Changing a home from old Andersen windows to new energy-efficient Eagle windows makes a huge difference to a home in Rockville, MD. Removing the aluminum siding and installing HardiePlank lap siding by James Hardie combined with the Eagle window replacements makes an even larger energy tranformation for the homeowner.  After removing the old aluminum siding, Natelli installed Tyvek house wrap and Vikor window flashing making for a weaterproof and long-lasting installation.  It is easy to justify investing in energy efficient renovations with new windows, Tyvek house wrap and long-lasting HardiePlank siding. V5JM8766KNMV

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Without a doubt the most effective and efficient way to improve your windows is the full replacement process.  Many replacement window companies offer insert windows, which are generally less expensive, but don't offer the full range of energy efficiency as full replacement windows do.  While Natelli Homes does offer insert windows, we much prefer to replace the entire window frame and re-insulate around the entire window, just as it would be installed in one of our renovations or new homes.  Just evaluate the insulation that is injected around this Eagle full replacement window before the new clad brick mould and shutter is applied - it's not hard to see and understand why this is so much more effective.  You won't get this type of installation in the insert replacement window process.  Our Marvin window replacement process offers the same energy efficiency.

Contact Natelli Homes for all your window replacement needs.

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We had quite a challenge on this modification to a bedroom wall in Potomac, MD.  Removing the
existing windows, brick veneer and wall structure was detailed enough but installing a steel moment frame and then perfectly fitting combinations of new Marvin casement windows, awning windows and picture windows raised the bar quite a bit.

 

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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"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

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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.

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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.

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 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  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit our website www.natellihomes.com

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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.

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and tagged with Windows, Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Details, Energy Efficiency, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

 

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"Just do it!" - a notable trademark of Nike that catches everyones eye.  I always wanted to make tee-shirts for my employees that said, "Just do it right!"  I paused for fear of trademark infringement, but still like the message.  I am confident that our team thinks that way, even though we don't have the tee-shirts.

In the case of replacing a dormer window, it would have been easy to plug the new window in and consider the job done, but that would have been a huge disservice to our client.  The trim around the window was rotting and the siding was all but deteriorated.  I wonder how much water was getting into the home through the trim and siding alone.

We chose to remove everything, down to the exterior sheathing so we could observe the flashing and ensure that the dormers were flashed, sealed and water and air infiltration were managed properly.

The new finished product assures our client of a weather-proof installation that will stand the test of time.  We used synthetic exterior millwork, 70% Kynar 500® cladding on the Marvin Windows and a cement based siding on the sides of the dormer. The Kynar cladding from Marvin Windows and Doors comes with a 20 year warranty.  The synthetic trim and cement siding takes paint well and resists rot and deterioration for years to come.  The future maintenance requirements will be minimal.

Always look at the bigger picture and don't cut corners on a significant investment such as window replacements.  Find a contractor that is familiar with the best products and procedures in your marketplace.  Evaluating all the issues for a client up front is a detail that can't be overlooked.

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Take a walk around the outside of your home this weekend.  This is a great time of the year to replace your old rotting windows.  It's pretty easy to find the problems.

Look for peeling paint in the corners of the windows, obviously rotted wood parts and glass that has clouded over.  Glass that is clouded indicates that the seal has failed , a common issue with older windows.

One of the more interesting problems that occurs with windows is the result of the a carpenter bee commonly known as the wood borer.  Carpenter bees don't actually eat the wood but bore holes for their nests.  The resulting holes are surprisingly large.  If cracks and holes are not filled, water can enter these holes and freeze in the wood. The expansion properties of the ice will cause further deterioration of the wood parts and the window will be in much worse shape the following spring.  If your windows look like any in these photos, they should probably be replaced altogether.

A few minutes of observation now will identify these problems before you are faced with dealing with them in the cold of winter.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail - Benjamin Franklin

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If you are considering replacing the windows and exterior doors in your home, make sure you carefully evaluate your investment.  New windows and doors can be one of the most significant energy efficiency improvements one can make in a home.  The current tax credits add additional incentive and the investment can arguably break even in a reasonable number of years.  All this plus the additional comfort you notice in your home on a daily basis is enough to pick up the phone and call one of the many window replacement firms in the Washington, D.C. market.

