Exterior Door Installation: Hire a Professional or DIY?

VEA Technologies on September 5, 2023

When you’re ready to upgrade your exterior door, you might be considering the DIY route. Exterior door installation may seem like an easy enough project, but there are a few important things to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a professional. 

DIY Exterior Door Installation 

In some circumstances, changing a door is a straightforward project. For example, if you live in a brand-new home, replacing an entry door that is the exact same size as your old door is certainly doable, provided you have basic carpentry skills and the necessary materials. This is, however, the best-case situation for a do-it-yourself door replacement. Patio doors, storm doors, and customized doors may need more sophisticated skills and power tools that you may not have. Before you undertake a DIY door install, there are a few things to consider.

How Will You Transport The New Door?

Without a truck or someone you can borrow one from, you may not even be able to get the new exterior door to your house. Patio doors and main entrance doors with sidelights are significantly bigger than standard entry or storm doors, so keep this in mind when choosing your door. If you don’t have a truck, you may have to pay an extra delivery fee on top of the cost of your door.

Do You Have The Proper Tools?

The essential equipment required for installing a pre-hung door is a screwdriver, pry bar, level, caulk, caulk gun, and hammer. However, if you’re installing a different size door, you’ll need a few extra tools that you might not have in your homeowner’s toolbox.

Do You Have The Time?

If you’ve never tackled an exterior door installation yourself before, you’ll probably take far longer than a professional door installer. Consider how much your time is worth and whether or not you want to take the time to install a door or if you’d rather pay a professional. 

Professional Exterior Door Installation

Sometimes it is just better to leave it to the pros. Getting a free estimate is worth it to determine if you want to have a professional install your exterior door. They will help you in understanding what is required to complete an exterior door installation, as well as providing a full cost estimate to help you budget for your project. As an added bonus, they have the knowledge to assist you in selecting the ideal exterior doors for your home.

Get High-Quality Products

When choosing to get the help of a professional, you will gain access to a wider selection of products than if you simply stopped by the nearest big-box store. Local businesses often have close relationships with door manufacturers that use higher-quality materials. By choosing this route, you can get exactly what you want and know that it will stand the test of time.

Get Exclusive Warranties

When you hire a professional to install your door, you get the added benefit of product warranties. Many also provide coverage that holds the business responsible for installing the door incorrectly. It’s crucial to keep in mind that many door manufacturers require that a door is installed by a professional in order to maintain the product warranty.

Insurance and Liability

Professionals who install exterior doors are insured, and some are even bonded, so you won’t be held financially accountable for anything other than the original product and labor costs. If any property damage occurs or anybody on the team is injured during the installation, the professionals are responsible for the costs. When undertaking a DIY door installation, you do not have this level of protection, and you could end up significantly increasing the cost of a DIY door installation over a professional door installation.

Hire the Professionals at Manor

Manor offers exterior door installation replacement services, so you don’t have to stress over another DIY project. We have a huge selection of Marvin and Pella doors that are perfect for you and your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help you find the door that will welcome your friends and family for years to come. We also offer financing!

Building a Deck For All Seasons

VEA Technologies on August 10, 2023

Adding a deck to your home is an excellent way to extend your living space and create a fun and functional place to entertain, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Even though Mid-Missouri weather brings us all four seasons, it is possible to build a deck that you can enjoy year-round. Here are some of the most important things to consider when building a deck for all seasons. 

Use The Right Materials

One of the most important components of building a deck that you can use during all seasons is choosing the right materials. 

Composite Decking

Composite decking is one of the best materials you can use when building a deck for all seasons. It is very low maintenance, and you won’t need to worry about wood rotting, splintering, or becoming damaged from blizzard conditions or the scorching sun. And as an added bonus, composite decking comes in a variety of colors, so you can build a deck that blends in seamlessly with your home’s existing style and aesthetic. 

Wood Decking

Mid-Missouri tends to have some harsh winter conditions that can bring heavy snow and ice. When snow melts, it can form ice dams which may damage some types of wood. Winter weather can be quite harsh on wood decking, so if you plan on building a deck from all wood, be sure to use high-quality materials that have been treated properly. 

