Skylights are a beautiful feature of many homes, offering exterior curb appeal, expanded indoor lighting, and a chance to see the night sky indoors. But for many homeowners they can be out of sight and out of mind, especially when it comes to maintenance. Read our blog for valuable information on when to replace your skylights.

Most Skylights Should Be Replaced Every 10 Years

The easiest way to keep up with your skylights is to consider their age. For optimal performance and minimal wear and tear, skylights should be replaced every 10 years or so. Of course, some issues can occur that may mean a replacement is in order a little sooner.

Signs You Need a New Skylight

If you’re seeing cracked glass, that’s a pretty clear indicator you need a new skylight. But other seemingly less detrimental signs of aging like yellowed or murky glass or bubbling around the drywall can mean it’s time to call in a professional.

Replacing a Leaky Skylight?

Leaks in your skylights obviously need to be repaired, but do they need to be replaced? Reflashing a skylight can range anywhere from $200 to $600 while a replacement can range from $800 to $1500. Depending on the age of your current skylights, it may be worth paying the extra cost now rather than having to replace it or repair it again in a few years.

Replace Your Skylight When Putting on a New Roof

Like skylights, roofs also have a limited lifetime. Depending on the material, you’ll need to replace your roof every 12 to 30 years. If it’s time to update your roof, you can save time on labor by replacing your skylights simultaneously.

Ready to replace your skylight? Spotless & Seamless is your top Twin Cities contractor for all your home exteriors needs, with solutions for windows and doors, roofing, and seamless siding. Contact us today for a free estimate.

In a previous blog, we discussed spring weather and its effects on your home and property. Warmer temps often mean the potential for intense storms. We wanted to reiterate the importance of being prepared and offer a few tips to get your home ready for the elements.

In the Yard

Look around on any given day, and you probably notice things around the yard that need work or tidying up. Before stormy weather rolls in, be sure to take care of those tasks that could otherwise cause damage to your home during severe weather.

• Trees. Trim any branches that have contact with your home’s roof or siding. Also, clear dead tree limbs so they don’t come loose during heavy winds and damage your siding or break a window.
• Lawn furniture. Take inventory of your lawn or patio furniture and anchor it down or secure it in a garage or shed. Close and fasten any deck umbrellas as well. Your home’s exterior may become damaged if strong winds throw these items around during a storm.
• Fence. Check fence doors and/or boards to ensure they’re secure. Again, these things can come loose during a storm and get blown into siding, doors, or windows.

Inside

Keep yourself and your family safe from the effects of inclement weather with a storm kit. This may come in handy if you lose power or need to shelter in place for any length of time. Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit and necessary medications, a phone charger, and enough food and water for each family member. Once the storm is over, remember to restock your kit.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use a storm pack, but you’re better off being prepared in case of emergency.

Outside

Check the gutters. Tighten any loose connections and replace sections that may be cracked or broken. Clear out any debris to avoid clogs or water overflow during a downpour. Also, make sure downspouts are pointed away from your home. This will keep rainwater flowing out from the foundation and help keep things dry.

Additionally, make sure your doors and windows are set to withstand a spring or summer storm. Exterior doors should be supported by at least three hinges and have a solid locking mechanism, preferably a deadbolt.

Close windows to keep water from damaging your home’s interior and to help protect the roof. A strong wind coming in through open windows can create upward pressure on the roof from the inside. So, it’s best to keep windows sealed up.

You’ve probably already checked your roof for any damage after the winter season, but give it another look as the weather dictates. After all, this is your home’s canopy and one of the most important means of protection. Secure or replace and loose or cracked shingles to help shield the roof from rain and wind.

Be Ready for the Elements

Taking care of your home is a full-time job, and we hope these tips will help get your home ready for the elements. At Spotless & Seamless, we understand the responsibility that goes along with home ownership and want to help make things easier for you. Ask our Twin Cities home exteriors professionals about ways to protect your home this storm season and all year long. We offer seamless siding, roofing, window and door, and gutter solutions to keep your home safe no matter the weather. Contact us today to learn more.

As your home’s point of entry, the doorway is often the centerpiece and makes that important first impression. Why not give your entrance a little extra attention to help it really make a statement this season? These impressive ideas for entryway embellishments can get you started.

Welcome

A doormat is the most common decorative element a homeowner adds to an entryway. Consider sprucing up your stoop by going one step further.

