The 5 Top Benefits of Window Replacement 

1. Energy Efficiency: The harsh winters and hot summers in the Northeast can lead to high heating and cooling costs. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, According to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy-efficient windows, such as those with Low-E glass and advanced insulation, help reduce energy consumption, maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, and lower utility bills.
2. Improved Comfort: Old or poorly functioning windows can lead to drafts, condensation, and temperature imbalances in the home. Replacement windows can significantly enhance indoor comfort by eliminating drafts and maintaining a more consistent temperature.
3. Enhanced Aesthetics: Upgrading windows can transform the curb appeal of a home. Homeowners often replace windows to give their properties a fresh, updated look, or to match the architectural style of their homes. New windows can also improve interior aesthetics by letting in more natural light and offering better views.
4. Noise Reduction: Windows with acoustic insulation or laminated glass can help create a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.
5. Home Value: Replacing windows is an investment that can increase the resale value of a home. Modern, energy-efficient windows are attractive to potential buyers and can lead to a higher selling price. Homeowners often see a good return on investment when selling their homes with upgraded windows.

It’s important to consider the specific needs and goals of your home when deciding to replace windows. Factors like the age and condition of your existing windows, budget, climate, and personal preferences will influence the decision. Consulting with a local window professional such as Riverhead Building Supply can help you choose the right windows for you.

Replacement Window or Insert Window – What’s the difference?

The choice between a full replacement window and an insert window depends on several factors, including the condition of the existing window and frame, your design preferences, and your budget. If the existing window frame is in good condition and you want a simpler installation, an insert window may be a suitable choice. However, if the frame is deteriorating, or if you want to change the window’s size or style significantly, a full replacement window may be the better option.

Full Replacement Window:

• When you opt for a full replacement window, it typically involves removing the entire existing window unit, including the frame, sashes, and all components. This means that you are essentially starting from scratch, and a new window is installed in its place.
• Full replacement windows are often used when the existing window and frame are in poor condition or when you want to change the window’s size or style. The entire window opening is reconfigured to accommodate the new window, which may involve modifications to the wall structure.
• Since a full replacement window includes its own frame and jamb components, it may result in a slightly thicker frame profile compared to insert windows. This can impact the visible glass area and the overall aesthetics.

Insert Window:

• Installation Method: An insert window, also known as a pocket window or retrofit window, is designed to fit into the existing window opening without disturbing the surrounding frame, interior trim, or exterior siding. It’s a more straightforward and less invasive installation process.
• Preservation of Frame: With insert windows, the existing frame and trim are left in place. Only the old sashes and window unit are removed, and the new window is installed within the existing frame. This method is less disruptive to the home’s structure and aesthetics.
• Thinner Frame: Since an insert window doesn’t replace the existing frame, it typically has a thinner profile than a full replacement window. This allows for a larger visible glass area and can be an advantage if preserving the original frame and trim is desirable.

Our top Replacement Window Solutions from Andersen, Marvin, and MI Windows

When it’s time for window replacement, explore Riverhead Building Supply for windows from Andersen, Marvin, and MI Windows. With a wide variety of styles, quality materials, customization opportunities, affordability, and a commitment to energy efficiency, these trusted brands provide a gateway to improving your home’s comfort and aesthetics. Make your home more beautiful, efficient, and eco-friendly by choosing the right replacement windows and professional installation services for your unique needs.

Read on for our selections of full replacement windows and insert windows.

The Andersen Woodwright Replacement Window and The Andersen Woodwright Insert Window both offer a traditional wood window aesthetic with customization options, but they differ in installation methods and frame profiles.  The primary difference between these two options is the installation method. The Replacement Window is a complete window unit designed to replace the entire window, while the Insert Window is meant to fit into an existing window frame, making it a suitable choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their windows without a full-frame replacement.

The Narroline Replacement Kit is a unique product designed to enhance the energy efficiency of existing Narroline double-hung windows, making it a specialized solution for Andersen’s own product line. 

When choosing among these options, consider your specific needs, including whether you want a full-frame replacement, an insert, or an upgrade for Narroline windows.

Marvin Windows offers a range of replacement window types, with the Ultimate series emphasizing traditional wood or wood-clad materials and a high degree of customization, while the Elevate series utilizes Ultrex fiberglass for durability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in standard sizes. Your choice will depend on your style preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your home renovation or replacement project.

