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One of the most popular projects when it comes to achieving a good boost in New York home curb appeal is vinyl siding installation. But just like in any home improvements, knowing everything there is to know is important to avoid the pitfalls and achieve project success. This makes it important to know the essentials before tackling the project. And this serves true whether you are in Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens or Manhattan.

Why Vinyl?

When it comes to siding materials, vinyl can be said to be relatively new in the industry. But even so, it is becoming more and more popular to homeowners because of the many benefits that it has to offer including:

1. Savings

Not only does this material costs less per square feet but it also saves homeowners from the expense and hassles of exterior repainting every few years.

2. Maintenance is a Breeze

Compared with its counterparts such as stucco, wood, aluminum, steel and brick; vinyl offers the lowest maintenance needing only a yearly washing to keep fresh its appearance. The durable plastic that it is made of will not flake, rust, dent, conduct electricity or rot.

3. Plethora of Choices

Vinyl siding offers the most flexibility when it comes to look and designs. Products come in a great array of colors, trim options such as shakes and shingles, and can even mimic intricate architectural details. Technological advancements have made it realistically copy textures of other more expensive choices such as stucco and wood grain.

Choosing Vinyl Siding for Your Home

When shopping for a product to install into your home, quality should always matter. Vinyl siding products that have passed minimum standards will have designations of ASTM Standard 3679 by the American Society of Testing and Materials on the packaging and fact sheets. Other things to look for include:

. Thickness – as thicker is more durable and the extra thickness helps avoid the sagging of panels;

. Anti-weathering protection – though vinyl siding already has other additives, sunlight can cause fading and weathering to raw vinyl; and

. Warranty – this gives a good clue on how long the product can last ad how durable it is. However, be careful as some manufacturers offer prorated warranties. Make sure to read the fine print.

Vinyl Siding Installation

By almost a hundred percent, arising issues with using vinyl siding can be traced to improper installation. This makes the quality of project result depend a great deal on the skill, experience and expertise of the installer.

Vinyl siding installation is more than meets the eye. Though the task may seem relatively easy, it actually is not. Proper equipment, precise cutting, and a good deal of layout skill are vital in making the vinyl siding efficiently fit around every corner and details of your exterior. So if you are thinking of going DIY, carefully weigh if the risk that you are putting the project and your home into is worth the dollars you will pinch. Hiring a qualified contractor is your best bet if you do not have what it takes to make a success out of the vinyl siding installation project.

Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid remodeling New York pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened New York remodeling contractors.

Avail of our free remodeling calculators.

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As the name suggests, waterjet cutting utilizes the power of water with technology to acquire desired results to shape, cut and design different metals and materials. With the help of this process, intricate designs and complex formats can be done at ease. Right from the start, the procedure has created a buzz and is going strong and popular with customers. The end result is satisfying with absolute no harm to the texture and body of the item.

Waterjet cutting mixes abrasives along with water that is forced from a nozzle. The pressure and strength has the capacity to cut stones, marbles, plastic, granite, wood and various metals. As the process does not use any harmful chemicals to perform the task, it is known as a cold process. It does not emit any harmful gases and is environment friendly. With fine end products, there is no need of finishing. That is already taken care of while performing the process. The edges are fine and smooth with no further work needed.

The procedure can be computerized numerical controlled to obtain identical results. This enhances the overall result of the waterjet cutting and also does not leave any scope of designing or cutting errors. For an impeccable cutting process, CNC waterjet cutting is the right option. Get the most complex structuring or designing done in minutes with this process and at cost effective rates.

There are different sets of waterjet cutting machines available. They are handheld, manual, automatic or CNC. A variety of cutting and punching machines are used to get the required outcome. Depending on the robustness of the material, power is applied and choosing the right machine plays an important role. Make the most of these machineries by choosing the correct tool and implementing it rightly. With a hazard free process like water jet cutting, your material is safe, clean and not distorted.

Alyna Watson is Female and author for a variety of Industrial Equipments related subjects like Waterjet Cutting, PCB Manufacturing, and Flooring Inlays etc.

