Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

The weather in Colorado is so unpredictable that you cannot even bet on it in the back-alley casinos of Las Vegas. In early December 2009 whiteout blizzards shut down Front Range highways and schools as temperatures plunged below zero. In early December 2010 residents enjoyed a 69-degree Friday with only a marginal chance of snow in the 10-day forecast.

Although part of the allure for ski-country living, this climate variability takes its toll on the exterior of a home. From one day to the next, a 30-degree shift is not uncommon. The materials on the outside are constantly in flux — expanding, shifting and contracting. Tom Higgins, president and founder of Superior Products Home Improvements in Littleton, has spent his career helping homeowners find the right exterior for any budget, while protecting their home against the elements.

Higgins points out that in Colorado a combination of strong ultraviolet rays, rapid temperature swings, high winds and a daily freeze-thaw cycle does the most harm to siding. This creates rotting, warping, splitting and curling, which are strong clues that it is time to upgrade. Luckily, with quality materials and proper installation, siding will last up to 25 years.

As a general rule of thumb, Higgins starts with a home’s value to determine what kind of siding makes the most sense. Homes valued under $250,000 typically use vinyl siding. Homes between $250,000 and $300,000 are appropriate for fiber cement and vinyl, while homes that cost more than $300,000 often use fiber cement or stucco.

Another consideration is how long an owner plans to stay in the home. “If you’re not planning to stay in a home for many years to come, it’s best to choose siding that will enhance its resale value,” explains Higgins.  “In this case, fiber cement or stucco provides the best enhancements to a home’s resale value.

However, the local homeowners association may dictate what siding will be used. “Some HOAs in higher-end neighborhoods forbid the use of vinyl siding,” says Higgins.  “It’s best to check with your HOA to determine specific materials that are recommended and which are not allowed.”

Each individual exterior finish – vinyl, stucco or cement – stands up to the forces of nature differently. Vinyl can handle winds up to 190 mph, but can sustain considerable damage in a hail storm. Stucco, on the other hand, has a high tolerance to wind and hail. But it is fiber cement that can truly weather Colorado’s meanest storms in style. Second in strength only to brick and stone, fiber cement does not have a tendency to expand and contract during temperature swings and it stands up to hail and high winds.

Nevertheless, without expert installation, any new exterior will fail. In the case of vinyl, it can shift up to a quarter of an inch in one day. If the contractor doesn’t take this into account, the exterior may not be fully protected. Or in the case of stucco, it cannot cure in colder temperatures. If the contractor wants to do the job in the cold months, look for someone else.

“Reputable contractors will go the extra mile to make sure everything is going as planned,” says Higgins. “Fly-by-night contractors with little to no credentials don’t provide as much information.”

Once Higgins has put his clients’ mind at ease, the new exterior can take shape. Warped boards or cracked stucco gives way to a stylish new way for your home to survive the high-altitude elements that Colorado’s outdoor enthusiasts enjoy so much.

Casey Cisneros is a Lyons freelance writer.

SIDEBAR:
Don’t let rare roof replacements wreak havoc

We always take for granted a roof over our heads until it fails and we discover that everything underneath is at risk.

Welcome to the discovery process of roofing. Materials, sometimes-onerous homeowner association rules and other details pop up that no one has thought about for decades.

When local news channels report on the latest weather event (isn’t everything an event now?), our roofs will take the brunt of the storm. Because wind, rain, snow, ice and hail are expected throughout the different seasons, Colorado provides the ultimate tests for roofs.

When it’s time for a replacement, it’s necessary to do some homework before allowing someone to spend several days at your home. In Denver’s western suburbs, for example, added protection is required to prevent ice and water build up that can wreak havoc on the eaves. If the additional layers of material are not added, ice dams can form, forcing water back into the home. In a worst-case scenario, drywall, decking and rafters are damaged by water seeping in and the result is a much larger remodeling project. In cities or counties that require the additional protection, materials and labor costs increase.

Michael Ambrose Hoffman of Ambrose Exterior Solutions said it’s important to communicate as much information as possible to homeowners before the work begins. “We’ll go through every detail of the roof,” he said.
Because roofing problems are so infrequent, Hoffman said there are usually details his clients have overlooked, such as, homeowner associations. Some are very specific about the types, colors and weights of replacement roofing.

Hoffman said his team will check out other roofs in the neighborhood to get direction on roofing possibilities. The employees must also know the city and county codes to stay within guidelines.

Once the legal issues are resolved, Hoffman said aesthetics are an important piece of the puzzle. Flashing choices, touch-up painting and the color of the tiles or shingles can top off a quality project.

Although most roofs are replaced between April and October, Hoffman said there are needs, such as minor repairs, throughout the year.

