Wednesday, January 30, 2013
(Simonton Windows Launches New Asure Product Line)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - Simonton Windows, one of the nation's leading suppliers of quality vinyl windows and patio doors, has introduced the new AsureTM line of energy-efficient replacement windows and patio doors. Designed to maximize the amount of natural daylight that enters the home, Asure products are available in Double Hung, Slider, and Picture window styles, along with a variety of popular geometric styles and patio doors.
"Input from both consumers and remodelers helped us design this new product line that includes a larger viewing area and sightline," says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing for Simonton Windows. "The re-designed frame and modified sash on these units allow more light into the home. This allows homeowners to connect more with nature and ‘bring the outdoors inside' their homes."
Available nationwide, Asure windows feature a two "stepped" sill design for better resistance to water and air infiltration. Simonton's patented Lap-Lok® Meeting Rail and thick fin seal weatherstripping also help ensure a tight seal against wind and rain. The sill "chambers" are uniquely designed for added strength and durability, providing peace-of-mind to homeowners investing in these replacement windows.
Energy-Efficiency and Aesthetic Appeal Simonton Asure windows can be ordered with design pressure (DP) ratings of up to 50. The new window incorporates a triple-stepped sill when DP ratings from 35 to 50 are selected. Asure products meet ASTM and AAMA Gold standards when installed according to manufacturer's instructions. Asure windows and patio doors can also be ordered to meet ENERGY STAR® criteria in all areas of the country.
On the exterior of the window, a classic stepped design frame enhances the window's aesthetics and increases curb appeal. "From the outside, Asure windows and patio doors complement any home design," says Pember. "The frame face of the window provides an enhanced, attractive architectural ‘finished' look to the home. Clean corner welds and a smooth exterior construction complete the styling of these impressive windows."
For the interior of the home, the affordable Asure windows incorporate a constant force balance system, requiring minimal effort to operate the sash. A longer sash stop in the lower sash has also been added for increased support and ease of operation.
Available in white and tan, Asure products can be ordered with Flat or Sculptured grids in Colonial, Diamond, Perimeter, Prairie or Victorian patterns. A Double-Lifetime Limited Warranty provides peace-of-mind for homeowners.
Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Two Years in a Row" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Studies SM.
Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.
Founded in 1946, Simonton's hallmark has been to deliver the industry's shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brand Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.
Simonton Windows received the highest numerical score among window and door manufacturers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudiesSM. 2011 study based on responses from 2,605 consumers measuring 11 brands and measures opinions of consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors in the previous 12 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in March-April 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(ENERGY STAR®) qualified windows and patio doors, which meet or exceed the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy for each of the climate zones, may qualify for a tax credit under part of the legislation known as H.R.8 – American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Qualifying product criteria shall be those that meet ENERGY STAR criteria in the climate zone in which they are installed. Products shall qualify for the aforementioned energy-efficient, home improvement incentives that allow for a tax credit of 10% of the cost of the qualifying windows to a maximum of $200 per household and patio doors to a maximum of $500 per household for 2012/2013. Note: There is now a lifetime limit of $500 ($200 for windows/skylights) in total credits that a homeowner can claim from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2013. It is not on top of the $1,500 limit in 2009-2010. The cost of installation may not be included.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Importance Of Venting Your Roof
So many people think a roof is merely shingles applied to the top of their house. When in fact, a properly installed roof is actually a “roofing system” with many more components then just shingles. 
One of the most important components of a “roofing system” is balanced ventilation. This means there is an equal amount of intake and exhaust, allowing your home to continually breath. There is actually a mathematical formula, that quality roofers will use to determine exactly how many square inches of intake and exhaust are needed for the specific home that they are installing a roofing system on.The intake occurs through soffit vents, and the exhaust through a ridge vent. When a balanced ventilation system is properly installed, cooler air is constantly entering the soffits, it rises up pushing warmer air out through the ridge.
