Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Protecting Your Home Before a Storm


When a storm is approaching, it is important to minimize the potential damage that could be caused to your property. Storms can tear the siding off of walls, cause water damage, and injure plants around the yard. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to understand how to prepare for the worst storms, including the installation of high impact windows and doors. Here, we will take a look at three ways to protect your home from some of the worst storms.

1. Protection Against Tornadoes

Homeowners in the United States are often worried about tornado damage. If a tornado strikes, homeowners could be left with a total loss. To prepare for a tornado, homeowners should build an action plan that involves the entire whole family. Homeowners who live in an area with many tornadoes should install shingles that are designed for high winds. It may also be a good idea to install a tornado shelter to protect family members inside of the home.

2. Protection Against Hurricanes

Hurricanes are another common problem experienced by homeowners in the United States. Especially in tropical states, hurricanes can be a real problem that needs to be planned for. Therefore, homeowners in these areas should install windows and doors that are designed to withstand the winds of hurricanes. Companies like All AmericanWindows and Doors can install windows that are less likely to shatter under the force of high winds. By installing these windows, homeowners can rest assured that their property is protected from the damaging effects of a tropical storm. These windows can even increase a property's resale value.

3. Winter Storms

Winter storms can cause pipes to freeze, windows to crack, and indoor temperatures to become uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to ensure that their heating systems are working properly. Before each winter, homeowners should have their heaters professionally inspected to ensure that they will function properly throughout the entire winter season. Homeowners should also take steps to winterize their homes. It may be a good idea to install heating coils on the roof to melt the snow away. Some homeowners even install heating coils under their driveways to melt the snow with less hassle.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient: All American Windows and Doors


Your family will spend most of the time at home. Utility bills can thus add up, especially if you live in a hot climate area like Florida. If you are able to keep the heat out, or as needed, keep the heat in, you can save potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year in energy expenses.

There are many strategies to making your home more energy efficient. The best place to start is with what is most obvious -- adding insulation to your home, especially via the portals of windows and doors. Use caulking or weather stripping to make sure that all your windows and doors are sealed. This keeps cold drafts out of the house, and when warm, keeps your air conditioning from leaking out of the house. All AmericanWindows and Doors can help.

Replacing or revamping your windows also is an important step. Have vinyl frames setup for your windows that are much more resistant to heat transfer. Also, ensure your windows have multiple panes, which allows heat to stay in and keeps cold out. Argon in between the windows acts as an insulator. Also tinting your windows prevents unwanted light, and associated heat, from shining through. Keep control of your heat by ensuring that you have blinds that allow sunlight to come in only when desired.

In addition to windows and doors, there are many other strategies you can implement. Keep your appliances up-to-date with devices with the highest energy ratings. Install a smart home system that automatically turns on and off heaters and air-conditioners based on when they are needed and not needed. Also, add solar panels that allow you to leverage the sun's energy.

There are a large variety of strategies you can employ to save on energy usage. AllAmerican Windows and Doors can help you with some of the basic strategies involved, by manufacturing and setting up windows and doors that allow you to keep your house at optimal temperature without incurring additional energy costs.

As a note, do make sure to take advantage of the tax incentives of energy savings work on your house, which range up to a maximum of $1,500 per year. Good luck on saving on energy costs.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

All American Windows and Doors


Are your windows strong enough to absorb the impact of hurricanes? Homeowners are pleasantly surprised when they uncover this new way to protect their home. Many households in the area are discovering the many benefits in installing highimpact windows for their households. Homeowners in areas prone to storm activity are pleased when they learn of these new windows and doors.

Impressive Fortitude

Windows are tested to meet an impact test in order to be classified in this category. Some are tested using a missile that weighs nine pounds. The missile is lobbed at the window at an impressive 34 miles per hour. The window is required to meet certain performance standards like being able to withstand high wind loads for thousands of cycles.

Advantages of High Impact Windows

High impact windows are good for noise reduction. Outdoor noise like construction, loud music, noisy neighbors, and busy streets can be a nuisance. These windows can eliminate much of the noise pollution in a given area.

Low incidence of burglaries is another advantage of these windows. High impact windows are harder to smash, which makes the house harder to break into by thieves. Thieves can enter a home by smashing the window to gain access since most windows are flimsy. Storm resistant windows are much less likely to shatter with human impact.

Emergency efficient windows lower energy costs. Utility bills are reduced because of the framing and glazing applied to the window. Heat and cold transfer are enhanced with the single-glazed windows. Impact windows offer another level of insulation, which comes in handy during the seasonal changes.

Installing impact windows cuts insurance premiums. Some insurance companies lower the premiums if steps like these are taken to strengthen the structure and reduce the likelihood of severe damage in the event of a storm. Homeowner insurance companies can explain the details of cuts provided for window installation.

Most homeowners in vulnerable areas can benefit from storm damage resistant windows. Capable of withstanding high wind loads, these windows produce savings in multiple areas and protect against burglary. Consider getting them installed during the next renovation, upgrade or replacement service. Contact a representative today to schedule an appointment or visit http://aawimpact.com/ to learn more.