Natelli Homes » Exterior Doors http://www.natellihomes.com/blog Our long-term commitment to quality. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:47:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 What’s your preference? http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/11/25/whats-your-preference/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/11/25/whats-your-preference/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:00:09 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=9810 Traditional or what some might call contemporary? Exiting from traditional bay window and round-top window configurations and moving to designs that maximize views from the interior is not typical of the Washington D.C. metropolitan market. I have to admit that the views to the outside through these new Marvin windows and doors are exceptional.

This project caught my eye and the views from the two story family room and the new kitchen bay window are as unique as I have ever seen. The two acre wooded lot in Potomac lends itself to these new Marvin replacement windows.

Like Natelli Homes on Facebook and we will contribute 3 meals to the Capital Area Food Bank!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natelli-Homes/361933342450

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/11/25/whats-your-preference/feed/ 0 Windows for Hunger feeds 4,200 at the Capital Area Food Bank http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/15/windows-for-hunger-feeds-4200-at-the-capital-area-food-bank/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/15/windows-for-hunger-feeds-4200-at-the-capital-area-food-bank/#comments Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:56:15 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=9752

In the month of September alone, the Windows for Hunger campaign by Natelli Homes raised enough for 4,200 meals through the Capital Area Food Bank. We are so encouraged by the success, Natelli is now offering 3 meals to the CAFB for every person that “likes” Natelli Homes on FaceBook.

Please support the Capital Area Food Bank by contacting Natelli Homes if you are considering new windows or exterior doors. The results of having new quality windows and doors by Natelli Homes speaks for itself, but now you can also help others in the metropolitan area who are in significant need.

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/15/windows-for-hunger-feeds-4200-at-the-capital-area-food-bank/feed/ 0 Marvin Windows stand out in a difficult economy http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/07/marvin-windows-stand-out-in-a-difficult-economy/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/07/marvin-windows-stand-out-in-a-difficult-economy/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:53:36 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=9701 In case you missed the New York Times recently, as I did, there was a feature on Marvin Windows that tells the story of this family owned company in our currently challenging economy. The article confirms not only why they are a good employer, but gives me affirmation that their commitment to their employees translates into the exceedingly high quality of their product.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/business/economy/housing-slump-forces-cuts-at-a-small-town-company.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=marvin%20windows&st=Search

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/07/marvin-windows-stand-out-in-a-difficult-economy/feed/ 0 When should windows and doors be replaced? http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/05/when-should-windows-and-doors-be-replaced/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/05/when-should-windows-and-doors-be-replaced/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:21:04 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=8399 Windows are definitely one of the “glass half full / half empty” situations (pun intended). The views, the ambient light and architectual relief windows that windows provide cannot be replaced. Windows let us experience the outside elements without sensing the heat or cold – but how do yours feel?

If your windows are 5 to 10 years old you might start looking at them. Changes in technology for windows and exterior doors have been dramatic in the past decade. There are compelling reasons to consider changing older windows in your home. Consider the following examples.

The photo on the left shows a window with a broken seal. Windows are made with two panes of glass and the air between the two panes acts as an insulator and is often filled with argon gas, which is effectively a super-insulating gas. When the seal fails, the insulating gas is released and air can freely flow in and out of the space between the two panes. This invading air between the panes of glass can contain varying humidity and pressure. The result is what appears to be condensation or clouding between the two panes that cannot be cleaned. The only solution is replacing the entire window.

The photo on the right shows a door jamb with excessive rot. Old and rotten wood parts are often the primary reason to replace windows and exterior doors. Water can easily get into the home causing mold and mildew. One might consider repairing the bottom of the door jamb with a synthetic material but one should determine if any function of the door has been compromised by the rot and water intrusion first.

The most obvious evaluation is simply to feel if there is cold air coming through your windows. Clients say they could see their curtains move on a windy day before we replaced their windows. If you feel that your home is significantly more comfortable when you pull curtains or window treatments over the windows, then you really should consider replacing your doors and windows. All this plus the evident energy savings make replacing your doors and windows an easy decision.

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/05/when-should-windows-and-doors-be-replaced/feed/ 0 Windows for Hunger http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/02/windows-for-hunger-2/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/02/windows-for-hunger-2/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:25:07 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=9605 I am both proud and excited about a campaign Natelli Homes has organized with the Capital Area Food Bank as our focus for the next year.

