Valley Home Finder November/December 2015

WINDOW REPLACEMENT See page 14 for more information

PROPERTIES IN SAN JOAQUIN, FOOTHILLS AND SIERRA

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By Barbara Ballinger CTW Features

It may not be as sexy as redoing your master bathroom or installing a media center, but replacing your windows should rank high on your list of to-do projects, if you’ve got old, unattractive and inefficient glazing.

Window replacement offers a high payback. Remodeling magazine says that nearly 90 percent of the average cost to replace 20 double-hung windows – $9,684 – can be recouped when you go to sale.

Moreover, if you pick wisely, the new

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windows should lower air-conditioning and heating bills.

While it’s easy to know when a refrigerator conks out and can’t be resuscitated, many homeowners find it tougher to recognize when it’s time to replace windows. The following red flags indicate that it’s time, according to Bill Lazor, senior product manager of Simonton Windows, a manufacturer of vinyl retrofit and new windows in Parkersburg, W.Va., and Stanford Blanck, vice president of Wallside Windows Corp. in Taylor, Mich., which manufactures, installs and services windows:

• Rooms felt draftier last winter and frost appeared on the inside panes.

• Air is entering around windows.

• Areas of light are visible around window perimeters, indicating seal failure and energy loss.

• Rooms don’t stay as warm when the heat is on.

• Areas on rugs and furnishings show signs of burn out where the sun’s ultraviolet rays caused fading.

• Windows no longer open or close easily.

• Windows show signs of rotted wood.

• Windows are single rather than doublepane.

How to Winterize Your Windows

Be it improving cosmetics or energy efficiency, keep these tips in mind before the cold hits

The long and short of it: Take time to understand the latest technological and design advancements in windows, so you select what’s right stylistically for your home, plus your climate, maintenance tolerance and budget.

• Windows haven’t been replaced in 20 years, the typical lifespan.

• The aesthetics of the windows no longer appeal.

St. Louis homeowner Bobbi Marten decided to replace 18 windows in her 55-year-old home for some of those reasons. Her windows were drafty in the winter, and her windows offered no UV protection, so furniture and rugs faded.

But she also made the decision because she anticipates higher heating costs this winter and wanted to take advantage of the government tax credit for an energyefficient choice.

Once you make the decision to replace, know that not all new windows are created equally. Take time to understand the latest technological and design advancements, so you select what’s right stylistically for your home, plus your climate, maintenance tolerance and budget.

Marten, for instance, was very concerned about getting quality windows, so she asked a reputable builder and remodeler for recommendations about brands, then consulted with an architect about style choice. Following are more considerations: • Style is important because it affects

curb appeal. If you own a traditional brick home, as Marten does, you – and future buyers – probably want to stay with simulated or true divided-light windows, says Chicago architect Allan J. Grant. A modern home would suggest windows without divisions unless you desire a Prairie influence, he says.

• When it comes to climate, vinyl is one good choice for cold or warm regions because it insulates well, says Lazor.

Wood also is a good choice, Blanck says.

And Brian Hedlund, product marketing manager for vinyl and aluminum windows

see Windows, page 19

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Windows, continued from page 15

at Jeld-Wen Inc., a window and door manufacturer in Klamath Falls, Ore., adds fiberglass or composite materials into the to-use list. If you’re in a hurricane-prone area, consider impact-resistant glass, which is similar to what you find in an auto’s windshield, Lazor says. But be prepared – it’s costly.

• Energy efficiency is an important consideration because of rising heating and cooling costs and because more design professionals are thinking “green.” To get started, understand that the U-factor measures the rate of heat loss through a product and Solar Heat Gain calculates the rate of heat gain, says Hedlund.

An energy-efficient window will have fusion-welded corners (if vinyl), be insulated (or with double panes), have low-emittance glass with argon, and come with an Energy-Star qualification,

a Good-Housekeeping type of approval.

Well-made windows also can offer sound absorption.

• Installation and servicing are important because they affect windows’ look, performance and longevity, Blanck says. “You can buy a great window, only to have it horribly installed,” he says. Make sure an installer follows manufacturer’s recommended instructions, Hedlund says.

