What Are French Doors?

Posted on April 22, 2012 by admin

If you are in the market for a different type of door for your new home or just want to replace your old, drafty doors with more energy efficient ones, consider purchasing French Doors that come in a large number of options.

French doors originated in France during the later part of the Renaissance period. Ever since then they have grown in popularity and can be seen in many homes and buildings today in both the United States and Europe. They are made of rectangular or square individual pieces of glass. Divided lite is the traditional style where each glass square is surrounded by a hardwood border. French doors let a lot of natural light into your home due to their design.

The Benefits of French Doors:

In addition to brightening up the rooms in your home with natural sunlight, French doors are beneficial in a couple different ways:

Appearance:  French doors have a diverse appearance that can enhance the look of any room. French doors can also make rooms seem more spacious because they let in a lot of natural light.

Style: no matter what kind of home you have, French doors are a viable option. They complement any room, from living rooms and dining rooms to kitchens and sunrooms.

Value: not only are French doors attractive, but they can increase the resale value of your home.

The View: French doors provide unobstructed views. Since they are made of mostly glass, they are great for highlighting gardens and other beautiful landscapes.

If you want French doors for your home contact Roman and Sons to see how we can help you choose the best doors for your home. We offer doors and door products, such as hardware and different types of glass from top manufacturers in the industry.

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Maintaining Your Windows Year Around

Posted on March 18, 2012 by admin

Maintaining the windows in your home is not only easy, but can save you money on future heating, cooling, and repair work. Here are some tips to follow depending on the type of window you have:

For Metal or Vinyl Frame Windows…

Begin by visually inspecting the window and frames. Make sure the rubber seals which hold the glass in place, have not deteriorated to avoid any air or water leak. You will need to call a professional to remove the window when repairing the rubber seal. Also, check for any cracked or broken glass.

If you have double or triple pane windows, look for moisture between the glass panes. This indicates the seal between the panes is no longer useful. The space between the panes is usually filled with gas to help provide insulation if the seal is broken. If there are any gaps around the window casing where it meets the wall, fill it with a paintable latex caulk. Also, if you have weather stripping, make sure it’s in good condition. If it is not, remove a short section from the window and take it to a repair shop to find the right replacement.

For Aluminum Frame Windows…

Check the windows for any cracked or broken glass. Rubber seals also hold them in place and require specialized equipment to reinstall properly. Begin by removing the glass pane with its individual frame from the window unit and take it to a repair shop.

Look for broken frame corners on the individual panes. If there are broken corners take the windows with this problem to a repair shop.

Ensure the frame is well-seated and sealed with a bead of caulk against the window casing. Remember to not seal the factory provided weep holes near the bottom of the window frame. They are there to allow for drainage of any moisture that accumulates inside the framework.

For Wood Frame Windows…

Start by inspecting the window panes and glazing the putty that holds the glass in place. If there are any cracked panes or missing glaze, this can allows for drafts which can raise heating and cooling bills. Also, look over the paint, if it’s badly chipped or chalky to the touch, the exterior woodwork will need to get painted. A poor paint job allows moisture to penetrate the wood, causing rot, and swelling.

Inspect where the window casing meets the wall. If there are any gaps use a high-quality paintable latex caulk to fill between the window frame and the siding or brick. Furthermore, make sure the windows seal tightly when closed. If they are loose you may need to add weather stripping around the window channels.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Bucks County, Chalfont, Doylestown, energy efficient windows, Newtown 18940, Replacement Windows, Window | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Selecting the Right Windows for Your Home

Posted on February 9, 2012 by admin

Whether you are replacing one window or installing new ones in a newly constructed home, there are several things to consider other than just their efficiency. The climate in which you live and the structure and construction of your home are additional concerns to keep in mind as you search for the right windows. Remember that no one window is suitable for every application. Many windows are available that serve different purposes.

Frame style, frame material, and glazing will yield very different results when comparing energy efficiency and cost.  A fixed-pane window is the most airtight and the least expensive. It is one of the best choices if you wish to add sunlight to a room without the increase in ventilation. A wood frame window will usually conduct less heat than an aluminum frame window. If efficiency is top on your list, a double-pane, low-e window would be just as efficient as a triple-pane untreated window.

