Window & Door Perspectives - Articles About Replacement Windows and Home Improvement

The weather

2012-01-23T16:05:00-05:00

One thing you can count on is the weather, it will either be good or bad. It is always different than expected, and won't do what the pundits predict. One of my favorite one liners is "weathermen were invented to make economists look good," and it's probably true. Global warming, global cooling, who knows, definitely not the "experts". I clearly remember not so long ago, during Jimmy Carter's era, a real fear of significant global cooling, the next ice age was only a few years in the future. Well, I guess they were right, weathermen do make economists look good. We've been lucky this year with a pretty mild winter with low natural gas costs on top, making it pretty good for most people. But who knows what February will hold, or March? We could still make up for all the nasty cold weather in the next couple months - who knows. I think the only thing you can do is be thankful for what you have today, hope for what may come tomorrow, and be prepared if things don't quite go the way you hoped. Sealing up your home with high performance vinyl replacement windows, new entry doors, and a good check and sealing of all cracks and holes in your home will go a long way in making you more prepared for what may come in the future. With the milder winter, it is a great time to think about new windows right now. Most home improvement dealers are slower at this time of year, are offering specials and deals to keep their crews working, and the weather is mild enough to get the work done now and not have to wait until spring. If you've already done all of this, think about the newest energy saver, reflective insulation for your attic. It really works and offers a great return on investment.

Weather differences

2012-01-16T14:47:51-05:00

What a difference a year makes - sounds familiar but just think about the weather we were all "enjoying" a year ago. Most of us had record snows, extremely cold temperatures and all in all, a really terrible winter. And then it didn't get any better, it went right into an unsettled spring with torrential rains and flooding, tornadoes all over, even in areas that seldom see them. Then into summer with hurricanes - the first major to go the whole way up the east coast - and tropical storms and thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds galore. I was thinking earlier today about how chilly it was outside and then I thought back to last year. Yes, it is a little chilly, but I'll take the weather so far in 12 over any we had in 11. Thinking about weather gets me thinking about energy bills. It sounds like we are all going to get a break if we are using natural gas this year, even electricity that is generated from natural gas is to be cheaper. But not heating oil for sure, and not most electricity, so energy costs are still a big chunk of most of our household budgets and one of if not the biggest unknown to plan for. Most of your other costs are pretty much fixed, but heating and cooling costs can sneak up and take a major bite out of your budget unexpectedly. The best way I know to combat that fear is to insulate your house to the best of your ability. Reflective insulation added to good quality levels of traditional batten or foam is a great start. Then evaluate your windows and doors for air tightness and high quality energy saving glass options and energy performance. Make sure the frames are strong and secure - I highly recommend vinyl frames -as they are impervious to almost all the elements can throw at them. Then do the visual check of all the exterior walls for any cracks or holes and get them sealed up tight. If you have top quality high performance windows and doors, maximum insulation values, and the house sealed up tight - you can then minimize the hits you will get in the future on energy costs forever.

Home-improvement industry study indicates replacement windows one of best investments for homeowners!

2012-01-05T14:49:33-05:00

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:

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.
According to the report, seven of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects.
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 arent worth the pricebut 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. Its 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/

Tis the Season&for Home Improvements?

2011-12-20T11:12:07-05:00

Its hard to believe, but in another week, the holiday festivities will be over. The gifts given and received, the feasts eaten, and the decorations ready to come downwhich means back to reality in a way. The holidays are, for many, a whirlwind of decorating, shopping, wrapping, and bakingand many of the day-to-day concerns and chores get pushed aside for the time being. Unfortunately, my everyday worries didnt give me a breakour furnace stopped working last week (yes, on the day it was only 30 degrees!). And so my holiday cheer was broken up by calling the repairman, purchasing new parts for my old furnace, and receiving a very costly bill in the mail. Just what I need this time of year, right? Butthe experience did make my husband and I re-evaluate our existing furnace and weigh the pros and cons of repairing it or replacing it entirely. As with any home repair or improvement project, we considered the cost, longevity, quality, energy efficiency, etc. before we made our decision. My point is this: my recent experience made me realize that, regardless what time of year it is, if you have an old piece of home equipmentwhether its a furnace, windows and doors, roofing or sidingit is ALWAYS the right time to at least consider an upgrade. Weigh the benefits of undertaking a particular remodeling project against any downsides you see. You may just be surprised and realize that NOW is the perfect time to upgrade your windows, furnace, air conditioner or whatever it is your home needs!

