For products “placed in service” in 2009, you need to file the 2009 IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your 2009 taxes (by April 15, 2010).

On the 2009 1040 form, the residential energy tax credit (from Form 5695) is claimed on line 52.

For products “placed in service” in 2010, you would take the tax credit on your 2010 income taxes.

Save your receipts and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for your records.

Submit Form 5695 with your taxes.

Which products qualify for a tax credit?

Is there an income limit on the tax credit?

For More info please visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_faq

Should I have a contractor meet with my insurance adjuster?

Absolutely. The insurance companies have someone working on their side, shouldn’t you? One of our insurance recovery specialists will meet directly with your insurance adjuster to ensure no damages are being overlooked. Lots of times the insurance companies get so many claims that they don’t have the time to look at areas that you don’t specifically point out to them. For instance, if you know you have siding damage and call that in but don’t mention your roof then your roof might not get checked by the adjuster.

What if I don’t have any apparent damage?

If there has been hail in your area a close inspection of your roof, siding, windows and exterior will need to be done by an experienced insurance claims specialist. All American Remodeling Contractors insurance claim specialist have undergone extensive training and follow the same strict guidelines insurance adjusters themselves adhere to. Generally, you cannot see hail damage on your roof from the ground.

Can you file my insurance claim for me?

All insurance companies require that the policy holder or homeowner file the claim themselves but we are available for any assistance you may need. You can also visit our “File my claim” page to be directed to your insurance provider’s website.

My neighbor got a new roof, why was I turned down?

The truthful answer to this question is because you probably didn’t choose a contractor that specializes in insurance recovery. Hail storms are typically not that selective, if neighboring properties suffered damages chances are you did too. We are highly successful in our renegotiations with insurance companies. If we feel you have suffered damages we will give it all we have to ensure you are treated fairly by your insurance company.

Should I pay money up front to a contractor?

NO, never pay money up front to a contractor. We do not expect any payment until you have materials delivered to your home.

Since most of us know that remodeling a home can be beneficial, let us explore the many different types of upgrades we can make. Some of these upgrades will give us a better return on our investment than others but they all have some sort of benefit when done right.

Energy Saving Remodeling – Home remodeling to make our home more efficient is one of the best types of upgrades we can make. Not only will it increase the value of our home but it will save us money on utility bills for the rest of the time we live there. These house remodeling changes can be installing new windows, a new furnace, or adding insulation just to name a few. These will add value to the home and put money in the homeowners pocket by cutting down on heating and cooling bills.

Remodeling for Comfort – It should never be overlooked that by adding onto a room or remodeling any part of our home can do so much for our quality of life. Ask anybody that has ever made a significant change or add-on to their home how they felt after it was done and you will understand. We are proud of our homes; they are an extension of who we are. A cluttered up house without enough living space can stress us out without even realizing it. On the other hand a clean spacious home that has been freshly remodeled can completely change your outlook on life. We spend too much time in our homes not to enjoy it.

Maintenance and Repairs – Some home remodeling projects are done because they have to be. Rather than remodeling to add comfort or save energy projects like a new shingle roof may have to be done because the old roof has failed. Or it may be done because of its deteriorating condition and we want to avoid having it fail completely.

Faulty building structures, wore out surfaces, and so on are good reasons to remodel to avoid any future catastrophes. Nobody likes having things go wrong but when they do we are motivated to get them fixed. It can be a stressful type of remodel, both mentally and on the pocket book, but once done it feels good to have the situation taken care of and to have a much needed upgrade to the house.

Safety Type of Home Remodels – Remodeling your home to be prepared for future events or unwanted situations can be very beneficial. Most people like to be prepared so why not make upgrades to your home to make it more tolerable with things happen. Adding a security system for example can help to make a dangerous situation more suitable. Many of people have added a storm cellar or safe room to their homes. Being prepared for uncomfortable, but probably unavoidable situations can put our minds at ease for the time being.

Most of the damage caused to a roof in a hail storm is purely cosmetic but if your roof is fairly old it may cause the granules to come off of the shingles a little sooner than they should have. If this happens, you may find the granules in your gutters. Newer shingles are much more resistant to damage than older roof shingles. Older shingles become more brittle with age and a marble or golf ball size hail could break older shingles very easily if it hits it just right. The temperature could also come into play, because a warmer shingle will be more resistant to fracture than a cold one.

If your home has cedar shingles, then hail may cause splitting and cracking causing the roof to fail prematurely. If the shingles are newer, then the damage may just be superficial and only affect the visual appearance of the cedar shingles which should fade over time. If you are not sure how much damage was caused you may want to have it looked at to determine the extent of it.

Since there are other things on roofs, you should check to see if your roof vent caps or your flu vent has any damage. Your air conditioning unit, if it is located on the roof, could also have dents or breaks in them which may hinder it working properly in the future. If you cannot inspect them yourself but suspect damage, you should call a contractor to do it for you.

When choosing new shingles to put on your home, you may be able to avoid some of these issues. Newer shingles have a rating system that lets you know how resistant they are to hail damage. A class four rating is more resistant and a class one would be the least resistant. If you have just installed a class four shingle and your home is put to the test of a hail storm, your roof should be able to withstand the hits. If your shingles have a little age on them, you may want to check it to see if they are holding up to what the industry said they would.

The funny thing about hail storms is that they are usually hit and miss. You might have no apparent damage to your roof, but your neighbor might have unusually big dents in his vent cap and numerous hail damaged shingles that may have broken off and fallen to the ground. Where the neighbor has very visual damage, you should still attempt to inspect everything on the roof for minor damage that could become a bigger problem down the road. Finding out that the hail storm from the summer has caused some small issues to your roof in the middle of the winter, would not be fun to deal with.

Because roof damage can’t be seen from the ground, a trained expert needs to go up on your roof to examine the shingles. He’ll look for impact damage and bruising that can reduce the life expectancy of the roof.

What do I do first?
Make Auben your first call and we’ll contact your insurance company with you. We’ll inspect the entire exterior of your home, including the roof, siding, windows and guttersfor any damage. We’ll take care all of the repairs and handle the entire insurance process for you.

What if my adjuster says I don’t have damage?
Adjusters are called in from all over the country after a storm, and they may not be familiar with the type of storm damage we get in Minnesota. Because we’re local, we’re experts on hail and wind damage. If we do find damage, we’ll review the evaluation with your adjuster to ensure you are fairly compensated.

What if I only have minor damage?
It’s in your best interest to fix any hail damage, no matter how minor. Though you may not experience problems right away, hail damage will compromise the integrity of the shingles and reduce the life span of your roof.

Will my insurance rates go up?
Your insurance company can’t raise your rates or drop you for making a claim becausestorm damage is considered an “act of God.” Your only out-of-pocket expense should be the deductible on your policy.

We’ll make the insurance process as easy as possible by working directly with your insurance company to facilitate the process for

With all the many uses of today’s decks, it is important that one take care of this important feature of the home. If one has never had a home with a deck or porch, or perhaps is unsure of proper deck care, questions are common. Here are some of those most frequently asked questions.

1. Is deck maintenance needful? Since most decks are built of pressure treated pine, it is not uncommon for a porch/deck to last 40 years before there is any significant decay. However, the deck will typically begin to discolor and splinter after only a few months if not properly cared for.

2. Do new decks need to be sealed? Absolutely! The sealing will prevent discoloration and keep splintering to a minimum. Sealing should be done within a few weeks of installation.

3. What will happen if the deck is not properly sealed? While a lack of sealing will not cause the deck to begin rotting, it will kill, remove and slow the return of any organic material. In addition, sealing a deck keeps the surface smoother with fewer splinters for much longer.

4. What type of deck maintenance is recommended? At least once a year, homeowners should check the deck for any exposed nails or loose boards. It is also wise to thoroughly clean the deck and reseal the wood by applying a clear or semi-clear liquid sealant to all exposed surfaces. This is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of owning a home with a deck.

5. What is good deck maintenance? This is a simple 3 step process- preparation, products and protection. Prepare the deck by removing any items, then sweep the deck free of any debris; check for loose boards/nails and make repairs. Purchase the recommended cleaning product and follow the directions carefully. Protect your work by finishing by re-sealing. Sealants may be brushed, rolled or sprayed on and are either water-based or wood-based.

Today’s homeowners see the deck as an extension of the home, and like the interior of a home, the deck requires some basic maintenance in order to be used for years to come. However, a well maintained deck can provide years of pleasure for all. Don’t overlook the value of your deck!

Q. My insurance company said I have no hail or storm damage but my neighbors are getting a new roof. What should I do?
A. Glacier Remodeling, Inc is experienced in getting your claim handled properly and if your insurance company stated that you do not have hail or storm damage, we would like to give you a second option. After inspecting your roof closely, if we find damage, we’ll take care of the process of getting your roof re-inspected and work on your behalf to get your claim accepted. We have been successful in getting many homeowners new roofs after the original insurance Adjuster declined the claim. Our attention to detail during inspection often uncovers signs of hail or storm damage that many insurance Adjusters erroneously overlook. Many homeowners indeed do have hail or storm damage unknowingly because their insurance Adjuster didn’t do their job thoroughly.

Q. What would I have to pay for a new roof?
A. Your insurance company covers the cost of your roof minus your deductible. With normal deductibles, you often have very little out-of-pocket expenses at all. The final balance will be requested once the final check has been received from the insurance company and all the work that Glacier Remodeling, Inc did for you is completed.

Q. Why should I use Glacier Remodeling, Inc Services?
1. We are a ‘General Contractor’ which means we can take care of all your hail storm damage needs, not just your roof. We can take care of your roof, gutters, siding, paint, windows, screens and more. You don’t need to hassle with your insurance company AND a handful of different contractors. We take care of everything for you. 2. We respond promptly when a customer needs our services, especially in emergencies. 3. We seek to be a fair and competitively priced company, giving our customers more than their money’s worth. 4. We use only major manufacturer’s materials and install products according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 5. We are highly regarded in the construction material supplier community because of our sound business principles and prompt payments. 6.

Q. Will Glacier Remodeling, Inc work directly with my insurance company and the Adjuster?
A. Yes. From meeting your insurance Adjuster to overcoming price discrepancies and invoicing the insurance company when your job is complete.

Q. Do I need to be at home while you do my roof?
A. No. We simply need access to outside power and water.

Q. How long will it take to install the roof?
A. Normally between one and two days, depending on the size of the home.

Q. What happens if it rains while you’re installing the roof?
A. We monitor the weather very closely and only remove what we can replace in the same day. We also carry tarps for any unexpected emergencies. When we leave at night, your roof is completely watertight.

Q. My insurance check has my mortgage company’s name on it. Why?
A. Each mortgage company has its own unique policy regarding insurance payments. If you desire, Glacier Remodeling, Inc can contact your mortgage company on your behalf to insure your payment is properly processed. It is important to notify your Glacier Remodeling, Inc representative if your mortgage company’s name is included on your insurance drafts. They can go over the finer details with you at this time.

Q. Will you use my favorite brand of shingles?
A. Certainly. Most major shingle manufacturers are very close to one another in price and quality. We have access to all name brands including TAMKO, ELK, GAF/Timberline, Certainteed, Owens Corning and Atlas as well as a full line of premium roofing materials, including tile, metal, slate and engineered products.

Q. Does Glacier Remodeling, Inc have a good reputation?
A. Yes we do. Almost all of our business is through referrals. We are well regarded in the construction and building community. We have an extensive reference list of satisfied customers available for your review.

Q. Will Glacier Remodeling, Inc check my existing ventilation for proper circulation?
A. Yes. Proper attic ventilation is very important in maintaining healthy roof decking and extending the life of the shingles. Good ventilation eliminates moisture in your attic that is harmful to your wood decking. Improper ventilation will ruin your roof. We’ll notify you if your attic provides inadequate ventilation and add the necessary ventilation as needed.

Q. Does Glacier Remodeling, Inc apply underlayment to the wood deck?
A. Yes. We provide felt underlayment on every job we do. In addition, we apply an extra layer of shingles, or starter course, along the roof edge for extra strength, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Q. Can Glacier Remodeling, Inc show completed jobs locally and with the type of roofing shingle I might want?
A. Yes, absolutely. Ask your Glacier Remodeling, Inc representative for more details.

Q. Will the job be cleaned daily? Will Glacier Remodeling, Inc use a magnet for lost nails?
A. Yes. Each of our job sites is cleaned during the roofing process and at the end of every workday. We go over your property with a magnetic hand sweeper daily, to pick up any loose nails.

Q. Does Glacier Remodeling, Inc provide bathroom facilities for their employees or is the homeowner required to provide them?
A. You will not have to provide any bathroom facilities.

Q. Will the homeowner have to provide power and water?
A. Yes. We require external power and water to be available each day.

Q. Will the work meet local code requirements in my area?
A. Yes. Glacier Remodeling, Inc has extensive experience with local building codes. We will not do any work that does not meet code requirements.

Q. How much experience do the installation crews have?
A. Good question. All of our crews have a minimum of three years experience working for us not to mention their prior experience brought with them.

Q: My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?
A: Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

Q: Can I do the work myself?
A: Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.

Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof system), if possible.

Q: How long can I expect my roof system to last?
A: Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.

Actual roof system life span is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate roof maintenance.

Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives.

Q: What will a new roof system cost?
A: The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.

For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices. There also are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs.

Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Insist on a contractor who is committed to quality work

A: No. Although Hardiplank contains wood fibers, the main ingredient is cement and silica. Hardie siding is sometimes referred to as Fiber Cement Siding.

Q: Is Hardiplank dangerous to my health?

A: While cutting Hardiplank or any other material, always wear safety goggles and a proper dust mask. Breathing silica dust is dangerous to your health. Don’t dry sweep hardie siding dust – use a vacumn with proper HEPA filter. Using power snips is preferred over saws whenever possible to eliminate dust.

Q: How is Hardiplank attached to my house?

A: Hardiplank is nailed directly to the studs with a moisture barrier underneath. The many styles of hardie plank have slightly differing attachment techniques specified by the manufacturer, James Hardie Company. HardiPlank is often blind nailed which means the nails are actually hidden by the overlapping Hardie lap siding plank. HardiTrim / Hardie Trim boards are used as corner framing for your home. Caulking, priming and painting is all done according to James Hardie specifications.

Q:Can all of the wood on my house be replaced with Hardiplank?

A: Basically, yes. Hardiplank can be used for walls, trim boards, over hangs and eaves – anything except studs or door frames. Specific Hardie products are used for their intended use. Hardie Trim is used for triming out doors and windows as well as finishing the corners of your home. Hardie Soffit is ventilated and installed to assist your attic venting system. Hardie Fascia is installed at the edges of your roof line. There are several different designs of the siding itself. You may have lap siding, stucco textured siding, scalloped “fishscale siding”, for example. Hardie Siding is offered in all styles popular in this region.

Q: Is it necessary to use screws to attach Hardiplank?

A: No. Attaching Hardiplank with screws rather than nails adds significantly to the cost of a job and is a needless expense. Glacier Remodeling, Inc. always follows the James Hardie specifications for every application.

Q: Is it advisable to use wood sheathing under the Hardiplank?

A: No. Aside from the added expense – the wood sheathing may rot and cause needless problems. However, plywood or OSB should be used if substrate is insufficient to attach per specifications.

Q: Is it advisable to use foam board under the Hardiplank?

A: No. There is mounting evidence that foam board under any siding is a breeding ground for molds that can be extremely dangerous to your health.

Q: Can I get a discount on my fire insurance by installing Hardiplank?

