The brunt of winter is upon us, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing throughout the North Carolina area. Even those who enjoy the cold weather are met with the unpleasant reality of a higher utility bill during the winter months. It can cost a lot to keep your house at a comfortable temperature as the winter winds whip outside. One easy and affordable way to help keep your home cozy this winter is to update and insulate your windows. Below are a few steps you can take to ensure warm windows this winter. This can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and result in lower heating bills.

1. Look into replacement windows

Maybe the best way to improve insulation and keep your home warm this winter is to replace outdated windows with modern, energy-efficient windows. Replacement windows feature the newest technology to achieve the best possible insulation, from nearly-airtight frames to coated glass. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners in the South Atlantic who upgrade from single-paned windows to new ENERGY STAR windows can expect upwards of $500 in annual savings on their utility bills. Of course, new windows might not fit into your budget for 2018, despite how affordable they can be. In that case, there are some other tips you can follow to make your windows warmer during the winter.

2. Seal up any gaps

Older windows can be drafty, so take steps to seal off any areas where cold air can sneak into your home. It’s helpful to re-caulk the exteriors of your windows each year. You can also use weatherstripping and foam insulation to shore up any gaps. These are easy do-it-yourself fixes, and there are a number of tutorial videos available online to help you weatherproof your windows. If you feel like you can’t handle these tasks yourself or you give it a try but find yourself over your head you can always contact a reliable contractor or window expert to help you beef up your windows for the winter months.

3. Use curtains to your advantage

Throughout the day while the sun is shining, open the curtains on your windows to allow sunlight to enter and warm your home. The sun is an excellent (and free!) source of heat. Once the sun goes down, be sure to close your curtains to help block out the icy cold drafts that can enter your house through an inefficient window. The thicker the curtains, the better. You can even buy special warm window fabric that’s insulated to help keep cold temperatures at bay.

4. Apply a window film

Window insulation film is an easy and inexpensive way to bolster your windows with an added barrier between the interior of your home and the frigid air outside. Window film is like shrink-wrap for your windows. Apply the transparent film for the winter and remove it once warmer weather arrives.

5. Contact Kingsford Windows

No matter what your home improvement needs are, don’t hesitate to contact the window replacement experts at Kingsford Windows! We’re happy to take a look at your windows, suggest a plan of action, and provide an estimate to ensure your home has the best possible windows for your budget – not just this winter, but any time of year.

Many people view the new year as a time to turn the page and start making improvements in their lives. Whether it’s vowing to eat healthy, lose weight, kick a bad habit, or learn a new skill, New Year’s resolutions are popular and widespread. However, resolutions don’t have to apply strictly to individuals. Why not make a few New Year’s resolutions to improve your home? Below are three affordable home renovations that will have your house looking better than ever in 2018.

1. Replace Your Vinyl Siding

Over the years, the elements can take a toll on your home, particularly your vinyl siding. From dirt and grime to cracks and gaps, old siding can be unsightly, not to mention ineffective. If your existing vinyl siding has seen better days, consider replacing it with high-quality, long-lasting siding from Kingsford. Whether you choose classic vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, panelized stone siding, or vinyl shake siding, replacing the siding on your house is the easiest way to quickly improve the appearance and curb appeal of your home. Siding has come a long way, and modern siding like the options we offer our customers is more durable and energy efficient than siding of days past.

2. Install New Windows

New windows do more than just look good. They also help save you money when the latest energy-efficient windows are installed. Older windows are often drafty and result in significant air leakage. This makes it harder, and more expensive, to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Modern windows also typically feature special coatings on the glass to help control temperature while repelling UV rays. Kingsford can customize new windows to fit any space in your home, and all of our windows come with a comprehensive warranty.

If you’re concerned about cost, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that energy-efficient windows are so efficient that they’ll pay for themselves in time. They do this by lowering the cooling and heating costs of your home. In addition to helping with insulation and temperature, new windows are also much better at blocking out noise from outside your home. Don’t hesitate to get an estimate for new, energy-efficient windows. Your house will look better, you’ll save money on utility bills, and you’ll enjoy a more peaceful, quieter environment.

3.Upgrade your gutters

Gutters are a crucial part of any home. They serve an important purpose by properly draining water away from your house. If your gutters are outdated, dilapidated, or clogged, you’re at risk for erosion and damage to the foundation of your property. Cleaning out clogged gutters can be a huge pain, and clogged gutters aren’t effective, so it’s not a task you can ignore. Consider updating your gutter system with new seamless aluminum gutters, and while you’re at it, add low-profile gutter guards.

