I read a very interesting article this morning, “Realtors Identify Exterior Replacement Projects as Best Investment for Homeowners.” It has some really good information that all homeowners would be interested in knowing! A couple of the main points of the article are as follows:

1. A recent survey of Realtors found that realtors rated many exterior improvements as among the most valuable home investment projects as part of the “2011-12 Remodeling Cost versus Value Report.”
2. According to the report, seven of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects.
3. One window replacement project — upscale vinyl — rounded out the last exterior replacement project in the top 10, expected to recoup 69.1 percent of costs.

That last number is pretty amazing! Many people believe remodeling projects aren’t worth the price—but research is telling a different story. Homeowners might want to take that last point into consideration and begin researching premium vinyl replacement windows, since they could possibly recoup more than two-thirds of their costs upon resell. Plus there are the added benefits of better comfort and energy savings that a high-quality window project can bring to people who are staying in their homes longer. It’s really a win-win for homeowners.

To read this entire article, visit http://www.dwmmag.com/index.php/realtors-identify-exterior-replacement-projects-as-best-investment-for-homeowners/

Have you ever had someone knock on your door and ask if you need new windows, new gutters, new siding, etc.? I have had several of these canvassers come to my neighborhood and home. Sometimes these canvassers come during dinner time, sometimes during a bad time - very rarely at the perfect time. But is there ever a ‘perfect time’ for things like this?

Here are my thoughts on canvassers. Just like any business industry we come across, there are professional canvassers, very slick canvassers, and very unprofessional canvassers. When someone comes to my house representing a particular company, I quickly evaluate the individual, and my impressions of that person transfer to the company they represent. If I have an interest and they are professional, they have an opportunity to set an appointment. But if they are pushy or unprofessional, all bets are off.

Basically, I mirror their treatment and respect for me. If I tell them I’m in the middle of something and they ask if they can come back at a specific time, I’m going to hear them out when they come back. If they keep talking when I say I’m busy, I will politely ‘cut them off’ and let them know I am not interested in their company - even if I am. No second chances if they come across as disrespectful.

Also, I look at the way canvassers are dressed and how they talk. These all reflect the image of the company they are representing. From my experience, I know canvassing can be a challenging job, and they face a lot of rejection. But if they have a great attitude and act professional, I’m going to listen to what they have to say.

Finally, a good canvasser usually can present their information in 2-3 minutes. If it goes much longer, I lose interest and usually cut them off. The professionals know how to deliver the information quickly and concisely.

I read a really interesting article last week titled, “Energy Efficiency Hits from the Doors (and Windows).” The name might sound a bit silly, but it talks about how you can actually feel—and hear!—the difference when you replace leaky old windows and doors with newer, ENERGY STAR qualified models. Comfort, lower energy bills, no drafts or rattling window panes—all benefits that I think many homeowners with old homes would appreciate!

The article also provides an important reminder—consumers can still take advantage of federal tax credits for windows and doors for just a few more weeks. That could save you even more money! However, homeowners who want tax credit benefits must move quickly—because the federal tax credits expire on Dec. 31.

To read this entire blog article, visit http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/energysavers/post/Energy-Efficiency-Hits-from-the-Doors-(and-Windows).aspx.

When I started in this business, at the very beginning of the replacement window's invention, things were a lot different. Replacement windows started out at 2 5/8" thickness, now they are pretty much universally 3 1/4" thick. When we started there was a filler strip to fill the gap found in most installations to the parting stop. Replacement windows were all aluminum, and there weren't many choices. You could get mill finish single glass double hung aluminum, or you could get mill finish single glass double hung mill finish aluminum. Straight aluminum windows were a problem due to condensation and energy loss but still an improvement over worn out wood windows, thermal breaks were developed in the mid 1980's to separate the inside of the window from the outside to improve thermal properties of aluminum windows. It certainly was an improvement, but still left a lot to be desired as far as thermal peromance.

At the beginning there were no horizontal sliders, no casements or any other variations like garden or bay or bow windows. Then in the early 1970's painting of aluminum extrusions was developed and color was added. At one point my previous employer had 13 different colors available, from white, which has always remained about 80% of sales, to pink to green. As the industry developed, slowly, options became important. Color mainly, but the windows evolved in quality and features, storm windows were mounted to the exterior of the aluminum prime replacement window for better thermal qualities and progress continued.

Insulating glass was developed in the late 1960's or early 1970's. Then triple glass was developed in the mid 1970's. Low Emissivity or Low E glass was developed and became available in the mid 1980's and new and better coatings on the glass surface were developed allowing better and better U value performance. The Low E glass available 20 years ago had far less energy efficiency than what is available today. Glass coatings are probably the biggest improvement in the thermal properties of windows.

Vinyl windows were developed in the mid 1970's. They were pretty much universally not very good products then but they offered far superior thermal properties than aluminum so the development and learning continued. One of the early products was basically and aluminum prime window completely encased in vinyl to improve its thermal properties, still not great, but much better than straight aluminum. High quality and high energy performance vinyl windows started to evolve in the 1990's with the glass improvements continuing till today. The technology has continued to evolve in both vinyl extrusions and glass coatings making todays products far superior to what was available even ten years ago.

There are other materials that companies use to frame windows with; wood, wood composites, clad wood, and fiberglass, are the most prominent, but to be frank, there is no better framing material for windows than vinyl. It's gone from nonexistent to clearly the most popular material in a couple of decades because it is the best material. It is thermally efficient, strong, resilient, impervious to rot and mold, and no other material can beat it.

So if your windows are more than ten years old. And your home is drafty or chilly in the winter and uncomfortable with "hot spots" in the summer. You should investigate replacing your windows with new highly energy efficient, high quality vinyl replacement windows. The saying goes "your paying for new windows whether you actually get them or not in higher energy bills", and that's not to mention the comfort, security, curb appeal and peace of mind new windows will give you. Time is of the essence, investigate now.