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Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started banning the use of pressure treated wood due to chromated copper arsenate (CCA), most people have decided to seal their wood decks as the EPA suggests to prevent the arsenic from leaching into the soil. Most homeowners use local companies to pressure wash their decks and siding to save valuable time and the expense of rental equipment and some prefer to do the job themselves on a hot summer day. If you decide to hire a contractor to perform the work for you, there are a lot of important questions you need to ask before you should allow them to work on your home. First, make sure the company your hiring has the experience and the right equipment to perform the job properly, using more than 1,000 PSI or less than 4gpm can cause damage to wood. In Maryland, your also required to have a Maryland Home Improvement License (MHIC) for sealing decks or any repairs and it must be listed in all advertising and vehicles.

Make sure that any contractor you hire has a copy of this license and a long history of performing work in the area also; check them out with The Better Business Bureau. Another way to protect yourself is to use a company with certifications and affiliations in their industry like The Power Washers of North America.

The PWNA is the recognized leader in developing and communicating the highest standards in ethical business practices, environmental awareness, and safety through continuing education and active representation of the membership. PWNA educated and trained contractors raise the level of professionalism and value to their customers, and run a National Clean Across American project from July 24th-31st for various charities. For information about this project see their website at http://www.pwna.org

Unfortunately, many homeowners have tried using an unlicensed or inexperienced contractor offering a lower price, in some cases this may end up with the job uncompleted or worse, done improperly causing thousands of dollars in damage.

It will cost more time and money to find the right contractor for you but it could cost far more, to hire a company without the proper experience or to do the job yourself. For example, most people don’t know that using household bleach to remove the mold and mildew from your deck will actually damage the woods lignin fibers. Or that too much pressure can also damage the woods surface and cause it to splinter or fur. To many companies have decided they could tackle it without the proper training and with most machines putting out an average of 3,000 PSI it can be dangerous to the operator and your property. Properly learning the techniques and training for cleaning wood takes time, training and a long-term investment, each deck or house is different and they all require special attention. First you have to find out if there is an existing sealer or stain on the deck and how to remove it properly. Very similar to painting, deck sealers and preservatives won’t properly adhere to a wood surface that has an existing sealer on it.

First this product must be removed from the deck using a stripping agent and you must take steps to ensure that the stripping agent will not harm the plants or siding on the home. Most deck stripping agents have a sodium hydroxide base that will remove the existing sealer or stain and then it can be washed off with a pressure washer using a maximum of 1,000 PSI. When using a pressure washer you must clean with the grain of the wood the entire length of the board. By varying your distance from the wood or not going with the grain you may cause marks and discoloration in the surface. If done carefully, this will leave you with a clean surface for the next step.

Now that you have used a deck stripper to remove the last sealer, the surface must be neutralized so the sealer will absorb and adhere to the wood. Wood and other surfaces can be neutralized using citric or oxalic acid to bring them to a neutral Ph level, Oxalic acid will also remove tannin or leaf stains and also those iron or rust stains from rusting furniture. Now your wood surface is ready to be sealed and there are many other options to consider. The various sealers can be confusing to some but it’s important to use a product that has ultraviolet protection from the suns rays. Most sealers have some UV protection, various oils to moisturize the wood and mildew prevention to fight the growth of mildew and mold. The best UV protection can be found in sealers that contain a pigment or stain, almost all of these products form a film on the woods surface, that may wear off with foot traffic or pets, they are semi-transparent allowing the woods natural grain to show while adding a tint of color to the surface. They will also help blend the over all color of the wood if some of your lumber has a different shade than others.

You can also use products with solid colors, which don’t allow the natural wood grain to show through and in most cases they usually appear to be painted when completed. Then there are preservative-based deck sealers that will penetrate into the wood. These products come in clear and different stain colors and they tend to last the longer because they penetrate into the wood. This allows the oils in the sealer to penetrate into the wood, which keep the wood from dry rotting, cracking, and also blocks the suns UV rays. These preservative sealers will hold up twice as long as the surface film forming agents and they will extend the life of the wood.

Henry Bockman

President, Henry’s Housework Inc.

MHIC#65039 Licensed, bonded and insured.

www.Henryshousework.com

301 353 9287

Henry Bockman has provided power washing, gutter cleaning, roof repairs and deck restoration services to over 10,000 commercial and residential clients for over 16 years.

