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

Why replace a patio door?

2010-09-09T11:26:00-04:00

I wonder how many people think about replacing patio doors in their homes. I remember several years back when we had to replace our wooden patio door -- which would have been around 10 years old at the time -- because the frame was rotted through at the bottom. I know other people who replaced their metal patio doors because the metal had corroded over time and the doors looked pretty bad. But there's another reason -- maybe a much more important one -- for replacing those doors: energy efficiency.

Think about the amount of glass in a patio door that's exposed to the outside. How many of us are familiar with the cold coming off that glass in the winter -- or the heat off the glass in the heat of the summer?

At this point in time, with the advances made in glass technology, it's possible to have a patio door that's so much more energy-efficient than doors made just 10 or 15 years ago. By "technology," I mean things like higher-performing low emissivity coatings in the glass, much more-effective spacer systems separating the glass panes, the use of inert gasses between the glass and even the evolution of triple-glass instead of double-pane glass.

Think also about the other materials that go into doors. Vinyl, especially, has proven to be a superb energy-efficient material -- and advances in vinyl technology have also been huge. Today a good, quality patio door made with vinyl can easily last decades -- and operate beautifully -- with practically no maintenance.

The results of having a solid, highly energy-efficient patio door installed are numerous. Significantly lower home energy bills for one, but also a more comfortable room and ease of operating the door.

Hopefully homeowners are also remembering that the $1,500 tax credit that's available for replacement windows also applies to doors. These last months of 2010 are an ideal time to look at a new door.

Incentives and Rebates for Energy-Efficient Windows

2010-09-03T11:19:00-04:00

The Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) provides excellent information about utility and state programs homeowners can access to either save or get money back on home improvement projects that result in more energy-efficient homes. The EWC's latest report, "Incentives and Rebates for Energy-Efficient Windows," was published in July. A PDF of the report can be found at http://www.efficientwindows.org/UtilityIncentivesWindows.pdf. In the report's introduction, the EWC poses three questions that set the stage for helping homeowners locate programs in their states.

1. Do you intend to equip your home with high-performance, energy-efficient windows?

2. Do you plan to improve your home in a way that lowers energy costs and provides for a comfortable interior?

3. Are you looking for utility programs within your state that can help you finance such an investment in efficient windows?

According to Nils Petermann of the EWC, The Efficient Windows Collaborative is actually a project operated by non-profit and research organizations such as the Alliance to Save Energy, the University of Minnesota and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It's supported by member organizations the Department of Energy. Hats off to the Efficient Windows Collaborative for providing their excellent work and for this special report.

Lets Be Sensible About Home Improvement Lead-Safe Practices

2010-09-02T16:45:00-04:00

With all the talk of the Lead Renovate Repair Paint Law (LRRP), I am noticing how this is affecting everyday homeowners. Just to do a quick summary of the LRRP law, it affects homes that were built before 1978. If you are doing any renovation, the remodeling company is required to test your home for lead. If your home tests positive for lead, the contractor is required to use lead-safe practices. It doesn’t matter if you are having windows replaced, having your kitchen redone, etc., the LRRP encompasses 99% of remodeling work.

There was an “opt-out” clause available, where if you didn’t have children under six or pregnant women residing the house, you could opt out of having your contractor use lead-safe practices. The major focus and thrust of the LRRP law is to protect children from lead poisoning. I think this is a worthy endeavor we can all get behind.

If your pre-1978 built house tests positive for lead, and the criteria above don’t exist, homeowners still are required to have their contractors use lead-safe practices. If you are doing replacement windows, the industry has shown that the additional cost for using lead-safe practices is a whopping $120/window (this is on the low end of the scale).

Let’s focus on the point of protecting children. I’m raising two little girls myself, and I certainly don’t want them to be exposed to lead—so I definitely understand the importance of using lead-safe practices. Now removing the opt-out clause is another matter and a discussion for a different time. I want to focus on something that concerns me even more, however.

I ran across an article, http://tinyurl.com/2u2al23about drinking water from household plumbing. I found it both shocking and alarming. In 1986, the federal government enacted a law that reduced the amount of lead in our drinking water plumbing. However, faucets labeled as 'lead free' today still contain up to a quarter pound of lead.

It has been explained to many companies in the construction industry that the amount of lead that can poison a small child is less than the amount of sugar found in a small packet. Yet, a faucet we can purchase today can be labeled lead-free and still contain a whopping quarter pound of lead.

This same article also cited other known alarming facts. For example, lead will leach into our drinking water more so with lead found in pipes as well as the lead found in faucets. The article proceeds to say that children under six will absorb and retain 50% of the lead they ingest. The EPA also concludes that 15-20% of children's exposure to lead comes from drinking water.

I want children to be safe from lead poisoning. I can get behind the LRRP law when it comes to protecting children but not taking away the rights of homeowners who dont have children. I believe the opt-out rule should be put back in the LRRP law. But what concerns me even more is drinking watermy children drink water everyday. I would rather have the EPA focus on lead in our water rather than on pre-built 1978 homes that dont have children residing in them.