Consumers also should be sure that a solid warrant is provided in case problems occur years after a roof is installed.

Hoffman, who has been roofing for more than 10 years, said roofers should have some credentials, including certifications for the type of roof they are providing and even more importantly, referrals. “These are key things that people should be looking for,” he said, adding that liability insurance, workers compensation and licenses should be provided upfront to the homeowner.

Posted on 20 March 2011

New EPA guidelines about how to handle lead paint in older homes will go into effect in April 2010, necessitating substantial changes in the cost and process of remodeling homes built before 1978. With that in mind, Tom Higgins, of Littleton -based Superior Products Home Improvements, an award-winning remodeling contractor, has teamed with Kachina Lead Paint Solutions to provide an overview of what the new EPA regulations will mean for people embarking on home remodeling projects. This article contains information copyrighted by Kachina Lead Paint Solutions LLC.

1. Lead paint was banned from use in consumer products in 1978. Lead paint often was used in houses and multi-family dwellings built before then. Lead had been added to paint for many decades because it improved the performance of the paint (drying time, durability, etc.). However, if lead is inhaled or ingested (usually in the form of lead paint dust), it can be harmful to adults and especially to young children.

2. To try and reduce the potential problem of lead paint in older houses, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that contractors inform their customers about lead paint. A contractor is supposed to provide you with a special pamphlet titled “Renovate Right: Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools.” Unless your house was built after 1977, you are probably entitled to a copy of this pamphlet from your contractor before any work begins on your house.

3. As of April 22, 2010, if a planned remodeling project is being done to a house or multi-family dwelling that was built before 1978, and the work involves or impacts painted surfaces, then the contractor has to test one or more paint samples from the work area to see if there is lead paint. These tests can only be performed by an EPA-approved Certified Renovator. A quality contractor should have EPA approved Certified Renovators working for them. It is estimated that 35 percent of the housing in Colorado was built before 1978.

4. If lead paint is found in the work area, then the contractor has to use specialized “lead-safe work practices” in performing the planned remodeling project. This means using specialized clothing, equipment, procedures, and clearance testing to perform and complete the work. This is to reduce or eliminate the risk of lead paint dust resulting from the work. Only contractors that have registered with the EPA are allowed to do this, and only Certified Renovators and specially trained crews can perform lead-safe work practices.

5. There are some exemptions and exclusions that can apply so that lead-safe work practices may not have to be used, even on a house built before 1978. A good contractor will be able to review these possible exemptions and exclusions with you to see if any might apply to the planned remodeling project.

6. Testing and the use of lead-safe work practices will increase the amount of time and the expense incurred by the contractor in performing the planned remodeling project. A contractor may need to apply a special “Lead-Safe Work Practices Fee” to a remodeling project, based on the size and type of the work involved. The fees could run from hundreds to thousands of dollars in addition to the project cost. Completion time tables also may be extended.

7. You should be given copies of any exemption or exclusion forms used by a contractor, as well as copies of the results of any paint samples tested by a Certified Renovator. If lead-safe work practices are used on a planned remodeling project, you should be given a certificate signed by the Certified Renovator showing that lead-safe work practices were properly performed.

8. You need to request a liability insurance certificate from the contractor validating that they are insured to do lead paint testing and renovation work.

If your contractor is not telling you about lead paint or is not following the law regarding lead paint, you should find another contractor!

About The Author:
Tom Higgins is the owner of Superior Products Home Improvements, a local, family-owned remodeling company that specializes in exterior remodeling. Tom is the former chairman of the Remodelers Council of the Metro Denver Home Builders Association. He is an award-winning contractor, and, in 2009, he was awarded Dealer of the Year-Community Service by Window & Door Magazine. Tom can be reached at:  (303) 347-2555, or www.asksuperior.com.

Posted on 21 March 2010

When paint from the local retail chain just isn’t good enough, homeowners can easily find greener pastures. Everyone from the largest paint manufacturers to the small neighborhood outlets have begun to sell quality “green” paint that is friendly to your family and the environment.

With the lead-paint scare still fresh in people’s minds, paints without volatile organic compounds have become popular.

“We are an environmentally friendly paint store, specializing in non-toxic, zero VOC paints,” says Laurie Hessemer of New Era Paint in Edgewater. As the name suggests, you won’t find toxic substances that threaten the health of people or animals. New Era carries Safecoat, Yolo Colorhouse and Mythic Paint products and thousands of colors.

If the brands are less than recognizable, give them time. From the Aspen Art Museum to the Guggenheimm Museum in New York, Yolo Colorhouse is making its way into the mainstream.

