John & Maggie's Notes

Rock Salt vs. Calcium Chloride

Metropolitan Windows — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:34:33 +0000

We have already had our first snowfall and I had to retrieve my snow shovel from the shed. In the process of getting out my winter tools, I had trouble finding the salt for the sidewalks and driveway. To my surprise last years’ bucket of salt changed to salt water. Can’t use that on the driveway! So, I needed to make a trip to the local hardware store. I forget, do I buy rock salt or calcium chloride? So I went to the Internet to look up the differences. Back in the old days when I was growing up, we had only rock salt and the shovel. Now, we have so many choices and much more information. Dr Anna Marie Helmenstine Ph.D. writes an article on about.com to explain the differences. But here’s a brief description of what I found the differences to be:

Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt or Halite):
Sodium chloride is inexpensive and helps keep moisture from accumulating on roads and walkways, but it is not an effective deicer at low temperatures (only good down to -9°C or 15°F), damages concrete, poisons the soil, and can kill plants and harm pets.

Calcium Chloride:
Calcium Chloride works at very low temperatures (-29°C or 20°F) and isn’t as damaging to the soil and vegetation as sodium chloride, though it costs a bit more and may damage concrete. Calcium chloride attracts moisture, so it won’t keep surfaces as dry as many other products. On the other hand, attracting moisture can be a good quality since calcium chloride releases heat when it reacts with water, so it can melt snow and ice on contact. All deicers must be in solution (liquid) in order to start working; calcium chloride can attract its own solvent. Magnesium chloride can do this too, though it isn’t used as commonly as a deicer.

Here’s A Pet and Child Safe ice melter solution mentioned in Helmenstine’s article.

So, after doing some research, learning the differences between Salt and Calcium Chloride, and finding out the environmental impact, I settled for the Calcium Chloride!

9 Eco-friendly ways to De-Ice Your Driveway by: theDailyGreen.com of GoodHousekeeping.com

Ice Dams

Metropolitan Windows — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:29:20 +0000

Since we sell Gutters, Downspouts, and Soffit we get a ton of questions each winter about Ice Dams. The problem in the Pittsburgh area is pervasive and the solutions can be complex. On the Internet, you can find many pros and cons of each method suggested. Whatever you decide to do – Please Be Safe!

Here are some great articles by The University of Minnesota and The University of Massachusetts Amherst on the topic. They certainly know a lot about living in cold climates.

University of Minnesota: Housing Technology, Ice Dams

University of Massachusetts Amherst: Preventing Ice Dams

Here’s a common solution I really like for a quick fix: Pantyhose. Remember to place it vertically on the roof to form a channel for the water to run down not parallel with the gutter. eHow.com – Home

Window Condensation

Metropolitan Windows — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:24:09 +0000

Every winter we get questions regarding window condensation, since it’s such a concern to Homeowners. When John and I were younger, we use to think it was fun to watch our kids leave notes in the fogged glass. We now know that it is an important problem to fix.

Our friends at Marvin Windows provide a great answer to this question about Condensation.

When the temperature drops outdoors, the glass on your windows and doors tends to have lower temperatures than other surfaces in your house, and is the first place that you’ll notice condensation in your home. Warmer air is capable of holding much more moisture than cooler air. When the temperature reaches its dew point, the moisture condenses, attaching to the nearest cool surface. Condensation is an unsightly problem. The last thing you want on your windows is a fog blocking the view. If water is chronically accumulating on glass, chances are it is accumulating on other harder to see surfaces such as wall and roof cavities. If left uncontrolled, excess moisture can have serious consequences, including:

Mold or mildew
Wood rot and warping
Roof ice build-up
Damp, ineffective insulation
Discolored, blistered or bubbling paint
Damaging moisture inside walls and attic

Read about Excess Moisture: Causes & Cures and the entire explanation at this link: http://www.marvin.com/windows-and-doors/condensation/

Here’s another good link from the NFRC: http://www.nfrc.org/documents/condensation.pdf

College Scholarship Opportunities

Metropolitan Windows — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:51:06 +0000

I wanted to share with you College Scholarship information that I read about in the October 2011 issue of Remodeling Magazine.

All of us probably know family, friends, or neighbors who could take advantage of a scholarship opportunity supporting construction-industry related education.

Here are two Scholarships available:

The Daltile Interior Design Scholarship: Interior design students have an opportunity to fund their education by applying for this scholarship. Daltile is a tile manufacture who sponsors a design competition and the grand prize is a $10,000 scholarship. For more information about the scholarship visit: Daltile.Strutta.com

The National Remodeling Foundation Educational Scholarship: Those students interested in degrees or certifications related to the ever-growing remodeling industry can apply to the National Remodeling Foundation for this Scholarship. Approximately $10,000 is rewarded to a student who reaches the criteria for the scholarship. The deadline for this scholarship is February 15, 2012 more information can be found at: NationalRemodelingFoundation.org

Thanks, Maggie

It’s Time to Prepare for Winter

Metropolitan Windows — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:47:22 +0000

In our house, I am the one that get’s up early morning to let the dog out. So, I am probably first in the house to experience the weather for the day. Well, the other morning I had to go back in for my coat. What a surprise, snow everywhere. I even had to shovel.

So, I started a list right away to prepare for the weather that’s coming.

