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Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

By Gates Dearen

What homeowner wouldn’t want his or her house to look its best?

While the term “curb appeal” is generally related to the real estate industry, the concept is a good one to think about even if you aren’t selling (or buying) a home. If it’s been a while since you took a good, objective look at the exterior of your home, now is a great time to assess your home’s appearance, especially in terms of cleanliness, maintenance, and design. We’ll discuss all of these aspects, including paying special attention to your windows and doors. Going through these simple steps can help you determine if it’s time to replace any of your windows and doors; there comes a point when they can’t be fixed, or are otherwise outdated and/or inefficient, and need to be replaced. It can be hard sometimes to look at your house objectively, after all, you see it every day, so taking a picture and examining it in detail will help you spot problems you may miss with the naked eye.

Cleanliness

When you look at your home from the street, or from a distance (if your home isn’t visible from the street), what’s your overall impression? Do your windows sparkle? Are your window frames and doorframes clean and intact? Is your entryway free of clutter and debris? The first step to improving the appearance of your home is to wipe off the windows and doors, including the surrounding areas, and sweep the entry area and walkways. Next take a good look at the windows and doors themselves. If you have older windows and doors, keeping them clean can be a greater challenge. While the newer types of frames require only a quick rinse with a hose, and maybe a gentle wipe-down, older frames – especially wooden ones – tend to attract dirt and are more difficult to keep clean. If the frames are chipped or exceedingly dirty, you might also need to apply a new coat of paint. Never use a pressure washer on or around windows; it’s unnecessary and could break the windows.

Maintenance

Silicone caulk can be used as a basic sealant ...

Once you’ve cleaned and tidied up your home’s exterior, it’s time to do a maintenance check. (For a more detailed discussion of this topic, see our previous article, “Window Maintenance 101: 3 Ways to Keep Your Windows Looking and Functioning Their Best”.) If you have a painted entry door, make sure that the paint doesn’t show signs of weathering. Repainting is a quick task that can add a high-quality look to your door and really freshen things up. Don’t be shy about changing colors; a bright or contrasting color can make your door “pop”. Next, check the weather stripping and caulk around your entry door and all of your windows to make sure they are in good repair. If the weather stripping is damaged, you should replace it or have it replaced by a professional. If you have gaps in the caulk between the wall and the window casing, or around the doorframe, you can fill them yourself. Remember to apply caulk sparingly with a steady hand. (If you aren’t experienced at applying caulk, practice on a piece of newspaper before working around your frames. The small amount of caulk you’ll use to do this is worth not having to remove it from your frames if you get off-track.)

Remember too that maintenance isn’t just about appearance. Are your windows and doors keeping the hot air out and cold air in, and vice versa? If not, no amount of maintenance is going to help. It’s time to replace your windows and/or doors. (For more information on this topic, read our earlier article, “How Do You Check for a Leaky House?”)

Design

The style of your windows and doors is limited only by your imagination. A new entry door with an etched glass or stained-glass panel lets you express yourself while also providing improved security. In addition to the many styles of doors available, add to your unique look with shiny new hardware. Locksets come in many styles and finishes, so they can help you put the perfect finishing touch on your door. Windows, too, come in many styles, including custom types for special needs – or for a special look. Do you have an odd-shaped space in your home that could use more light, or an angled wall that could benefit from a replacement window, perhaps in a new design? Consider a custom window. You’ll find yourself using that wasted space more than ever before! If it’s been awhile since you updated your windows, you may be surprised at not only the number of choices when it comes to design, but also the many recent technologies that greatly improve functionality and energy efficiency. From argon gas between panes to low-emissivity coatings that increase efficiency to better locks that offer ease of use, new windows will not just improve the look of your home. They will enhance your quality of life.

Keeping your home looking its best is easy; it just takes a little bit of time and effort. If you follow the above steps, your home will be the envy of the neighborhood. You’ll reap the rewards of an attractive home and, if you update your windows and doors, better energy efficiency and improved security.

