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!

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.

Last year, President Obama made a comment about insulation saying it was ‘sexy.’ It was met with chuckles. The president was talking about making homes more energy efficient. But to take this to the next step, there has been much discussion on how we can make our homes more energy efficient.

But replacing windows or putting reflective insulation in your attic may not be viewed as exciting things to do - even if they are extremely effective in reducing energy consumption. Some of us also ask the question, is there anything new with vinyl replacement windows? What can really change with a window?

The answer to these questions are yes, there has been several advances with replacement windows, and these new advances have lead to new options.

For years, vinyl replacement windows were available in white and almond. With the technology advances that have been made over the years, virtually any color you can imagine is available on the exterior of your windows.

These advancements have also given vinyl replacement windows greater acceptance in the marketplace. Also, there are now various grid options and grid styles - not just the flat grids that had been available for years. You can now even order true simulated divided grids from various manufacturers.

Also, there have been several glass advancements. Instead of just double glass options, there are many different types of glass and glazing systems. You can get glass that protects your home from break ins or triple glass systems that are unbelievably energy efficient.

There are even more advancements in technology in the works. For example, there is a new glass system that will be coming on line in the next couple of years, where we as homeowners can control through a switch how much light we want to allow into our homes.

So, upgrades to our homes, which in the past have been viewed as vanilla, now are available with way more than 31 flavors...and growing!

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 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.

How much does $189 cost me?

Every once in awhile I see those advertisements in the newspaper offering windows for $189. I have even seen some other price point window companies marketing windows for as low as $159!

But with those prices, as a homeowner, what am I getting? With my home being the most expensive investment that I am ever going to make, is $189 a good deal? Is it a good investment for my most expensive asset? What type of service can I expect? What about the warranty?

These are questions I ask myself when I see these advertisements. So what are the answers? Unfortunately, the answer starts with ‘it depends on what you want.’

First, those low cost windows are definitely available. And if that is what you want, the company advertising the prices is legally required to provide them to you. But I found that if you have an actual presentation, you end up paying more than the low advertised price of the window. Things like exterior and interior trim, coil, stops, high-performance glass all significantly add to the cost of the project.

As far as service and warranty, there is no all-encompassing answer that will be good for every low-cost provider. But from the documentation that I was presented with, to get service or a warranty fulfilled, don’t expect to just make a phone call and expect things to be handled.

So what should we as homeowners look for when choosing a home improvement company to do a project? Here is quick list:

1. References - 3 good ones and 3 bad ones - it’s easy to get the good references, but I want to know what happened when things didn’t go as planned, and this is why I ask for the bad references - I will take both the good references and the ‘not so good’ references with a grain of salt - but this will give me an idea of how good the company’s service is.

2. Better Business Bureau Rating - This is very simple to find, just go to BBB.org and follow the instructions - if the home improvement company isn’t part of the BBB, find out why.

3. How long has the company been in business? It’s ideal if the company you are going to do business with is part of your community. It’s also not necessary to choose the company that has been in business the longest but you definitely want a company with a successful track record

4. What products are your prospective home improvement company using - which manufacturers? Many times you can look up the manufacturers’ products on line and get a good education about the various options before you meet with prospective home improvement companies. You can also check out the manufacturers on various home improvement forums

5. Use the internet to your advantage - besides checking out forums, check out Angie’s List, Service Magic and the internet Mommy Groups in your area, and e-mail manufacturers whose products you are considering using - all of these sites will be extremely helpful in guiding you.

The bottom line is this: You need to feel comfortable with who you are going to trust your home with. You don’t necessarily want to short cut the process by going with the least expensive option available. Remember, your home is typically your most expensive asset. You want to make sure you are investing in the right home improvement company so your home investment will continue to grow.

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.

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.

I’m amazed at how fast painted exterior finishes on vinyl windows and doors have grown in our industry. It was really just a few short years ago that this finish process was virtually nonexistent with any window fabricator. The new water based coatings such as the Aqua SurTech’s D-200 we provide, have remarkable adhesion and durability properties compared to solvent based attempts in years past. These exterior colors have added a whole new dimension to what can be done to satisfy customers who want more than just a white window. Not only is this water based coating safe for the environment, having exceptionally low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), its chemistry also allows for dark colors to be used without fear of fading or distorting the vinyl in severe heat conditions. Click on the following link to learn more about or view Gorell's vinyl finish options.

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.

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 .

If you’re planning to purchase windows—or appliances, lighting, computers, or many other products—you’ve probably heard the term "ENERGY STAR" being tossed around. You may have been told that ENERGY STAR labeled products are more energy efficient and that they’ll help save you money on your home energy bills. But do you know what the ENERGY STAR program really is? Or what it means for a product to be ENERGY STAR qualified?

