Learn about New Windows or Replacement Windows and Doors for Today's Homes: energy effcient windows

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The ABC of Low-E Windows and Doors

by Gates Dearen

A recent HomeRite project

If you’ve looked into getting replacement windows lately, you’ve probably run into some terminology you’re not familiar with. For example, one phrase that you’re almost certain to run into is “Low-e.” Just what does the “e” stand for? Emissivity. It’s not a word most people use or hear very often. Here’s a definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Emissivity: the relative power of a surface to emit heat by radiation, the ratio of the radiant energy emitted by a surface to that emitted by a black body at the same temperature.

Seven Benefits of Replacement Windows

By Gates Dearen

Replacing the windows is not always the highest priority on a homeowner’s to do list, even when it’s clear that the windows need to be replaced. The windows could be sticking. Wooden window sills could be rotting. There could be consistent drafts.

Still, if the windows aren’t actually broken, replacing them can be put off. The reasoning is that replacing windows costs money. However, there’s also a price to pay for not replacing old windows. If you’ve been looking at your windows and thinking that you need to do something about them, here are a few of the most popular reasons to move forward.

Windows by HomeRite

With the temperatures cooling, one of the nice things about this time of year is being able to open the windows and feel a nice breeze wafting through the house. However, sometimes when you want to open the windows, it’s difficult. Likewise, when you want to close the windows to keep the rain or the wind out, they might stick a little bit. As a rule, windows should open and close easily.

One of the keys to having an energy efficient home is to have windows and doors that seal the house properly. This enables homeowners to keep cold air out in the winter and hot air out in the summer. Fall is a great time of the year to check your windows and doors to make sure they’re functioning properly. If you’ve been thinking at all about getting replacement windows or a new door for your entryway, this is a very good time of year to look into that as well.

Here are some of the things to look for when inspecting your windows and doors:

Check window sills and tracks for dirt and other debris. Open the windows and clean out the area with a soft brush or a damp rag. Debris can keep the window from closing all the way. This can create a gap that will allow cold air to come in. If you have sliding patio doors or windows that slide horizontally, clean out those tracks as well. A small twig or pebble can keep them from closing all the way. Your windows and doors will slide more easily after removing any debris.

Windows by HomeRite

Check the weather stripping around doors. If it has come loose in places, re-attach it. Replace any pieces that are ripped or torn. Also, weather stripping can flatten out over time. If that happens, it will not properly close gaps where cold air can come in. In that case, the old weather stripping may need to be replaced. The gaps around doors should be even all the way around. If they are not even, it could be difficult to seal them to eliminate any drafts.

Open and close the locking mechanisms on the windows and make adjustments if they seem loose or they don’t operate smoothly. In addition to keeping potential intruders out, locks also seal the windows and save you money on heating and cooling costs. A proper seal helps to keep out cold air, rain, wind, and even insects. Most new windows have locks that can be adjusted. Some older windows can’t be adjusted at all.

If your windows have any weep holes and breather holes, take a look at them and clean them if necessary. Weep holes allow excess moisture to escape. Breather holes allow an air exchange within certain window components.

Check sealants and caulking on and around windows, inside and out. After years of expanding and contracting, caulk and sealants can become brittle or even develop cracks which allow cold air to enter the home. If you’ve had your windows long enough for this to happen, it may be time to look into getting replacements.

Windows by HomeRite

If you live near the beach, rinse and wipe the exterior metal components of windows and doors. This will minimize corrosion from salt in the air. If you live near the beach, you might want to do this task quarterly.

Unfortunately, some windows can’t be repaired sufficiently to seal them against the winter weather. Some windows are just too outdated and worn to be fixed. They simply will not keep the cold air out. For example, aluminum windows with a single pane of glass were very popular in Jacksonville in the last century. There are still lots of homes in Jacksonville with that style of window. When those old windows get loose in the frames, there’s no way to get a proper seal to keep the cold air out. When those windows go bad, they act more like vents than windows. They may slow the flow of cold air down, but they can’t stop it. The only way to get a good seal again is to replace them.

