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By Kim Hanke 20 Mar, 2024
Damaged gutters are much more likely not to work properly, resulting in water damage to your home and foundation. This is why it’s essential to ensure your gutters are in peak condition all year round, giving them the strength and fortification they need to weather the blizzards and heat waves.
By Kim Hanke 11 Mar, 2024
Measuring window screens is more complicated than just length and width, however. You also need to account for depth, not to mention adjusting for hardware space and making sure your screen will fit over the lip of your window (the U-Channel) when installing. What measurements you need to grab also depends on your window type. Consider this your step-by-step guide for measuring window screens, regardless of whether your windows are double or single-hung.
By Kim Hanke 22 Feb, 2024
If this is your first time shopping for new windows, or if you’re considering giving your current windows a style refresh, there are many things to consider. But before you go down an online search rabbit hole, trying to find reliable answers to each question, we’re making your research easy.
By Kim Hanke 14 Feb, 2024
When you discover water dripping between your gutters and fascia, it’s smart to take action right away. Why? Water dripping from your gutters is usually a symptom of an underlying issue...
By Kim Hanke 31 Jan, 2024
Brick exteriors offer a beautiful curb appeal to a home, but they can feel limiting when it comes to your ability to renovate. Many brick homes in Arkansas are older, which may mean they also come with outdated and drafty windows. If you’re a brick house homeowner, you may be wondering if it’s even possible to replace these windows with better, more energy-efficient ones.
By Kim Hanke 22 Jan, 2024
During the freezing months of winter, it’s common for icicles to form along the gutters and roofline as condensation drips off your roof. This can not only create a safety hazard around your home, but it also can lead to significant damage to your roof, gutters, and even foundation once larger icicles begin to melt and form puddles around the base of your home.
By Kim Hanke 12 Dec, 2023
Double-hung windows are one of the most popular styles among homeowners today, preferred for their dual combination of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. If you’re considering double-hung windows in Arkansas but aren’t sure what to expect, we have you covered with this complete guide. What are Double-Hung Windows? Double-hung windows feature two vertically sliding sashes, giving you more flexibility in how you open your windows to let in the fresh air. When it’s time to install new windows , many homeowners opt to upgrade to double-hung windows because they offer so much more variety in use and design. All of our custom vinyl double-hung windows include the popular tilt-in function to make cleaning even easier and keep your perspective crystal clear! Single vs. Double-Hung Windows Single-hung windows often look similar to double-hung except for one key difference: they only have one sliding panel, leaving the other fixed in place. A similar type of window you may be familiar with from your days in rental homes and apartments is the sliding window, where a single panel moves side-to-side while the other remains static. The ability to move either panel and tilt them in for cleaning makes double-hung windows a much better option in most homes—especially for second-floor windows! Double-hung Windows vs. Casement Don’t confuse double-hung windows with casement windows! This is a common misconception because double-hung windows can tilt inward for cleaning. Unlike casement windows—which open outward using a crank mechanism—double-hung windows are sliding windows that move up and down along a track. They are typically only tilted for cleaning purposes, not for ventilation. Benefits of Double-Hung Windows High-quality windows should always have sturdy manufacturing, thick glass, excellent energy efficiency, and custom sizing. High-quality double-hung windows include a few other benefits that make them the best choice for most windows in your home that aren’t specialty pieces like statement geometric windows or bay windows. Ease of Cleaning When your home has windows that don’t tilt inward on high floors, cleaning becomes more of a high-risk task for doing it yourself. This means either hiring professional window cleaners, living on the dangerous side or accepting the fact that your windows will be dirty. When you opt for double-hung windows, cleaning is a breeze! All you have to do is lock the windows in place before tilting the panel toward you to wipe clean from the safety and comfort of your home. Better Air Flow Thanks to both panels sliding vertically, your home will have quick and easy ventilation and airflow without sacrificing energy efficiency! Our double-hung windows are extremely sturdy and durable, so you don’t have to worry about drafty windows impacting your energy bills. Simple Opening and Closing Double-hung windows sound more complicated than they are! They operate much the same as single-hung or slider windows—the only real difference being that both panels can move. When you invest in high-quality double-hung windows, they are designed to slide with ease while maintaining a tight, sturdy seal along the tracks. Aesthetically Stunning Double-hung windows are a classic style that works for any home. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate your unique situation, elevating your home with plenty of natural light and unbeatable curb appeal! Frequently Asked Questions About Double-Hung Windows: Still have some unanswered questions about double-hung windows and how they might work for your home? Here are a few we’ve heard a lot: Can double-hung windows have screens? Yes, you can have screens on double-hung windows. Because the windows only tilt inward, they work well with exterior screens to keep the bugs out while letting the cool air in. Are double-hung windows secure? The security of your windows depends in large part on the quality, not necessarily the style. Our double-hung windows are made with the highest quality materials, ensuring a tight seal and unbreakable lock. They cannot be tilted inward from the outside, so you don’t have to worry about that easy-cleaning feature compromising your safety. How do double-hung windows work? Moving your double-hung windows—whether tilting to clean or sliding the panels up and down—all comes down to the simple locking mechanism: To slide window sashes along the track for opening, turn the lock. Pull down on the top sash or up on the bottom sash to slide your window open vertically. To tilt one of your sashes in for cleaning, turn the locking mechanism and gently pull the sash toward you from the opposite end. If you’re still unsure how to operate double-hung windows, simply ask your Hanke Brothers window installer for a demonstration! Are double-hung windows popular in Arkansas? Yes! Double-hung windows are our most popular style—Hanke Brothers customers can’t get enough of them!  The Best Vinyl Double Hung Windows in Arkansas are Here! If you’re looking for double-hung windows in Arkansas, you’ve come to the right place. We provide our customers with only the highest-quality, premium double-hung windows custom-made for the exact specifications of your home and style preference. No need to patch or paint any gaps from standard windows—these windows are literally made for you! Contact us to learn more and schedule a free quote on new double-hung windows today!
By Kim Hanke 06 Dec, 2023
Fascia board is an often-ignored component of your home’s roofing system. It is critical to the integrity and safety of your roof, and a damaged fascia board can lead to damage in other areas of your home, including but not limited to the roof and attic. Because the fascia board is so interconnected with other vital components of your home, it must be replaced when damaged. How do you know when your facia board needs to be replaced? And how should you move forward with repairs or replacement? Let’s take a look! What is Fascia Board? The fascia board is the long piece of wood, PVC, or aluminum that borders your roof. It gives a roof a nice, finished appearance, but its function is more than just aesthetic. Fascia board protects the underside of your roof from water damage . It also supports the weight of most gutter systems, as it is the most sturdy and reliable place for gutters to be installed on a roof.  When to Replace Fascia Board Like gutters, fascia board is integral to protecting your home from water damage. This makes it extremely important to make sure your fascia board is safe from water damage. Fascia board can be susceptible to water damage when gutters are leaky, clogged, or otherwise faulty and overflowing . If your fascia board shows signs of water damage, it likely needs to be replaced. Your fascia board should be replaced if it shows signs of the following damage: Wood rot from moisture damage Mold, fungus, or algae growth Cracks Chewing or other damage from wood-destroying pests Bowing Holes (including nail holes that could expose the attic to water) How to Replace Fascia Boards: Seven Steps While we recommend hiring professional roofers for fascia board replacement, those homeowners more adept with home renovation may be interested in exploring the possibility of a DIY approach. Considering taking the project on yourself? Review these instructions thoroughly before deciding if this is a project you are up for taking on. Also, bear in mind that any DIY work done on or near roofing could void your roof warranty . So make sure you are aware of this risk first! 1. Inspect Your Fascia Board Begin by examining your fascia board to determine the extent of the damage. Ideally, only a small section will need to be replaced, rather than the entire perimeter of the board. Once you’ve inspected the fascia for damage, you will need to measure the existing board’s size to choose the right replacement board. Make sure your replacement board material matches the current board as well. 2. Remove Gutters and Drip Edge Since gutters are typically mounted to the fascia board, these will need to be removed as well. If you have seamless gutters, this can be a rather extensive process. Please contact a professional gutter installer for help, especially as DIY gutter installation and removal could void both your gutter and your roof warranty! The drip edge will also need to be removed, but it can possibly be reused or repurposed if it is not damaged. 3. Remove Damaged Fascia Board Pull nails out of the fascia board with the claw of a hammer or a prybar to uninstall it from your home. Be careful not to rip nails out too quickly, as this could damage other parts of the roof. 4. Measure and Cut the Replacement Fascia Board The new fascia board will be easier to install if cut down into smaller pieces, but each section should at least span two rafters to effectively nail in place. Marking the location of the rafters on your board before nailing it on can make this easier. 5. Seal the Seams Use caulk or some other sealant to cover the seams, sealing each gap against water or pest entry. This is vital for protecting your new fascia board against future damage! 6. Paint or Trim and Seal the Wood To further protect your new fascia board against water damage, the entire surface of the fascia should be covered with an exterior wood sealant. Once it is sealed, the fascia should either be covered with fascia trim or painted to match your home’s exterior. 7. Reinstall Drip Edges and Gutters Now that your new fascia board is secured and sealed, it’s ready to support your gutters and drip edge again! Odds are, your damaged fascia board was a symptom of faulty gutters, making this the perfect time to fully replace your gutters . In this case, all you need to do is schedule your gutter installation company to come out and set up your new gutters. Protect Your Fascia with K-Guard Gutter Systems Hanke Brothers is proud to bring K-Guard Leaf-free gutter systems to homes all across Arkansas. These oversized gutter systems are simply the best for protecting your fascia board, as they are designed with built-in gutter protection to prevent clogs and keep water flowing out and away from your home. K-Guard is the only truly one-and-done gutter system for homeowners, with minimal maintenance and maximum curb appeal! Contact us for a free quote on new gutters for your home!