ENERGY STAR is a government/industry program designed to help consumers and businesses quickly and easily identify energy-efficient products that help save money and protect the environment for future generations. 

In 1992, the EPA introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify energy-efficient computers and monitors. Through 1995, EPA expanded the program to include additional office equipment, as well as residential heating and cooling products. In 1996, EPA partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy for specific product categories. It’s pretty amazing that the ENERGY STAR label is now displayed on over 40 product categories—everything from major appliances to office equipment, home lighting, home electronics, windows and more. 

As for windows and doors, that specific ENERGY STAR program was created in 1999.  Not all windows qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. They first must be tested by an independent laboratory to meet strict criteria pertaining to energy efficiency and light transmittance. The ratings they achieve differ because of variables such as the glass used, style, and product design and construction. 

The benefits? ENERGY STAR labeled windows help reduce energy costs, increase a home’s comfort, and protect against UV damage. Plus, they’re better for the environment—because they reduce green house gas emissions—and for the country because they reduce the America’s dependency on foreign oil. More information on the program is available at www.energystar.gov

The way consumers shop has changed drastically over the past 20 years. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for electronics, home-improvement services, or another big-ticket item—you really don’t need to make all those trips from store to store to compare products and prices. That’s because now most of us do the research right from our own homes—on-line.

The Internet has opened up a whole new world to consumers. You can research brands, compare prices and warranties, and even get other consumers’ opinions and ratings—all from the comfort of your home.

Before investing in any major purchases—home improvement or otherwise—I highly recommend “knowing your stuff.” What I mean is this: you no longer have to depend solely on what a salesperson tells you. Instead, check out a number of different products on-line. If, for instance, you are researching windows, some of your questions might be: What frame material is more energy efficient, wood or vinyl? What do all NFRC ratings mean, and what are the ratings for the products I’m considering? Do the products qualify for the ENERGY STAR label? Which window operating style will work best for my home? Which manufacturers have the best reputation for quality? Who offers the best warranties?

Research a number of manufacturers and products and, once you decide what type of product you like, compare “apples to apples”—in terms of cost, energy efficiency, installation, expected life, warranty, etc. Visit blogs or chat rooms and find out what experiences other consumers have had with various products and companies.

The Internet has opened up a world of possibilities when it comes to researching and making buying decisions. We should all take advantage of this valuable tool to make educated buying decisions!

Window and door screens have evolved in remarkable ways over the years. From aluminum mesh to fiberglass. From large, hard-to-see-through yarns to micro-diameter threads that provide a clearer, better view.

Modern technology has given us screens that are made of much better materials than “old-school” aluminum mesh. Today we have durable, fire-retardant fiberglass yarns that are coated with a protective vinyl to make them hold up better for many years. Unlike aluminum, fiberglass mesh won’t rust, corrode or stain.

Mesh size is another important factor in window and door screens. Yarns that are smaller in diameter actually provide a better view of the outdoors and even allow more airflow through the screen. And the tighter the mesh, the more effective these screens are at keeping out insects—even the tiniest gnats.

The newest technology now allows screens to provide antimicrobial protection as well. This means that screens can protect against the growth of stain-causing bacteria and mold and mildew that can degrade the fabric. This, in turn helps make homes safer and healthier for families—because those bacteria and mold can cause illness or allergies. Screens that incorporate antimicrobial technology also stay cleaner for longer in between cleanings—an important benefit for busy homeowners and working parents who have less time to devote to cleaning!

One last thing to consider in regard to window and door screens is how “Green” they are—how good are they for the environment? Some screen manufacturers have had their new products tested to see if they meet strict chemical emissions limits, which contribute to the creation of healthier homes. BetterVue screens—offered on Gorell products—have achieved the prestigious GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification.

Even though it might seem screens are not as important today because we keep our homes closed up most of the year, it’s still important to ask about the screens that come with the windows or doors you’re planning to purchase because there will be times you want your windows and doors to be open. Screens provide beauty, protection against insects and bugs, and mold protection, as well as provide a breath of fresh air and a vie

This past winter produced record snowfalls and cold temperatures for many parts of the U.S. The gradual thawing of built-up snow and ice may have exposed your home’s exterior, particularly your windows and doors, to damp conditions for a prolonged period of time. You may have also experienced cold drafts from some of your windows. This can be a sign of worn weather-stripping or deteriorated exterior caulking. Spring is a great time to inspect your existing windows and doors to ensure proper operation and resistance to air and moisture infiltration. Below is a quick checklist of things to look for:

