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This page can save you project start-up time by listing our responses to the most often asked home
There are some basic questions to get answered at the beginning of any new project, be it home improvement or new construction. The list provided here is intended to cover the basics and get you started faster prior to calling us or visiting us here at APCO. Let’s get going!
How do I know APCO is a company I can trust? APCO has been in business since 1962. We are and have been a member of the B.B.B., Home Builders Association, and NARI for over thirty years. In the Columbus area APCO has over 100,000 satisfied customers. When you think of trust in Home Improvements, APCO is first.
Do I pay for APCO products/services before completion? Not typically. APCO, in most cases, only requires a down payment of a third of the total contract. The remaining balance will be invoiced to you after the job is completed.
How long does an APCO window installation take? Most homes with up to 12 to 15 windows can be completed in one day, including clean up. Some jobs may require finishing up on a second day.
Does an APCO siding style/color ever get discontinued? Siding will change with technology and the popularity of style and colors. It’s best to obtain extra siding for repair/replacement and store it in your attic/basement.
Will APCO come to your house to show our products and how much will it cost?—All APCO estimates are totally free. We will visit your home if requested, with samples and information you will need to make an intelligent decision. APCO also gives you the option to visit Ohio’s largest Home Improvement showroom, where all our fine products are on display.
Will My Siding Show Signs That it’s Time for a Replacement?
Whether it’s made of vinyl, wood, or fiber cement, siding can show its age over time. Common signs that a repair is necessary include cracks and dents, visible mold or signs of rotting, and progressive discoloration or fading.
How Long Does It Take to Install New Siding?
Every home is different, so the duration it takes to install siding will vary from home to home. In general, most replacements can be completed in one to two weeks. Factors that can affect this timeframe include the weather, the presence of rot, or other damage to the underlying structure.
How do I Maintain the Vinyl Siding on My Home?
Vinyl siding is relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a hose, brush, and bucket of soapy water is usually all it takes to keep it clean. You will also want to inspect once every season for signs of leaks and mold growth, as well as warping and other damage.
Does APCO Maintain Workers’ Compensation and Liability Insurance?
Absolutely! We protect our teams and our clients at every stage of the process. Before our teams set foot on your property, you can rest assured that we are fully insured and that our team members have the proper coverage to perform their jobs.
How Does APCO Guarantee Quality?
We perform two complete inspections before completion of any siding installation or siding repair. The first is performed by a project installer who will address any customer concerns and verify that each task was performed to the required specifications. Our second inspection occurs when our quality assurance supervisor inspects the workmanship of our installation teams and confirms that the materials were applied and secured correctly.
Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Up?
Throughout the construction process, our teams work carefully to keep the property as clean as possible. However, installing new siding or repairing old siding can generate a considerable amount of construction debris. We take care to remove this debris from your property so that you don’t have to worry about it.
Our dedicated team of siding professionals understands that you have plenty of questions about siding. We are always happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best siding for your home. Whether you need a full replacement or a minor repair, it’s our pleasure to help.
Why Do I Need Gutter On My Home Or Building?
High-quality, properly installed gutters help rainwater run off the edges of your roof and away from your home/building. As you may know, water could otherwise pool around your home, damage roofing and siding, infiltrate the basement and foundation, and more. Water not drained away from your home can rot its wood structure, attract insect infestations, and promote unhealthy, destructive mold growth as well.
What is the Best Gutter Material?
Seamless aluminum gutters are ideal and cost-effective due to their strength, low weight, color options, and rust resistance. For those with a high-end budget, copper is very durable and lasts longest. Galvanized steel requires more maintenance and offers fewer color options. Vinyl gutters are the cheapest, but they typically don’t last as long as other options.
What Are Gutter Guards or Gutter Caps?
These gutter covers help keep your gutters from becoming clogged with debris like leaves, twigs, tree branches, and other debris falling from your roof or blown by the wind. If clogged, gutters no longer protect your home or business from rain runoff as they should.
Do I Really Need To Clean Gutters Twice a Year?
With gutter guards or caps, you probably won’t need to clean your gutters at all. If you don’t have gutter covers or guards, you should check for gutter debris buildup twice each year, in spring and fall. Keeping gutters clean reduces the weight on them, so they stay in place, without sagging, for many years.
What Are Downspouts and How Many Will I Need?
Downspouts are vertical, enclosed gutter pipes, which carry water from the rain gutters to the ground. Downspouts end with an elbow, which directs the water safely away from your foundation.
The right number of downspouts depends on the slope of your roof and other details. In general, we add a downspout about every 6 or 10 yards, and at each end of a gutter run.
What Factors Influence the Layout of Gutter Installation?
At APCO, our team calculates the best placement of gutter runs and downspouts, and ideal gutter mounting locations. We ensure your gutters are well-supported with properly spaced, secure hangers. We build enough slope into the gutter configuration so that it directs runoff water to the downspouts and away from your home/building. In short, we sweat all the details to provide superior gutter services for rain drainage results at your home or business.
Where Can I Get The best Gutter Services For My Home or Business?
Of course, we’re biased in saying we’re the best gutter repair in the Columbus area, but we do have solid benefits to back up that claim.
Is the glass in your sunrooms energy-efficient?
Yes! The windows at APCO are all exceptionally energy-efficient and surpass the federal government’s ENERGY STAR® recommendations by 30%.
How long will it take to build my sunroom?
