What are Seamless Gutters and What Do They Cost?

July 27, 2020 by Shannon Lindquist

Gutters are a smart choice for any homeowner to keep water away from your foundation and basement. Deciding between seamless gutters vs. regular gutters is your next choice before installers can scale your roofline.

So what are seamless gutters? They’re continuous, so they only have joints at the corners of your roof. With no seam, there’s less of a chance for leakage. They’re also available in a variety of materials, like aluminum, painted steel and more.

Traditional gutters have multiple seams and install in 10- or 20-foot sections. Connectors or couplings are soldered or sealed at each joint.

The average cost of seamless gutters is usually higher than traditional gutters, but many homeowners are still turning to seamless gutters. Here’s why:

Seamless Gutters vs. Regular Gutters

Seamless gutters are nearly leak-proof and need little maintenance. The enamel finish never needs painting. No seams mean less debris than traditional gutters. That leads to less clogs and cleaning and more free time for you.

How much do seamless gutters add to your home? The streamlined look and multiple color options instantly add curb appeal with no seams detracting from the exterior aesthetics.

Each gutter is formed on-site and cut to match the exact measurements of your home’s exterior. It’s a precise process that’s usually completed in just one day with no tricky puzzle pieces to fit together.

How Much Are Seamless Gutters?

The short answer is it depends. Costs vary by material and supplier. HomeAdvisor estimates that how much seamless gutters are per foot ranges anywhere from $3 to $25. To land on the lower end of the spectrum, choose vinyl or aluminum. Copper or steel options will be on the more expensive side.

Installation costs are usually higher for seamless gutters vs. regular gutters. A handyman or contractor may be able to tackle traditional gutters themselves, but seamless gutters require a professional install. Trusted professionals use a special roll forming machine to cut the single pieces. Sectional gutters use a “snap-together” system that are more user-friendly for the DIY crowd.

So what is a fair price for seamless gutters? Your project total should land between about $599 and $1,475. Nationally, the average cost of seamless gutters comes to just over $1,000.

A Worthwhile Impact on Your Home

The debate between seamless gutters vs. regular gutters can be summed up in these top three seamless gutter benefits:

Look: The seamless design adds a clean aesthetic to any home’s appearance for a touch of refinement.
Lifetime Investment: Maintenance-free and dependability make the average cost of seamless gutters worth it.
Resale Value: Beauty and practicality automatically boost your home’s value in any market.

How much do seamless gutters make a difference in your home’s exterior? Contact the trusted professionals at Asher Lasting Exteriors to discover how upgrading to seamless gutters can make a lasting impression.

Farmhouse Chic: Considering Vertical Siding for Your Home?

July 15, 2020 by Shannon Lindquist

If you’ve tuned into HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” you’re familiar with the term “shiplap.” Shiplap siding, especially vertical shiplap siding, is a popular go-to for Chip and Joanna Gaines and anyone else who wants to add modern, farmhouse appeal to their home exterior.

Vertical siding is a simple way to enhance the visual appeal of your home. How you do that is completely up to your personal taste. You could highlight second-story windows with crisp, white vertical siding or add board-and-batten siding to exterior bump-outs or other unique architectural features.

Combining vertical house siding with other materials like cedar shakes and stone will add even more character for a memorable look.

Types of Vertical Siding

There are many vertical siding options:

Vertical Steel Siding: An environmentally friendly, maintenance-free option
Vertical Metal Siding: Low maintenance and cost-effective, although it can fade and dent with age
Vertical Shiplap Siding: Usually available in wood or vinyl to create a 21st century farmhouse
Board-and-Batten Siding: High-design look adds resale value and requires expert installation

No matter which one you choose, consider the pros and cons of each material. Know that this addition generally takes more installation time, so expect to pay a little extra for this worthwhile investment into your home’s exterior.

Make a Statement

Draw more attention to your home’s exterior by choosing vertical steel siding or vertical metal siding in bold colors. Pops of red or navy create visual interest. Try an all-over bright color to make an even bigger statement.

Even if you prefer more neutral tones, vertical siding automatically adds height by drawing your eyes upward. This makes your home look taller for a more impressive aesthetic.