An old aluminum window.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “If your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs. When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows can help minimize your heating, cooling, and lighting costs. Improving window performance in your home involves design, selection, and installation.”

Replacement window by HomeRite

The windows that are now being sold are much more energy efficient than windows that were available twenty or more years ago. Many windows currently on the market have two or even three panes of glass. The air between the panes provides a layer of insulation. Windows with insulating foam in the frames and Argon gas are also available now. These provide superior energy-efficiency. The great thing about replacement windows is that they start paying for themselves as soon as they are installed, in the form of energy savings.

Vinyl Single Hung Windows

Vinyl Single hung windows operate vertically. The sash weight is offset by a counterbalancing mechanism mounted in the window. The vinyl single hung window features a stationary top and a movable bottom half. One or more locking devices are furnished to secure the sash in the closed position. Vinyl windows are available with double panes or triple panes for added energy efficiency.

Vinyl Double Hung Windows

Vinyl double hung windows have an upper (outside) sash that slides down, and a lower (inside) sash that slides up. Both the upper and lower halves can be slid up and down. Vinyl double hung windows are among the most popular on the market. HomeRite’s double hung windows normally have a counter balance mechanism to hold the sash in place.

For more information about HomeRite’s energy efficient line of windows and doors, call 296-2515 or visit their showroom at 4801 Executive Park Court, Building 200, Suite 207, Jacksonville; FL 32216.

In this article, I’ve outlined several things homeowners can check in regard to their windows and doors to make sure they seal properly. Windows and doors that don’t seal properly allow air to come in – cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer. This reduces the energy efficiency of a home.

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HomeRite is a window and door dealer that specializes in energy efficient, quality windows with warranties and service to match. The company has been in business since 1979. HomeRite has partnered with a manufacturer that has been producing high quality products and providing excellent customer service for over 60 years. Windows and doors from HomeRite are some of the highest quality, most thermally efficient windows and doors on the market.

HomeRite products add substantial value to their clients’ properties. HomeRite is a member of the United States Green Building Council, a non-profit organization comprised of leaders across the industry working to advance environmentally responsible buildings.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. He and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They strive to match homeowners with the right windows and doors for their homes and budgets. They make the home improvement process pleasant with first-rate, energy-efficient products, affordable pricing, and award-wining installers who employ the best practices and who always treat customers and their property with the utmost respect.

Put the Latest Glass Technologies to Work for You!

By Gates Dearen

Courtesy of
homeritejacksonville.com/

Over the past decade, window and door glass has improved immensely. This is especially important in Florida, where intense sunlight can pour though older types of glass, resulting in lost energy efficiency as well as faded carpets, window treatments, and furniture. As you shop for new windows, you may wonder what the information on the stickers means, and why it’s important. From Low-e to SHGC to U-factor and R-value to VT, we’ll explain it all so you can be a more knowledgeable consumer.

New Windows: An Investment That Pays Off for the Life of Your Home

By Gates Dearen

Add caption

Are you looking for a way to save money and update and improve your home’s appearance? New vinyl windows could be the answer. Vinyl frames are better than wood and metal in many ways: They won’t pit, chip, rot, flake, or crack; they don’t require constant scraping and painting; they are more energy-efficient, keeping cold and heat out (or, alternately, in); and they are, in many people’s opinion, more attractive. Just an occasional washing keeps them looking like new.

Updating

Updating your windows can add peace of mind through improved safety features, especially if you live in an older home. As Richard and Michelle Barnett explain in the video linked below, they were concerned about thin glass and lead paint on the single-pane windows and aluminum frames in their 1940s-built home and very poor sound proofing from outside noises. When they updated their home with vinyl windows, those fears disappeared. They no longer had to worry about paint chips or shattered glass once they had vinyl frames and double-pane windows installed. Here’s a link to the video where they tell their story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-J_ojVGsbE

