Vytex Patio Door Brochure

Winter is Almost Over

This is the case if you want to get your windows and doors before the cold weather hits your bones. An order will take between 6-8 weeks to arrive from the manufacturer, so if you are thinking about keeping warmer and more comfortable this winter, give us a call soon.

Windows Plus has a great discount offer from one of its manufacturers through 12/31/11 – a 30% savings on a Tuscany Sliding Glass door by Milgard. This product features a very unique, user-friendly handle with a commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. Call Reg or Tom at 703-956-6172 and take advantage of these savings today!!

PLAYING DEFENSE IN YOUR HOME

Learning how to be defensive serves many purposes in life, and no place better than in your home. Burglars have many agendas, but they cannot play if they have no way. Statistically, people are careless with home defense. Price shopping may drive a homeowner to purchase flimsy, cheap hardware for windows and doors. Laziness may breed poor habits, such as failing to lock windows and doors on leaving the home. But, in today’s craziness, none of us can afford to slack when it comes to personal security.

No matter where you live, you are vulnerable. Predators roam and prowl the least suspecting places. But, a cautious individual may be spared pain and suffering from a burglary or worse, an attacker, by taking certain, consistent measures.

Do not leave your doors and windows unlocked. When you leave your home, whether for a minute or a day, be sure to lock all windows and doors. A burglar enters in a brief few seconds, so why make it easier for one to enter your home, invade your space and privacy, and above all, threaten your person and property?

Don’t answer a doorbell or knock at your door without knowing who it is first. Do not let yourself be a target for a scam. Never let unknown people into your home. Whether you are in a small town where “there is no crime,” or in a populated city, these rules apply equally.

Keep your valuables out of sight and be sure to have them written down with pictures and serial numbers in a safe for insurance and police purposes.

Do not hide a house or car key outside of your home. Instead, find a trusting neighbor for these purposes.

Do not leave a ladder or any other similar item in sight that a burglar could use to access the upper level of your house.

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicated that as many as 30% of all homes will be invaded over the course of the next 20 years. Do not let yourself be a statistic. Be smart at all times and practice safety for you and your loved ones.

If you have any questions about how Windows Plus can help you safeguard your home, contact Reg or Tom at 703-956-6172.

We See the Light

The economy, a standard word in many of our conversations for the past several years, sadly enough. We did not experience a simple down-turn of the economy; rather, it hit us head first, a verifiable trainwreck. We melted down financially and the effects are lingering in our backyard. But, I think we can see the light. Consumers have begun to spend, little by little. Homeowners are improving their homes, albeit carefully and more methodically than before. Politicians talk green and efficient and the population is trying hard to react positively to making changes and hoping for a strong impact personally. In the window and door replacement industry, there is great hope. Some consumers are looking at financing options as a way to complete those much-needed home improvement projects. Others are beginning to plan their home improvements, perhaps putting them off for now until they feel more confident about their own job status and the market, but their interest is peaked at the thought of greater comfort, security and efficiency. At this juncture, Windows Plus is here to help you no matter what stages you are in on your own home improvement projects. Call Reg or Tom at 703-956-6172 and discuss your options. Let us be there for you at these critical times.

2011 Energy Tax Credits

Not like they used to be, but the home improvement energy efficient tax credits live on. For a primary residence, a homeowner who replaces windows and doors is entitled to a credit up to 10% of the cost for a maximum of $500.00. ÊHowever, the maximum for windows is capped at $200.00. ÊThese credits are in line with what used to be the norm, but in the last 2 years, under the Recovery & Reinvestment Act, homeowners were entitled to claim a credit up to 30% of the material costs for a maximum of $1500.00 credit for these improvements. Again, labor costs are not included in the credit formula. So, do not dismay, merely take advantage of these credits by replacing your older and draftier windows and doors. For more information on how Windows Plus can help you maximize your energy savings, contact Reg or Tom at 703-956-6172. Thank you always for your referrals and continued business.

Who’s Your Improvement Company?

Windows Plus, LLC, is not just another home improvement company in your neighborhood. Yes, we are in your community, yes, we are a family-owned business since 1990 and yes, we will provide you with excellent windows, doors and siding. But, most importantly, Windows Plus will provide you with an experience, one that we are absolutely sure will be a lasting one.