1. Inspect the caulking around the exterior of your windows/doors for cracks, breaks or separation. If sections are damaged or missing, it’s advisable to replace all  the  caulking in that area.  Remove the old caulking, clean the surface area and apply  a new bead of silicone caulking to create a good seal between the your windows (or doors) and your home’s exterior.
2. If you have wood windows or patio doors, make sure the exterior wood is free of rot and is protected with paint or stain meant for exterior usage. Paint that’s chipping or peeling should be cleaned off and the surface repainted to prevent moisture penetration.
3. Ensure your windows and doors are free of mold and mildew, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to damp conditions. Use cleaning products that won’t stain, scar or damage the materials used in the construction of your existing windows and doors.
4. Clean the sills of windows and patio doors to remove built-up dirt and debris. This is particularly important for sliding patio doors to ensure problem-free operation.
5. Check that window screens fit properly and are free of holes or tears. If you have a damaged screen, your local hardware store can help with replacing the existing screen with new screen material.
6. Check that existing weather-stripping is plush and undamaged to minimize air infiltration. Replacement weather-stripping can be purchased at most hardware stores and is easy to install.
7. If you have double-hung windows, make sure you can easily lift the sash and that it remains in place once opened. If the sash starts to drift back down or requires significant force to lift, a problem with the existing balance system may need to be addressed.
8. Check that window/door hardware—like handles, cranks and locks—are operating properly and are not loose. If necessary, the manufacturer of your windows/doors should be able to provide replacement parts or instruct you on where to get them.

 Why Would You Laminate Glass 

Why would you laminate glass?  What is laminated glass?  What does it do?

When you hear the word laminate, you don't immediately gravitate towards glass, maybe paper or an ID card, but glass?

Laminated glass describes a polyvinyl butyral interlayer (PVB) that is sandwiched between two pieces of glass.  If some sort of projectile hits laminated glass, it can break, but the broken glass makes a spider web pattern, and actually stays in tact.  A common type of laminated glass most of us come in contact with everyday is an automobile windshield.

But why would you put laminated glass in a window?  There are many reasons to do this; one of the major reasons is security.  Depending on the thickness* of the PVB interlayer, it is very difficult to break through laminated glass.  In fact, it can take 30 hits with a baseball bat to puncture a hole in some types of laminated glass including Gorell's Armor Glass Plus, Armor Max Plus, and Armor Impact Plus.

Another great benefit of laminated glass, is the safety factor.  As we have mentioned already, when this unique glass breaks, it forms a spider web pattern, but stays 'in tact.'  This type of glass is also used in hurricane/impact windows.  Laminated glass is able to withstand multiple projectile hits, just like a hurricane would produce. 

It also has great ultra violet and solar protection.  This means anything behind a laminated glass window has extra protection against fading, things like drapes, carpets, paintings, and furniture.  As a testament to its fade protection, our most treasured document, the Declaration of Independence is behind laminated glass.

Also, with this special glass, you also have a more effective sound transmission class.  This essentially means, the outside noise you would normally hear with an ordinary window is dramatically reduced with laminated glass.

Finally, if the laminated glass is coupled together with some sort of high performance glass such as Gorell's, Armor Glass line of products, you also gain great energy efficiency/savings.

*There are various thicknesses of the PVB interlayer, the minimum thickness recommended by this author is .060 or greater.  Anything less, such as a .030 will not offer the same type of benefits described above.

The use of inert gases (argon and krypton) is something most homeowners find confusing as they're trying to learn about windows. I'll try to briefly explain a little about these gases and why they are used. First of all, both are completely safe. In fact, each one is present naturally in the atmosphere. Argon actually makes up about 1 percent of the atmosphere; krypton is there in trace amounts. 

The reason some window manufacturers insert an inert gas into the air space of double-pane windows (or into the two air spaces of triple-pane windows) is to make the window more energy efficient.  In windows with just air between the panes, heat causes currents (or movement) of the air and allows for conduction of heat and cold.

Argon and krypton, on the other hand, are denser than air.  When they are used between the glass panes of a window, the currents are much slower, as is the conduction of heat and cold. This helps to keep heat from being conducted from the inside glass of the window to the outside glass in cold weather. In warm weather, conductivity of outside heat is slowed to help prevent it from reaching the inside pane. This keeps your home cooler in warm weather.

At Gorell, we use argon or krypton (and sometimes a unique blend of the two) in all of our windows that are made with Low-E glass. The combination of Low-E-coated glass and an inert gas between the panes is very effective for manufacturing windows that make homes more comfortable and energy efficient.  It also helps qualify Gorell windows for the ENERGY STAR label, ensuring less home energy consumption. Depending on the price of energy, that usually means lower energy bills!

R-values, whole-product U-values and center-of-glass U-values can be confusing for both professionals and homeowners. It’s important to recognize that, when selecting windows and doors, the only performance criterion that should be considered is whole-product U-value.

