When it’s time to replace your older windows and doors, you should replace them with environmentally friendly green windows and doors. Thanks to a joint program sponsored by the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Agency most of these energy saving products are marked with an energy star logo that sets them apart from other less energy efficient products. In 2007 alone, using energy star windows and doors, saved consumers an estimated $16 billion dollars in energy bills. 

If you’re not sure what to look for this program has made it easy to find environmentally friendly products by marking them with an energy star logo. But what you are looking for at the very minimum when you are looking for an energy efficient window is a window that has double pane insulated glass with a low-E coating and an airtight frame. 

The double pane glass should be separated by a spacer that reduces the heat transfer and prevents condensation. The low E coating on the glass does several things. It helps to diffuse harmful ultra violet light from coming in and it helps to keep heat in your home in the winter and keep heat out in the summertime. And if properly designed, the airtight frame will mean a minimal transfer of thermal heat through the window. 

When it comes to energy efficient doors, there are plenty to choose from in the energy star program. Wood is a natural insulating product but you can also select a door made from steel or fiberglass with insulation built in. Of course even the most energy efficient door won’t be very energy efficient if it’s not properly installed and it doesn’t have a good seal. Your energy efficient door should also have a door sweep to help maintain that tight seal. Door sweeps come in aluminum and vinyl but aluminum conducts heat and cold and is less efficient than a vinyl sweep.

And of course if you are looking for a door with glass, you will want to consider the R value. The R value will tell you how insulating the door is, so the higher the R value the better. You can also look at the U value. The U value will tell you how much heat is passing through the glass door. Here, a lower U value is good; it means less heat is getting through your door. And of course just as you looked for a Low E coating on your windows, you want to have a low E coating on your glass impact door installation. The lower the E coating is the better insulation value for your impact windows and door.

All energy star products have met the strict guidelines to be energy efficient but of course some are better than others, so if in doubt be sure to do your own research and learn to be a savvy consumer.

IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS

When it comes to having new windows and doors installed in your home, there should not be a lot of aggravation involved in the process. Finding the right company that will make the work as seamless and easy as possible can be as important as finding the best price.  When it comes to deciding on which company you will eventually go with to have your new windows and doors installed, you should always consider the entire picture rather than just the end result. Many companies can offer good products and efficient services, but the ones that are most consumer-friendly and that are able to offer you piece of mind in both the quality and durability of their work are the ones that are most worth your business.

So how do you go about finding such companies, or differentiating between those who are worth hiring and those that are not? Depending on your individual job, there are a number of factors you should look for to determine the right window contractors. Yet for any potential consumer, there are several basic qualities you should start with and make sure that a contractor can meet or uphold.

For starters, the cost of new windows and doors should always play a significant role in the decision-making process. Because you typically pay for what you get, it is often not as simple as taking the lowest bidder and contracting out the job to them. Factors such as the materials used, how long the job will take and other important aspects play a significant role. With this in mind, you should receive a free estimate from any reputable company that details all of the costs associated with the job.

Beyond that, any company that deals in or works with windows and doors should be able to provide proof of their license and insurance to legally complete such work. While this is typically something you may need to ask to see, proof of license and insurance should always be able to be provided. Anyone can tell you what type of job they will do, but seeing the actual work done on someone else’s home is the best way to give you an idea of what to expect.

Finally, any windows and doors you have installed should leave you completely satisfied after the work is done. The most reputable companies like us, impact windows hallandale, should offer you a warranty or a satisfaction guarantee that ensures that you will be satisfied with the products and the work once it is completed.

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Not all replacement windows and doors are alike. It is important to make the best choice when reinstalling windows or outside doors. If you want to give your home a new look and improve the exterior, home improvement articles suggest that it is easy to achieve this by changing doors and windows. Although this face lift might be expensive at the start, in the long run you will save money by using replacement windows and doors and your home will look better too.

