Clever Tips to Extend the Life of Your Deck
With summer fast approaching, now is a great time to look after your deck. It’s your outdoor retreat for quiet mornings, pool parties and barbeque nights, after all. However, harsh weather conditions during the cold season might have done a number on your deck.
A Guide to Buying an Entry Door
Your home’s front entrance commands the most attention from the street. This is why buying a quality entry door is a must. Doing so can boost your home’s curb appeal and value.
Roof Replacement Budgeting Tips to Keep in Mind
A roof replacement must undergo careful planning, even when your bank account allows it. Planning and budgeting prevent you from spending more than you should. To achieve a successful outcome with this project, consider these things you need to keep in mind from the roofing pros of Polar Bear Energy Solutions, your local roofing contractor.
Why Windows Replacement Is Worth Pursuing
When it comes to home improvement projects, nothing comes close to being less stressful and more immediate than a windows replacement. In addition to the fact that it can be done within a day, it is also perhaps the only project you can pursue that will enhance the look of both your home’s interior and exterior in an instant.
What Sets Polar Bear Exterior Solutions Apart?
Polar Bear Exterior Solutions is dedicated to delivering lifetime solutions for homeowners in Seattle and all throughout Western Washington. We are a roofing contractor and exterior remodeling company with a hardworking team that is willing to go above and beyond to provide quality construction services for our clients.
Polar Bear Exterior Solutions: Offering Lifetime Solutions for Your Home
Polar Bear Exterior Solutions is comprised of a team of 70 hardworking friends who offer lifetime exterior solutions to the greater Seattle community. From premium quality windows to solar energy system installation, we’ll make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible in all respects. In this post, you’ll learn more about us and what we can do for you.
Do I Have to Wait Until the Rain Stops to Replace My Roof?
Short answer, NO! Polar Bear is born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and if we couldn’t work in the nasty weather, we wouldn’t be working much. Our roofing install crews work full-time, year-round in whatever kind of crazy weather gets thrown at us. Sometimes if the rain is too much, we cant perform some stuff, like replacing sheet or applying membrane roofs, but just about anything else doesn’t really phase us. The project sometimes might not go as quick depending on how harsh the conditions, but our crews prepare plan their jobs around that. Although it seems like not the best time to replace your roof, if you are in the market for one, winter is actually the best time to do it. Manufacturers often raise their prices in Spring and Summer cause those are the “busy” times. Doing your roof in the winter, allows customers to take advantage of off-season pricing. We can also get you on the schedule a lot sooner too, which is convenient for making plans . Get a head of the game and save some money. Call us for roof estimate anytime and take advantage of the offseason!
Should I Pressure Wash My Roof?
NO! This is a very common misconception and a question we hear a lot. Pressure washing your roof can cause a lot of damage to the shingles…and even lead to water getting under the roof immediately. Best case it will just shorten the lifetime of your roof. Worst case, it can cause damage to your home. And all it does is make the roof look a little nicer for a brief period of time. The time involved can be much more than you expect…or if you hire someone it probably isnt as cheap as you would think. Pressure washing a patio or driveway can be pretty routine. But when you go on a roof, there is a lot more involve – longer hoses, taking adequate safety measures and of course the challenges that come with working on a sloped surface off the ground. If you hire a professional they too have to deal with these difficulties and they also have to pay Workers Compensation Insurance (“LNI” in WA) rates that can be almost $10 an hour. My dad had his old cedar shake roof cleaned and treated and the cost was almost $5,000! I advised him against but they were moving and didn’t want to replace the entire roof. 18 months later, even with the aesthetic upgrade of a fresh cleaned roof, his real estate agent told him he had to replace the entire roof before putting the home on the market. Not the best use of those funds! The biggest reason we caution against pressure washing your roof is that it doesn’t do anything long term to improve the look or performance of your roof. We recommend getting a good cordless blower to blow the needles and leaves off every couple months. If you get any moss or algae build up, sprinkle a little baking soda on the roof and that will do the trick… you just have to be patient!