Hunger is a staggering issue in our community. This condition is an unfortunate and often overlooked result of our country’s economic status. Poverty levels have reached new levels and thousands of people in our area simply don’t have access to appropriate food sources and proper nutrition. The CAFB serves almost 500,000 people each year through its non-profit partners. Surprisingly more than half of the households assisted by their efforts have at least one employed adult and only 5% of the recipients are homeless. Hunger and food insecurity are quickly reaching into households that were previously self-sufficient. Sadly, the numbers of children affected are an increasing component of the statistics.

Natelli Homes hopes to make continuing donations to the Capital Area Food Bank through the installation of replacement windows and doors for our clients. Our “WINDOWS FOR HUNGER” campaign will provide a constant source of funding for the programs at the CAFB. We hope to introduce our clients to the successful efforts made by the Food Bank in our area. There are many ways to contribute to the CAFB, both through volunteering and donations.

I encourage you to learn about the Capital Area Food Bank by visiting their website at www.capitalareafoodbank.org

Please share the attached coupon with anyone who might be interested in assisting the Food Bank when they install new windows or doors in their home. Look for similar opportunities on the Natelli Homes FaceBook page in the near future.

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/10/02/windows-for-hunger-2/feed/ 0 Before & after depicts all that is needed to say http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/23/before-after-shows-all-that-is-needed-to-say/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/23/before-after-shows-all-that-is-needed-to-say/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:09:04 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=8729 “A picture is worth a thousand words”

We have seen and heard this phrase for decades, perhaps centuries, and I really doubt anyone questioned its meaning because it is so obviously true.  Whether conceived by Frederick R. Barnard in the publication, Printer’s Ink, in 1921 or it truly evolved from a Chinese proverb (“a picture is worth ten thousand words”) or perhaps it should be added to the many credits of Confucius, it needs no explanation.

With that in mind, tell me what you think:

Before & After

 Feel free to e-mail me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com or visit our website www.natellihomes.com where valuable coupons will be available through the month of February.

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/23/before-after-shows-all-that-is-needed-to-say/feed/ 0 New windows make for big differences in comfort and aesthetics http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/11/new-windows-make-for-big-differences-in-comfort-and-aesthetics/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/11/new-windows-make-for-big-differences-in-comfort-and-aesthetics/#comments Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:31:34 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=8479 Natelli Homes is finishing a replacement window project in Potomac, MD.  The painters are touching up the new trim and casings and the windows are being cleaned, soon ready for the installation of the window treatments.  I asked the client how things were going.  Without hesitation he said, “I immediately felt the difference”.  The house is measurably warmer in every room.  The cold air whistling through the old french doors is gone and the storm windows filled with bugs and dirt are no where to be seen - the house is quieter, warmer and feels like new.

In this home, rather than install insert windows, we did full replacements because the existing windows were so poorly insulated around the perimeters. We filled the jamb-space with expanding insulation and then applied new trim on all the interior surfaces.  Rather than “picture frame” the windows with casing, we installed proper sills with returns and a back-band on the casing to really make the trim punch.

One of the aesthetic benefits is without a doubt the architectural improvement of the windows.  In the photo on the right, look at how the grilles add significance to the window.  We elected to space the lite opening of each window a bit larger than the standard sizes offered by the manufacturer.  Having larger openings enhances the view but still gives the window the detailing it needs.  The grilles have clean profiles and the arrangement resonates with tradition.  Even the shadows from the muntins add character to the room.

It’s easy to justify replacing windows and doors in a home.  Just make sure you sweat the details or your investment may not reach its full potential.

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com and visit our website at www.natellihomes.com.  We have some on-line coupons available for the month of February.

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/11/new-windows-make-for-big-differences-in-comfort-and-aesthetics/feed/ 0 The architecture of windows http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/07/the-architecture-of-windows/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/07/the-architecture-of-windows/#comments Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:30:21 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=8219 There are many reasons to replace old windows and doors in a home, but the architectural value of windows can’t be overlooked.  Window grilles in particular change and enhance the persona of a home.  Removable grilles can be provided for ease of cleaning,  grilles can be sandwiched between the panes of glass so they provide an apparent division of divided lites, but the most pronounced and historically accurate use of grilles is a permanent application on the inside and the outside of the glass.  This type of grill, also known as “Simulated Divided Lite”, produces the authentic look of a traditional window with milled wood and clad components separating the pieces of glass.  Windows with Simulated Divided Lites are significant, they have appropriate mass and are recognized by any layman as quality products that enhance the character and value of the home.