A little levity

2011-12-16T14:58:00-05:00

A fun and lighthearted parody on a very famous poem that everyone knows, that has been passed around for awhile.

Original was written by Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas the night before Christmas also called "A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822.

_________________________

Twas the week before Christmas when all through the house
A draft there was blowing, freezing even the mouse
The Stockings were hung by the chimney and blowing in air
That blew through the windows as if they were not there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
Because the chill in the room would have frozen their heads
And mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap
Shivered and shook along with the cat

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Oh joy, it was the men with the ladders
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a pick up truck loaded with windows and gear.

With a little old driver so lively and quick
I knew in a moment if must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his installers they came
And they flashed to each window and frame.

Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall
Get every window installed, install them all!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the installer they flew,
With dozens of windows so shiny and new.

And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof
The sounds of the boss saying great job and here is the proof
The house is now cozy and warm
With all windows installed showing beauty and charm.

He sprang to his truck, to his team gave a whistle
And away they flew like the down of a thistle
But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight
Enjoy your new windows, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.

_________________________

Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas the night before Christmas also called A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822.

Solving the U.S. Job Problem

2011-12-14T10:39:00-05:00

I just watched a video clip from ABC Evening News on a builder using only Made In America products in his home construction. The story went on to say that if all U.S. builders would just increase their Made in America content by only 5%, that it would increase U.S. employment by 220,000 jobs. WOW! The best part is it only increased the cost of the house by about 1%. I bet that if the builders would increase their use by the 5%, then prices would be able to come down at least that 1% due to higher production rates and efficiencies at the supplying companies. Now consider expanding that thought. What if everyone, all consumers, all business, all government agencies increased their buying of products Made in America by just 5%. I'm not advocating just American owned companies, only that the workers that make the finished product work in one of our 50 states. This isn't a corporate profit thing, this is putting Americans back to work. I'm not against free trade and I'm not advocating a big change that could affect the world economy, I'm talking about a 5% change. I believe it would solve the unemployment problem in one year. If you agree, pass it on to your representatives, this just might make a real difference. And as always, start with highly energy efficient vinyl replacement windows for your home. Made in America, great return on investment, and a good idea all around.

Canvassing

2011-12-13T16:15:00-05:00

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 Im in the middle of something and they ask if they can come back at a specific time, Im going to hear them out when they come back. If they keep talking when I say Im 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, Im 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.

Do your windows and doors sing to you?

2011-12-08T11:19:36-05:00

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 feeland 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 panesall benefits that I think many homeowners with old homes would appreciate! The article also provides an important reminderconsumers 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 quicklybecause 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.

12/01/2011 - December First Two Thousand and Eleven

2011-12-01T10:02:00-05:00

We are nearing the end of 2011, and most of the people I talk with say "GOOD"! If you had asked me four years ago how long the recession was going to last, I would have responded probably 6 - 18 months. Historically that's been the case, and many of those we didn't even realize a recession was going on until after it was over and the economists told us about it. This one is different, it seems to be the never ending recession. For our industry, 2007 started getting soft, 2008 was terrible, then 2009 improved a tad, and 2010 improved a very little bit more, then 2011 went right back down to equal to or worse than 2008. The only difference in this recession to the others I've been through is the politics. Politicians and the media have terrified all of us, taken stupid actions with the stimulus and bailouts, and really screwed things up. What is going to happen next? Will things ever improve? How many times have you heard the term "double dip" in the last few years, something I'd never heard before concerning the economy. Well, I believe the recession is over, and we will see slow steady growth until the election unless something disastrous happens, massive terrorist attack kind of thing. After the election I believe it can go either way depending on who prevails. I don't think I need to embellish that thought. The thing I have the most confidence in is that people still need highly energy efficient vinyl replacement windows for their homes and business. The market has not been scratched and the demand has been building while this slow down scared people into not making the investments in their homes they need to make. Because of that I believe we will see a pretty good 2012, and a very much better 2013 in spite of the rhetoric. I guess even four plus years of recession can't stop an eternal optimist.