In this article we’ve given three steps to making your home look its best. We discussed the importance of keeping your house, especially your windows and doors, clean and in good repair, and talked about ways you can add distinctive style to your house, improving its curb appeal.

If you would like to receive an official factory authorized 30% discount coupon for your next window replacement purchase, print out this article with the coupon on it and bring it with you when visiting HomeRite.

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.

Add Beauty and Security to Your Home with a New Entry Door

By Gates Dearen

Courtesy of
homeritejacksonville.com/

Could your home use a facelift?

One of the easiest ways to update your home, and add curb appeal, is to change your front door. According to the website www.energy.gov: “New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types. If you have older doors in your home, replacing them might be a good investment, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. If you're building a new home, you should consider buying the most energy-efficient doors possible.”

Maybe you’ve always wanted to have a beautiful glass-paneled door but were afraid that wasn’t an option in Florida, with our hot and sometimes severe weather. You may be surprised to find that whether you prefer a solid or glass-paneled door, there are many choices available that will make your home more secure as well as more visually appealing.

Cold Air Leak Under Door (Photo credit: CBC || Thermal)

By Gates Dearen

Leaky faucets or roofs are easy to spot; it’s hard not to miss the water accumulating around the leaks. But how do you know if your house is leaking, letting hot air in and cold air out? You may not have thought much about this problem, but if air is leaking into or out of your house, it is literally money out the window! Windows and doors are probably the biggest culprits, as old and ill-fitting windows can lead to drafts throughout your house. While it’s best to have a window-and-door professional come out and take a look, there are simple ways you can check for yourself. Here are some places to look for air leaks.

Seals

Are the seals around your windows and doors in good repair? Make sure they are tight and intact. Seals can dry out and crack, making them ineffective, especially in the Florida heat and sun. A quick inspection will let you know if it’s time to replace them. Similarly, if you have caulk around your windows, or window air

Caulk -Sealers-Fillers

conditioning units, make sure it forms a good bond with no cracks or gaps. Also check the frames. If light comes through your window or door frames, air is getting through, too.

Windows

Try to gently rattle your windows. Movement can indicate leakage. If your windows are old, or of poor quality, they are not keeping the inside air in and the outside air out. The only real remedy for this problem is replacing the windows with newer, more energy-efficient ones. It may seem like a big investment up front, but you will begin to see savings in your cooling and heating bills immediately, and you’ll be much more comfortable.

Doors

What are your doors made of? If you don’t know, find out. A good quality door is usually made of steel or fiberglass, although there are some other materials that will work well to act as a weather barrier, important for keeping wind and rain, as well as heat, outdoors. Try the “rattle test” as suggested above in the window section. If it moves, the door probably leaks. Make sure the threshold is secure and properly placed so as not to let any air get in or out at the bottom of the door. If you do have a gap, try placing a draft-stopper along the bottom of the door until you are able to fix it. Also check your doorknob and lockset to be sure it is fitted properly to the door.

Patio doors can present a special problem, mainly because they are usually larger than your other doors and windows. Is the glass on your patio door energy efficient? Does it have a low-e coating and an Energy Star rating? Does it close securely with no gaps? If not, it may be time to replace it. If you do choose to purchase a new door, look for one with pile weather-stripping on the panels, which increases efficiency and reduces air infiltration.

Unexpected places

The above-mentioned sources of air leaks are the most prevalent, but have you thought about how much air could be getting in or out around your switch plates and outlets? Chimneys? Outdoor faucets? These less-obvious sources can be big air-suckers! You may want to call in a professional to check your entire house, including roof and foundation/house juncture, for leaks, but in the meantime, you can do a relatively simple check.

BUILDING PRESSURIZATION TEST*

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test to increase infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect:

1) Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters on a cool, very windy day.

2) Shut all windows, exterior doors, and fireplace flues.

3) Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as your clothes dryer, bathroom fans, or stove vents, or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

4) Light an incense stick and pass it around the edges of common leak sites. Wherever the smoke wavers or is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft. You can also use a damp hand to locate leaks; any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

If you don't want to turn off your furnace, you can just turn on all your exhaust fans to depressurize your home.

