Windows & Doors

1. Pay back value
2. Why Replace?
3. What To Look For

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We take pride in our craftsmanship, which has made us one of the leaders in the home improvement industry.

Count on BGE HOME Home Improvement to deliver superior products, unmatched craftsmanship and responsive service all at very affordable prices. That’s the           BGE HOME Advantage, and it comes from our longstanding commitment to our customers.

At BGE HOME, you’ll see we’re all about making things easier for you.

So when you need windows, doors, siding or a gas fireplace for your home, we offer unprecedented advantages that rise above our competitors. We’ll manage your home improvement project from start to finish with honest, dependable service you can count on.

Take a look below and see why BGE HOME is the company you need to perform your next home improvement.

• Budget-fitting, affordable prices
  
• Expert, professional installation
  
• The finest quality materials
  
• Convenient financing, no matter what your budget
  
• Professional designs
  
• Licensed and bonded
  
• Energy saving products
  
• No payments for 90 days*
  
• No down payment required*
  
• Quality service before, during and long after the job is done
  

*with approved credit using alternative financing.

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Which Improvements Pay Back?

Ever think of ways to increase the value of your home?

As you are thinking through the many options you have, consider the payback for each project.

When it comes to resale value, all home improvements are not created equal. The average payback for installing a new heating or air conditioning system is a 100% return on heating and 75% return on air conditioning. Also, siding replacement has an average cost recovery rate of 95% to 104%. Other options to increase the resale value of your home are available, like installing new energy efficient windows or remodeling a basement.

Consider these payback estimates for the most typical home improvement projects:

Project	Cost	Average Payback
Add a new heating or air conditioning system	$2,000 to $4,500	100% for heating; 75% for air conditioning
Siding Replacement	$6,000 to $12,000	95% to 104%
Basement Remodel (mid-range)	$25,00 to $50,000	90%
Replacement Windows	$8,000 to $16,000	88% to 90%
Family Room (mid-range)	$40,000 to $50,000	83%
Sunroom	$20,000 to $35,000	75%

*Source: REMODELING Online, 2005.

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Why Replace?

When to Replace

It’s time to replace your windows when:

• You feel air drafting in around the window, even when it is closed.
  
• You struggle to open your windows, or keep them open.
  
• Your windows leak or the sills are wet inside after a rain.
  
• Your windows are unattractive, with chips, cracks, broken sashes or warped sills.
  
  

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What To Look For

Energy Efficient Certified

Replacing your windows is quite an investment! So make the most of the opportunity, and ensure that your new windows will provide you with energy cost savings and home comfort. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and ENERGY STAR® represent two of the most prominent rating systems. Both are unbiased sources of information that work to promote superior energy-efficient windows.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. ENERGY STAR endorses products that meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. For more information on ENERGY STAR products visit www.energystar.gov.

National Fenestration Rating Council

The NFRC label has been designed to help you determine how a particular window can be expected to perform. The NFRC provides consumers with a means for simple and accurate product comparison. Each label highlights the manufacturer, describes the window, and provides additional information, such as energy performance attributes.

Important Rating Information:

• The U-Factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U-Factor, the better the performance. Typical values range from 0.20 to 1.25.
  
• The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight on a 0 to 1 scale. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window transmits.
  
• Visible Transmittance measures how much visible light comes through a product. Expressed as a number between 0 and 1, the higher the value the more light is transmitted.
  
• Air Leakage is a rating expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of a window area (cfm/sq ft). Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the value, the less air will pass through the window assembly.
  
• Condensation Resistance measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product on a 0 to 100 scale. The higher the value, the better the product is at resisting condensation formation.
  

For more information visit www.nfrc.org or www.energystar.gov.

Energy Efficient Design

Improved Frame Materials

Window frames have the greatest impact on the insulating capacity of the window, since the frame can represent from 10 to 30 percent of the total area of a window unit. The frame properties have a significant influence on the total window performance. Therefore, determining the appropriate frame will depend upon the climate region.

Glass Coatings

A low-emittance (or "Low-E") glass coating is a microscopically thin film applied to the glass. This coating keeps the heat inside in the winter and outside in summer. Selecting the proper Low-E coating is dependent upon climate zones. The rating is determined by the amount of heat from the sun allowed to penetrate through the glass.

Gas Fill

Filling the space between window panes with a more slow-moving gas minimizes the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside. Many energy efficient windows have Argon, Krypton, or other gases between the panes. These odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases provide better insulation and a lower U-Factor.