MI Windows – Affordable Quality

If affordability and quality are your top priorities for replacement windows, MI Windows has you covered:

• Diverse Styles: MI Windows offers a wide variety of replacement window styles to suit your home’s architectural design.
• Quality Materials: MI Windows provides a range of window options crafted from vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability and energy efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency: MI Windows provides energy-efficient replacement windows with features like Low-E glass, advanced weatherstripping, and thermal barriers to reduce energy consumption.
• Customization: MI Windows understands that every home is unique. Their replacement windows can be customized with various frame colors, grid patterns, and sizing options to create a window solution that perfectly complements your home’s aesthetics.
• Affordability: MI Windows is committed to providing affordable window solutions without compromising on quality.
• Warranty: MI Windows stands by the quality of their products and offers solid warranties to provide peace of mind to homeowners. Be sure to review the specific warranty details for the replacement windows you select at miwindows.com.

Window Installation Service – The Key to a Successful Replacement

Window replacement is more than just swapping old windows for new ones; it’s an opportunity to enhance your home.Whether you choose Andersen, Marvin, or MI Windows for your replacement windows, it’s crucial to consider professional window installation services. Installation by Riverhead Building Supply professionals ensures that your new windows are fitted correctly, maximizing their energy efficiency and longevity. Currently, Riverhead Building Supply offers installation services for residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York. To learn more or to get a quote, call us at 631-591-7810 or fill out our short form.

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Check outdoor decks

Examine your deck carefully for loose boards or components that are worn, damaged, cracked, rusted or rotted.  Inspect the floor of your deck, stair treads, posts, beams, joists, railing, balusters, footings and fasteners. Repair or replace damaged components and secure anything that is loose.

Clean/prep decks and railings

Clean and prepare your outdoor decks and railings. Get rid of the dirt, debris, mold and mildew that could damage your decks and railings. Keep in mind that there are different cleaning solutions and methods for natural wood vs. composite materials. Be sure to use the care and cleaning guidelines appropriate for your decking and railing material.

Examine outdoor steps and handrails

Broken or worn out steps are not only unsightly, they are also a safety hazard. Inspect your outdoor steps for signs of damage or missing components.  Look for tread damage, weathering, insect damage, mold, and splitting.  Check handrails to make sure they are not loose or in need of replacement. Anything that is damaged should be repaired and anything that is missing or beyond repair should be replaced.

Inspect your roof

Harsh winter storms can wreak havoc on any roof. Even one missing shingle can cause leaks and draining problems which can lead to mold, rotted wood, and more. Look at your roof for signs of damage, missing shingles or anything that needs to be repaired or replaced and take care of the problem as soon as possible.

Clean siding

Mold, mildew, dirt and grime accumulate on all types of siding, even the ones that are considered low-maintenance. There are different cleaning methods for vinyl, composite and other man-made materials vs. wood.  Many people rely on high pressure power washing to clean siding, but most experts suggest against that. The high pressure can damage wood fibers and push dirt further into the wood. Pressure washing can also damage vinyl siding as well as windows, planters, etc.  One of the worst things high pressure power washing can do is force water behind the siding. This is never good. The water can remain there and cause mold. Soft washing and cleaning by hand are less harsh cleaning options.

Inspect windows and exterior doors

Well-maintained windows and doors are important for your home’s security, energy-efficiency and aesthetics. Now is the time to inspect your windows and doors to make sure they are operating properly. Casement windows should open easily, double hung windows should be easy to push up, doors should close securely, and sliding doors should glide well. Prefer a pro take a look, connect with our installation services team. Here are some other window and door maintenance tips:

• Make sure the locks are working
• Tighten loose screws or hardware
• Clean sliding door tracks
• Adjust screen rollers so screen doors glide easily
• Oil any squeaky hinges
• Replace broken hardware
• Replace ripped screens
• Check weatherstrip and replace if necessary
• Clean windows and casings
• Check paint or finish

Install your screens

Get ready to let in the warm fresh air and install the screens in your windows and patio doors. Check all screens for damage and repair or replace if needed. If you have young children or pets, you may want to consider using screens made with special stronger materials that can handle more pressure on the screen.

Check and clean gutters

Leaves, sticks and dirt can get clogged in gutters causing roof leaks and water damage both inside and outside your home.  Clogged gutters also attract rodents, insects and mold. Make sure water is flowing into the downspout and draining away from your foundation or any structures. If your gutters are clogged, take the time to clean them or hire a professional. This is also a good time to clean debris out of the dry wells around basement windows.

Preventative outdoor home spring maintenance tasks are essential for keeping your home in optimal condition. By identifying and taking care of any issues now, you can prevent them from becoming bigger and more expensive problems in the future. If you are looking for an installer for some of these items, contact our installation services team.

