At times it is easy to see that your windows need replacement. Many clues are noticeable to the untrained eye, but more commonly we see very subtle, almost invisible clues that indicate serious window conditions and potentially deep structural failure that is noticeable only to the experienced eye.

These following visible symptoms or clues suggest window replacement:

• Moisture fogging on the glass or between glass panes from condensation.
• Difficult operation of the window, or the window is totally inoperable or stuck shut preventing escape in an emergency.
• Cold and drafty areas near the windows that usually indicate costly air leakage.
• Water stains or rotting on the window sash or sill.
• Poor security, locks missing or not operating, especially on the ground floor of your house.

Choosing Who To Replace Your Windows

The window installation is actually more important than the window itself. Choose experienced installers who will only use a consistent product they have found with a tested track record as one they can depend on.  Stick with certified professionals to get the performance and quality you expect.

Professional installers understand your house and how it acts as a system of connected components. New windows perform wonderfully when installed correctly, and can leak air and water if installed wrong. These costly leaks can undermine both the comfort and structure of your house. Choose companies with certified carpenters that install your windows with the correct methods, up to date materials and according to the warranty instructions for the window. These certifications require continuing education to maintain skills and industry training so your house remains safe, healthy and valuable. Knowledge-guided window installation includes:

• Advanced flashing techniques: this keeps water out of your home, avoiding damage, rot and health issues.

• Properly sealing the installed window: air and water leaks are a drain on your energy bills, comfort and can rot out the structure of your home.

Choosing Your Replacement Windows

Quality window replacement companies build their reputations by using quality windows that deliver lasting performance with strong warranties. Better windows deliver added benefits and money savings over many years through energy efficiency. Energy savings come from two major areas in windows: low air infiltration and insulated glass. Air infiltration from leaky and drafty windows is both expensive and uncomfortable for home owners. Quality windows that are properly selected, installed, flashed and adjusted deliver exceptional performance for many years well beyond the extra cost for their quality.

It’s More Than Just Selecting a Window

There is a lot to consider when selecting replacement windows, and you need a complete staff of professionals to guide you through the process. Considerations include:

• Choosing a style that’s easy for you to operate and addresses safety issues for everyone in the home.
• Selecting the look that compliments both the exterior and interior design of your home.
• Adhering to historical or neighborhood association requirements.
• Understanding the structure of the wall where the new windows will be placed
• How the window is secured to the wall frame or opening.
• Providing a strong warranty that handles any claims promptly and efficiently.

In essence, you need full service all through the process from selection to installation. Choose a company that works with you to deliver quality windows which are installed correctly. This is far more important than concentrating only on window brand or style. A certified and experienced company takes care of every aspect of your important home improvement investment.

Why Choose Mosby For Your Replacement Windows

Homeowners value our deep bench of certified and trained professionals who discover underlying problems and deliver the real solution. Follow through this case study of how one homeowner chose Mosby Building Arts to correct his leaking window problems. See the hidden truth that was discovered from a Mosby consulting visit and the steps taken to properly install a leaking window.

We specialize in correcting the mistakes others have made by installing windows wrong, so we know full well the considerable cost of paying for the initial work and then paying again to do it right. Lasting value is a much better choice than the consequences of bargain or cut-rate decisions.

Mosby invests time and continuing training of our staff of professionals. Certain window manufacturers are included in the Mosby selection list only if their reputation is solid and a high quality product is consistently delivered. We choose window manufacturers who maintain a positive record for responsive service and strong warranties. Our practices and products assure you that all our window installations meet and exceed your expectations and beauty requirements.

Our method of installing includes treating your home and property with the utmost respect, but also attending to the details that deliver effectiveness and efficiency of your window investment. When it’s time for replacement windows, call Mosby for real peace of mind in your window replacement project.

Let us walk you through the options and styles of Mosby replacement windows by calling 314.909.1800 or contacting us here.

Watching water damage a home and being unable to find the problem can be frustrating for homeowners. Even more familiar may be the many capable trade’s people who failed to identify or correct the real problem and the ailment continues. This story shares the plight and success of one St. Louis homeowner and how they discovered a different way to think, which led them to find a real solution.

The historic home in St. Louis City with a mysterious water leak problem.

The owners of a historic home built in 1908 in the city of St. Louis lived for over a year with a puzzling water leak. They watched as their original plaster, molding and wallpaper deteriorated from water damage every time it rained. They could hear the water dripping behind the walls of their three story home, and waited for the tell tale signs and smells of wet plaster.

