide lower maintenance, greater convenience, and higher energy performance than most wood windows.

4) ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Finally, discuss energy-efficient window options (like standard insulated glass and low-e glass) with the knowledgeable staff at GNH Lumber. Don’t forget to work the additional cost of these features into the context of estimated savings on your heating and cooling bills. Do the expected savings justify the extra cost? Vinyl window frames are less expensive and do provide more insulation qualities.

Sources: http://www.smarterwindows.com/Page/How_to_Buy_Replacement_Windows

Winter Preparedness 101: Is Your Home Ready?

Posted on September 18, 2024September 19, 2024

It’s fall season again. The leaves have fallen from most of the trees and the air is increasingly chilled. Like it or not, we all know that winter is close behind. Before the snow starts falling and temperatures drop, it’s a good time to think about things like:

Preparing your home for snowstorms
The cost of winter heating
Ways to improve your home efficiency

Is your home ready for the coming winter? Not yet? Not sure? Don’t know? Don’t worry! There are a few simple steps you can take each autumn to protect against damage from winter storms and create a more efficient home.

So, let’s start exploring some steps you can take right now to prevent those wintertime headaches:

Continue reading→

How to Clean and Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Siding

Posted on June 14, 2024June 24, 2024

Keeping your home’s exterior siding in good shape is not only a great way to improve your home’s appearance, it also helps you avoid repairs and costly services down the road. With a bit of preventative maintenance, you’ll be able to extend the life of your home’s exterior siding for 50+ years!

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to clean and maintain your home’s exterior siding so you won’t have to worry about costs adding up for a few decades.

How Do You Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Siding?

No matter the materials, it’s important to clean your home’s siding every six months or more to keep it in optimal condition for many years to come. You should also inspect your home’s exterior for any damages at least every six months, or after violent storms and high winds. We asked Dominic, Manager of GNH Greenville for tips on how to properly maintain your home’s siding. Here’s his expert advice:

Vinyl Siding Maintenance

Vinyl siding is low maintenance and is designed to be left alone, which is great! However, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have to be maintained. The good news is that you can easily clean vinyl siding yourself.

Vinyl siding requires a good power washing about twice a year. Dominic suggests checking a few times a year to make sure no boards have come loose or are cracked. If they are, they will need to be fixed as soon as possible. High winds can cause damage and cracks to vinyl easily, so if you had a windy season, be sure to do a walk-around your home after the storm. Remember to give it a good pressure-washing twice a year to reduce damage and renew bright colors.

Tip: Making repairs early will save you money on more costly repairs further on down the road!

Wood Siding Maintenance

Wood siding will need to be treated every 4 to 6 years. In New York, sun and snow are particularly abundant so you may have to treat it more often than that. Because wood is porous and vulnerable to the elements, it also requires paint, stain or sealant to prevent it from moisture, rot and decay.

Like vinyl siding, you need to check the wood siding for cracks and breaks. Most repairs are easy to fix, so do it as soon as you notice the damage. If the color of your wood siding has been lost due to fading and old age, or if it’s spotted with mildew or rest, don’t worry! To recover your wood’s natural beauty, Dominic recommends using a stain remover, wood cleaner or brightener.

Stucco Maintenance

Often times, woodpeckers will attack your stucco siding. They tend to leave holes which will need to be replaced immediately or else they will live in your walls. Since stucco is a very porous material, if a tree leaks its sap on your siding, it can take over and cause huge problems. It can stain rather quickly so go around once or twice a year to check. To remove any stains that are starting to form, Dominic suggests using a degreaser and bleach.

Cedar Shake Maintenance

If you want your cedar shake siding to live for a long time, you want to make sure it’s treated or stained properly and checked often. Left untreated, cedar shakes can discolor and start to soften, causing it to rot. In order to maintain healthy cedar shakes, you want to make sure to paint or stain the cedar every 5 years. Stain is a more effective protectant for cedar than paint so Dominic recommends opting for stain when you can. Hiring a professional to paint or stain your cedar shakes could cost upwards of $2,500 depending on your home’s size.

How Often Should You Clean Your Home’s Siding?

The exterior of your home needs a good cleaning about twice a year. Overtime, cobwebs, dirt and mildew can build up and shorten the life of your siding. A clean house will protect your siding as well as your investment.

How Do You Clean All Types of Siding?