Other air-leak detection methods include the following:

· Shining a flashlight at night over all potential gaps while a partner observes the house from outside. Large cracks will show up as rays of light. Not a good way to detect small cracks.

· Shut a door or window on a dollar bill. If you can pull the dollar bill out without it dragging, you're losing energy. (*http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/detecting-air-leaks)

As I said at the beginning of this article, if your house is leaking, it’s costing you money. Well-fitting, well-constructed windows and doors and frames will make the biggest difference in stopping air leakage, but taking care of smaller leaks in less-obvious places can add up to additional energy savings and greater comfort.

In this article, I pointedout some ways your home may be letting air in and out. We looked at the role windows and doors have in preventing air leakage, along with discussing some other places you can look and methods you can use to check for leakage.

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Hurricanes are Coming: Understand the Importance of Impact-Resistant Glass

English: Geraldo Rivera at a Hudson
Union Society event in September 2010.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Gates Dearen

It was Geraldo Rivera, the well-known attorney, journalist, author, reporter and talk show host who once offered some great advice, especially for Florida homeowners, “Mother Nature may be forgiving this year, or next year, but eventually she’s going to come around and whack you. You’ve got to be prepared.”

The 2014 hurricane season begins in just three months and one of the best steps homeowners can do to be prepared for Florida’s thunderstorms, tornadoes and our notorious hurricanes, is to install high-quality, impact-resistant glass for their home windows.

There are several main differences between standard glass (single glazed pane), and an impact-resistant window. In fact, Florida’s standard/threshold is double that of other areas, which must be met in order for a window to qualify as being impact-resistant.

Impact-resistant windows and doors main design characteristics are their shatter-resistant glass, which is securely fastened to a heavy-duty aluminum frame. The impact-resistant glazing consists of two layers of annealed or tempered glass bonded to an intermediate shatterproof membrane layer. This membrane is typically made of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), a plastic film that varies in thickness from .015 to .090 inches, depending on the design pressures needed. Should the outer glass break, the broken pieces adhere to the PVB film. In contrast, standard-glass windows are made of standard float glass that, when broken, fractures into large, sharp shards, many of which fall out of the frame. Some dangle dangerously on the side, like sharks teeth, awaiting unsuspecting prey.

Courtesy of www.engexp.com

For windows or door glass to be considered impact-resistant certified, they must meet the American Society for Testing and Materials’ (ASTM) qualifying standards. One of the most rigorous requirements comes from our own Florida Building Code. It takes into account the increase in frequency and strength of hurricanes in recent years. These standards incorporate many of the lessons learned from previous hurricane-driven disasters. The Florida Building Code, for example, requires that every exterior opening in a structure be protected against wind-borne debris. This protection can be accomplished by either installing impact-resistant windows or storm shutters, which I’ll discuss in another blog.

To be certified as impact-resistant, windows must pass several tests. Keep in mind, unlike bulletproof windows, the glass is expected to break. However, to be classified as impact-resistant, the pane shouldn’t shatter nor should it get pushed out of its frame. Generally, all impact-resistant glass must pass the following tests:

· Launch Missile Impact Test. No, it’s not an explosive projectile screeching into your home. But almost. Here, a six-foot, nine-pound 2x4 wood stud is fired from a cannon at 80 feet per second (fps), at nearly 35 miles per hour, towards the center of the window. (FYI, most other states’ tests are at 50 fps.) If the window doesn't shatter, another board is shot at one of the window’s corners. Both the center and the corner of the window must be able to hold together to pass this test. There is also a small missile test, which subjects the window to a variety of impacts from 30 pieces of roof gravel at the same speed. Again, the window must pass the test in order be certified “impact-resistant.”

Following the Launch Missile Impact Test, the window is subsequently subjected to air pressures that simulate winds of up to 200 miles per hour. If the window remains intact within the frame, it can be certified as an impact-resistant window. NOTE: Making landfall near New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina was a Category 4 storm with gusts topping 140 miles an hour. When it slammed into Florida, Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 storm, punching winds of 165 M.P.H.!