Increase Your Home’s Resale Value with James Hardie ColorPlus Siding
James Hardie colorplus siding is the only product we recommend for siding your home in the Pacific NW. From its patented material blend and composition, to its variety of colors and styles, you are sure to find a new or restored look for your home that your will love. Fiber cement siding is nothing new, but James Hardie is the leader and has developed its proprietary blend that lasts longer than anything else available on the market specifically for the wet climate we have in Western Washington. The coating is applied in the factory and is warrantied for 15 years- saving you the cost of painting your house 3 times over that period (paying for itself already). Its virtually maintenance free and our WeatherSafe install by Polar Bear means you get a cleaner look and peace of mind in knowing the job was done right. Whats the best part of having Polar Bear install James Hardie siding for your home? Probably the return on investment you get. James Hardie colorplus siding consistently delivers a 90% or better increase in your homes resale value. Unlike painting or replacing damage boards with new wood or composites, which is basically maintenance and does nothing to improve your home or increase its resale value, almost every dollar spent with Polar Bear on new siding goes right back into the value of your home. Not only are you going to love the new look of your home with new James Hardie siding from Polar Bear, its also a wise financial decision as well!
Now Is The Time To Do Your Roof!
With summer coming to an end, folks are going to be in a bit of a frenzy to get their roof ready for winter. Fortunately storm season hasnt been too bad…yet. But be prepared, another round of price increases due to increased demand could be right around the corner. Either way, we have a lot of options, check out this awesome new metal roofing option available from CertainTeed installed by MetalMaster installer PolarBear! https://www.king5.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/new-day-northwest/summer-is-the-perfect-season-for-replacing-your-worn-out-roof/281-586180007
Why Summer is a Great Time to do Your Windows
Summer Window project
Help! I Cant Stop Moss and Algae From Growing on My Roof!
This is a common problem in the NW- our cool, wet climate, combined with an abundance of shade-creating trees is the perfect environment for moss and algae to flourish. This can drive homeowners crazy as it not only looks gross, it also leads to quicker deterioration of the roof. There are many gimmicks out there that promise to prevent moss and algae growth, but none of those seem to be effective. Most people have to resort to constant maintenance and application of a chemicals- not fun! Fortunately, Polar Bear offers roofing that is MANUFACTURED to inhibit the growth of moss and algae. A WeatherSafe installation of one of the CertainTeed shingles by Polar Bear comes with up to a 15 year warranty against algae streaking…and is also been shown to fight the growth of moss on your roof. CertainTeed’s patented technology utilizes layers of ceramics and metallics on the granules that their shingles are made from that dont allow a pH environment for algae to survive. When the algae can’t survive, there is less build of debris and nutrients for moss to establish. The only maintenance we recommend is blowing the leaves and needles off your roof a couple times a year. If your interested in learning about our products are painstakingly-selected and installed to survive the Pacific NW, give us a call today and we can explain how and why everything we do is a LIFETIME SOLUTION.
Roofing Alternatives
A lot of homeowners are looking for a roof that will standout more than just a basic shingle, without spending an arm and a leg on a slate or tile roof…or doing a shake roof that wont last long. Our focus at Polar Bear is on lifetime solutions, and of course value. A quality roof that will last and give you pride or ownership is what we want to provide every single one of our customers. CertainTeed is the industry leader in roofing manufacturing, and they are leading the way in alternative roofing options to give homeowners a lasting and affordable solution to classic roofing choices like slate, shake and tile. Their Presidio shingle is a stamped metal shingle that offers all the lifetime durability of a metal roof, with the look of slate, tile or shake. Their Symphony Slate roof is a beautiful alternative that gives the look of a luxurious slate roof at a fraction of the price, and since it is made out of heavy duty rubber, it is suitable for almost any application. As a Select ShingleMaster installer, all of our roofs come with an industry-leading non-prorated 50 year warranty that covers materials, labor, tear-off/disposal and workmanship. Giving you peace of mind and most importantly, LASTING VALUE.
