Thursday, April 19, 2012

"Window Insulation"

Vista Enerlogic Window Film

Typically about one-third of a building’s annual heating and cooling costs are directly related to window performance. In the past, improving year-round window performance meant committing to costly window replacement. But now Solutia has developed EnerLogic, a series of window films that provide the most advanced glass insulation technology on the market. Not only does EnerLogic window film help keep heat out during the summer (just like conventional window film), it is the only window film that helps keep radiant heat inside during the winter.
 As the first all-climate, all-season window film on the market, EnerLogic window film actually improves a window’s year-round insulating performance up to 92% versus 44% for conventional window film. This difference typically provides up to three times more overall annual heating and cooling savings than other films. To create such impressive savings, EnerLogic film uses a patent-pending low emissivity (low-e) coating. This coating consists of a microthin metal or metallic oxide layer that redirects solar and radiant energy back to their source to substantially reduce harmful UV rays, as well as uncomfortable heat and glare. The newest member of the EnerLogic family, EnerLogic70, actually uses a layer of gold for its excellent corrosion resistance and ability to reflect heat and radiation.
While replacing windows is still a viable option for cutting energy costs, consider that installing EnerLogic film typically costs about one-third the cost of window replacement. The film is easy to install on the interior surface of windows, and requires little, if any, disruption of daily life within the building. By utilizing existing windows, window film avoids the need to send old windows to the landfills. Best of all, EnerLogic film often pays for itself in savings in less than three years – compared to the 15 – 20 year payback often associated with replacement windows. And because EnerLogic film often qualifies for utility company rebates, a return on investment may come even quicker. With annual savings of up to 40% on heating and cooling costs, EnerLogic window film offers a crystal clear solution for energy efficiency.
Whether a commercial office building, school, health care facility, retail space or residence, EnerLogic window film can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of almost any building. Historic sites have even benefited from EnerLogic film’s ability to adhere to the irregular surface of antique window panes. EnerLogic film also helps protect the investment made on interior furnishings by blocking up to 99% of the harmful UV rays that can cause fading. Even with all this protection against solar heat, EnerLogic70 allows building interiors to remain bright and vibrant with its visible light transmission (VLT) of up to 70%. (VLT indicates how much sunlight window film allows in while continuing to block solar heat; EnerLogic 70’s high VLT makes the film virtually invisible.)
Enerlogic window film is already achieving real-world results. “As a project manager of a new SILVER LEED building that had serious heat and glare issues on the Northwest side, we were challenged to find the right solution to assist with these issues” says Robert Newton, Project Manager at NovusINT. “After much research on the available options, we chose EnerLogic window film as the solution. Not only has it reduced the glare (resulting in a more comfortable and productive environment for the employees), but it also has reduced the load on the heating and cooling units which in turn has saved us money. Based on our annualized savings, it will be cost-neutral in about 3 years. Solutia has been great to work with in ensuring that the product is of the highest quality and that our satisfaction is guaranteed. Not only do we have a SILVER LEED certified building, we have one that the employees are comfortable in all seasons!”
Let Pitman Glass Company help you save money and make your home or building more comfortable.

 




Friday, April 6, 2012

Fiberglass windows why?


Why is fiberglass the obvious choice over vinyl when choosing your replacement window. There are many reasons we will discuss a few of them. The first and maybe the most important is fiberglass is 8.5 times the strength of vinyl. Think about it they make fiberglass boats and ladders not vinyl boats and ladders. Why is this important? One reason is fiberglass will not warp like vinyl in the heat, the strength also allows the sash and frames of fiberglass window to be smaller than vinyl giving you more glass and therefore more view. Fiberglass has a 38% longer life expectancy than fiberglass. It reaches AAMA 623-10 certified finish that means it will look better longer. If you grow tired of the color of your fiberglass windows it has a paint able surface. Some other reasons fiberglass is superior 9 times less heat expansion and contraction than vinyl. Fiberglass is non-conductive and non-corrosive. Even among fiberglass windows there is one that stands above the rest Integrity All Ultrex from Marvin Windows and Doors. All Ultrex fiberglass has a patented finishing process that resists fading and cracking, a patented acrylic factory finish up to 3 times thicker than competitive finishes and provides superior resistance to UV degradation. The thin wall construction technologies of Ultrex allow for detailed profiles and component optimization. The bottom line is Integrity All Ultrex windows and doors are the most maintenance-free, hassle-free, worry-free on the market.

Marvin Integrity Ultrex   Pitman Glass Company
 


Before
After

Monday, February 20, 2012

Window Replacement When, What and Who


 In this edition I will give you a few tips on when to replace your window, what window you should choose and how to choose a company to do the job.

To start here are some of the reasons to replace your windows 1. Rotting trim, frame or sash 2. Condensation build up inside the glass. 3. Area closer to window colder than the rest of the house. 4. Do your existing windows operate properly? 5. Need to update the look of your home and of course the number one reason to replace windows is to save on utility cost. To be sure there are other reasons homeowners have for replacing there windows. Some other finanical reasons for looking at window replacement in the near future can be. Many utility companies are offering rebates, window companies are offering very attractive specials and financing options.

What window should you choose? When picking out your window here are a few things to keep in mind. Is the window type (wood, wood clad, fiberglass, vinyl or aluminum) going comply to my neighborhood association covenants? If you do not have covenants is this type of window the type of window a potential buyer would expect to find in a home in this area? Another factor how long do you intend to keep your home? If you plan to stay in your home for a long time then you may want to invest in a little better window than if your plans are to sell in a few years. When looking for a window look at the company that makes the window. How long have they been making windows? What type of windows do they produce? At the end of the day choose the best window you can afford, you will not regret buying a better product.

A remodel


Before

Once you know the type of window you would like to have installed in your home it is time to choose the company you want to install them. In fact the installer is the most important part of the process. You can have the best window in the world and if it is not properly installed you can be worse off than you were with your old windows. Some of the things to look for and questions to ask when looking for your installing company. How long have you been installing windows? Can they give me some references? Do you have pictures of prior projects? Do you carry insurance? Final word on this make sure you have great confidence in the installing company.


After

Price is always a factor when choosing your window and installer but window replacement is certainly one of the products and services that you should not base your choice solely on price. If you get windows that are difficult to maintain, do not operate properly or were installed improperly you will soon forget the money you saved on choosing the cheapest. I have included a few pictures of projects we have done over the years. Look also at the links I have included.

 Guide to window and door replacement.

Energy saving tips

Friday, February 17, 2012

3M DI NOC Architectural Finishes








If you own commercial property of any type 3M DI NOC is a product you should take a look at for resurfacing everything from elevator cabs to counter tops. It is a lower cost, less invasive method for remodeling or refreshing your property. DI NOC was originally designed many years ago for application to the outside panels of automobiles. Its was therefore constructed to withstand the effects of weather, wear and tear. With these strengths, it has become an indispensable tool for many architects and designers, when creating special features and effects. It offers a real cost effective and creative solution to many decoration, refurbishment and resurfacing problems. It has successfully been used in many market segment's including retail, franchising, bank and insurance, marine, hotel, shopping malls, hospitality, office and health care as well as many others. There are many, many options including wood, metallic, leather, mmetallic wood, stone are among the options. Look at the pictures of some of the jobs we have had the privelege of working on and then contact us to take a look at your project.