You’ll never have to worry about cleaning your gutters out again, and your gutters will look great to people passing by. There’s no shortage of ways you can improve your home in the new year, so if you’re looking for home remodeling ideas, consider new vinyl siding, energy efficient windows, and new gutters with gutter guards.

4. Open a new door

A new year is all about new beginnings, and there’s no better way to have a fresh start than with a new front entry door. Many people don’t consider replacing their worn out wooden doors, but it’s actually very important. The right door can greatly improve your home by making it much more energy efficient by cutting down on drafts while also upgrading your the curb appeal of your house. The experts at Kingsford have a variety of doors so that you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your home.

Kingsford is proud to serve the local North Carolina community for all of your vinyl siding and home renovation needs, so contact us for more information or a quote today!

Fall is almost here, and that means that things are starting to cool down. With winter on the way, now’s the time to get your last big projects done so that you can be prepared for the cold months ahead. Check out this list from Kingsford Siding for tips on the best projects to take out before winter arrives.

Update Your Doors & Windows

With colder temperatures on the way, it’s a great time to consider updating your doors and windows with more cold-resistant materials. Older, single-pane windows can cause warm air to leach out during cold months. New windows are designed to keep internal temperatures better regulated. Old doors experience the same problem, and can let in cold air around the frame. Taking the initiative to upgrade your doors and windows will give you a simple way to make your house better at retaining heat in the cold months ahead. As a plus, when summer rolls around again, it’ll help retain cold air in your home, too.

Painting Your Home Interior

During the summer, the air is often too humid to reliably paint the interior of your home. Looking on the other side of the year, in the winter, painting can be harder just because the only way to ventilate your home afterward is to open it up to cold external temperatures. Painting during the fall gives you the ideal conditions to ventilate your home without worrying about humidity levels.

Upgrading Your Thermostat

If you’ve got an old thermostat in your house, you could be losing out on money and comfort without even knowing it. Upgrading your old thermostat to a new, programmable one gives you the ability to have your home automatically heat and cool based on your schedule. That means you won’t have to wait on your home to heat up or leave your heat running all day to stay comfortable. Smart thermostats even offer a way to learn when you’re going to be home and when you’re not, letting them set themselves easily.

Repair Your Roof

Prevent the freezing temperatures of the winter from damaging your roof by taking some time to repair while you still can, making sure to address any leaks in it. Once winter arrives, those leaks can turn into weak spots that lead to serious damage later in the future.

Insulate Exposed Plumbing

The last thing you want on a cold winter day is to have to cope with a pipe freezing and bursting. If you don’t insulate your pipes against cold temperatures, your water heater will have to work overtime to keep water from freezing, ramping up the costs of your energy consumption. Plus if you don’t insulate your pipes against cold weather, it can lead to them bursting later on, which can be a nightmare in the dead of winter.

Prepare for Winter with Kingsford Siding

Winter’s coming soon, and you want to make sure your home is prepared for whatever is around the corner. Let Kingsford Siding help you get prepared now so that you don’t have to deal with the problems later. We can help get your home ready with options including doors, windows, and more. Interested? Call us or contact us now to get started on your way to being prepared.

Thinking about changing up the look and feel of your home? New siding can give your house a distinct look and personality that truly makes it stand out. With our wide variety of styles and colors to choose from, Kingsford Siding is your number one siding installer in the Durham area. Because there are so many options to choose between, it can be hard to know which to pick. That’s why we put together this handy guide to help learn more about the different kinds of siding available.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding is the most popular option for covering houses today, and for good reason. Choosing vinyl for your house provides you with a lot of flexibility in terms of where you can install it and how you can make it your own. Because it’s so versatile, you can canvas every square inch of your house in it easily. It’s also incredibly low maintenance. In order to clean it, all you need is a hose and a clean cloth. Plus, it’s also durable enough to handle any kind of weather it’s subjected to.

Because of vinyl’s versatility, you can lay it all kinds of different ways to achieve a desired visual effect, and it comes in over 350 colors, so there’s no shortage of options to personalize your home. This versatility is only one reason it’s such a popular option. The main reason that vinyl is the top siding option is that it’s incredibly cheap. That means you won’t have to break the bank to install it, and you’re getting a product that lasts.