• Personalize. Help identify your home and space with a personalized doormat. This can include the family name or even just an initial. Do something to make it your own.
• Layers. Get crafty with your doormat and go for the layered look. Place a decorative outdoor rug underneath your mat for an even more eye-catching look.
• Make them laugh. Show off your sense of humor with a whimsical or playful mat. Get a smile from family and friends before welcoming them into your home.

If a doormat isn’t your style, perhaps a hand-painted or specially designed welcome sign can greet your guests. Tall and commanding or wide and impressive, the concept is really up to you.

By the Numbers

For a fresh style, add an ornamental address plate to the empty space above or alongside the doorway. This can help visitors more easily identify your home and provide visual balance to your entryway.

You can also hang large, separate numbers on or alongside the door. Go for a classic look or something bold and artistic. Just be sure the size of the numbers works well for your home.

Floral Accents

Liven up your entryway with greenery or flowers. If you have the space, try adding a potted plant on either side of the door. These can act as little green columns and make for a lively, grand entrance.

Or add a pop of color and beauty with a hanging flower basket. Change out the flowers as often as you like or consider using fake flowers and avoid the worry of watering.

Décor

With some dramatic and artsy décor, your front door can welcome your guests in style without saying a word.

• Seasonal splashes. Door decorations aren’t only for late-year holidays. Get fun and creative all year round and celebrate summer holidays, birthdays, special occasions, or even “just because.” Dress up your doorway however you like and whenever the mood strikes.
• Accessorize with a door knocker. This can be as ornate or as simple as you like. Maybe try something bold and striking, simple and modern, or designed with an animal face. A unique door knocker can add elegance, sophistication, and practicality.
• Handle with flair. Upgrade door handles or the doorknob to transform the door and add some character or a bit of style.

Lights

You probably have some sort of lighting around the front door. Whether that’s a fixture on either side or one hanging directly above, we have fun ideas to enhance the lighted look.

Decorative sconces come in varying shapes and styles. Find a trend that suits your home and your taste, whether it’s a farmhouse lantern, contemporary cylinder, steampunk design, or romantic Victorian.

Or change the entire look of your entryway with a pendant light. This is a single-bulb fixture suspended from a chain, cord, or metal rod.

Add a Door

A storm or screen door can add style and functionality to your entryway. Accents and vibrant colors can help draw attention. And you can open the front door on nice days to let in some natural light and fresh air.

If you notice the front door is tattered, damaged, or letting in too much outdoor air, maybe it’s time for an upgrade altogether. A new door can increase curb appeal while adding beauty and function to your home. Ask your Twin Cities home exteriors experts about the benefits of a front door upgrade.

Get your home ready to welcome visitors this spring with these impressive ideas for entryway embellishments. The experienced professionals at Spotless & Seamless are always here to offer solutions to liven up your home’s exterior, from seamless siding to roofing to windows & doors and more. Contact us today with questions or for a free estimate.

With another winter now (hopefully) behind us, Minnesotans are slowly coming out of hibernation. You’ve probably already started jotting down your seasonal to-dos. While checking your home’s windows for any winter damage, give them a good cleanse, too. Ensure they’re ready to shine in the summer sun with these tips for spring window cleaning and care.

The Framework

The glass is probably the most widely recognized element of a window because that’s the part we look through. But the framework that holds the glass in place is just as important and deserves attention as well.

With a soft rag or brush and a mild soap and water mix, wipe down every part of the window framing. That can include the trim, sash, jambs, and sills. Also, wipe down the casings and any ledges on the outside.

If you have wooden framing around your windows, take note of the wood’s condition. Is it flaking or peeling? Is it jagged and rough? You may need to scrape or sand the surface and then repaint or stain it. But this kind of TLC will keep your windows looking great.

If the windows are older or you notice extensive wear and tear, you may want to upgrade to sturdier, more energy efficient windows. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can answer any questions.

The Accessories

To ensure optimal function, be sure to complete some spring window cleaning of the fixtures and accessories. Vacuum the track to remove any dirt, debris particles, or even little bug bodies that may have collected over winter.

Rinse off or wipe down hinges, rollers, and locks and allow each piece to fully dry. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to any moving parts to keep them functional and make for easier window operation. If you notice any missing or broken components, talk to a trained window expert for replacement parts or window replacement.

The Glass

Your home’s windows have likely been sealed up since fall. And maybe you’ve noticed a build-up of gunk or film on the glass over the past few months. Give the glass panes a thorough wash, inside and out to get rid of that winter grime.