Here’s my list:

Have your heating system checked by a professional and replacing those old furnace filters
Rake up all of those fallen leaves and prepare your flower beds for the winter
Make sure all your outside furniture, air conditioner and statuary are covered, to protect them from the snow
Clean gutters out of leaves and other debris
Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and flashlights. Better yet get the wall plug rechargeable flashlights that also double as night-lights.
Make sure that snow shovel or snow thrower is ready for action. Stock up on Calcium Chloride as soon as you can purchase it. Rock Salt or Sodium Chloride damages plants, pavements, and cars.
Turn the water line off to the outside faucets, so the pipes don’t crack.
Replace outside light bulbs now, it isn’t fun replacing a light bulb in the cold.
Put your hands near the windows and doors and feel for those cold drafts. You might want to caulk, seal or replace.
Order wood for your fireplace, after all there is nothing like a night in front of the fire.

Now maybe I’ll be a little more prepared.

Thanks, Maggie

Stop Stink Bugs – Really?

Metropolitan Windows — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:43:58 +0000

Fall is almost over and we still have Stick Bugs! Are you still finding them? Just the other day, I saw them on my kitchen window. I yelled for John: Get Them Out of the House! I thought, is there anything I should be doing to keep them out of the house. Well, with some investigation I found a great site to help me: http://stopstinkbugs.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-seal-up-your-house-to-keep-stink-bugs-out

Chuck Owings, President of Short Hill Design and Construction and a member of a Stick Bug on-line community, reports ways to seal up your house to keep the Stick Bugs out. Take the time to read his suggestions, I found them helpful.

Two suggestions I liked are:

Make sure your windows are caulked and the weather stripping is secured. Maintain your screens, check them periodically for holes.
Check your doors too, are their gaps around the frame? Caulk these areas too.

With just a little bit of checking in around the house, we can keep these nasty Stick Bugs out and enjoy the colors of fall.

Maggie

No Pink Slips at Marvin Windows

Metropolitan Windows — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:14:07 +0000

Marvin Windows is an outstanding example of the type of manufacturer that Metropolitan Window Company partners with, a company that truly cares for its’ employees.

The September 25, 2011 Sunday edition of the New York Times featured a story about how Marvin is managing through difficult economic times with a focus on long term sustainability without laying off employees. Metropolitan Windows is proud to be associated with the Marvin Window Company.

Read: The New York Times Article

Energy Efficient Windows Just Isn’t Enough

Metropolitan Windows — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:22:35 +0000

According to an article I read in the trade magazine Window & Door, more and more window manufacturers are saying that energy efficient windows are important but the homeowner is looking for more than efficiency. “When people buy windows today, they expect them to be energy efficient,” says Maureen Faccia, Director of Marketing for Milgard Windows & Doors. “The result is that style has become an increasingly important element in product consideration.

The article states that the typical vanilla product may still sell but the higher-end consumer in the replacement, remodeling and new home builder segments wants products to “maximize glazing areas (glass area), minimize sight lines (frame size), and be available with a full complement of hardware options and finish options.

The Infinity by Marvin Custom Fiberglass Windows meets the criteria of today’s consumer. Fiberglass frames, due to its strength, can be made narrower to allow more glass area. Many more interior and exterior finishes are available along with numerous grid options, such as between the glass panes or surface mounted to give that traditional true divided look. A variety of hardware finishes are also available. And most of all, there are a variety of styles that can complement and enhance your homes architecture. Along with the many options that consumer can choose from, they can be assured of energy efficiency. The Infinity by Marvin Fiberglass Window is Energy Star certified. The Infinity window meets all the needs and wants of today’s consumer.

If you’re considering Replacement Windows Pittsburgh for your home, take a look at the Infinity by Marvin Fiberglass Window.

Remember a window is only as good as the people you buy it from. Metropolitan Window Company for 33 years has the best people, the best product, the best installation, and the Best Price Everyday.

KDKA News Radio 1020 WARMATHON

Metropolitan Windows — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:09:21 +0000

Metropolitan Windows is once again participating in the KDKA News Radio 1020′s Warmathon, February 10th and 11th. You can hear John & Maggie Live from KDKA’s Radio Show with Mike Pintak from the Warmathon on Thursday, February 10th at 2:30 PM.

With the help of our donors and sponsors during the first two years of the NewsRadio 1020 KDKA Warmathon, Dollar Energy Fund raised enough to help nearly 1,500 additional families in our area! We’d like to build on this success. With your support of Warmathon 2011, fewer families will have to face a cold Pittsburgh winter.

This year, the event will be held at the brand new NewsRadio 1020 KDKA studios in Greentree. Our sponsors and volunteers will get a first hand view of the new space.

You can make a difference now! We are currently taking donations in support of the 2011 Warmathon.

Donations can be made online at www.dollarenergyfund.org or at: Donate to Dollar Energy Fund, P.O. Box WARM, Pittsburgh, PA 15230.

Show Me The Money – Part II Windows and Doors

Metropolitan Windows — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:49:42 +0000

Designing Home Lifestyles magazine has an ongoing feature titled; Show Me the Money; Some simple yet effective ways to increase the value of your home. The Part II article – Windows and Doors by Valentine J. Brkich discusses with me the reasons for doing a window and door remodeling job first before tackling larger projects, what to look for in replacement windows and doors, the different types of window frame materials, and many other things in this 5 page article.

Check it Out: www.DesigningHomeLifestyles.com