Energy Savings

Of course, the Barnetts are also thrilled by the increased energy efficiency their new windows provide. Not only have they saved money in energy costs on every electrical bill since having their windows installed, but they are able to enjoy their home much more now that it cools down so quickly in the evenings when they come home from work – less than a half-hour to reach ideal temperature compared to nearly four hours before. Richard says that with their old windows, they could “feel any change in wind, any change in temperature.” Of course, if you can feel the wind through your windows, you know you’re losing valuable cooling, or heating energy. But with new windows, the outdoors stays outdoors. And that doesn’t apply only to the weather, but also to noise, in fact the Barnetts mention in the video that they used to be able to hear dogs barking from three blocks away! While it’s easy to measure energy savings from one month to the next, quality of life gains are no so easily quantified, but they are certainly significant.

You might be wondering how windows can save you money. The short answer is that technology has improved glass coating and glazing techniques and materials. The slightly longer answer that follows will explain how that helps cut your cooling and heating costs. Low-e, or Low-emissivity, refers to glass panels’ ability to reflect light. Low-emissivity windows cause heat to be reflected off, rather than allowing it to collect and “seep through” (be emitted) into the home. The Low-e coating keeps the heat from being absorbed and emitted, instead reflecting it away from the glass. This technology is related to the insulation used in spacecraft to keep heat from accumulating on both reflective surfaces, inside and outside, but actually the application of the technology is more complicated in windows because glass has such a high level of emissivity, thus posing the challenge of maintaining Low-e while letting in light. Manufacturers of high-quality windows apply coatings to reflect radiant energy, which helps to keep heat on the same side of the glass it’s coming from – outside in summer, inside in winter – while allowing light to pass through. This improves thermal efficiency (insulating properties) because radiant heat stays where it belongs, outside or inside depending on the season and the weather.

Ease of Maintenance

If you’ve ever spent time scraping and repainting wood or metal windows frames, you know it’s no fun. To be kept looking nice, the older types of windows need this kind of maintenance every few years, and the in-between cleaning is no picnic either! Dirt seems to cling to painted wood frames in particular. Grimy windows and frames give your home an overall dingy appearance. Vinyl window frames need almost no maintenance. They truly could not be easier to care for. A quick rinse or wipe every once in a while, and they look as good as new, keeping your home’s exterior looking its best.

The benefits don’t stop there; your new windows will cut down on the UV rays coming into your home, which can extend the life of your carpeting and furniture too. You could also add light – and maybe, as the Barnetts did, space – through good planning, placement, and installation of your new windows. Improved appearance, lower energy bills, better quality of life, and a more attractive home – that’s what we call a good return on investment!

In this article, we discussed the ways that investing in vinyl replacement windows can pay off for many years. Some of the benefits we mentioned are improved appearance, better energy efficiency, better quality of life, and a more attractive home.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is a somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that home improvements projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process as pleasant as possible with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-winning installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own.

The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Replacing Your Windows and Doors

By Gates Dearen

Photo Credit: nelsonwindow.com

You’ve noticed that your doors and windows are letting in the elements, or are bringing down the overall appearance of your house. You’ve decided to replace them, so all you need to do is measure each window and door and then head out to the nearest hardware superstore, right?

Wrong! It’s important to assess your home’s individual needs and to understand the best solutions for energy efficiency, as well as home security. We have compiled a list of the most important questions to ask as you choose your replacement windows and doors.

What is my budget?

While it may be tempting if you are on a tight budget to “go cheap” when replacing your windows and doors, a better plan may be to choose the best windows and doors you can afford now for part of your house, and wait until you can do the same for the rest of the house later. High-quality windows and doors are an important investment in your home’s appearance, security, and energy efficiency. As with most purchases, spending a little more on the front end can reap greater benefits down the road. A windows and doors professional can help you to determine which should be replaced first and which can wait.

What features are important to me?

The features you choose are largely a matter of personal taste (unless you have children, in which case safety is also important). Work with a professional to decide which features will increase your comfort and your windows’ and doors’ function and durability. Single-hung windows open from the bottom only. Double-hung windows can open from the top or the bottom. Again, it’s all about preference. If you want to transform a simple opening into a stunning room accent, you can choose from a variety of custom shapes for your windows.