Many Want to Replace Windows, but are Banks Cooperating?

2010-08-31T07:53:00-04:00

One of the things we've been hearing from homeowners this year about purchasing replacement windows for their homes is NOT that they don't have the interest or intent to replace their old windows, but that they can't get the financing to buy them. This has been disheartening to many because if there has ever been a time to replace their old inefficient windows with new highly energy-efficient windows, it's NOW! We all know that heating and cooling costs continue to climb. And they know that the current $1,500 tax credit for replacing their windows will expire this December. Having energy-efficient windows installed this year would allow them to lower their home energy costs immediately.

Just think about the frigid weather we had this past winter throughout most of the country. Think about the weather this summer -- it's been one of the hottest on record.

So, we all know that replacing those old windows makes perfect sense. But what if the banks aren't willing to finance a home improvement loan? While banks are starting to lend money, it continues to be a challenge for many. It may not be as available as we'd like it to be, but it's better than it has been in quite a while.

As a solution, many Gorell dealers also offer financing from GE Money, and we're pleased to now announce the addition of another finance programs from a solid and reputable financing company, AFC First. Both GE Money and AFC First specialize in home improvement loans for energy-efficiency upgrades. Gorell dealers have already begun to sign up with AFC First so that they can offer homeowners another source of financing, but please ask them about these programs when discussing Gorell windows and doors with them. With financing opportunities like these becoming available, we're confident homeowners will have the opportunities to have windows installed before the end of the year.

Reflective Insulation a tax credit opportunity not to be overlooked

2010-08-12T13:46:00-04:00

In addition to qualifying replacement windows and doors, some reflective insulation products also qualify for the $1,500 federal tax credit program that ends this year. Most homeowners don’t even think about the effectiveness of insulation in their attics for a number of reasons. One is that most people just don’t think about their attics since they’re rarely “up there.” Out of sight, out of mind. Another is that consumers don’t realize there’s anything they can do other than replace all their attic insulation, which can be costly.

Yet, in reality, it's not unusual that 45% of a home's wasted — or lost — energy is through the attic, mostly through radiant transfer. Ordinary fiberglass insulation does little to stop radiant transfer. A good quality reflective insulation, however, can cut radiant transfer by as much as 97%. And this kind of insulation can actually be used in tandem with existing standard insulation. It goes up easily and quickly — and isn't expensive. Reflective insulation is definitely worth looking into. A good web site to learn more about how reflective insulation works and why it's worth considering is http://www.radiaflect.com

3 Reasons why not to wait to purchase replacement windows and doors for federal tax credit

2010-08-10T14:15:00-04:00

At the very end of 2009, there was a surge of purchases of qualifying windows and doors for the $1,500 federal tax credit program. It's likely that many consumers didn't realize that they had another year to have qualifying products purchased and installed.

There will almost certainly be another surge at the end of 2010. This year, however, will be different than 2009 for several reasons:

1. There is no additional year in which to participate in the program.

2. To qualify for the credit, qualifying products must not only be purchased, they must be INSTALLED before Dec. 31, 2010.

3. Contractors installing replacement windows and doors will likely have a backlog of projects for homeowners who want to have their windows installed in time.

If you want to take advantage of the tax credit, you may want to take action immediately. Do your research on qualifying products and make decisions on what to purchase. Contact a dealer from whom to purchase qualifying windows and/or doors and ensure the dealer will install them before December 31. Unless it can be proved the windows and doors were installed in 2010, they will not be eligible for the federal tax credit.

For a concise, easy-to-understand overview of the tax credit program, see http://www.replacementwindows.org/2010/06/accurate-tax-credit-information/

Energy Tax Credits for Replacement Windows Ending in 5 Months!

2010-08-03T09:00:00-04:00

It seems like a long time away, but energy tax credits on replacement windows and doors expire at the end of the year. Just a reminder, on windows and doors that qualify for the tax credit (.30 U-value and .30 SHGC), as a homeowner, you are eligible to receive a tax CREDIT of either 30% of the job -- or a cap of $1,500 (less labor). And remember, this is a tax credit, not a rebate.

Also, certain reflective insulations also qualify for the tax credit. Here's a web site of one that does qualify, www.radiaflect.com.

Here are some details that you need to remember for the tax credit. The windows, doors and insulation need to be purchased for your principal residence to qualify. Also, unfortunately, windows for new homes and rental units do not qualify for the credits. Check with your accountant about other details regarding the credit -- including how much you pay in federal income tax, because this will affect the tax credit you'll receive.

When you make the purchase for your home, make sure you get the manufacturers certification statement -- along with the costs of the windows or reflective insulation -- to include with your taxes.

Let's take advantage of these credits while they last. It makes a difference for the environment, for the economy, and for your personal energy savings!