With all of the political rhetoric that fills the newspapers and the television, has it made you afraid to spend money? With the housing market still experiencing ups and downs, has it made you throw up your hands and say it just isn’t worth putting another dime into the house? It doesn’t matter what political affiliation you are, all the government arguing - whether it be on the national level or even the state level - makes it difficult to spend money on anything, from true retail goods to improving your home.

I have talked to countless individuals about the economic ups and downs. Everyone is longing for the good times to come again. It seems that ‘bad times’ have lasted a lot longer than the ‘good times.’ I am not sure if this feeling is factual or not. But here is what I am sure of, if we sit on our hands and do nothing, it can be compared to not making a decision at all. And that is the worst thing we can possibly do.

I understand and appreciate that everyone’s situation is different. But if you have the economic means, now is the time to spend. And the best bang for your buck individually and economically is spending in the building products industry. This industry has so many small businesses that employ so many people. The building products industry is truly the backbone of the U.S. economy. There are still tax credits available with different building products and with business still soft, you aren’t going to get a better deal than you are today!

I’m biased towards vinyl replacement windows and doors. There are many great reasons to purchase energy efficient vinyl replacement windows, here are just a handful.

1. Energy efficient
2. Improve curb appeal
3. Can reduce outside noise
4. Make your home more secure and safe
5. Improve the value of your home
6. Certain tax credits still available through the end of the year

There are countless reasons to invest in energy efficient windows and doors. So, don’t let the politicians, the news, even the economy get you down. Do yourself some good and the economy some good, invest in your home and vinyl replacement windows!

Well, it seems as if the Fall season is blowing in fast…in my area, we went from 95 degrees to first-frost conditions in one just week. With the change in seasons, many people begin thinking about doing a thorough pre-holiday housecleaning—you know, scrubbing walls, shampooing carpets, washing windows, and getting all those other “nooks and crannies.”

With so much cleaning to be done, it’d be nice to have one less item on your “to-do” list, right? If that’s your attitude, you might want to consider easy-cleaning glass in your windows and doors.

Notice I said “easy-cleaning”—not “self-cleaning,” because that’s not exactly true. No glass on the market will actually clean itself for you! But there are options—such as Gorell’s SolarShine—that will keep the glass in your windows and doors cleaner for longer.

So how does this glass work? Basically, it features a “built-in” transparent coating that’s super smooth so that most dirt doesn’t “hold on to” it. It even loosens and breaks down the dirt that does adhere to the glass. The coating uses two natural resources—the sun’s ultraviolet rays and water—to slowly decompose and loosen organic dirt, then rinse it away. Water “sheets” off SolarShine instead of beading, so there will be less spotting and streaking.

Windows and doors with SolarShine—or any similar product—are comparable to self-cleaning ovens. They’re a great help, but they are not magic. These products still require a little work from you. You will need to apply water to your windows occasionally, especially ones that are not exposed to regular rainfall. You basically just need to spray the windows or doors with water, from a hose or spray bottle, then wipe off any debris and let it dry.

Easy-cleaning glass definitely makes window cleaning quicker and easier…and anything that makes that Fall cleaning go a little faster is a good thing!

Maybe this seems like a silly question to most homeowners. I mean, of course you want to open your windows, right?! If you couldn’t, wouldn’t that sort of defeat the purpose of having windows?

Well, it might seem silly, but it’s actually a valid point for homeowners to consider when replacing windows in their homes. Being “hard to operate” is one big reason people replace their existing windows – but many attribute the fact that the windows stick or won’t open correctly simply to their ‘age.’

Age is one factor, sure, but you also need to consider what materials the windows are made of, what type of hardware is used, etc. Ask questions about the new windows you are considering for your home. Do single- or double-hungs feature constant force balancing? How many cycles is that hardware tested to? If you’re considering a casement or awning window, is the crank mechanism easy to turn? And, once your questions have been answered, TEST the operation! Try out those new windows to make sure they’re easy to operate—so that anyone can open and close them easily.

Whether you’re 20 years old or 80, whether you’re in perfect shape or physically challenged, you deserve to be able to enjoy a breath of fresh air without exerting yourself trying to get those windows open!

I came across a useful article on-line this morning – “The Heat is On – But Energy Efficiency Can Curb Summer Energy Bills.” The article offered energy-efficiency tips in three different areas -- Keeping Your Cool, Keeping the Heat Outside and Clever in the Kitchen.

Two of the tips, in particular, caught my attention, because they focused on advice that I – and other contributors -- often give on this blog. Those two very important tips were:

“Consider investing in energy-efficient windows to save money and increase indoor comfort.” It’s true -- the combination of highly insulating frame materials and a wide variety of Low-E glass options make replacement windows one of the best ways to increase the thermal efficieny of homes—and DECREASE energy bills!

“Plug energy leaks with weather stripping and caulking, and be sure your house is properly insulated, to save up to 20% on energy bills.” That’s a pretty significant savings – 20% -- more than enough reason to re-evaluate your home’s insulation. And summer is the perfect time to consider installing reflective insulation in attics to help cut energy costs and keep these spaces more comfortable.

To read the complete article, and learn more energy-saving tips, visit http://www.ase.org/news/heat-%E2%80%93-energy-efficiency-can-curb-summer-energy-bills.

Summer means sunshine and warmth. It means more daylight and longer days. It means vacations, picnics and amusement parks. These are some of the things we all love about the summer season.

Unfortunately, for some of us, summer can also mean less sleep. Lawnmowers waking us up early in the mornings. Children playing loudly and keeping us awake in the late evening. Neighbors’ party guests and music keeping us up until the pre-dawn hours. The sounds of summer can be bothersome, particularly if you’ve got to wake up early for work and can’t join in the fun.