Henry Bockman is currently the Maryland PWNA chapter president, serves on the Board of Directors for the National organization The Power Washers of North America and is also the Chairman for the Clean Across America campaign which he helped create in 2004. For more information on Henry Bockman and his company, Henry’s Housework, visit the website at http://www.henryshousework.com

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There are so many different options for window coverings for your home. These include blinds, shades, curtains, louvers, and shutters. One option that many people don’t think about when they are looking for window treatments is plantation shutters. There are a lot of advantages to getting plantation shutters.

Plantation shutters are one option that can really improve the looks of your windows. These shutters look great, and usually look so nice you don’t even need to add a valance or curtains like you do with blinds or shades. They are usually made of wood, wood composite, or imitation wood. They can be custom made to fit any window, even those with odd shapes and curves that are hard to fit with many window treatment options. There are many different types of finishes and colors, so they can be made to match the décor in your house.

Plantation shutters are also long lasting. Blinds and shades can wear out relatively quickly, sometimes within only a couple years. Metal blinds can get bent, and vinyl shades can tear. Fabric shades and blinds can get dusty and dingy looking and be difficult to clean. However, plantation shades are much sturdier and much less likely to wear out in a short time. They are also easily dusted so that they can be kept looking nice and clean.

Plantation shutters also offer great options for light control. You can adjust the louvers on the shutters to let in however much light you desire. You can close the louvers to block out most of the light, and open them wide to let in all available light. The louvers also add to your privacy as it is difficult to see in the windows from outside. However, as long as the louvers aren’t all the way closed, you can still get a good view of the outside of your house.

Plantation shutters can also offer some insulating properties, making it easier to keep your home the temperature you wish. This is especially true of some of the shutters made of imitation wood, such as those made out of Thermalite. The imitation wood is very similar in looks and feel to wood, but much cheaper as well as more insulating.

Learn more about Plantation Shutters by visiting http://www.shutter-world.com/

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Due to the growing popularity of decks, there are now a wide variety of Deck coatings ranging from conventional penetrating sealers and stains to new water based latex products. In the alkyd category, there are clears, semi transparent and opaque finishes. In latex, semi transparent and opaque.

Many homeowners are starting to use the semi transparent or opaque to maximize the protection and duration of their deck coating.

Begin by cleaning and power washing to remove dirt, mildew and old deck coatings. If you are using a clear deck coating, deck brightening products help restore a “new wood” look to the wood.. Both sides of the railings should also be power washed.

Brushes and Rollers – Once the deck is clean and thoroughly dry, start with a brush on the outside of the deck, on tops of the railing and work your way down to the deck, then in toward the house. Then switch to a roller for the deck, starting at an outside edge and working toward the house. Use even pressure on the roller on each board to give uniform coverage and sheen.

Spraying is another way to apply deck coatings. It’s faster than using a brush or roller, but you must be sure to protect scrubs etc. from overspray. Spray equipment has become reasonably priced in recent years or can be rented at many rental centers. Check with a paint professional for tip size and pressure setting – which will depend on the type of deck coatings you use.

Spray railings first, unless the railings are to be a different color than the deck. Then the deck should be coated first. One tip for protecting plants or other objects from overspray is to tape plastic or paper to the outside of the railing so it can catch the overspray. When spraying the deck itself, spray evenly over a five to six foot square area, then go back over that area with a 1/2 inch nap roller to spread coating evenly into deck. Continue this procedure in sections until done. Be sure to use a large shield (such as 4 ft square piece of cardboard or light plywood) when painting alongside the house to protect it from overspray.

Peter Harrett

DECK COATINGS
http://www.topsecretcoatings.com

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Glass fibres have actually been around for hundreds of years, even though they might seem like a very recent invention. However, for most of this “history” glass fibres were more an intellectual curiosity that more adventurous glass artisans experimented with. The “explosion” in glass fibre technology and production was made possible by the invention of machines that could make thinner, finer fibres on a mass production scale.

From the middle of the twentieth century onward, we see the birth and growth of fibreglass as a component in everyday objects. When glass fibres started to be used to reinforce plastics, we got modern fibreglass.

Fibreglass is an extremely versatile material. It can be supple and cloth-like, and therefore suitable for porch canopies, or hard and durable, and therefore a good material for door porches. Furthermore, fibreglass has good insulation properties. This is because of the tiny spaces created by the fibres themselves, which trap air inside the actual pane and prevent sudden, extreme temperature changes.