So what material should you choose when replacing outside doors or reinstalling windows? Many people like the appearance of wood. As a living material which is available in a variety of finishes, wood certainly has some appeal – and we have been building with it since the earliest times. Depending on the wood you choose, getting doors and windows need not cost the earth, though you should beware of the longer term hidden costs.

Wood may look good at the start but sooner or later the weather will take a toll and the paint will start to flake. If you don’t want your home to look shabby then you will have to sand and paint doors and windows which can be expensive. It is also a time consuming and messy DIY job which you will have to repeat every few years.

Luckily, there is an alternative to wood which has lower maintenance costs as well as other advantages. UPVC, also called PVC or vinyl is ideal for replacement windows and doors. This material can be kept clean with soap and water so there’s very little maintenance required to keep replacement doors and windows looking as good as the day you installed them. And think about this when reinstalling windows and replacing outside doors – this material conserves heat well, so your central heating bills will be reduced if you install vinyl windows. This energy saving property is one of the main advantages of this material.

Many people feel that PVC or vinyl gives your home a bland look, but there are many options available that mean that this material can compete on level terms with other window and door materials. If you like the look of wood, then you can get doors and windows with a light or dark wood effect that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Of course, you will know the difference, especially if you are putting your feet up while your neighbour sands and paints his wooden window frames.

When reinstalling windows and outside doors, PVC really is a sensible choice and you may want to use it for other doors and windows. Vinyl is a good choice for replacement windows and doors for your conservatory. And why not add a touch of glitz to windows and doors with a stained glass panel. Not only will it let in light, but it will make your home stand out. If your tastes are more conservative, frosted glass or tinted glass will enhance your home’s appearance without making too much of a show.

INTERIOR SHUTTERS, SHADES & BLINDS

There is no such thing as too much caution when choosing a contractor to do even the most minor work on your home. When you’re looking to have something more complex, like the installation of new windows, you need to put even more effort into finding the right company for the job. The more the company will be doing to your home, the higher the risk of receiving poor quality workmanship that could damage your home, creating a need for expensive repairs. There are many ways that clients can protect themselves and find the best contractor to install new windows in any home.

Certifications Are Crucial

The first qualification you should check when considering a particular company is whether they have the relevant certifications. If you have chosen to install a particular brand, make sure the contractor is a certified installer for that brand and possesses all required state and local licenses. It should be easy to check with your local government to determine what exactly is required to install windows in your area. It can often be worth the research if you end up exposing your would-be contractor as a fraud. While this is rare, it’s always better to check now than to be unpleasantly surprised later.

Get References For Windows, Not Just General Work 

Most people who choose to hire a contractor ask for references. The problem is that they often don’t think to ask for references relating to the particular type of work they’re seeking. If you want to have your windows replaced, you need to ask for references from homes where your contractor has previously installed them. You should expect a minimum of 10 completed jobs; 20 would be even better. Make sure the list includes addresses and phone numbers of the clients, and don’t hesitate to call them up and ask how the company did.

If possible, you should go to at least five of the homes from that list and actually see the work yourself from the inside as well as outside. There are many things you should be aware of as you look, and be sure to ask the owners of the home you visit, if possible. 

Is the caulking attractive? Does it seem to be peeling away from the glass or its housing?

Are the installations properly shimmed and leveled? Have the proper accommodations have been made in the siding? Is the area around the new windows properly insulated, preferably with spray foam? Have there been problems with drafts after installation? Was the crew professional? Did they show up on time? Were there any unexpected cost increases? Did you hear anything overwhelmingly positive or negative from the references you checked?

Be Sure Your Contractors Are Members Of The Relevant Professional Associations

There are numerous professional organizations which seek to improve the contracting business and help contractors continue perfecting their trade. The Certified Contractors Network is one of the most prominent. The organization and its members have helped create significant improvements in overall service and quality of work for clients around the country. While the organization embraces contracting as a whole rather than focusing on a specific area like windows, membership indicates that the company is dedicated to quality and superior service. 