Cleaning the siding of your home can be a bit treacherous, but luckily you only need to do it once or twice a year!

All types of siding benefit from a good cleaning to remove residue. Here’s how Dominic recommends cleaning your siding:

1. Check for Cracks and Damages in the Siding

Do a quick walk around your home and check for cracks, chipped paint, cracked boards, or other damages before you start the process of cleaning your siding. If you have cracks, water from cleaning could seep into the home, causing serious damage and trouble over time.

2. Invest in a Power Washer

A power washer is key to getting up in the peaks of your house by the roof, blasting away grit and grime, and takes far less time that washing the home’s siding by hand. This is especially true for homes with vinyl and wood siding.

3. Scrub the Siding with TSP

Next time you’re at GNH Lumber, pick up some TSP (trisodium phosphate). The TSP that GNH Lumber carries is phosphate-free. Mix ½ cup with 1 gallon of water and apply to a sponge, washcloth or soft-bristled brush. Start scrubbing those stubborn areas where birds or spiders have left their droppings. These are usually the toughest things to get out of your siding! Dominic recommends working from the bottom to top to avoid streaking and then rinse.

Don’t want to mix your own solution? Dominic recommends 30 Seconds Cleaner for Algae, Mold and Mildew. This powerful formula is safe to use around landscaping, plants and your lawn. Simply attached to a garden hose, spray on and hose off. It is proudly made in America and has been around since 1977 so it is a tried an true product. Stop into our Greenville or Windham locations and ask for it by name.

Keeping your home clean and maintained properly can save you tons of money in the long run!

Have more questions? Stop in and see Dominic at GNH Greenville!

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Posted on June 12, 2024June 13, 2024

Metal Roofing is a Homeowner’s Dream

When most people think of metal roofing, they usually picture large commercial buildings. But metal roofing has been surging in popularity with residential homeowners lately. It’s a viable alternative to traditional asphalt roofing, but what are the benefits of metal roofing? Well, whether you’re building a new home from scratch or updating your existing roof, there are a few distinct advantages that you can enjoy!

Better Cost-Effectiveness

One of the key benefits of metal roofing is that a metal roof will last about 40 to 70 years, whereas traditional asphalt roofs last about 12 to 20 years. Live in your house long enough and you could end up replacing an asphalt roof anywhere from two to five times in the length of time a metal roof would remain in good condition. As a matter of fact, for many homeowners, the first metal roof they install on their home is the last roof they install!

Better Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking to save some money on your home’s monthly bills, installing a metal roof might be helpful. Homes that have metal roofs can help reduce your annual energy spending due to a couple of factors:

Reflectivity: Reflectivity means how well the roof reflects the sun’s rays, which metal roofs are great at. When your roof reflects the sun, it decreases the amount of heat transferred into the attic. The less heat in the attic, the lower your electricity bill will be!
Emissivity: Emissivity means how quickly your roof cools off after the heat is removed. Your roof is exposed to extreme heat in summer, and no matter what, it will soak the radiant heat and transfer it to the attic, essentially trapping it and making your AC unit fight to get it out. With energy-efficient metal roofs, your roof will be cool to the touch after the sun goes down, allowing your AC unit to take a much-needed breather, and resulting in lower cooling costs.

Better Weather Resistance

In our neck of the woods, heavy snowfall and rain are a common concern. Thankfully, adding metal roofing to your home makes dealing with inclement weather a snap! Metal roofing is hard and slippery by nature which makes it hard for snow and water to make a grip. On top of that, if you install dark tones of metal roofing or metal roofing with a PVDF coating it doubles up the benefits of metal roofing. Dark tones of metal roofing quickly warm to the sun, encouraging snowmelt and the resin polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating that’s common on both Union Corrugating or McElroy Metal Roofing helps to reflect back more sunlight, further increasing your roof’s resistance to snow or rain buildup.

Better Curb Appeal

Every homeowner is going to have an opinion about what looks best on their home. But even for those who only prefer the look of shingles on a home, there are specialty metal roofing options available that look just like them! In fact, there’s a ton of metal roofing options available in a wide variety of both styles, colors, and finishes. Shingles, on the other hand, typically only come in a limited number of colors. With a metal roof, you get the benefit of using the most energy efficient materials that save you money for several decades – on top of making your home look even more fabulous.