Fiber Cement Siding

If you want to add a more contemporary style to your home that emulates the look and feel of wood, fiber cement siding is the way to go. Fiber cement is made of a combination of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers to achieve incredible durability. It has the advantages of being extremely resistant to heat — unlike vinyl siding, which can easily melt when subjected to fire. Fiber cement is incredibly weather resistant and able to stand up to any condition, year after year. It costs more than vinyl, but it has the added bonus of visual appeal and better durability over time. Just like vinyl, fiber cement options are available in a wide array of colors and is easy to repaint when you’re ready for a change.

Vinyl Shake Siding

Vinyl shake siding is composed of wooden shingles crafted from split logs. Because it is made from real wood, it brings strong aesthetics. It can be arranged in a large variety of ways as a result of its unique shape. Plus, it can be used by itself or in conjunction with another kind of siding to achieve your desired look. It’s also environmentally friendly as a result of having a wooden base.

Panelized Stone Siding

Panelized stone is an option that provides a powerful visual impact. Compared to traditional stone installations, it’s much easier to install. Instead of laying stone the old fashioned way, all you have to do is install a series of panels. That means that over the course of a weekend, you can improve the look of your house. Panelized stone is also more lightweight than traditional siding options. That gives you the ability to install it on any surface easily. Because it isn’t traditional stone, no mortar is required — so there’s no mess to clean up. Plus, it’s easier to maintain than traditional stone while keeping a distinct look.

Choose Kingsford for Your Next Siding Installation

If you’re thinking about giving your home a makeover, Kingsford Siding is your number one source for quality siding options in the Durham area. We provide a full range of materials and styles for you to choose from, and our expert installers work fast to provide quality results. Interested in finding out more? Contact us or call us at (919) 688-5116 to learn more.

The installation of gutter guards is just one of the many services undertaken by the team at Kingsford Siding. But what are gutter guards? How can they benefit your home?

What Are Gutter Guards?

A gutter guard is a protective cover designed to stop leaves and general debris from getting into gutters and causing blockages. Once a gutter becomes blocked, it’s usually not too long before stormwater drains and downpipes become blocked too, so preventative measures are very important.

The Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards

The primary reason for fitting gutter guards is to prevent blockages, but the benefits don’t end there.

Save Time

The installation of gutter guards means you won’t have to spend your precious time removing debris and unblocking your gutters. Our Leaf Off gutter guards offer a no-clog warranty, so you can spend less time cleaning your gutters and more time on more important things.

Save Money

Clearing gutters can often be a very difficult and dangerous job, requiring specialist knowledge and equipment. By having guards fitted, you won’t have to cover the cost of calling in the professionals to clean and unblock gutters for you.

Prolong the Life of Your Gutters

Moisture-laden debris that lies in your gutters for long periods can cause metal structures to rust prematurely. By ensuring debris can’t enter, you might be able to double the working life of your gutters.

Prevent Water from Entering Your Home

Many homeowners don’t realize they have a blocked gutter until they notice water entering their home during periods of heavy rain. Water leaks can cause serious damage, which is usually very expensive to repair. An overflowing gutter can also cause unsightly stains on the outside of your property.

Fill Your Rainwater Tank Quickly

Fitting gutter guards keeps water channels free from debris, which maximizes flow. This means that any rainwater tanks you might have to fill a lot more quickly when it’s raining. Also, the water that finds its way into your tanks is likely to be cleaner, as gutter guards filter out contaminants.

Prevent Freezing in the Winter

Water that becomes trapped in a gutter can quickly freeze during spells of cold weather. These accumulations of ice can result in serious blockages and cracked gutters. By installing gutter guards, you reduce the amount of material that can cause pools of stagnant water.

Prevent Pest Infestations

Gutter guards significantly reduce the amount of stagnant water in drainage channels, which makes it more difficult for vermin such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, and rodents to breed and thrive. Modern guards fitted by Kingsford Siding also prevent birds and rodents from accessing your roof space.

Prevent the Spread of Bushfires

If you live in an area that is prone to bushfires, the installation of metal gutter guards could help to protect your home. When a bushfire rages, embers often travel with the wind and spread the fire quickly. These embers can cause fires when they land on dry materials in gutters, such as twigs and leaves. If you have guards fitted, embers will have nothing to ignite.

The team of designers and contractors at Kingsford Siding have extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of gutter guards, siding, windows, awnings, and doors. They can install your gutter guards safely, ensuring your home has maximum protection from the elements, pests, and fire. Contact us by email or call us on (919) 688-5116 to arrange the expert fitting of your new gutter guards.

When you look around your home, you likely see lots of things that need to be fixed or that you would like to improve. Then, you probably come to the realization that to get those jobs done, you must hire a contractor. Don’t let that speed bump slow down your resolve to make your house into your dream home. We’ve put together the following guidelines to help you find the right contractor for your home improvement project.