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What is curb appeal?

Curb appeal is how people perceive your home from the street. Curb appeal is essential if you are selling your home, but it is also important to have even if you are not. A home with nice curb appeal is an asset to the neighborhood and can increase an area’s property values.

Here are five projects that can have a major positive impact on the curb appeal of your home.

Paint your home’s exterior

One of the easiest ways to give your home’s exterior a picture-perfect makeover is with paint. Whether you choose a neutral color or something more vibrant, a fresh coat of paint looks clean and crisp.  It will update the appearance of your home and significantly enhance its curb appeal.

If you want a new appearance without having to paint, vinyl or fiber cement siding are good options. These high-performance wood-siding alternatives look like the real thing, without all the maintenance. Complement your siding with decorative trim and moulding for a custom designer touch.

Add or replace fencing

While fencing is practical for safety, security, privacy and defining your outdoor space, it can also create – or detract from – curb appeal. A fence that is falling down, rotting, or shabby looks bad and may also decrease the value of your property.

Repair and repaint your fence as needed to ensure that it is both functional and attractive. If you decide you want to do a more complete renovation of your landscape, you can replace your fence with a brand new one. Today there are many gorgeous wood fences to choose from, as well as maintenance-free vinyl fencing options.

Replace windows

Windows contribute greatly to your home’s overall curb appeal. Make sure yours are as nice as they can be.

Touch up window frames that have chipped or peeling paint. Fix any ripped screens. Dress up dreary old windows with new shutters or repaint your current shutters. If you want more of a transformation, consider having new windows installed. Custom or replacement windows will not only add aesthetic appeal to the exterior of your home, but they may also be more energy-efficient. There are beautiful window shapes, grill configurations and glazing options to match virtually every budget and architectural design.

Install a new front door

An outdated front door with old hardware or chipped paint can leave passersby with a negative impression about your home. Create a more welcoming entrance and boost your home’s curb appeal by replacing your front door.  Whether you choose a standard size door or a custom configuration…a distinctive wood door with decorative glass or a sturdy fiberglass door…there are plenty of style selections that can dramatically enhance your entranceway. Find one that complements the design of your home.

Don’t have room in your budget to replace your door?  Give your existing door a coat of fresh paint in a bold color. Try something fun and unexpected. This is an easy and affordable way to transform a bland door into something unique and special.

Repair or replace your roof

A roof that is discolored or missing shingles is more than just an eyesore; it can also be putting your home at risk of major damage. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, snow, wind and other weather elements. A roof that is in poor condition can let in moisture that can seep into the roof’s underlayment. This can eventually lead to leaks, ice buildup, mold and other dangers.

Add beauty, value and energy-efficiency to your home and prevent expensive problems in the future by repairing or replacing an aging or damaged roof. Shingles are available in many colors, materials and styles including composite slate shingles, eco-friendly shingles, and asphalt shingles that look like slate or wood shakes.

Ready to improve your home’s curb appeal?  Riverhead Building Supply has all the supplies and accessories you need to give your home’s exterior and landscape a fresh and eye-catching new look. Contact Riverhead Building Supply and see how we can help you!

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During October, Riverhead Building Supply has special offers and incentives on James Hardie siding products and GAF roofing products.

Save 10% on your purchase of any James Hardie exterior products at all Riverhead Building Supply locations. That 10% adds up to tremendous savings on popular HardiePlank® lap siding, HardieShingle® siding, HardiePanel® vertical siding, HardieTrim® boards and more.
This is the siding that stands up to the elements, and stands out in a neighborhood.  Choose from one of James Hardie’s 15 statement making prefinished colors, or apply your own. James Hardie makes the world’s highest-performance fiber cement siding, trim, backer board and more.
We’re confident that you won’t find this offer anywhere else. Make your selections and order during October 2019 to take advantage of our special pricing.  Accept delivery by November 30, 2019.  Visit jameshardie.com for more.
 
Hit the Roof
For pros, this is the right time to make Riverhead Building Supply your full service GAF roofing provider. In addition to having the complete GAF system on hand and ready to ship the same day, Riverhead Building Supply has special incentives for professionals during the month of October! If you are using 50 squares or more of shingles per month, you could earn a Weber Spirit II grill, a 50” Samsung TV or an Apple iPad – only from Riverhead Building Supply.

For every 50 squares of GAF Timberline American Harvest or Timberline Ultra HD shingles you buy during October 2019, you earn a reward. Choose the rewards you want – make them the same or get all 3!

