FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions?

Here we will strive to answer all of your frequently asked questions. Feel free to submit your questions to us on our Feedback page. We will gladly post your questions and give our response as best as we can in a timely manner. Please keep in mind we may not be able to answer all of your questions here, however we will be more than happy to visit you to answer your individual questions and needs. Call us today for your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	. What are the different types or styles of windows?

A:	·1 Bays and Bows ·2 Casement and Awnings ·3 Vertical Hung Windows available in: Single-Hung and Double-Hung styles ·4 Horizontal Sliding Windows available in: Single, Double and Triple Lite styles ·5 Picture Windows ·6 Geometric ·7 Special Shaped Windows
Q:	Can windows really help me lower my energy bills?

A:	Yes! If your windows are more than 10 years old, you are probably losing valuable heat and/or air conditioning through them every day! How? Windows can lose heat in three major ways: through the glass, around the sides of the window and from conduction that occurs through the window frame. The end result? In the winter, you end up constantly trying to heat the air from the outside! And in the summer, your air conditioning system has to work twice as hard trying to cool it! Today's windows contain insulating, double-paned glass that has been custom-designed to stop hot air from going in or out. In addition, if your windows are custom-made, and not standard sizes, they will be built specifically for the openings in your home. That eliminates air infiltration around the frames. Plus, with the multi-chamber design of vinyl windows and the thermal breaks in aluminum windows, conduction is drastically reduced.
Q:	Will vinyl turn yellow or fade?

A:	No. Vinyl products contain 10 parts titanium dioxide, which prevents ultraviolet degradation. As is similar with siding, everything fades some over time. Our PVC products will not fade, over the life of the product, to the point in which there is a visible difference between pieces. Lighter colors do better against fading and all the colors we carry tend to be on the light side.
Q:	I have old wood windows, what are the advantages of going with vinyl windows?

A:	Vinyl will not deteriorate or rot and can basically be shaped into any design. Vinyl will not rust and serves as a great insulator for special windows designs. All joints are sealed air tight. Vinyl is now recognized as the preferred material for windows. Wood swells, warps, rots, cracks, requires painting, can be poor fitting and an energy waster. Aluminum is stable, but a poor insulator. Vinyl has given the homeowner a generation of windows that are maintenance free.
Q:	Are there windows that can provide better security in case of an intruder?

A:	Tempered Glass offers safety, protection and has four times the strength of ordinary glass. Tempered glass is virtually impossible to cut with a glass cutter. There are also new advances in special laminated glass. This glass can take up to 30 powerful hits of a baseball bat before even a small hole is formed.
Q:	Can windows protect inside items from UV radiation and fading?

A:	Your carpeting, furniture, drapes, etc. can be protected using a low- emission glass. This should help with more than 50 percent of the damaging UV light. If you want maximum protection go with laminated insulating, which can filter more than 99 percent of UV radiation.
Q:	How important is weather stripping?

A:	Without it there would be no barrier between air and water in doors and windows. The stripping makes the window seal air tight, and based on what type of stripping you install, you can greatly improve insulating performance of your windows.
Q:	What is argon or krypton gas?

A:	Moving air carries energy. The secret to insulating is to get air as still as possible. Argon and Krypton are heavier than air. These gasses are in the air we breathe and are completely harmless. Their purpose between window panes is to prevent hot or cold conditions from moving the air. Less air movement, better energy efficiency.
Q:	Can wood grain vinyls look like real wood types?

A:	They can come very close. Vinyl technologies have come along way, quality wood grain vinyl laminates are very attractive and often match the color of the wood trim in homes, plus you don't have to stain or seal them!
Q:	Why is one window stronger than another?

A:	The profile design and methods of assembly determine the strength of a window. Just as beams or roof trusses are designed for specific mechanical loads, so are window shapes. A weak window can flex and reduce the effectiveness of the weather stripping, resulting in air and water infiltration and, subsequently, higher energy costs. A weak window design also requires near-perfect window installation to ensure an effective seal.
Q:	What is an R-value or a U-value?

A:	The R-value or R-factor of a window is the measure of its resistance to the transfer of heat flow. The higher its R-value, the greater its insulating ability. The U-value is actually the important variable in evaluating windows. The U-value or U-factor is the measure of the window's ability to conduct heat. This is the amount of heat transmitted through the window. The lower a window's U-value, the better the window is at insulating your home.
Q:	What is ENERGY STAR?