1. Find a Contractor

Contractors often specialize in the type of work they do, and it’s to your advantage to hire such a specialist if you have one or two specific jobs, such as replacing a roof or installing new windows. These contractors should be knowledgeable about the best practices in their specialty, and they will most likely be able to offer you the best prices on materials.

Make a list of potential contractors, gathering names from friends and family, recommendations from salespeople you trust at local building stores, and even ideas from online review sites. Select the top two or three contenders to contact for a site visit and a quote.

When the contractors come to your home to estimate your job, ask what they think of your project. Their answers will give you a good idea of their knowledge of the task at hand and will demonstrate how well they communicate with you. Good communication is especially important because it’s difficult to get exactly what you want if your contractor doesn’t understand you.

2. Check Credentials, Background, and Experience

Don’t just look at the bottom-line price on the estimate to choose your contractor. There’s likely a lot of money, as well as the comfort of your home, at stake here, so you want to be sure that your contractor is licensed, fully insured and bonded, and that the company also covers the work of any subcontractors it uses. Be sure all this information is detailed in the contract when you get to that stage.

Ask the contractors about their background and experience. Do they work locally? How long have they been doing this type of home improvement? Get referrals or request photos of finished projects, especially projects similar to yours, and be sure to follow up by contacting previous or current clients.

3. Ask About Permits, Guarantees, and Payment Schedules

Generally speaking, nonstructural work such as replacing a roof or gutters does not require a permit. Your contractor should know the local building codes, and if permits and inspections are required, they should be able to arrange these for you. Find out if the contractor offers a guarantee on materials and workmanship.

When comparing bids, be sure that each contractor has quoted on the same services and equivalent materials, including brand names and model numbers. Also, discuss the payment schedule. If the job is large and will be completed in several steps, it’s a good idea to specify that payment will be made only after the completion of each step.

4. Get It in Writing

Your chosen contractor should provide you with a written contract that covers all the specifics of the job, including a detailed description, costs, start and expected completion dates, guarantees, and the payment schedule. Also, be sure to get copies of any manufacturers’ warranties on products your contractor plans to install.

When you tackle your home improvement by following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best contractor for the job. The professionals at Kingsford Siding in Durham, North Carolina know how important your home is to you, and we work with you every step of the way to make sure our work meets your expectations.

Are you thinking about replacing windows in your home? When you install new windows, you’re doing more that just swapping out one pane of glass for another. Modern windows carry several features that can mean a serious return on investment for you. The windows you get today could improve your quality of life  and reduce your energy costs tomorrow.

Take Out the Stress of Installation with Kingsford

Window replacement doesn’t have to be hard. When you get your new windows installed with Kingsford Siding, Windows, and Patio Rooms, our window experts will walk you through every step of the process and do all the hard work for you. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction and want to provide window replacements that last.

Replacing Your Windows Has Serious Benefits

Adding new windows to your home adds tremendous value. Even though they look the same as your old windows, they don’t act the same. Improvements in glass have made newer windows better in a number of ways.

Better Temperature Retention

Modern windows are built with your comfort in mind. They’re made in a way that ensures that the cool air stays inside in the warm months and warm air stays inside during the cold months.

Lower Energy Costs

Because new windows help regulate temperature, you won’t have to worry about running your air conditioning all the time trying to stay cool. Warm temperatures will stay inside during the cold months, and cool temperatures will stay inside during the warm months. That means your energy costs will go down and your comfort will go up.

Protection from UV Light

Older windows don’t protect against UV light, which can damage your things over time by fading their surfaces. With the low-e coating found in our windows, you can rest easy knowing your things are safe.

Noise Reduction

Nobody likes hearing sirens or other loud noises in the middle of the night. New windows are built with noise protection in mind. Older windows let in much of the noise outside. But improvements in glass mean windows can now be built more resistant than before. That leads to much more peace, quiet, and privacy from the outside.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Windows that look new can be a good visual to prospective buyers looking over your house. Plus, according to the National Association of Realtors, replacing your windows can show a return of more than 78% on resale. Buyers in the market for a new house are often well aware of the advantages updated windows provide. The added protections against noise, UV rays, and temperature leaks will make your home a hard sale to pass up.

Service You Can Trust

New windows look great, but they can make you feel great, too. When you get your windows installed with Kingsford Siding, Windows, and Patio Rooms, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting an install from experts who care about your satisfaction. Contact us or call us at (919) 688-5116 today to get started.

