In this economy, is it the right time to buy Atlanta replacement windows?

The real question is do you need replacement windows. Most people buy new replacement windows for one of three reasons: a) their current windows don't look good; b) their current windows don't work right; or c) their current windows aren't very energy-efficient. If the reason for replacing your windows is either a or b, then you can afford to wait given the economy. If your reason for getting new replacement windows is c, then the reality is it might just be the best time ever to buy.

The government's stimulus tax credit is coming to an end December 31, 2010. This allows the consumer a tax credit against taxes owed or paid based on the purchase of many energy-efficient products including replacement windows. When it comes to replacement windows, the credit is based on the purchase of highly energy-efficient products; not just a window that meets the Energy Star rating, but products that achieve even higher energy-efficient ratings. The credit is 30% of the cost of the windows, up to a $1500 cap. The customer needs to make sure they have four things: 1) A copy of the bill of sale (provided by the window replacement company); 2) A copy of the Manufacturers Certification Statement (this is a guarantee from the window manufacturer that the window you are getting qualifies for the tax credit and should also be provided by the company that installs your replacement windows); 3) Copies of the NFRC stickers attached to the windows at the time they are delivered to your home. These serve as proof that the windows meet the .30/.30 or better qualification required to qualify for the tax credit. (Your window replacement company representative can explain these qualifications in detail); and 4) IRS Form #5695 (available at irs.gov) for filing purposes. (Please be advised: This is not an attempt to give tax advice. Discuss your personal tax situation, and how this could apply to you, with a tax professional). Also, if you intend to take advantage of this credit, do so sooner rather than later. We heard a lot of anecdotal evidence that many consumers who wanted to take advantage of the credit for the tax year 2009, missed the opportunity because of manufacturers being inundated with orders from June of 2009 on. With the credit actually coming to an end in 2010, the demand could be even greater. Additional governmental programs, such as Cash for Caulkers, and other green initiatives, are working their way through Congress. Regardless of your political leanings, there can be no doubt that energy efficient productsare going to be championed going forward.

Another strictly economical reason for moving forward might be the cost of replacement windows. Because of the collapse of the new construction industry, window manufacturers have been scared to increase prices to their dealers, for fear of losing those dealers in an already contracting market. The whispers in the industry are that with the increase in demand, may come price increases in product as well.

What is the best frame material for my Atlanta replacement windows?

One of the most common questions consumers have about replacement windows in Atlanta is trying to determine which frame material is best. The answer to that question is dependent upon the reason for window replacement in the first place, how much money you have budgeted for your project and personal preference. In this article, we’ll look at the pro’s and con’s of the four most common types of replacement windows: Aluminum, Wood, Fiberglass and Vinyl.
Aluminum replacement windows have a good strength to weight ratio, allowing these windows to offer narrower frames, and more glass viewing area. On the negative side, they conduct heat and cold very quickly, making them possibly the least energy efficient of the four types. They typically rate fairly low in the minds of consumers when it comes to aesthetics.
Wood windows are arguably the most pleasing to the eye, are strong, and offer better energy efficiency than aluminum and vinyl replacement windows without insulated mainframes. However, as so many homeowners have learned over the past few years, wood windows must constantly be maintained, and eventually will rot. They are often amongst the most expensive replacement windows you can buy.

The fiberglass replacement window represents the newest technology in windows. They offer strength and thermal efficiency, consistently achieving higher frame R values than their aluminum or wood counterparts. The downsides to a fiberglass replacement window are significant, however. They typically have the bulkiest mainframes of all replacement windows, leading to a large loss of glass viewing area. The corners can’t be heat welded so, often, the corners of the frames and the sashes have to be mechanically fastened together. This can lead to air leakage issues. Several of the fiberglass window manufacturers try to mitigate this with some sort of glue-like substance to close the corners. There is some concern that in the Atlanta climate these substances can be adversely affected by humidity. Because of the relative infancy of the technology, fiberglass could be your most expensive window replacement option.

Vinyl replacement windows are totally maintenance free, and offer the best overall frame R values, as long as you choose a product with insulated mainframes. Vinyl windows are engineered to allow the most energy efficient glass packages to be included. The fusion welding process not only makes the overall window stronger, but makes a vinyl window the most airtight of all replacement windows. You do have to live with the color you start with. There are some vinyl windows that offer a painted option, but it just takes one look at the manufacturers limited paint warranties to let you know this technology is also in its infancy stage. There are so many choices, there are over 1000 vinyl window manufacturers in North America alone, that homeowners can be confused.

So, what is the best frame for my Atlanta replacement window? Hopefully, this article has helped a little further educate you. When it comes to consumer choice, vinyl replacement windows have sold more than all other types combined. According to industry sources, this trend will continue into the foreseeable future.

Birmingham Attic Insulation Insulation contractors in Birmingham

What's the best way to insulate an attic in Birmingham?

In Birmingham, attic insulation, as well as air sealing the attic, will help reduce your energy bills. Attics are often one of the easiest places in a house to insulate, especially if you'd like to add insulation. Blown in or rolled out insulation is typically installed in an attic. Although installation costs may vary, blown in is usually less expensive to install than rolled out attic insulation.  When installed properly, loose-fill insulation also usually provides better coverage.

 

In Birmingham’s climate, you might consider installing a radiant barrier in your attic along with the insulation. Radiant barriers are installed in homes—most commonly in attics—to reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss, which helps lower heating and cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic.

 

All radiant barriers must have a low emissivity (0.1 or less) and high reflectivity (0.9 or more). Also, the greater the temperature difference between the sides of the radiant barrier material, the greater the benefits a radiant barrier can offer from an attic insulation standpoint. Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates than in cool climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic.

Some studies show that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs between 5%–10% when used in a warm, sunny climate, such as the climate is in Birmingham. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. But in cool climates, it's usually more cost effective to install more than the minimum recommended level of attic insulation rather than a radiant barrier.

 

Radiant barriers can be installed between the roof sheathing and attic floor insulation, in cavity walls, and around door openings, water heaters, and pipes. An installer typically drapes a rolled-foil radiant barrier foil-face down between the roof rafters to minimize dust accumulation on the reflective faces (double-faced radiant barriers are available). Finding a good Birmingham insulation contractor is key. A radiant barrier's effectiveness depends on proper installation. Therefore, it's best to have a certified installer do it.

Common Types of Atlanta Replacement Windows

Double hung windows are far and away the most common type of home replacement windows. In some areas of the country they represent up to 85% of the windows in the home. Both sashes raise and lower for ventilation purposes and most double hungs allow for a person to exit the home in the event of a fire, etc. Most of today's double hung replacement windows have sashes that tilt-in for easy cleaning from the inside of the home.

Casement windows are another replacement window option for the home. They offer an alternative to the double hung window in that the sash cranks out for ventilation, but typically offer more overall glass viewing area than a double hung. Most casement windows open a full 90 degrees for easy cleaning of each side. Today's casement replacement windows have updated hardware and locking mechanisms that make this type of home replacement window an aesthetically pleasing and secure option.

Picture windows offer far and away the most glass viewing area of any home replacement window. They are the window choice in the home when there is an opportunity for a panoramic view. Because of the fixed sash, the picture window can be manufactured in the largest sizes, and is the most airtight of all home replacement windows.

Another common type of home replacement window is the sliding window, also called a slider. These offer great views with lots of glass area. They are available in two and three sash (lites) designs. With two sashes, both sashes move similar to laying a double hung on its side. In the three lite design, typically the middle sash is fixed, and the end sashes move. Most sliders lift out for easy cleaning, but some replacement window manufacturers offer a tilt-in option as well