Many window companies offer replacement kits, sash packs or inserts.  These solutions may appear to be good values and offer less disturbance to the existing interior spaces but consider what you are missing.  If one leaves the old existing frame in the opening and just installs new sashes with a frame insert kit, think again about the quality and true energy efficiency of your investment.  A tremendous amount of air enters around the frame of a window, especially in older homes.  There is very little insulation, if any, around older windows and air and water can still enter the home even with a new sash or insert kit.

Look at the adjacent photos of existing windows in a home.  There is significant mold, water intrusion, air penetrating the home and even bug and ant nests.  If one used insert windows or a sash kit, these conditions would still be there unbeknownst to the home owner.  After a significant investment in new windows, wouldn't you be shocked and disappointed to know these issues were still there!

There is really only one way to properly replace a window.  Replace the entire window and frame - PERIOD.  No inserts, no sash packs, no cutting corners to save anything existing.

Compare this photo of a properly flashed and weatherized new Marvin window and frame to those examples above.  Vikor adhesive flashing is wrapped from the outside sheathing into the opening preventing water intrusion.  Expansive foam has been injected between the window jamb and rough opening. This foam completely blocks air and pests from invading the home.  The foam will be trimmed flush with the window frame prior to the finished trim installation.

Which would you want in your home?  A sash pack or insert window kit which does not address significant existing issues around the window frame or a weather-tight, pest free installation that protects your investment?  The answer is pretty clear to me.

Feel free to e-mail me with your questions and comments.  I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website www.natellihomes.com.

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It must be hard for a consumer to decide how to select replacement windows or windows for a new home.  How do you start, where do you start and who do you trust for such an important investment?  All the manufacturers claim high efficiency glass, tax incentives and new and improved technologies.  In my career at Natelli Homes, which is going on 25 years in residential construction, the window and door industry has grown and improved the most.  The standards for all the major manufacturers are so much improved that I would venture to state that there are arguable financial and performance benefits to replacing windows that are only 10 years old.

Windows and exterior doors are the biggest contributors to heat and energy loss in a home.  People notice it more in the winter when we can feel the cold spots and drafts around windows and doors, but imagine how much is also lost in the summer when we are not quite as sensitive.  Poor performing windows and exterior doors contribute to an immeasurable amount of energy loss in our world.

Again, where does one start?  You might start with the U-value of a window which is a measurement of 4 combined ways windows lose heat.  This is a standard by which a homeowner can evaluate the performance of manufacturers on an even playing field.  Simply put, the U-value of a window combines the heat loss of a window through (1) radiation, (2) convection, (3) air leakage and (4) conduction.  The lower the U-value the better performing the window is.

I found a great sketch in an article by Paul Fisette in Fine Homebuilding.  Paul Fisette is director of the Building Materials Technology and Management Program at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA (www.umass.edu/bmatwt). Chart information courtesy of W. W. Norton & Co. Inc., except where noted. Photo: Brian Vanden Brink; drawings: Dan Thornton.

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Natelli Homes recently completed a full window replacement, also called a full tear-out, on a home with a Mansard slate roof.  This was particular difficult because a Mansard roof-line flares out at the bottom of the window, which allows significant potential issues with water and air infiltration.  If not done properly, water could easily get in the bottom of the window beneath the sill and cause leaks in the home below the windows.

As you can see in the photos, the existing windows were old aluminum frames which conducted large amounts of cold air into the room.  These older aluminum windows with single pane glass are an enormous source of heat and energy loss in the home.  I expect the client to feel an immediate difference in the temperature of the room.

We installed Jeld-Wen premium siteline EX windows with Dual Low-E Argon gas.  This is a window with a U-value of 0.30 compared to maybe 1.5 or more for the old single pane aluminum framed windows.  In layman's terms the new windows will improve energy efficiency by 5 times plus the improvements in the installation methods which adds another level of energy savings which cannot be quantified, but may be equally significant.

We worked carefully with the client's roofer to ensure the windows were flashed and water was properly mitigated.

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