Window and door energy ratings are not totally understood by consumers, but they are critical to making a sound choice when considering which product to install.  Let's face it, the average person may replace windows one time in their life and it is a lot to learn.

The National Fenestration Rating Council is actively making the process easier by educating consumers through brochures and a new website with "down to earth" language and in ways that everyone can understand.

The program is not new, but it is being pushed a lot more since it was developed in 2009.  Understading the label and the various test results will help homeowner's make well informed decisions when investing in new windows and doors.



A = U-Factor (also referred to as U-Value) measures the amount of heat that escapes through the product.

B = Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. C = Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. D = 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. E = Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product.

Through the Vinyl Siding Institute's (VSI's) Certified Installer program, one of Home Visions Inc.'s most experienced professionals, Josh Spence, received thorough training on proper, industry-approved vinyl siding installation techniques.  VSI's certification process involves a combination of classroom training, hands-on instruction and a written test given by a VSI Certified Trainer.  Candidates must have a minimum of one year of experience.

Take a look at some of our recent siding work here.

Each VSI Certified Installer must demonstrate the knowledge and skills to properly install vinyl siding and accessories, based on the industry standard, ASTM D4756 (Practice for the Installation of Vinyl Siding).  When you hire a company certified through VSI's program, you can be confident that they know how to:

-Correctly fasten the siding to allow for vinyl's normal expansion and contraction properties and keep it straight and secure on the wall.
-Properly prepare the area around doors, windows and other openings to prevent water infiltration.
-Pay attention to the details that will give your home a beautiful appearance that will last over time.

We are proud of Josh for successfully completing the training and earning this distinct certification.  This training translates well to our customers when specific questions arise during the process of a replacement siding project.


 

You might think that the recent rainfall would have gone a long way to improving the area’s current drought.  But, it did little to improve things.

The percent of the Northeast region under at least moderate drought dropped from 27.68 to 25.96 percent between April 17 and 24. The area under the severe drought classification fell a little more from 7.35 to 4.07 percent.

The immediate Washington, D.C. metro area is not in drought, but classified as “abnormally dry.”  This includes northern Virginia.

The message here is that we still need rain and when it comes, it will come in buckets. The annual rainfall deficit is 4.17” in Washington, D.C. 
Now is the time to fix your problematic roof and gutters.  Don’t take reactive measures, rather take proactive ones.  Get a quote today!

Here are the annual rainfall deficits for Baltimore:

Baltimore: 4.17”

We recently came across a positive article written in Window and Door Magazine that is connected to the momentum the economy seems to be gaining.  It is related to the window and door industry, but we figure it is nice to share any good news!

 Article

SIMONTON EXPANDING WORKFORCE

Simonton Windows is looking to add more than 250 workers at its plants in West Virginia, Illinois and California. The manufacturer of vinyl windows and patio doors is planning to add full-time production personnel in the areas of glass, glazing, vinyl and loading operations, it reports.

At present, Simonton is looking to add 160 workers at its facilities in West Virginia, 75 workers at its plant in Paris, Ill., and 20 workers in Vacaville, Calif. The company has already added 40 full-time workers in West Virginia and 30 people in Ilinois.

“There are several positive factors at play here," reports Tony Atzbach, a plant manager in West Virginia.  Among them, he notes, the company consolidated some of its operations into the West Virginia and Ilinios facilities late in 2011, resulting in expanded workloads at these plants.

"Also, Simonton launched the new Asure line of energy-efficiency replacement windows and patio doors within the past few weeks," he notes. "This product line’s success has positively affected manufacturing operations at our facilities.”

Home Visions Inc. is proud to offer Simonton Windows and we are excited to see them grow.

Here is a link to the original story.

Home Visions Inc.
4412 Powder Mill Road
Suite 200
Beltsville, MD 20705
301-937-4663

READ OUR HOME IMPROVEMENT BLOG FOR INFO & TIPS

ROOF REPLACEMENT TIPS - HOME VISIONS INC.

Blistering/peeling of paint on the inside or outside. / Dark or dirty looking areas on roof. / Leakage in attic after driving rain. / Missing, cracked or curling shingles. / Roof shingle, sheathing and siding decay. / Stains on interior ceilings or walls or mold and mildew growth. / Excessive energy costs.
 
If you have seen any of these warning signs you need an estimate. Neglecting your roof can cost you money by decreasing the home's value, increasing your heating/cooling costs and result in higher replacement costs and additional home repair if not addressed.