Need some more inspiration? Check out these vertical house siding ideas.

A Durable Choice

Vertical siding is a stylish choice that many homeowners are adding to their remodel wish lists. If you are considering this option, know that it’s also a worthwhile investment.

This type of siding is less likely to see water damage because rainwater simply runs off it. If you go for board-and-batten siding, which uses thin vertical filler strips on the siding seams, it will be even more watertight.

Another bonus: vertical siding is easy to clean. You need to be extra careful while cleaning traditional horizontal siding to avoid water leaking between the horizontal slats. With vertical house siding and a basic garden hose, you could enjoy time and cost-savings down the road.

Hire Asher Lasting Exteriors Today

Board-and-batten siding, vertical steel siding and more will add resale value if done right. Choose a professional installer, like the pros at Asher Exteriors, who can show you how to add farmhouse chic and a lasting impression to your home’s exterior.

The 5 Most Impactful Ways to Update the Front of Your House

June 22, 2020 by Shannon Lindquist

Home improvement projects may have you more focused on making renovations to your interior space but updating the exterior of your house can help you achieve a complete home makeover! The outside of your home is what you see every day, and it’s the first impression for guests and future buyers. And though it may sound like an easy way to go over budget, there are many stunning and subtle changes you can incorporate in your exterior home remodel that won’t break the bank and will leave your house looking new and improved!

Learn five ways to change the exterior of your house to enhance its curb appeal and resale value.

Update the Front Door: The main entrance to your home should lead the way when it comes time to remodel your home. Try a pop of color like yellow or red, or consider a new door style with windows to let more sunlight through. If you want to improve your home’s resale value, go for black or charcoal gray paint. According to Zillow, this subtle change could score you an extra $6,000 when you sell.
Pick a New Color: To really change the exterior of your house without breaking the bank, try a new paint color. It’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade the look and feel of your home’s exterior, according to Great Home Ideas. Be sure to remove any shades or other outdated accents and choose a neutral color. For example, you can update a brick home exterior with a fresh coat of white or replace the bricks with low maintenance siding for a strong ROI.
Tidy Up the Landscaping: Wondering how to update the outside of your home on a budget? Put in some sweat equity with yard work. Trim the grass, add fresh mulch or just keep your trash cans hidden for a neater look. Don’t forget to cut back overgrown bushes and remove old landscaping like crumbling rock retaining walls.
Add Character: Enhancing your home with a few subtle accent pieces, such as shutters, carriage garage doors, stone accents or gable brackets, can really add eye-catching appeal to your home’s exterior, improving its resale value.
Don’t Forget the Details: Don’t overlook small details when you update the front of your house. Think lighting fixtures, mailboxes and decorative house numbers. Homey touches like a window flower box or a sitting bench will automatically change the exterior of your house for the better without draining valuable budget dollars.

Update the Front of Your Home with Asher Lasting Exteriors

Trust Asher Lasting Exteriors for expert guidance and selection, so you feel confident about your next home improvement project. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

Understanding Window Replacement Cost: Factors, Budget and Financing

June 12, 2020 by Shannon Lindquist

When tackling a larger home project, each choice you make will have a direct impact on the total cost. As a homeowner, you want to understand these factors so you stay in control of your budget.

When it comes to windows, replacement costs depend on the material, size, brand, and the company you work with. According to Angie’s List, the cost to replace windows can range from $175 to $700 per window. Higher-end or custom options can reach $1,200 per window.

Considering new windows for your home? We’ve compiled a list of key factors that will affect your window replacement costs, so you feel confident about your choice and receive the beautiful windows you and your home deserve.

Types of Windows

This is your first and most important choice in controlling the replacement window cost. The most common types of windows are:

Double Hung: Found on most residential homes, they slide vertically, up and down.
Single Hung or Classic: The bottom half moves while the top remains in place.
Sliding: A popular choice for large window sizes, this option slides horizontally.
Bay: These decorative windows usually extend out from a room.
Picture: Most picture windows are larger for views and light. They don’t open.

Frames are usually wood or vinyl. For a low-maintenance, more affordable option, go with the vinyl, as wood frames require regular painting and staining.