Add Innovation & Durability with Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has truly come full circle over the years! More and more homeowners are discovering the benefits of metal roofing and are adding it to their homes with great results. Get in touch with the GNH Lumber team today to learn how it can improve your home!

7 Do It Yourself Projects You’ll Want to Start This Winter

Posted on October 30, 2023January 6, 2025

Having an occasional lazy day indoors is relaxing, but if you’re stuck inside because of the cold, why not be proactive? There are a variety of easy projects you can take on during the winter that you will appreciate thoroughly when springtime rolls around again… So, why not make the most of the next winter storm?

If you’re feeling the winter blues, here are 7 DIY home improvement projects to lift your spirits:

1) Painting

Did you know that cold weather is ideal for drying paint? The dryness of the winter months makes winter the perfect time to paint the interior, so crack a window, and start painting. Select a bold color and paint an accent wall in your living room. Or add dimension to your bedroom by painting the ceiling.

2) Add a Backsplash to Your Kitchen

Backsplashes are important to adding personality to your kitchen. For a kitchen that needs some life, a flashy or textured tile can wake it up. For a kitchen that already has personality, a sleek, neutral tile can add unity to the room’s look.

3) Add More Lighting

What better way to brighten and warm your spirits in the winter than with new lights, lamps or ceiling fans. Not to mention it’s an easy and affordable way to update the style of any room.

LED-style lights, which come in contemporary and bold styles, also provide a money-saving option. Installing dimmers in areas like the family room or dining room saves money, while allowing homeowners to customize the ambiance.

4) Make Your Closet More Organized

Is organization on your list of resolutions? Kick off the year by tackling your closet.

If you create a place for everything, you’ll be a lot more likely to put things away. There are so many things you can do to customize a closet for your needs. You can install shelving, purchase a shoe rack, create drawers and dividers, and much more. You can even try designing your own Modular Closet.

Remember, you’re only limited by your imagination.

5) Remodel Your Bathroom

There’s no better time than the winter to spice up your boring bathroom. While replacing a faucet, tile, or repainting are relatively easy for the DIYer, more ambitious jobs like replacing the tub or adding tile floor might be better left to a professional. Though a complete remodel will be a bigger investment, it’s worth considering.

6) Refurbish Your Doors

Interior doors can have a lot of visual impact on your home. The good news is you can virtually “replace” all of your doors without spending excessively.

You can easily refurbish your interior doors by painting them, changing the doorknobs, and even adding moulding.

7) Change Your Light Bulbs

You won’t regret replacing your bulbs with energy-efficient ones. It’s a great way to go green and save money. On average, an Energy Star qualified light bulb will save between $30 and $80 in electricity costs over its lifetime, so don’t let the upfront cost of these bulbs scare you away from making the purchase.

By focusing on the inside of your home while the weather is cold, you’ll have a lot more time to tackle the warm-weather stuff when spring rolls around. And, as you begin your project, stop by GNH Lumber for all the supplies you’ll need, including tips and guidance!

Sources: “5 Easy Home Improvement Projects & Upgrades For the Winter”, moneycrashers.com.

Tips for Fire Prevention Week

Posted on October 8, 2023November 10, 2023

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan.

Here’s this year’s key Fire Prevention Week campaign messages:

Draw a map of your home by using our grid in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF) with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

The NFPA has developed a series of Sparky video clips that reinforce important home escape planning and practice messages. In the video above, Sparky says know two ways out of every room.

Tips for Creating and Practicing Your Escape Plan:

Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.
Decide where to meet once you get outside.
If a fire starts, you may have just two minutes to get to safety. So, time your fire drills and find out: what’s your escape time?
Smoke is dangerous: practice low crawling.
If your clothes catch on fire: stop, drop and roll.

Top Tips for Fire Safety from The American Red Cross:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
Check smoke alarms yearly to be sure they are less than 10 years old.
Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

If your home needs a new smoke detector, Carbon Monoxide detector, or combination of both, GNH Lumber is offering several options on sale this October. In support of National Fire Prevention Week initiative’s, we are also featuring a sale on fire extinguishers and straps. Visit our web sales page for pricing and details.

CLICK HERE for Fire Prevention & Safety Checklist

CLICK HERE for this month’s GNH Web Sales

Sources: “Home Fire Safety“, RedCross.org; “Fast Facts About Fires“, NFPA.org.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms are ON SALE this month only at GNH Lumber! CLICK HERE for web sale details.