Fibreglass doors and windows can help save on heating or cooling expenses-a plus for people who would like to reduce utility expenses and/or aim to lower the impact of their daily activities on the environment. “Ordinary” glass tends to be a faulty insulator, and often needs special glazing after the fact in order to conduct less heat into our out of a room.

Fibreglass is useful as an outdoor canopy because it can stand changing weather quite well, which is of particular advantage in countries with markedly different seasons.

Speaking of environmentalism, fibreglass has even more to offer to eco-conscious consumers than just the prospect of reducing energy usage. It turns out that the glass fibres in the material need not be made of brand-new glass. Recycled glass can work, as well. Old or broken glass products can be “rescued” instead of just being tossed in a dump.

However, the use of recycled glass has only just begun to spread. For instance Kansas City in the United States opened an initiative in 2009 to ship “trash” glass to a fibreglass company. Hopefully, as fibreglass is improved upon and becomes more popular, more communities and manufacturers will work together to create similar initiatives.

The unique strength of fibreglass comes from its nature as a composite material. As physicists know, there are different types of strength. For instance, tensile strength has to do with stretching a certain material to breaking point. Some materials easily break when stretched, and others do not.

Compressive strength, of course, refers to how much of a load a material can take when something is pushing down on it. In general, glass has high tensile strength and low compressive strength, while plastic has the reverse set of properties. Since fibreglass is a composite of both, it has both types of strength.

With this in mind, fibreglass can be modified for particular tasks. For instance, if the glass is to be used in a situation where tensile strength is most important, more glass will be used. Actually, different areas of the same mass or sheet of fibreglass can be made with slightly different compositions in order to make the product even more suitable for its task.

If, for example, the manufacturer is aware that a certain sheet of fibreglass will be experiencing a great deal of tensile stress at its edges, more glass will be put in those areas than in the centre.

Fibreglass is, at present, quite a popular material in the United Kingdom. You can easily find fibreglass manufacturers and developers in all parts of the country. They make parts for objects as diverse as mats, cars, tent poles, and hockey sticks. They also make special fabrics.

Fans of professional dance might be interested to know that many practitioners of Irish Stepdance have fibreglass in their shoes. Furthermore, fibreglass is often part of houses, frequently in doors or windows.

Now, what is special about British fibreglass manufacturing? Firstly, in the United Kingdom, fibreglass manufacturers can draw on both the latest technology and a long, rich history of British aesthetics. In order to explain what we mean by this, we can examine the British market for fibreglass door porches.

When it comes to designing the actual doors, British manufacturers have a rich heritage of architecture and craftsmanship to draw from, so door porch designs range from classic Old World elegance to avant-garde modernity. In other words, you can easily find designs to fit the overall appearance and atmosphere of your house, no matter what its architectural style happens to be.

Fibreglass in the UK is also subject to stringent inspection and quality policies, both on the national and European Union level. As a result, the material itself is very strong and durable, and also very safe for human use.

Architectural Fibreglass Mouldings Ltd. has been providing quality porch canopies for nearly a quarter of a century. Over the years we have continuously invested in the design, development and redesign of a new generation of door porches with the ability to re-create classic styles and traditional appearances using modern lightweight materials.

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Selecting the right stain for your log home can be confusing and time consuming. Below you will find some helpful hints to guide you through the selection process.

1. Oil based stains typically penetrate into the wood and have a strong odor. Oil based stains can be used on logs, wood siding, decks, hand rails or roofing materials. Not all oil based stains are created the same.
2. Water based stains typically form a coating on the surface of the wood and have a low odor. They can be used on logs or wood siding but can present problems when used on decking surfaces. Not all water based stains are created the same.
3. Always test the stain on a wood sample from your home.
4. Clean your wood sample the same way your wood will be cleaned prior to the application of the stain.
5. This cleaning process can dramatically change the color of the stain material on your home and sample area.
6. Allow the stain sample area to dry for 24 hours.
7. Apply the same number of coats to your test sample area as you intend to apply to your log home.
8. Start at the top of your logs and work down when applying your log home stain.
9. Spraying the stain first is preferred but not absolutely necessary.
10. Always back brush your stain into the wood.
11. Oil based stains are typically easier to apply.
12. Water based stains can show lap marks and brush marks if you are not careful during the application of the products.
13. Water based stains clean up with soap and water.
14. Oil based stains clean up with solvents.
15. Water based stains can hide some of the grain of the wood.
16. Oil based stains typically allow more of your wood grain to show.
17. Some water based stains are prone to flake and peel on the surface of your wood. This is due to poor application of the stain material or it could be a bad water based stain product. A good water based stain will allow your wood to breath and expand and contract as your wood does thus preventing any flaking and peeling on the surface.
18. Some oil based stains fade very quickly and your wood is left with no protection. Once again, this can be attributed to poor stain application or it could be just a bad oil based stain product.
19. A good stain material should last 3-4 years on the southern exposure of your log home and 4-5 years on the other sides of your home. If you have found a stain product that outperforms these numbers then stick with it.
20. No stain will last the lifetime of your log home.
21. Stain technology has come a long ways in the last 20 years. There is a wider selection of good stains but there are still quite a few inferior stains on the market today.