Marten selected a company that was both the manufacturer and installer.

• Factor in how much maintenance you want to undertake. Wood requires regular painting or staining, though many wood windows now have aluminum cladding so they don’t needed to be painted as often, says Hedlund. Other low maintenance choices include vinyl, composite, fiberglass and steel.

• Don’t neglect asking about warranties, though they’re only as good as they company that offers them, says Hedlund. “Go with a reputable company and read fine print. We provide skilled labor necessary to replace or repair window defects,” he says.

• As you compare prices, don’t base your choice solely on cost. “Price is important, but it’s not the most important thing,” Lazor says.

But also remember that you often get what you pay for. Some brands have higher recognition not just because of marketing and advertising dollars but because they offer a superior product, says Grant. Marten went with Marvin Window & Door Company for that reason.

• Can you buy a window with too many bells and whistles? Yes, says Lazor. “We make a triple-glazed product that would be good if you’re

in Maine or Minneapolis, but if you’re in Georgia you might not need it,” he says.

While it’s tough to provide an average price because of various options, Blanck says a typical quality window with installation might run $300 to $400. Lazor puts the figure more at $500 to $700.

For more information to compare energy performance, go to the National Fenestration Rating Council’s Web site at www.nfrc.org. © CTW Features

credit: Andersen Windows

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Light Your Fire A roaring fireplace is one of winter’s most enduring images.

But what warms the hearth may not always be good for the environment – here’s a look at eco-friendly fireplace options.

By Margaret Littman CTW Features

It may look pretty, but according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average emissions of fine particles into the air from one of the 22 million

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fireplaces in the United States are far greater (as much as 20 times greater) than those from a wood-burning stove, pellet stove, or oil or gas furnace. That kind of mucks up the romantic view, doesn’t it?

Not only do those fine particles go up the chimney and into the air outside,

but depending on your fireplace and your flue, they are also circulated in the air inside your home. And all that polluting isn’t even for a good cause. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the conventional open front-style fireplace is just 10-percent efficient at turning

iStockphoto

wood into warmth-providing energy. But you don’t have to eschew the beauty of a crackling fire in order to go green.

Like practically everything else, there are eco-friendly options in the fireplace market these days that look good, do the job, yet manage to minimize their impact on the environment. And, as some communities are now restricting or banning wood burning, these options look that much more attractive.

Image courtesy of FireCrystals

Glass One of the most striking alternatives to a wood-burning fire is using colored tempered glass pieces. Colored squares or ovals of tempered glass chosen to fit your décor (along with a burner) directly replace gas or wood logs.

When the fire is ignited, the tempered glass can withstand heat, retain its color over time, yet does not emit any carbon toxins, explains Anne Stegall, vice president of marketing for FireCrystals, a Paso Robles, Calif.-based company. Fires in a fireplace with glass do not get quite as hot as an open wood fire.

It would be hard to roast marshmallows over a fire with tempered glass, Stegall says. But the glass, also sold through companies like Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.-based Aquatic Glassel, can be used

indoors or in outdoor fire pits, and is still effective in warding off the winter chill.

Denatured ethanol Just as clean-burning ethanol has become a option for fueling automobiles, at least in part, so, too, is it a possible substitute for gas or wood logs.

An Australia-based firm called The Fire Co., makes EcoSmart Fire, one of the denatured ethanol fireplaces sold in the United States.

Interior designers like it because it does not require a flue, meaning it can be placed anywhere in the room, and can be built in different sizes and shapes, even in pieces of furniture such as coffee tables.

Some critics, however, think the chemicals added to the ethanol during production reduce the eco-friendly aspect somewhat.

Faux logs These are not your grandmother’s silly-looking ceramic, fake logs.

Today, alternatives to wood-burning, such as those from Pine Mountain, are made of renewable resources that release up to 80-percent fewer emissions than

regular wood when burned. Options include logs made from non-petroleum natural wax, recycled sawdust and even spent coffee beans.