Benefits of Going Cordless

Posted on August 14, 2023August 14, 2023

Are you sick of having to plan your construction project around a power source? Tired of tripping over extension cords or pulling them out of the outlet when you take just a step too far? You may want to consider upgrading to cordless power tools.

Why Cordless?

There are a number of perks to using cordless power tools. For example:

Convenience- Cordless tools allow you to be more mobile. Outdoor projects are a breeze without having to find an outdoor outlet, extension cords or a set up a generator. If you’re moving from job site to job site, they’re easy to pack up and go without the hassle of wrapping a cord.
Efficiency- Long battery life allows you to work for hours without interruption. When it does finally die, you can seamlessly switch the battery out with a fresh, charged one.
Safety: No more tripping on cords. No more patching up frayed cords with electrical tape.

Is Cordless right for you?

Before making the switch, it’s important to consider whether a cordless tool is right for the type of project(s) you are working on. For most every day projects around the house, a cordless tool will get the job done. Cordless tools are also a good choice if you’re going to be working in tight areas or on a ladder.

If the tool you need uses a lot of power, such as miter saws or metal cutoff saws, or if you’re going to be working with very tough material such as concrete or stainless steel, chances are you will need a corded tool.

While there is not a huge difference in cost between the corded and cordless tools themselves, you need to also factor in purchasing at least two batteries and a charger. This means that cordless tools cost more upfront, but the added convenience is worth the price.

Here are some cordless DeWalt power tools you can find at GNH:

20V MAX* Inflator Bare Promo

This versatile Air Inflater can either be used with a power cord or with a battery to inflate tires, pool floats and basketballs. It features a simple, easy to use digital gauge and its automatic shutoff feature ensures accurate inflation. The inflater also has an LED light for increased visibility in dimly light spaces.

ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 1/4 in. Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver

This Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver is great for your framing, decking, cabinetry, electrical, dry-wall or plumbing projects. It features an LED light that increases visibility in dimly light work areas. At less than 4” in length, this driver is lightweight and compact, perfect for tight spaces. But don’t let its small size fool you: its motor delivers 1,825 lb of torque and 3,250 rpm to get the job done.

ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* Brushless Cordless Compact 1/2 in Drill/Driver

This Cordless ½” Drill/Driver has variable speeds for increased precision and control, as well as an LED light for increased visibility. Its compact, ergonomic design is comfortable in your hands. Despite its small size, the motor delivers 340 unit watts out and the 1/2” ratcheting chuck has superior bit gripping strength.

20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

This 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit comes with the oscillating multi-tool, battery, charger, bi-metal blade, wood cutting HCS blade, universal accessory adapter, sanding pad, 15 sheets of sandpaper, a depth guide and a tool bag. The Quick-Change accessory system makes switching blades easy without the need for wrenches, and the DUAL-GRIP variable-speed trigger increases precision and control. The multi-tool’s powerful brushless motor provides up to 57% more runtime over similar brushed tools.

To see our full line of DeWalt power tools, stop by GNH at our Greenville or Windham locations.

5 Ways to Make Your Deck a Cozy Gathering Place This Fall

Posted on July 26, 2023January 6, 2025

Fall is the perfect time to gather out on the deck and enjoy the crisp cool air. That means it’s time to transition your summer deck from a “fun in the sun” hotspot to a warm and cozy autumn hangout!

And here’s the good news: it doesn’t take much time, effort, or money to change the feel of your deck, and effectively reinvent it for the coming fall season.

Get your deck or porch project started!

Here are 5 easy ways to make your deck a cozy gathering place this fall:

1. Create a Focal Point

One easy way to give your deck a cozier feel is to create a visual focal point. Focal points encourage people to gather, chat and gravitate together in the space. This can be created by using an outdoor rug or a sitting area with a coffee table and comfy chairs. You can also use a stylish Chimenea or an outdoor fireplace to create a warm, inviting focal point

2. Make Large Areas Smaller

Pulling furniture closer together naturally makes people feel cozier. If your furniture is strewn out across the deck, try rearranging it into several smaller seating areas. Also, bring grills, benches and potted plants into tighter circles to improve this effect. You can also screen off larger portions of deck with room-divider screens or trellises covered with fabric to create cozy nooks.

3. Spice Up Your Space

If you want people to gather on your deck, then give them something fun to do! The addition of a spa or hot tub might just be the thing that beckons everyone outside. Try adding stylish outdoor lighting or strings of outdoor lights to further enhance that cozy glow in the evening.