There is, however, an easy solution—windows and doors with laminated glass. Laminated systems consist of three glass panes, two of which sandwich a tough polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. This interlayer is what gives laminated glass systems their remarkable properties for keeping out exterior sounds, such as noise from traffic, aircraft, yard work and pets. The glass and interlayer actually help absorb and deaden sound waves.

Gorell’s Armor Glass Plus laminated system, for instance, provides as much as 100 percent perceived improvement to the human ear in sound deadening. This glass system achieves Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings as high as 35.

Homeowners who want to keep their homes more peaceful and quiet by blocking exterior sounds should consider windows and doors with laminated glass. These products provide excellent noise reduction—as well as other benefits such as safety, security and UV protection.

Most homeowners are aware that the sun’s UV rays can fade furnishings – we see it all the time on the cushions of our patio furniture. Unfortunately, those same UV rays can fade the inside of a home, too – from draperies to furniture to carpeting – because they can easily penetrate windows and doors.

There’s not much homeowners can do to protect items that are left outside, but there is an easy way to protect the inside of homes—replacement window and doors! Windows with high-performance Low-E glass actually filter out much of the spectrum of UV light that causes fading.

The glass in windows and doors carries a Fade Protection Factor (FPF) rating. Like Sun Protection Factor (SPF) for sunscreens, FPF is a rating achieved through independent laboratory testing. A higher FPF number means greater fade protection for household furnishings because virtually all of the UVa and UVb rays are being blocked by the glass and coatings.

Clear glass for instance, has an FPF of only 2. Laminated glass systems offer particularly good fade protection—like Gorell’s Armor Glass Plus option that carries an FPF rating of 50 (the highest rating possible)!

The bottom line is this: Nothing can completely prevent fading, but if homeowners want to keep their interior home furnishing looking newer and brighter for longer, they should consider high-performance replacement windows that help block the sun’s harmful rays from homes.

For more information on the FPF ratings for Gorell’s various high-performance glass systems, visit http://www.gorell.com/pages/glass_chart.htm.

Our interest in saving energy is always increasing. So to address that, in 2010, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) introduced its High-Performance Volume Purchase Program to promote and encourage the sales of very high-performing, energy-efficient windows to both residential and commercial window buyers. This program has been expanded in 2011 to include much more information, vendors and choices for the window-buying public. The web site to go to for information on this program is http://www.windowsvolumepurchase.org. The following article (from http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/14/idUS118462289620110614) also has some very good information on this program.

DOE Makes Buying Insulated Windows a Breeze

By Matt Smith

Tue Jun 14, 2011 1:19am EDT

One of the easiest ways to conserve energy is to prevent heat lose through the use of heavily insulated windows, which the U.S. Department of Energy has just made easier for many businesses, schools, universities, architects, builders and large communities. In May, the Department of Energy expanded its High Performance Windows Volume Purchase Program. The expansions in the program make it easier for both residential and commercial buildings to find the appropriate high performance insulated windows, vendors and prices on the program's expanded website in order to save both money and energy.

Buyers can search through over 30 vendors who have met the requirements of the program for their specific window needs, as long as they meet the requirement of needing at least 20 windows.

"The high performance windows and low-E storm windows in the program can offer significant energy efficiency at attractive prices that make them cost effective in heating-dominate climate zones," said Graham Parker, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory senior staff engineer who manages the program for DOE's Building Technologies Program. The high performance windows also qualify for federal and utility incentives and rebates being offered across the country, he said in a press release. In addition, the DOE has expanded the program to offer commercial windows that also are high performance.

Double-pane, low-E, R-3 windows have typically been considered the standard for energy efficiency for residential construction in the last decade or so, but recent studies have shown that highly insulating, primarily triple-pane, windows reduce average heat loss through the window by more than 30 percent when compared to R-3 windows in residential buildings situated in heating-dominated climate zones. In situations where full window replacement is not an option, low-E storm windows can be installed over current windows to reduce heat loads by up to 20 percent, according to a DOE press release.

The program's website is filled with information about the advantages of insulated windows, including the amount of energy and money they can save depending upon what type of climate the building is in, what builders and residents need to know about ordering and installing these windows and the advantages of buying in bulk, and which type of windows are right for which type of building or budget. The website is also full of examples of buildings that have made the switch to insulated windows, such as the Cambria Office Facility in Pennsylvania and the Wisdom Way Solar Village in Massachusetts, and how this switch has benefited them.

(Reprinted with permission from Green Building Elements)

As you may have read in one of our recent blog articles, the latest hurricane predictions from the Colorado State University forecasting team is for 16 named storms, nine hurricanes and five major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater this year. So, if you live in a hurricane-prone zone, you need to be planning for a very serious hurricane season this year.

For homeowners who are unsure what type of protection they need for their area of the country, or who want to explore the possibilities available, Gorell offers a “Hurricane Buyer’s Guide” to help simplify this very important decision. This guide will help homeowners determine how well their home—and family—is currently protected, what type of protection (i.e. shutters, standard windows, custom windows) does and doesn’t work, and what level of protection might be required in specific areas of the country.

To download Gorell Hurricane Buyer’s Guide, visit http://hurricane-window.com/downloads/gorell-hurricane-windows-guide.pdf.

Most homeowners know that one of the biggest benefits of replacing older, less-efficient windows with newer, high-performance models is energy savings. Today’s replacement windows are much more technologically advanced, and they’re better at reducing home energy usage and improving the comfort of homes.

However, many homeowners believe these energy savings occur primarily during the winter months—when new windows prevent furnaces from running so much. While it’s true that replacement windows can help lower energy bills in cold weather, energy-efficient windows are just as important during the summer months.

Surprised? It’s really very simple: The Low-E coatings that keep warm air inside during winter months also work in reverse—they reflect outside heat away from windows in warm weather. This keeps the inside of homes cooler and results in air conditioning units running much less. Voila—summer energy savings!

