The most recent edition of Remodeling Magazine lists the most cost-effective home improvement projects for 2008-09. Homeowners who implemented any of these projects found their investments pay back in improved resale value.

Additionally, Premier Window’s Premier Package window guarantees up to 30% fuel efficiency and with the government Economic Stimulus Bill, can completely pay for themselves in less than 3 years*

*based upon the purchase of 8 windows.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

How the Stimulus Bill affects your window purchase decision

February 25, 2009

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. The highlights are:

The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.

The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.

The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.

The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.

The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

Tax credits are now available for home improvements:

must be “placed in service” from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010
must be for taxpayers principal residence
maximum amount is $1,500 in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements (geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and windmills are not subject to this cap)
for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement, OR for windows, you can save the ENERGY STAR label from your new windows
improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010

Premier Window has the window that meets your energy-savings and stimulus bill requirements…introducing the Model 6500 “Premier Package”

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Doors, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Office locations, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Double vs Triple Pane Windows

January 31, 2009

A guide to choosing between double and triple pane windows.

Windows are a significant expense in any home, so the thought of having to replace them fills many people with dread. While the variety of choices is certainly an asset to consumers, it can also feel like a minefield as you carefully wade through the decisions that you need to make.

The argument of double pane versus triple pane windows is pretty basic, and one of the first that you need to make. While on the surface, it would seem that triple is better, that is not necessarily so. Each type of window has strengths and weaknesses; your job is to find the best for your situation.

The best way to start is with a basic explanation of how a window works. Both double and triple pane windows use a type of inert gas sandwiched between layers of glass. Double pane windows consist of two layers of glass with one layer of gas in the middle. Triple pane windows consist of three layers of glass, the exterior glass, a layer of gas, the middle glass, another layer of gas, and the interior layer glass. The gas acts as insulation to slow the transfer of heat or cold through the window.

Double pane windows are relatively lightweight, relatively efficient, and moderately priced. Triple pane windows are extremely efficient, but also extremely heavy and extremely expensive. Depending on what type of weather you have, you will have to decide what works best for you. In most temperate areas, double pane glass will make the most sense. If you live in an area with long, cold or windy winters, you will probably want to look at triple pane windows.

There are a variety of choices even within the double and triple pane glass windows. If you are looking at triple pane glass because you live in an extremely warm or sunny climate and want to keep your cool air in your house, you do have another option. In a situation like this you should spend some time looking at double pane glass with UV coating. The double pane glass will provide a good insulating factor, and the UV coating will shut the sun’s heat out of your house. Many times these windows can work just as well if not better than a triple pane window.

As you can see, in most cases double pane windows will be the window of choice. There will, of course, be exceptions to this rule, but generally, when you line up the cost, convenience and energy savings, modern double pane windows will be the winner. Triple pane windows do have their place, or they would not continue to be produced. If you live in an extreme environment it would be advisable to get advice from your local power company for their recommendations. You could also spend some time talking with your neighbors, and find out if they are happy with their windows. Many times they will be the first to tell you the pros and cons of their situation, and they have no financial gain in your decision. The investment in new windows is too pricey to be taken without adequate research.

Credit: Essortment.com - Information and advice you want to know…

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows | Leave a Comment

Free Windows!??!

January 19, 2009

Yes, that’s right. For a limited time, Premier Window and Siding has partnered with our suppliers to make this amazing offer to our customers. If you’ve been considering upgrades to the exterior of you home, you have to see this. Click here to check out our offer.

For more information about Duraplank siding, click here to learn more and watch a short TV segment on the features and benefits of installing Duraplank siding.

Call our office today for a free, no obligation estimate. Find out if we can put free windows in your newly siding home.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Mobile | Leave a Comment

Facts about Vinyl Siding

January 9, 2009

How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?

In a way, it’s almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior. Premier offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that’s easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And Premier’s vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn’t chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

In addition, Premier’s vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime Limited Warranty* from its manufacturer. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover, Premier’s premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings.

What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home’s exterior?

Maybe you’re tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards. And you wonder, “Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worth the cost?” Or maybe you’re thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding…or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding…or eliminating dented metal siding…or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls. Then now’s the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of Premier’s premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home-whether it’s a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse.

New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. For years, Premier has been helping thousands of people create homes that match their dreams and fit their budgets. And with a full range of trim, soffit and accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors, virtually any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your home’s exterior.