For more information about chinking material, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting.

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All of a sudden everyone is waking up to the fact that carbon emissions and our American lifestyle in general are destroying the planet and making us, with each passing day, more energy dependent on Venezuelan or Middle Eastern oil. So when we undertake a general or partial interior remodeling, what should we keep in mind? And will “going green” help us to be healthier as well?

LEED for Homes as well as the Florida Green Building Coalition both deal with these issues through a point system for certifying green houses. What can we learn from these two systems and apply them to interior remodelings?

FOUR MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS

For my money there are four things which are going to do more to make an interior remodeling energy efficient:

1. A very high energy efficient rating (SEER) for the air-conditioning system

2. Adding windows whenever possible to provide as many rooms as possible with cross-ventilation

3. Ceiling fans

4. Overhangs over all the windows or planting shade trees outside the windows.

Then, after these 4 points, there are many which are also very important.

NO AIR-HANDLER OR DUCTS IN NON-CONDITIONED SPACE

No air-handler or ducts in non-conditioned spaces such as attics or garages. This is important both for health reasons and energy efficiency. If ducts are placed in non-conditioned spaces, the ducts, which have small leaks, will lose cool air through these small openings. The air handler, if put in this kind of space will take in hotter air and have to work harder than if it were in an air-conditioned space.

Also, using mastic compound to seal all ductwork connections provides a seal that is much less prone to failure than tape.

EFFICIENT WINDOWS

Tinted windows with a high-efficiency rating are also an important element in maintaining a comfortable temperature within interior spaces.

ECO-FRIENDLY INSULATION

Insulation in the attic is another very important element in cooling the interior environment. All remodelings should consider providing new eco-friendly insulation in the attic of any air-conditioned spaces. Four types are as follows:

o Recycled cellulose insulation

o Recycled cotton denim insulation

o Recycled mineral wool insulation

o Recycled perlite composite board

SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM

A large portion of a home’s energy use is dedicated to water heating. If an interior remodeling is going to include areas which use plumbing, a solar water heater should be considered. Fifty to seventy percent of an average household’s hot water needs can be provided at low cost with a modestly sized solar water heating.

LOW FLOW SHOWERHEADS

Showerheads and faucets be rated at a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 psi water pressure. There are available fixtures on the market today that exceed these standards. Laminar flow controls may also be used that deliver a precise volume of water at faucets, showerheads, and hose outlets. Unlike conventional water-saving fixtures that deliver varying flow rates in response

to varying line pressure, fixtures equipped with laminar flow controls deliver a constant rate.

NO GARBAGE DISPOSAL

If there is a kitchen remodeling in the project, avoiding the installation of a garbage disposal will make the remodeling greener. Garbage disposals are notorious water wasters.

DUAL FLUSH OR LOW FLOW TOILETS

Thirty to forty percent of indoor water use in a home is due to toilet use. Use toilets which exceed a flow rate of 1.6 gallons/flush. WaterSense-labeled products are 20% more efficient that other toilets.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT OVEN/RANGE

Tests on ovens demonstrate that only 6% of the energy output of a typical oven is actually absorbed by the food. Most of the heat goes into the metal and surrounding air space. With additional insulation and tighter door gaskets and hinges, new ovens save energy.

o Gas ovens with new electronic pilotless ignition instead of a pilot light will be 30% more efficient

than one with a pilot light. A gas appliance uses much less energy than an electric one.