Home Visions is fully licensed in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington DC.  We are a CertainTeed SELECT Shingle Master and we can offer the very best warranty coverage in the industry due to our credentials.  Thank you for visiting and be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Several months ago a gentleman, Mr. Thomas J.G., came into Home Visions' office with questions about saving energy, vinyl window mechanics and a set budget.  As it turns out, Mr. J.G.  is a neighbor of ours living only a few houses down from our office in Beltsville.  After learning more from our owners and staff and having several quotes before he came to us, Mr. J.G. was impressed and signed up for new windows and a patio door.

We are thankful to Mr. J.G. not only for selecting our firm to help him with his window project, but also for his dedication to our company.  Mr. J.G.'s job was completed on December 8,2011 and one of our employees took this photo today (April 19, 2012) on their way into work.  Our sign is still there!

Thanks Mr. J.G. - enjoy your new windows and we are here if you need us.

Visible Transmittance is a required property on the NFRC Label located on any energy efficient replacement window.

VT is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transimitted.  VT is a whole window rating and includes the impact of the frame which does not transmit any visibile light.  While VT thoretically varies between 0 and 1, most values are between 0.3 and 0.7.  The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Home Visions Inc. has friendly and trained individuals that can come out and answer all of your questions about windows.  Give us a call or schedule online today!

HVI recently had the pleasure of working on a beautiful new door order for one of our customers and it was a learning experience to say the least.   Inspirations Art Glass is intended to mimic the look of stained glass.  What impressed us most is the fact that in this day and age of technology each inspirations piece is actually hand-made.  Provia is known for its quality and these glass pieces come with a lifetime warranty and are compatible with entry doors, storm doors, patio doors and even Provia windows. 

The design is extremely intricate yet the homeowner is allowed to customize nearly every detail.  We discovered what a “resin bead” was and how each package in the series allowed you to customize it in one of four colors.  You can also choose the glass fill behind the design.  For instance you could choose to have obscured glass filler instead of clear glass for more privacy.

You have to see it to really appreciate it.  Check out the inspirations section on the Provia website and take a look at the computer generated sample of the recent door we put together. (Style#: 430HAR – Heritage Fiberglass in the Harmony series and Sedona color pallet) 



Our office has samples and we are happy to schedule a time to bring them out and discuss the options with you in person.  Contact Home Visions today to learn more about Inspirations Art Glass and more unique ideas to update the look of your home! 

Home Visions Inc.
4412 Powder Mill Road
Suite 200
Beltsville, MD 20705
301-937-4663

Are you looking for a window that provides you with the same amount of viewable glass space that you currently have, or are you in search of a viny window that increases the viewable area?  Read more for details about this revolutionary new window from Simonton Windows.


Frame and Sash Re-Design Highlights

The narrower frame on the new Asure window by Simonton offers significantly more viewing area (larger sightline) and capitalizes on current homeowner desires to allow more natural light into their homes, however it does not sacrifice energy efficiency.

Stepped Sill Design

The new sill provides better resistance to water and air infiltration providing better energy savings for the end user.  Sill chambers increase thermal performance and provide solid structural integrity within the window for improved durability.

Variety of Operating Styles

Popular window designs for every style home including double hung, picture, slider and half-round configurations. 

Warranty Coverage

Double-Lifetime Limited Warranty provides peace of mind.

Simonton Windows

Over 65 years of quality and service excellence delivered in a timely and accurate fashion.  The fastest and most dependable lead times in the industry (5-7 days) and also J.D. Power and Associates highest rankings in customer satisfaction two years in a row.

Extruded vinyl windows are predominately used for replacement of old windows and are custom built to fit existing openings.  There are hundreds of manufacturers and fabricators of vinyl windows and their quality, features and price vary widely.

Vinyl is a strong, well insulated material, ideal for constructing a window.  It never requires painting or refinishing like wood and does not corrode or attract condensation like aluminum.  It should have a smooth polished finish that will be easy to clean.

The method of constuction of a vinyl window frame is very important.  Better vinyl windows have fusion welded corners.  The fusion welding process unites the four frame pieces into a single piece, eliminating air and water infiltration and unsightly joints.  The best way to determine how strong a weld is, is to look at a cross section of frame extrusion.  The more surface area fused the stronger the weld will be.  Vinyl windows which have multiple chamber channels will have far more surface area than those that do not.

The quality of vinyl should also be considered.  Cheaper vinyl can contain regrind or recycled vinyl and may contain fillers that reduce the overall strength and durability of the window.  This is particularly critical in brown or bronze vinyl windows that absorb heat more readily and can be susceptible to sagging and warping.


4412 Powder Mill Road Suite 200
Beltsville, MD 20705

301.937.4663