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Gutter Sizes How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Home

Gutter Sizes: How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Home

Understanding gutter sizes is essential for protecting your home from water damage, foundation issues, and costly repairs. Most homes use either 5-inch or 6-inch gutters, with the right choice depending on roof size, pitch, and local rainfall. In New Jersey, where heavy rain and snowmelt are common, 6-inch gutters paired with larger downspouts are often recommended to handle greater water flow. Smaller homes may do well with 5-inch gutters, but oversized roofs or steep pitches require extra capacity to prevent overflow. By choosing the right gutter size and pairing it with proper downspout spacing, you can keep your home safe, efficient, and better prepared for seasonal storms.

How to Paint an Exterior Door Step-by-Step Guide

How to Paint an Exterior Door: Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to paint an exterior door is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade your home’s curb appeal while also protecting it from the elements. With the right prep, primer, and paint, you can achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish that resists New Jersey’s changing weather. Start by removing hardware, cleaning and sanding the surface, and applying painter’s tape to protect trim or glass. Use primer when necessary, then apply paint in order: panels first, followed by rails, stiles, and flat areas, allowing each coat to dry fully before the next. Whether you choose a bold or classic color, a freshly painted door instantly refreshes your entryway and adds value to your home.

How to Weatherproof a Sliding Glass Door NJ Expert Tips

How to Weatherproof a Sliding Glass Door: NJ Expert Tips

Learning how to weatherproof a sliding glass door is essential for New Jersey homeowners since these large glass panels often leak air, raise energy bills, and let in moisture; the most effective solutions include cleaning and inspecting tracks for smooth operation, replacing worn weatherstripping with durable brush or fin seals, sealing frames with exterior-grade caulk, adding thermal curtains or window film for insulation, installing a door sweep or draft stopper at the bottom, and upgrading to modern energy-efficient sliding doors for a permanent fix, and while DIY options provide short-term relief, professional weatherproofing from American Home Contractors ensures long-lasting protection, lower utility costs, and improved comfort in NJ’s challenging climate.

How to Weatherproof a Door Expert Tips for NJ Homes

How to Weatherproof a Door: Expert Tips for NJ Homes

Learning how to weatherproof a door is essential for New Jersey homeowners facing cold winters, humid summers, and coastal salt air, since a drafty entry can drive up energy bills, invite moisture inside, and reduce comfort; the most effective solutions include inspecting and adjusting door alignment, adding durable weatherstripping around frames, installing a door sweep at the bottom, sealing thresholds with caulk, and even upgrading with a storm door for extra insulation, and while DIY fixes provide temporary relief, professional weatherproofing from American Home Contractors ensures long-lasting performance, lower utility costs, and reliable protection tailored to NJ’s challenging climate.

Fiberglass vs Wood Door Which Is Best for NJ Homes

Fiberglass vs Wood Door: Which Is Best for NJ Homes?

When deciding between fiberglass vs wood doors for New Jersey homes, the best choice depends on your priorities, fiberglass offers superior durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, making it ideal for the state’s humid summers, harsh winters, and coastal conditions, while wood doors deliver timeless beauty, warmth, and customization options that enhance curb appeal but require regular upkeep; at American Home Contractors, we install both fiberglass and wood entry doors backed by manufacturer warranties, helping NJ homeowners balance style, performance, and long-term value.

Storm Door Benefits Energy, Protection & Style

Storm Door Benefits: Energy, Protection & Style

Storm doors offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond simple weather protection, making them a smart upgrade for many homeowners. By adding an extra barrier in front of your entry door, storm doors help improve energy efficiency, reduce drafts, and shield your primary door from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, extending its lifespan and lowering maintenance costs. They also enhance daily comfort by allowing fresh air and natural light inside while keeping bugs and debris out. On top of their practical advantages, storm doors add curb appeal with customizable designs, decorative glass, and stylish hardware that complement your home’s exterior. With the added bonus of improved security through reinforced frames and locking systems, storm doors provide a cost-effective way to boost protection, efficiency, and style all at once.

How to Clean Window Tracks Best Tips for Spotless Results

How to Clean Window Tracks: Best Tips for Spotless Results

Cleaning window tracks doesn’t have to be overwhelming, once you know the right methods, it’s a simple task that keeps your windows looking great and working smoothly. Over time, tracks collect dust, dirt, and even mold, making windows harder to open and close. The best way to clean window tracks is to start by vacuuming or brushing away loose debris, then wiping them down with a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn grime, use a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar, letting it fizz before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Finish by drying the tracks thoroughly and applying a light coat of silicone lubricant to prevent wear and keep everything sliding effortlessly. With regular upkeep, your windows will stay spotless, mold-free, and fully functional year-round.

Casement Windows vs Double Hung Key Differences Explained

Casement Windows vs Double Hung: Key Differences Explained

When deciding between casement windows vs double hung, it’s important to consider how each style fits your home’s needs. Casement windows open outward with a crank, offering superior energy efficiency, unobstructed views, and easy use in hard-to-reach spots. Double hung windows slide vertically, providing flexible ventilation, traditional style, and convenient cleaning with tilt-in sashes—making the right choice dependent on layout, climate, and design preferences.

Board and Batten vs Lap Siding Which Is Best for You

Board and Batten vs Lap Siding: Which Is Best for You?

When comparing board and batten vs lap siding, the choice comes down to more than just style, it’s about durability, maintenance, and how well each option fits your home’s architecture and climate. Board and batten delivers vertical lines with a modern farmhouse charm, while lap siding offers timeless horizontal appeal that suits many home designs. Both are available in materials like vinyl, fiber cement, and wood, each with unique costs and upkeep needs. This guide explores the differences in style, performance, and value to help New Jersey homeowners select the siding that’s right for their budget and lifestyle.

Siding Damage from Storm: Repair and Recovery Guide

Siding Damage from Storm: Repair and Recovery Guide

Storms can leave your home’s siding cracked, warped, or even torn away, exposing your property to costly water and structural damage. From hail impacts to high winds and flying debris, siding damage from storm events requires fast action to prevent further deterioration. This guide walks you through assessing and documenting damage, filing insurance claims, choosing the right repair or replacement materials, and working with trusted contractors so you can restore your siding and protect your home against future storms.