Save it rather than generate more

2011-11-22T11:48:34-05:00

As we approach Thanksgiving I tend to think about what we have to be thankful for. Obviously the most important is our health, our friends and our families. But as a window manufacturer I'm also proud of our people, hard working and dedicated. I'm proud of our highly energy efficient vinyl windows and doors, which I believe do more to help this country's energy situation than wind and solar combined. Our products save you from needing to buy and consume more energy, so the power companies don't have to generate more, and it saves everyone money. As I understand it, solar and wind still have no pay back. The cost of the systems is far more than any reasonable payback calculation can justify. It just makes sense to save the energy in the first place rather than try to figure out how to generate more of it. Just think of the impact if all the homes in the United States were improved to having the equivalent of R 10 performance in all the windows and doors. I haven't seen a calculation on that, only on everyone using basic Low E's which was significant, but I have to think it would dramatically cut the energy usage in our country, meaning less need for new sources of gas and oil. If you can avoid needing to generate more power by using less, that has to be a better strategy. So maybe you should be the one to start all this, consider replacing your windows and doors today, using highly energy efficient vinyl windows and doors. And please have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Always a top 3 choice!

2011-11-16T10:20:00-05:00

How do you determine where you are going to spend your discretionary income. How do you determine what home improvement to focus on for your family? Do you ask friends, relatives, co-workers or neighbors what they think? Do you watch the home improvement shows on TV? Do you research options and opportunities on the internet? My guess is you probably do all of these things. But did you know that replacing your home's windows with high performance vinyl replacement windows has ranked in the top 5 home improvements for as long as they've been making the lists, and usually in the top 3. See the article from Remodeling Magazine - link below. http://www.remodeling.hw.net/remodeling-market-data/about-the-report.aspx?cid=RDU:111111:FULL If you decide to go forward with replacing your windows you should know a few things. Most of the time a professional window specialist home improvement dealer can do the whole project in 4-6 weeks. That is from the time they come to your home to figure out exactly what is the right product to satisfy your needs as well as fit your budget, until the windows are all installed in your home. I think that is pretty amazing, when you think about custom ordering a product, say a standard sofa that you want a different fabric on you can wait six months or more. But making you a whole house full of windows to your specifications, custom sized to fit each of your openings in a couple of weeks is amazing. Another amazing part is a professional dealer can usually complete the entire installation process in a day or two, depending on how many windows you have in your home. And don't be concerned about the weather, Your window is removed and the new window inserted into the opening in a matter of a few minutes, so you can replace your windows in the dead of winter with no problem. And don't be afraid to ask for specials as the winter approaches, this is the slowest time of the year for most dealers in the colder climates and they are ready to make some pretty attractive deals, as are the manufacturers. Remember why replacing your windows is your best first choice for home improvements: Make your family more comfortable year round. Save you money on your energy bill while being a good "green" contributor. Save you money and time on window maintenance - paint - putty - sealing. Save time and money on cleaning of your windows from the inside. (no ladders needed) Add curb appeal to your home. Add resale value to your home. Improve your home's security. Eliminate drafts and cold spots around your windows.

The myth about window prices

2011-11-07T16:01:00-05:00

Shorter and colder days, and chilly nights send the signal that winter will soon be here. For some of you, it arrived as early as Halloween this year; up through the north east some are still without power from that storm, pretty amazing. Hopefully it's got you thinking about "buttoning" up your home for the winter. If you've been putting off replacing those drafty, old, worn-out windows, now is the time to take action. I'm seeing lots of special deals and sales being advertised for high-quality, highly energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows from many manufacturers and dealers. There are great deals to be had, but time is of the essence here. The old saying of "Buyer Beware" is very true in most remodeling jobs, and replacement windows are no exception. You want to investigate what kinds of windows and features you want. Not just the brand, as most replacement window brands are unknown to most consumers. Check out the rating web sites, the chat rooms, and do your homework. You want the highest quality, best-performing product you can afford. Don't be fooled by some of these lowball price offerings. You cannot get a highly energy-efficient, good-quality vinyl window for $159, or $179.99, or $189 which are some of the prices I've seen advertised recently. Yes, they may be willing to sell you a window for this price, but they'll do everything in their power to add things on to get the price up to where it needs to be, and in reality, these companies don't sell many, if any, windows for these prices. Depending on what glass option you choose for your home, the other options you may desire - such as internal muntins or grids, color choices such as wood grains, or a special exterior color, blinds, security, safety, etc. - you can add a great deal to the cost of a window that will specifically serve your needs. What is a "fair" price. Depending on the size, conditions for installation and the options choos, you can buy a high-quality replacement window anywhere from about $350 to over a thousand for a decked-out hurricane protection window. The major problem is people don't look at their windows until they are having problems with them, they look through them. So most people know very little about windows or the options or features that are available to make their home more beautiful, their family more comfortable, and to save energy. Do your homework and you will get a great deal from a qualified window specialist and enjoy your new windows for years and years to come.

Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend!

2011-11-04T08:30:00-05:00

Daylight Savings Time Ends this Weekend! Daylight Savings Time officially ends this Sunday at 2 a.m., so remember to set your clocks back one hour when you go to bed Saturday night! This can be a challenging transition for many of us. Reality seems to set in, winter is nearly here - and this is the season many of us have trouble with in updating their internal clocks. Its typically dark outside when you go to work and dark outside when you go home. The daylight hours and time spent outside is limited. However, I read an interesting article this morning about this weekend's time change. Many doctors actually say that "falling back" is a good, healthy event. You can check out this article at http://news.yahoo.com/daylight-saving-time-ends-weekend-healthy-155623460.html. And enjoy that extra hour of sleep!

Time to Fall Back

2011-11-02T11:05:00-05:00

It is hard to believe that daylight savings is almost over for another year. This time of year, when it's time to "fall back", always gets me thinking about what needs to be done to the outside of our home to get ready for the winter. Days get shorter and shorter, so there is less time to get done what needs to be done. Start now evaluating what projects are a "must do" this year. For many, it's just the simple moving things inside or into more protected areas, bringing in hoses and and protecting other "warm weather" items. One of the tasks I really hated is cleaning out the gutters. Especially where I live, on a heavily forested lot. But I finally solved that problem a couple years ago by getting gutter protection installed; now they stay clean and free-flowing year round. Most window or siding companies in your area offer this very reasonable option. Once it's in place, the job is eliminated, so I highly recommend looking into gutter protection for your home. There are a lot of varieties, so do your homework to get the product that is right for you. Being in the window and door business, I think another important task is checking the exterior of your home for any leaks or cracks that may have opened up since last fall. Check carefully around all vent pipes; seal up any openings in your building envelope as they say. If you find larger gaps, use expandable foam, for smaller areas a good grade of silicone caulk, either clear or color matched, is the right choice. Look especially closely at the perimeter of your windows and doors, and use a high-quality silicone to seal up any cracks that may have opened up. Just a 1/16" crack around a few windows or doors can equate to a hole the size of a cement block in your wall, which if left alone, will have a dramatic negative impact on your heating bills. While you are out there, make sure your windows are fitting properly and well sealed. Make sure any putty missing is replaced and the paint is in good shape and covering any exposed wood. If the windows are starting to show excessive wear, it may be time to investigate replacing them with new state-of-the-art, highly energy-efficient, maintenance-free, vinyl replacement windows. Winter is on the way and there is no way to delay or stop it, so get out there as soon as you can to protect your home and your family.

Energy-Saving Tips for Energy Awareness Month

2011-11-01T16:00:02-05:00

October ended yesterday, and Energy Awareness Month officially came to a close, so I thought Id write a blog to wrap up this very important time of year. Obviously, we all need to be cognizant of our energy usage year-round. But I think this fact really hits home this time of year. Many of us here in the Northeast got our first taste of winterin the form of a major snowstormthis Halloween weekend. And that makes us realize more than ever that NOW is the time to evaluate the energy efficiency of our homes. Major improvements like new energy-efficient windows, better insulation, and new appliances can significantly impact our home energy bills. And I encourage everyone to undertake these very necessary projects at their first opportunity. Shop smart by looking for the ENERGY STAR label on new purchases. And for those who cant undertake a large project right now, there are still many small ways to save a bit of energy in your homes. Turning off lights, replacing furnace filters, installing a water heater blanketthese small, inexpensive improvements can make a real difference to your home energy usage as well. So, as a wrap up to Energy Awareness Month, please check out the Department of Energys Home Energy Checklist (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/services/energy_aware_hec.html) to get some ideas on how you can save energyand money!

Positive News

2011-10-27T09:19:33-05:00

"U.S. economy grew at 2.5 percent rate in third quarter" Wow! The media is finally saying something positive, without putting the usual negative spin on it. Add that to the European debt crisis resolution announced this morning, and it looks like the economy is rebounding in spite of the media, the pundits and the politicians. Markets are up, consumers are buying, and if the third quarter was at 2.5 growth, I think the fourth quarter will be even stronger. Perhaps the media will now back off some its constant negative barrage. I still think 2012 is going to be a challenging year, at least for the building products industry, mainly because of the unknown situation with the election and all the negative talk both sides are doing. Sadly, it will only get worse as we approach the election this time next year. I do think the consumer is getting plain tired of being afraid, and will start spending on the things that are important to them, things to enhance their lifestyle, their homes and their families. So even with all the political rhetoric, we are going to see a better year in 2012 than we've had in 2011. Looking back that may not be saying much, 2011 has been abysmal, but at least it is a positive trend.