Isn’t it less costly to just repaint my home?

If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably “yes.” But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding. Of course, if your home has special problems-for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off-the cost of painting can become truly staggering. According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West, a homeowner can recoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it’s 84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%. Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious-vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.

Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?

Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding’s outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (see previous question for details). It’s the material of choice on new luxury homes…and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.

Leading manufacturers offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that’s easily affordable. Plus, Premier’s vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn’t chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose. And Premier’s vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes…and for stately century-old Victorians. Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there’s no better choice than vinyl siding from Premier.

How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?

In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that “the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes.” Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, “Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value…(but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money.” Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you’re having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.

What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Premier, for example, offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed “shaped” sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.

What accessories and trim are available?

When you design the exterior of your home, you should think about more than just siding. You’ll need trim for windows and doors, and at inside and outside corners. You also may need soffit to finish the underside of eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang.

My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?

Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material-brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones. If you have special installation concerns-such as running vinyl siding along a natural stone chimney, for example-talk to Premier. We have handled many similar installations in the past. As a homeowner, that’s important. Because it means you’re working with a professional team-a qualified contractor with a knowledgeable, experienced technical support group behind him.

Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?

Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It’s a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It also has a healthy dose of titanium oxide. It’s used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home . It’s ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn’t rot, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters.

How do I choose a reputable contractor?

First and foremost, make an informed decision. Require references and look at previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors or friends who have recently re-sided their houses are an excellent start. You may also want to ask about liability insurance, customer satisfaction policies and professional credentials. The relationship you have with your contractor is extremely important. Choose someone whose skills you trust, someone qualified to perform the task required, and someone you can work with comfortably. That’s probably how your heard of us, Premier.

If painting isn’t required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?

It’s simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning. Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.

Do not rub vigorously. This may create glossy areas over the vinyl siding finish. For hard-to-remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution that’s recommended by the manufacturer. If you wash the entire house, start at the bottom and work up to the top, as less streaking will result. It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose.

Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?

Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you’ll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Mobile, Raleigh, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Common Window Terms

January 7, 2009

Here are some basic replacement window concepts you might want to consider when researching windows.

Balance System – This is the mechanism in a window that provides force to the bottom half of the window so it is easy to move it up and down. Older windows have a weight on a line that is hidden in the cavity of the adjacent wall. Modern systems use either constant force spiral springs or very small block and tackle arrangements.

Desiccant – Is a drying agent that is placed inside the panes of glass in a double or triple pane window, (IGU) to absorb any moisture that may get between the glass panes.
To read more on desiccant

Foam Filled – Window frames are generally hollow in nature. This is because they need to be a certain size in order to be thick enough to go from the outside of the wall to and beyond the inside of the wall. If the window frame was a solid mass it would make the window very heavy, and it would have worse insulating properties than if it was hollow with air. There are windows however that are sold, and touted, as having greater insulating properties because the frames are filled with foam.

Heat Gain – The amount of heat gained from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. On many windows there is an effort to reduce heat gain, particularly from sun light.

Insulation – When old windows are removed and new ones installed generally there will be areas that will have voids that will need to be insulated. This is especially true if the windows were of the outdated variety that had counter weights in the walls. That cavity should be insulated.

Lead Paint – All paints manufactured prior to 1978 had lead as one of the ingredients. It was found that the lead in paints posed a safety hazard to the inhabitants of a dwelling as the paint aged, cracked, peeled and became accessible to ingestion particularly with children. The opening and closing of window sashes, covered with lead paint would created a fine dust that posed a particular threat.

Low-E – This is a metallic coating used to reflect heat (energy) back to its source. It is applied as a thin coat on the panes of glass.

Replacement Windows – This is a catch all phrase for a product that is designed to be used when old windows are removed from a building or house, and a new window unit is installed.

Roll Form Aluminum – There are two types of aluminum used in window manufacturing; roll formed and extruded. Roll form tends to be thinner in nature and is finished prior to the bending process in manufacturing.

Sash – This the term for the part that holds the window, for example in a double hung window there is a top window (sash) and a bottom.

Triple Pane – Most replacement windows today are double paned windows which means there are two independent sections of glass kept apart at approximately 5/8 of an inch. When you have a triple pane window, that means there are three sections of glass.