Choose your preferred cleaning solution, whether that’s a store-bought cleaner, soap and water, or a homemade solvent. Then go to town, using your favorite method of streak-free cleaning. Maybe that means using a microfiber cloth, sponge and squeegee, or yesterday’s newspaper.

Once your windows are shiny and clean, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be all set for the sunny season.

Are you ready to get your home out of its winter hibernation? You can start crossing things off your list with these tips for spring window cleaning and care. If you notice your home needs window repairs or upgrades, ask the home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless for guidance. Our crew can offer recommendations to fit your style and budget. Contact us today with any questions.

The calendar is turning toward spring, but your home may still feel the harsh effects from winter. The best way to know for sure is to walk around your yard and take note of anything in need of attention. If you don’t know where to start, we can help with these exterior care to-dos for your spring list.

Roofing

Your home’s roof has endured a lot – cold, wind, ice, and snow – over the past several months.

Give the roof a good examination and look for signs of distress, such as loose, missing, or curled shingles. Pay attention indoors for signs of leaks originating from the outdoors. Take note of the roof’s appearance, as indentations or depressions may indicate larger issues beneath the surface.

Any and all of these issues should be addressed as quickly as possible. Taking care of them now will help you avoid bigger and more costly problems down the road.

Gutters

More than likely, you cleaned out the gutters last fall. Now, you’ll want to make sure the snow and ice melting from the rooftop have a designated and safe route for escape.

Give the gutters another look in case branches or other debris got stuck in them over the winter. Or maybe you notice gaps in the system or loose connections. Replace and repair anything that’s broken or loose or reach out to a trained professional to handle the fixes.

Maybe now is the time to upgrade your gutters and consider a LEAFAWAY® protection system. You won’t have to clean your gutters or worry about drainage again.

Siding

Check the siding for any pieces that may have come loose or become damaged or warped over the winter months.

You’ll want to take care of any issues right away to prevent moisture from getting in as the spring thaw continues. Moisture can wreak havoc by causing wood rot or issues with mold, creating costly headaches and potential health issues for your family.

If your home’s siding is in need of full repair, United States Seamless® Steel Siding provides a superior option for ideal performance and protection.

Windows

Seasonal temperature fluctuations put your windows to the test, and winter’s frigid conditions are especially brutal. Thoroughly clean the windows so they’re ready for warmer weather, and check for cracks in the glass or damage to the panes or sills. Determine what, if anything, should be mended immediately to protect your home. You want to be sure to keep the unconditioned air and water outside where it belongs.

Perhaps this is the year you upgrade to energy efficient windows. Save on heating and cooling costs while increasing comfort, safety, and curb appeal with high-performance Ply Gem windows.

These are just a few ideas of exterior care to-dos for your spring list, but they’re enough to get you started. If you notice any issues that seem troublesome, Spotless & Seamless is here to help. Our Twin Cities home exteriors experts can assess roofing, gutters, siding, and windows and go over ideas for repair or replacement to fit your lifestyle and budget. Contact us today.

In our last blog, we discussed the added light, space, and value a bay window brings to your home. But don’t forget about another type of window that can amplify the amount of sunlight to any room while delivering an old-world feel. Let’s talk a little more about bow windows and how they can help illuminate your home.

What are Bow Windows?

A bow window has a curved design and is usually made up of four, five, or six congruent window panels. If you want to better illuminate your home with natural lighting, extend your views, or add architectural flair, consider installing a bow window.

These structures often use casement windows, which require minimal effort for operation and create a tight seal when closed. Additionally, casement windows open fully to allow for increased ventilation.

Illuminate Your Home

Do certain areas of your home feel a little dark? Not to worry.

With multiple segments of glass panes and less framing between them, bow windows allow for a wealth of natural light in any room. The added sunlight as well as the larger opening will help make the room look larger, too.

Enjoy the Views

Once again, with less framing between the window panels, bow windows increase your unobstructed view to the outdoors. And that curved – or bowed – design gives you an amazing 180-degree perspective.

Stylish Look

Bow windows will certainly enhance your home’s value and appeal and could even garner extra attention for style. A bow window’s rounded angles and obvious elegance bring a hint of the Victorian-era vibe, adding a unique touch to the otherwise standard, modern arrangement.

Depending on your home’s design, you can add a unique, turret-style look by installing a bow window around a corner. This will give your home a whimsical castle feel on the outside and create a cozy reading alcove or eating nook on the inside.