Adding to the frustration was the chain of plumbers, guttering people and roofers who could not find the problem and reported that the plumbing pipes were fine, the gutters were in good working order and the roof was reliable. Imagine seeing your walls fall apart amid the reports that the plumbing, gutters and roof were just dandy. Each specific trade focused on their area of interest, yet the house continued to leak, smell and fall apart. Each trades person viewed the problem through their area of knowledge.

In the 3rd floor ballroom we see one of two spots of persistent water damage on the plaster walls.

The gutter person identified the integral gutter system and referred the homeowners to a roofer. The roofer believed that the gutter system connected to the main plumbing waste stack and referred the homeowners to a plumber. The plumber found the waste pipe for the home was located in a different part of the house and reported that the plumbing pipes were not a problem. A lot of time and money was being spent while the house continued to leak, smell and deteriorate.

The persistent water leak shows itself in the 2nd floor master bedroom.

The homeowners occasionally listened to The KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby, a radio program for homeowners to call in for answers to their home remodeling and repair questions. Scott uses his many years of experience to help homeowners think through their problems, think about the process a little differently, and discover the solution. Listening to KMOX Radio on Saturday morning was becoming more of a regular habit during this water leak time period, and some friends had even suggested calling in with questions. Realizing that they had heard Scott answer many complex questions covering a broad spectrum of topics, the homeowners decided that Scott might be just the person to figure out their water leak mystery.

They called Scott’s company - Mosby Building Arts - to talk about their frustrating situation and have Scott come take a look at it. They learned that Scott’s company had several experienced consultants who specialized in investigating and diagnosing difficult problems about buildings, structures and water problems. They homeowners were convinced that this was just the company to help them through their problem.

The interior wall leaks were coming from drain water on the clay shingle roof.

They discovered that this level of expertise came with a consulting fee, which was very different than the free estimates and bids from the trades people and salesmen who had visited their house already. Because they had already spent substantial time, money and effort to no avail, they asked during the phone call, “Why do you charge for a house call when no one else does?”

The couple had already spent a considerable amount of time and money on specialists who initially came out for a free estimate, and they were no closer to a solution. They were accustomed to the free estimate, and free advice which seemed only to result in an opportunity for that company to sell their product. What’s a homeowner to do? The homeowners decided to give the Mosby Consultant a try despite the fee. Besides, the fee was refundable toward the repairs that Mosby would perform. After many months of problems, attempts at repair, and failing plaster, the homeowners understood the value of this professional service and realized that something different was about to begin.

The water runs to the sewer drain in the basement, and this old system was rotted and clogged.

Mosby Building Arts sent out Rich, a Home Consultant with decades of hands-on experience working on older homes, to look around and search for the problem. After investigating the roof, the attic, 3 floors and the basement, Rich confidently reported what was causing the problem.

Their home has integral gutters, which are an internal drainage system on older houses that drain through pipes inside the house rather than downspouts on the exterior of the house. These internal drain pipes run completely separate from the main plumbing stack. There are dedicated gutter drain pipes that run from the roof all the way down to the sewer drain in the basement, and if we open up the walls at the spots where you see damage, you will see old pipes gone bad.

Walls were opened at damage points, exposing the rotted cast iron pipes of the internal gutter system.

The homeowners were both stunned and relieved with this new information. They were stunned by how many specialists had completely overlooked or failed to understand the systems in their house. Was this really the problem? Could this opinion be that reliable?

They followed Rich through the house as he explained the signs, symptoms and relationships of each bit of information. They came to understand how their gutter system worked and why it had become such a problem. They were relieved to finally have the mystery solved, and could finally see an end to the persistent water leak problem. They asked to have Mosby Building Arts, Ltd. perform the repair work. After all, they had the knowledge and experience, why not have the best?

Another section of the internal drian pipe is exposed on the third floor. All of the pipes from roof to basement had to be removed.

When the Mosby construction team opened up the plaster walls only in the spots of visible damage, they found exactly what Rich had suspected. The repair specialists found 2 sets of old, cast iron pipes running from the roof to the basement three stories below. Both pipes, which drained the roof gutters, were rusted, leaking and needed complete replacement in order to drain effectively for another century.

It was a delicate process to install the new pipe so as to preserve and protect the historic character of the home.

The Mosby repair team carefully removed the heavy old pipes without removing or disturbing the antique wood paneling on the first floor. Next, they installed new 4″ diameter pipes, pushing past the wood paneling, historic wall paper and up to the ball room. Great care was taken to install the pipes with minimal wall openings so that the historic character of the home was preserved and protected.