Warm Edge Spacers

Window spacers maintain the proper distance between a window’s glazing layers. Previously, aluminum spacers were used, but were discovered to cause significant heat loss and condensation buildup. Today’s warm edge spacers--made of steel, foam, fiberglass, or vinyl--lower the U-Factor and prevent condensation.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is a feature that has experienced significant improvements over the last 20 years. More durable, better performing plastic weather stripping is used for superior thermal performance. Heavy-duty weather stripping can increase the R-Factor of a window to provide greater energy efficiency.

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Siding

1. Pay back value
2. Why Replace?
3. What To Look For
   

We take pride in our craftsmanship, which has made us one of the leaders in the home improvement industry.

Count on BGE HOME Home Improvement to deliver superior products, unmatched craftsmanship and responsive service all at very affordable prices. That’s the           BGE HOME Advantage, and it comes from our longstanding commitment to our customers.

At BGE HOME, you’ll see we’re all about making things easier for you.

So when you need windows, doors, siding or a gas fireplace for your home, we offer unprecedented advantages that rise above our competitors. We’ll manage your home improvement project from start to finish with honest, dependable service you can count on.

Take a look below and see why BGE HOME is the company you need to perform your next home improvement.

• Budget-fitting, affordable prices
  
• Expert, professional installation
  
• The finest quality materials
  
• Convenient financing, no matter what your budget
  
• Professional designs
  
• Licensed and bonded
  
• Energy saving products
  
• No payments for 90 days*
  
• No down payment required*
  
• Quality service before, during and long after the job is done
  

*with approved credit using alternative financing.

^TOP

Which Improvements Pay Back?

Ever think of ways to increase the value of your home?

As you are thinking through the many options you have, consider the payback for each project.

When it comes to resale value, all home improvements are not created equal. The average payback for installing a new heating or air conditioning system is a 100% return on heating and 75% return on air conditioning. Also, siding replacement has an average cost recovery rate of 95% to 104%. Other options to increase the resale value of your home are available, like installing new energy efficient windows or remodeling a basement.

*Source: REMODELING Online, 2005.

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Why Replace?

Thermal Backed Siding is like a warm blanket around your home.

Thermal Backed Siding from BGE HOME significantly reduces air infiltration and delivers up to 400% more "R" value* vs. conventional siding. When BGE HOME replaces your siding your home immediately increases in value because it looks newer and is more energy efficient, which saves you money. Extra comfort benefits include reduced noise transmission to provide a quieter home and enhanced breatheabilty (allowing more water vapor to escape).

Choosing BGE HOME’s vinyl siding will not only increase your home’s beauty and value, its easy maintenance will leave more time for family and fun. So cross off scraping and painting, and add relaxation and enjoyment to your schedule, because BGE HOME is on your side.

BGE HOME offers Thermal Wall Plus insulation with our vinyl siding. Benefits of this Thermal-Backed Siding are:

• Durability - Improves impact resistance by more than 300%
  
• Beauty - Keeps seams flat and wall lines straight
  
• Comfort - Reduces noise transmission to provide a quieter home
  
• Energy Savings - Delivers up to 4 times the "R" value vs Conventional siding
  
• Breatheability - Allows water vapor to escape (up to 500% better)
  
• Added Value - Double-Lifetime Warranty; environmentally friendly and recyclable.
  

*R value is the standard measure used to evaluate the effectiveness of insulation materials.

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What To Look For

A quality siding panel will last as long as you own your home—bringing years of maintenance-free enjoyment, beauty and value. In addition to the availability of the right color scheme for your style of home, there are other features to look for in a siding panel that will ensure peace-of-mind in the years to come.

• Reinforced nail hem (siding is hung, not nailed on tightly. Nail hems need to be strong so they do not tear.)
  
• Interlocking nail hems (locks panels together for straighter walls and stronger wall holding power)
  
• Extra PVC in nail hem for stronger, straighter wall
  
• Vents (at least every 12 feet) to resist moisture behind panels
  
• Non-recycled vinyl ensures quality
  
• Designed and manufactured to resist fading, chalking, dents and warping
  
• Lifetime Warranty on materials and installation
  
• Color is manufactured into the vinyl panel
  
• All trim options available (allows flexibility to custom finish your home and keeps quality consistent)
  
• Thicker panel (more wall strength and insulating qualities)
  
• Insulation board used behind the siding, at least 3/8" thick (helps insulate home)

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Selecting a Contractor

Selecting a contractor is an important decision. You must do the research and take the time to find one that you are comfortable with. Consider the contractor’s reputation for supplying and installing quality products. Ask for references and call them.

