Energy Efficient. These two simple words have changed the landscape of America. Whether you're in the market for doors, windows or siding make sure that your selection is energy efficient.
The Doors When it comes to making sure your doors are energy efficient, make sure the door is installed properly. Having a good seal ensures that air doesn't leak either in or out. Air leaking is energy wasted and that can translate into dollars lost. What can you do once you know the door has been installed correctly?
1. Add a door sweep. A door sweep is attached to the bottom of the door and helps to ensure that air isn't passed through.
2. Look for Energy Star doors. Since not all Energy Star doors are equally energy efficient, it's a good idea to compare and bring this up to your home remodeler.
3. Choosing Energy Efficient Glass Now, not all glass is the same and there are several things you should consider. First, look at the R Value. The R Value’s range is typically from 0.9 to 3.0. You're looking for a higher number. 4. Know the U Value. The U Value lets you know the amount of heat passing through the glass. The U Value ranges from 0.3 and 1.1.
5. Know the Low Emissivity or Low E Coating Level. The Low Emissivity or Low E Coating lets you know how much heat is passing through the glass. You're looking for a lower rating for better insulation.
6. Get Double Paned Glass. Sure, single paned glass is less expensive but you're familiar with the saying, you get what you pay for. Choosing double paned glass is more likely to lower your utility bill.
When you're choosing Energy Efficient doors, take your time, ask questions and do your homework. It will not only save you time and money but you will be able to get a better quality product that suits your needs.
Add a Door Sweep
Energy Store Doors
Energy Efficient Glass
Double Paned Glass
The Siding Doctor - Done Right, On Time, On Budget.
Most of us remember when we were kids how mom or the maid would clean the windows. It generally happened twice a year and afterward the windows always shined.
Of course cleaning windows can be as easy or as complicated as you make it. Keep the process simple and work on cleaning the screens and the windows. Here are the steps to successfully cleaning your windows.
Step 1 Take the screens off the windows and clean them. You can do this by either hosing them down with your garden hose or if the screens are really dirty, take a bucket of soapy water and clean them with a sponge. Why you should do this? It makes little sense to clean your windows and put dirty screens on top of them.
Step 2 Start with the outside of the window and then clean the inside. Doing this will let you know what areas you've missed and need to go over again.
Step 3 To avoid streaks, use the horizontal and vertical stroke technique. Start by taking your squeeze or long-handled sponge and moving first in an horizontal pattern. Follow this up by using vertical strokes. When you are washing the windows be sure to wash from the top of the window down to the bottom. This will help prevent those annoying drips.
If you have to clean those windows in a hurry: Mix two tablespoons of white and two quarts of water. Take a clean rag, dip it into the solution and proceed with wiping down the windows. To wipe the windows dry, use a wadded up newspaper.
Consumer Reports Home Brew: Mix ½ cup sudsy ammonia, 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid, 1 pint rubbing alcohol, and water to create 1 gallon of cleaner, then pour some into an empty spray bottle.
The Siding Doctor - Done Right, On Time, On Budget.
There's a famous quote that says something along the lines of 'you're known by the company you keep'. If that's true (and we think it is) then we're in very good company.
A lot of us have memories of painting the house or garage with our fathers when we were growing up. It was usually during summer vacation when we were out of school. The paint was probably 4 years old. The quality of the paint was certainly suspect. Thankfully, few of us can imagine repeating such efforts today.
It's a company that is innovative, thoughtful and focused. There's also an interactive quiz on their website, Find My Shade. You choose the shade that's a best match for your personality. Be sure to check out the JamesHardie site.
ColorPlus Process
ClolorPlus Palette
ColorPlus Integrity
Find My Shade
The Siding Doctor - Done Right, On Time, On Budget.
For those of you in the market for siding you've probably given it some thought. Maybe you're honestly ashamed of a particular part of your house and siding is a solution that comes to mind. We've all driven by *that* house in the neighborhood that screams for help.
Ok, so maybe yours isn't screaming for help but it could use some improvement, right?
Here is a list of what quality siding can do for you:
Improve the appearance of your home. Sometimes it takes just a little sprucing up to make you really appreciate your home.
Want to save money? Let's lower the utility bills! It's no secret that utility bills are on the rise. The insulation added under the siding offers a protection against moisture. The insulation under the siding also helps to maintain the balance inside the home.
Increase the value for future resale When it comes to your home it's always a good idea to be proactive. Extending the life of the exterior is a key selling point to future buyers.
Decrease the unwanted maintenance costs Spending practically ever summer painting the same parts of a house is tiring. You have better things to do then worry about painting. New siding requires very little maintenance if any at all.
The Siding Doctor - Done Right, On Time, On Budget.
The Romans and the Greeks understood doors. It's a simple concept, really. Doors are the gateway to homes, businesses, cathedrals and museums. Doors also allow for sunlight to be enjoyed and for the harshness of winter to remain outside.
Westminster Abbey enjoys the distinction of having the oldest door that can be found in all of England. It dates from 1050. Of course the doors at Westminster Abbey are not quite the same as the doors in Del Boca Vista Phase III. Still, no matter the location doors must serve their purpose. After all, your front entry door would look ridiculous as a door to the spare bedroom.
When you’re choosing a door it’s best to think about what kind of doors you want. Steel doors are known for their strength and security. Wood doors are known for their natural warmth and beauty. Fiberglass composite doors have the look of wood and are typically energy efficient.
Choose the right door to accentuate your home. Now, your door may not be as lavish as those at Westminster Abbey. But, you'll be carrying on the fine tradition that was appreciated by the Greeks and Romans.
Wood Door
Steel Door
Fiberglass Door
The Siding Doctor - Done Right, On Time, On Budget.
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