Dealer vs Mfg Direct?

2011-10-24T06:25:17-05:00

I've had many homeowners ask me the question about why buying a window sold through a dealer is better than buying a window from a manufacturer direct. There are a number of manufacturers who have gone down the path of selling direct to the consumer, although there are less of them than the traditional method of local dealers handling the sale, some are quite large and market their services aggressively. Most of these direct manufacturers have limited offerings of models and options, and sell what they have, which sometimes is not what would be best for the consumer's needs. When a manufacturer decides to sell directly to homeowners they direct the sales process in total and dictate what the consumer will be offered. When a local dealer, who has access to numerous companies to buy from who offer him numerous options and product choices can design the products offered to the consumer to precisely fit the consumers needs. With more choice the entire process focuses more on the consumer and less on the manufacturer. In addition the local dealer is a small business located in the community who have to maintain their reputation to maintain their business. They have more interest in satisfying the homeowner in every way than the remote manufacturer. When a manufacturer is selling direct to the homeowner they have a built in structure that gives them an incentive to install whatever is shipped, as it is all their cost. A dealer will only install first quality products as it is their reputation on the line and the extra cost back to the manufacturer is really not their problem. Let's say a window is ordered with a specific glass option that is really almost impossible to see, only the paperwork can verify what was supplied. If that window arrives at the dealer he will re-order the window to the specifications he required, as the error and cost is born by the manufacturer. The same goes for a quality issue, the dealer has no incentive to install a second quality product, the direct seller does. It's possible that a manufacturer direct seller may not re-order the product, as they have the financial incentive to use the product regardless, as it is all their cost. I believe it removes the checks and balance inherent in the remodeling industry. Having been in this business for over forty years I've seen many direct sellers come and go, but the dealer based business has maintained that entire time. I believe the personal service and interest offered by a local business is far superior to some manufacturer in a remote city who may or may not maintain an office in your city. A local dealers livelihood lives or dies from how he treats the customers in his marketing area. I'm not sure the same is true from the manufacturer direct method.

Made in the Good Old USA

2011-10-20T13:29:05-05:00

Did you know that the vast majority of windows used in the USA are made in the USA? It's true, there are a few imports, but the vast majority are made right here, and when it comes to custom made windows designed for replacement, the percentage is even higher - close to 100%. I've read that there are some new construction stock size products coming in from China, but I have to admit, I don't think I've ever seen one. Some of the industry trade magazines claim that there are literally thousands of window manufacturers in the U.S., and the sad part is the average person can't name even one window manufacturer. Those that can name one or two, that's usually it, seldom is someone not in the industry able to name more than two. It's kind of sad when you think of it, as these are products MADE IN AMERICA, good high quality manufacturing jobs right here at home Yet we seem to remain an almost invisible industry. On the replacement window side, there are no really big manufacturers. By that I mean over a billion in sales, which in many industries is still a small company. For an industry estimated to be in the $20-40 billion range, it seems unusual for no giant company dominating a sector. On the new construction side there were several over a billion in annual sales, but I'm not sure where they are now after this never ending recession that has hit building products as hard or harder than any other industry. From where our manufacturing facility is located in western PA there are literally dozens of other replacement window manufacturers within a hundred mile radius. There may even be hundreds, but a lot of them are fairly small and don't get noticed much. There aren't a whole lot of products that you can be pretty sure to be made right here. so consider that when you are deciding which home improvement job to investigate next. Highly energy efficient vinyl replacement windows are almost all made in the USA. They offer terrific benefits to you and your family; energy savings, safety, security, comfort, improved curb appeal, far less maintenance, beauty - need I go on? Most manufacturers offer a ton of options to allow you to customize the windows to exactly what is right for you. And perhaps the best part is that you are helping to keep American Manufacturing Jobs in America when you buy replacement windows. BUY AMERICAN!

Tips for Finding a Replacement Window Contractor

2011-10-14T10:55:34-05:00

It really makes little sense to purchase the best product possible and then try to save money on the installation by going the Do It Yourself route, because poorly installed windows and doors will lead to on-going problems, poor product performance, and an unhappy homeowner. Some people, however, worry about how to find a good contractorone who will do the work correctly, in a timely manner, and for a fair price. The following tips will help homeowners find the best replacement window contractor for the job.

