Archive for January, 2010

Home prices hit bottom in 2009, and it seems like a great time to get a deal on a new home, except that it is also harder for people to move because they can’t sell their house, and especially they can’t get the price for their house that they would like. So many people have turned to home improvement projects to make their homes more livable and functional until housing prices rebound.

Stores like Home Depot have reported increases in building materials and tools. People are trying to save money by doing these home improvement projects themselves, like tiling, painting and customizing closets.  One home improvement project that is guaranteed to increase the value of a home is replacing windows with vinyl energy efficient windows.

This is a job that is worth paying for though.  Replacing windows is messy and needs to be done with precision, and experts are already set up with the proper tools, waste containers, and know-how to do a great job.

All the homeowner really needs to do is compare vinyl window prices and choose a contractor to install them.  Vinyl window prices are relatively inexpensive when compared to the tax break initiative offered, the savings in energy costs, and the increase in the worth of the home.

Before we discuss casement replacement windows, let’s define a casement window. It is a attached to its frame by a hinge, usually on the side. Shutters that open outward to keep out drafts and weather usually cover these windows.  Casement windows can be opened with a crank, lever or handle which often locks the window as well.

Not only do these windows eventually wear out, but the older models are not very energy efficient.  According to the Department of Energy, most homes lose over a quarter of their heat through windows. Homeowners can choose casement replacement windows with Energy Star-labeled and can cut energy bills by up to 30%. You can read more about Energy Star Ratings here: www.energystar.gov.

Sometimes, to make the casement replacement window decision, a homeowner may decide to schedule a home energy audit. You can do this yourself by following the steps outlined at http:///hes.lbl.gov.  You may find that replacing your windows will put you in the group of people who can save up to 30% on their energy bills, and in this tight economy, these casement replacement windows will pay for themselves very quickly!

If you live in Baltimore, you may find that your windows make a whining and howling noise on windy days, perhaps they were not capped correctly, or weep holes were left where wind can get in. In a way you are lucky that this is happening because you absolutely know that there is a problem that can most likely be fixed quickly.  Vinyl replacement windows in Baltimore are available to fix your window problems.

If the capping is loose, missing, or installed improperly, you will be able to see caulking around the exterior of the window. Capping is a vinyl covering that applied to the exterior casing of a window. To apply it, it must be cut and bent to the shape of the window frame, caulked and sealed.  Capping is the seal from the window to the edge of the siding and it should be flat with no bends in it.

Another problem may be screw holes or weep holes that need to be filled.  If you live in the Baltimore area, allow a professional to do your vinyl window replacement in Baltimore.

Although maintenance free for the most part, when Vinyl windows get dirty they need to be cleaned. Sometimes just a heavy rain will clean them, but sometimes they need to be washed – especially after a long stormy winter, or if your windows are under trees.  If you have older windows and  live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, there are professionals available to install replacement windows in NJ and replacement windows in PA.

One thing that is tempting is to pressure wash them along with your vinyl siding, because this can damage the thermal glass or insulation around the window.  It is suggested that you instead use a cloth or soft bristle brush and a readily available household cleaner.  Sometimes you will have to remove a stain that doesn’t come off readily, like crayon, grease or mold.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners like Ajax® or any solvent that could harm vinyl like chlorine or nail polish remover.

Suggested cleansers to use include a 70/30 solution of vinegar and water,  Fantastik®, Windex®, Lestoil®, and Murphy’s Oil Soap®.

The 2010 International Builder’s Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Jan 19-22 will showcase all the hottest styles and trends in construction materials, including vinyl siding.

Certain Teed Corporation will showcase its new vinyl products and insulated siding in different size boards with custom-contoured foam backing to increase thermal performance.

Among the other venders showcased in the construction category are:

•    BaySystemsTM  – relaunching an energywise,™ a residential energy-efficiency program.
•    Benjamin Obdyke Incorporated – Hydrofilament Drainable Housewrap.
•    CertainTeed Corporation – new CedarBoards board and batten insulated siding.
•    DECRA Roofing Systems – DECRA roofing profiles
•    DCI Products -  SmartRidge I – ridge ventilation
•    Delta Stone Products Inc. – architectural-cut stone
•    EcoStar® – synthetic slate and shake roofing tiles
•    Energy Alternatives – next generation attic vent: Greenward Ridge Vent
•    Fasten Seal Products – self-sealing furring nail that has ICC certification and meets IBC, IRC and CBC codes.
•    Fiberon – HorizonTM decking
•    Green Metal USA – Bgreen natural wool insulation
•    Icynene – spray foam insulation solutions
•    InSpire Roofing Products – Cedar Shake Composite Roofing
•    IQm Trim – color-through cellular PVC trim
•    James Hardie® – exterior panels and trims

And there are many many more!  Check out the whole show so that you don’t miss anything in new vinyl siding technology!