A:	Energy Star is a US governmental program - administered by the department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers. This alliance has been designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. The program covers many different types of products. Windows and doors can only carry the Energy Star label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the National Fenestration Rating Council program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting Energy Star products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.
Q:	I have heard the term Low-E, what is it?

A:	Low-E stands for low emission. It's a microscopic, metallic coating applied to a surface of glass, that reflects and re-radiates heat energy into or out of a home depending on climate conditions.
Q:	What are some of the most common reasons for replacing existing windows?

A:	There are many reasons for purchasing a window. Energy efficiency, security, beauty, strength and durability to name a few. In fact windows are the most inexpensive room addition available. With them you can open up any room, expand your view, bring in more light and add value to your home.
Q:	Can I install siding myself?

A:	Installing siding is not a simple "do it yourself job" and is better left to siding installation professionals who have the necessary skills and equipment to do the job right the first time.
Q:	Do I ever have to paint my siding again?

A:	No! Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free. The most you ever have to do is give your home a washing with soap and water once or twice a year.

Roofing FAQ

Q. I received several estimates to replace my asphalt shingle roof system and the prices vary greatly.

A. If one estimate seems much lower than the others and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform substandard work. If an estimate is confusing, ask the contractor to break down the estimate into items/terms you can understand.

Q. My contractor is offering a one-year warranty on my asphalt shingle roof system-is that the industry standard?

A. Before answering the question, a clarification needs to be made about the different warranties you will come across during your roofing project. First, there will be the asphalt shingle manufacturer's warranty. In general, this warranty covers defects in the manufacture of the shingle. The period of coverage can range from 20 years to a lifetime. Please read NRCA's consumer advisory bulletin addressing roofing warranties for more information. Once the project is complete, be sure the contractor provides you with a certificate for your records.

Second, the roofing contractor will provide you with a warranty on his workmanship. Typically, this will cover installation and related issues. The warranty should contain what items are covered and what will void them. Many contractors offer one year or two years of coverage; however, there is no industry standard.

Project problems

Q. My contractor just started working on my roof and it's the middle of winter! At what temperature is it too cold to install asphalt shingles?

A. There are no specific temperature guidelines regarding when it is too cold to install asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles do become brittle in cold temperatures, with fiberglass shingles more likely to break than organic shingles. Breakage can be minimized or eliminated if the shingles are stored in a warm area and loaded onto the roof a few bundles at a time. Another concern is that the self-sealing strips will not seal or bond sufficiently in cold temperatures. Hand-tabbing (the application of quarter-size dabs of adhesive to the underside of shingles) is recommended if the building is located in an area prone to high winds. This will help prevent the shingles from blowing off the roof until warmer weather arrives and the sealing strips can set properly.

Q. Only the underlayment has been installed on my roof and it rained last night. Now, the underlayment is wrinkled. Does it have to be replaced?

A. If the wrinkling isn't severe enough to affect the shingle installation (i.e., the wrinkling won't telegraph through the shingles and they won't appear buckled or wavy once installed), the underlayment probably can remain in place. The effects of wrinkling also will be minimized by using heavier weight shingles.

Q. My contractor installed the felt covering (underlayment) two weeks ago and hasn't installed the shingles yet. How long can you leave underlayment exposed?

A. Time is not the critical issue; the condition of the underlayment is what's important. Wrinkled or buckled underlayment should be replaced so the shingles lay flat.

Q. During the reroofing of my house, the contractor left one side of the roof unprotected and when it rained, water entered the house and my ceiling and walls are damaged. Who is responsible for repairing the interior of my house?

A. Before signing a contract, make sure that it contains language addressing who is responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the roofing work. All items of concern and work to be done should be included in the contract.

Q. My contractor re-used the existing flashings on my roof and after he finished installing the new shingles, he left! I've left several messages with the company and no one will come back to install new flashings. Shouldn't that be included in the work?

A. If the contract didn't specify the installation of new flashings, it wasn't included in the original scope of work. Be sure that all items of work to be done are included in the contract before signing it.

Technical questions

Q. What is the best asphalt shingle to use on my roof?

A. Asphalt shingle material performance depends of the quality, quantity and compatibility of asphalt fillers, reinforcements and surface granules. There are two kinds of asphalt shingles (based on the type of reinforcement mat used); fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are more fire- and moisture-resistant than organic shingles. Organic shingles have good wind resistance, high tear strength and can be installed in colder temperatures.