• Make sure the contractor is fully insured and licensed as required by law.
  
• Look at some examples of the contractor’s work. Ask to see pictures of work the contractor has done, similar to the style of home improvement you are considering.
  
• Be sure to get a written warranty on the materials and the workmanship.
  
• Ask up front if you will be treated as a partner in the project. Be sure to work with someone who understands exactly what you want.

When comparing companies, some other options to consider are: professionally trained personnel, use of quality products, free in-home estimates with no obligation, long standing reputation and dependable service, and lastly check out your financing options.

Windows & Doors

1. Types
2. Features and Benefits
   

Types of Windows & Doors

We are proud to carry Uniframe® replacement windows by Great Lakes. We offer garden windows to lighten your home, double hung windows, picture windows, horizontal sliders, bay and bow windows, and casement windows. Let the sun shine in with new energy efficient, maintenance free custom vinyl replacement windows from BGE HOME.

WINDOWS:

DOORS:

BGE HOME carries doors of lasting beauty, with decorative glass and an array of designer colors.

Select From:

• Patio Doors (vinyl only)
• Entry Doors (steel and fiberglass)
• Storm Doors
• Steel and Fiberglass patio Doors
• Stainable, paintable steel Doors with the look of authentic wood
• Woodgrain patterned Doors
• Security Doors

WINDOW AND GLASS OPTIONS:

BGE HOME offers vinyl windows in colors and wood-grain finishes to beautifully complement any décor, from traditional to contemporary. Add unique Designer Glass for dramatic results, without sacrificing energy efficiency. Choose Classic, Original or Contemporary design styles and select from among ten stained glass color choices to complement your home.

For more information call BGE HOME today at 1-888-BGE-HOME or email us.

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Benefits of replacing your windows

Replacing old, inefficient windows can be a very beneficial investment. New windows from BGE HOME will beautify your home from the outside-in, adding style and value to your home. New technological advancements have increased the energy efficiency of windows, thus dramatically reducing the transfer of hot and cold air between the inside and outside of your home. Furthermore, you will find that new windows will be easier to operate, easier to clean and will save you money.

Replacement windows are relatively inexpensive to install and significantly reduce energy loss with advancements in heat stabilizing glazing, polyurethane insulation, and air-tight weather stripping. By installing new replacement windows from BGE HOME, you can save up to 30% on energy consumption.

Uniframe® Windows from BGE HOME:

Fusion welded for added strength. An entirely fusion welded window, both sashes and mainframes use the advanced manufacturing method. UniFrame windows weld vinyl sections together for a solid one-piece unit that won’t split or weaken over the years, unlike windows that use staples, screws or caulk to hold their window frame corners together.

Maintenance Free New Generation™ Vinyl. Every UniFrame window is constructed with rugged maintenance-free uiPVC(polyvinyl chloride). UniFrame New Generation Vinyl windows will never stick like wood or metal windows because they don’t sweat or deteriorate from corrosion, pitting or rot. Wash them with soap and water and they’ll look great year-after-year. Additionally, the highest quality locking and operating hardware available is utilized. E-Gard™ hardware is chemical, corrosion and ultra-violet resistant.

Air Tight Construction. Air infiltration is a major cause of energy loss, so sashes feature heavy-duty polyurethane weather-stripping, while double-hung and sliding windows feature full meeting rail interlocks. The construction method creates a double barrier to air and water for higher thermal efficiency.

Superior Insulation and Reduced Condensation. The Hi R+Plus® multi-layer vacuum-deposition soft-coat Low-E glass series is designed to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The Hi R+ Plus combines ultra-low emissivity with the optimal balance of shading and solar heat gain. The odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases between the panes provide better insulation and a lower U-Factor. The comfort level of your home is increased, while the window condensation is virtually eliminated with one of the best insulating glass systems available.

Photochemical Damage Control. Damage to furnishings, carpets, and draperies is the result of a photochemical process that is influenced by many variables, including: the level of visible light, the intensity of heat, the strength of infrared radiation, and the amount of violet radiation.

Exterior Sound Management. Uniframe® windows can reduce the level of exterior noise up to 300% better than single pane windows.

