Suburban Blogs

Tips, news, and insights from Suburban Construction

Search blog posts

485 posts total

May 20, 2020

Are Triple-Pane Windows Worth the Extra Cost in the Quad Cities?

Triple-pane windows can be worth the additional cost for Quad Cities homeowners who prioritize winter comfort, reduced glass-surface chill, improved insulation, and better overall performance in Iowa and Illinois temperature swings. They are not automatically the best value for every home, though. The right choice depends on your current windows, budget, room comfort, glass area, exposure, and how long you plan to stay in the house.

May 19, 2020

Can You Replace Just One Side of a House?

Yes, you can replace siding on just one side of a house. It can be a practical solution when storm damage, sun exposure, impact damage, or another problem is isolated to one elevation and the remaining siding is still in good condition. The bigger challenge is usually matching the existing siding's color, profile, texture, and weathered appearance. Before replacing only one side, Suburban Construction recommends evaluating the entire exterior and comparing repair, single-elevation replacement, and whole-house replacement options.

May 18, 2020

How Much Can Replacement Windows Reduce Outside Noise?

Replacement windows can noticeably reduce outside noise, especially when replacing older single-pane, loose-fitting, or poorly sealed windows. However, there is no honest universal percentage because noise reduction depends on the existing windows, glass thickness and configuration, number of panes, laminated-glass options, frame construction, installation quality, and the frequency of the sound. Suburban Construction offers double-pane, triple-pane, and laminated-glass options and recommends visiting the Davenport showroom to compare window construction and glass packages before choosing a replacement window.

May 17, 2020

How Do You Know When Siding Needs to Be Replaced?

Siding does not need to be replaced simply because it is old. The better indicators are condition and performance: widespread cracking, repeated loose panels, buckling, brittle material, recurring storm damage, water intrusion, discontinued colors, or repairs that no longer blend well. Suburban Construction recommends evaluating the siding, trim, flashing, housewrap, sheathing, soffit, and fascia as one exterior system before deciding whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

May 16, 2020

Why Is There Condensation Between My Window Panes?

Condensation between window panes is different from moisture on the inside or outside surface of the glass. If the fog or moisture is trapped between panes and cannot be wiped away, it can indicate a failure of the insulated-glass seal. Suburban Construction specifically lists window seal failure and condensation between panes as a common service issue and can help determine whether the glass unit may be serviceable under a manufacturer warranty or whether window replacement makes more sense.

May 15, 2020

Should Damaged Siding Be Repaired or Replaced?

Damaged siding does not automatically mean the entire house needs new siding. A small area of damage may be repairable when matching material is available and the surrounding siding, housewrap, flashing, and sheathing remain in good condition. Replacement becomes more reasonable when damage is widespread, siding is brittle or aging, matching panels are unavailable, or moisture has affected materials behind the siding. Suburban Construction recommends evaluating the complete exterior system before deciding between repair and replacement.

May 14, 2020

Should I Replace All My Windows at Once or a Few at a Time?

You do not have to replace every window in your house at once. Suburban Construction specifically notes that replacing just two or three windows at a time is common, which can make a larger project easier to budget. On the other hand, replacing multiple windows together can be more cost-efficient because the project involves fewer separate mobilizations and installations. The best strategy depends on your budget, which windows are performing poorly, whether you want matching products throughout the home, and how quickly you want to improve comfort and efficiency.

May 13, 2020

Should Housewrap Be Replaced When New Siding Is Installed?

When old siding is removed, the housewrap or water-resistive barrier underneath should be carefully inspected before new siding is installed. Existing housewrap does not automatically have to be replaced simply because new siding is going on, but damaged, deteriorated, improperly integrated, or missing water-resistive barrier should be corrected before the wall is covered again. Vinyl Siding Institute installation guidance treats the water-resistive barrier, flashing, and siding as parts of a coordinated exterior wall system, while Gentek installation instructions for its cladding products emphasize installation over a properly prepared weather-resistant barrier system.

May 12, 2020

Why Does Water Pool Around My Foundation Even Though I Have Gutters?

Having gutters does not automatically mean roof water is being carried far enough away from the house. Water can still pool around a foundation when downspouts discharge too close to the home, grading slopes back toward the foundation, underground drains are clogged, gutters overflow, downspouts are undersized, or runoff is concentrated in low areas. For Quad Cities homeowners, Suburban Construction can evaluate the gutter and downspout system and provide a free estimate if the drainage system is not moving water where it should.

May 11, 2020

What Causes Gutters to Leak at the Corners?

Gutter corners are some of the most common places for leaks because even seamless gutters still require joints at inside and outside corners. Over time, sealant can age, miters can separate slightly, debris can hold moisture in the corner, or standing water can expose a weak joint. If you see water dripping from a gutter corner during rain, Suburban Construction can evaluate whether the problem is a simple repair or a sign that the gutter system is ready for replacement. Free gutter estimates are available throughout the Quad Cities. Suburban’s seamless gutters eliminate intermediate seams along straight runs, leaving joints mainly at corners and outlet connections.

May 10, 2020

Gutter Cap vs. Shur Flo: What’s the Difference?

Gutter Cap and Shur Flo both help keep leaves and debris out of gutters, but they use very different technologies. Gutter Cap uses surface tension, guiding rainwater around a curved aluminum surface and into the gutter while debris sheds away. Shur Flo uses stainless-steel micro-mesh filtration, allowing water through the mesh while blocking leaves, pine needles, seeds, shingle granules, and other debris. Suburban Construction installs both systems throughout the Quad Cities and can help homeowners decide which approach best fits their roof, trees, and existing gutters.

May 9, 2020

Can Gutter Guards Make Ice Problems Worse?

Gutter guards do not normally create the roof-temperature conditions that cause ice dams, but snow and ice can accumulate on gutters and gutter protection during certain winter conditions. If a home already has recurring ice-dam problems, adding a gutter guard alone will not correct attic heat loss, air leakage, insulation problems, or uneven roof temperatures. The right approach is to evaluate the complete roof-edge and drainage system. Suburban Construction offers Shur Flo, Gutter Cap, seamless gutters, and Heater Cap options for Quad Cities homeowners.

Ready to start your home improvement project?

Get a Free Estimate