By Kim Hanke 16 Nov, 2023
Gutters are an effective tool for diverting water away from your home and protecting it from water damage, but only if they’re properly maintained. Traditional gutters need to be cleaned regularly to avoid clogging so water can flow freely instead of backing up and flooding over the sides of your gutters. On top of the functional necessity, cleaning your gutters keeps your home looking neat and tidy. Each home is different and has its own set of factors influencing how often gutters need to be cleaned. So here is some guidance on figuring out how often to clean yours! How Often Do Gutters Need to Be Cleaned? The frequency of gutter cleaning can vary depending on various factors, including the location of your property, the surrounding environment, the number of trees near your home, and the type of gutters you have. Generally, in Arkansas, cleaning your gutters at least twice a year is recommended to remove leaves, debris, and other materials that can clog the gutters and cause water damage to your home. If your property is surrounded by many trees or experiences heavy rainfall, you might need to clean your gutters more frequently (or hire professional cleaners more frequently). Regular inspections after major storms are also advisable to ensure your gutters function correctly and prevent potential damage. Here are some other things to keep in mind that may affect your gutter-cleaning frequency: Amount of Rainfall Even if your gutters aren’t to the point of clogging yet, it’s wise to get them checked out prior to seasons of heavier rainfall or more frequent storms. Clogs can form quickly as rainfall washes debris together, resulting in flooding gutters that can lead to fascia board, roof, or attic damage. This is why it’s important to make sure your gutters are cleaned before your region’s stormier seasons! Pest Infestations If your gutters have a lot of standing water in them, this can become a breeding ground for pests, like mosquitoes, who love stagnant water sources. It can also become an attractive place to reside for carpenter ants, birds, and wasps or hornets, even without built-up debris. No one wants those pests near their home! Because pests tend to make themselves home in your gutters at any time, you should perform monthly inspections of your gutters to ensure everything is clean and pest-free. However, you shouldn’t need to get into the mess of cleaning them every time you inspect. Location Where you live will have a big impact on how often your gutters need to be cleaned as well. States with regular rainfall and wet climates may require cleaning more often than dry, hot climates. Arkansas typically sees an average of 49 inches of precipitation a year, making it one of the rainiest states in the U.S. In fact, Since 2019, Arkansas has had closer to 65 inches of rain each year, with this year logging 10 inches in January alone! Because rainfall is pretty regular here — especially come springtime — gutters should be inspected and cleaned more often than they might need to be in a drier state. When Should I Clean My Gutters? Generally, the best times of year for biannual gutter cleaning are fall and spring. In the fall, many trees shed their leaves, which inevitably can lead to more gutter clutter. Springtime showers mean more water pouring into your gutters, so getting them cleaned is essential in preparation to handle the heavier burden. Since May is the rainiest month in Arkansas, we recommend cleaning your gutters in March or April for a fresh spring clean at a minimum. As we’re in peak fall season now, there’s no better time to clear out the newly fallen debris in preparation for winter! How to Avoid Cleaning Your Gutters Altogether Cleaning gutters is a messy job, and hiring someone else to do the dirty work for you can get expensive. If your gutters need more than twice yearly maintenance, that cost can add up quickly! Gutters are also dangerous to clean if you aren’t a trained professional, as it can be easy to break them or yourself while up on a ladder trying to get to hard-to-reach areas. We’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s a better way to prepare your gutters for inclement weather that means never having to clean them again! All you need is the right kind of gutter system that is guaranteed to be maintenance-free for life. K-Guard Leaf-free Gutter Systems are designed with an innovative, built-in gutter guard system that allows water to flow through your gutters and away from your home while keeping unwanted debris and pests out of the system entirely! They also look stunning on any home with their K-style gutter design that imitates crown molding, and the seal on the high-quality aluminum keeps them stain-free for decades. To learn more about K-Guard gutters, contact the experts at Hanke Brothers and we’ll tell you all about it!