Vinyl siding PA and vinyl siding NJ is available for residents who need professional vinyl siding installation service.

You’ve made the decision to replace your windows and siding with energy efficient, maintenance free vinyl replacements.  Now you have to choose the colors for the project.

Vinyl siding is available in a large range of colors and tints.  It can overwhelm you when you look at samples and try to picture it on your entire house.  Perhaps you want to choose coordinating colors of vinyl and trim.  This makes it actually much easier to choose because manufacturers have grouped color categories together in order to make your choices simpler. Most people choose a color for the siding and shade a bit darker for the trim.  Some people like to really make accents like shutters and trim stand out by choosing popular vinyl siding colors like red or green against a grey siding.

You can use vinyl on your porch or deck, or paint it in contrasting colors to your house’s vinyl.  Then you can decorate your porch with furniture that will draw the eye and accent the porch.

Vinyl siding is a relatively inexpensive way to “redecorate” the exterior of your home, while making it energy efficient in the process.

There are really several types of replacement windows. Replacement windows can be separated into several categories.

Replacement Double Hung Windows – these windows have an upper and lower sash each of which may be opened to increase ventilation. In addition, most double hung windows tilt-in for easy cleaning.

Casement – these windows are very energy-efficient and ventilate well because they can be cranked outward to let in fresh air in. They can be used above cabinets where someone would have to reach to open a window.  They can also be easily cleaned on both sides.

Bay and Bow – These windows can be gently arched or angled to make a space in your home feel bigger and brighter. They can almost be considered a room addition.

Picture – These windows showcase a room, especially if it has a beautiful view. Surprisingly, these large openings can also be very energy efficient with the correct Energy Star Rated replacement window.

Gliding or Sliding Replacement Windows – These windows function similarly to a sliding door, but are positioned higher on a wall. They have the most glass of any type window. The windows slide on tracks and lift out easily for cleaning.

With all these options available, homeowners can chose the replacement window that perfectly compliments their room requirements.

If we could physically see the energy seeping through our windows when we looked out, we would be much more inclined to install vinyl replacement windows that meet Energy Star Ratings and really insulate your windows. Since we can’t really see the dollars moving out through our old windows, perhaps some statistics will help demonstrate the actual savings.  For this I’ve visited the energystar.gov website and browsed through several pages of estimated savings.   First I should explain the program though.

On August 29, 2003, the government set four climate zones for windows, doors and skylights. The goal of the ENERGY STAR program is to increase the efficiency of the nation’s use of energy. You can go to the energystar.gov website to see the savings PDF, and it shows that national annual savings by using phase 2 Energy Star Windows, Doors and Skylights will save the US 11.4 million dollars.

The criteria are divided into 4 zones because weather conditions warrant different levels of penetration and U glass to be the most efficient. Heat savings are due to U-factor improvements. Cool savings are mostly due to penetration.

The website states that For a typical home, ENERGY STAR windows will save:

* $126–$465 a year when replacing single-pane windows
* $27–$111 a year over double-pane, clear glass replacement windows

So it is easy to see how the idea to install vinyl replacement windows can really save you money, save the entire nation money, and make our earth a greener place so that it can be preserved for future generations.

Last February a new law for tax credits made it easier for American homeowners to afford vinyl replacement windows. This bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, extends tax credits for energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

To quote the bill, “To qualify for the tax credit, windows, doors, and skylights placed in service after February 17, 2009 and before December 31, 2010 must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30.” The good news is that many vinyl replacement windows qualify as ENERGY STAR, and will meet these criteria.

This just makes it so much more affordable for home owners to make the investment in installing vinyl replacement windows.  The windows do double duty, saving you money too.  Once you get them installed and get the tax break, they work to save you money on your energy bills.  In addition installing vinyl replacement windows will cut your home maintenance costs too because you don’t have to sand and paint the outside window trim.

A double-hung window has an upper and lower window that each slide up and down in separate grooves along the sides of the window frame. Double hung windows are very common because they provide great ventilation and because the window can be positioned in a selected place.

Installing double hung windows is best left up to a professional; however there are a few things the homeowner should know about the process.  Window frames come pre-assembled, and are placed in the wall opening.  They are then leveled and nailed into place, and the windows are inserted into the grooves.

A vinyl double hung window reduces long-term maintenance because painting is no longer necessary and vinyl colors can match the trim on your home.   These double hung windows can also be fitted tightly into wall openings to save on energy bills by reducing drafts.

When replacing double hung windows, the glass in the old window frames can be taped before the window is removed to reduce the likelihood of broken glass on the job site.

Installing double hung windows is a great choice for homeowners because their easy installation requirements reduce the amount of time that the replacement project disrupts your household.

One of the main reasons for considering install of double hung windows is the Federal Tax Credit of $1500 for homeowners who do this work.  Read about how you can get this credit when you install double hung windows!