IL License Number: 104.017181
IL License Number: 104.017181
CASE STUDY – DECEMBER 2025
Location: N Ridge Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Project Type: Emergency water intrusion response and full-house window sealing on a single-family home with LP SmartSide trim
Investment: $1,850 quoted | $1,850 final invoice – no change orders!
On the morning of Wednesday, December 3, 2025, a returning client called us with a clear and urgent message:
The temperature had just crept above freezing in Arlington Heights, and as snow and ice on the front porch roof began to thaw, water found its way inside the home. This wasn’t Seth’s first project with us. He had previously trusted Holda Construction for a roof repair in October 2023 and a full upper roof replacement in April 2024. However, the porch roof had never been touched.
That day’s thaw was a warning, but the real danger was what came next: a record-breaking cold snap, with temperatures dropping to single digits and wind chills nearing -20°F. If water remained trapped inside the structure, it could freeze, expand, and cause significant internal damage.
Seth first discovered Holda Construction through Yelp in 2023. His loyalty came not just from the quality of our work, but from how we handled the process.
During his second project, we uncovered additional issues during installation and resolved them without changing the agreed price. That mattered.
Seth called on December 3rd, and we had reviewed the weather risks, explained likely causes, and sent a digital proposal by the next morning. Though it was too cold to perform repairs on December 4th, we scheduled immediate action as soon as it became safe to work.
On Friday, December 5th our foreman, Mariusz Dziekoński, arrived onsite and began the inspection. Based on Seth’s description, we expected an issue with the roof-to-wall flashing, which is a common leak point: especially where porch roofs meet the main wall. But that wasn’t it.
What Mariusz discovered was subtle but significant: A large gap between the LP SmartSide trim and the window frame above the door. No caulking. No sealant. Just a wide-open pathway for water.
Then the bigger revelation:
Every single window on the house had the same issue.
We paused. Seth had already received quotes (from us) for possible roof repairs ranging up to $15,000. But instead of proceeding with that larger scope, we gave him the facts and offered the simple solution: Seal all windows. Stop the leak. Pay for only what was needed.
A major repair at the roof-to-wall connection, with the possibility of re-roofing the porch section with Ice and Water Barrier installed correctly.
The leak wasn’t coming from the roof at all. Instead, gaps around every window frame were allowing water in during thaws. These were overlooked during the original siding installation (done by others before Seth’s ownership).
Choosing to seal the windows immediately achieved the homeowner’s goal:
Stop water before a damaging freeze.
We continue to monitor the home through seasonal changes. If further water intrusion returns, the original roof repair options (ranging from $6,500 to $15,000) remain available.
This project didn’t follow a big multi-phase construction schedule. But it did reinforce a key principle: Even in urgent scenarios, transparency matters.
The transformation wasn’t visual — it was functional and brought peace of mind.
The leak above the front door stopped instantly
Every window on the home is now sealed properly
LP SmartSide trim, often sensitive to water exposure, is now protected
The work adds lasting value to the home — and prevents costly damage
Seth’s experience proves how critical thorough inspection and honest assessment are, especially during unpredictable Midwest winters.
If you’re a homeowner in the Northwest Suburbs and see signs of water during a thaw, check your window trim. If you spot gaps, there’s a good chance water is getting in, and we’d be happy to take a look.
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847.847.2883
Found gaps around your windows? Let’s take a look before it becomes a problem.
Guides project planning and key homeowner decisions. Sets standards and approves final deliverables.
Coordinates scheduling, materials, permits, and day-to-day communications.
Leads the crew on site; directs daily work; manages walkthroughs and quality control.
Siding installations.
Siding installations.
Gutter and downspout installations.
Gutter and downspout installations.
Full roof replacements.
With over twenty years in business and hundreds of satisfied customers, we know what it takes to properly maintain a home. Join the family of satisfied homeowners who trust Holda Construction Roofing and Siding for all their roofing and siding needs.
We look forward to working with you!
Address
317 W Colfax St. Suite 102
Palatine, IL 60067