Watch The Installation

After you have chosen a contractor and scheduled the work, do everything possible to be there yourself when the windows go in. If something looks strange, don’t hesitate to ask about it. Your contractor should be happy to explain it to you, and if they can’t, you’re within your rights to stop the work. Remember, it’s almost always easier and less costly to cease work now than to fix problems later. 

With the right windows company, installing your new windows will be a breeze. Getting it done right the first time is simply a matter of doing your homework, checking the references, and being willing to ask tough questions while the job is proceeding. Do this with confidence, and you’re doing everything you can to get the best results possible. 

IMPACT DOORS

Doors being one of the most important features in the construction of commercial properties provide safety and security of the premises. Everyone is aware of the fact that doors are one of the most important aspects in the construction of commercial properties as they assure the safety and security of the premises. Today there are thousands of doors to choose from, each with their own special utility, appearance, and quality rating, each made with a variety of materials. Hollow metal industrial doors, roll up doors, and impact doors are often used at the chief entry points at for many commercial and industrial sites with safety is a primary concern. Commercial doors are created to match the requirements specific to the type of business. The Door companies manufacture these doors specifically for security, safety, aesthetic appearance, and ease of operation while providing and easy installation and quality materials to keep maintenance cost to a minimum.

There are many different types of doors available to choose from, here are a few of the most common doors used in commercial buildings:

Sectional Doors:

Sectional doors are commonly used for loading docks and vehicle entry/exits in commercial building applications. Depending on the customer’s preference there are a wide variety of options to choose from.  These include windows, insulation, track quality and motor operation method. Sectional doors are common for commercial applications, but can obstruct overhead lighting when rolled up. When that’s a concern the “Roll-up” style door is an option.

Roll up Doors:

Roll up doors are most often used on industrial premises for loading docks or vehicle entry areas. As the name suggests, the doors are rolled up into a cylindrical canister that mounts above the door opening. These space saving doors can be manually operated or motorized, depending on customer preference at installation.  Window slots can also be included for easy visibility to the outside, often needed to see who’s knocking.

Personnel Doors:

These doors are used by employees or visitors to access different areas of a building, basically controlling the passage of people. These Personnel doors can be made in many sizes and shapes out of a wide range of materials. It is highly recommended that company owners carefully review their door access requirements before choosing the doors to be installed. Consulting with a door installation company is highly recommended to understand the door options, materials and functional capabilities of each brand and style.

Roof Hatches

Roof hatches are high security personnel doors typically used for access to commercial building roof areas. These specialized doors are often installed and seldom used. That’s why it’s important to use a quality door that will open in case of emergency, or when roof maintenance is needed.  Proper locking mechanisms are important for roof hatches to prevent break-in as well as easy exit in emergency for code compliance in commercial buildings.

Dock Levellers

Most commercial buildings have loading docks for shipping and receiving of goods.  With big equipment, pallets of goods and a noisy environment, this is a breeding ground for accidents to happen.  Dock levellers are often the focus to minimize injury, making sure the dock leveller works reliability while providing an even a gradual bridge from the dock to truck trailers for loading and unloading.  Difficulties with a dock leveller often lead to injury, so reliability and ease of use is paramount to the safety of workers. Dock seals are also important for safety, keeping wind and rain seal away from the indoor dock loading environment, preventing wet slippery surfaces or debris blowing in during dock loading operations.

Impact Doors

These doors are used in high traffic areas, generally used in restaurants to obstruct view from the kitchen. These are also found in high traffic temperature controlled applications. As the name implies these doors open when you impact them with a cart or your hand.  These are very durable doors that swing both ways and automatically return to the closed position when not held. These doors can have a high risk of injury if not operated correctly by employees. These doors generally have a window to see who’s on the other side, preventing collision or impact with another person or object.  It’s important to train all employees on impact doors to look through the window before you go through the door. This common sense approach can seem obvious but often gets overlooked, or “under-looked”, causing serious injury when things get in a hurry or people aren’t paying attention.

IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS