Posted by James Desmond on Tue, May 25, 2010 @ 01:48 PM
Recently the Federal Government has taken cautionary steps for any Lead-based Paint renovations, repairs, and painting in the home improvement industry. Here at Suburban Windows & Siding, we have been certified for lead safe renovation, repair, and painting work in pre-1978 housing and in child-occupied facilities where work can or will disturb lead-based paint. Homes built before 1960 are more likely than homes built after 1960 to contain lead-based paint and are also more likely to have deteriorated paint surfaces due to age. In addition, concentrations of lead in paint were higher prior to the 1950's when paint companies began to use less lead in paint they manufactured. 
We think it is important to bring our fellow homeowners up to date on this new policy with any information that may be useful if your home can potentially contain Lead-Based Paint.
If You Think Your Home Has High Levels of Lead:
- Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.
- Regularly Clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.
- Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
- Get your home checked for lead hazards.
- Be careful about peeling or chipping paint.
- Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
- Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, scraper, or sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
- Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.
- Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovatin.
Posted by James Desmond on Thu, May 20, 2010 @ 12:21 PM
In case you haven't heard the news, as of April 2010, Federal Law now requires that contractors that are hired to perform renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Federal Law also requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating 6-square feet or more of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than 20-square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978.
Lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978. Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into your home. This dust may accumulate to unsafe levels, then normal activities in the home move that dust from surfaces, like floors and windowsills, into the body. The key to protecting yourself and your family from lead-based paint exposure in a home renovation, repair, or painting job is to hire a certified contractor. For more information about lead-based paint in your home renovations please feel free to contact Suburban Windows & Siding, we are certified in Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting.
Posted by James Desmond on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 02:39 PM
With over 25 years experience in the Vinyl Siding industry, Suburban Windows & Siding is proud to carry the "Certainteed Monogram" line of Vinyl Siding. For over 100 years Certainteed has been the national leader in building products and in 2007, Certainteed was selected as the #1 vinyl siding overall by building professionals.The "Monogram" line from Certainteed has a comprehensive system of value-added features that work together to deliver the ultimate in beauty and performance, both for remodeling and new construction. Here are some of the features that are most important to any homeowner interested in Vinyl Siding:
- Self-Aligning CertiLock: Snaps together with an audible "click" to ensure a secure fit and more consistent installation.
- The "TrueTexture" is from a rough cedar finish molded from real cedar boards.
- The Color Leader: Monogram offers the industry's widest color selection.
- Widest Low-gloss Color Selection in the Industry.
- PermaColor System: Color performance, impact resistance and durability are assured with an exclusive blend of Certavin resin, superior micro-ingredients, and state-of-the-art pigment chemistry.
- Heavy Duty ".046" Thickness: For added strength, durability, and greater impact resistance.
- Monogram has an option for longer length panels that can significantly reduce seams.
- Decorative Trim: Vinyl Carpentry & Restoration Millwork provide an authentic, real wood look for your trim.
For more information about Vinyl Siding,Certainteed, or the Monogram line of vinyl siding, please click here.
Posted by James Desmond on Tue, May 11, 2010 @ 02:29 PM
The Value in our Replacement Windows
"Our line starts with a state-of-the-art design in window systems, among the most advanced in the industry. We offer styles and options to fit any architectural requirements- both contemporary and classic. And we build to a quality level achieved from years of experience and back it with our Lifetime Warranty."
1) Cooler In The Summer:
The total solar energy transmitted through Triple X Heat Shield glass is almost 63% less than that transmitted by standard clear insulating glass.
a) Lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient numbers mean less summer heat.
b) Keeps interiors cooler.
c) Helps reduce cooling energy cost.
2) Transmits Visible Light
The Triple X Heat Shield glass transmits about 80% as much desirable visible light as standard insulating glass.
a) Provides exterior appearance similar to clear glass.
b) Provides glare control in bright, sunny climates.
3) Reduces Ultraviolet Energy
Triple X Heat Shield glass reduces fabric-fading UV energy 90% more effectively than standard clear insulating glass.
a) Helps protect interior furnishings, fabrics, and carpets from fading.
4) Warmer in The Winter
The winter nightime R-Value (insulating value) of Triple X Heat Shield glass is as much as 88% better than standard clear insulating glass.
a) Higher R-values mean higher performance
b) Reduces furnace heat loss
c) Helps reduce heating energy
Posted by James Desmond on Wed, May 05, 2010 @ 01:40 PM
The annual Cost vs. Value report for the Home Improvement industry has come out from Remodeling Magazine and the Window and Siding categories have remained stable in the top 10 since 2005. Over the past 5 years, exterior replacement projects such as Siding, Roofing and Windows have continued to rise through the charts in this report. This change in Cost vs. Value for these projects is due to the growing importance of "Curb Appeal" in the housing market. Homeowners have been retaining their investments over time for exterior replacement projects (see below) when it has come time to sell. Another reason why exterior replacements have climbed up the ladder in Cost vs. Value is because they are generally cheaper than other home improvement projects. This report is done on a national level, but broken down for specific counties like Hartford and New Haven. Here is a look at an excerpt from the Hartford County Report:
Project Cost Recouped
Vinyl Siding Replacement 86.0 %
Vinyl Window Replacement 82.3 %
Entry Door Replacement 117.0 %
Roof Replacement 67.4 %
Sunroom Addition 49.8 %
Home Office Remodeling 47.8 %
Basement Remodeling 64.0 %
Family Room Addition 62.3 %
Garage Addition 61.0 %
MasterSuite Addtion 63.4 %
(The Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2009-2010)