The time it takes to build your sunroom largely depends on the specific type and materials you choose. Our team provides the following sunroom solutions:
Ask your construction team to get more details about the length of your project.
Where can a sunroom be placed?
A sunroom can be placed virtually anywhere in your home. It all depends on which part of your home has the best views and how you want to use the room. Our sunroom solutions are custom-tailored to your specific needs and vision.
How does the sunroom building process work?
First, you’ll contact a member of our team to discuss your sunroom vision. From there, we’ll make an expert recommendation on which of our sunroom solutions best suits your needs and will create a design plan for approval. Once the design is approved by you, we’ll begin the construction phase and deliver your new sunroom in no time. Our team is never satisfied until our customers are satisfied, so your sunroom won’t be finished until you say it is! Contact us to learn more about our sunroom design and construction process today.
What is the average cost of a sunroom?
At APCO, no two designs are exactly the same. As such, each of our projects is priced based on the custom features and materials selected. Since we are a distributor of many of the unique features and products we have to offer, we are able to provide competitive pricing on our sunroom installations. Contact our team to get a free service quote on your sunroom construction project today!
Do I need a permit to build a sunroom on my home?
Yes — a permit is required for all sunrooms and home additions, even if you’re just converting your screened or covered porch.
Is adding a sunroom worth it?
Absolutely! Adding a sunroom can increase your home’s value and provide you with a breathtaking space to spend your time throughout the year. It’s a beautiful addition to just about any home and can provide year-round comfort when paired with the right heating or cooling solutions.
How do I keep my sunroom warm in the winter?
If you plan to use your sunroom all year long, you may wish to consider installing heating or cooling systems to keep it comfortable. Especially in the winter months, there may be increased drafts due to the number of windows present in the sunroom. Consult with your APCO team to discuss the best solutions for keeping your sunroom comfortable all year long.
What types of decking materials are best?
The type of decking you choose depends on a lot of factors, like budget and maintenance expectations. APCO installs a variety of high-quality deck solutions:
How do I clean and maintain my deck?
Maintenance depends on your deck material. If you have a composite deck, all you need is a soft-bristle brush and some soap to keep your deck looking brand-new. Wood decks require a bit more work, pressure washing, and staining will need to be completed at least once a year.
How often should I do maintenance on my deck?
You should regularly inspect your deck for signs of mildew and clean it regularly to prevent slips and staining. If your deck is constructed with wood, at least once a year you should replace or repair loose boards, pressure wash, stain, and seal.
Can I power wash composite decking?
Pressure washing is not recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can cause permanent damage. You can clean your composite deck with a garden hose and a soft-bristle brush.
Can I install a deck myself?
This is a case of “can vs. should.” Yes, you could build a deck yourself, but will it last? Will it be sturdy and safe for your friends and family to enjoy at the same time? For a long-lasting deck that adds value to your home and will be enjoyable for years to come, you should contact an experienced professional.
Why should I consider replacing my windows?
New windows can lower your utility bills, and more modern materials available now can greatly reduce cleaning and maintenance needs as well. Replacing your windows also improve curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value if you choose to sell.
What kinds of windows are available?
APCO offers a variety of window types. Here are a few examples:
What kind of window glass should I choose?
The glass in your windows can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Windows with high-efficiency glass can drastically reduce your utility bills and improve your comfort. Double- and triple-paned windows consist of multiple panes of glass with air pockets between them to slow heat transfer. The addition of argon or krypton gas in these pockets can reduce heat transfer even more. Alternatively, low-E is a glass coating that reflects heat instead of absorbing it in air pockets or gas additives.
What window frame material should I choose?
There are four window frame options available. Most homeowners choose vinyl because it is affordable, efficient, and low-maintenance. Fiberglass frames are a little more expensive, but they are more durable than vinyl and equally low-maintenance. Wood is a traditional, high-end frame option, but it comes with a higher price tag and requires regular maintenance. Finally, aluminum frames are available, but they are best suited for commercial structures.
Can you replace my windows during the winter?
Of course; we can replace your windows at any time of the year! During colder months, we mitigate heat loss in your home by sealing off rooms and opening as few windows at the same time as possible.
Do you install windows from the inside or the outside of my house?
Our installation teams work both inside and outside of your home during installation. Again, during colder parts of the year, they limit the number of open windows to keep the interior of your home comfortable as they work.
How much does it cost to replace a door?
If you want to replace an exterior door with a new door of the same size, costs range between $300 and $1,500, depending on the replacement door selection.
What types of doors do you install in Columbus?
APCO offers a wide variety of door replacement options, including:
Can I install a door myself?
Yes, you can, but even the most experienced do-it-yourselfers will find the door installation process to be pretty difficult. Even the simplest pre-hung doors require a great deal of skill to install properly, and it is important for exterior doors to be weathertight and secure. To avoid needing to redo the job multiple times or purchase additional materials to correct a poor seal, you should hire a professional.
How long does door installation usually take?
Your door can be replaced in less than a day. A simple, single-door install takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
Can I install a storm door on the entry of my home?
A storm door is a great way to protect your home from rain, sleet, snow, and wind. Installing a storm door provides an effective barrier between your home and the elements, and it is specifically designed to prevent these outdoor intruders from entering your house. The experts at APCO can evaluate your front door and suggest the best options to suit your home’s needs and aesthetic.
The Architectural Products Company
The Architectural Products Company