TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer advisory warning Floridians about window film companies that have sold or are selling products to residential homeowners as “hurricane protection.” The implied benefits leave homeowners with a false sense of security, and ultimately very vulnerable to the destructive forces of hurricane winds and flying debris.
Through information gathered from the International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA), investigators have determined that aggressive sales tactics may have misled some homeowners to believe the hurricane protection for windows has been approved for residential as well as commercial use, when in reality the film protection advertised has only been approved for commercial use. The Florida Building Code compliant forms of hurricane protection contain no approval(s) for film applied to a residential structure. The consumer must be aware that passing some but not all testing does not qualify a product for approval.
Purportedly, some window film companies are also falsely claiming that by purchasing the window film for residential use, the homeowner will be eligible for an insurance discount. In reality, the insurance industry may not recognize this discount because the window film does not meet the standards for use in a residential home.
Recently, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) has began issuing manufacturer and dealer alerts in an effort to make sure companies are adhering to proper business procedures. While most members are following proper advertising and sales practices, some are not. Additionally, not all film manufacturers are part of the IWFA, therefore they are not held to the same standards.
Attorney General McCollum offers the following recommendations to consumers to avoid falling victim to dealers who may be misrepresenting the film’s capabilities:
· Ask to see the product approval and the corresponding number;
· Go to www.floridabuilding.org and/or www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode/ to assure that the number supplied is verifiable;
· Check with your local building department. Most building departments require a permit to install hurricane protection; and
· Report any company that is making fraudulent claims about window film.
Consumers who believe they may be victims of fraud may contact the Attorney General’s fraud hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or file an online complaint at http://myfloridalegal.com.
Betterliving by Majors Home Improvement | Pensacola Sunrooms
Pensacola sunrooms - Customer Testimonials regarding BetterLiving Sunrooms. Add new living space today with a new sunroom. Sunrooms bring the outdoors inside regardless of inclement weather and biting bugs.
How to Replace Your Windows for Energy and Tax Savings - Pensacola windows
There may be a window in your home that is old and drafty, or even falling apart. You may have a window that sticks, or one that you have to prop open. You’ve tried caulking, taping, driving screws into that old window but there is nothing that you can do to fix it. It is probably time to give up on fixing that old window and consider a replacement.
If you have one old window, chances are you have others. These windows can be robbing your house of energy making it hard for you keep your house at the right temperature in either summer or winter. Since windows can account for fifty percent of a home’s heating and cooling needs this wasted energy can equal a lot of wasted money on utility bills.
Now may be the best time to replace your windows for more than one reason. The weather outside is mild in most of the country, so opening up large holes in the side of your house will not create any major discomfort during the operation. Plus, the government is offering tax credits for installing energy efficient windows. These tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year so get your money while the gettin is good!
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides tax credits for homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their homes including the installation of new windows. A window’s measure of efficiency is based on how well it keeps the outside out and the inside in. Tax credit eligible windows must meet minimum criteria of efficiency known as the U-factor and the Solar Heat Gain coefficient (SHGC). The U-Factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping and the rating scale ranges from .20 to 1.20. The lower the number the greater the window can resist heat flow and the better its insulating value. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window blocks heat from the sunlight while letting in the visible light. The SHGC rating scale ranges from 0 to 1. The lower the SHGC the less solar heat can get through.
To reach tax credit levels both the U-Factor and the SHGC must be equal to or less than .30. Each window you buy should have an energy-performance label on it supplied by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This is the only rating council recognized by the federal government when issuing tax credits. You can check out energystar.gov for more information on qualifying windows and how you can go about getting your credit.
The next big question is whether or not you should attack this project yourself. Watching a pro put in a window looks easy, but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. If you have never put in a new window before, replacing all the windows in your house by yourself is asking for trouble. Replacing one window may be within the grasp of most do-it-yourselfers, but swapping out a dozen or more becomes a huge project. Where will you store the windows when you buy them? How will you dispose of all the old windows? Do you really have the time to finish the job once you start? For Pensacola windows replacement consult with a professional licensed contractor in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
A seasoned professional window installer can replace all the windows in a typical home in just one or two days. They can guarantee their work and handle all the purchasing, disposal, and paperwork for permits if necessary. You may be surprised just how inexpensive it is for a pro to do the work. If your time and/or skills are limited, hiring a pro is the way to go.
When hiring a pro always get three estimates and get everything in writing. This includes start and finish dates, the brand, type, efficiency levels of the windows, and the total cost of the job. Never pay in full up front and don’t make final payment until the job is 100% complete.
If you are confident with your skills and want to give it a go yourself here is an idea of what you are in for and some things to keep in mind when replacing your own windows.
Before you begin, check with the local building codes to see what types of windows may be required, such as impact resistant or tempered glass, and whether or not you are required to pull a permit to do the work.
Essentially, when installing a replacement window you will be removing the old window sashes and the tracks they run on, leaving only the window’s jamb. The new window will slide into place from the inside and secured to the old jamb. It is important that the window fits comfortably inside this jamb.
