Suburban Blogs

Tips, news, and insights from Suburban Construction

485 posts total

What Happens to Exterior Insulation When Siding Is Replaced?

When siding is replaced, the exterior insulation underneath should be inspected rather than automatically removed, covered, or reused. Depending on its condition and the new siding system, existing foam may remain in place, need repairs, or be replaced with a new insulation system. JR Girskis, President and Owner of Suburban Construction, recommends evaluating the complete wall assembly—including sheathing, housewrap, flashing, and insulation—before installing the new siding.

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How Can You Tell If Water Is Behind Your Siding? | Quad Cities

Water can get behind vinyl siding without being immediately visible from the outside. Warning signs can include warped or loose siding, staining below windows, swollen trim, peeling interior paint, musty odors, soft wall areas, recurring mold, and evidence of moisture around windows, doors, roof intersections, and other penetrations. Because vinyl siding is designed to shed water rather than create a completely waterproof wall, the housewrap, flashing, sheathing, and trim behind it are critical. Darin Wilson, Vice President and Co-Owner of Suburban Construction, recommends following the likely path of the water instead of assuming the siding panel itself is the source of the problem.

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Should I Repair or Replace My Windows?

Should you repair or replace your windows? The answer depends on what is actually failing. A broken lock, worn weatherstripping, damaged screen, or isolated glass seal failure may be repairable, while recurring drafts, deteriorated frames, difficult operation, water problems, multiple failed glass units, or outdated window performance can make replacement the better long-term investment. JR Girskis, President and Owner of Suburban Construction, recommends evaluating the entire window rather than replacing a window simply because it is old.

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Why Are Siding Estimates So Different? | Quad Cities

Siding estimates can vary dramatically because contractors may be quoting different products, different tear-off methods, different wall-preparation standards, different trim packages, different amounts of insulation, different warranties, and different levels of service. JR Girskis, President and Owner of Suburban Construction, recommends comparing the full project scope before comparing the final price. Two siding bids are only truly comparable when they include the same material, installation process, accessories, cleanup, warranty, and long-term service.

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What Siding Color Is Best for Resale Value?

The best siding color for resale value is usually a color that complements the home’s architecture, roof, brick, stone, trim, and surrounding neighborhood rather than the trendiest color of the moment. For many Quad Cities homes, whites, warm neutrals, grays, muted blues, and natural earth tones offer broad appeal. Suburban Construction recommends choosing a main siding color with long-term staying power and adding personality through trim, shutters, stone, shakes, or vertical siding accents.

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Can a Window With a Broken Seal Be Repaired? | Quad Cities

Yes, a window with a broken insulated-glass seal can sometimes be repaired without replacing the entire window. In many cases, the sealed glass unit can be replaced while the existing window frame and sash remain in place—especially when the frame, hardware, weatherstripping, and installation are still in good condition. If the window is older or has multiple problems, however, complete replacement may provide better long-term value. Darin Wilson, Vice President and Co-Owner of Suburban Construction, recommends evaluating the entire window before deciding whether glass replacement or full window replacement makes more sense. Suburban Construction also helps customers with qualifying manufacturer warranty claims for seal failures.

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How Long Does Whole-House Window Replacement Take? | Quad Cities

Most whole-house replacement window installations can be completed in about one to two days once the custom windows have arrived and installation begins, although larger or more complicated homes can take longer. The number of windows, window styles, condition of the existing openings, hidden rot or water damage, bay and bow windows, weather, and trim work can all affect the schedule. Suburban Construction custom-measures every opening, custom-orders each window, and uses experienced full-time installers throughout the Quad Cities.

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Double-Pane vs. Triple-Pane Windows | Iowa & Illinois

For Iowa and Illinois homeowners, both double-pane and triple-pane replacement windows can perform well when properly specified and installed. Double-pane Low-E glass with argon is often the better value for budget-conscious projects, while triple-pane can provide lower heat transfer, warmer interior glass temperatures, and better winter comfort in rooms with large glass areas or strong cold-weather exposure. Suburban Construction offers both double-pane Low-E/argon packages and upgraded triple-pane options, including its FreedomMaxxx 10 krypton system, so homeowners can compare performance and cost before ordering.

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Window Manufacturer Warranty vs. Workmanship Warranty: What’s the Difference?

A replacement window project should have protection for both the product and the installation. A manufacturer warranty generally covers qualifying defects in the window itself, such as the vinyl frame, sash, insulated-glass seal, or hardware according to the manufacturer’s written terms. A workmanship warranty covers problems caused by how the window was installed. JR Girskis, President and Owner of Suburban Construction, encourages homeowners to understand both warranties before comparing window estimates because even a great manufacturer warranty does not necessarily cover an installation problem. Suburban Construction backs its installations with a lifetime workmanship guarantee and assists customers with qualifying manufacturer warranty claims.

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What Should a Replacement Window Warranty Cover? | Quad Cities

A good replacement window warranty should clearly separate product coverage from installation coverage. Homeowners should look for protection on the frame and sash, insulated-glass seal failure, hardware, applicable glass breakage coverage, transferability, and a clear service process. Just as important, the contractor should provide a written workmanship warranty covering installation-related problems such as leaks, drafts, flashing, trim, alignment, and sealing. Suburban Construction backs its installations with a lifetime workmanship guarantee and handles qualifying manufacturer warranty claims on behalf of its customers.

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How Do I Know When My Windows Need to Be Replaced?

Windows do not need to be replaced simply because they reach a certain age. Signs that replacement may be worth considering include persistent drafts, condensation between panes, windows that are difficult to operate, deteriorated frames, water intrusion, recurring hardware problems, uncomfortable rooms, and older inefficient glass. JR Girskis, President and Owner of Suburban Construction, recommends evaluating the actual condition and performance of the windows before assuming the entire house needs replacement. Quad Cities homeowners can also compare Low-E, argon, triple-pane, privacy, tempered, and laminated glass options at Suburban Construction's Davenport showroom.

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Does Dark Vinyl Siding Fade Faster? | Quad Cities Siding Guide

Dark vinyl siding can experience more heat and UV stress than lighter colors, but modern premium vinyl siding is engineered very differently from older generations of dark siding. Gentek uses ChromaTrue® fade-defying technology in its darker Designer Colors, while the Vinyl Siding Institute's certification program evaluates qualifying siding colors against ASTM color-retention standards. For Quad Cities homeowners considering dark gray, brown, blue, green, or other saturated siding colors, product quality, certification, sun exposure, warranty coverage, and seeing actual samples matter more than simply avoiding dark colors.

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