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The way to think of the windows, siding, and roofing on your Harford County, MD home is as one weather shell, not three separate products. When you get some exterior remodeling done, you want to think about how it will affect the whole. Water, Walls, and Windows Water follows gravity and always slides through the easiest gap. The roof is meant to throw rain to the gutters, and wherever a roof meets a wall, like at a dormer or the end of a gable, that water has to be turned away from the wall so it doesn't pour behind the siding. Metal flashing is what does that work. It tucks under the shingles and up the wall so the water runoff lands on the roof or in the gutter. Behind the siding sits a second layer, often called house wrap, that catches whatever gets past the boards and sends it down and out. Now here's the issue: windows punch holes through that protective wall and wrap. Any time you've got a hole, you've got potential for leaks, so around each window the opening needs its own wrap of flashing, with the bottom piece sloped so water runs out onto the face of the house rather than into the wood. If the roof flashing, the wrap, and the window flashing don't overlap, water will find the cut and get into your walls. How Heat Harms The same joints that can leak water are also your weak point for leaking air. Warm air leaving the house in winter and hot air coming in during the summer travel through the attic, through unsealed wall cavities, and around old window frames. A tight roof with a vented, insulated attic is great: but it doesn't really do much if the walls below it are drafty. New siding put over rotten wrap and leaky windows still leaves you with cold spots at every opening. Meanwhile, putting new windows into walls that have no continuous wrap still gives a great path for air intrusion. That's why the roof, the siding, and the windows all have to be dealt with as a unit. What a Coordinated Exterior Remodeling Refresh Does On paper, it can look cheaper to deal with just one piece at a time. In reality, that can end up costing you more. New siding that's cut around old window frames will only perform until the caulk dries and splits. A new roof dropped onto walls that will be stripped later means the roof-to-wall flashing will be disturbed again. New windows set into tired siding leaves the wrap incomplete. A whole-home refresh allows you to put the wrap on as one sheet, with the window flashing taped into that sheet and the roof flashing tucked into it, before the siding covers the upright legs. The house then sheds water the way it was meant to: roof to flashing to wrap to the outside face. Talk to Us About a Home Refresh in Harford County Ready to see what a refresh could do for your home? Contact us today at Green Solutions Remodeling in Harford County. We're family-owned and operated, and we've been doing quality work in the Baltimore Metro area for more than 75 years.

If you're thinking about replacement windows here in Glen Burnie and throughout Anne Arundel County, MD, you're to be forgiven if you've gotten overwhelmed by all the options. Due to our climate, we need something that can handle both a freezing winter and a really hot summer, so the question is whether there are energy-efficient windows that work for all seasons. There are, but you have to know how to pick them. Understanding Energy Ratings Energy ratings can be useful if you know what they mean. First there's the U-factor. This tells you how much heat escapes from a window, and the lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. This is generally important to both prevent heat loss from your home during the winter and keep the outside heat from seeping in during the summer. In general, you want a U factor of no more than 0.30. Next, you want to consider the SHGC: solar heat gain coefficient. This is a measure of how much solar heat comes through the glass, and while you might want to block some, here in Maryland you might want some of that solar heat to keep you naturally warmer in the winter. Ask us about the best compromises based on your home's location and angle to the sun. Visible transmittance is another rating to look for, and this tells you how much natural light comes in. The higher the value here, the brighter the room will be when the sun shines through it, but this is often inversely correlated with heat control. In other words, the better the heat control, the more the window blocks visible light. Selecting Replacement Windows Frames Vinyl frames resist heat transfer, don't require much maintenance, and don't expand and contract much in temperature changes. Fiberglass frames are also strong, and they provide great insulation. Wood frames are naturally insulated, but they have to be well protected from moisture, and you need to keep up with them to make sure they're not rotting or developing leaks. Aluminum frames conduct heat easily, so they're very inefficient unless you get thermal breaks put into them. Opening Mechanism Double-hung windows that slide up and down are most common in older homes, but they are also the most vulnerable to air infiltration. Casement windows, which swing out like a door, tend to seal more tightly. And then you have fixed windows that don't open at all, and obviously they work the best for air control because there's no mechanism at all to create a gap. Glass Double-pane windows usually have two layers of glass with a space in between, and that space actually acts as the insulation. That space is usually filled with a gas that conducts heat less well than regular air. Also look for Low-E coatings on the glass, which are thin layers that block UV rays and keep heat from escaping in the winter or coming in during the summer. Get Advice for Your Anne Arundel County, MD Home If you're planning an upgrade, reach out to us at Green Solutions Remodeling serving Anne Arundel County, and we can help you decide what's right for your home or business.

“If you need new windows, stop now, you’ve found your people! We had a bow window installed and our experience with Green Solutions has been wonderful. Everyone from the owner, to the men who installed the window were fabulous. Joe was our sales rep and he was great to work with. Very transparent and open communication. Joe came out before and after the install to ensure we were satisfied. The men who installed the window were kind, fast, and efficient. Of note, they cleaned up afterwards which I always appreciate. The quality of the window is excellent and the pricing was very fair. Will definitely be using them again!” – Kiersten L. in Towson, MD How have we maintained our position as one of Maryland’s top contractors? Through listening to our customers and always providing the highest quality service at fair rates. For your remodeling needs, call us at 410-592-3909!

Is it time to replace your home’s windows? Give Green Solutions Remodeling a call! We offer top-of-the-line high performance windows and the best quality entry and patio doors available. Get a free and fair quote from us at 410-592-3909!

“Do yourself a favor and hire this company. Green Solutions Remodeling was outstanding to work with from start to finish. We had 18 new windows installed and I can’t recommend their services enough. From the very first interaction to the installation of our windows, they were kind, patient, and very clean with the install. They showed up on time and ready to work which is a blessing now a days with contractors. They’ve been around for 67 years which should tell you enough. Happy we went with Green Solutions!” – E.U in Parkville, MD Choose from a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes of our windows to beautify your home! For your remodeling needs this Spring, give us a call at 410-592-3909!

“My experience with Green Solutions Remodeling was excellent. I had windows replaced and a new front door. It all looks terrific! The job was done in a timely manner and customer service was very receptive to my questions. I would recommend them for your next home improvement project.” – Jill L. in Bel Air, MD We are a family-owned and operated, full-service home improvement company with over 75 years of experience. Give Green Solutions Remodeling a call at 410-592-3909!

We provide high-quality replacement windows in wood, vinyl, and aluminum for reasonable prices and with great service. Leave a lasting impression on your neighbors with new, energy-efficient windows! With Green Solutions Remodeling, you can choose from a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes to beautify your home. For an estimate on your home improvement or remodeling project in Owings Mills, MD, give us a call at 410-592-3909.

“Green Solutions Remodeling has done several jobs for us. One was a wrap-around porch and the other major job was a new roof. Both jobs were done beautifully. The workers were friendly and punctual, the job was done well and the price was right! We will use them again.” – T.B in Eldersburg, MD Need a new roof or other exterior home repair? Contact Green Solutions Remodeling at 410-592-3909!