What Makes James Hardie Siding Different?
St. Louis homeowners comparing siding quotes often ask what makes James Hardie siding different, especially since it usually costs more than vinyl. That higher price buys a board engineered for our climate, a factory-baked finish, and long-term protection when the siding is installed correctly. Mark Moore, our founder, spent more than five years working directly […]
Choosing the Right HardieTrim for Your Home | St. Louis Guide
Trim is where many siding problems start. Window heads, corners, and fascia boards take the brunt of St. Louis rain and freeze-thaw cycles, and the wrong trim choice can show up as gaps, peeling paint, and soft wood. HardieTrim helps prevent those problems when it fits your home’s style and climate. Getting that fit right […]
What is the Difference Between a Moisture Barrier and a Weather Barrier?
Most homes we open up in St. Louis that were built before 2000 have a missing, torn, or failing weather barrier behind the siding. Many of those walls show soft, stained, or rotted sheathing once the old boards come off. Many homeowners are unsure about the difference between moisture barrier and weather barrier products, and […]
Can You Replace a Door Without Replacing the Frame?
Yes, you can replace a door without replacing the frame when the existing frame is square, solid, and free of rot. A new door slab costs less than a prehung unit, which makes it a practical fix for many worn or outdated doors. The answer depends on the frame’s condition, the door’s location, and what’s […]
How Long Do Fiberglass Windows Last?
New windows are a major expense, and no homeowner wants to pay for them twice. The lifespan of your windows matters as much as the look, especially if you plan to stay in your home for the long haul. So, how long do fiberglass windows last? In most cases, decades. A quality fiberglass window can […]
When to Replace Builder-Grade Windows
If you have wondered when to replace builder-grade windows, the honest answer is almost always yesterday. These bargain units rarely perform once the weather turns, and the manufacturer’s warranty will not save them. This guide covers why these windows fall short, the warning signs that point to trouble, and when replacement makes the most sense. […]
Is It Worth Replacing 20-Year-Old Windows?
Twenty years sounds old for a window, and the assumption is usually that two decades means it is time for replacements. Is it worth replacing 20-year-old windows in every case? Not necessarily. Age is only part of the picture, and a high-quality window can perform well for decades. What matters far more is how your […]
Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows: The Difference
New windows usually start with one big question: vinyl or fiberglass? Both are popular for good reason, and the right choice depends on your budget, your home’s style, and how long you plan to stay. At Hawthorn, we install fiberglass and vinyl windows every day, so we can walk you through the real differences instead […]
Best Windows for Cold Climates: What to Buy and Why
A cold winter exposes a weak window fast. When temperatures drop, cheap, poorly built windows let heat escape and drive up energy bills. The best windows for cold climates are built to trap warm air inside and block the cold. In a place like St. Louis, where summers run hot and winters run cold, that […]
What are the Benefits of Having Worked for James Hardie?
An exterior project is a big investment, and it is not always easy to tell genuine expertise from a polished sales pitch. Background matters here, which is why the benefits of having worked for James Hardie are worth understanding before you hire. Our founder spent over five years working directly for James Hardie before opening […]