When it comes to entry doors, there are also many options. Maybe you want a standard solid door with small windows at the top. Or maybe you prefer something a bit more reflective of your personal style, such as a door with a stained glass insert or a decorative lockset. Look at your options and find the door that says “home” to you. Many people prefer to spend a great portion of their budget on an entry door over other doors and windows in their homes because it’s the first thing they (and their guests) see upon arriving at their home. Again, it just depends on what you like.

Patio doors offer fewer options aesthetically speaking, but do differ in terms of safety features such as shatter-proof glass and functionality. Do your homework. Here in Florida it’s especially important that your patio door is made of impact-resistant glass. Low-e coatings and energy-star ratings are also important, but we’ll get to those later. Beyond these features, the options include clear glass or obscure glass, which provides additional privacy.

Do the windows and door glass have a Low-e coating?

Low-e, or Low-emissivity, refers to glass panels’ ability to reflect light. Low-emissivity windows and doors cause heat to be reflected off, rather than allowing it to collect and “seep through” (be emitted) into the home. The Low-e coating keeps the heat from being absorbed and emitted, instead reflecting it away from the glass. This technology is related to the insulation used in spacecraft to keep heat from accumulating on both reflective surfaces, inside and outside, but actually the application of the technology is more complicated in windows and doors because glass has such a high level of emissivity, thus posing the challenge of maintaining Low-e while letting in light. Manufacturers of high-quality windows and doors apply coatings to reflect radiant energy, which helps to keep heat on the same side of the glass it’s coming from – outside in summer, inside in winter – while allowing light to pass through. This improves thermal efficiency (insulating properties) because radiant heat stays where it belongs, outside or inside depending on the season and the weather.

What energy-efficiency ratings do these windows and doors have?

There are several standards set by the industry that let you know your windows and doors will work hard to save energy (and money in cooling/heating costs). The one you’re probably most familiar with is the Energy Star rating. In order to carry the familiar symbol (shown below), windows and doors must be, at a minimum, 15% more energy efficient than those without the designation. Most doors and windows have a sticker that shows their actual energy efficiency. If not, ask. Any reputable window and door professional will readily share this information with you.

Another performance standard is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certification. This is a non-profit group that, as stated in their website, “empowers consumers who are in the market for energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights. When you see the NFRC label on these products, this is your assurance that it’s going to perform the way it’s advertised to perform.” (www.nfrc.org)

How can new windows and doors make my home more secure?

Unless you have recently updated your windows and doors you’ll find that security options have improved. When thinking about security, think beyond the doors and windows themselves. Look for fire-rated doorframes and window frames, high-performance hinges, secure and weather-resistant thresholds and astragals, and of course high-quality locksets. Look for ease of use in window locks. Most new high-quality windows have simple slide or flip locks. The same is true for patio doors; while the older types may not have been easy to secure, the new ones are.

As for the doors and windows themselves, look for impact ratings, as well as long-term warranties. It’s a good idea here in Florida to choose doors and windows that will stand up against severe weather. Security isn’t just about keeping out human intruders. There are plenty of items in your yard that you wouldn’t want in your house if the wind picked them up and tossed them!

In this article, I discussed the top five questions to ask when replacing your windows and doors, and why those are important questions to ask. I explained what to look for as you plan out your new window and door purchase.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Gates Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. We know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Our approach is a little different. We strive to match the homeowner with the right windows for their home and budget. Home improvements can be a hassle. We’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; strong warranties and expert, award-winning installers that provide excellent service while respecting your home as if it were their own.

Can Storm Windows and Doors Protect Your Home from Natural Disasters?

From his vantage point high above the earth in...