Now that summer is in full swing, there’s never been a better time to get a patio room addition installed in your home. A patio room offers an easy way to enjoy the natural splendor of the outdoors. You won’t have to give up the conveniences of home like air conditioning, working electrical, and finished floors.

At Kingsford Siding, Windows, and Patio Rooms, we believe that you shouldn’t have to settle for a less-than-perfect space for your patio room needs. When you choose Kingsford to install your patio room, you can trust you’ll be getting service you can count on. Plus, you get an addition to your home that will last you for years to come.

Adding a Patio Room Offers All These Benefits

Your new patio room will be more than just a part of your house that gets the most light. Patio rooms installed by Kingsford will improve your quality of life in a number of ways.

Enjoy Every Season

With your new, climate-controlled patio, you’ll be able to enjoy the full beauty of the outdoors no matter what time of year it is. That means when the winter rolls around, you’ll be able to take in the snowy winter wonderland outside without getting cold—hot cocoa optional.

Extend Your Home

Adding a patio room with Kingsford is an affordable way to add floor space to your home without spending a fortune. You’ll have an extra room that you can use every day of the year for anything you want. The added light coming into the patio room will also give the impression of more space throughout the rest of the home.

Benefits to Your Health

Spending time in your new patio room can actually boost your health! Fresh air and sunshine are natural stress reducers and mood enhancers. Installing a patio room with Kingsford means you’ll have a place in your own home that has both in high supply. Don’t be surprised if you feel more peaceful in the patio room.

Energy Savings

Patio rooms rely on natural light more than energy-hungry light bulbs. Opening up the windows to let the breeze roll through lets you receive the natural benefits of fresh air while cutting down on the costs of cooling your home. That means spending time in your new patio room will help reduce energy costs.

A Room for Every Occasion

Patio rooms are one of the most versatile spaces you can add to your home. The added natural light can make any activity more fun. Whether you want to use it to host guests, as a playroom for your kids, as an office, or just to get away for a while, a patio room can meet your needs.

Add Value to Your Home

A patio room can increase the value on your home if you put it on the market in the future. It adds a pop of style and flair that not every home has. When a potential buyer sees the addition, it’s sure to make your home stand out from the rest.

Get Started Today

At Kingsford Siding, Windows, and Patio Rooms, we want to make sure that you get the perfect patio room for your needs. Our experts are ready to help you design and install your custom patio room on your terms. Contact us or call us at (919) 688-5116 today to get started.

At Kingsford Siding, Windows, and Patio Rooms, we’re known for our diverse capabilities, but we’re also known for specializing in each one, making us the area’s go-to for full-service home improvement. We’ve always made it our mission to offer quality services to help transform any home. Our goal is to help every homeowner make their dream house a reality. With the help of our in-house design center, we’re able to help homeowners find new ways to enjoy their home by making upgrades or adding outdoor living spaces, which is what we did on our most recent project where we gave this family’s home a whole new look.

New Outdoor Living Area

This project was fairly involved considering we built multiple additions that worked together. We began by designing and building a white, year-round enclosed patio room, seen in the images below. This space included finished floors, up-to-code electrical, and an HVAC mini-split system, giving the family extra square footage to increase the home’s property value and a temperature-controlled room to enjoy the comforts of indoors and the beauty of outdoors at the same time. We then built the deck, made of highly beneficial composite wood, as well as a stair set. These were completed with composite railings and black square balusters. Lastly, we constructed a vinyl pergola to shade the deck. The vinyl option is low maintenance, rot-resistant, and will last for the long haul.

See photos of the finished project below.

The team at Kingsford Siding, Windows, & Patio Rooms traveled to Youngsville, NC recently to complete a detailed project for Mary Moore. We began by deconstructing the previous deck, which was worn and didn’t serve the function Ms. Moore wanted. Our team built a completely new deck structure with one set of stairs, as well as a gable screened-in room that we shingled to match the home’s roof. For the deck and stair surfaces, we installed composite boards to ensure a no-rot surface that would last for the long haul. This material also stays cool, so no burning your bare feet in the summer, and it remains splinter-free. We finished the project by encasing the deck and stairs with white vinyl railing, which are low maintenance and hold up well over time.

The Benefits of Composite Decking

Kingsford opts for composite boards on many of our decking projects, as with this one. More and more of our clients are choosing the composite option, and with good cause. This material has many benefits that make it a good investment for your home, including:

• doesn’t decompose
• doesn’t require painting
• holds up to pests like termites
• lasts longer than even treated wood
• cool to touch
• won’t splinter

See the finished project below.