Asphalt shingles should be in compliance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and applicable building codes. Fiberglass shingles should meet ASTM D 3462, "Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass Felt and Surfaced with Mineral Granules," and organic shingles should meet ASTM D 225, "Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles (Organic Felt) and Surfaced with Mineral Granules."

Consumers also should keep in mind a roofing warranty's length should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or roof system because the warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roof system performance. See NRCA's consumer advisory bulletin addressing roofing warranties for more information.

Q. One contractor's bid includes No. 15 underlayment and another contractor says he only uses No. 30 because it's the best. Who is right?

A. For asphalt shingles, NRCA recommends a single layer of No. 15 asphalt-saturated underlayment be used with roofs having slopes of 4:12 (18 degrees) or greater. For roof slopes between 3:12 (14 degrees) to 4:12 (18 degrees), NRCA recommends a minimum of two layers of No. 15 underlayment. If you are installing a heavier-weight shingle with a projected long service life, using No. 30 underlayment instead of No. 15 would be appropriate.

Q. Are two layers of No. 15 underlayment the same as one layer of No. 30 underlayment?

A. No. Two layers of underlayment are referred to as a "double-layer of underlayment" and there is a 19-inch overlap between layers. One layer of underlayment is called a "single-layer of underlayment" and there is 2 inches of overlap between layers. NRCA recommends a double-layer of underlayment for roof decks having slopes of 3:12 (14 degrees) up to 4:12 (18 degrees).

Q. My contractor wants to use staples instead of nails to install my asphalt shingles. Is that okay?

A. NRCA recommends galvanized steel or the equivalent corrosion-resistant roofing nails for asphalt shingle installation. Also, verify the governing building code requirements and what the shingle manufacturer recommends.

Q. My contractor suggested installing a ridge vent on my roof and I already have two single static vents. Do I really need a ridge vent?

A. NRCA suggests the amount of attic ventilation be balanced between the eaves and ridge. The intent of a balanced ventilation system is to provide nearly equivalent amounts of ventilation area at the eave/soffit and at or near the ridge. For a balanced ventilation system to function properly, approximately one-half of the ventilation area must be at or near the ridge.

Proper attic ventilation is one of the least understood concepts in residential roofing. To learn more, read "Principles of Attic Ventilation" an article by Mark Graham, NRCA Associate Executive Director of Technical Services, that appeared in NRCA's magazine, Professional Roofing or see Technical Bulletin 98-2.

Q. My house has a roof with a 2 1/2:12 (11 degrees) slope. The manufacturer says it's okay to use asphalt shingles, but my contractor says it isn't. Who's right?

A. There are some manufacturers (and even model building codes) that will allow the application of asphalt shingle roof having that slope; however, NRCA does not recommend shingles on slopes less than 4:12 (18 degrees). Asphalt shingle roof systems are watershedding and rely on gravity and roof slope to effectively drain water off the roof.

Q. My house has a flat roof. What is the best roof system for a flat roof?

A. There is no one roof system that is best for all applications. Keep in mind that even if you are using the best materials, your roof system still can be installed improperly and you could end up with a leaky roof. Good workmanship and proper attention to detail (e.g., flashing and drainage issues) are just as important as material selection. Also, maintenance plays an important role in roof system integrity and service life.

To assist you in your decision-making, homeowners should be informed of what is available. Please refer to the Roof System Types page to learn about the different low-slope roof systems.

Also, keep in mind low-slope roofing materials manufacturers may not offer material warranties to homeowners. The only warranty you most likely will be able to obtain is from the contractor. So it is critical you work with a professional roofing contractor and get a detailed, thorough proposal. Be sure to read the recommendations listed in A Homeowners Guide to Buying a New Roof (FYI).

Maintenance questions

Q. How can ice dams be reduced or removed?

A. Remove as much snow as possible, but call a professional roofing contractor if your roof is steep, the snow is deep or the ice is thick. NRCA does not recommend using ice picks or shovels (or any tool with sharp edges) because there is a chance of damaging roof coverings and flashings. NRCA also does not recommend hosing down a roof with water or use of a hot air gun. Electric heat cables generally have limited effectiveness.

Q. Can ice damming and backup occur without gutters?

A. Yes, and it is more probable for roofs with lower slopes, especially in valleys and upslope from curbs, chimneys and penetrations.