Shop around for reputable contractors who specialize in the type of work you are planning. Newspaper or television advertisements, the Internet, or the Yellow Pages are all good sources to use for locating contractors in your area.
Make sure the contractor is licensed by the state. Ask for references from past customers and ask for examples of past projects in the area.
Collect three bids on the project and beware of Too Good To Be True low bids.
Make sure the contractor is willing and able to obtain all permits and inspections in order to comply with local building codes and city ordinances.
Consider having any contracts or agreements with the contractor reviewed by a real estate lawyer or independent third party.
Ensure subcontractors are paid upon completion of their work to protect against liens or other legal action that may affect the home.
Set up a reasonable payment schedule for the project with the contractor. This includes agreeing upon an initial down payment for the project.
Establish a set work schedule with the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project.
Always maintain a good working relationship with the contractor.

Going the do-it-yourself route is not typically a good idea with window replacement, but its important to be careful when hiring a window contractor / installer. Homeowners should do their research to be sure they hire the best company to complete the job.

Money in your pocket

2011-10-10T09:32:00-05:00

I heard on the news this morning that gasoline nationwide is down over $0.25 in the last month. What great news, but then they had to add that it is still quite a bit higher than it was 12 months ago. I don't know about you, but I don't remember what it was 12 months ago, but I do know what it was a month ago and it's down a lot. Now if the average driver uses about 20 gallons of gasoline a week, that's a $5 a week savings or $260 a year. Did you realize you're $260 a year better off this month than you were last month, I didn't. I think this is great news but the media has to put a negative spin on it, always. They also didn't mention that back in May gasoline was going for $3.91 a gallon so today's $3.38 is $0.53 lower than just a few months ago, and it looks like it could keep on coming down in the future. This is a big deal because there are only a few things you pretty much have to buy - clothing, food, shelter, heating and gasoline. If one of those must-buy things comes down in price substantially, that frees up "spending" money for the average person. A lot of people will just spend it somewhere, really not know where it went, some will save it and some will invest it in their homes. I'd suggest your best bet would be to pay down credit card debt first, but if you're in good shape there, invest it in energy savings products for your home. They will make your home more efficient (save you money), more comfortable, and if you chose new highly energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows for your improvement, they will also add maintenance savings and beauty. Spend it wisely, there aren't that many breaks you're going to get in this economy.

Getting Windows Ready for Winter!

2011-10-06T09:54:02-05:00

Well, depending on where you live, you may have just gotten a good taste of wintry weather. I know we did! A week of cold, miserable rain, high temperatures in the 40s, lows in the 30s...in October??? Luckily, we've climbed back into the 60s now, with 70s in the forecast. But the cold weather really made me think. I had to turn on our furnace. And it ran a LOT for a few nights. So of course that brought to mind my soon-to-be-much-higher heating bills, and what I might be able to do to combat them. Fall is really the perfect time of year to make energy-saving improvements like the following to homes, specifically windows:

Inspect the exterior caulking around existing windows and doors for gaps and cracks, which will allow cold air to enter the home. Use a high-quality silicone caulk, which can be purchased at any local hardware store, to fill gaps and cracks.
Consider placing storm windows over the exterior of existing windows to reduce heat loss and prevent drafts.
Consider replacing existing windows a couple at a time to ease the expense associated with replacement, while benefiting from the return received from lower monthly energy bills.

Nows the time to start thinking about replacing windows, or at least investing in storm windowsbefore those winter heating bills creep up on us!

More replacement window history

2011-10-03T10:36:04-05:00

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.

Window and Door Security During Crime Prevention Month

2011-09-30T10:12:34-05:00

More than 25 years ago, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)and McGruff the Crime Dogdesignated October Crime Prevention Month. The month-long commemoration reflects the adage that prevention pays off. NCPC strongly believes that everyone can do something to prevent crime, from helping police identify crime problems to starting a Neighborhood Watch program or taking commonsense steps to protect their homes and property. Crime Prevention month is a good time to evaluate the safety and security of our homes and our familiessomething that everyone can do to help prevent crime. Weve all worried about the security of our homes at one time or another&Could an intruder possibly get in? Would your family ever be a victim of burglary or home invasion? The truth is that most burglars get into homes the same way anyone doesthrough windows or doors. So taking several commonsense precautions can help keep our homes, and families, safer. For instance, keep windows and doors locked at all times. Dont have shrubs in front of windows and doors, as they can shield would-be intruders. Some people may need to take more drastic steps as well. If windows and doors are old, dont operate or lock properly, or are easy to bypass even when they are locked, maybe its time to replace those windows and doors with newer, more secure models. Perhaps even consider laminated glass products that make it virtually impossible for anyone to get through. For more window and doors security tips, visit http://www.gorell.com/pages/gorell_mcgruff.htm.

