REPLACING YOUR OLD WOOD DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWSWritten by John Rocco
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So, now you have measurements and it's time to go shopping. What should you look for to know you're getting quality windows? A top quality double hung replacement window will have tilt-in sashes that allow you to clean outside glass from inside home. All double hung windows have a mechanism that keeps window in open position. The better windows use a state of art mechanism known as a constant force balance coil. All replacement windows will have double glazing, meaning there will be two panes of glass in each sash separated by a 1/2"-5/8" spacer material around edge of unit. A quality window will use an intercept spacer or something called a super spacer. Find out U-Value of window. The lower number, better insulating properties. You want a window with a U-Value under .40. There is a special glass called LowE that will lower that U-Value number. In fact, most quality windows include LowE as standard. Those are main things to ask about when window shopping. On opposite end of quality spectrum, you can buy an economical replacement window that will not have tilt-in feature.The mechanism that holds window open will consist of a block and tackle assembly made up of a spring and string. Another mechanism in lower quality windows is called a spiral tube balance. These lesser grade assemblies are notorious for failing after 5-10 years. The spacer material used on lower quality windows will be aluminum or something called swiggle seal. And many times U-Value of these lower grade windows will be up around .50. The thing to remember is that a window that uses a super spacer more than likely isnt going to use a block and tackle balance system. It would be like buying a new car with leather interior and no power window and door locks. Follow those guidelines and you will have a good idea what quality you are buying. Once you make decision and purchase your windows, it's time to get them home and take out your old windows. Next week I will tell you how to remove old wood windows. John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978 To learn more, visit http://www.vinylwindowsforless.com
John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978 To learn more, visit http://www.vinylwindowsforless.com
| | What to Know Before Signing a Home Improvement ContractWritten by Susan Chana Lask, Esq.
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a consumer protection law is New York’s General Business Law §771 ("GBL") requiring all home improvement contracts shall be in writing and contain certain terms of payment, fees for services and materials and start and completion dates, among other terms. GBL §771 is a consumer protection statute to prevent misunderstandings between contractor had consumer and to protect consumer from overreaching of contractor, such as charging for work that was not agreed upon. GBL §771 limits contractor who disregards its written contract requirements to satisfactorily proving to a court each and every item of work he did and reasonable value of each item by detailed invoices, timesheets and proof of hourly rates, among other proofs. So, if contractor who failed to put your home improvement work in writing attempts to collect $20,000.00 from you, he has to prove value of his services in detail before scaring you into paying an amount you had no idea about. New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act and Home Improvement Act protect consumer even more by denying contractor from recovering any monies if he violates any of consumer laws AND he will pay three times amount of damages (called treble damages) to consumer for his failing to obtain proper permits or licenses or any other violation of those laws. Lastly, protect yourself by not paying 100% upfront. Most contracting companies ask for a deposit upon your signing contract. I suggest that you put down as little as possible and arrange a payment schedule with company where you will pay a certain amount as certain work is completed. Of course, always get a receipt, signed by company and stating date and amount of any monies paid to company if you pay anything in cash. This article is certainly not all inclusive and is intended only as a brief explanation of legal issue presented. Not all cases are alike and it is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney if you have any questions with respect to any legal matters. Any questions and/or comments with respect to this topic or any other topic, contact: http://www.appellate-brief.com Law Offices of Susan Chana Lask 853 Broadway, Suite 1516 New York, NY 10003 (212) 358-5762 Susan Chana Lask, Esq. c 2004
Susan Chana lask is a New york attorney named by the media as "High-Powered", she practice sin all state, appellate and federal Courts nationwide handling civil & crimnal cases.
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