Q. I want to use melting pellets to melt the snow on my roof. Will it harm the asphalt shingles?

A. Generally, chemical melting compounds do not reduce the overall expected service life span of asphalt shingles. Staining may occur until all the residue is washed away. Calcium or magnesium chloride pellets are less harsh and stain less than sodium chloride.

Q. How do I clean algae and moss from my asphalt shingle roof?

A. Use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and water or mild detergent gently applied with a sponge or hand-held sprayer and rinse thoroughly. Do not use a power washer or high concentrations of bleach, and do not scrub the shingle surface. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association also offers cleaning recommendations.

Q. Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?
A. Because metal roofing is a premium home product, you can expect your new roof to cost roughly two to three times what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing. If you currently have a slate roof, you can expect your metal roof to cost less.

No matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, you'll never have to worry about your roof again. Most come with a true 30 to 50 year warranty. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you piece of mind that you'll likely never have to re-roof again.

Q. I'm concerned that a metal roof won't match my home and the roofing style in my neighborhood.
A. Today's residential metal roofing is made to look exactly like common roofing material - such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing - only stronger and more durable. Click here to see metal roofing's wide variety of styles, colors and patterns - there's certain to be a style and finish to match your home and neighborhood.

Q. How much longer will a metal roof last than common roofing like asphalt or wood shingle?
A. You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond.

To put it in context, the average life span of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose.

Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates.

All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.

Q. Is metal roofing noisier in bad weather than asphalt, cedar shake, tile and slate roofing?
A. When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather as well - if not better - than any other roofing material.

Q. How will a metal roof stand up to extreme weather?
A. A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms, and even

wildfires. Metal roofing has a 140-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour. Under high wind conditions, says architect Jim Mitchell, "Metal roofing systems have wind resistance and uplift resistance that is above the new building code requirement. That gives us a sense of relief in that we can use the best material to meet those criteria."

In locations that see heavy snow, metal roofing has been the choice of homeowners for years. It sheds snow fast, which protects the structural integrity of the roof. And it can eliminate ice damming at the eves, so water can't back up and collect under the roof then leak into your home.

If you live in a part of the country that is prone to wildfires, metal roofing can protect your home should burning embers land on your roof.

Q. Is a metal roof environmentally responsible?
A. Not only is metal roofing great for your home, it's great for the environment. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse - far superior to asphalt.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end-to-end, they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago.

That's a lot of wasted asphalt. But because a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what's already there, metal roofing helps to reduce this excessive shingle waste.

Q. Would a metal roof be too heavy for certain types of homes, or for smaller structures like a detached garage or porch?
A. You'll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue.

More FAQ's...

Is there a fee for an estimate? No. Our estimates are free and you are under no obligation. We do require at least 1 (one) hour of your time to provide a complete estimate and description of the work to be performed.

Are you insured? Yes. We are fully insured with both workers compensation and disability insurance.

Is a building permit required? Maybe, it depends on your local code enforcement office to determine this.

What warranties will I get? You will receive a manufacturer's product warranty and a 1 (one) year labor warranty as provided by NYHCC.

Is my warranty transferable? Yes. If you sell your home please advise the new owner that they have 30 (thirty) days to transfer any product warranties you may have.

Is there a fee for an energy audit? Yes. Our audit fee is $375 which is deductible from the cost of the project.

What are the advantages of a metal roof versus a shingled roof? With the skyrocketing cost of asphalt shingles and building lumber which is beyond our control, it is actually cheaper to install a metal roof.

What is the proper insulation application for my home? It depends on the style of your home (Colonial, Cape Cod, Ranch etc.).

Can you give me a ballpark price? No. Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park are ballparks. Insulation prices vary depending on daily pricing from our suppliers and on the individual home's construction and any existing insulation.

Do I qualify for any government incentives? Yes! Please click here to learn more. getenergy.org

Do you offer financing? Yes! We offer many programs including equity, no equity, consolidation loans. We also offer deferred payments and no interest for up to 360 days. Financing Options

These are just a few of the most commonly asked questions. We will post more questions as we receive them. Feel free to submit your question(s) here. Feedback

New York Homeowners Construction Co.

107 Leo Avenue

Syracuse, NY 13206

315-432-1217 w 315-432-1219 Fax

e-mail: nyhccllc@nyhomeownersconst.com