Not only does this mean less carbon monoxide and residue in the air, but less creosote build-up on the walls of your chimney, making the fireplace easier to clean. The Java-Log, which sells for approximately $2-$4 at hardware stores, grocery stores and other neighborhood retailers, has a distinct, woodsy smell, but does not make your living room smell like a Starbucks. Other options include logs made of soy and switchgrass.

The virtual solution If even these options include too many open flames for you, opt for the Ambient Fire or other DVDs for approximately $15 that allow you to display a cozy fireplace roaring on your TV screen.

Of course, while they do not emit toxins, they also do not give off heat and aren’t that good for late-winter snuggling.

But, you never have to bother to stoke the fire.

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If you already have a non-green fireplace in your house, don’t despair. You can convert existing fireplaces to one of the options above. Depending on which you choose, you may be able to do it yourself, or you can have a qualified installer do the switch. In some areas, your local natural gas or electric utility can help you upgrade equipment for a small fee. © CTW Features

Safety First Whether your fireplace is green or red, it still is a hot bed of flames that needs to be managed carefully.

Consider the United States Fire Administration’s list of tips for keeping safe near your fireplace:

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• Call a chimney sweep or inspector to look at your chimney before you light up for the season.

• Only use a metal mesh screen in front of a fireplace. Glass doors should remain open while a fire burns.

• They may look nice, but don’t leave decorations and flammable materials, such as holiday cards or stockings, near the open fire.

• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves and fireplaces. © CTW Features

New Rules, New Tools for Mortgage Shoppers The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau introduces new online tools to guide consumers through recent changes in mortgage documentation.

By Carley Lintz CTW Features

For many years, securing a mortgage for your dream home was a high-stress process involving a lot of paperwork.

It still can be stressful, but now, at least, there’s a lot less paperwork, thanks to a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

It used to be that under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures and Truth in Lending Acts required multiple forms to be distributed to borrowers at several different time points to inform them of the costs and terms of the mortgage.

However, these forms contained overlapping information in inconsistent formats, making it challenging for consumers to comprehend the important details they need to make good financial decisions.

The new rule from the CFPB – called the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule, which went into effect October 3– helps remedy the problem by combining four existing disclosure documents into two forms: • A loan estimate, which will have to be delivered within three business days of receiving the borrower’s loan application • A closing disclosure, which the consumer must receive at least three business days before the transaction is completed.

The new TRID rule is one of the most significant changes to the home mortgage industry in decades, streamlining the

mortgage system and making it more comprehensive. The loan estimate form allows consumers to comparison shop between loans, while the closing disclosure includes the final transaction.

Along with the TRID rule, the Bureau also released a new set of online tools as part of its Know Before You Owe initiative to help consumers better navigate the mortgage process, including measures to help homebuyers choose the best loan option and prevent costly, lastminute surprises when closing.

“Our new mortgage forms reduce the information gap between lenders and consumers, shedding light on a process that often feels like a mystery,” CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a statement. “It is time consumers have more power in the mortgage process, and our new forms and online tools will help make that a reality.”

Among the CFPB’s new “Owning a Home” tools: • Step-by-step guide to mortgage milestones: The “Owning a Home” website is broken down into four different phases the mortgage process – “Prepare to Shop,” “Explore loan choices,” “Compare loan offers” and “Get ready to close.” Each section includes goals, recommended actions and tips to help consumers with important decisions through the mortgage process.

• Mortgage payment worksheet: This tool allows homebuyers to look at their monthly finances, including debts, savings and living expenses, to estimate

how much they can afford on a mortgage.

Consumers also can use tools to explore loan interest rates to make sure they’re getting the best deal.

• Interactive sample of the new TRID forms: The site also features interactive versions of the new loan estimate and closing disclosure forms. This tool provides descriptions and definitions of terms homebuyers might not understand and highlights key areas of concern. It also allows consumers to review their own transactions and make sure all the numbers check out.

In addition to these recently released tools, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also offers a “Your Home Loan Toolkit,” a booklet of conversation prompts and worksheets, a housing counselor locator and a guide for real estate professionals to ensure easy and ontime closures.

“Owning a Home” tools and additional information about TRID and mortgage loans can be found at www.consumerfinance.gov. © CTW Features

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