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Christi Pryor
Pamela Hege asked:
Christi Pryor of Callen Construction, Inc. PRO answered:
Gaps are typically caused by different expansion and contraction rates of different types of materials at different temperatures. The frame of the window may be vinyl or wood, which expands at different rates than the wood wall framing and the brick exterior wall surfaces, depending on the temperature or humidity of any particular day. Some days (or seasons) the gaps will be larger and other times they will be smaller. Using a window frame made of fiberglass, which has very low expansion and contraction rates, would be a good solution for this type pf problem.
The quality of the caulk used to fill those gaps will also determine if it will stay attached to those surfaces, and the caulk will also expand at different rates. Generally, the thicker the caulk bead, the more you will see these negative effects. Thicker caulk beads, typically used to seal larger gaps, have a harder time staying attached to both surface they are sealing up and will come apart more often. Therefore, it is important that the window is sized properly and installed well in order to avoid large gaps around the window that then need to be filled with caulk.
Kathryn Ewing asked:
Christi Pryor of Callen Construction, Inc. PRO answered:
Tin panels for walls would look nice and can be cut to size and nailed on so it will make for an inexpensive and removable application to spice up the kitchen backsplash. Even adding color with paint by doing a pattern or faux finish can be nice to spruce it up and add interest. Just make sure you use semi-gloss for easy cleaning in the kitchen. You can repaint it to standard white before you move out.
Wendy Graham asked:
Christi Pryor of Callen Construction, Inc. PRO answered:
Standard ideal height would be 32", but in this case with a 5' 1" chef we would fully customize this for the situation.
john barton asked:
Christi Pryor of Callen Construction, Inc. PRO answered:
We think this is a great blog on ice damming and the need fir insulation.
http://www.callenblog.com/keeping-attic-heat-and-moisture-under-control
Good luck.
Home Exteriors by Callen
Robert Lehr asked:
Christi Pryor of Callen Construction, Inc. PRO answered:
A Leading Consumer Magazine Makes Gutter Topper A Recommended Gutter Guard Choice.
In an issue of the magazine, they tested a number of gutter guard systems for debris and performance. Of the gutter guard systems, Gutter Topper was a recommended choice and the highest-rated ‘surface tension’ system.
How Gutter Topper Gutter Guards Performed in Independent TestingGutter Topper was tested for debris buildup, wind and rain in independent tests. Gutter Topper gutter guards exceeded expectations in all three categories:
- Debris is based on a mixture of leaves, bark, twigs and pine needles. The test conditions and methods were developed to simulate normal conditions that occur in most areas of the United States.
On Debris—Gutter Topper was rated Excellent - Wind is ability to withstand straight line winds without any lift or movement.
On Wind—Gutter Topper withstood winds of 110 mph (winds equivalent to a category 2 hurricane) without any lift or movement. - Rain is ability to contain rain water, based on an amount of rainfall measured in inches per hour.
On Rain—Gutter Topper handled the equivalent of 22 inches of rainfall per hour.
Again, no competitive gutter guard system has scored higher in any category than Gutter Topper in independent testing. It confirms you’ve made a wise choice in your selection of Gutter Topper.
