MasterCraftNewEngland.com

Three Important Reasons to Choose Energy Star Window Replacement

ruth — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:22:02 +0000

The one single home improvement that will provide home owners with the greatest benefit in energy savings and comfort is thermal window replacement. You may even qualify for a federal window replacement tax credit up to $1,500 if you choose qualified Energy Star windows and complete this home renovation by the end of 2010. In the Boston and Southshore MA areas where the winter months are brually cold, an investment in Energy Star windows can go a long way towards lowering your heating bill and worthwhile. But you will want to find a reputable and licensed window replacement contractor who can help you to select windows that meet the tax credit requirements while assuring a quality window at the best price. Thbest time to do it is in 2010 when you can take advantage of a federal tax credit up to $1,500 for qualified purchases.

CertainTeed Fibercement Siding: The Most Durable Eco-Friendly Maintenance Free Product that Looks Like Real Wood!

ruth — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:43:10 +0000

There’s a reason why more than one million homes in some of the harshest climates in the US have been beautified with CertainTeed Fibercement siding and backed by an unheard of 50-year limited transfer product warranty!

These eco-friendly patented clapboard siding products look like real wood and won’t rot, crack or delaminate. They are virtually the most resilient siding product on the planet and available in popular and custom colors and texture choices to enhance any style.

MasterCraft is one of only a very few contractors in the Boston and Southshore area licensed to install CertainTeed Clapboard Fibercement Siding. Contact us and request a no obligation quote.

Thermal Energy Star replacement Windows for Comfort, Energy Savings and Tax Credits

ruth — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:13:48 +0000

The one single home improvement that will provide homeowners with the greatest benefit in energy savings and comfort and possibly qualify them for a federal tax credit in 2010 is thermal Energy Star replacement windows. In the Boston and Southshore MA areas where the winter months are brutally cold, an investment in Energy Star windows can go a long way towards lowering your heating bill and keeping you warm and cozy all winter long. Unfortunately, many homeowners are fooled into buying expensive name brand windows or choose bargain deals from big chain home improvement stores that do not use professional window installers. The result is over payment, lower quality windows and/or drafty windows that allow most if not all of the energy savings to escape due to an improper fit. Buyers are wise to compare windows from brand name companies like Anderson and Pella to less known brands like Thermal Industries. When benefits and features are examined, it is clear that the better choice for window replacement is Thermal Industries for quality, price and warrantee period. Settling for bargain specials from home improvement stores is a disaster in the making. Savvy consumers will select a reputable and licensed window replacement contractor in Boston and Southshore who can help them to choose windows that meet the tax credit requirements while assuring a quality window at the best price.

Understanding Energy Star Ratings for Windows

ruth — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:50:18 +0000

Energy Star ratings vary by climate and geographic region. This means that the energy efficiency for a window in a warm climate will not be acceptable for a cold climate. The two measures of energy performance include U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

U-Factor is a rating for the insulation provided by the window. A lower U-Factor represents less heat loss which is particularly important during winter months. Solar heat Gain Coefficient is a measure of the window’s ability to block heat from sunlight. Heat blocking is important during warm weather when keeping a home cooler and making air conditioning more efficient is the goal.

Vinyl replacement windows offer Energy Star high performance insulating glass systems that provide value in pricing, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Many savvy homeowners are taking advantage of up to $1,500 in Energy Star rated window replacement federal tax credits during 2010.

Nationally Advertised Brands Are Not Necessarily Your Best Choice for Energy Efficient Window Replacement

ruth — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:07:29 +0000

Before you pick a nationally advertised brand for your replacement windows, keep in mind that a big advertising budget is not always associated with a quality product. Not only are you paying top dollar for brands like Anderson Renewal, Marvin and Pella (typical costs for each double hung window is $1200 each), but features, functions and quality are not as good as less well known brands. Because Anderson Renewal is the best known among the three leading brands, we will focus on facts about Anderson windows.

The Anderson Renewal promotional brochures promotes three selling points, $1500 tax credit, Fibrex frame and the Smart Sun Low-E 4 glass. Glass and its insulating system make up 80% of a replacement window value in providing energy savings and warmth benefits in your home. But the important “warm values” such as the U-value and R-factors are not even mentioned in the Anderson Renewal literature. Anderson’s Fibrex frame, although innovative, is warranteed for only 10 years and the glass is warranteed to be free from “defects in manufacturing” for only 20 years. Anderson brochures are smart and professional but a smart consumer will be looking for the R-factors, U values, NFRC ratings, AAMA structural tests and warranties.

At MasterCraft, we look out for your best interest when it comes to replacement windows. Our windows are every bit as beautiful as Anderson but when you compare our feature list against Anderson, you will see the benefit in choosing MasterCraft replacement windows everytime. See how we compare with Anderson windows below:

Features	MasterCraft Windows	Anderson Windows
Factory warranty certificate	Yes	Yes
Federal tax credit	Yes	Yes
Green approved	Yes	Yes
Energy star approved	Yes	Yes
Licensed trained installers	Yes	Yes
Insured	Yes	Yes
Referrals	Yes	?
Typical job	1 day	1 day
Warranty period glass	* limited lifetime (any failure)	20 years from manf. defect
Warranty period frame	*limited lifetime	10 years
Custom sizes available	Made to the 1/16″ of an inch	not stated
Glass insulating System-intercept & Superspacer	Yes	?
Insulated frame	Yes	?
Total U value rating	**U.019	not stated
Typical installed cost Double hung	$400-$600 / window	$1200 / window
* to the original homeowner **among the lowest/warmest values in the entire industry

*A study of identical homes comparing Low-E4® glass with ordinary dual-pane glass showed a 25% savings on cooling bills and 10% on heating with ordinary dual-pane glass. Savings may vary geographically.

MasterCraft can assist you with Thermal Industries window and patio door replacement that will save you a bundle on window costs and installation while maximizing your comfort and reducing your energy bills for years to come. MasterCraft can also assist you in the selection of qualified products that may allow you to receive a federal tax credit up to $1500 in 2010.

Certified Lead Removal Contractors in Boston Prevent Toxic Lead Exposure During Home Improvements

ruth — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:46:02 +0000

Exposure to lead has been proven to cause physical and mental retardation in children and nerve damage in adults. Those with a high risk of toxic exposure are families living in homes build before 1978 which most likely used lead-based paint during construction.

To protect children and adults from these health hazards, the Environmental Protection Agency will make the Renovation, Repair, & Painting (RRP) Lead Law effective on April 22, 1010. As such, only EPA certified lead removal renovation, repair, and painting contractors should be hired for any home improvements.

Despite the fact that lead removal home improvement contractors in Boston may be hard to find, it is essential to find one in the area rather than risk the health of your family. Home remodeling and repairs need not risk the health of the family if we are vigilant in looking for those with the knowledge and expertise in lead removal.

MasterCraft is one of a very few EPA certifed lead removal companies for safely containing lead during renovations to properties in the Boston and South Shore MA area.

How Home Improvement Bargains Can Cost You More

ruth — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:27:20 +0000

With so many products advertised on TV, promoted by telemarketers with their high pressure sales and bargains at your local home improvement store, it can get very confusing when it comes to making home improvement choices. Do you know that bargain products actually compromise quality and cost you more in the long term?

When installation is part of the package, it is often performed by a poorly trained and unstable workforce rather than a skilled and experienced licensed and insured contractor. This alone can cause you to lose all of your savings and product energy efficiency benefits. A licensed and insured home improvement specialist contractor is your best and safest way to get the best quality products that actually save money, energy and stress.