For a distinct and practical upgrade, illuminate your home with a bow window. These beautiful enhancements provide more light, better views, and increased value. Plus, they add exceptional style to your living space. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can answer your questions about bow windows or provide an estimate for installation. Contact us today.

Thinking about adding a little something extra to your living space but unsure where to start? Take a look at and out your windows. Maybe you want to increase luminosity, capacity, or versatility. Keep reading to learn a few ways you can enhance your home with bay windows.

What Makes a Bay Window?

First off, what is a bay window and is it different from a bow window? We’ll discuss bow windows in our next blog, but for now, let’s talk about bay windows.

Bay windows jut out from your home and usually have three sides set at varying angles. Most bay windows are shaped like isosceles trapezoids, with the smaller side windows – called flankers – set at similar angles and the larger picture window parallel to the home.

More Light

By way of its unique design, a bay window can help add an abundance of natural light to any room. This is essentially a large wall of windows facing slightly different angles, so it easily increases the amount of sunlight coming in throughout the day in any direction.

The additional light can help cut down on energy expenses and improve your mood. You may find you’re using in-home lamps less and saving electricity. Furthermore, the extra daylight aids in the brain’s regulation of serotonin, which helps you feel calm and more focused.

Extra Space

Because bay windows protrude out from your home, the overall space inside seems larger while the actual space increases only slightly. The glass panes provide an unrestricted feel and expansive views that open up the room.

Additionally, the extra space adjacent to the window is often used for seating, storage, a cozy reading alcove, or a place to nurture houseplants. Combine seating and storage with a flip-top bench and really take advantage of that added area.

Value and Versatility

Adding a bay window adds a classic look to your home’s exterior and often increases its overall value.

Large walls are optimal spaces to install these features, and they complement any room in the home. Brighten up your living room or home office. Get better outdoor views from the kitchen. Add a reading cubby to any or every bedroom.

Whether you want to add light, space, value, versatility, or altogether fun, Spotless & Seamless can help you enhance your home with bay windows. Consult with our Twin Cities home exteriors professionals to select a personalized look for your space that fits your needs and budget. Contact us today with questions or to get started on your home’s new look.

When it’s frigid and blustery outdoors, most people want to stay snuggly warm indoors. This is especially true right now, during winter’s coldest months. Your home’s windows are one safeguard from the chilly temps outside. Be sure to watch for winter window damage so you can protect your home and enjoy the season without being left in the cold.

Cracking

Thermal stress cracks are caused by abrupt temperature changes, such as extreme cold. That chilly air can create tension with enough force to crack the glass. A tiny crack can often spread across the window, creating a bigger, more visible, and immediate issue.

Blasts of wind from a wicked winter storm can knock tree branches against and occasionally into a window. This can scratch or even break the glass and possibly require an urgent fix to keep the cold air outside where it belongs.

Warping

Some materials, especially wood, are prone to warping and bending under intense heat (and humidity) or severe cold. Untreated window frames are put through the wringer in areas with humid summers and frigid winters, both of which are staples in Minnesota. That continuous fluctuation can cause wood to lose its structural integrity, putting your windows and your home at risk.

Malfunctioning

In wintertime, window locks, handles, hinges, or other hardware elements may be difficult or impossible to operate. This could be due to ice or snow accumulation or from the cold weather freezing things in place or cracking them altogether. You probably don’t plan to open your windows much if at all in the winter, but for safety and security reasons, you don’t want them rendered inoperable, either.

Icing

Windows can also freeze shut from ice buildup. Moisture seeps through window edges and hardens once it hits the cold air, freezing the window in place and causing damage to the weather stripping. That creates a snowball effect of moisture escaping and freezing, leading to more ice formation in and around the windows.

Ice can also cause problems when it collects on eaves, gutters, or rooflines. Once those icicles or ice formations become too heavy to hang, they can break off and potentially impair or break any nearby windows. Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening outside so that it doesn’t come crashing inside.

The cold Minnesota weather can cause all kinds of disturbances and destruction, including window damage. But with the right tools, like high-performance windows from Spotless & Seamless, you can be prepared and protect your home. Our team of certified and trained home exteriors professionals is ready to help you add safety and value to your home. Contact us today to learn about window replacement options.

Every year in Minnesota, it feels like winter starts earlier and stays longer than it should. That telltale white landscape and those single-digit temps are clear indicators that we’re officially in full swing. Though we can’t do much about the snow, we can offer ideas to thwart inviting the season’s chill inside. Check your windows and doors for drafts and use these tips to help lock out the cold this winter.