By Kim Hanke 07 Nov, 2023
As a homeowner, you may be wondering why gutters are essential. After all, some houses don’t even have gutters if steady rainfall isn’t an issue, and they can require a lot of maintenance in order to remain effective. You rarely think about your gutters or notice them anyway, so what’s the big deal? Let’s explore the purpose of gutters and why they’re so crucial for preserving and protecting the longevity and durability of your home. What Do Gutters Actually Do? Gutters are troughs attached to the base of a home’s roof (or the fascia board beneath) for the purpose of catching rainwater that flows down the sides of the roof. While there are many different types of gutters , most residential gutter systems are made with aluminum covered in a waterproof coating with a half-round or K-style design. The ultimate goal of a gutter system is to divert rainwater away from your home. Instead of pouring off the roof, down your siding, and pooling at the base of your home, gutters give rainwater a path to flow along the edge of your roof, sending it down and out through a downspout to protect your house from water damage. Homes without gutters are at risk of significant harm as water pooling in the wrong places can wreak havoc on basements, foundations, siding, and even landscaping. Why Gutters Are Important Without gutters, your home could be at serious risk of water damage. Gutters preserve your home by keeping it dry and diverting water away from places where it could cause damage. Here are just a few of the ways gutters protect your home: 1. Preserve Your Foundation When water is allowed to collect around the base of your home, it inevitably will work its way down into your foundation or the soil beneath. Significant water beneath your home can cause the soil to erode, resulting in foundation cracking or even shifting concrete slabs that compromise the integrity of your home. 2. Resist Basement Flooding If your home has a basement, this below-ground portion of your home may be at risk of flooding without gutters to prevent water from getting in. Water damage left unchecked can cause mold, mildew, and rot that becomes very expensive to repair. It can also create an unsafe environment for your household if mold is able to grow to unhealthy levels. 3. Keep Your Siding Dry While your home’s siding should be waterproof to some extent, it still can get worn down and stained from regular exposure to rainwater. Excessive moisture on your siding may cause peeling or bubbling paint, discoloration, and even warped siding. Gutters stop the water flowing down your roof and move it away from your home before it ever reaches your siding! 4. Protect Your Landscaping When water pours down the sides of your home, it erodes the soil around it, creating channels in the dirt and ruining your landscaping. Watering your plants is one thing, but regular downpour on concentrated points around your home isn’t good for soil stability or most plants. The Problem with Traditional Gutters While gutters solve all manner of issues to preserve your home, traditional gutters are prone to clogging, which can cause a whole new set of problems. If your gutters are clogged, this can result in: Gutters overflowing and causing water damage Mold and mildew on gutters, roof, and fascia board Rotting and disintegrating fascia board Water damage under the roof or in the attic Ice dams in the winter Significant damage to the gutters themselves These issues can easily be avoided through installing more efficient gutter systems with proper clog resistance. While installing gutter guards can help mitigate the issue, we have an even better, all-in-one solution to gutter problems. Why K-Guard Gutters Are The Superior Choice If you’re looking for a gutter system that protects your home from water damage and is 100% clog-free, we’re pleased to tell you that such a gutter system exists! K-Guard gutters are designed with oversized troughs to keep up with the heaviest rainfall plus a built-in, innovative gutter protection system that keeps your gutters clear of leaves and debris 24/7. Because K-Guard gutters are so reliable and durable, they come with a clog-free guarantee . That’s right: If your K-Guard gutters ever get clogged, we’ll service them at no cost to you. That’s how much we believe in the quality and functionality of K-Guard gutters! If you’re looking for the best solution to protect your home from water damage and gutter clogging, contact us to learn more about K-Guard gutters provided by Hanke Brothers !
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By Kim Hanke 20 Mar, 2024
Damaged gutters are much more likely not to work properly, resulting in water damage to your home and foundation. This is why it’s essential to ensure your gutters are in peak condition all year round, giving them the strength and fortification they need to weather the blizzards and heat waves.
By Kim Hanke 11 Mar, 2024
Measuring window screens is more complicated than just length and width, however. You also need to account for depth, not to mention adjusting for hardware space and making sure your screen will fit over the lip of your window (the U-Channel) when installing. What measurements you need to grab also depends on your window type. Consider this your step-by-step guide for measuring window screens, regardless of whether your windows are double or single-hung.
By Kim Hanke 22 Feb, 2024
If this is your first time shopping for new windows, or if you’re considering giving your current windows a style refresh, there are many things to consider. But before you go down an online search rabbit hole, trying to find reliable answers to each question, we’re making your research easy.
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