Add a Covering

Adding a roof when building a deck is one of the best ways to enjoy this type of outdoor living space during any season. It will provide shade from the hot summer sun or shelter from a spring drizzle, allowing you to get more use out of this area. It also gives you the ability to add other important features to help you enjoy your deck throughout the year, like lights, ceiling fans, heat sources, and more. 

Choose the Right Location

Sometimes it’s obvious where a deck should go, but other times there may be more than one option. How you want your deck to function will determine which place is best for it, especially if you want to use it for all seasons. You may want to place your deck in a more shaded location for optimal comfort in the summer, or perhaps you want to enjoy your deck in the fall, so facing it in the direction of the sun might be best. You may also want to determine how the wind patterns on your property may affect how enjoyable it is to use your deck or how much privacy you’ll have in any given location. 

Install a Ceiling Fan

If you do install a roof for your deck, you now have the ability to add a ceiling fan or two. This will help keep air circulation on days when there seems to be no breeze, but you want to enjoy your deck. A ceiling fan can also help keep mosquitoes away. By maintaining a decent breeze under your deck covering, they are less likely to hang around. 

Add Deck Lighting

If you plan to use your deck often in the fall when the sun goes down earlier than in the summer, having lighting on your deck can make a huge difference. When building a deck, plan for the type of lighting fixtures you wish to use. You can opt for wired lighting or solar, depending on your needs and wants. Either way, you will be glad to have a light source to make your deck more enjoyable and safer to use when the sun has set. 

Leave Room for a Heat Source

If you plan to use your deck in the chilly months, be sure to plan on building a deck that allows room for a heat source. Some people may choose a slim patio heater that runs off propane, but others may love the idea of building a fire in a fire pit. If you plan to have a fire pit on your deck, be sure that you have space for it and that the fire pit you choose won’t damage the decking material underneath it.

Plan for Heavy Objects

One of the most inviting additions to a deck is a hot tub. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a nice hot soak while the snow gently falls around you. However, if you want to have a hot tub on your deck, you will need to have the right substructure to create a deck strong enough to hold such a heavy object. All of that water can get quite heavy and create an environment that is unsafe. 

Consult with Professionals 

Interested in building a deck that you can enjoy all year? From custom decks and enclosed patio rooms to gazebos and pergolas, our experienced deck builders and outdoor living craftsmen are ready to transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis. At Manor, we’ve researched, tested, and worked with manufacturer reps and product developers to offer you the perfect combination of decking, railing, lighting, and stone enhancements to meet your design needs and budget. Get a free estimate from the professionals at Manor.

Tips For Inspecting Hail Damaged Siding

VEA Technologies on July 13, 2023

As a Midwesterner, your roof and siding have likely seen their fair share of hailstorms. At this point, you might know the obvious tell-tale signs of hail damaged siding. Unfortunately, not all damage is clearly visible to the untrained eye. While bigger hailstones cause evident damage, smaller hailstones may not appear to be as harmful. Hail with a diameter of less than an inch might cause damage to your siding that you can’t easily spot. Here is what to look for when inspecting your siding for hail damage and when to call in the professionals. 

Hail Damage on Vinyl Siding

When you have vinyl siding, you may be more prone to damage from hail. Sometimes you can see very obvious signs of hail damage, but some may be more subtle since hail can bounce off vinyl, especially if it’s newer. When hail hits vinyl siding, it usually leaves no dents. However, when dense, large, or fast-falling hailstones strike vinyl siding, the panels might break or chip. Cracks may be more common in older vinyl siding. You may also notice holes or puncture marks where hail has struck. This is an obvious way to identify whether there is damage, but keep in mind that just because you don’t see any problems doesn’t indicate that hail hasn’t damaged your siding. Also, examine for buckling or warping, which is frequent with damaged vinyl siding. Buckled and warped siding is still an issue you must address since it decreases its ability to protect your home. 

Hail Damage on Wood and Metal Siding

While vinyl siding may hide dents, wood and metal siding won’t. Denting is likely the most common visible sign of hail damaged wood and metal siding. You may even be able to tell how large the hailstone was that hit your siding because some of the dents might be very prominent. If your siding is painted, you will likely notice paint spots missing which is an indication that hail has damaged your siding. 