Secure and Seal Windows and Doors

Throughout warmer months, you probably have windows open more often and may even leave them unlocked. To keep the cold winter air outside where it belongs, be sure to lock your windows to create a better seal. A window lock will merge the sashes and close any gaps through which cold air can sneak in or warm air can seep out.

Add some weather stripping to windows to create an even tighter seal. If you notice air coming in around exterior entryways, affix weather stripping to the top and sides of those drafty doors. Add a door sweep along the bottom to eliminate any gaps near the threshold.

Double Up on Window Coverings

The more barriers between you and the outside, the better. Use whatever you’ve got. If your windows have blinds as well as heavy drapes, combine them to provide better protection.

Keep everything closed when the weather outside is blustery and frightful. On sunny days, open up the drapes and blinds. Though the temperatures may be cold, the direct sunlight coming in should help warm up the room.

Use Door Draft Stoppers

Place these elongated and weighted draft excluders, sometimes called a door snake, along the base of an interior door to block a cold draft. On especially chilly days or for extremely drafty doors that require more than a draft stopper, hang a thick blanket on the inside of the doorway. This should help stave off drafts around all the edges.

Prepare with Plastic

A quick and inexpensive way to lock out the cold is with a plastic film window insulation. These DIY kits are readily available and simple to use. Once the film is measured and cut and then secured with a double-sided adhesive, use a blow dryer to shrink-fit the film to a clear layer of plastic insulation. This option can also help save on heating costs.

These ideas can hopefully help you lock out the cold this winter and keep your home and your family snuggly warm. If your windows or doors are older and require constant work, perhaps you want to replace them. Spotless & Seamless offers high quality solutions that will save energy, enhance curb appeal, and increase safety and comfort. Our Twin Cities home exteriors experts can discuss the best replacement options to fit your budget and needs. Contact us today.

The weather outside isn’t exactly frightful just yet. You can still decorate your home’s exterior for the holidays without the fear of Jack Frost nipping at your extremities. From twinkling lights to festive wreaths, here are some ideas to help protect yourself and your home while you safely deck the halls.

Lights

Before you add the shimmering flair of holiday lights, make sure any strings and cords are free from defects. Discard if you find any fraying or other damage that could cause electrical issues. Additionally, check that any lights or extension cords are labeled for outdoor use.

Mounting outdoor lights can be tricky but doesn’t have to be. You want to make sure the lights are well supported without causing damage to the protective insulation around the strand or to your home’s exterior.

If possible, avoid attaching lights with nails, staples, or screws. These fastening tools can damage your siding or fascia and can be especially harmful to shingles. Holes in shingles present entry points for moisture, which can present issues with mold and the roof’s structural integrity.

Instead, try using plastic clips to secure the strands to your home. Available in a variety of styles, these holders slip onto the gutters, shingles, or eaves and hold the lights in place without worry of damage to the siding or roof.

Ladders

The best way to hang lights is by using a ladder but be sure to do so safely. Watch for and avoid overhead power lines. Also, make sure the rungs are clean and dry, and wear nonslip shoes. Keep from standing on your toes. Both feet should be flat on the rungs to help maintain your balance.

The ladder should stretch about three feet beyond your roof, so that you’re not overreaching when attaching the lights. Take note of the warning labels and refrain from standing higher than the second rung from the top.

If you’re using an extension ladder, remember to set the base of the ladder out one foot for every four feet of distance from the ground to the roof or other contact point. With an extension ladder, keep from climbing past the fourth rung from the top.

Wreaths

A wreath can add a festive touch to your home’s entrance. Easily hang one without damaging the front door by using:

• A self-adhesive hook. Multi-purpose mounting tools like Command™ Brand strips can be affixed and removed with ease.
• A wreath hanger. One of those fancy (or plain) over-the-door hangers allows for perfect wreath placement without the need for a hammer and nail.
• A clear hook. If you want your holiday wreath to hang distraction-free, try a clear adhesive or suction cup hook.
• A ribbon. Loop any ribbon of your choice through the back of the wreath form. Then suspend the wreath at the desired length and attach the ribbon to the top of the door frame with thumb tacks.

However you choose to decorate this season, remember to have fun and protect yourself and your home while you safely deck the halls. If you notice any issues with your home’s siding or roofing, your Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless are here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns.