What Holds a Cut Siding Panel in Place? A full vinyl siding panel has a locking edge. But near: Windows Soffits Horizontal trim the installer may need to cut away part of that edge. The remaining piece still needs to stay secure. That is where: Undersill trim also called: Utility trim may be used. How
WHAT IS UNDERSILL TRIM ON VINYL SIDING? Read More »
Why Is Water Coming Out Halfway Down the Pipe? A downspout is supposed to carry water to the bottom. If it sprays or drips from a connection, something is wrong at that joint. Common Causes A joint may leak because: Pieces pulled apart An elbow shifted The pipe is blocked below Metal is damaged The
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Where Does the Water Leave the Gutter? The eavestrough collects runoff. But water needs an opening into the downspout. That connection is commonly called the: Drop outlet. Why Does Outlet Size Matter? A large gutter with a restricted outlet can still drain poorly. The outlet needs to work with: Gutter capacity Downspout size Roof runoff
WHAT IS A GUTTER DROP OUTLET? Read More »
Why Add Access to a Downspout? Once debris enters a vertical downspout, it can be difficult to remove. A: Cleanout or debris-access point can make maintenance easier. What Does It Do? Depending on the product, the device may: Catch larger debris Provide an access door Allow easier flushing Protect downstream drainage Where Can It Help
WHAT IS A DOWNSPOUT CLEANOUT OR DEBRIS TRAP? Read More »
Should a Downspout Disappear Underground? On some homes, the downspout ends above the lawn. On others, it enters a buried pipe. Underground drainage can create a cleaner-looking exterior and move water farther from the building. But it only works when the buried system stays open. Where Does the Pipe Go? Before connecting a downspout, know
SHOULD DOWNSPOUTS DRAIN INTO UNDERGROUND PIPE? Read More »
Temperature Changes How Materials Behave Vinyl siding is designed for exterior weather. But like many plastics, it becomes less flexible when temperatures become extremely cold. That means an impact that might only flex a warm panel can be more likely to crack a very cold one. What Can Cause Winter Impact Damage? Examples include: Snow
WHY IS VINYL SIDING MORE VULNERABLE TO IMPACT IN VERY COLD WEATHER? Read More »
Why Is the Door Harder to Close Only in the Afternoon? Direct sun can heat the exterior surface of a door while the inside face remains much cooler. That temperature difference can create temporary thermal movement. On some doors, this may appear as: Slight bowing Changed weatherstrip contact Temporary latch difficulty Why Does Colour Matter?
WHY CAN A STEEL EXTERIOR DOOR BOW IN STRONG SUN? Read More »
What Is the Bar Between Two Windows? Sometimes what looks like one giant window is actually several separate units joined together. The connection between those units may involve a: Mullion. Pella describes mullions as components used to join windows together into larger combinations. Why Join Separate Units? Homeowners may want: Larger glass compositions Different operating
WHAT IS A WINDOW MULLION? Read More »
The Glass May Look the Same. The Installation Can Be Completely Different. Two common frame configurations are: Nail fin Block frame Pella distinguishes these as different window-installation systems. What Is a Nail-Fin Window? A flange extends around the exterior window frame. That flange is attached to the wall framing or sheathing and integrated with the
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Why Can’t You Wipe the Fog Away? Because the moisture is not on a surface you can reach. Modern insulated windows typically use multiple panes with a sealed space between them. When moisture appears inside that sealed space, the insulated glass unit may have lost its seal. Pella specifically distinguishes condensation between glass panes from
WHY IS THERE FOG BETWEEN MY WINDOW PANES? Read More »