Why is balanced ventilation so important? There are several reasons. First of all it will extend the life of the roofing shingles. Additonally, it will reduce cooling costs, by keeping your attic cooler in the summer. Perhaps most importantly, it proper ventallation will help keep moisture out of your attic reducing the risk of unhealthy mold and mildew developing in your attic. Recent research indicates that there are many health risks associated with mold in homes. And if it does develop it is very costly to have removed.
Soffit vents
The attic is a room of the house we don't often think about. It's storage for all the stuff you don't often need, and that's all. But your attic, just like the rest of your house, has specific needs, and without them, it'll suffocate, and possibly choke your gutter too.
Let's start with the most basic problem, which you learned about in high school science: heat rises. Whether you're in the heat all year round, or experience all four seasons, heat goes into your attic -- and unless it's got a place to go, it tends to stay there. This does more than just make your attic stuffy; for example, if you've got a bunch of snow on your it'll form warmer spots on your roof that will melt some, but not all, of that snow and create the much dreaded “ice dam.” In extreme cases, it means you'll spring leaks during the winter, the absolute worst time to start a roofing project. In hotter, more humid climates, it means you've got dark, heat, and moisture; in other words, the perfect recipe for mold. In both cases, water can condense on the underside of your roof and rot it out.
Fortunately, the solution, if not the application, is the same regardless of where you are: vents. Vents allow heat to escape from your attic and keep the attic temperature consistent. But won't that mean cold air comes into your house? Nope: your attic floor is insulated, so venting the attic won't raise your heating bills. All venting does is extend the life of your roof by reducing rot and leaking problems.
Which vents do you install? It varies. If you have an asphalt roof, there will actually be specific requirements spelled out in your warranty that you'll have to comply with: your roofer or contractor should have discussed those with you when replacing the shingles, and they should also be written out. For other kinds of roofs, the manufacturer of the shingles or the roofer may have specific suggestions; it's a good idea to get in touch with them and ask before installing anything.
It will also depend on climate. If you're worried about mold, you'd take a different approach than if you were worried about ice dams. Regardless of your roof, though, the basic requirement is that the vents be close to the attic floor, to allow in cool air. A common tactic is to install soffit vents, long aluminum strips of vents, under your eaves. Cool air flows in and convection takes care of the rest. Soffit vents are especially good for snowy climates, as there's no way for any snow to get in them.
Ridge Vent
Another solution would be ridge vents, which sit atop the peak of your roof and allow the hot air to flow out the top of your roof. Ridge vents are ideal for hotter areas, and can even be paired with soffit vents depending on the situation. They'll need to be installed by a professional, however.
Regardless of your climate and attic, take a look at installing some vents. Your roof – and the rest of your home, including your gutters and gutter covers will thank you.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Do your remodeling in the off season
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Like accountants and farmers, home-improvement pros have a slow season when they may slash prices to grab business.
Redoing your bathroom in January, replacing a furnace in July, or installing a patio in November could yield 5% to 15% savings.
Buy online
Everything -- including the kitchen sink -- is sold online these days, often for 10% to 25% less than at local shops.
But since a delayed, damaged, or disappointing product can derail a project, go see the item at a store first so you know what you're getting, order early enough so there's time for an exchange if there's a problem, and buy only from authorized resellers (you can verify this at the manufacturers' sites).
But since a delayed, damaged, or disappointing product can derail a project, go see the item at a store first so you know what you're getting, order early enough so there's time for an exchange if there's a problem, and buy only from authorized resellers (you can verify this at the manufacturers' sites).
Combine small tasks and save
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Handymen and specialists typically impose a minimum charge (often two hours at $50 to $100 an hour) just to come to the house.
Bundling small jobs could get you two to three times the results for roughly the same cost.
Bundling small jobs could get you two to three times the results for roughly the same cost.
Hiring a contractor? Negotiate!
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If you're getting a contractor to do the work, learn the right way to negotiate.
First, let the contractor know he has competition.