Photo Credit: nasa.gov

By Gates Dearen

Our recent brush with hurricanes Arthur and Bertha may have made you wonder whether your house was ready for hurricane season. If your windows or doors rattled, or if you heard wind whooshing through – or worse, saw rain coming in – it may be time for some updates. Rain and wind are obvious troublemakers, but have you thought about the UFOs (unexpected flying objects) that might come barreling through your yard – and straight for your windows and doors – in the midst of the storm? Such objects cause millions of dollars in damage every year (and take many lives), either because they weren’t secured prior to the storm or because homeowners had old windows and doors that were not impact-resistant. Hurricane season lasts until November 30, and late summer/early fall storms are historically stronger and cause more damage than early summer storms. If you haven’t already safeguarded your home against hurricane damage, now is the perfect time.

Safe Windows

If you think that taping your windows will keep your windows from breaking, think again. According to the U.S. Government disaster preparedness site www.ready.gov, those in areas at risk for hurricane damage should cover windows, an unsightly option, or install windows made of impact-resistant glass. The latter is a better choice because these windows are more attractive and do not have to be taken down in the winter and put up again in the summer, as do outdoor window covers.

If you do choose to replace your windows and/or sliding doors, look for the AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) label and the National Fenestration Rating Council certification. These organizations have high standards for quality and their seals of approval carry a lot of weight. Next, do your research on both the company and the product. Has the company been around for a while? If so, that’s a good indicator that they’ll still be around if you need them in the future. Do they have customer testimonials? If they’ve done a good job for other customers, they’ll likely do a good job for you too. How is the impact-resistance of the windows created? Ask if there is a layer of poly material between the panes of glass. These types of windows and sliding doors not only keep out wind and rain, but also protect your home, and its occupants, from wind-blown debris. Impact-resistant windows and sliding doors have the additional benefit of being more energy efficient than their non-impact-resistant alternatives.

Safe Doors

When it comes to hurricane safety, you may have thought more about your windows and sliding doors than about your entry doors, but in some cases entry doors have nearly as much glass as sliding doors or windows. In such cases, it’s equally important to choose impact-resistant glass. You may be surprised to find how many options are available to you in impact-resistant, weather-resistant attractive door glass. Whether you prefer etched glass, a stained-glass look, or blinds-between-panes, you can find whatever suits your taste, made with glass that will protect your home and keep your family safe. Additionally, most glass panels for entry doors that have been crafted to resist impact also have a Low-e coating which allows sunlight in while keeping heat out, helping to conserve energy and prevent fading of carpets and furniture.

For all doors, glass or not, a good fit is crucial. No matter how good the materials, if your door does not fit properly, it will not keep out the weather. Make sure the weather stripping is in good condition and that it seals tightly when the door is shut. Check that the threshold meets the bottom of the door with no gaps. This is also a good time to see that your garage door closes tightly and doesn’t rattle or buckle in the wind; consider reinforcing your garage door to prevent flooding or structural damage.

UFOs - Unexpected Flying Objects

Storms can come up quickly in Florida, and we don’t always have notice. If you’ve lived here for any length of time, chances are good that at least once you’ve looked out your window and seen something flying across your yard. With hurricanes and tropical storms, though, we usually have at least a little warning. One of the best ways to keep your windows and doors – and your entire home – safe is to secure loose objects in your yard, or bring inside whatever you can. Items such as outdoor furniture, yard tools, and grills can become dangerous missiles when propelled by high winds. This is a situation where a small amount of effort up front can save a lot of trouble down the road.

Window and doors really can protect your home – and your family – from a natural disaster. With a little planning and “refortification” on your part, your doors and windows can work with you to keep the weather where it belongs: outside.

In this article we’ve explained how your windows and doors can help to protect your home in a hurricane. We’ve also given some tips for securing items outside your home to prevent them from damaging your home’s exterior, windows, and doors.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is a somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that home improvements projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process pleasant with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-wining installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own.

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Understanding the “E” in Low-E Windows and Doors

Thermogram of a Passivhaus building, with traditional building in background. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Gates Dearen

You’re ready to replace your windows – you’ve determined your needs and your budget – but when you start shopping, you find yourself confused by terms like “Low-e”. You’re not alone! While you may understand that it’s important to look for windows with a Low-e factor, you may be wondering what that means and why it’s important. No explanation of Low-e (short for Low-emissivity) would be complete without the definition of a few other key terms, such as “thermal radiation”, “reflectivity”, and “opacity”.