Company owners, Reg Wayland and Tom Camarca, have an extensive history in construction and it is their expertise in this industry that truly makes the difference. Wayland and Camarca have the capabilities to address the full spectrum of home improvement projects.Ê These projects can be complex and present unusual conditions, which would normally go unnoticed by the untrained eye.

For example, a sales person in a home improvement company, much like any one of those companies you hear on the radio, would have no idea what potential problems lie behind the walls of a home. ÊThe experts at Windows Plus provide the customer with services that exceed the normal experience Ð Reg and Tom’s Êapproach, knowledge, and years of working in the field combine to alleviate the inherent complications in home improvement projects and provide the homeowner with a superior experience. And, they are well-trained and own the company, not just sell products. They truly know their business because it is their business.

For your windows, doors and siding, call the experts – they will make your experience a phenomenal one. Contact Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372 for more information on how you can make significant changes in your home.Ê Be sure to visit us on the web at www.Windowspls.com.

 

 

Going Green with Windows Plus

Windows Plus takes going green very seriously and works diligently with manufacturers to promote the most energy efficient products and the cleanest and safest systems. Here are how some of our manufacturers are supporting the environment and how we are passing this on to you when you are making critical changes in your home.

Windows Plus has worked with Gorell Windows & Doors for over a decade providing homeowners with superior vinyl replacement windowsÊand doors. Gorell recycles most ofÊthe materials that enter its factory. Gorell does not cut down trees to make its products and employs minimal energy in its production processes. Gorell is listed with Green Spec in its directory of green building products.Ê And, for the 6th consecutive year, Gorell was nominated the Energy Star Partner as designated by the Departments of Energy and the Environment Protection Agency.Êwww.gorell.com

Windows Plus works with Vytex Windows for residential and commercial projects. Vytex is a local manufacturer in Laurel, Maryland that focuses on designing and developing products to accomplish great energy efficiency and environmentalÊcleanliness.Ê In fact, Vytex is a window manufacturer at the cutting edge of energy-saving technologies.ÊVytex offers homeowners the Envirosealed ª energy-efficient eco-friendly window that serves to improve the overall environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Envirosealed ª Windows are constructed to ensure excellence and pass on impressive savings each year to the consumer in energy costs. www.VytexWindows.com

Windows Plus focuses on providing the best education to the homeowner so that you can feel comfortable in making improvements in your home. We recognize that the choices you make in your home are a big investment and that making an informed decision is very important to you and your family.ÊWindows Plus offers Insulated siding with Fullback Technology ª - insulated siding is a tremendous mechanism for heightened energy-efficiency and is a green product qualified by Energy Star.ÊInsulated siding is ÒbreathableÓ and proven to improve air quality and reduce mold, mildew and bacteria in the home.

On these products and many more, contact Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372. And, as always, many thanks for your continued business. You are our very best asset.

Designer Garages Add Storage & Versatility

Windows Plus offers homeowners designer garages with finished walls, floors, cabinets, trim and accessories. This additional space gives you a great solution to your storage needs with added versatility and creativity. Think about hanging your bikes and tools, or perhaps your golf clubs and tennis raquets. A designer garage allows you toÊfree up floor space and give you a neat, contained area for your supplies in a secure way.

In addition to improving the exterior of your home with windows, doors and siding, give some thought to completing the look with a designer garage. With many colors and options available for walls, floors, cabinets, trim and accessories,Êthis designer system is easy to maintain. The walls require no painting and have aÊUL94 V-O fire rating; the 12″ x 12″Êfloor tiles are interlocking, ventilated to allow for airflow and drainage, resistant to mold and stains, built tough to withstand heat, cold and humidity and overall very durable. The cabinets adjust to your needs and are open back so you can maximize the wall space behind them.

Call Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372 to learn more about how you can create your extra room today. Why not get everything up off your floor and out of the way so you can enjoy your space?

Beware of Tax Credit Misinformation

Most of you have heard by now about the various tax credits under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that a homeowner can claim for certain purchases made during tax years 2009-2010. In many cases, the credit relates to a one-time purchase made during combined tax years. But, we caution you to have enough knowledge about these credits so that companies don’t take you for a ride.