Want to learn more? Click here or talk to your RBS sales rep today.

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August 1 – 31, 2019

Updating the exterior of your home is easy with Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding. If you’re not sure where to start, try the Dream Designer tool. Using the Dream Designer, you can select a home style that most closely matches your own, or even upload a photo of your home. Then, select different styles and colors of siding to see what you like best. Using the tool helps you to envision different colors, styles and textures of siding, and how they coordinate with the colors of your roof, windows, doors and trim.

Be bold, try a 2- or 3-color combination for your siding, adding different colors to gable ends or porch walls. Play with textures, using vertical siding to highlight one area, and horizontal siding on other walls. Or mix a shingle style with a lap style siding to add interest.

Exterior Portfolio has several collections, including Portsmouth Shake & Shingles, board and batten, half round shingles, and popular lap siding. All are available in a palette of fresh colors from neutral grays and earth tones, to greens, blues and red.

Once your siding is installed, relax and enjoy the low maintenance exterior. Exterior Portfolio colors resist fading and are backed by a great warranty. Cleaning is easy, gentle detergent and water are all that is needed to keep your siding looking good. Say goodbye to the upkeep of wood siding, which includes regular maintenance like scraping, prepping and refinishing.
From August 1 – 31, 2019, take 10% off the price of all Exterior Portfolio vinyl products at Riverhead Building Supply. Get started on your home makeover today!

Got a question?
Give RBS a call!

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Make your purchases before July 28th to enjoy an extra 10% our stock TimberTech products.

If you have been thinking about adding or replacing a porch or deck, now is the time to do it. Our midsummer decking sale includes savings on some of our best railing kits and color matched fasteners, too.
TimberTech is a leader in composite decking industry and offers a variety of products, colors and warranties, such as TimberTech AZEK, a premium capped polymer decking product. This durable and attractive decking is offered in 3 different collections, each with its own unique characteristics and contemporary color palette.  It has a 50 year limited lifetime warranty, and a 50 year limited fade and stain warranty.
TimberTech Pro is a capped composite decking offered in 3 attractive collections, each with stunning color choices.  This collection comes complete with a 30 year limited product warranty and a 30 year limited fade and stain warranty.
TimberTech Edge offers 2 collections and popular colors, all backed by the industry’s best 25 year limited lifetime warranty, and a 25-year fade and stain warranty.
No deck or porch is complete without railings, and our midsummer sale gives you plenty of choices to consider while you save a bundle.  Whether you like a color matched look, a contrast to your deck, or a contemporary cable rail, you’ll find many options to finish of your deck or porch with style.
Whatever your decking needs, Riverhead Building Supply’s Midsummer Decking Sale has the selection you want at a fantastic price. Stop in today!

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Strong, Maintenance-Free Exterior Portfolio Siding

Exterior Portfolio by Royal Building Products is a complete collection of high-quality, maintenance-free cladding products. From traditional clapboard-style shingles to Dutchlap, cedar shingles, soffits and trim, Exterior Portfolio has the siding products you need to transform your home’s exterior into something beautiful this fall.

Riverhead Building Supply carries all of Exterior Portfolio’s most popular products including:

Portsmouth^TM Shake and Shingles – Exterior Portfolio has an incredible range of beautiful shakes and shingles to complement whatever style of home you may have. Choose from 8′ and Double 7″ cedar shingles, D5 shingles, staggered edge and hand-split shake shingles, and half rounds.

CraneBoard® Board & Batten – The architecturally-correct wide-board Board & Batten vertical siding design is making a comeback and it is easy to see why! It adds the charm and dimension of hand-milled rustic cedar grain to your home and is ideal for use as an accent or theme.

CraneBoard® – This insulated, wind-resistant vinyl siding features an authentic straight-face design and a clean hand-milled cedar grained appearance. CraneBoard® is classic and crisp and is a great way to enhance the energy-efficiency of your home just in time for the colder weather.

Market Square – Give your home a natural look with durable Market Square siding that features the beautiful textured grain of forest-grown cedar. Available in over 20 colors and in Double 4″, Double 4.5″ Dutchlap and Double 5″ profiles.

Elm Grove – Enjoy timeless curb appeal with Elm Grove siding. It looks like real wood and is available in Double 4″, Double 4″ Dutchlap and Double 5″ Dutchlap profiles and 13 color styles.

Trim and soffits – Add visual interest as well as important protection with corners, window and door trim, and soffits in a variety of sizes and styles.

Visit our Exterior Portfolio page to learn more about the company’s complete range of products. The website also has easy-to-use tools that can help you find a contractor, create a budget, understand your siding options, and choose the perfect siding for your home.