Remove canopy umbrellas, sun-lounging chairs and other remnants of summer. Then try placing sturdy, woodsy furniture, like Adirondack chairs and picnic benches. Add some large, cozy pillows to encourage people to kick back and relax.

4. Add Some Greenery

Adding plants is a quick and easy (and budget-friendly!) way to update your outdoor areas each season. Vines crawling up a pergola softens the space while adding interest. You can also create a splash of color with potted plants and seasonal flowers like goldenrod and chrysanthemums. This not only adds color and interest, it also gives you the flexibility to replace them depending on the occasion or your color palette.

3. Use Warm Colors

Summer means bright-colored plastic and garish, colorful decor. Fall calls for a more subdued, warm palette. Earthy tones like maroons, oranges and rusts. You can easily change out your color scheme by changing out cushions, accessories and carpets. Consider adding painted wood-furniture with deep-red and orange throws for snuggling under!

When making your deck the superstar of your cozy autumn gatherings, you’re only limited by your creativity and imagination! And don’t hesitate to stop by your local GNH Lumber for expert tips and guidance for your decking project.

Stop in to your local GNH Lumber for more tips and techniques for making your deck the gathering place of the season. We have outdoor furniture, lighting, Halloween decorations and other items to help you create a magical effect this fall!

DIY: Lawn Repair 101 – How to Fix Bare Spots

Posted on February 6, 2023May 23, 2023

Ahhh! A lush lawn of perfect green! It’s what we all dream about when it’s summertime. The soft, rolling green backdrop to our cookouts, ballgames, BBQs and entertaining. That said, if you have a lawn with bald or bare spots, it can be frustrating to diagnose and fix.

Do I Need Lawn Repair?

It’s not uncommon to encounter bare spots at some point or another throughout the summer season. Take heart! There are easy ways to diagnose and repair these unsightly patches of yellow, brown and beige, and restore your lawn to its true GREEN GLORY.

A few common causes for those bare spots and patches in your lawn:

Not enough water
Over-fertilizing or spilled chemicals
Lawnmower damage
Grubs or other insects
Pet damage or foot traffic

Depending on the type of damage, there are different solutions to your lawn’s bare spots. However, most involve adding new grass seed, lawn food and water (see steps below). Considering the unusually rainy spring and summer we’ve had so far in upstate New York, it’s doubtful that your lawn has bare spots due to dryness. But if there is a dry spot, it’s an easy fix – just be sure to water frequently, in addition to reseeding to improve thickness.

If the bare spots are due to overfertilizing or lawnmower damage, you will see them appearing uniformly across the lawn. For damage caused by overfertilizing, reseed the bare spots and do not add additional fertilizer until the lawn heals itself. For lawnmower damage, be sure your lawnmower blades are sharpened regularly, and keep the blades raised high enough from the ground when you mow.

Grubs or other insects can wreak havoc on your lawn, as well. Grubs, curling white worms, are a common problem in mid to late summer, and most easily identified when your sod easily pulls back from the ground like a carpet. More than ten grubs per square foot can cause lawn damage. Grub control products are available at your local GNH.

Pet or backyard animal urine can create bare spots of yellowed-grass with a brighter ring of green around them. These can be repaired following the steps below, but to prevent future damage you will want to train your pets to do their business elsewhere. Likewise, foot traffic must be redirected to allow these spots in your lawn to heal.

How to repair bare spots in your lawn the quick and easy way:

Supplies & Tools:

Grass Seed (we recommend Scotts® Turf Builder® seed varieties)
Topsoil or compost
Fertilizer (we recommend Scotts® Step-3 Lawn Fertilizer)
Small gardening trowel and rake

1. Break Up the Bare Spot and Reseed.

Use a small gardening shovel or rake to break up the dry spot on your lawn. Remove any rocks, leaves or debris. Choose the appropriate grass seed for the spot’s shade density (such as Scott’s Turf Builder seed varieties, available at GNH) and cast the seeds over the turf. Spread about a half an inch of compost or topsoil on the strewn seeds.

Tip: To get good seed-to-soil contact, gently rake the seeds and soil into the grass.

2. Water Generously at First, Less Later

Water the area immediately, and then continue to water lightly three times a day for 7-10 days. When you can see the new grass sprouting, reduce watering to once daily.