When considering new replacement windows, homeowners should ask to see the NFRC ratings for each model they’re considering. Depending upon what area of the country a home is located in, a window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings can be important to consider. SHGC is pretty relevant to areas where warm weather prevails, because this value measures the heat from solar radiation that enters a building. A window with a good SHGC rating can really help reflect that outside heat away from homes and lower air conditioner usage and overall home energy bills.

Replacement windows are a good value ANY time of year, and ANY place in the country. Windows with Low-E coatings are designed to improve home comfort and reduce energy usage—no matter what the weather is like outside!

Homeowners are faced with many design choices when it comes to their home. In most parts of your home there is no one perfect product. You generally have multiple products to choose from and each has their own pros and cons.

Windows are no different. One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is “Should I buy wood windows or vinyl windows”?

Wood windows offer a rich appearance that can be stained or painted to match the color of your home. Many people choose to stain the interior and paint the exterior so they can be different colors. Whether you paint or stain you will just have to remember to refinish them every few years to ensure they maintain their appearance. If not done frequently enough the wood can begin to degrade. If you do paint them, you want to be careful to not paint the windows shut which can cause a safety concern in an emergency.

Vinyl windows typically are made with one specific color of material that is the same on both inside and outside. Most vinyl windows offer a limited choice in colors – white, tan, brown. The benefit of vinyl is that it is a maintenance free finish. There isn’t a need to paint or stain the windows and they won’t get painted shut.

Still can’t decide which is best for you? Well, we make the decision easy. At Gorell, we offer low-maintenance vinyl windows that can be customized to have the beautiful interior appearance you get from stained wood. We have three (soon to be four!) gorgeous interior wood finishes that don’t ever require painting or staining. We also offer countless exterior color choices to complement the appearance of your house. (http://www.gorell.com/pages/frame_finish_colors.htm)

Why settle for a product that is almost what you want when you can get the best of both worlds?

Vinyl windows are designed that the frames are very good insulators. They can be enhanced with various types of fill in the hollows inside the extruded vinyl, some for more insulating value, some for more structural integrity. Well designed vinyl frames perform at least equal to the best wood windows and far superior to any of the other alternative framing materials. But the crux of creating a high performance energy saving window is the glass system. Sometimes the difficulty is in choosing which type of glass is best for you. Cost is certainly a factor, but some of the other factors are the part of the country you live in or the amount of security you desire. Some manufacturers offer as many as eight different glass systems to allow you the freedom of choice you deserve.

The key part of high performance glass is the type of Low E (Low Emissivity) glass that is incorporated into the unit. The number and type of the microscopic coating layers makes a dramatic difference in the energy performance that can be obtained. There are some excellent double glass systems, some very appropriate for specific parts of the country. But the popularity of triple glass is now a fact. Triple glass has been around since the 1970's but the original glass packs made back then were problematic. They experienced a much higher failure rate than double glass, probably because there were double the seals to the glass surface required.

But modern insulating glass is far superior to what was around in "the early days" of replacement windows. Low E glass first became available somewhere in the 1980's but the original coatings had significantly less performance values than the coatings available today. Every few years there seems to be a new better coating offering even more energy performance. Now to the facts, if the windows in your home were manufactured before about 1990, you cannot possibly have truly high performance windows as the current technology didn't exist then. In just the last ten years the performance levels have about doubled from what was available on the market in 1990. So give some thought about when your windows were made, and look into what is currently available to save you energy, be more green, and make your home more comfortable and more attractive.

Blue skies, warm sunshine, a summer breeze. This time of year is great in many ways. Everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors after being cooped inside during the winter months—whether you can actually be outside, or just enjoy the summer “smell” from inside your home.

Many parents, however, can’t fully appreciate the summer breezes because they fear that open windows are a hazard to their young children. And in fact, that’s true in many instances. We’ve all heard the terrible news stories about children falling from upper-story windows and getting injured or even killed.

Luckily, with today’s technology, windows can serve both functions—allow homeowners to ventilate their homes and protect their children. Consumers simply need to look for a safety feature called “limit latches” or “ventilation latches.” This feature, usually offered on double-hung and sliding window models, lets homeowners open their windows several inches—and then prevents kids from opening the windows any further. Nothing is ever as good as a parent’s watchful eye, but windows with ventilation or limit latches can put parents a bit more at ease and help ensure children are safer in their homes.

The national average price for gas is hovering right around $4/gallon, and it went up for 40 straight days! We certainly get an eye-opening experience when we fill our tanks up with gas. And some interesting, but probably not surprising, trends have developed.

First, smaller and more fuel-efficient automobiles are selling faster and better than they ever have. Chevrolet’s Cruze was one of the most popular automobiles sold in the month of April, and Ford’s Focus sales were up 22%.

What does this mean? It means we as a country are adjusting to the rising fuel costs and, for the most part, we are expecting these fuel prices to keep increasing. It also means that homeowners have to take the lead in helping manage these rising fuel prices.

Every one of us, as homeowners, need to think about energy conservation. Many of us think we can’t afford replacement windows or reflective insulation, But having new energy-efficient windows or reflective insulation installed is similar to purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle.

We all know fuel prices (in the very best near-term scenario) are just going to level out. To continue letting energy pour out of our homes can be compared to driving a vehicle that gets six miles/gallon. Some people can do it, but the majority of us just can’t.

So when we are struggling with the decision to upgrade the energy efficiency of our homes, realize that it isn’t just about investing in the value of our homes anymore. It’s also about making homes conserve energy—and two of the most proven ways to conserve energy are by upgrading to high-performance windows and reflective insulation.

Wow. What crazy weather we’ve had these last few months. From thunderstorms with 50-mile-per-hour winds, to damaging golf ball-sized hail, to the horrible tornadoes that ripped through the southern and mid-western parts of the country and caused so much devastation. I don’t ever remember seeing such extreme weather patterns in my lifetime.