In the basement, drainage to the sewer required a whole new, modern system.

The basement was another chapter of the story. Just as Rich had suspected and reported in his consulting visit, the pipes below the old concrete basement floor were completely rusted away. The Mosby repair team dug deep into the basement floor to pull up the ancient sewer lines that had failed some time back, and replaced it with new ones.

With all new systems in place, and the gutter drain water confined inside the drain pipes, the skilled Mosby painters carefully patched, re-plastered and painted the walls affected by the leaking water. Most important of all, there is no longer the sound of dripping water behind the walls when it rains, and the walls will remain dry for perhaps another century.

With all the repairs done, the parts fo the home affected were returned to their original state so it looks as if there was never a water leak problem.

So there is another way of thinking about problems and solutions, and another option to choose to receive service and expert guidance. Discover the real truth in your home, and choose the experienced staff of Mosby building Arts, Ltd. Find out the real solution in your home today, and stop treating only the apparent symptoms. Call the home enhancement professionals at Mosby.

The Mosby Consulting Team is created for homeowners seeking the confidence and benefits of working with experienced home professionals. Call Mosby Building Arts at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

Jake models the dog ramp he shares with Molly.

We design spaces for everyone in the family, including the pets.  When it comes to getting from the deck to the backyard, dogs have different needs than humans, so we originally designed the deck stairs (to the left in the picture above) to be a little shorter in height for the shorter legs of basset hounds.

How a space functions for the users is of utmost importance, and after observing the dogs’ using the stairs, it was decided that a ramp would be an even better solution!  Another feature we added was a separate gate for both the human stairs and the dog ramp.

The king and queen of this household love the ramp, and so do their humans!

While taking pictures of the finished project, Jake was kind enough to demonstrate how it works for the camera.  You can see the rest of this outdoor living project here.

Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 reported deaths from deck collapse.  More than 75 percent of people on a collapsing deck were injured. Most collapses occur on decks that are more than 20 years of age or older.  With over 40 million decks in the United States it is important that you check the safety of your deck.  Here is a link to a deck safety checklist.

Mosby Home Consultants inspect several problem decks a month, and these are the 10 most common mistakes they see:

10. Unsealed wood
Unsealed wood decks can age and deteriorate faster than sealed decks.  Proper sealing prolongs the appearance and life of a deck well beyond unsealed decks.  Avoid the “worn out” look by sealing it.

9. Stairs with open risers or missing railings
Open space between steps invites accidents.  Avoid injuries and create a tailored look by covering the risers.  Hand railings are fundamental to the safety of a stairwell.

8. Improper railing height and baluster spacing
Building codes have very specific measurements for railings and balusters to avoid accidents and injuries.

7. Undersized structural members
An undersized structural member increases the risk of deck collapse and can create sagging and improper weight distribution.  Avoid deck warping and collapsing by properly sizing all members and components of your deck.

6. Missing or improper joist hangers
Nails alone are not enough to counteract the shear forces on a structural member.  Joist hangers are an essential element in creating reinforced connections and supported decking. Ensure the safety of your deck by using properly sized, engineered, and correctly installed joist hangers.

5. Improper Deck Materials
Weather resistant materials are necessary on exterior structures to prevent rot or deterioration.  There are specific fasteners for exterior conditions and it is critical that the proper fasteners are used.   Select materials that are expressly made to withstand all weather conditions.

4. Undersized footings
Footings create a solid base for the posts of your deck.  Undersized footings can lead to sagging, warping or collapse.

3. Improper attachment to structure of house (incorrect fasteners)
How your deck attaches to your home determines its safety and durability. This is an area that you may want to overbuild beyond the minimum standards or requirements.   Again material, size, and quality are critical.

2. Improper or missing flashing
Every deck must address water management.  Water can soak into your home at the point where the deck connects to the house.  Properly installed flashing will prevent erosion to the structural integrity of your deck and home.

1. Not obtaining a permit to build a deck
Obtaining a permit is the most overlooked step in deck building.  Safety is the main focus of following the permitting process of your town.

The majority of deck building mistakes can be avoided by applying for a building permit through your City Hall. The permit process requires drawings and specifications of the proposed deck.  Building Inspectors will verify that the deck plans meet the local building and safety codes. This crucial step will save you from making costly mistakes before the first hammer swings.  The permit process requires on-site inspections during construction phases to insure the deck is being built according to code.

