Saving Energy with Proper Insulation

October 29, 2014 United Building Supply

Insulation helps keep your warm air inside during the winter and your cool air inside during the summer. The more air flow resistance your insulation provides, the lower your heating and cooling costs will be.

Glass Mineral Wool is the most popular and widely used insulation material, as it is the most cost-effective insulation available. Glasswool is eco-friendly as it’s made from recycled glass bottles and it’s easy to handle and install.

Rock Mineral Wool is more solid than Glasswool, so it is used more clip_image002 often in environments where it may be under pressure. Rockwool can also be considered a fire safety measure, as it does not burn easily so it can help slow down the spread of a fire.

Rigid Foam is also fire resistant and itis even stronger and more durable than rockwool. It also provides additional benefits such as acoustical insulation that minimizes sound travel through walls and floors.

Cellulose Insulation is a plant fiber that is actually among the oldest types of building materials. Modern cellulose insulation is made with recycled newspaper and cardboard, and by the end of the process the insulation is made fire retardant and bears no resemblance to the original paper.

Proper insulation should be installed not only in your walls, but throughout your house and in your roof and the floors as well. Most heat does escape through your walls and windows, however up to 25 percent of heat energy can escape through the roof, and 15 percent can escape through the floors.

The recommended minimum depth for insulation is 270mm or 27cm, however many homes’ insulation does not meet the mark. To check your levels of insulation, you can push a ruler down the side of one of your roof joints.

If you’re in need of housewrap, foam products or caulk and sealants for your home’s installation, look no further than United Building Supply.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

October 24, 2014 United Building Supply

While replacing your windows isn’t the most exciting home improvement project, it can actually do wonders for you home. New windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency and provide other benefits. We’ve come up with some tips to help you decide if and when it’s time to replace your windows.

A Draft – The most obvious sign you need new windows is a draft. If you approach a window and feel air blowing or leaking from around the frames, your window is no longer blog airtight and is therefore a problem. Drafts can be uncomfortable and result in high utility bills as your heater and air conditioner have to compensate for the leaky window(s).

High Energy Bills – Even if you don’t actually feel a draft, if your energy bills have steadily been going up, and are now beyond reasonable, you may need new windows. Windows on different sides of the house can deteriorate faster than others, due to sunlight and weather exposure differences, so be sure you check windows all around the house.

It’s Too Loud Inside – If you live near an airport, downtown or just in a loud neighborhood, consider upgrading your windows for reduced noise transmissions. Especially if you still have single-pane glass, your windows should be upgraded for both increased energy efficiency and decreased sound transmission.

They’re Difficult To Open, Close or Lock – If your windows simply refuse to open, if they get stuck in an open position or if the lock doesn’t work, your windows are actually a danger. If everyone in your house can’t open the windows, this poses a serious threat in the event of a fire. Additionally, if you windows won’t lock, you leave open to safety concerns.

Whether you want to replace your windows to save money, increase security or just create a new look, look no further than United Building Supply for your all new window needs.

Popular Front Door Options

October 24, 2014 United Building Supply

The front door of your house plays a huge part in your home’s first impression, and upgrading your front door can add value as well as security. When installing a new front door, it’s easier to choose what you want when you know what the options are:

Wood Doors – One of the most common choices for front doors, wood doors are often considered to be the most beautiful doors and are used when a high end look is desired. Scratches on wood doors are easily repaired, however they are typically not as energy blog efficient as other doors and they fade over time and require new coats of paint every few years.

Steel Doors – Steel doors are less expensive than wood doors and require less maintenance. Additionally, they are the strongest barrier against intruders and they are more energy efficient; however, steel doors can also be more easily dented and paint chipping is possible over time.

– A new favorite of many contractors, fiberglass doors resist denting and scratching and require the lowest maintenance. This type of door comes in a wide variety of styles and is almost as secure as steel. Plus, fiberglass doors are often painted or stained to look like wood doors, though they still provide five times the insulation value as wood.

If you’re in need of a new front door, or if you have questions about choosing and installing a new front door, give United Building Supply a call to discuss available options and to find the best solution for your project today.

Vinyl Siding Installation Tips

October 8, 2014 unitedbuildingsupply

Vinyl Siding Installation Tips

Vinyl siding is an excellent choice for your home’s new siding. Vinyl is durable and requires nothing more than a rinse from a hose to stay clean. We’ve come up with some tips and tricks to help your vinyl installation go as smoothly as possible:

Start From Scratch – Certain materials still in good condition are okay to leave on the house, but to get the most bang for your buck, it’s really best to get back to the basics. When installing new siding, you should work your way down to the sheathing and start over with a house wrap, foam, and then vinyl siding.

Check Your Level – When you first start, and every three of four levels after you start,
you should use a level to make sure you siding is being consistently installed.

Use the Right Nails – Vinyl siding must be nailed in place. Your nails should be
corrosion-resistant galvanized, stainless steel or aluminum roofing type nails. Remember:
drive in your nails straight and level, and don’t make them too tight, because you need to…

Allow for Expansion and Contraction – Vinyl siding will expand and contract based
on the weather, so it’s important you don’t make your nails too tight
or install your accessories too close.

Work with a Friend – Hanging siding from a ladder by yourself can be extremely difficult. Try to recruit a trusted friend or family member who can help you install your vinyl siding correctly the first time.

Buy Quality Materials – There’s no easier way to cheat yourself out of a successful DIY project then by skimping on quality materials. For high quality vinyl siding from proven and trusted suppliers, and even more building supplies, check out United Building Supply today!

Specializing in Siding

July 30, 2014 unitedbuildingsupply

United Building Supply Specializes in providing siding materials for your home. Most places that sell building materials sell all the parts and pieces that go into the home, but don’t have the selection or availability of siding to really give the customer what they want. This is your home we are talking about, don’t settle for something you’re not satisfied with because what you really want is unavailable or special order and really expensive. We have a huge inventory of different colors, graining, and yes prices and all the accessories to match. Our three most popular sidings we sell are Norandex “Woodsman Select” , Heartland Super Polymer Siding, and LP Smartside. If there is a specific look you want, we can help you achieve it or if you’re not sure what you are looking for we can assist you with that as well. Contact us for all your siding needs.