This is where most people make mistakes. Sometimes it is hard to tell how big the new window should be, and it is necessary to delicately remove the interior trim of the window to get an accurate measurement. If you buy a window that is even slightly too small for the opening and it leaves gaps, you’ll end up with same or even worse drafts than the old window. If you buy a window that is too big for the opening the window can stick or not open at all.
If the jamb is damaged and needs to be replaced it may impact the exterior finishes of the home such as the siding or trim. This is a situation that would require more time and skill on your part, but one that a pro can easily handle.
The width of the jamb should be measured at the top, middle, and bottom. The height is also measured in three places. Take the smallest measurement of height and width and subtract ¼ inch. Ideally, this will give you the size of the replacement window you need to buy.
Replacement windows
are different than new construction windows. Replacement windows are designed to slide right into the existing window jamb from the inside of the house. New construction windows come with a nailing flange and are designed to be put in from the outside of the house into an opening without a jamb.
Don’t be surprised if you have to custom order your replacement windows. This process can take a few weeks, and most custom order windows are not returnable. Never pull out the old window until you have the new window in hand. You don’t want to have a piece of plywood on your house covering a hole for a few weeks while you wait for your window to arrive.
To remove the old window you have to remove the small stop trim on the sides of the window that hold the sashes in. Remove these carefully as you will be using them again later. With the trim removed you should be able to pull the sashes out. If they are connected to the wall by a weight, cut the cord or disconnect the chain and let the weight drop into the wall. You won’t need it any longer. Remove the tracks that held the sashes in place and clean the jamb of any debris.
If all is in your favor, the new window is ready to go in. Set the bottom of the window on the jamb and tilt the window into place. Push it all the way into the opening until it is seated against the stop trim on the outside. Check that the window is sitting level in the jam. It may be necessary to use small shims to make sure the window is sitting level. Measuring the window diagonally from corner to corner and make sure the measurements are the same. This will insure the window is square and will operate properly.
Screw the window into the jamb according to the manufacturer’s specifications and seal the window into the jamb with caulk, both inside and out, to prevent drafts or leaks. Replace the small stop trim to finish the job.
It sounds easy in theory, but there are dozens of things that could pop up when replacing windows that can make the job quite challenging. Start with one window to test your skill. Don’t bite off more than you can chew and attempt to replace all your windows yourself right off the bat if you have never done it before. It could end up costing you double if you have to hire a pro to fix your mistakes.
About the author: Jason Gurskis is a licensed home improvement contractor based in Mystic Island, New Jersey dedicated to making homes more comfortable, durable, and energy efficient.
Published FoxNews.com
How To Select The Most Qualified Home Inspector
Looking to buy a new home?
Buying a place where you will live for many years can fill you with anticipation and excitement. Now you've finally found the home that is just right for you.
You've walked through the place, probably more than once, and everything looks perfect. But this could be the largest investment of your life to date. Is your roof up to par? Do you require window replacement? You need to be sure.
You need a home inspection. Today, it's required by most lenders before the deal is closed, but who do you choose to do it?
Your real estate agent can provide several names for your perusal. Here are some questions to ask when interviewing them.
* Certifications: Check for affiliations such as those from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).
* Experience in building: The inspector has to be able to look at a wall, for example, and know how it's put together. Many home construction features are hidden from view.
* Experience as a home inspector: Check how long he or she has been in the business. Experience, training and insight are required for a thorough inspection.
* Ask to see their typical inspection plan and checklist. It should have space for written details and advice.
* What types of equipment will be used? Cutting-edge inspectors use more than a ladder and flashlight. They may bring electrical circuit analyzers, a carbon monoxide and fuel gas analyzer, a digital moisture meter and a digital camera to document their findings.
The report should contain a detailed picture of the house on the day of the inspection. It should itemize major components and their condition.
It should include a listing of items in need of normal maintenance or attention. And the report must list major repair items, any defect that could present a significant expense to repair and estimated repair costs.
When choosing, don't pick the cheapest inspector. For about $50 more, you could get a more complete picture of the property.
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Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screen rooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.
Buying a place where you will live for many years can fill you with anticipation and excitement. Now you've finally found the home that is just right for you.
You've walked through the place, probably more than once, and everything looks perfect. But this could be the largest investment of your life to date. Is your roof up to par? Do you require window replacement? You need to be sure.
You need a home inspection. Today, it's required by most lenders before the deal is closed, but who do you choose to do it?
Your real estate agent can provide several names for your perusal. Here are some questions to ask when interviewing them.
* Certifications: Check for affiliations such as those from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).
* Experience in building: The inspector has to be able to look at a wall, for example, and know how it's put together. Many home construction features are hidden from view.
* Experience as a home inspector: Check how long he or she has been in the business. Experience, training and insight are required for a thorough inspection.
* Ask to see their typical inspection plan and checklist. It should have space for written details and advice.
* What types of equipment will be used? Cutting-edge inspectors use more than a ladder and flashlight. They may bring electrical circuit analyzers, a carbon monoxide and fuel gas analyzer, a digital moisture meter and a digital camera to document their findings.