Invest in Building Products

2011-09-27T14:35:00-05:00

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 isnt worth putting another dime into the house? It doesnt 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 everyones 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 arent going to get a better deal than you are today! Im biased towards vinyl replacement windows and doors. There are many great reasons to purchase energy efficient vinyl replacement windows, here are just a handful.

Energy efficient
Improve curb appeal
Can reduce outside noise
Make your home more secure and safe
Improve the value of your home
Certain tax credits still available through the end of the year

There are countless reasons to invest in energy efficient windows and doors. So, dont 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!

Energy-efficiency tax credits theres still time!!!

2011-09-23T08:24:25-05:00

Consumers still have a couple of months to qualify for tax credits for making their homes more energy efficient. Here is a quick recap of the 2011 tax credits available for windows, doors and insulation. Consumers can qualify for a tax credit up to 10% of the cost of qualified replacement windows (new-construction products are not applicable), or a maximum of $200, or up to 10% or a maximum of $500 of the cost of qualified doors. This new tax credit applies to ENERGY STAR labeled windows and doors. Certain types of insulationsuch as Radiaflect reflective insulation productsalso qualify for a tax credit of up to $500 or 10% of the cost of the project. Products must be installed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 to qualify for tax credits. 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. More information on the tax credits can be found at http://www.gorell.com/taxcredits/. Consumers who are considering making their homes more energy efficient may want to move quickly to get their home improvements completed before the end of the year. After all, who is going to turn down several hundred dollars of free money plus even more savings as a result of a more efficient home!

Real Home Security

2011-09-20T14:36:00-05:00

You've been thinking about finally replacing some or all of your home's windows for a couple of years now. It never seems to be the right time; the economy is collapsing, the economy is at the bottom, the economy is recovering really slowly, and now there's the question on the politics and the election coming up - there is always some reason to put it off. The only problem with that is you're throwing money out your windows by way of your heating and cooling bills. Your family is uncomfortable, hot and sweaty in the summer, and chilly and catching colds in the winter. Some say you're paying for new windows whether or not you get them. Well the time is now. The economy in the building products and renovation industry is still in the bucket. Prices are low, professional window dealers and installers are hungry and want to give you a great product at a great price. Capacity is wide open, you can get top of the line, highly energy efficient vinyl replacement windows in weeks, not months, right now. Prices are as competitive as I've seen them in years, and the features and benefits available are unprecedented. While the market is down like this, I'd suggest you look at really upgrading your window purchase. At least consider significant added protection along with great energy saving performance by adding Armor Glass Plus featuring Low Emissivity glass combined with laminated glass in one unit. Laminated glass is featured in windows designed for hurricane protection but they offer much more. Laminated glass protects your drapes and furnishings from fading better than any other alternative. Laminated glass makes your home secure from attempted break ins. That's not to say it is impenetrable, but you would have to find a very dedicated and persistent burglar to get through it, having watched some really burly guys smash it again and again with a baseball bat with no possibility of entrance. And laminated glass is what is used in windows designed for sound control, like they use around airports around the country. So if you're finally going to investigate new windows, at least take a look at the Armor Glass Plus option. It isn't inexpensive, but it is a great value for what it offers you and your family. Remember a burglar alarm requires you first to turn it on (which most people seldom do) and to pay a monthly fee for monitoring. Then all it will tell you is that someone HAS ALREADY broken into your home. You heard me - someone is IN YOUR HOME! But Armor Glass Plus has no monthly fee, it's protecting your family 24/7 and your home even when you're away, and it keeps those intruders outside your home. All the while offering all those other benefits. Is there really a price you can put on your family's safety and comfort?

Cleaning windows can be easier than ever!