Whole-product U-values are an indication of the performance of the product’s glass and its other components and characteristics. The thermal properties of the frame, spacer system, weather stripping and even grids, if the product has them, all have a bearing on the product’s whole-unit U-value. Whole-product U-values are the only form of measurement recognized and accepted by the ENERGY STAR program for determining whether products qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

To arrive at a whole-product U-value, a particular model—in a specified, pre-determined size—is tested by an independent testing laboratory, and measurements are acquired from as many as 20 different locations on the product. In addition to the center of the glass, other locations include various points on the glass and around the sash and master frame.

A related—and often confusing—form of measurement is center-of-glass U-value. This measurement always appears better (i.e., a lower number) than whole-product U-values, because it’s based solely on the most thermally efficient section of the product—ONLY one spot on the glass. The U-value will be the same for that glass, regardless of the type of product the glass is in or what size that product is. It is NOT a measurement of the rest of the product, and does not reflect the thermal efficiency of the frame, spacer system and other components—only a small portion of the glass.

Another, older form of measuring a product’s thermal efficiency is R-value. R-values became well known when insulation manufacturers used them in advertising their products. Basically, R-value is the measure of the resistance of heat flow. R-values are an appropriate form of measurement for products like roof and wall insulation—but not fenestration products. R-values are typically shown as center-of-glass measurements, so they can be misleading as well.

It used to be -- probably decades ago -- that when you selected replacement or even new windows for your home, you basically had one choice -- the type of window you wanted (casement, slider, double-hung, picture, etc.).  Today things are different; the options and choices available can be mind-boggling. 

One of the most important choices you will need to make is the "glass" you select for your windows. You would think that windows would come standard with glass, but that's not normally the case, because there are so many factors involved in selecting the appropriate glass. 

How important to you is energy efficiency and lowering your home energy bills to you? Is security a concern where you live?  Do your windows need to meet county codes for violent weather? Would you consider decorative glass to give your home a truly beautiful, unique appearance?  Do you need obscure glass for privacy? Do you have expensive furnishings and possessions in your rooms that need to be protected from damaging UV light? Will your windows receive direct sunlight or will they be shaded.  Would you like windows with glass that practically cleans itself?  As you can see, there are many factors involved and we've listed just a few of them here.

Obviously price is another important factor. Triple-insulating (triple-pane) glass made with two premium low-emissivity (Low E) coatings and inert gases between the panes is extremely energy efficient but of course costs more than double-insulating glass made with just two panes of glass, one Low E coating and perhaps no inert gas between the panes.  Decorative leaded glass is more expensive than standard annealed glass. Glass made to withstand violent weather costs more than glass that doesn't need to meet such standards. 

So, where do you begin? Start by learning more about the choices in glass you have. One source is http://www.gorell.com/pages/high_performance_glass.htm, which provides good information on a number of excellent glass systems.  Next research window manufacturers that offer lots of options, not just a few, because your home and situation really is unique. Then meet with a window professional from a reputable home improvement company or window dealer that offers top-quality products. He or she should ask lots of questions to help you decide what you need.

Follow this path, and you will be well on your way to becoming an educated, informed consumer who will be in a position to make the right glass decisions. 

The right time to purchase replacement windows is now.  There is always a benefit to replacing windows anytime throughout the year.  The northern climates may realize more energy saving benefits in the winter months, and the southern climates may see more energy savings benefits in the summer.  However, after you have new replacement windows installed, day in and day out, these windows are working for you.  In fact, Remodeling Magazine (www.remodeling.hw.net) says your return on investment when purchasing replacement windows is 84%, based on the national average.

Different replacement windows also offer different advantages.  Anywhere from security and safety to energy savings, in today’s market, you can find exactly what you are looking for in a replacement window.

What is Low-E glass and does it really work?

Low-E is an abbreviated term for Low-emissivity glass.  According to Wikipedia, Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are “microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radioactive heat flow.”  Gorell offers a an easy-to-understand explanation about how low-e works on its web site at http://www.gorell.com/pages/lower_energy_bills.cfm.

There are a couple of different types of Low-e coatings, hard coat and soft coat.  Hard-coat Low-E is an older technology that uses a layer of tin oxide.  The coating reflects the sun’s rays in summer and allows them in during the winter.  Soft-coat Low-e uses silver oxide in place of tin oxide for the coating.  In simple terms, the most reflective surface in your house is a mirror.  The back of a mirror is coated with silver oxide.  If a mirror does a perfect job of reflecting your image, imagine how well it reflects the sun’s rays in the winter.  Of course, in the winter, soft-coat Low-E allows passive heat to come into your house.

There is no question in the window industry about whether Low-E glass works.  It is extremely effective.  www.Gorell.com offers a high-performance glass chart so you can determine which type of Low-E glass is right for you.  The chart can be found at http://www.gorell.com/pages/glass_chart.htm.

Let me know how Low-E glass has worked for you.