In this home in Potomac, MD, we installed new JeldWen custom sized clad windows with true divided lites.  The existing windows in the home did not have any grille divisions in the glass.  The window openings were effectively black holes in the facade – the home needed some architectural content.  Including windows with grilles immediately changed the look of the home.  The window openings took on a character;  the grilles added color and visual interest to the front elevation.

Using replacement windows with grilles is an easy but often overlooked change to the home.  We get used to how things are sometimes and need to consider options that may not have been considered before. There is a lot more about the architectural potential of windows that we will cover in a future post such as the size  and layout of the window divisions, the type of grilles to use and even the color, but for now just admire the architectural transformation of this home with the simple addition of grilles in the windows.

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com, where some valuable coupons for bathrooms, kitchens and windows are available for the month of February.

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/02/07/the-architecture-of-windows/feed/ 0 Don’t overlook your front entrance http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/01/21/dont-overlook-your-front-entrance/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/01/21/dont-overlook-your-front-entrance/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:25:52 +0000 BLC http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=7319  Most people enter their homes through the garage; simply press a button in the car and quickly get into the home. It’s simple, effective and we hardly give it a second thought. But the vast majority of the people, even our good friends, usually come to the front door when they visit.   The front door and a covering / portico can be the first impression for a visitor.  Not only are they a measure of the appeal of the home but they provide a needed function by giving shelter from rain and snow.  The covered area lends itself to kicking the elements off our boots and catching our breath after running through a downpour.  Although I don’t have a photo included in this post, one of my favorite views of homes is in the evening when the cone of a downlight or the reflection from a well placed sconce accentuates the architecture of a portico.

Transforming the entrance to a home is not easy.  One needs to consider the existing architecture, overall mass of the home, the owner’s preferences and the materials to be used.   In the example on the left located in Potomac, Md., the home did not have an apparent entrance.  The front door is almost hidden in the fascade and the shrubs block the entrance.  The walkway is not even visible.  Visitors might actually have been confused as to where and how to approach the home.  We all want to feel invited, but in this case a visitor does not know where to start.

Construction on this project was significant but the results speak for themselves.  The driveway was changed from asphalt to pavers, new landscaping was installed, stone knee walls frame the walkway and a new concrete foundation with local flagstone paving was built to support the covered portico with stained rough-sawn cedar posts. 

What results is an architectural invitation and an obvious arrival court.  The materials all complement one other.  The textures of the stone paving lead to a natural expectation of the look and feel of the cedar posts and the copper roof will fade to an earthy patina.  Finally there is a single focus, an obvious arrival point;  the invitation to the home we were always looking for.

Feel free to e-mail me with your questions and comments.  I can be reached at Bob@NatelliHomes.com or visit our website www.natellihomes.com

]]> http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2011/01/21/dont-overlook-your-front-entrance/feed/ 0 Marvin’s window replacement system is hard to beat http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2010/11/13/marvin-window-replacement-system-is-hard-to-beat/ http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/2010/11/13/marvin-window-replacement-system-is-hard-to-beat/#comments Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:58:00 +0000 Bob http://www.natellihomes.com/blog/?p=6919 Full window replacement systems vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Marvin Window’s system using a Kynar jamb extension is a nice way to provide a clean and maintenance free exterior application.

In the photo on the right, the old window has been completely removed and a new Marvin full replacement window has been installed in the opening.  Note how the minimally expanding foam fills the entire cavity between the window frame and the rough opening.  Nothing can get though the gap – not wind, not water nor bugs.

But to cap it off, literally, Marvin has a clean system that snaps into the exterior window frame and butts against the existing brick opening.  This jamb extension using Marvin’s extremely durable extruded aluminum is substantially stronger than roll-form aluminum and features a protective 70% Kynar® 500 paint finish for superior resistance to fading and chalking.  Kynar, in particular resists fading and comes in 19 colors.

I am very impressed with this replacement system from Marvin and encourage anyone who is ready to consider new windows to look at Marvin.

Feel free to contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes.com or visit our website www.natellihomes.com

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