Warranty Coverage on New Replacment Windows Can Make All The Difference

2010-08-02T08:45:00-04:00

A window warranty is only as a good as the company that stands behind it. I have seen different versions of a lifetime warranty. Some really do mean lifetime, where other warranties pro-rate over time. It can be a complicated issue that we as homeowners have to figure out, many times on our own.

Here is a brief breakdown of the popular warranties that I have seen. First, here is a quick summary of some name brand window companies warranties. These companies typically offer a 10 year warranty on parts, and a 20 year warranty on glass. Some of these companies offer a transferable warranty to a second homeowner, while others do not. And the vast majority, offer a product warranty, not a labor warranty. This simply means, homeowners would get the replacement product/parts for free but may be charged for labor in servicing the product.

Another popular warranty is one that is called a lifetime pro-rated warranty. A pro-rated warranty may imply a liftetime warranty, but if we examine the fine print, we find out a few things. First, the warranty has a sliding cost scale on it. It may say that after 10 years, we as homeowners, are responsible for 50% of the cost of the product at the date it needs to be replaced. Costs always seem to go up, so it is difficult to get a handle on what our warranty costs may or may not be. Its safe to say that it will be expensive.

With these types of warranties, we also may find that if we sell our house, the warranty either expires or pro-rates. This may have an effect on the resales value of our homes, which especially during this economic time, is critical.

As a homeowner, I suggest really examining a replacement window warranty before making a purchase. We should be looking for a warranty that offers a lifetime warranty that doesnt pro-rate. Also, we should look for a warranty that is fully transferable and also doesnt pro-rate. Obviously the former is great, because we dont have to worry about the cost of products increasing over the years should something happen to our replacement windows. The later (fully transferable) part of the warranty is great because this helps us in resale value of the home. This type of warranty may initially cost us extra in the window purchase, but in the long run, it is of greater value because it will either save us money or make us money when we sell our homes. If we can find a warranty that also will cover labor, this would be gravy. But the majority of manufacturers dont include labor in the warranties. But many times, the remodeling company we purchase the windows from, do include the labor.

I hope this helps you in your replacement window buying decision!

How will Home Star (Cash for Caulkers) benefit homeowners who purchase energy-efficient replacement windows and doors?

2010-07-01T08:45:00-04:00

Many of us have heard about the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 (or "Cash for Caulkers") program that was passed by the House of Representatives last month and is currently waiting to clear the Senate. It sounds as if this bill could be a win/win situation for homeowners and contractors--homeowners will get excellent rebates on "green" products which, in turn, should kick-start the construction industry and create jobs.

However, the bill itself is VERY comprehensive. There are 13 types of retrofit projects eligible for rebates, and each product has unique eligibility requirements and set rebate amounts--so it can be quite confusing for consumers. I recently read an excellent blog article that does a nice job of breaking down the eligible projects by type and giving a concise description of the requirements and rebates available for each. (http://tinyurl.com/2f3bhs8) Whether you’re a consumer or a contractor, this easy-to-understand chart will make it easier to clearly see what types of rebates the Home Star bill will provide.

And although I believe Home Star will be great--both for homeowners who want to make their homes "greener" and save money on energy costs, and for contractor still feeling the effects of the economic downturn--it’s important to remember that this bill could take weeks, or even months, to become a law. For homeowners who want to replace their windows or doors, add insulation, or make other energy-efficient improvements to their homes RIGHT NOW, there are still excellent federal tax credits available for 30% of the cost of qualified products--up to $1,500. For more information on the existing tax credits, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.

Radiaflect Reflective Insulation, the Energy Efficient Alternative to Traditional Fiberglass Insulation

2010-06-28T13:30:00-04:00

Replacement Windows are one of the best ways to lower your energy bills and significantly improve the comfort of your home. Another terrific product available is reflective insulation. Reflective insulation typically is Energy Star rated and qualifies for the tax credit.

Reflective insulation can be installed in the rafters of your attic to stop the heat from coming in on those hot summer days. This will reduce the amount of stress put on your air conditioning unit, and it will lower your energy bills. You may also want to consider putting a reflective insulation attic blanket on the floor of your attic. This type of product works great in the winter months, keeping your home protected against the winter elements.

Of course, you could always add more fiberglass insulation. But if there is a product that will be a compliment to fiberglass insulation, enhance the overall energy performance, and give you a much better ROI, reflective insulation is the product. Click here for a 60 second video on the comparison.

Whether it be for the rafters of your attic, the attic floor, house wrap or a hot water heater, make sure you look for a product that is a reflective insulation specific for your application. There are many products out there called radiant barriers. These products have a one size fits all mentality. And although you might experience a temporary gain in comfort, over the medium and long term life of your house, reflective insulation is a much better performer. For more information on reflective insulation, go to www.radiaflect.com.

Better Screens = Better Benefits

2010-04-22T16:04:36-04:00

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

Spring Cleaning for Windows and Doors

2010-04-01T13:20:00-04:00

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.