Hurricane Katrina making its second landfall in Louisiana,
as seen by NWS New Orleans radar. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To learn whether a product is considered impact-resistant, ask your window dealer for a copy of its Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by your county of residence. The NOA certifies whether or not the product has passed the impact-resistant test.

As I said earlier, the advantages of installing impact-resistant windows are several-fold. In addition to keeping you and your loved ones safe, your home protected and, as well, your post-storm repair bills lower, impact-resistant windows allow you to obtain insurance premium discounts. Keep in mind, to qualify for these discounts or credits, all of your house’s openings must be protected. Concerning residential property insurance, Florida statute 627.0629 stipulates all insurance companies providing homeowner's insurance to the state’s residents must offer some type of discount for dwellings that have effective windstorm protection. If you have questions, you should contact your home insurance agent to ensure you receive proper credit for any steps you’ve taken to strengthen your home.

Impact-Resistant Means More Positive Impacts

Just because they’re strong enough to stop a wood 2x4 at 200 m.p.h., doesn’t mean your windows have to look bulky or unattractive. Impact-resistant windows are available in wide variety of color tints, including bronze, green, gray and blue. The window frames also can come in a variety of vinyl colors.

And even if there aren’t any imminent storms brewing, it doesn’t mean your home is immune to negative impacts from the outdoors. Consider long-term ultraviolet (UV) damage, for example, which can fade furniture, carpets and furnishings. Impact-resistant windows can also provide your home with increased ultraviolet protection. The lower the percentage, the more UV rays are being blocked. So a 0% UV value equals 100% blockage. For the best protection, gray and bronze tinted impact-resistant windows are best.

Impact-resistant Windows from HomeRite

Impact-resistant windows have also been proven to help with your energy savings. Scientists use the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which represents the amount of heat going into a house. Florida, with its nearly six months of 80+ degree temperatures, has a lot of heat. The lower the SHGC number, the less heat penetrates into the house. Hurricane impact-resistant windows or doors with clear glass feature SHGC’s of 0.72, while bronze and gray glass hold a 0.55 and 0.56 SHGC value, respectively. The less heat seeping into your house, the higher you can set your thermostat, thus saving you money on A/C bills.

Due to the PVB film inside all impact-resistant windows, studies have found they’re much harder to break in to; therefore they act as a deterrent to would-be burglaries. In fact, fire personnel have special tools made especially for gaining inside access through impact-resistant glass. While not impossible to penetrate, it does take a would-be burglar more time to try to breach the glass. Obviously, this is ideal for exposing your average burglar because it takes them longer to penetrate the window or door. That’s more time, and noise that your alarm monitors, glass-break sensors or concerned neighbors have to notify the police.

In this article, I talked about the qualities, design and requisite testing of impact-resistant glass. I also mentioned several distinct advantages impact-resistant glass has over regular glass. If you have a comment about this article, please feel free to post it below. Also, if you found this article useful, please pass it on.

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The Taxman is Coming. Don’t Forget Your Tax Credits

By Gates Dearen

With the holidays, Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day now behind us, one of the big blinking lights on everyone’s calendar is April 15th, income tax day. If you’ve not yet done so, it’s time to start

Tax Day Reminder (Photo credit: SalFalko)

gathering and organizing your W2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements and other pertinent paperwork. There is good news if you just purchased a home, took out a construction or home improvement loan, or if you just upgraded your home by replacing your old windows and doors with new, energy efficiency models.

But before you sit down to file your taxes online, or work with your accountant, remember that by owning a home, you may qualify for some of the above mentioned tax breaks. In order to reap, you must sow, which means you’re going to have to go through the process of itemizing your taxes to take advantages of the deductions. Potentially time consuming? Yes. A hassle? Perhaps, but once you’ve done it, the benefits are usually worth the time and effort – especially if you replaced your windows, skylights or exterior doors last year. You may be able to help pay for those upgrades by taking advantage of certain tax breaks. You should always seek the advice and counsel of qualified tax accountant or attorney before claiming any deduction. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s look at ways you can save money.

Home Improvement Loan Interest

You may be able to deduct the interest on a loan you’ve taken out to make improvements on yo

ur home. Qualifying loans are those taken out to add “capital improvements” to your home, which means the

improvement must increase your home’s value, adapt it to new uses, or extend its life. Installing a new

carpet or painting the exterior isn’t considered capital improvements. However — and here’s the good news — installing new windows, skylights and doors are considered capital improvements.

Energy Efficiency (Photo credit: London Permaculture)

Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively renews the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit of 2011. Homeowners can claim a credit of up to 10% or $200 of the purchase price of qualifying windows and 10% up to $500 for qualifying exterior doors. Installation costs are excluded. Windows, doors, and skylights that are eligible for a federal tax credit and must meet these strict criteria:

Windows must be installed between January 1, 2012 and December 13, 2013.
Products must be installed in the homeowner’s primary residence.
Products must meet Energy Star published criteria for the Energy Star Climate Zone in which they are installed.

Furthermore, if you claimed an energy efficiency credit in a previous taxable year, please consult a tax professional or visit www.irs.gov to determine if you’re still eligible.

What Makes a Window, Skylight or Door Energy Star qualified?

These products are manufactured by an Energy Star partner, they’re independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and they meet stringent energy efficient guidelines as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE doesn’t require any specific technologies, yet certain product features are common.

Homeowners can claim a Federal Tax Credit for upgrading their primary residence with energy efficient windows and exterior doors.

It’s important to keep in mind that, just like clothing, some windows and skylights are better at insulating you from the cold, whereas others are better at keeping you cool when outside temperatures are warm. Performance criteria for windows and skylights are based on four climate zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, Southern) and ratings that have been certified by the NFRC.

Education Tax Deductions (Photo credit: StockMonkeys.com)

In general, doors provide more insulation than windows or skylights, based upon the amount of glass your exterior doors have, called the “glazing level” and ratings certified by the NFRC.

In addition to claiming a tax credit, if you’ve replaced your windows, skylights or external doors, there are other steps you may take to save money on your taxes. Again, when in doubt, it’s always best to seek the advice of a qualified tax consultant or attorney.

· Construction Loan Interest - If you take out a construction loan to build a home, you may qualify to deduct the interest. The IRS only allows a deduction for mortgage interest if the loan relates to your principal residence or a second vacation home used for personal purposes.
· Home Office - If you use a portion of your home exclusively for the purpose of an office for your (small) business, you may be able to claim a deduction on your taxes for costs related to insurance, repairs and depreciation. If you upgraded your windows and an exterior door associated with your home office, these too may be considered deductions.
· Mortgage Insurance Premiums - You may be able to deduct the premiums paid for private mortgage insurance for your principal residence and for a non-rental second home.
· Mortgage Interest Paid at Settlement - If you’ve bought a new home within the past year, on a mortgage of up to $1 million, you can deduct the interest you pay at settlement if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
· Points - Did you pay points in order to obtain your home mortgage? These fees are included on the income tax deductions list and can be deducted as long as they are associated with the purchase of a home
· Property Taxes - If they’re based on the assessed value of the real property, you can deduct your state and local property taxes.
· Selling Costs - If you sold a home in the past year, you may be able to reduce your income tax by the amount of your selling costs, which can include title insurance, advertising expenses, broker’s fees, and repairs.

We all know tax codes can be confusing. You may want to consult the IRS’ website for information concerning deductions and credits. To be certain, you should meet with a qualified tax professional to ensure you’re not missing any deductions for which you’re eligible.

In this article, I covered many of the different types of tax breaks the IRS allows for homeowners and individuals and business upgrading their homes and home offices via construction, home improvement loans and energy tax credits. If you found this article useful, pass it on to your friends and neighbors. If you have a comment related to this article, please post it in the Comments section of this blog. It's been my pleasure informing you about these tax breaks. I look forward to our next visit.

Gates Dearen and Richard Walden: Local owners of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. We 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. We understand that home improvements can be a hassle. We’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-winning installers that employ the best practices and respect your home as if it were their own.

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