Emissivity

The “E” is short for emissivity, specifically thermal emissivity. Low-emissivity windows and doors cause heat to be reflected off, rather than allowing it to collect and “seep through” (be emitted) into the home. Perhaps an easier way to think of it is to consider a surface that has a high emissivity factor: asphalt. If you’ve ever stepped into a parking lot in Florida in August, you’ve felt the effects of high emissivity. The asphalt absorbs and emits heat at a ratio .90 to .10. In other words, 90% of the heat directed at the asphalt is absorbed and emitted, and only 10% is reflected. You certainly wouldn’t want the glass in your home’s windows and doors to have that level of emissivity! But plain, uncoated glass has an even higher level of emissivity than asphalt: .93. This is why Low-e is such an important factor in choosing your new windows and doors. But how does it work?

Thermal Radiation

Everything with a temperature greater than absolute zero (−273.15° Celsius, −459.67° Fahrenheit) emits thermal radiation. When the body emitting thermal radiation, the sun, for example, has a higher temperature than whatever is in its path, the resulting heat is absorbed – unless, as in the case of a Low-e coating, something reflective is put in place. The Low-e coating keeps the heat from being absorbed and emitted, instead reflecting it away from the glass. This technology is related to the insulation used in spacecraft to keep heat from accumulating on both reflective surfaces, inside and outside, but actually the application of the technology is more complicated in windows and doors because glass has such a high level of emissivity, thus posing the challenge of maintaining low-e while letting in light.

Reflectivity

Through our discussion up to this point, you’ve probably gathered that reflectivity refers to the property of objects to “bounce” heat off, as opposed to absorbing and emitting it, and is inversely related to emissivity. Metals, including aluminum, as in aluminum foil, are among the most reflective substances, but most of us wouldn’t want to coat our windows and door with foil. Instead, manufacturers of high-quality windows and doors apply coatings to reflect radiant energy, which helps to keep heat on the same side of the glass it’s coming from – outside in summer, inside in winter – while allowing light to pass through. This improves thermal efficiency (insulating properties) because radiant heat stays where it belongs, outside or inside depending on the season and the weather.

Opacity

Unless you want to keep out all light – for example, through light-blocking blinds or shades that are always closed – there isn’t really a way to entirely prevent at least a small fraction of thermal radiation (heat) from coming in, or going out. Opacity refers to the “see-throughness” of objects: for our purposes, glass in windows and doors. The more opaque an object, the less its ability to let light through. It’s fairly obvious that having no windows and doors could potentially allow you to nearly completely insulate your home. Even a fully-sealed house will have some energy loss, if the occupants ever leave, allowing for air transfer from in to out and vice-versa. However, who wants to live like that, never seeing the sun shining, kids playing in the yard, birds flying from branch to branch? For those of us who like to come and go, who like to watch the world when we can’t always be out in it, or choose not to because of less-than-ideal climate conditions, coated glass gives us the best of all worlds. And the low-e coating is the best technology we have to achieve that goal.

Putting it All Together

So what, in practical terms, does this mean to you as you choose new windows and doors? It means you should look for windows and doors with a Low-e coating or glaze, which can increase your home’s thermal efficiency by as much as 100%. Glazed or coated glass is even more efficient when it is combined with the additional technology of multi-paned glass with argon between the panes. The combination of technologies maximizes the insulating properties of your windows and doors. Not only will you conserve energy – and, consequently saving money – but you will also enjoy a more comfortable home.

In this article, we explain what "Low-e" means and define the terms “thermal radiation”, “reflectivity”, and “opacity”, particularly as they relate to glass in windows and doors. Finally, we have tied it all together to show how this information can help you understand what to look for when choosing new windows and

doors. If you found this article helpful, please pass it on.

THE AUTHOR: Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is a somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that home improvements projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process pleasant with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-wining installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own.

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