The heartbreaking stories on TV—and the scare of a tornado actually touching down about 20 miles from my home—caused me to do a bit of research. I learned that, although tornado season typically starts in March, it doesn’t reach its peak until May to June. Now that’s a scary thought, considering that killer tornadoes during the first four months of this year have already claimed more lives than all of last year (according to the nation's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma).

So what can homeowners do to protect their families and homes? Making homes stronger and more formidable is one good idea—from strong concrete walls and foundations to windows and doors that can stand up to the toughest weather conditions and offer better protection. People living in coastal areas around the Gulf are certainly familiar with hurricane or impact windows and doors—but those products aren’t just for hurricanes. Windows and doors that are hurricane rated pass rigorous tests and stand up to some of the harshest conditions imaginable—so they’re actually useful for all areas of the country. They include strong laminated glass that cannot be penetrated—which means it keeps deadly flying debris out of homes and away from families. Whether a home is located in hurricane territory, “Tornado Alley,” or an area prone to earthquakes, impact windows and doors can be beneficial.

This week the National Safety Council celebrated National Window Safety Week. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of year-round window safety and fall-prevention.

As spring arrives, we start opening our windows to let in some fresh air. So, this is the perfect time of the year to evaluate the safety of our homes as well.

Here are some simple window safety tips to consider.

Tip #1 - Make sure your windows aren't painted or nailed shut so you can get out in an emergency.

Tip #2: Keep furniture or anything children can climb on away from windows to lessen the chance of a fall.

Tip #3: Consider having softer bushes or extra mulch below your child's 2nd story bedroom window. It could save a life.

Tip #4: Insect screens keep out bugs, they don't prevent falls. If your window had ventilation limit latches, use them.

Tip #5: Don't install window A/C units in a child's bedroom. The window might be needed in case of an emergency.

Windows and doors play a vital role in home safety and security. They help prevent intruders from breaking into homes, and can serve as escape routes in the event of a fire or other emergency. However, homeowners—particularly parents of young children—also need to be aware that windows can pose a risk of very serious injury should someone fall from an open window or into a door or window in the home.

That’s why every year, the National Safety Council celebrates National Window Safety Week during the first full week of April—this year that’s April 3-9! National Window Safety Week is designed to heighten awareness of what homeowners can do to help keep their homes and families safer from the risk of accidental falls or injuries in the home, especially when windows are open.

Of course homeowners should be cognizant of window and door safety all year long! When considering new windows, homeowners should thoroughly research the safety and security benefits of the products they’re considering. For instance, have the products passed ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) structural forced-entry tests? What type of frames and locking hardware do the windows feature? And what about the glass? Today’s technology allows homeowners to select windows and doors with laminated glass—like the glass used in auto windshields—that are specially designed for enhanced safety and security.

The bottom line is that keeping homes and families safe and secure is important to everyone—so homeowners should keep safety and security in mind when researching new windows and doors for their homes.

Ever notice that there are practically no window manufacturers that do NOT say their products are “quality” products. Yet, we all know -- many of us from real, personal experience -- that not all windows that supposedly are quality products actually are.

So, how does the consumer know which window products are truly quality products. And, what exactly IS quality. Whose definition of quality should be used? Maybe the manufacturer’s definition is that a quality window operates as it was designed for one year? Or that the exterior frame won’t fade in three years?

Let me throw out a few ideas about window “quality” here, and I welcome comments and discussion on these points. First of all, in terms of time, I believe quality products should provide “decades” of reliable service, not just a few years.

I also think “performance” is a valid measure of quality. In terms of windows, that means a window must offer excellent energy efficiency – again for decades, not just during the first year or two. A well-made window will have the integrity to maintain its original energy efficiency for decades.

Integrity in terms of all aspects of the window is critical. The frame and sash surfaces must hold up to constant use, cleaning and time! They shouldn’t mark or scratch easily, and they shouldn’t begin to fade within a year or two. Most homeowners don’t even realize that, like anything else, there are different grades of frame material. Not all vinyl is the same. A high-grade vinyl material is smooth and nonporous under the microscope. Dirt collects in the pores of poorly made vinyl and the frames and sashes begin to deteriorate and look dirty after a few short years.

Don’t forget the hardware. If latches, handles and locks break or become difficult to use, you are not looking at a window that was made with quality in mind.

You may already know that sometimes you can’t always tell a good quality window from a bad one when you’re looking at samples in a sales presentation or showroom. You can’t even always go by Consumer Reports, which rates only the windows of the largest manufacturers. Plus, although CR is a fine organization, it doesn’t actually test windows over time – and time is the real test of a window.

So how do you know if a window is a good one? With the vast amount of information available on-line, start your research on the internet. See what homeowners and even window and remodeling professionals are saying about manufacturers and the products they make. Ask others you know and trust – especially friends and family -- what their experiences have been with window they’ve purchased. Not only will you learn which products to consider, you’ll also learn which to avoid. You will also want to learn as much about windows in general as you possibly can. There are some very good manufacturer web sites – yes, gorell.com is one of them -- that provide a wealth of information about windows. The more you know, the better you’ll be in a position to make the right buying decision.

I have been speaking with some new friends that completed a home energy audit. Because I am in a related energy efficient business, it was an easy ‘ice breaker’ topic for them to bring up.

I asked when they did their home energy audit. They explained that it had been about six or seven months prior. I was a little surprised that they had not taken any action with any of the items in the audit. In any event, we started discussing the things the audit recommended.

One of the easy audit recommendations was to caulk and reseal all the openings in their house. This could include the attic, around the garage, windows, doors, and even vents. This is a quick and simple thing to do, but when the energy audit company completed their analysis, there was no next step. As a result, they did nothing.

As I discussed with my new friends, you know all the things that need to be done to make your home more energy efficient, but you weren’t given any idea on what to do next. I gave them a few ideas. First, although caulking and resealing is an easy and inexpensive thing to do, it also needs to be done on an annual basis. Most people forget to maintain it. As a result, if this is the sole focus for making your home more energy efficient, it will be a losing proposition.

One item that does show up on the energy audit is windows and doors. And although there is more investment involved here, provided you select the right window, it should be more of a permanent solution. And many times, if you ask the energy audit company who they would recommend to do the work, they will not only give you the name of a trusted home improvement company, they have probably negotiated discounts for you as well.

So, if you are getting ready to do that energy audit, be prepared to do a few things. See if the energy audit company has qualified and pre-screened home improvement companies you can work with to implement parts of the energy audit. Also, in your mind, establish an ‘energy efficient’ budget for your home. This allows you to make some decisions on what parts of the energy audit you want to tackle first. And it will also help you follow through on your plan to make your home more energy efficient.

I recently read an interesting article from Forbes magazine—“Ten Best Home Renovations for the Money.” (There’s also a “Ten Worst” list for those who are interested.) The article used Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report to gauge just how much of their investment homeowners can recoup on various home improvements.

As you might expect, most renovation projects will not “pay for themselves”—meaning that homeowners generally will not recoup all of the money they spend on home improvements if they later sell their home. Some projects are just “plain dollar drains,” according to the article, and shouldn’t be undertaken for the sole purpose of increasing a home’s value.

The article recommends that homeowners who are going to shell out money on improvements should focus on the home's exterior because it offers more decent returns on investment. For instance, both vinyl replacement windows and vinyl siding were shown to recoup 72% of their cost upon resale.

Any homeowners who ars considering a home-improvement project might want to check out this best/worst list before jumping into a renovation—to ensure they’re undertaking renovations like windows or siding that provide amuch better value. The article is available at http://tinyurl.com/4rw95qd

Until consumers start researching windows when planning to replace their old ones, most aren’t aware of the possibilities of buying windows with “gas” between the panes. Yet gas-filled windows have more or less been the rage over the last several years. So, it’s not unusual to hear homeowners ask WHY do we want gas-filled windows?

Here’s basically what happened. Back in the 1970s and 80s, the window industry raced to see how wide a gap it could make between the panes of glass to improve the thermal efficiency of windows. Company A had ¼” thick glass, then company B developed 3/8” thick glass, so company A in turn released ½” thick glass… and the race was on.

All of these glass systems were produced with “dead” air space; just air that didn’t move. Then the labs began to notice an interesting side effect. Once the air space reached wider than roughly ½”, the air inside it began to move. It was no longer the “dead air” space that was required to improve a window’s thermal performance. In fact, the air movement inside these larger spaces actually began to draw heat out of the home rather than keeping it in! Companies found themselves asking, “What now?”

During those times, to achieve the best performance, sheet glass companies were also rushing to develop glass with very thin, practically invisible metallic coatings because the coatings worked well to reflect heat energy. This new coated glass was more expensive, but also pretty much worthless because the larger air gaps simply counteracted the thermal benefits of the coatings.

Long story short, industry professionals eventually realized that filling the air spaces with a gas heavier than air would stop the movement inside between the panes—and work better with the new glass coatings to greatly improve the thermal performance of double-pane and triple-glass windows.

There are three gas elements that are heavier than air and completely safe—and all naturally existent in the air we breathe. They are Argon, Krypton and SF6. Argon is the most common and abundant of the three. It’s also the easiest to extract, so it’s the least expensive. Krypton is more expensive than argon, but still a pretty affordable choice. SF6, however, is the least available gas of the three and thus is not a viable option.

Now window manufacturers have excellent solutions for homeowners—new Low-E-coated glass panes, combined with inert gases that are heavier than air and result in highly effective double- or triple-insulating glass systems. Windows now can achieve center-of-glass R-values in the range of 10—levels that were unheard of some years ago.

Although new legislation has reduced the amount of the tax credit and changed the qualifying criteria, consumers are still eligible for tax credits for making their homes more energy efficient in 2011. Here is a quick recap of the 2011 federal tax credits available for windows and doors:

The new 2011 legislation provides a consumer tax credit up to $200 for 10% of the cost of qualified replacement windows, (new-construction products are not applicable), or up to $500 for 10% of the cost of qualified doors. This new tax credit applies to ENERGY STAR labeled windows and doors installed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

There is one slight “catch” however. Consumers are limited to a lifetime maximum tax credit of $500 for any combination of tax credit qualifying products (windows, doors, insulation, HVAC, roofing, etc) from Jan 1, 2006, to Dec. 31, 2011. That means that consumers who have already reached or exceeded the $500 limit are not eligible to claim the credit in 2011.

Although this credit is much reduced, it’s still “free money” for those who are considering purchasing windows or doors and have not taken advantage of the previous tax credits.

No area in a home is more vulnerable to intrusion than windows and doors. FBI statistics show that 93 percent of break-ins occur through windows and doors. So it’s not surprising that, when researching windows and doors, many homeowners are thinking about security. These homeowners may come across references to “laminated glass” as a good choice for high-risk areas. But most people aren’t familiar with laminated glass and have always considered tempered glass the “safe” choice. So what’s the difference?

Tempered glass is actually designed to minimize injury rather than prevent entry. It shatters into tens of thousands of pieces when hit. Tempered glass keeps people safer from injury or being cut by glass—such as in a car accident—but doesn’t stop intruders from breaking the glass and getting in. In fact, a sharp-edged object will break the glass’ ”surface tension” and shatter tempered glass without any impact and with very little noise.

Laminated glass is much harder for would-be burglars to penetrate. A laminated glass system usually consists of one composite pane made up of a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer sandwiched by two sheets of glass—and then another pane of standard glass. That special PVB interlayer is what keeps the glass from being penetrated. There are different thicknesses of PVB interlayers. Thicker interlayers (such as .060 or .090) will provide much more protection than thinner interlayers (.030 size, for example). In tests, windows and doors with thicker interlayers have withstood more than 30 blows from a baseball bat before a hole the size of a quarter appears. The glass will shatter – but the PVB won’t break, so no one can get through.

Tempered glass is a good choice in some situations—such as patio doors, or very large windows with big expanses of glass—because it’s safe when broken (often a concern of homeowners with kids). But for home security, to help prevent intrusions, laminated glass is more effective.

When shopping for double- and single-hung windows, homeowners should be cognizant of the windows’ balance system. A poor choice in hardware—particularly the balancing system—could mean long-term product dissatisfaction, so it’s important to get the best system available.

First off, what does the balancing system do? It basically is the hardware (usually not visible) used to open and close single- or double-hung windows—so, the type of balancing system can have an effect on the operation of the window.

There are basically three types of window balancing systems—spiral, block & tackle, and constant force. After examining and operating windows that use each of these three systems, window industry professionals generally agree that there’s no contest—the constant force balancing is the hands-down winner. “Constant force” means that, unlike other balance systems, the effort to open and close the window sash is constant. It’s the same at all points of opening and closing. Operation of windows with constant force balancing is virtually effortless, silent, and unbelievably smooth. Constant force balance systems are also more dependable. Because there is only one moving component, the balance spring, operational issues are extremely rare. These systems are typically tested to 10,000 or more cycles and still open and close smoothly. They also last longer than other balance systems because the spring is inside an encapsulated unit. This means that the most important part of the system isn’t exposed to dust and dirt over time.

Block and tackle and spiral balances both have multiple moving parts—which results in many more components that are prone to fail over time. Block and tackle balances consist of a pulley system and cord. The cord wears down as the window is operated and eventually frays or breaks. Spiral balances feature a spiral-shaped steel rod that’s connected to a torsion spring. Not only are spiral balances noisy when operated, but the way they operate also generates excessive friction—which results in wearing surfaces and, eventually, failure to operate correctly. Both systems, although not usually very visible, do attract and collect dirt. Over time, this affects the performance of these balance systems.

Before purchasing windows, homeowners should thoroughly research the products they’re considering—including what type of balance system is used and what type of warranty that hardware carries.

Balance. We can balance a checkbook. Balance a bike – or a ball. Eat a balanced diet. Achieve balance in our lives or even walk a tight rope if we have really good balance! But what about balance in the home -- and what connection to windows does this have?

Balance in the home can mean a lot of things, but yes, it can also relate to windows and air infiltration. Homeowners who have spent a lot of their hard-earned money on replacement windows now expect to see the benefits of the new windows. After all, the salesman promised substantial fuel savings and a warmer, more comfortable interior. Then, in some cases, they feel those winter drafts that bothered them before. The money’s gone now and they still feel cold drafts. Why?

Most people never realize or perhaps don’t want to admit that there could be other problems with their homes. Many window replacement jobs also include upgrades to the roof, soffit, siding and insulation. All of these are designed to tighten the home’s “envelope” and prevent air exchange to the exterior. Not everyone stops to think about the effects of these changes to the internal airflow of the home.

A home’s heating and air conditioning system, if properly designed, must function with BALANCE. This is to say that the positive or blower side of the system must have access to an air volume equal to the vacuum side of the system. In many cases, some of the home’s negative (vacuum) pressure of the system is drawn through the cracks around the old windows, the joints in old siding, the old soffit, fascia, roofing or uninsulated wall cavities.

When all these areas are closed up, the home’s heating system can be starved for negative volume. Well, guess what! The air has to come from somewhere! That “somewhere” is likely going to be one of the only operating seals left in the home’s envelope --- THE WINDOWS. This pressure can become so great that it will actually pull an entry door open as soon as the latch is released.

Operating windows are designed to allow airflow around their seals by means of weeping systems. These systems are critical to the windows' ability to control water penetration, however they rely on openings inside the window frame to let water escape. These same chambers can never be sealed airtight. Now introduce a vacuum similar to a shop vac to the windows' surface. What do you think will happen? Often it’s a phone call to the contractor or window dealer. “Hi, I spent thousands of dollars on your new windows and I have drafts! What are you going to do about it?”

Remember – the air has to come from somewhere for balance.

Lots of homeowners have questions about the Energy Star program because, when they decide to research and purchase new or replacement windows or doors, they invariably run into terms like "ENERGY STAR labeled," "U-value" and "Solar Heat Gain." Who can blame consumers for being confused? A long-time proponent of the Energy Star program, Gorell undertook an interesting project to help consumers understand as much as possible about the Energy Star program. In a series of brief, easy-to-understand videos, Gorell's lead engineering manager addresses the most commonly asked questions as well as misunderstandings about the program. Now, these videos were not professionally shot in a studio, nor were they read from carefully prepared scripts. They are short, to the point and done simply, in an educational manner. The collection of 20 Energy Star videos can be most easily viewed on YouTube. Hopefully consumers will find them helpful, with so many answers about Energy Star in one place. To see them, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erdl8occ4j4&playnext=1&list=PL0073BF1FD13191B1&index=1

There's a very interesting article -- about cleaning windows -- that originated from Readers Digest Magazine. It's called "8 Clever Solutions for Cleaning Windows" and it addresses not just cleaning windows, but other items associated with windows -- like blinds, screens, shades and window sills. Some of the tips seem to be more just common sense, but I admit, they're ones I didn't think of. Windows becoming dirty again too soon after cleaning them? Tip #6 says to clean the furnace or AC filter -- that's likely the problem. Tip #4 is interesting -- to help keep your exterior window stay cleaner longer, apply a coating of floor wax. Tip #1 addresses the fundamental issue -- how to clean window glass and avoid streaking. In a way, this is common sense, too. What do window cleaning professionals use when they clean glass? A squeegee, of course. The tip is to "use a window-washing squeegee with a smooth, soft rubber edge." And it states not to clean glass in direct sunlight because quickly drying glass is more susceptible to streaking. The complete article -- including the other five "clever solutions"' can be found at http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/8-clever-solutions-for-cleaning-windows-2405885/

One of the most common questions from someone who is interested in buying new windows is in regards to the appearance of Low-E glass. There is a misconception that Low-E glass is very dark and hard to see through.