It is crucial for the safety of your family and your guests that a deck is built properly.  Mosby Building Arts’ staff of planners will handle the design, drawings and permit applications.  Furthermore our carpenters will build a deck of beauty, enduring quality and utmost safety for your family and friends outdoor enjoyment for years to come.

For deck design, construction, or repairs call 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

Time for a new roof?

When is it time for a new roof? New gutters? More insulation? You may think of them as individual home improvements, but they are really one system, one protection, one comfort… or can be one nightmare.

Did you know that the roof is a system that not only keeps the inside dry by deflecting water away from your house but it should also allow your house to “breathe?” The roofing system is only as good as its weakest link, and if it has any flaws, water seems to find it.

When thinking of a roof, most people visualize roof shingles. The Roof System is made up of many parts, and the finished roofing material comes in many shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Other parts of the roofing system are:

• Flashing
• Soffit, Fascia & Gutters
• Attic Ventilation
• Air Infiltration
• Insulation

Each component works together to protect your home… or not.

TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS

Asphalt Shingles Also known as composition shingles. Wide variety of styles, colors and textures an affordable price. Installation adapts to most roof configurations. Low maintenance. Can last 12-30 years, with shorter life expectancy in Greater St. Louis due to extreme weather conditions, and poor - or no - roof system design.

Wood Shake Has a natural look with lots of character and helps insulate the attic. Durability depends on proper installation (which can be complicated) and quality of wood used. Requires constant maintenance.

Slate Made of sliver-like rock. Colors are limited to those found in nature, but can be laid in a variety of patterns. Very expensive, but can last 100 years, is resistant to rot, insects and fire. It is a very heavy and fragile material so can complicate accessing the roof.

Clay Tile Natural clay is resilient and withstands harsh weather. Lends historic charm to a home. Costly, but can last up to 50 years, is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Installation and repairs of this heavy and fragile material can be tricky.

Metal Choices include steel, aluminum or copper, in a wide variety of styles and appearances. Reflects heat from the sun and good in high wind and wet areas. Costs more than asphalt shingles but can last up to 50 years with very little maintenance.

A ROOF IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS FLASHING

It takes more than a roof to keep the water out. At the intersection of planes and wherever opposing materials meet is where water will try to get in. Strips of a rust-resistant metal are formed into these areas to move water away from the roof. When flashing is applied the wrong way, it will actually help water invade the interior of your home.

Mosby Home Consultants keep a file of photos of bad flashing they have seen while driving around Metropolitan St. Louis. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot it from a moving car. It’s also cause for concern because bad flashing means water damage is in that homeowner’s future.

GUTTERS ARE PART OF THE ROOF SYSTEM

The duty of gutters is to move water away from your roof and onto the ground. Many foundation problems can be alleviated by diverting the water collected in the gutters away from the house.

At the roof level, gutter placement and maintenance is important. If the gutter is placed a little too high on the roof line, water and ice damming can damage the underlayment. If you allow the gutters to get clogged, the overflow water backs up, jumps the gutter trough and can rot both wood and aluminum soffit and fascia.

THE ATTIC IS THE INTERIOR OF YOUR ROOF

The flow and temperature of air in your attic has a direct impact on the performance and endurance of your roof. Improper ventilation causes the roof to overheat which then shortens the life span of roof shingles. When attic air flow is tampered with (by, for example, sealing intake vents) it reduces the effectiveness of your insulation.

A common problem we encounter during a Mosby Home Consultation is homeowners covering attic vents and air stacks in the winter to keep the attic warm, mistakenly believing a warm attic will keep the whole house warmer.

Covering the wind turbines, attic vents or any other air portal prevents moisture from escaping, which can cause wood rot, mold and other moisture-related problems. Improper attic ventilation will cause your HVAC system to work harder to heat or cool the house. The attic must maintain a delicate balance, and adequate air ventilation prevents condensation and moisture from accumulating.

Since the roof is one of the most important external elements of a house, it should not only be durable, but also have an aesthetic appeal. Schedule a Mosby Home Consultation for a full Roof System evaluation. Not only can we replace your roof, we can make sure the entire system is working correctly to give you maximum comfort and peace of mind.

When an office coffee maker went kaput, a clever idea was born. David - who does purchasing for Mosby Building Arts remodeling projects - thoroughly cleaned out the glass pot and remodeled it as a home for a betta fish. We happily welcome Esveldea to the Mosby Family!