First, let the contractor know he has competition.
Hardball haggling won't work -- even if you win a discount, the pro might cut corners to make up the difference.
But the remodeling market is still in the dumps, so if he hears you're considering a few contractors, he's going to give you his best price.
But the remodeling market is still in the dumps, so if he hears you're considering a few contractors, he's going to give you his best price.
Set a low bar
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Then, before the contractor bids, name your ballpark budget -- about 20% under what you really expect to spend.
He'll scoff, but you're setting an anchor that's going to be in his mind as he puts together his price.
He'll scoff, but you're setting an anchor that's going to be in his mind as he puts together his price.
Take a collaborative approach
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Ask the contractor to suggest painless ways you could alter the project plan to save money.
Give the silent treatment
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Once you have his final number in hand, let him stew.
If he has any wiggle room left and he's hungry for work, he'll reach out with a sweeter offer.
If he has any wiggle room left and he's hungry for work, he'll reach out with a sweeter offer.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Prepare Your Home
Prepare your home for the Summer months
Siding has come a long way in the last few years and is now available in many textures, finishes and colors that make vinyl siding look like higher-end materials. Fiber cement, brick and stone are other options depending on your budget. Be sure to check the insulation when you replace these items as it tends to settle over the years.
Refresh the look of your home quickly and save costly energy bills with durable, weather-resistant vinyl siding that won't warp, split, rot or dent, and no costly repairs! Its color goes completely through the panel so it never needs to be scraped, sanded or painted. Simply rinse with a garden hose to keep it's like new appearance. Choose from a wide variety of beautiful vinyl siding styles and colors.
New Vinyl Siding
With summer upon us, most of us will be spending more time outside our home than inside it. Your outdoor environment should be just as comfortable as the interior of your home. In addition to landscaping, adding a few improvements to your outdoor space can not only make your yard more enjoyable, it can actually increase your home’s value. Here are some options to explore that may help make your home’s value increase and allow you to make the most of the summer season.
Nothing makes your home look fresh like replacing the fundamental exterior components- roofing, siding and windows. These items not only make your home look appealing, they are vital to making your home safe from damage due to water, insect infestation, mold, mildew, wood rot and more. These repairs should take precedence over any other repairs because they directly impact your home’s value, safety and interior.
If you need a new roof, there are many options to consider since
Roof Replacement
Replacing the shingles on your home can dramitaclly change the apperence of your home adding curb appel and saving you thousands of dollars in interior damage from water leakage & ice dams.
Replacing your windows can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal and utilities. Technologies to look for are Low E glass that allows the home to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
New Windows
New Basement windows
New windows are indeed the ultimate view & comfort to your home, the correct product for the style of your home and profesional instillation will give you years of comfort and savings on heating & cooling cost.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Bathroom Remodeling For Every Occasion
Monday March 26,2010
If you want to update your house, and increase what it is worth, then it is easy to do a bathroom remodel. There are various ways you can approach this project and make your bathroom look more modern. You can repaint, pick out new decorations and bathroom fixtures. It is your choice if you want to just do a few things to improve the way your bathroom looks or you want go all out and do a complete makeover, a home improvement will usually still increase the value of your house.
The earliest thing you should take into your consideration is budgeting. Do not forget to include secondary costs, otherwise all those small expenses can add together fast and blow your budget. Consider the right timing as to when you really need to hire a plumber, get permissions from your city or county authorities, or hire a second hand to assist you in the process. All these hidden costs can suddenly put a lot of pressure on you and you create problems for you if you ignore them in the first place.
After you’ve created your budget and decided how big a change you’re going to make, it’s time to choose a theme. While updating your bathroom is always good, choosing a theme that doesn’t flow well with the rest of your house will take away from the added value of your home. You’ll want to choose colors and styles that compliment your home, especially the rooms surrounding the bathroom.