Green Home Improvement Projects
A lot of times folks ask us what we offer in terms of “green” or environmentally-friendly options to help solve their window, roofing, siding and decking needs. This is definitely something that is important to our company and we understand how more and more customers are looking for something more responsible for the ecosystem when they undertake a home improvement project. We all want to leave the planet a better place than we found it, but sometimes the conventional wisdom isn’t really achieving that goal. Most often people think of recycled or more natural products as being better for the environment…and that is true to an extent. However, there are a lot of other resources and energy that goes into a home improvement beyond just choosing a window or decking board made from recycled plastic. And unfortunately what we often find is that many of these recycled products just do not hold up and last as long…so they inevitably just end up back in a landfill, along with the rest of the products used on the project, much sooner than they should. Our company policy is to ONLY OFFER LIFETIME SOLUTIONS. This isn’t just because it gives our customers the best value and lowest cost of ownership, it also means that when your project is done right the first time and built to last, we are not wasting the resources involved with doing the project over and over as we often see with cheaper products. And many times, manufacturers and contractors use recycled raw materials because only they are cheaper…and with some clever marketing they are able to convince their customers that its a good thing they do that. We disagree! Polar Bear offers energy-efficient windows made from virgin (non-recycled) vinyl, that hold up so well they come with a double-lifetime warranty, which means even the next person who owns your home has a lifetime warranty on their windows! Our wood windows are made from sustainably-grown sugar and ponderosa pine and wrapped with an exterior aluminum cladding that gives them that protection against the elements to last a lifetime. Of course everyone knows our patented WeatherSafe Roof is the only roof designed to meet or exceed manufacturers warranty requirements, even if you live right on the water on the west side of Whidbey Island and your house is subjected to winter storms ripping across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Our 50 year non-prorated warranty covers tear-off/disposal, materials, labor and workmanship; so your roof will be still be going strong when your neighbors have already replaced theirs 2 or 3 times during that span. Talk about preserving our natural resources while saving money! We only offer James Hardie siding because it comes with a 30 year guarantee and will save you 2 or 3 painting cycles with a beautiful factory finish available in dozens or artistically-curated colors. There literally is no other siding option you should consider if you live in the NW, because James Hardie fiber cement siding is the only material engineered to last in our wet climate. Take a look at the the sample piece we have soaking in water for almost 4 years. Just make sure you call us to have it installed by us…as JH Elite Preferred installers you get the confidence knowing that our crews have been educated and certified to install correctly. Decking presents an equally challenging problem in Western Washington- and no one likes the yearly ritual of stripping, sanding and sealing that having a wood deck means. Many of the composite options out there look great and are low-maintenance for a few years, but they don’t last long because they are made of a mix of wood and plastic (that’s why they are a “composite”). We only install Azek 100% PVC decking. Made of the same material as sprinkler pipes that you bury in the ground. Azek is available in a variety of colors and comes with a 25 year fade and stain guarantee. All of our outdoor living spaces are built to exceed code, and as a Platinum Contractor for Azek, you get the confidence knowing you will never have any issues with your project or warranty should they arise. Azek also offers a really great patio paver system made from recycled rubber tires. They look great and feel awesome on bare feet- all with an unbeatable warranty! There are a lot of things to consider when doing your project and we all want to be good stewards of our environment. So get the best of both worlds…choose a LIFETIME SOLUTION- it will be best for the environment and also save you money in the long run on the cost of ownership. With Polar Bear you will get that, along with energy savings, increased resale value, a more beautiful home and year-round comfort. Call us today at 877.948.2327 and we can help you get started with your next economically and ecologically smart home improvement project!
Getting Your Roofing Replaced Now- Hurricanes are Causing Imminent Price Increases
We know winter is coming, and if this extreme weather this summer is any indicator of what we have ahead in the coming months, its important to make sure your roof is sound. Rain, wind and cold can do a lot of damage to our homes, and a good solid roof is where it all starts. With all of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and who knows what Irma will bring, price are expected to go up. Also, damage done to petroleum processing industry is raising costs of asphalt- the main component of composite roofing shingles. If your roof is questionable, give us a call and we can come out and give you a quick evaluation. If we find an issue we can recommend solutions that will work best for your home and budget. Give us a call today and we can get you scheduled before its too late!
Not All “Composite” Decks Are the Same!
For those of us in the Pacific Northwest, we know how rough the elements are on the exteriors of our homes. Decking is one of those things that can really take a toll from the 8-9 months of constant rain we seem to get. We all know wood is a poor choice if you want something that will look good and last with little maintenance. So, most people are choosing “composite” decking material- which is a really a misnomer for any kind of non-wood decking material. But there is a lot more to it than that. Composites are materials, that by definition, are made of one or more various parts or elements. The problem with composites in that sense is that the different materials (plastics and wood) all expand at different rates that can the product to tear apart itself at a structural level. That issue is compounded when the products are made partly of wood, that once wet begin to swell and rot. This leads to the appearance of a the material bloating and tearing apart- almost what happens to an aspirin if it gets wet. At Polar Bear, our solution is to use a product that is made of almost 100% PVC (we say almost 100% because colors, dyes and other coatings are added for aesthetic purposes). PVC or poly vinyl chloride is a synthetic plastic that is a very versatile and in-destructive. I always like to remind people that sprinkler pipes are made of PVC, and they can be buried in the ground forever without any threat of water or moisture damaging the material. It also takes itself well to holding a color or stain and resists fading, warping and cracking. The brand we recommend and use is Azek- the leader in residential PVC building products. They have the best warranty in the industry and offer a wide collection of colors and grains to give a beautiful look of natural wood. They also manufacture beautiful railing systems and lighting upgrades to take your deck to the next level. Give us a call at 877.948.2327 for more information on Azek decking and other ways we can transform or create your own personal outdoor living area!