Hail Damage on Aluminum Siding

When hail hits aluminum siding, it creates a distinct-looking dent. The size of the hail determines the size of the dent. The dents may sometimes be seen with the naked eye, especially if the siding surface is smooth. If the aluminum siding is stamped with a wood pattern, the dent may be more difficult to see, so you may have to inspect closer. After a bad hail storm, oxidation markings are frequently left on aluminum siding. You may initially be tempted to just paint over these marks. However, oxidized siding is an indication that it is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced. To check for oxidation, run your hand down the siding and look for a powdery residue left on your hand. If, while doing this, you also notice dimples, this indicates that it has been damaged and may need to be replaced. 

Concerned About Hail Damaged Siding? Call Manor.

After a major hailstorm, Missouri residents should inspect their siding for damage. When you do have hail damage to your siding, it’s important to address it quickly. The professionals at Manor understand that your home’s siding serves a very important purpose, and repairing damaged siding swiftly is critical after a storm. Visit the website to learn more about siding replacement or request a free estimate today. 

Should You Get a Four Season Room In Missouri?

VEA Technologies on June 6, 2023

Many homeowners love entertaining outside. If you are one of these homeowners, you may be disappointed when the Missouri weather transitions from the warm spring and summer months to the cooler months of winter. That is, unless you have a four season room. Having an outdoor space that you can enjoy in any weather and at any time of year is something many Missourians dream about! Four season rooms, often known as sunrooms, are ideal for people who like spending time outside. They give an abundance of natural light and, when done correctly, provide an oasis for you to escape to at any time of year. So are four season rooms worth it in Missouri?

What is a Four Season Room?

A four season room is a glass-enclosed sunroom that provides stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the outdoors. The roofs and frames are thermally built to allow adequate heating and cooling. This feature enables you to use the sunroom all year round, regardless of the season. Four season rooms are well suited to withstand cold winter temperatures when they feature double-glazed, energy efficient glass. Thermally designed frame solutions are also available for these rooms to enable the space to be heated and cooled at a minimal cost all year long, regardless of your climate.

Benefits of Four Season Rooms in Missouri

Get Indoor/Outdoor Living Year-Round

One of the most valuable features of a four season room is the opportunity to enjoy indoor/outdoor life in any season. You can entertain guests all year and won’t have to worry about the weather. From surprise spring showers to heavy winter snowfalls, you can enjoy outdoor life without canceling a celebration because of Mother Nature. You get a climate-controlled space for entertaining and family living, no matter what weather Missouri has on any given day.

Avoid Pesky Pests

Missourians know that bugs and pests are simply part of outdoor living here. One of the biggest complaints people have when enjoying the outdoors are mosquitoes. These bugs are some of the most unwelcome guests, yet they always show up and bite you when you least expect it. With a four season room, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the need to cover yourself and your family in bug spray. Flies are also a common nuisance in Missouri, especially when it’s time for a BBQ. Your food will be safe from flies when you’re enjoying it in a four season room. 

Increase Your Home’s Value

Making more usable space in your home is always attractive to potential buyers, especially in Missouri. Additional square footage is an excellent way to increase the value of your house, maybe more than any other additions you might make. If you want more space in your house for entertaining and want to raise the value of your property, but other types of home additions are out of the question, a four season room is the ideal answer.

Create a Versatile Space

A four season room can be used in a variety of ways because it is climate controlled year-round. It could become a home office, a room for arts and crafts, a guest bedroom, workout room, playroom, greenhouse, dining space, and so much more. The only limit is your imagination!

Get a Four Season Room from Manor

Enjoying Mid-Missouri weather is best done with a four seasons room. Manor has a team of experts who can create a four seasons room that is an extension of your home and blends seamlessly from your existing home into the new addition. We can match your siding and roofing while using high-quality materials to create a space that will stand the test of time and hold up to the harsh weather of Mid-Missouri. Your new addition will look like it was always there. Get a free estimate today!