Helping Your Home Survive Extreme Weather Ee (NAPSA)—Your home handles a lot of extreme weather. To help it stand up to the elements, consider the products used to con- i struct or renovate. They protect what’s inside. Consider the roofing shingles, siding, windows and trim of your house. Look for loose or worn products and replace them quickly to ensure the “envelope” of your homeis protected. “One of the key ways homes can lose hundreds of dollars in energy each year is through cracks around windows,” says Bill Lazor, senior brand manager at Simonton Windows’, a leading manufacturer of vinyl replacement and new construction windows andpatio doors. “The multitude of small gaps add up. Homeowners start heating and cooling the outdoors and wasting energy. When the wind blowsor driving rain targets the house, it’s important to have windowsthat fit snugly in their openings andprotect your home.” Thesetips mayhelp. Seek out ENERGY STAR’ compliant products. Windows meeting those guidelines can reduce heat loss and gain, making the home more comfortable and reducing gas andelectric bills. * To combat extreme elements, consider low maintenance products, such as vinyl siding, urethane millwork and vinyl windows that resist humidity, insects and rot. They’re easy to clean and made to handle rough weather. Ask for stainless steel components in your windows for smooth operation and increased corrosion-resistance in coastal areas. * Do you love natural sunlight, but hate howit fades your carpeting SENRSRN cases cdl While you’re comfortable inside your home, the exterior takes the brunt of the elements. and furnishings? Whenit’s time to replace your windows, select Low E glass and advanced glass packages. These reflect harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays away from the windows. To protect the interior from outdoor humidity and moisture, ask about insulating glass (1.G.) units when it’s time to replace your windows. These units are made up of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer system. Argon or Krypton gas can be sealed inside the unit to reduce the transfer of heat and cold, sav- ing you energy dollars. Play it safe and get impact resistant glass. During storms you don’t need to worry about “shuttering up”. Impact resistant glass, much like automobile windshield glass, resists windborne materials, such as flying lawn furniture during a storm. Even when struck forcefully by blunt objects, such as a crowbar, this glass stays in place. It also reduces sound and UV ray penetration, while making the house less inviting to burglars. Simonton Windowsoffers a free brochure series on energy efficiency, coastal living, home safety and replacement windows. Call 1800-SIMONTONfor the free Tips and Ideas BrochureSeries or visit www.simonton.com.