Hessemer says her customers are best described as the “Whole Foods” demographic. Education, health and personal development are important, as are social responsibility and a sustainable economy. Additionally, as younger people begin to raise families, they want a healthy environment for their children. Hessemer cited asthma statistics, which have shown a drastic increase in the past three decades, as one of the reasons why people are careful about what products they use when they remodel. Cancer-causing chemicals found in older products are now red-lighted. “A lot people want nontoxic paint,” she says, and “they’ve done their research.”

Hessemer notes that even in tougher economic times, people still take into account a healthier approach. She cited a home she sold in Phoenix a few years back in which she used green products to spiff up the place. “It made the house more marketable,” she said. She chose Yolo Colorhouse paint, as well as Earth-friendly hardwood floors and countertops. The house sold in three days, she pointed out, to people who care about their environment.

In addition to younger people with an eye toward the environment, Hessemer said senior citizens are also susceptible to allergies and other irritants. As one who offers seminars and speaks to various organizations, Hessemer says interest also has spiked among nursing facilities and hospitals.

Designers, architects and builders are also jumping on the green bandwagon.
From a design standpoint, Christina Kittelstad of Spiral Designs in Lakewood says most clients want to consider earth-friendly options when it comes to paint. “My clients are definitely starting to use green paints on remodeling projects, especially in nurseries, children’s bedrooms, family spaces and home offices, where both adults and children tend to spend a lot of time and air quality is important.”

Although the price of no-VOC paints was prohibitive for some people, that is changing. “As the price has become more accessible, I find that many people are making the switch and enjoying the added benefits of cleaner air quality, less toxins and no fumes,” says Kittelstad, whose company provides color consulting and staging services.

Industry giant Benjamin Moore offers its Natura zero-VOC interior paints in more than 3,500 colors. And as with most of the modern paints, there is hardly any odor, they dry quickly and they are washable. Benjamin Moore products are available at outlets throughout the metro area.

So, whether you’re painting a small bathroom or having your entire house redone by professionals, the kinder, gentler paint options are available to meet everyone’s taste.

Posted on 04 June 2009

It is a standard design element to bring the outdoors in, but what about bringing the indoors out? In a state with plentiful sunshine and purple mountain majesties, an outdoor living space has become must-have in Colorado living. From full kitchens and weatherproof furniture to pergolas and fire pits, the options are endless when creating an outdoor space.

A key aspect of any outdoor living area is usability, and most homeowners investing in this type of space want to use it as many months out of the year as possible.
Scott Hamling, a real estate appraiser and Denver-area native, began his outdoor project last year and says it has been worth every hour of work and every penny spent. “This space is an extension of our home,” Hamling says. “We use it every day of the year. Just because it’s snowing outside doesn’t mean you have to stay inside.”

The ideas for the outdoor living area began when the Hamlings bought their 1902 farmhouse in the neighborhood Scott grew up. Sitting on a 17,000-square-foot lot, the house had an abundance of potential with lots of room to be creative.

“The house was previously owned by friends of my family and we jumped at the chance to buy in this neighborhood,” Hamling says. “And since we entertain quite a bit, the lot was the perfect size to fit our needs.”

The space was designed with three areas in mind – the living area, the dining area and the garden. The living and dining “rooms” are situated on each side of a two-sided fireplace, creating the perfect ambience for a sophisticated dinner party or an evening at home with the kids.

For entertaining friends and family, Scott and his wife, Kirsten, designed an in-place, concrete table that seats up to 12 guests and has a stainless steel trough down the center for candles, ice or drinks.

But this dining area is not just for summer barbeques. In the winter, the Hamlings put up a tent that surrounds the room and encloses the fireplace for festive gatherings during the holidays.

“The idea of using a tent came to us when we were planning a large Christmas party,” Hamling explains. “When we entertain, we like to make our guests feel special and incredibly welcomed. I think we accomplished that with the tent because everyone was so surprised when we went outside to our own little venue.”

The outdoor living space wouldn’t be complete for the Hamlings without a beautiful garden to enjoy throughout the year, and for a project of this magnitude, they knew they needed to call in a professional. With the help of landscape architect Wendy Booth, of the Ivy Street Design Group in Denver, the garden became one of the most important elements of the overall design.

“With this project, we wanted to create interest throughout the seasons,” Booth says. “And with Scott and Kirsten’s love of entertaining, it was important to plan a garden that would be beautiful and visually pleasing all year.”

The garden is an element of the design that not only provides beauty every day of the year, but also provides privacy for the Hamlings. Lined with trees on two sides, the garden includes a fish pond and water feature, as well as a nearby seating area.