Wrapped - Is the application and process of bending custom painted aluminum to fit around the outside sills and casing. This is a feature that you should inquire about and not just assume it is part of the installation.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Installations, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

The NFRC Label - What do those numbers mean?

December 8, 2008

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) energy performance label can help you determine how well a product will perform the functions of helping to cool your building in the summer, warm your building in the winter, keep out wind, and resist condensation. By using the information contained on the label, consumers can reliably compare one product with another, and make informed decisions about the windows, doors, and skylights they buy.

NFRC adopted a new energy performance label in 2005. It lists the manufacturer, describes the product, provides a source for additional information, and includes ratings for one or more energy performance characteristics.

NOTE: All energy performance values on the label represent the rating of windows/doors as whole systems (glazing and frame).

The information contained on the label is also available in the NFRC’s online directory.

U-Factor

U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The insulating value is indicated by the R-value which is the inverse of the U-value. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window (both directly transmitted and absorbed) and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.

Visible Transmittance

Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. The visible transmittance is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Air Leakage*

Air Leakage (AL) is indicated by an air leakage rating expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area (cfm/sq ft). Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly.

Condensation Resistance*

Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product. The higher the CR rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. CR is expressed as a number between 0 and 100.

* This rating is optional and manufacturers can choose not to include it.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

What is U-Factor?

December 8, 2008

The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor of a window assembly. U-factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20.

In the United States, the U-factor is usually expressed in Btu/h ft² F. The metric equivalent unit is W/m² K.

The insulating value is indicated by the R-value, which is the inverse of the U-factor. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. The U-factor is included in the energy performance rating (label) offered by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Mobile Window Customer Cashes In on Premier Referral Program

November 26, 2008

Satisfying customers is just one goal for Premier Window employees. From our initial contact through the installation process, we strive to provide a professional and satisfying experience for the customer. Our best form of advertising is a referral from a previous customer. To that end, Premier has developed a “Referral Reward” program to thank the person referring us. When a satisfied customer refers us to a friend or neighbor, we send them $50. Additional referrals are a awarded $100 for each referral. With enough referrals, a customer can pay for their own window project.

The following is an email received from a customer serviced by our Mobile, Alabama Premier store:

“I am extremely pleased with the windows and quality of work by your technician doing the installation. That is why I have told many others about your service. I did know about the referral program. This is my third referral. I will continue to refer, not just for the fee but for the quality and self satisfaction.” –Mr. J.Mosley

We thank Mr. Mosley for his business and the new customers he’s sent us.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Installations, Jefferson, Mobile, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

What causes condensation on windows?

October 23, 2008

What causes condensation on windows?
Whenever there is excess humidity in a home, it manifests itself in the form of condensation on the coldest area of a wall, which is normally the windows. The warmer the air, the more moisture it will retain, so when air in your home comes in contact with the colder glass surface, it is subsequently cooled and moisture is released in the form of condensation on the glass.

Do windows cause condensation?
No, condensation on windows is not the fault of the window. However, by replacing drafty windows and doors or installing a new roof or siding, you are reducing air flow in your home and making it tighter. Tighter homes actually retain more humidity.

Where on a window does condensation normally form and why?
Condensation often forms at the meeting rail and at the bottom of the lower sash on the interior of the glass. This is because when warm air cools, it falls down across the interior surface of the window at the same time the air’s temperature is falling. The air contacts the horizontal surface of the meeting rail, which acts like a dam, slowing the air’s rate of fall and creating the perfect opportunity for the trapped water vapor to escape and form on the meeting rail’s surface. The air then rolls over the edge of the meeting rail and again gains speed until it encounters the lower handle of the sash. At this point, the water vapor again makes its exit and lies at the bottom of the sash.

Can I reduce the condensation on my windows?
Yes. In order to reduce condensation, humidity must be controlled and air movement must be generated. As the exterior temperature drops, the humidity level needs to decrease if condensation is to be controlled.

What steps can I take to reduce humidity in my home?
The two main things you can do are to control sources of moisture and increase ventilation. To decrease or control excess humidity and condensation:
* Use exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry and bathrooms.
* Vent gas burners, clothes dryers, etc. to the outdoors.
* Shut off furnace humidifiers and other humidifying devices in your home.
* Be sure that the ventilating louvers in your attic, basement or crawl spaces are open and amply sized.
* Open fireplace dampers to allow an escape route for moisture-laden air.
* Air out your house a few minutes each day.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Installations, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

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