Picking a color scheme for a bathroom may be one of the toughest choices you must make in your endeavor. There are two perspectives on the matter: those who believe you should remain neutral, and those who think you ought to go with very personalized color schemes. The ideal way to make the best decision for yourself is to think about the purpose of the remodel.
Bathroom remodeling if you’re planning on selling is tricky; you might want to remain neutral. Keep colors light and pick tones that will complement many decors. Select fixtures to appeal to the majority of those who will look at the house. Accessorize to make the bathroom feel luxurious and plush so as to appeal to potential buyers.
You can customize your bathroom to fit exactly what you want and need if you are not interested in selling your home and your bathroom remodeling is done for yourself. You can select fixtures that specifically fit your style as well as many bold colors that represent yourself.
Bathroom remodeling can be a cost-effective way to add value to your home and make your home feel more customized to your particular style. Whether you do a complete bathroom overhaul or choose subtle changes, this particular home improvement is almost always an added asset to your home.
Typically the easiest and most cost-effective way to add value to your house is bathroom remodeling. If you are doing this to sell your property, you might want to remain neutral.
The earliest thing you should take into your consideration is budgeting. Do not forget to include secondary costs, otherwise all those small expenses can add together fast and blow your budget. Consider the right timing as to when you really need to hire a plumber, get permissions from your city or county authorities, or hire a second hand to assist you in the process. All these hidden costs can suddenly put a lot of pressure on you and you create problems for you if you ignore them in the first place.
After you’ve created your budget and decided how big a change you’re going to make, it’s time to choose a theme. While updating your bathroom is always good, choosing a theme that doesn’t flow well with the rest of your house will take away from the added value of your home. You’ll want to choose colors and styles that compliment your home, especially the rooms surrounding the bathroom.
Picking a color scheme for a bathroom may be one of the toughest choices you must make in your endeavor. There are two perspectives on the matter: those who believe you should remain neutral, and those who think you ought to go with very personalized color schemes. The ideal way to make the best decision for yourself is to think about the purpose of the remodel.
Bathroom remodeling if you’re planning on selling is tricky; you might want to remain neutral. Keep colors light and pick tones that will complement many decors. Select fixtures to appeal to the majority of those who will look at the house. Accessorize to make the bathroom feel luxurious and plush so as to appeal to potential buyers.
You can customize your bathroom to fit exactly what you want and need if you are not interested in selling your home and your bathroom remodeling is done for yourself. You can select fixtures that specifically fit your style as well as many bold colors that represent yourself.
Bathroom remodeling can be a cost-effective way to add value to your home and make your home feel more customized to your particular style. Whether you do a complete bathroom overhaul or choose subtle changes, this particular home improvement is almost always an added asset to your home.
Typically the easiest and most cost-effective way to add value to your house is bathroom remodeling. If you are doing this to sell your property, you might want to remain neutral.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Spring has come exceptionally early this year so why not prepare your outdoor living space early too. An early head start can give you more leisure time to enjoy your deck, patio & outdoor living spaces. Call D&M Enterprises 301-948-0100 to schedule your appointment for power washing & sealing your deck. Perhaps you've been contemplating a new deck, or just general maintenance to your existing deck, patio or walkways.
16801 Oakmont Avenue Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
tel 301.948.0100 / fax 301.977.3570 / cel 301.370.6807
troybardwell@comcast.net http://www.dmhomeremodel.com/
"OUR FAMILY SERVING YOUR FAMILY SINCE 1968"
tel 301.948.0100 / fax 301.977.3570 / cel 301.370.6807
troybardwell@comcast.net http://www.dmhomeremodel.com/
"OUR FAMILY SERVING YOUR FAMILY SINCE 1968"
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Are you looking for a new view from your entry doors? Explore the possibilities at Provia Door.com
D&M Enterprises
A 2009 featured Contractor of HGTV's home exterior remodeling show "Curb Appeal"
tel 301.948.0100 / fax 301.977.3570 / cel 301.370.6807
"OUR FAMILY SERVING YOUR FAMILY SINCE 1968"
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