Because of this a gas appliance costs about half to operate.

o A self-cleaning oven has more insulation and therefore is cheaper to operate.

o For electric cooktops there are several choices: Solid disk elements and radiant elements under

glass take longer to heat up and use more electricity. More efficient than conventional electric

coil elements, induction elements require that you use only iron or steel pots and pans.

Aluminum cookware will not work with induction elements.

o The range hood should ventilate to the outside and not simply re-circulate. This is for health

reasons and not energy reason.

CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE LUMBER

Certified sustainable lumber is obtained from a sustainably managed forest. The two best know certifying organizations: the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

RECYCLED CONTENT DRYWALL

If there is a local source for recycled drywall, use of this product will make the remodeling greener.

ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING

Using eco-friendly flooring for the remodeling goes a long way to a “green” status:

o Bamboo flooring

o Cork flooring.

o Natural linoleum.

o Floor tiles made from recycled glass or other 100% recycled content material

o Reuse of salvaged wood.

o Domestically produced hardwood materials from sustainably managed forests.

o Concrete (stamped, stained, etc.)

o Recycled content carpet/carpet pad and rugs

o Natural content carpet/carpet pad and rugs: Carpets/rugs must be composed of 100% natural

materials such as wool, jute, and hemp.

CONCRETE WITH FLY ASH

Concrete with 18% of the total cement composed of fly ash or blast furnace slag can be used where concrete is used except in structural elements.

LOCALLY PRODUCED MATERIALS

Materials that are produced in the local area use much less energy to transport than materials that are produced on the other side of the world and have to be flown, trucked, or shipped to the job.

ENERGY STAR ADVANCED LIGHTING PACKAGE

Energy Star ceiling fans, indoor lighting fixtures and bulbs can save energy in the long run. Use these whenever possible.

GREYWATER USE

Water use can be conserved by reusing domestic wastewater from any source except toilets and the kitchen sink-this includes laundry, shower/bath, faucets, and dishwasher. It can also include air conditioner condensate. Reusing greywater for landscape irrigation presents an exciting opportunity for water conservation. Most water consumption in a Southern home is for irrigation of landscaping. Although this can be done theoretically, some building departments have not adopted codes which allow this system to be installed.

AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATE REUSE

Air conditioner condensate can also be considered a source of greywater. Annual air conditioner condensate volume can average between 1500 and 3500 gallons. Inexpensive purification devices are available that make the water useable for pool refilling, irrigation, or make-up water for water-cooled air conditioning units.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

A system for harvesting rainwater can be installed and the water can be used for toilet flushing.

CENTRAL DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM

In addition to controlling humidity and comfort, most central dehumidification equipment also permits the intake of fresh, outside air, thereby improving ventilation in the home.

SOURCE CONTROL

o Use zero and low-Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) paints, stains, and finishes

o Use low-VOC sealants and adhesives.

o Use no exposed urea-formaldehyde particleboard, use phenol-formaldehyde resin

o Minimize carpet use

A remodeling that covers all these areas is going to great lengths to do its part in saving energy for the homeowner and the country, and providing a healthy environment for the inhabitants of the house.

Maria Luisa Castellanos, R.A., LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) is a registered architect, principal of United Architects, Inc., and has been practicing in Florida for over 20 years. For more information or for a free initial consultation if you now own the property you want to improve, go to http://www.architectsinmiami.com. For more free articles on good architectural design and building for long term profit in South Florida or to see photos of her work, go to http://www.unitedarchitectsinc.com. Copyright, Maria Luisa Castellanos, 2009.

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Double glazing your home can be one of the biggest favors you do for your family and your utility bills. While the initial investment for double glazing is quite sizable, it won’t take long for you to easily recover those losses by way of lower heating and cooling bills.

Not only does double glazing your windows assist with lower utility bills, you also get the benefit of an extra barrier between your interior windows and the exterior of your home. This means the inner window is insulated from the heat and cold that the exterior window pane acts as a buffer.

Glazing can also assist in prevention of drafts and the moisture that result from condensation. With mold and moisture becoming more and more of a problem for the modern home eliminating condensation is a huge motivation to invest in double glazing.

Double glazing your doors and windows will result in less hot and cold air being lost through lack of insulation. The end result of that is lower utility bills and more comfortable surroundings in your home, no matter how inclement the weather outside is.