Over the years, glass manufacturers have made significant strides in increasing the thermal performance of Low-E glass while minimizing the darker tints.

Technically “clear” glass only transmits 81% of visible light. Most standard Low-E glass allows 72% of the visible light through, while the higher performing Low-E glasses might allow 64% through.

Although it might sound like that is stopping a lot of the visible light, consider your car. The top 6 inches of your windshield is more tinted than the rest and the side windows are far more tinted than clear glass. Most people don’t find those levels of tint “too dark” when they consider the thermal and UV benefits that this tinting offers.

Also think about the windows in your office building. Many office buildings are built with or recently renovated to have Low-E glass. Does it look “too dark” when you look out of your office window?

While “dark” is a matter of personal preference, most people don’t even notice that their windows have Low-E glass once they are installed. If you have any concerns, speak with the salesperson that you are working with. They will have several glass samples for you to review to make the decision of what will work best for your home.

We all hear about how various household items being marketed – from refrigerators to windows – are “ENERGY STAR qualified.” Ever wondered what that really means? I’m currently in the market for a new refrigerator, and the only thing I’m concerned about regarding Energy Star is whether or not the appliance has the Energy Star label. It either has it or it doesn’t.

Windows and doors are very unique when it comes to Energy Star. Like other items, they do have to be tested and must meet certain performance criteria to carry the Energy Star label. However, the testing is very different than that done on other items. The tests for windows and doors take into account the entire window or door—such as the window “style” (single-hung, double-hung, sliding, picture, casement or awning), the material the frame is constructed of (vinyl, aluminum, wood, etc.), and –most importantly -- the type of glass used. Double or triple-pane. The Low-E coatings used on the glass and their effectiveness. Whether or not the window has inert gas between the glass panes – and if so – the type of gas. Even the options selected for windows and doors affect their performance – and therefore, their ability to meet Energy Star requirements for labeling.

It gets even more interesting – especially in comparison to Energy Star requirements and ratings for other products – when you realize that windows and doors can qualify for the Energy Star label in one or more zones of the country – but not in others. There are actually four climate zones, and windows can qualify in numerous combinations of one, two, three or four zones. So when purchasing windows, for example, consumers need to determine whether the windows they’re considering are Energy Star qualified for the region they live in.

Now, back to buying that refrigerator.

What causes condensation on windows and doors?

ALL windows, even the most energy-efficient, will experience condensation if the conditions are just right. For instance, if the indoor air has enough moisture, and if the window glass is cool enough (which depends on the outdoor temperature and the makeup and quality of the window). Some experts suggest this problem is seasonal. They may be correct. It’s not uncommon for windows to condensate during the change-of-season from summer to winter. As we keep our windows and doors closed due to the dropping temperatures outdoors, we are trapping all the moisture that the house has retained during the warmer seasons. It really is entirely possible that this problem will correct itself as the air becomes drier and winter sets in. But if you could lower your indoor relative humidity to 30%-35%, that would really help as well.

Try these tips to lower humidity in your home:

1. Turn down or stop using humidifiers.
2. Use range and bathroom exhaust fans while cooking and bathing, or open a window for a few minutes to bring in cool, dry air.
3. Cook with pans covered. (This also saves on utility bills.)
4. Take shorter showers with cooler water.
5. Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
6. In tightly insulated homes, consider installing an air-to-air heat exchanger.
7. In summer, use a dehumidifier.

Please visit the Understanding Condensation section of our site to learn more.

There’s a new energy tax credit being debated in Congress. Based on what I’m reading, you may want to act this year if you are thinking about replacing windows.

The initial language of the bill says homeowners would get 10%—or up to a $200 (capped)—tax rebate if you purchase windows that are Energy Star qualified. There is a second way to increase your rebate. If you purchase replacement windows that meet or exceed the R-5 program, you can get up to 30% or up to $1000 (capped). Click here to see the Energy Star / R-5 chart.

The current expiring tax credit allows you a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 for this year. For homeowners to qualify for this tax credit, you must purchase windows with a .30 U-value and a .30 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Most Energy Star labeled windows fall into this category, but you need to make sure this is what you’re purchasing.

Also, with the Energy Tax Credit that is expiring at the end of this year, it’s important to note that—to get the rebate—the windows must be installed or be “in service” by December 31, 2010. Because many manufacturers have lead times, and many remodeling companies have installation lead times, it’s important to order now. This will ensure you getting your windows installed before the end of the year and qualifying yourself for up to $1,500 in tax credits.

To see the draft language of the proposed bill, visit click here.

More than 25 years ago, the National Crime Prevention Council—and McGruff the Crime Dog—designated October Crime Prevention Month. That makes this a good time to think about the safety and security of our homes, our schools and our communities.

We all worry about how safe our families—and our possessions—are. We all wonder, at least occasionally, whether an intruder could possibly get into our homes. When it comes to home invasion, most burglars get in through windows and doors. So what can be done to keep homes more secure against break-ins? There are common-sense things you should do—like keep your windows and doors locked, and remove shrubs and trees from in front of your windows so possible intruders don’t have any hiding spots. But, depending on the home, maybe more drastic measures should be considered—like replacing old, un-secure windows or doors with newer, laminated glass models.

More ideas for making homes more intruder-resistant can be found on NCPC’s web site at http://www.ncpc.org/topics/home-and-neighborhood-safety . Or see Gorell’s “10 Window & Door Security Tips” at http://www.gorell.com/pages/gorell_mcgruff.htm .