This October make your home’s exterior less spooky and more spectacular with Exterior Portfolio siding and accessories. Contact Riverhead Building Supply today to take advantage of our special savings available until October 31.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Riverhead Building Supply!

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Maintaining your roof not only helps extend its lifespan (by as much as 7 to 10 years), it keeps your home’s market value from dipping because no home buyer wants to buy a home only to have to replace its roof not long after taking ownership. In this guide, we’ll share the roof maintenance tips you need to know and what to look for when performing a roof inspection to determine if it’s time for a new roof.

Seasonal Tasks for Protecting Your Roof

The start of spring and the fall are the seasons you can expect to be doing the bulk of the maintenance on your roof. Once the weather warms up, you will want to check your roof for any signs of damage that may have occurred over the winter. This is particularly important if you had a very snowy or icy winter season. Look for loose or missing shingles, dings or dents caused by falling branches, and check the seals and flashing around the vents, skylights, and/or any other fixtures protruding from your roof.

Cleaning your gutters is another task that you should do as soon as you can after winter’s icy days are in the rear-view mirror. Spring typically brings a lot of rain to most parts of the country, so you want to ensure there is nothing blocking the rainwater’s route to the downspouts. Avoiding this task can put your home at risk of having collected rainwater in the gutters flowing backward into the home where it can cause significant (and expensive) damage.

Throughout the spring and summer, you should keep your roof free of fallen tree limbs, twigs, and other debris because if left on the roof, they can cause algae, moss, or lichen to grow. Cutting any encroaching branches or limbs away will help reduce this risk while at the same time making it harder for squirrels and other animals and insects from getting into your home.

If your asphalt roof has mold or algae growing on it, try this homemade cleaning solution: 1 gal. bleach, 4 gal. water, 1 cup trisodium phosphate.  Mix all ingredients in a pump sprayer, spray of roof.  Let sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with plain water from your garden hose.

Another important task in spring is to inspect your attic’s insulation and ventilation. Nothing should be blocking the airflow from louvre to louvre. You want the air to flow easily through your attic, so it can reduce the risk of condensation building up. While you’re in the attic, check the netting on the louvres to ensure no bats, birds, or other pests can work their way into your attic.

How to Tell if You Need a New Roof

Even with excellent roof care, a roof will eventually need to be replaced. Here are some of the common tell-tale signs that it is time to have a new roof installed on your home.

• Attic Leaks – If you have one or more leaks noticeable in your attic, then you will want to have your roof inspected by a professional.
• Ceiling Stains or Mold/Mildew Growth – If you can’t gain access to your attic, then you will know you have a roof leak when the ceiling starts looking stained in one spot. Your home may also start smelling musty if mold or mildew starts growing on the other side of the ceiling’s drywall.
• Shingle Debris in the Gutters – If you see small grains in the gutters, these granules are coming from your shingles. This means the shingles are starting to deteriorate and will need to be replaced very soon.
• Missing, Curled, or Cracked Shingles – When shingles reach the end of their lifespan, they will become brittle, loose, or curled. Replacing them with newer materials is the only option you have at this point.
• High Energy Bills – Inadequate roof ventilation can cause hot air to become trapped in the attic where it will work against your air conditioner. This forces your AC to work harder and longer to cool the home, and this not only causes your energy bills to skyrocket, it also reduces the lifespan of your HVAC system.

How to Inspect Your Roof for Damage

Inspecting your roof for damage is something you should be doing every time you perform any kind of maintenance on it. You can even check it from the ground using binoculars if you have trepidations about getting on your roof. Some of the things you should regularly be checking for include:

• • Rotting or other damage on the fascia and under the eaves and overhangs
  • Popped up roofing nails
  • Open or damaged seams and joints
  • Cracks, exposed nails, or poor coverage in flashing
  • Missing, torn, or misshapen shingles
  • Signs of insect or animal infestation
  • Sagging areas on the roof
  • Sagging or loose gutters
  • Shingles with dark patches or biologic growth
  • Blocks in the roof’s ventilation
  • Cracks in the sealant around roof penetrations
  • Signs of leaks on the inside of the attic

Riverhead Building Supply Has All Your Residential and Commercial Roofing Products

If you are a DIY homeowner or a professional roofing contractor and you’re looking for quality roofing products to help you maintain, repair or replace a roof, then Riverhead Building Supply has everything you’re looking for. We can help you get the job done right. Click here to view our incredible selection of residential and commercial roofing supplies and materials and contact us today.

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