Give the door a hand....

   

OK ….. So is it a Left Hand swing or a Right Hand swing? …….. Hmmmmm!
You’ll need to know this when ordering a pre-hung door (interior or exterior) and sometimes when ordering hardware for your existing door. So how do you tell the difference? Here is the easiest way.

Picture yourself standing on the side of the door as if you were going to pull the door towards you to open it. If the knob is on the right…then it’s a “Right Hand” door. If the knob is on the left then it’s a “Left Hand” door. Same is true regardless if it’s a single door or a double door. The handing is the same. This drawing should help.


The same is also true for exterior doors, except we add the words “In Swing “ or “ Out Swing “ to the description.

If you’re standing inside and pulling the door towards you and the knob is on the right, then it is a “Right Hand In Swing.” If you’re standing outside and pulling the door towards you ( out of the house ) and the knob is on the right, then it is a “Right Hand Out Swing.” The same holds true for double doors. This drawing should help

OK….Well I hope this makes it easier to understand the difference between “Left Hand “ and “Right Hand” swings.

Have a good one,  Rich

Top 10 Home Trends of 2012

Each year, around the time of the International Builders Show, Marvin Windows and Doors compiles a list of the top trends in home building and design. These compilations tend to be among the more popular posts we share throughout the year, so without further ado, here are our top 10 home trends for 2012.

 

1. Energy efficiency: Americans are looking for superior energy efficiency in every important feature of their home. ENERGYSTAR-rated windows, high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners, quality attic insulation – they’ll all save money and make the home more comfortable year-round. Marvin offers more energy-efficient window options than any other manufacturer, including a new Tripane with Krypton gas option. It’s our most energy-efficient solution.
2. High quality, high function: Today’s homeowners want items that not only look good, but perform flawlessly. Fit, finish and smooth operation are essential – whether it’s a refrigerator, a sofa or
   a window. Consumers want both beauty and practicality. Marvin’s new Ultimate Glider is a complete re-engineering of a classic window style that combines elegant simplicity with tough performance.
3. Not-so-big living: Architect Sarah Susanka first proposed this idea more than a decade ago, and it’s been spreading ever since. The not-so-big house is carefully planned for the owner’s needs, not designed to impress others. Investing in high-quality components and finishes for the home offers more lasting value than paying for poorly used square footage.
4. Renovation nation: Americans are putting down roots; we’re moving less than at any time since World War II. Instead of moving, we’re staying in our homes longer and renovating the living spaces to fit our lifestyle. New kitchens, new windows, reconfigured living spaces – they’re all part of creating a home “built around you.”
5. Let the sunshine in: Screened porches, sun rooms and window walls – they’re all
   geared toward bringing the outdoors in. And with modern, energy-efficient windows and patio doors, there’s no penalty in comfort or energy efficiency.
6. Keeping it simple: Clean, simple lines are the order of the day.
   Furniture, tile, moldings, backsplashes, appliances – the less fussy, the better.
7. Make room for family: With multiple generations living under one roof more often these days, more Americans are making the house accommodate the extended family. In-law suites, bedroom additions and basement makeovers (including egress windows) are becoming more popular.
8. Aging in place and universal design: Older Americans not living with their children want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. That means universal design that allows them to age in place. Easy-opening windows, large showers with benches and grab bars, lower countertops – all help make homes more accessible and comfortable for older residents.
9. Indoor/outdoor living: Americans love the easygoing back-and-forth between
   their kitchen and a deck or patio. It makes entertaining easier and makes the house live larger. A quality patio
   door is a must for these high-traffic areas.
10. Lighter and brighter: Lighter colors and natural light make a home feel cheerful and energizing. “Daylighting” – using windows to bring in as much natural light as possible – also can help lower energy bills.

Take Advantage of 2011 Tax Credit

Hi Everyone……Happy 2012!

Confused by the 2011 Energy Tax Credit? Me too, but here is what I found on line that might help.

It was part of an article posted on   “ 20 Something Finance “ here is the link … http://20somethingfinance.com/2011-energy-tax-credits/

Energy Tax Credits Extended but Reduced in 2011

by G.E. Miller on January 10, 2011

Energy Tax Credit Changes in 2011

There is a home Energy Tax Credit this year, it’s just not half what it used to be. Literally. The 2009 and 2010 Energy Tax Credits were very generous as they were part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, and were created to help spur the economy through people making home upgrades to get the credits. These tax credits were actually extended as part of the Obama tax cut deal.

• The 2011 Energy Tax Credit amount: drops to 10% of a project and $500 max. For comparison, last year’s credit capped out at 30% of a project up to a max of $1,500.
• Energy Star window tax credit: up to $200 maximum.
• Water heater tax credit (includes electric, natural gas, propane, or oil): up to $300 maximum.
• Air conditioner tax credit: up to $300 maximum.
• Insulation, doors, and roof credits: up to the $500 cap.
• Furnace tax credit (includes natural gas, propane, oil, or hot water): $150 maximum. Efficiency must be 95% (up from 90% before the extension).

The big kicker: If you’ve already taken advantage of the Energy Tax Credit, whatever you claimed in the past counts against the $500 in 2011.

Before you buy anything, make sure your product qualifies for the credit and verify how much credit you will receive.

Anyway….Hope this helps and I wish Happy 2012 to everyone, hope this year is a good year for all of us.

Rich Vincent

 

New Product

VERSAWRAP

- Install thin furring strips or shims to the structural column at the top, middle and bottom making sure the outside dimension of the furring strips are no larger than the inside dimensions of the column wrap. - Apply Weld-On 705, Christy’s Red Hot, Trim Tight or any PVC glue into the four joints using a plastic squeeze bottle with a thin plastic nozzle applicator. Remember to apply the adhesive to only one joint surface. - Once the glue is places in the VERSAWRAP joints, placed it around the post or column pushing the miter tongue and groove joint together. Secure the wraps to the post or column with stainless steel nails or screws. - Remove the joint tape no more than 4 hours after bonding the last joint. Leaving the tape on the column wrap and exposed to the UV rays of the sun will make it difficult to remove and could leave adhesive residue on the face of the wrap. - If specified, install base/cap wraps and moulding trim to complete VERSAWRAP column wrap.

Tips when Installing VERSAWRAP

- Use a plastic squeeze bottle with a thin, tapered nozzle applicator like a ktechup bottle. Apply adhesive to only one surface of mitered joint. - Use a soft rubber mallet or dead blow hammer to close the tongue and groove friction lock joint. - To remove the tape, pull it, away from the top before you start to pull it down the column. - Remove the tape from the joints in 4 hours or less.

~ Taken from VERSATEX website; www.versatex.com on 11/16/2011

Thank YOU!

Thank you Marvin and all atendees for a great end of the season cookout!