If double glazing your home seems cost prohibitive, you may want to think of it in terms of the savings you will begin to see immediately. There are several ways you can finance your new windows.

Many window companies will finance your double glazed windows for you if your credit meets their requirements. While this isn’t the solution for everyone, it may help some and the money saved each month in utility costs can offset the monthly payments for the windows for a short while.

Eventually the double-glazing will be paid for while your utility bills continue to be lower.

Be sure to compare prices between companies in order to obtain the best deal possible on your windows.

Many lending companies and mortgage brokers will grant a home equity loans for improvements that will make your home more energy efficient. Keep in mind that there will be fees involved from the lender and make sure that the fees won’t be equal to the total amount you would need for your windows in the first place.

If all else fails, consider buying one window at a time as you come up with the funds. Replacing one window at a time in this manner will eventually result in the energy efficient home that you are trying to achieve.

When it comes to your home, you want to make the most of the home you have. Double glazing your home [http://www.househobby.com/doubleglazing.html] is a great way to make your home more appealing (by replacing drafty old windows and panes) and more comfortable (by achieving greater energy efficiency). Don’t be convinced to go a lower cost route that will end up costing you much more money in the long run. Go with the best from the beginning and you will be less likely to need to replace them while you own your home.

Allen MacCay is a DIY enthusiast and writes for DIY in your home [http://www.househobby.com] in the Double Glazing [http://www.househobby.com/doubleglazing.html] section.

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It would sure be nice to know which home improvements would pay off when it came time to sell your house, especially in a down economy. Here are some of the best projects you can undertake that will recoup the majority of your cost.

1. Siding Replacement (foam backed or fiber cement vinyl). With the current downturn of the economy, home buyers aren’t exactly thrilled with all the extras regardless that these improvements will help lower utility and repair bills. Replacing current siding with fiber cement nets an amazing 87% ROI, although it has lost value from 2007. You may still recoup as much as 80% of your cost if you would rather use a vinyl product that is foam backed instead.

2. Window Replacement (wood or vinyl). Windows represent one of the easiest ways to lower home cooling and heating and are an aesthetic feature. You will attract future home buyers, save on your utility bills, and net a nearly 77% (wood) or 80% (vinyl) return on your investment if you replace your current windows with the more efficient vinyl or wood windows.

3. Bathroom Remodel. You could expect to pay as much as $50,000 to repair wall studs and joists, tear out walls, and change structural elements and make major layout changes, such as switching a shower and toilet depending on the size and amenities of your desired bathroom. You will still recoup almost 71% of your cost when you sell your house regardless of the high cost. Although this project increased its value since 2007 while its sister project, adding a complete bathroom, fell in value.

4. Major Kitchen Remodel. It makes sense that investing money in the kitchen is going to pay off when it comes time to sell since kitchens are typically the most frequently used room in a home. A major kitchen renovation is one of the most profitable although it is also usually one of the most expensive and time consuming home improvement jobs. You can expect to get a nearly 71% ROI, regardless of the cost of the project.

5. Addition of Deck (composite product). Since so many families are spending more time at home, it makes sense that adding a composite deck is a good investment. You can plan on recouping 63% of your total job cost to boost your home’s value.

6. Addition of Deck (wood). You may still be able to afford a wood addition on to your home even if your finances won’t permit the higher cost of composite decking. A wood deck will give you an 81.8% return on your investment.

7. Siding Replacement (vinyl). Vinyl siding replacements are still a good choice instead of foam backed vinyl or fiber cement, which are considered the preferred upgrades to siding. You can recoup nearly 81% of your cost.

8. Minor Kitchen Remodel. Rather than major remodels people are beginning to do minor remodeling of their kitchen with all the belt tightening that is going on. This turns out to be a financially wise choice. Minor kitchen remodeling jobs will usually net an ROI of 79.5% ROI.

9. Attic Bedroom. You will add to the overall value and the listed purchase price of your home anytime you can add bedrooms. You may want to consider investing the money to convert your attic to a bedroom if your attic’s dimensions allow it. Not only will you add some sleeping space but you will also net a nice 74% ROI when a new buyer puts your home under contract.

10. Basement Remodel. You should think about squeezing all the value out of your basement that you can if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with a water table high enough to permit basements. By finishing and remodeling a basement that was previously unfinished you will get nearly 73% ROI.

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