http://www.gorell.com/blog/ Gorell blog articles about vinyl windows, home improvement, window manufacturing and the window industry Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST en-us 1440 http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/07/How-will-Home-Star-Cash-for-Caulkers-benefit-homeowners-who-purchase-energyefficient-replacement-windows-and-doors.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/07/How-will-Home-Star-Cash-for-Caulkers-benefit-homeowners-who-purchase-energyefficient-replacement-windows-and-doors.cfm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/06/Radiaflect-Reflective-Insulation-the-Energy-Efficient-Alternative-to-Traditional-Fiberglass-Insulation.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/06/Radiaflect-Reflective-Insulation-the-Energy-Efficient-Alternative-to-Traditional-Fiberglass-Insulation.cfm Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST 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. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/06/Home-Star-vs-Tax-Credit.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/06/Home-Star-vs-Tax-Credit.cfm Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST As Congress debates the details of the Home Star bill many people have asked the question of which federal program is better for them -- Home Star or the Tax Credit program. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/05/Do-your-research-and-get-what-you-pay-for.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/05/Do-your-research-and-get-what-you-pay-for.cfm Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:00 EST We're hearing all the time in the media how green materials, Energy Star qualified products, and home renovations will save us money and energy. The "green movement" has exploded, and green products are advertised everywhere TV, newspapers and the Internet. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/05/Energy-Tax-Credits.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/05/Energy-Tax-Credits.cfm Mon, 24 May 2010 08:00:00 EST There has been lots of talk about the energy tax credits available for improving the energy efficiency of our homes. Now Congress has another program that they have been debating named the HOMESTAR program. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/04/Spring-Cleaning-for-Windows-and-Doors.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/04/Spring-Cleaning-for-Windows-and-Doors.cfm Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST Spring is a great time to inspect your existing windows and doors to ensure proper operation and resistance to air and moisture infiltration. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/03/EPA-and-Lead-Laws.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/03/EPA-and-Lead-Laws.cfm Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST There is a new lead/EPA law coming to your home April 22, 2010, whether you want it or not. For homeowners that own pre 1978 homes, all remodelers whether they are replacing windows, siding, kitches, soffit, facia, etc. may be using lead safe practices in your home. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/02/Hurricanes-Severe-Weather--and-windows.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/02/Hurricanes-Severe-Weather--and-windows.cfm Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST This time of year is a good time for homeowners living in areas of the country prone to severe weather to consider addressing their preparedness for the "next big one." Especially in the event of hurricanes (but not limited to them). http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/01/Reflective-Insulation.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2010/01/Reflective-Insulation.cfm Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST There has been an energy savings product on the market for quite some time called radiant barrier. The main concept behind this product is that it is put up in your attic rafters. In the summer, it reflects the warm air out, and in the winter, it helps keep the warm air in. It has been an adequate product for many years. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/12/Cost-vs-Value.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/12/Cost-vs-Value.cfm Thu, 3 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST The most recent Cost vs. Value Report has been released by Remodeling Magazine. Here is the link, http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2008/costvsvalue/national.aspx. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/11/Pays-to-Buy-Windows-in-December.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/11/Pays-to-Buy-Windows-in-December.cfm Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST If you're still considering replacing your windows in 2009, you may be finding that window dealers or home improvement companies are not as available as before to meet with you to discuss windows. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/11/What-You-Need-to-Know-about-the-2010-Lead-Paint-Laws.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/11/What-You-Need-to-Know-about-the-2010-Lead-Paint-Laws.cfm Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST Something that homeowners -- as well as home improvement professionals -- need to be aware of are the new federal lead paint regulations that go into effect in April, 2010. This is a topic that has not received much attention in the media. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/10/Home-Shows.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/10/Home-Shows.cfm Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST Home Shows are a great way to look at different exterior and interior building products before deciding to make a purchase or an appointment with a remodeling company. And if you are like most, we go to a home show looking for something, find it, and then we find another product that excites us. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/09/Need-to-Understand-the-Tax-Credit-Regulations.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/09/Need-to-Understand-the-Tax-Credit-Regulations.cfm Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST So many manufacturers and companies are promoting the amazing $1,500 tax credit that homeowners can get as part of the 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. This is a very good thing for the home improvement industry because it stimulates business. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/09/Whats-in-a-Warranty.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/09/Whats-in-a-Warranty.cfm Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST As homeowners, what should we be looking for in a window warranty? Like vinyl replacement windows, the warranty can come in all shapes and sizes. There are limited warranties, transferable warranties, warranties with exclusions, and many other types. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/07/When-Should-You-Purchase-Vinyl-Replacement-Windows.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/07/When-Should-You-Purchase-Vinyl-Replacement-Windows.cfm Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST What time of year is the right time to replace your windows? There really is never a wrong time, but many times, I hear homeowners saying that they want to get their windows in the late fall, just before winter. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/Financing-for-Home-Improvement-Projects.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/Financing-for-Home-Improvement-Projects.cfm Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Are banks really lending right now? Well, it depends on who you are listening to. Some sources say that banks are not lending to homeowners, even if they have great credit. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/Does-it-make-sense-to-replace-windows-in-this-economy.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/Does-it-make-sense-to-replace-windows-in-this-economy.cfm Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST When we hear about the construction or housing industry being down, it's usually more in reference to new home construction. Unfortunately, the recovery of this segment of building may take a while. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/15-Year-Anniversary.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/15-Year-Anniversary.cfm Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST On June 1, the U.S. Energy Tax Credit reverted to the original window and door criteria established in February as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In April, the government had announced that it would allow any ENERGY STAR qualified windows or exterior doors purchased between January 1 and May 31 of 2009 to be eligible for the $1,500 tax credit. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/June-1-Tax-Credit-Change.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/06/June-1-Tax-Credit-Change.cfm Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST On June 1, the U.S. Energy Tax Credit reverted to the original window and door criteria established in February as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In April, the government had announced that it would allow any ENERGY STAR qualified windows or exterior doors purchased between January 1 and May 31 of 2009 to be eligible for the $1,500 tax credit. http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/05/Confused-About-Green-Windows-and-Doors.cfm http://www.gorell.com/blog/1/2009/05/Confused-About-Green-Windows-and-Doors.cfm Thu, 21 May 2009 10:00:00 EST I was reading some statistics the other day and saw that 22% of the energy expended in the United States is used by homes, costing American households $215 billion. Pretty astounding.