A: Since Hardie Siding is non-combustible, some insurance companies offer a discount while others do not. We suggest that you contact your local agent and ask if installing James Hardie Siding on your home will reduce your insurance premium. In any event, since it does not burn, your home will be safer.

Q: What should be attached to the studs before Hardiplank is attached.

A: We recommend a moisture barrier like Dupont® Tyvek® (or similar) that “breathes” and allows air to travel but keeps out moisture. Depending on the condition of the substrate and/or studs that exist, a plywood or OSB can be installed first, then the moisture barrier. Usually, plywood or OSB is required if the wall studs are more than 24″ on center. A complete of inspection of the condition and replacing of any damaged or rotten studs should always be performed first. Not all hardie siding contractors are aware of nor do all siding installers follow James Hardie’s exacting specifications. lacier Remodeling, Inc. has extensive training and experience and is a James Hardie Platinum level contractor.

Q: Can you put Hardiplank over the wood that is already on my house?

A: No. The old wood may continue to rot over time and cause serious problems. Glacier Remodeling, Inc. recommends that you always fix the problem, not hide it. Vinyl siding just hides the problem. Your home will continue to decompose under the vinyl. That is why vinyl siding and aluminum siding often blows off in the wind. The problem with the subsurface it has been attached to continues to degrade and the nails are basically set in sponges at this point. installing vinyl siding is like the old saying “sweeping the problem under the rug”. Always fix the problem, never hide it.

1. Should I re-side using Hardiplank or vinyl siding?
There are several distinct differences that are worthy of consideration as follows: maintenance, cost, and beauty/color. Hardie siding is a more expensive choice for the initial installation (approx 35%) and maintenance costs over the life of the product. Below are comparisons to help the decision process.

Vinyl SidingHardiplank (Fiber cement board) MAINTENANCE COST BEAUTY/COLOR
Requires no maintenance except periodic rinsing with a garden hose or pressure washer. Requires the homeowner to maintain (eg: paint) the siding on a periodic basis. FCS will hold paint for a longer period than traditional wood or composite sidings.

Can be applied over the old siding after any areas that are rotted or in poor condition are repaired. Very little waste disposal costs. Old siding must be completely removed and disposed of prior to applying new siding. There is a considerable amount of material to dispose of.

With the introduction of high grade durable vinyl products, it would be a huge mistake to compare the beauty to low grade apartment communities or cheap builders grade siding jobs. A high quality job will be pleasing for many years. However, the color cannot be changed since vinyl siding cannot be painted. Hardie siding will be aesthetically pleasing for many years. It has a nice wood grain texture and the siding color can be changed if so desired.

2. How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
In a way, it’s almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.

We offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that’s easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And most vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn’t chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

In addition, vinyl sidings are backed by a strong warranty. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover, premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.

3. Isn’t it less costly to just repaint my home?
If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably “yes.” But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding.

Of course, if your home has special problems – for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off-the cost of painting can become truly staggering.

According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West, a homeowner can recoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it’s 84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%.

Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious-vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.

4. How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that “the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes.”

Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, “Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value…(but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money.”

Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you’re having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.

5. Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding’s outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (see previous question for details). It’s the material of choice on new luxury homes…and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.

Leading manufacturers such as Alside offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that’s easily affordable. Plus, most vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn’t chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

And vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes…and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a wide variety of classic siding profiles-plus low-maintenance trim products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home.

What’s more, vinyl sidings are backed by a strong warranty, so you can count on getting all the quality you paid for.

Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there’s no better choice than vinyl siding.

6. Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It’s a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It’s used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction.

It’s ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn’t rot, crack, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through most siding, it never has to be scraped, sanded or painted.

7. How do I choose a reputable contractor?
First and foremost, make an informed decision. Require references and look at previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors or friends who have recently re-sided their houses are an excellent start. You may also want to ask about liability insurance, customer satisfaction policies and professional credentials.

The relationship you have with your contractor is extremely important. Choose someone whose skills you trust, someone qualified to perform the task required, and someone you can work with comfortably.

8. If painting isn’t required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
It’s simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning.

Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.

9. Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you’ll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.