The following are additional suggestions to keep in mind as you begin your search:

Your Climate

Your climate will determine which type of glass is best for your home. If you live in a cold climate, double or triple-pane glass is the best choice because it provides excellent insulation and draft protection during the winter season and also helps reduce your energy bills. If you live in a hot climate with above average sunshine, choose glass that will help reflect the sun’s hot rays away from your home. This will help keep your home nice and cool during the summer months.

Your Home’s Style

If you want to stay true to your home’s original architecture, choose windows that are the same size and style you already have.  Also select handles, hinges, and locks that are similar to other ornamental metals in your home. Keeping your replacement windows in harmony with the original architecture of your home will also help you save money by eliminating the need to make adjustments to fit the replacement windows.

The Costs of a Window

Initial cost should not be the only deciding factor when purchasing windows because the least expensive choice now can end up costing you more in the future. If the window is poorly constructed, or the material isn’t right for your climate, you will end up paying more money in frequent replacement costs over the years. The final cost for a replacement window will vary based on factors such as brand, size, and type.  Other factors to keep in mind are:

.What’s the cost of installation?

.How will this window affect your heating and cooling costs over time?

.What sort of warranty does it have?

.How long will this window last before it needs to be replaced?

.Will you need to buy extra interior and exterior window treatments?

.What’s the cost of maintenance, over time?

.How will this window impact the resale value of your house?

Your Lifestyle

Believe it or not, having the right windows can make your life easier.

.If you have great views from your home, consider high-transparency screens that work well with your replacement windows. High-transparency screens do not interfere with your view, and the look is subtle.

.If you have children or pets, choose replacement windows with built-in blinds or shades. This will protect the blinds or shades from dust, dirt, pet hair, paint, and other things kids and pets can get into. Another great aspect of built-in blinds and shades is that the cords are hidden reducing and even eliminating the threat of kids or pets becoming tangled in them, or getting hurt by them.

.If you have a hectic schedule, think about choosing vinyl, wood, or fiberglass replacement windows. These materials require very little maintenance, eliminating the frequent painting and scraping.

 

 

Posted in Bucks County, Chalfont, Double Hung, Doylestown, energy efficient windows, GUARDIAN, Langhorne, Montgomery County, Newtown 18940, Replacement Windows, Window | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Fiberglass door and transom

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Daniel Roman

Click here to see another beautiful installation in Doylestown, PA!

 

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Choosing the Right Door – Steel vs. Fiberglass

Posted on January 5, 2012 by admin

How do you know which door is right for you? You can begin your search by comparing the available types of steel and fiberglass doors. The only major difference between steel and fiberglass doors other than its frame and entry system is the outer skin that can be either steel or fiberglass.

Did you know that replacing your front door can pay for itself by increasing your home’s value? Furthermore, if you choose an energy-efficient exterior door, you may qualify for a tax credit that can save you up to $500 as well as decrease your energy bills by up to 10 percent. Keep in mind that energy efficiency is based on a number of factors such as the material a door is made of, framework, and whether it has windows.

Steel Door

If you are looking to spend a reasonable amount on a door, a steel door may be a good choice for you. They are cheaper than fiberglass doors, but it depends upon the quality and grades. An even better choice if you have the skills to install the door yourself. A steel door offers the strongest barrier against intruders, although its advantage over fiberglass and wood in this area is slight. It is also a good investment if you want fire protection, and insulation. Also replacing your current entry door with a steel model preserves the value of your home.

Although steel doors can cost you less they also require some maintence. If coated with some good sealant, it can withstand moisture in the atmosphere, and help protect from salt air, and heavy rains. Steel doors are not dent proof which can become expensive to repair.

