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Quick and Painless News
The “oh-so-official” Frey Construction Blog
Archive for the ‘ Uncategorized ’ Category
Bad Gutters Create Leaky Basements
Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. A good foundation is one of the most important parts of your home…if not the most important. The next is the roof supported by the foundation. The roof sheds “good old” Mother Nature. In doing so, we need to divert all that water. This is why a gutter system is so important. Now after we have diverted the water away from the roof we need to make sure we get it away from the foundation. When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with excess moisture, the water starts to loosen the soil needed to support your foundation. Next, the water will take the path of least resistance, finding those imperfections in the foundation. Whether the water is coming through the walls or up through the basement floor, the first thing to look at is the gutter system then the landscape.
Most people run off and call someone to install drain tiles, sump pumps and other water management systems. These are great ideas but first lets see if we can manage our water first. If the water table is up, we need to get the water collected at the foundation and pumped out. We can’t control the water table, so these tools are needed in some cases. The first and foremost thing to inspect and size is your gutters. Your gutters need to be super sized. Any gutter will handle a normal rain but that is not when you need them. When we get a real down pour, we need a gutter large enough to collect the water and a downspout large enough to get the water away from the roof. The next question is, “where does it go?” We now need to make sure the water is getting away from the foundation. In most cases a downspout taking the water away 4 feet from the foundation is good. We also need to make sure the landscape has a positive pitch away from the home.
If all these things are in check we need to make sure we keep our gutters clean so the water can flow freely and unobstructed. Obstructed?? Yep! Leaves, pine needle, berries, seeds, whirly birds and the like. When these get in the gutters they can clog up the gutter. So plan on cleaning your gutters as much as needed to prevent clogging. 1 to 4 times per year is a good start. Also remember snow and ice can clog up the gutter. So a gutter protection that gets the water in and doesn’t clog up with leaves or ice or snow makes sense. Good gutters protect your home. Bigger is better. Do all this and you are much less likely to ever need to call your insurance and dry out your basement.
Roofing and Siding Replacement | Lodi, WI
With all of our remodeling projects, we are able do far more than merely improve a home’s appearance or functionality. Think energy efficiency! This has never been more the case than with our recent Davis roofing and siding project.
Rob Davis has an old farm house that was in need of a facelift. He wanted to make sure the rehab used materials that would maintain the original appearance of the home, materials that would last a lifetime and improve energy efficiency.
With Rob’s concerns in mind, we knew there was no question when it came to products best suited for the Davis home. A standing seam metal roof and our Siding Master™ rain screen system were a tailor fit!
We started at the top and began the project by replacing the roof with a single lock standing seam metal roof. As with all of our standing seam roofing projects, we set up our seamless rollformer onsite and custom cut each piece of metal, ensuring a completely seamless roofing system. Our standing seam metal roofs are lifetime roofing systems, and we hear again and again just how attractive they are.
Besides adding superior insulation to the new roof, we further improved the home’s energy efficiency by installing 2″ foam on all outer walls. We added our Siding Master™ rain screen before finishing with siding. The added foam insulation requires the support of Siding Master™ rain screen, a truly superior innovation that tackles the source—the forces that drive water into the building shell—namely wind-driven rain and condensation. And Siding Master™ is guaranteed for 50 years.
That’s a hefty guarantee, and Siding Master™ has earned it! This rain screen technology sheds most rain and works hard to manage the rest. The process uses steel furring strips with a hollow back construction that creates a ¼” gap between the exterior sheathing and cladding. The gap ensures proper drainage and ample venting, so walls dry quickly. By keeping moisture out of the home’s exterior walls and insulation, this technology works hard to prevent decay in the walls of your home.
Siding Master™ clearly thwarts condensation by allowing moisture to drain and air to circulate, but it does even more! By venting out the warm, moist air, heat gain to the walls is minimized, meaning your home is cooler in the summer. And reducing the temperature of the vinyl siding actually reduces its chances of fading. The efficient exterior walls will be attractive for years to come!
Thank you to Rob Davis for allowing Frey Construction to work on your home. From start to finish, the project turned out amazing!
kinds words {blush}
“(I chose to contract with you because) you were available immediately after the storm damage happened to our roof, which prevented further water damage. Then, we got a fair and knowledgeable company representative, Dave, who assured to help. Thanks for all of his help! We are very satisfied with the work you do, and will refer your company and workmen to any friends who may need your services in the future. Your crew arrived with all the equipment and materials to finish our roofing job in just two work days. Thanks for a job well done.”
~Richard Kausler, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(GAF Timberline Lifetime Shingle, June 2012)
“(I chose to contract with you because) I liked the finished product that I saw on Jim’s place. I feel that your company is very professional. The crew that performed the work on my house acted and showed that they were very professional. I was very impressed with each and every one of them. Frey Co. should be very proud to have such people employed, especially Kurt Riha. Thank you very much for all the hard work.