Booth, who won an Award of Excellence from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) for this design, was recommended to the Hamlings through family friend and landscape contractor Paul Tighe. Through Booth’s design, Tighe built a spectacular fireplace, brick patio and concrete table.

Hamling says that when working with any professional, it is important to communicate throughout the entire process. “Paul, Wendy and I worked very closely together on this project,” Hamling says. “We listened to each other, tossed around ideas and were able to easily adapt to any obstacles thrown in our path.”

As with any major home improvement, consideration must be given to the primary reasons for remodeling the space. For many, the improvement provides a place to spend more time with family or to entertain guests. For others, it is a place to unwind in the peace and tranquility of Colorado’s fresh air after a long day. For the Hamlings, it is an extension of their home.

“This is our last home, the place we want to be for the next 30 to 40 years,” Hamling says. “This project made our house a perfect home.”

Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.

Photos provided by Ivy Street Design Group in Denver.

Posted on 07 March 2009

Those who have lived in Colorado for some time know that the weather can change on a dime – one minute is spent soaking up the sun while riding bikes in Wash Park, and the next minute a snowstorm rolls in over the Divide. While Colorado’s rollercoaster weather certainly helps to keep things interesting, Front Range homes would beg to tell a different story, as they are subjected to a variety of harsh conditions.

Because of high winds and inevitable hail storms, it’s paramount that the materials used to upgrade siding will hold up to the Colorado test.

In addition to higher-quality materials used to manufacture siding, aesthetics have also come a long way.

“The trend has been to offer more options in colors, textures and overall appearance,” says Mike Loughery of CertainTeed, which manufacturers siding, roofing and decking products. “There has also been a huge emphasis placed on recreating the look of wood, but made with materials that are more durable and longer lasting.” He adds that wood tends to crack, delaminate and rot, so it is important to find a more durable substitute or risk replacing a home’s siding sooner than expected.

Most homeowners have come to expect a product that is low maintenance and as hassle free as possible. For example, metal siding now includes baked on coatings to prevent rust. Vinyl siding was prone to becoming brittle and would easily fade in the sun, but this is no longer the case as today’s manufacturers use additives that protect the vinyl from UV damage and greatly extend the life of the product. Most high-end siding now comes with a transferable lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, and because of the steady improvement of vinyl siding products, about 90 percent of prefinished siding installed today is made of vinyl.

Metal, vinyl, wood, brick, brick veneer, cement, stone, liquid and insulated and thermal vinyl siding are among the choices. But homeowners are increasingly interested in cutting energy costs, so thermal vinyl siding and fiber cement siding have rapidly gained popularity. “When talking about energy savings, insulated siding is a huge deal,” Loughery says. “It keeps a home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which helps tremendously on energy bills.”

Insulated siding is custom fit with expanded polystyrene foam fused to its back, which fills the gap between the home and the siding. Aside from liquid siding, a vinyl-like substance that is sprayed directly onto the home, all siding materials leave an empty space between the home and the exterior wall of the home and the siding material. This small gap may seem trivial, but insulated siding can reduce a home’s energy use by up to 20 percent. Moreover, insulated siding is designed to last more than 50 years.

A newcomer to the siding scene was recently developed by CertainTeed. Because 40 percent of the energy lost through a traditionally insulated wood framed wall escapes between the wood studs, CertainTeed set out to develop a product that would eliminate the energy loss that results from these “thermal bridges,” which comprise about 25 percent of a home’s exterior. CertainTeed CedarBoards Insulated Siding breaks the thermal bridge by insulating continuously over the framing where energy loss is at its greatest. Available in 18 colors and four styles, CedarBoards will increase the curb appeal of a home while also helping to reduce those energy bills.

“If a homeowner is looking for a product that is practically maintenance-free, then thermal vinyl siding is the way to go,” Loughery says. “But if you are a homeowner who likes to change the color of your house or repaint every five years, then fiber cement may be the better choice.”

Fiber cement siding is typically a mixture of fly ash, a by-product of coal, and cement, with some formulas adding wood chips and other additives to the mix. For homeowners with “green” on the mind, this type of siding uses post-industrial by-products, which reduces landfill waste and requires less energy to produce, transport and install.

James Hardie Siding is a leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding, offering many products designed for the region’s problematic weather changes. According to a James Hardie report, Denver homebuilders prefer a durable, wood-imitation siding to withstand the moisture-heavy mountain climate. Available in multiple styles and colors and shapes, James Hardie siding is non-combustible and resists damage from termites, rain, snow, hail and hurricane-strength winds.

“Both the fiber cement and thermal vinyl siding are very green products,” Loughery says. “And as a bonus, they come with a 50-year to lifetime warranty – a great investment when updating your home.”

Photo provided by CertainTeed

Posted on 07 March 2009