If you’re interested in an energy-efficient window solution, or if traditional window designs don’t work with the architecture of your home, you might consider our selection of Renewal by Andersen® specialty windows. Available in a variety of different window styles, colors, shapes and sizes, you can choose the best material and glass option for your home. Fibrex®, for example, offers a better window framing material, as it’s a low-maintenance composite using real wood fiber and offers you more glass coverage. To learn more about this and other maintenance-free options, check out our video!

Replacing vs. Adding

How much to replace windows also depends on how many windows you need. The more you buy, the less you’ll pay per window. If you’re looking to replace all your home’s windows, you’ll have a higher total project cost, but it’s an investment that will last 20 to 40 years.

Adding new windows is a great way to incorporate light and additional views to your home. Installation costs may be higher than the cost of replacement windows with the additional labor.

Total Project Costs

Your window replacement cost will also depend on the window installation cost. Labor can account for 50% of your budget, depending on the company. Plan to pay about $150 per window for installation.

If replacing an entire window and frame down to the studs, add $50 to $100 per window. Clean-up and disposal are additional window installation costs to ask about.

Financing Options

Figuring out how much to replace windows will depend on your specific project. Many companies offer financing options to ensure you get the best replacement windows for your home. Applications are usually quick with a range of loan amounts available. Remember to ask about different incentives for paying off the loan within a set period.

As you crunch the numbers, be confident in your home investment. The ROI for window replacement is anywhere from 71-78%. You’ll also enjoy up to 15% savings on your heating and cooling bill with energy efficient options.

Window Replacement Near You

The best replacement windows suit your style, budget, and home’s layout. Asher Lasting Exteriors is your connection to high-quality windows and expert installation that enhance your home’s comfort and appearance. Learn more about how we can help!

Top 3 Reasons Why Your Windows Are Leaking

May 28, 2020 by Shannon Lindquist

There’s nothing better than finding shelter in the calm sanctuary of your home, especially during a thunderstorm. But if you’re noticing rain leaking from your windows, you might not feel as safe and protected from the outdoor elements.

A popular question we hear from customers is “why are my windows leaking?” The answer can vary, but over time, windows weaken with age. And without regular inspection and required maintenance, other elements that help support the foundation of your window (e.g. frame, caulking, sealant, etc.) can wear out as well, leaving your windows more vulnerable to water damage and mold.

Top 3 Reasons Why Your Windows Are Leaking

Older Windows: If you’ve recently purchased an older home, or you’ve had the same window fixtures for decades (i.e. 20 years), it’s more than likely you’re experiencing water leaking issues and noticing signs of rotting or damage on your window frames.
Poor Filtration System: Your home’s rain gutters help protect your yard, foundation, and basement from leaks and water damage. However, if your current filtration system is damaged, rusting, or overflowing, it can cause concentrated amounts of water to pour over your windows. And over time, your windows’ sealant may weaken and fail to block incoming water, which may create cracks in the exterior lining, where water can enter into your home.
Poor Exterior Molding: Windows experience a lot of wear and tear throughout the seasons, and over time, your exterior casing may begin to crack or loosen, creating entry points for rain and moisture to seep in and cause damage.

How Do You Stop a Window from Leaking?

Depending on the condition of your windows and how water is getting in, a simple repair may do the trick! However, if your windows are outdated, showing early signs of decay, or causing your energy bill to increase each month, a professional window replacement may be the best option!

At Asher Lasting Exteriors, we proudly offer a full range of Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows to suit your home’s needs, architectural structure, and budget. Whether you’re noticing leaking from your bow or bay window, double-hung windows, or specialty windows, you can find the support and professional replacement you need to keep your exterior spaces protected and prevent water damage inside your home.

Home Window Replacement Companies Near Me

Trust Asher Lasting Exteriors for high-quality windows replacement services. Our trained technicians will equip your home’s windows with quality brand name products and professional installation services, so you never need to worry about leaking windows disrupting your home’s tranquil setting. Request a free quote today, or schedule a tour of our showroom to view samples.

We look forward to helping you with your window replacement needs!