~Ken Golla, Westfield, WI 53964
(Roofing and Gutters, June 2012)
Kitchen Remodel, Sun Prairie | McKenzie-Morgan
kitchen remodel, sun prairie | AFTER
Initially, Marion and Teresa knew they wanted to update (and possibly expand) their kitchen. They were also certain that it should “fit” with the feel of the rest of their home and that new, top of the line appliances were a must! Other than that, they were a little unsure where to go from there, the result… a beautiful new, larger kitchen that opens up into their dining area with the added bonus of a re-designed entryway and laundry room. These homeowners were very unsure of what was feasible as far as removing walls, relocating rooms, etc. and had a hard time envisioning anything other than their existing space. With the help of computer drafted designs and 3D renderings our designers were able to bring the reality of a whole new space to life. What once was a small secluded kitchen all chopped up into separate rooms, was now one large open space that took advantage of every square foot. We were able to incorporate a walk-in pantry for extra storage, and we remodeled what was originally a “wasted” hallway space into a more practical entry from the garage that also doubled as a bigger laundry room. The new kitchen opens up into the dining area, which is perfect for all the large gatherings held there, but a ¾ wall between the two spaces helps define each space as its own. In the end Marion and Teresa were very happy with their new space and had nothing but nice things to say about our designers and crew that worked on their project.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL:
“Thank you all soooo much for the wonderful work you did on our kitchen area remodel. We LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. the outcome! Our entire home feels warmer and cozier as a result of this project. Jenn, your plan is absolutely genius! We could not be happier with your design. John, Steve, Tim and everyone that worked in our home really showed much respect for us and our home!”
~Marion Morgan and Teresa McKenzie, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
kitchen remodel | before
rendering image of the kitchen remodel...a great way for our clients to see what their new space will look like BEFORE work on their home begins.
To learn more about Frey Construction and our kitchen remodeling services, CLICK HERE!
Frey Construction Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service
Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies. Frey Construction has been awarded this prestigious award in three categories: Roofing, Siding and Gutter Replacement.
“Our goal with all of our clients is to exceed their expectations for quality and service. This award just proves that we are reaching that goal. We are beyond excited to be awarded these awards – and truly humbled by the amazing reviews that our clients have given us,” said Scott Frey, owner of Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC
“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers
Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.
Service business ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.
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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.
Join the Frey Team!
CURRENTLY HIRING: Administrative Assistant
Wanted: High-energy, smiling front-office staff to assist clients, salespeople &, most importantly, the boss. Requires drive, self-confidence and attention to detail. Excellent communication and phone skills required. Rewards – fun, friendly, casual office environment, good pay & benefits and an aggressive incentive plan.
Send resume to: michelle@freyconstruction.com
Understanding Condensation on Your Windows
Look Familiar?
Condensation on your windows is usually not the windows fault.
Ever wonder why condensation forms on your windows—and what you can do to prevent it? Windows serve as visible areas for moisture to condense, warning you that there is too much moisture inside your home.
What is Condensation?
Condensation is the result of high humidity that produces a “fog” once it hits a colder surface. The humidity is caused by excess water vapor in the home. This is commonly seen in a foggy mirror after a hot shower. Condensation usually occurs first on windows because glass surfaces have the lowest temperature of any of the interior surfaces in the home.
What causes condensation on windows?
Whenever there is excess humidity in a home, it manifests itself in the form of condensation on the coldest area of a wall, which is normally the windows. The warmer the air, the more moisture it will retain, so when air in your home comes in contact with the colder glass surface, it is subsequently cooled and moisture is released in the form of condensation on the glass. All homes have a certain level of moisture due to household activities. Activities such as cooking, laundry and dish washing can add up to five pounds of water vapor into the air daily! Other moisture-producing agents include plants, heating systems and humidifiers.
Do windows cause condensation?
No, condensation on windows is not the fault of the window. However, by replacing drafty windows and doors or installing a new roof or siding, you are reducing air flow in your home and making it tighter. Tighter homes actually retain more humidity. Seasonal changes, quick changes in temperature, reconstruction and remodeling can also add excess humidity temporarily into the air.
Can I reduce the condensation on my windows?
Yes. In order to reduce condensation, humidity must be controlled and air movement must be generated. As the exterior temperature drops, the humidity level needs to decrease if condensation is to be controlled.
What steps can I take to reduce humidity in my home?
The two main things you can do are to control sources of moisture and increase ventilation. To decrease or control excess humidity and condensation:
Use exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry and bathrooms. Run exhaust fans while the humidity-producing appliance is operating or the humidity-producing activity is going on, and let them run a while after the activities have ended.
Vent gas burners, clothes dryers, etc. to the outdoors.
Be sure that the ventilating louvers in your attic, basement or crawl spaces are open and amply sized.
Open fireplace dampers to allow an escape route for moisture-laden air.
Air out your house a few minutes each day. Because outside air usually contains less water vapor, it will “dilute” the humidity of inside air.
If you have a furnace humidifier or other humidifying device in your home, be sure it is adjusted to produce the proper amount of humidity, or turn it off. The humidity produced elsewhere in your home may mean these devices are not needed at this time.
Install ceiling fans to keep air circulating within your home.
If troublesome condensation persists, contact us at 608.643.7914 and we’ll send a specialist out for a free, no-obligation inspection of your windows and vantilation.
Frey is NEUTRAL in all recall election efforts!
It has come to our attention that there are petitioners for the recall election in our Black Earth parking lot. Frey will take no political stance in these efforts and remains a neutral party.
Frey Construction has NOT given them permission to be there and they have been asked to leave.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Festival | THIS WEEKEND!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw
September 2nd & 3rd, 2011
All events are held at
Marion Park, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
(located at Grand Avenue and First Street)
Celebrating our 37th Cow Chip Throw –
Cheeseheads & Champion Chips!!
Approximately 40,000 people attend The Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw each year.
The current Wisconsin Cow Chip Throw state record is 248 feet.
Two stages of free entertainment, arts and crafts fair, 5K & 10K Run and much more!
Friday night and Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC
p: 608.643.7914 www.freyconstruction.com info@freyconstruction.com
Click to Talk FREY CONSTRUCTION!
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