We have witnessed representatives from companies tell consumers that their products “qualify” for the tax credits. It would appear that this tactic is used just to get a sale, when in fact, consumers may not be purchasing tax-credit eligible products. The most important element to your peace of mind is to be sure you are aware of the requirements and to do this, you can just check with energystar.gov/tax credits. Not all EnergyStar(tm) products qualify for the tax credit, but keep in mind that EnergyStar ™ products provide measurable efficiency results. Certain manufacturers also provide rebates and incentives with their products, so it pays to do your homework!

Also, you do not need to purchase a report to know what is available to you as a homeowner. You do not need an “energy usage report,” as some contractors might tell you, to learn about ways that you can enhance your home’s value and live in the most energy-efficient way. We recognize that many homeowners today are very savvy about energy and know how to protect energy usage at home, as it has become a way of life. We recommend that you be sure to know your contractor and who you are dealing with up front so that you can be assured of excellence in service and products and can count on reliable follow-up.

Windows Plus is here to help you with your home improvement needs. Contact Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372 and see how Windows Plus can assist you with these critical changes today. You may count on us, our 20-year history in the industry, our technical knowledge and our fair and honest services. We may just be more than what you expect. www.Windowspls.com

What is Condensation?

Condensation, ÒThe process by which a gas or vapor changes to a liquid.Ó The American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition, 1993. You may recall this definition from chemistry class, but now that term takes on a whole new meaning for you in your home. At Windows Plus, we get phone calls frequently at this time of year from homeowners who are dismayed by the condensation on their windows. ÒWhat can they do?Ó they ask. ÒWhy does this happen with my new windows?Ó they question. And, although it may seem logical to you that your windows would be the reason for condensation, the fact is, barring a seal failure, they simply are not. To the contrary, energy-efficient windows prevent the moisture from escaping to the outside.

Windows provide the clear surface on which you will notice moisture. Condensation first forms on glass because glass surfaces have a lower temperature than other areas in the home. For example, when you see moisture on the bathroom mirror after a steamy shower or on your glass of soda, these surfaces are not the cause of the condensation; rather, they merely reflect the existence of moisture. You will notice that the inside or the outside of your bathroom window may ÒsweatÓ due to the differences in the temperatures. Moist air joins cool dry air = condensation.

You may notice more condensation in your home after you install energy-efficient products because the materials used in these products are intended to keep the cold air on the outside. Naturally, by keeping the cold air on the exterior, these same products will keep the warm air on the interior. We have heard homeowners say that they did not have any condensation with their old windows. Well, this is probably true because the older windows allowed for a great escape of moisture and cold Ð surely you remember they were drafty? Remember how cold you felt inside your home? There were no barriers to block the exchange of air in the home. That was the problem.
What to do, you ask to reduce condensation? It all has to do with controlling the humidity factor in your home. When you have excess humidity inside, it is going to show up on the coldest area of a wall, that is usually the windows. As the inside air becomes warmer and comes into contact with the colder glass, moisture forms. With your new energy-efficient products, your home is sealed tighter, thereby retaining more humidity Ð it cannot escape. But, you can control the level of humidity by taking a few steps.
Your goal is to increase the ventilation in your home and control excessive humidity. You can: 1) open fireplace dampers to let moisture escape; 2) ensure that the louvers in your crawl spaces and attics are open; 3) turn off humidifiers and other devices that have humidifiers; 4) be sure to vent clothes dryers and gas burners to the outside; 5) always use exhaust fans when cooking, doing laundry and in the bathrooms during showers and baths; 6) take time to air out your home several minutes a day Ð open a window or door briefly; 7) keep plants in a sunroom or in any room that is used less frequently during the winter.

Should you worry about condensation? You probably will only experience any window condensation during times of extreme temperature differences. During winter, you will see condensation on the inside; during the summer, you will see it on the outside. Occasional condensation causes no significant problems and is normal. But, if you see condensation in between the two glass panels, this signals a seal failure and in that case, you will need to replace the glass. If you have too much moisture inside your home you will notice this during the winter and summer months. More serious signs of moisture show up with cracked or peeling paint, rotting wood, and fungus or mildew growth Ð all indicate problems that need to be addressed by a contractor.
If you have questions about your home and would like to talk with one of the company owners, call Reg Wayland or Tom Camarca at Windows Plus Ð 703-916-8372.

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