The report should contain a detailed picture of the house on the day of the inspection. It should itemize major components and their condition.
It should include a listing of items in need of normal maintenance or attention. And the report must list major repair items, any defect that could present a significant expense to repair and estimated repair costs.
When choosing, don't pick the cheapest inspector. For about $50 more, you could get a more complete picture of the property.
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Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screen rooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.
Majors Home Improvement Ranks 140th in Remodeling’s Top 550 National List
Majors Home Improvement is named for the prestigious distinction of top 550 Replacement Contractors nation-wide.
Pensacola, FL (September 8, 2010) – Majors Home Improvement, a leading Milton, FL-based home improvement company specializing in sunrooms and vinyl replacement windows and doors, has been ranked 140th place among Replacement Contractors in the United States by Remodeling 550 which lists and rates the largest national remodeling and home improvement companies.
Ranking higher on the list than any other replacement contractor or remodeling firm in the Greater Pensacola area, Majors Home Improvement improved seven places over its 2009 ranking of 147th.
“Our primary goal is to create lifelong customers, and this award reflects our commitment to that goal,” said Mike Majors, President of Majors Home Improvement. “Strong customer relationships are the key to promoting growth in a challenging economy. Take care of your customers, and they will take care of you.”
Based on residential remodeling revenue, the Remodeling 550 is a list of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies in the U.S. Data for the 550 is based on a survey jointly developed by Remodeling, its sister publication Replacement Contractor, and Specpan, a consultancy and business data collection provider. Additional information was obtained through survey mailings, phone calls, and public information sources.
About Majors Home Improvement
Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screen rooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.
For more information, visit www.majorshomeimprovement.com
Thinking About New Replacement Windows?
Check out our new Squidoo Page for Window Replacement. We have compiled a list of articles, videos and other pertinent information that may be of interest to you.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Majors Home Improvement Earns High Customer Recommendation Rating In GuildQuality Surveys
Majors Home Improvement, a leading Pensacola door and window replacement contractor who specializes in sunroom construction, has achieved a 99% Customer Recommendation rate through GuildQuality's independent customer surveying and performance rating service.
Pensacola, FL September 1, 2010
Majors Home Improvement, a full service sunroom and vinyl replacement window remodeling contractor in the Greater Pensacola, FL area, has achieved a Customer Recommendation Score of 99% through GuildQuality’s customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting service. The real-time feedback service allows customers to relate their service by giving a thumbs up or down among other satisfaction-oriented criteria. Majors Home Improvement earned the rating after accumulating over 100 completed surveys by phone and email.
“In light of these difficult economic years, it’s reassuring to know that everyone at Majors Home Improvement remains committed to providing an unsurpassed customer service experience,” said Mike Majors, President of Majors Home Improvement. “Happy customers are the lifeblood of our business. Lifelong customers and word of mouth referrals are simply priceless, regardless of the national economic outlook.”
“Majors Home Improvement is known as a leading sunroom builder and window replacement contractor in the region,” said Geoffrey Graham, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GuildQuality. “The company’s track-record and focus on delivering outstanding customer service makes them an ideal fit for our network.”
About Majors Home Improvement
Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screenrooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.
For more information, visit www.majorshomeimprovement.com or contact.
About GuildQuality
GuildQuality provides customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting for over 500 homebuilders, remodelers, and replacement contractors in North America. GuildQuality collects feedback directly from homeowners and reports back to the building professional through a web-based service. GuildQuality achieves a 70% response rate to its surveys, which includes comment-rich qualitative feedback in addition to quantitative ratings.
For more information, visit GuildQuality.
# # #
Pensacola, FL September 1, 2010
Majors Home Improvement, a full service sunroom and vinyl replacement window remodeling contractor in the Greater Pensacola, FL area, has achieved a Customer Recommendation Score of 99% through GuildQuality’s customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting service. The real-time feedback service allows customers to relate their service by giving a thumbs up or down among other satisfaction-oriented criteria. Majors Home Improvement earned the rating after accumulating over 100 completed surveys by phone and email.
“In light of these difficult economic years, it’s reassuring to know that everyone at Majors Home Improvement remains committed to providing an unsurpassed customer service experience,” said Mike Majors, President of Majors Home Improvement. “Happy customers are the lifeblood of our business. Lifelong customers and word of mouth referrals are simply priceless, regardless of the national economic outlook.”
“Majors Home Improvement is known as a leading sunroom builder and window replacement contractor in the region,” said Geoffrey Graham, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GuildQuality. “The company’s track-record and focus on delivering outstanding customer service makes them an ideal fit for our network.”
About Majors Home Improvement
Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screenrooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.
For more information, visit www.majorshomeimprovement.com or contact.
About GuildQuality
GuildQuality provides customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting for over 500 homebuilders, remodelers, and replacement contractors in North America. GuildQuality collects feedback directly from homeowners and reports back to the building professional through a web-based service. GuildQuality achieves a 70% response rate to its surveys, which includes comment-rich qualitative feedback in addition to quantitative ratings.
For more information, visit GuildQuality.
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