The Warm Weather is Here…Get Started on Your Exterior Remodeling Work with Polar Bear!
The NW is a rough climate on building materials…especially the ones on the outside that take the brunt of the sun and moisture. This time of year, people are really thinking about getting started on these projects. We can handle it all- windows, roofing, siding and decking. All of our projects are designed to last. We achieve this by using select manufacturers with great warranties and a track record of taking care of their customers. Our installers only follow best practices, so you get the peace of mind knowing that your project will meet and exceed all warranty requirements…and look beautiful and last for a lifetime!
Can Windows Keep Me Cooler in the Summer?
The same technology that makes windows keeps us warm in the winter can also help us stay cooler in the summer! Yes. Energy-efficient windows are designed to insulate and prevent and prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside. The glass in our windows are treated with zinc and silver oxides during the cooling process. This application is known a low-emissivity coating (Low-E) and it reflects longer wave radiant energy (heat). So while in the wintertime it bounces the heat back inside your home to keep you warm, in the summertime it does the opposite and bounces the heat from the sun back outside. Another great benefit of the low-E coatings is they also cut down on glare, optimizing your view looking out!
Is Fiber-Cement Siding Bad for People and the Environment?
Absolutely not! In fact it is very much the opposite. Many people have mistakenly compared fiber-cement siding to asbestos siding. Asbestos siding is made from fine strands of minerals that are noxious to the human body and the environment. Fiber-cement on the other hand is made from a mix of cellulose (wood pulp), silica (sand), cement and water. James Hardie, the industry leader in the manufacture of fiber-cement siding uses sustainably-grown lumber and locally sourced sand to further lessen its impact on the environment. We also take time during the installation to make sure that we prevent kicking dust into the air. We use special saws that chip to make the cuts instead of traditional sawing which can create dust.
Do You Really offer Real Wood Windows?
We hear this question a lot, and for good reason. Many window companies claim to offer window options in wood, however when they come out they really only want to encourage you to choose a vinyl option. Or maybe they only offer vinyl windows with faux woodgrains. While there are disadvantages of traditional solid wood windows in this environment, the technology has improved to allow you to keep the classic style of your home while updating its energy-efficiency with a weathersafe option that will hold up in the harsh and pounding rains our homes are exposed to in Western Washington. *Read more about our wood-framed windows
How Do I Know if I Need New Windows?
The easiest way to tell is just by looking at them, if your windows have mold around the frames or moisture fogging up inside the glass they have likely failed. If your home was built before 1991 you most likely have aluminum windows which are terribly inefficient. High energy bills and cold, drafty rooms are obvious indicators, but there may be more subtle signs as well. A window that doesn’t close or lock easily may have a compromised frame which can lead to structural damage and dry rot where you can’t see.
Can I Get My Roof Replaced in the Wintertime?
Yes, we can replace your roof year-round, and for most applications in all types of weather. While sunny and clear days are ideal, they can be few and far between in Western Washington. We are able to work year round and install most composition and metal roofs in any kind of weather. Most flat roofs do require dry weather for the products to install correctly and if we are replacing the plywood, it is best to do it when the conditions are dry. If for some reason we do get caught by surprise, all of our work trucks are equipped with 1000 square foot tarps to protect your roof while we wait for weather to clear up.
Is it sunny enough for solar panels to work in the Northwest?
Yes. The technology has greatly improved to allow solar to be an economically feasible option even with our grey and gloomy skies. New generation photovoltaic systems are able to produce power from the UV rays that are present even on rainy and overcast days. While they are most effective in sunny weather, they can still produce a substantial amount of energy during the not-so-sunny months of Western Washington. When we design a system for your home we will consider your location and usage needs to produce some amount of electricity in the colder, darker months and an excess in the summer months. Through net-metering, the excess electricity produced during those brighter, longer days of summer will be credited back to you for those darker, shorter days of winter and fall to maximize your progress towards energy-indepence.
I have double pane windows already, why would I need to change them?
Double pane or “Therma-Pane” windows are not necessarily any more efficient than a single pane window. What makes glass options available today so much more insulating than the double-pane of years past is the coatings that they apply to the glass surfaces and the gases they put in between the panes. Low Emissivity treatments are coatings applied to the glass by applying a micro-thin layer of zinc and silver oxides that reflect heat and insulate much in the same way as an emergency blanket. Gases like argon and krypton are denser than air, and when pumped in between the panes of glass, they insulate by slowing down the loss of heat from conduction.