2011-09-16T08:44:46-05:00

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 housecleaningyou know, scrubbing walls, shampooing carpets, washing windows, and getting all those other nooks and crannies. With so much cleaning to be done, itd be nice to have one less item on your to-do list, right? If thats your attitude, you might want to consider easy-cleaning glass in your windows and doors. Notice I said easy-cleaningnot self-cleaning, because thats not exactly true. No glass on the market will actually clean itself for you! But there are optionssuch as Gorells SolarShinethat 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 thats super smooth so that most dirt doesnt hold on to it. It even loosens and breaks down the dirt that does adhere to the glass. The coating uses two natural resourcesthe suns ultraviolet rays and waterto 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 SolarShineor any similar productare comparable to self-cleaning ovens. Theyre 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!

The American Job Creators

2011-09-14T11:33:00-05:00

I saw a segment on Fox News last evening (yes, I listen to Fox News) on a new program sponsored by Darrel Issa, the House Majority Leader. It's called The American Job Creators - What's holding your business back? http://jobs.majorityleader.gov/ Mr. Issa explained that he and his committee are trying to gather information direct from American Business Owners as to what regulations are affecting their ability to grow and prosper in this very difficult economy. The concept is to go straight to the people who really do create jobs and ask them what would help them if it was taken out of the way of their growth. I believe this is the first step in the right direction in Washington. The Government keeps saying they are going to do this or that, another stimulus or ten, to create more jobs. What most of them don't seem to get is that Government doesn't create jobs, and doesn't spend any money it hasn't taken forcibly (yes I meant forcibly - taxes are not optional) from the taxpayers. The Government does not and cannot create jobs, only businesses create jobs. Maybe this new program where Mr. Issa can get the information straight from business owners on what he and his committee can do to help their specific business is a very big step in the right direction. I hope those of you that own small businesses that read this take the time and go to the website and fill out the form to tell them what the government is doing to you to hurt your business, I did. Maybe if enough of us speak up we will get some much needed change in our Nation's Capital.

Jobs - not that big a deal

2011-09-08T10:58:41-05:00

Jobs. The media is nonstop about what the government can do to improve the jobs picture. All the politicians trying to get a new job, to be the President of the United States are talking about their plans. The current administration is going to do a state of the union address on jobs. What none of them seem to understand is the government cannot help the job picture. The only thing they could do is just please get out of the way of small business. Stop scaring the consumer is the one thing that perhaps they could do. To put the jobs issue into real perspective let's look at the whole picture. Unemployment is running at just under 9% in most areas, some a little better, some a little worse. Well what used to be considered FULL EMPLOYMENT is a 5% unemployment rate. Much under that and businesses have great difficulty in finding qualified workers to fill positions. For most of my business career of over 40 years, the unemployment rate ranged from about 5% to 7% if good economic times. So the issue is at most 4% of qualified workers who want and need a job. All of this talk and frightening rhetoric is about 4% or less of the work force. In my opinion, if the government stopped some of the new onerous regulations that have been promulgated over the last few years, and promised to stop writing any more for awhile, business would know what to expect and start looking at expansion. A 4% problem is not gigantic, it is fixable. Politicians and media please get out of our way. So if you are thinking about improving your home's energy efficiency, comfort and value by adding new highly energy efficient vinyl replacement windows, do it. Do it now and stopped listening to all the talking heads. We are not in crisis, we are only hearing all this because that is what makes the news. It's your home, it's your family, take care of them both and all will be well. Seize the day, Carpe Diem!

Protecting children from high-level windows.

2011-09-07T15:25:46-05:00

Those of us with young kids, like myself, know that toddlers can get into trouble anywhere they go. They also have absolutely no concept of fear, or concern for their safetywhich leaves us parents watching every move they make and executing many last-minute saves. So, when we find a product or a service that helps make our kids a little saferand gives us one less thing to worry aboutits pretty much a no-brainer, right? Theres now a feature like this for replacement windows, called Window Operating Control Devices or WOCDs. Have you ever feared that your child may accidentally fall from a second- or third-story window in your home? Been amazed (and terrified!) by how easily your little one could open your windows? Thats what WOCDs help protect againstthese tragic accidental falls. Basically, a WOCD is a ventilation limit latch that is always on, which makes it less likely that a child could open a window on his or her own and accidentally fall out. Theyre a bright red color and they always stick outallowing the window to open only a few inches. They must actually be operated to open the sash more than four inchesunlike standard vent latches, which can be toggled on or off. Overall, WOCDs are pretty effective, and theyre a lot prettier than installing bars on your windows to keep your kids in! So if youre a parent of a young child, WOCDs might be something to consider for your homejust one more little way you can gain some extra peace of mind (and maybe a whole minute to yourself!).