Fiberglass Door

If you are looking for beauty, style and artistic appeal, than you will like a fiberglass door. Fiberglass doors come in an immense variety of styles and colors, and require limited upkeep because they do not rust. Furthermore, it lasts twice as long as wood or steel. Fiberglass doesn’t expand or contract as the weather changes. A fiberglass entry door can
go for years without needing a paint or stain touch-up and can last 15 to 20 years.

Although a fiberglass door doesn’t generate as high a return as a steel door, it regains about 56 percent in home value. The high cost of fiberglass depends on the look and quality. Although fiberglass doors are less durable than steel doors it still offers insulation, and withstands to seasonal changes.

Posted in Bucks County, Chalfont, Doors, energy efficient doors, Entryway system, Fiberglass, Langhorne, Montgomery County, Newtown 18940, Patio Door, Steel doors | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

When You Should Replace Your Home Windows

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

It is not easy to figure out when to replace the windows in your home. The look and condition of a window can offer clues as to whether it’s time to replace. With today’s highly energy-efficient windows and modern designs, there are plenty of cost-saving, aesthetic, and functional advantages to replacing windows. When you begin to assess if you are in need of new windows keep the following questions in mind.

1.  Do the windows get condensation or a frost build-up?
2.  When you touch the interior pane of glass is it cold to the touch in the winter?
3.  Is the interior window pane warm to the touch in the summer?
4.  When you sit next to your window in the winter does it feel colder than the rest of the house?
5.  Does the flame flicker anywhere around the frame when you take a lighted candle and hold it in line with the window frame and slowly trace the entire frame of your closed window?
6.  Is the trim rotting, cracking, or missing from the outside?
7.  Is the glass broken or cracked anywhere?
8.  Do your windows ever get stuck closed or open, or won’t stay closed or opened?
9.  Do your windows have an outdated design or style compared to the rest of the home?
10. Do you need replacement parts that are hard to find or even non-existent?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, this could mean it is time to replace your windows.

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Chalfont Fiberglass Entryway System

Posted on October 6, 2011 by admin

Click here to see the latest Fiberglass door in Chalfont PA!

 

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Save Energy this Winter Season!

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Now is a great time to prepare for the cold weather that is right around the corner.  Energy Star qualified windows can help you save dollars on your heating and cooling costs.  However, an Energy Star rated window is not necessarily a high quality window – it means that there is an efficient piece of glass used.  The true benchmark of a high quality window is also how well the frame of the window is designed, which translates into how long the window will perform well with the energy efficient glass.  For more information, contact us at 215-491-5450 to set up a free in-home consultation!

Don’t forget – doors are typically the largest opening in your home so check for drafts around your entrance doors and make sure your patio door can open and close smoothly.  If you notice any daylight or difficulty in operation, you may be losing countless energy dollars!

Posted in Doors, Entryway system, Langhorne, Montgomery County, Patio Door, Window | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The new GUARDIAN IV Ultra is here!

Posted on July 8, 2011 by admin

Roman and Sons is proud to introduce the new GUARDIAN IV Ultra.  This exclusive product is the latest in energy saving technology, with high performance Low-E/Krypton triple pane glass.  The GUARDIAN IV Ultra is specifically engineered to support the additional weight of triple pane glass, and is the most advanced technology available.  In fact, we’re so confident that this product will save you up to 45% on your heating and cooling costs that we will refund the difference if you don’t, GUARENTEED!

Contact us to receive your copy of our Free Homeowners Guide to Window and Door Replacement to get started on your next project!

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Fiberglass Entry Doors

Posted on June 10, 2011 by admin

Fiberglass entry doors are becoming more and more popular.  They are safe, strong, insulate well, and can be stained in a variety of wood color finishes.  Even better, they are now available with capping to match the stain or paint of the door – no more choosing between white or brown capping. 

We recently completed a job in Newtown Pennsylvania (18940) that had a door, two side-lites and a transom.  Click here to view the pictures.

Thanks again to all who have been recommending Roman and Sons to friends and family.  Don’t forget, each time you recommend someone you are entered into our Summer Sweepstakes, check the Specials page for more information!

Posted in Bucks County, Doors, Entryway system, Fiberglass, Newtown 18940 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment