Example of Section Blog layout (FAQ section)

What are R-values and U-values?

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00) Written by Mark Henry Wednesday, 27 February 2008 17:04

R-value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance.

U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
 

What causes condensation on windows?

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00) Written by Mark Henry Wednesday, 27 February 2008 17:00

Condensation, or "sweating," is a natural occurrence on all windows and is caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.

Each window has many features built in to keep the temperature of the glass as warm as possible and thus reduce condensation. Our insulating glass units provide superior energy efficiency to reduce the potential for condensation. However, there is no such thing as a condensation-free window in high humidity conditions. Controlling the amount of moisture in your home is the most effective action you can take to avoid condensation.

Here are a few tips on reducing the moist air in your home:
  • Use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air. .
  • Air out your home frequently by opening doors and windows.
  • Reduce the number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity levels.
  • Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air.
 

Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00) Written by Paul Jackson Wednesday, 27 February 2008 16:59

It's true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows.

These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
   

I have three different estimates, and the prices vary greatly. Why?

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

Last Updated (Wednesday, 27 February 2008 16:53) Written by Alex Johnson Wednesday, 27 February 2008 16:47

Good question. There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling job. Check the obvious first. Make sure that every estimate has the same scope of work. If the estimates are so vague that you cannot decipher that information, go back to the contractor for clarification, IN WRITING, not just a "yea, its included" over the phone. If you cannot get satisfactory written results, eliminate that contractor from future bidding. The level of service given by a contractor greatly affects the cost. If the contractor spends lots of time picking out materials, attending to every detail, and taking care of all the little extras, so you don't have to, it will cost a little extra. When a contractor carries all the proper and required insurances, his prices will be higher than a 'pick-up contractor'. Quality of work, hard to show in a written estimate, is also a factor in costs. For example, our carpenters do very high quality work (their standards are usually much higher than our customers). Rarely, does the customer ever ask to have something re-done because of quality issues. That piece of mind is worth extra money up front to most people. This facet of the cost difference is usually only confirmed by calling references or visiting jobs the contractor has done in the past.

 

How many estimates should I get for a remodeling project?

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

Last Updated (Wednesday, 27 February 2008 16:52) Written by Alex Johnson Wednesday, 27 February 2008 16:47

I'm sure you have heard to always get three estimates for any work you are going to have done. Well, that depends on a lot of factors. If a contractor has been recommended by a friend, you have seen his work and are satisfied with the quality, and YOU have met and talked with the contractor and are comfortable with him, then maybe you only need to get his estimate. If you feel his price is reasonable, I would say go for it. On the other hand, if you are getting bids from contractors that you have no personal experience with, get three bids. If the bids are within 10-15% of each other, then choose based on your comfort level with the contractor. If the three bids are really different, more investigation needs to be done. Either, a contractor forgot something and the bids are not "apples to apples" bids, or there might be something suspicious about a contractor with a "out of range" bid. Look closely, buyer beware.

   

More Articles...

Page 1 of 3