Tip: After the new grass emerges, less is more. A good, thorough soaking rather than a quick watering ensures that the water gets down to the root system. This helps roots grow strong and deep for a thick, more drought-resistant lawn.

3. Feed Your Entire Lawn to Nourish It

To encourage the new growth, and keep your whole lawn looking its best, add a gentle lawn fertilizer to the spot, like Scotts Step-3 Lawn Fertilizer, available at GNH! Tender seedlings, as well as existing grass, need nutrients to help grow thick and strong.

4. Kick Back & Enjoy the Results!

Repairing bare spots in your lawn is a quick and easy project that reaps many rewards. It’s the perfect weekend task that you can finish in no time, so you can get back out in the hammock and enjoy the results! Don’t forget to improve the lushness and color of your whole lawn (and reduce the chance of future damage) with regular feeding and proper maintenance.

For more on bare spot lawn repair, check out this helpful video from Scott’s Lawn: https://youtu.be/rI4WhxUq4zM

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-identify-the-cause-of-brown-spots-in-your-lawn/, http://www.planitdiy.com/how-to/lawn-garden/lawn-repair-fix-a-bare-spot/, https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/grass-grass-seed/how-repair-seed-bare-spots-lawn, http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-repair-bald-spots-in-your-lawn

How to Replace Windows in Zones

Posted on February 3, 2023April 26, 2023

Should you replace windows in zones?

Replacement windows can save you as much as 15% on your energy bills while reducing wear and tear on heating and cooling systems. Plus, updated windows will improve your quality of life by introducing more light and fresh air to your favorite room or home office.

If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of a full window replacement, don’t worry. You don’t have to replace every single window in your home to start enjoying beauty, function, and energy-savings. Instead, you can replace windows one zone at a time.

Explore replacement Marvin windows in a wide range of styles at GNH Lumber! Simply request a project quote today!

Want to learn more about the benefits of new windows? Get the FREE guide!

Window Replacement by the Zone

Now is the perfect time to replace your home’s older or malfunctioning windows before the chill of autumn comes and begins stealing away precious heating dollars. But how do you know which windows need replacing? Some signs, such as condensation or cosmetic damage, might not need replacement at all and are actually perfectly normal. Others, like water stains and wood rot, need immediate replacement.

Knowing the signs that require prompt attention versus those that can be easily fixed can help you evaluate whether and how soon a replacement is needed. This will help you replace windows in “zones” for a more targeted, cost-effective approach.

Remember, you don’t have to replace every single window in your home in order to make a dramatic improvement in your home’s style, airflow, and energy savings!

Here’s our guide to evaluating your home’s overall window health and creating “zones” for targeted window replacement.

Zone #1 – Immediate Attention Needed

Sometimes replacement windows are non-negotiable, especially when they greatly compromise your home’s energy-efficiency and/or security. Look for these signs that you’re in the “red” zone:

WATER DAMAGE – Water between glass panes, leaking, water stains or evidence of wood rot can be signs excess moisture is accumulating where you cannot see it, which means your windows are no longer effective. This can lead to mold, mildew, warping, or structural damage.
COMPROMISED SECURITY – As entry points into your home, you should address broken windows immediately.

Zone #2 – Time to Investigate

Sometimes replacement isn’t immediately necessary, although it would still help with ease of operation and climate control. Here are some warning signs for windows you should keep an eye on:

FAULTY OPERATION – Difficulty opening or closing, sticking sash and pesky operational issues can sometimes be solved with a thorough cleaning or small repair. However, these can also be signs that parts are nearing the end of their lifespan.
LESS CLIMATE CONTROL – New windows can get rid of drafts to make rooms more comfortable. But if the time isn’t right, replacement can wait!

Zone #3 – No Need to Replace

Some of your home’s windows may not need replacing at all! Don’t mistake these signs for critical damage. They are likely normal and can be corrected during routine maintenance:

CONDENSATION – Condensation is perfectly normal. It simply indicates the presence of humidity, which means your windows are doing their job and holding heat inside your home. There are many easy ways to remove condensation that don’t involve replacement.
COSMETIC ISSUES – Issues like chipped paint, tarnished hardware, and dirty weather stripping can be addressed on your schedule with routine care and maintenance.

By dividing your home into zones using the evaluation methods above, you can make the right window replacements now while keeping less urgent updates on the back-burner for a later date.