Advanced Easy-Clean™ Glass with PPG Technology. The Advanced Easy-Clean™ Glass system is a remarkable advancement in glass design that eliminates the frequent exterior window cleaning. With the Easy-Clean™ Glass system you’ll clean glass half as often, and in half the time.

UniFrame windows are Energy Star® qualified for the Mid-Atlantic region.

By choosing UniFrame® windows from BGE HOME, you can cut your heating and cooling costs, make your home more comfortable and reduce air pollution – all without sacrificing versatility or style.

UniFrame windows from BGE HOME... good for you, good for your home and good for the environment.

For a free no obligation in-home estimate, call BGE HOME today at 1-888-BGE-HOME or email us.

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Siding

Revitalizing your home has never been simpler! Vinyl siding, the preferred choice of homeowners, will update your look, enhance curb appeal and protect your home from the elements and your children’s baseball practice. You will want to carefully choose the style and type of vinyl siding that is best for your home.

Is painting more cost effective than vinyl siding?
From a short-term point of view, painting is certainly less expensive. However, after approximately three years, the pendulum begins to swing in favor of vinyl. Not only will you boost your resale value, but you will also enjoy the ease of caring for vinyl siding.

What other types of siding are available?
Today’s choices include vinyl, wood, aluminum and steel. The preferred option? Vinyl.

Why is vinyl so popular?
It is virtually maintenance free. The color does not peel, blister or flake, so there is never the need to paint. Another advantage is that it does not contribute to termite infestation, rotting or moisture buildup. You will also discover that vinyl has no effect on television or radio reception.

Energy Savings

1. Energy Efficient Windows
2. Thermal Backed Siding

Energy Efficient Windows

Approximately 45% of the average home’s annual energy budget is consumed by heating and cooling costs. Energy experts estimate that up to 30% of energy costs can be saved by installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.

Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features, providing views, day-lighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Selecting the appropriate ENERGY STAR certified window is essential to ensuring that you are conserving the maximum amount of energy possible. Every window featuring the ENERGY STAR label meets the specific energy efficient performance standards developed by the EPA and US Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR labeled windows are twice as efficient as windows purchased just ten years ago and forty percent more efficient than products required under most common national building codes.

All Uniframe® windows from BGE HOME meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines. Click here to download the 30% Energy Savings Pledge, guaranteeing that Uniframe® windows will save you money on your energy consumption.

The ENERGY STAR Window Program is a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and participating window manufacturers. ENERGY STAR performance requirements are tailored to fit the energy needs of the country’s different regions - north, central, and southern states.

For a free no obligation in-home estimate, call           BGE HOME today at 1-888-BGE-HOME or email us.

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Thermal Backed Siding

Thermal Backed Siding is like a warm blanket around your home.

Thermal Backed Siding from BGE HOME significantly reduces air infiltration and delivers up to 400% more "R" value* vs. conventional siding. When BGE HOME replaces your siding your home immediately increases in value because it looks newer and is more energy efficient, which saves you money. Extra comfort-benefits include reduced noise transmission to provide a quieter home and enhanced breatheabilty (allowing more water vapor to escape).

*R value is the standard measure used to evaluate the effectiveness of insulation materials.

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What We Do

At BGE HOME, we put all of our energy and experience into every energy-saving home improvement we do.                           

BGE HOME is your best choice to make your home more valuable, beautiful and energy efficient.        

Our goal is to ensure your complete satisfaction with our products and services. That’s why we provide quality materials and the finest workmanship available.                                                     

                                
• Free In-home no obligation estimates                               
  
• Superior energy-saving products                               
  
• Budget-fitting prices and financing                               
  
• Incomparable personal service - before, during and long after the sale.                           
  

Before The Installer Arrives

WINDOWS AND DOORS:

Before the installer arrives at your home for your new windows, it is important that you remove drapes, shades and/or blinds from your existing windows.

We ask that you also remove valuable artwork or table top items from work areas.

SIDING:

Choose the right siding system to provide your home with beauty, comfort and easy care then leave the rest to BGE HOME.

Maintenance Tips

Cleaning Your Glass

Interior Glass Panel
If your window or door has a removable interior glass panel, remove it to clean the inside. This may require an additional person, depending on the size and/or location of the glass panel. If the removable panel has a blind or shade mounted on it, pull it up and secure the cord to make it easier to handle.

To wash interior glass, including both sides of any removable interior panels, use a premixed vinegar-based cleaning solution (or make your own with 10% vinegar and 90% water) and a soft, lint–free towel (paper or cloth). Or you may use Windex® Glass and Surface Cleaner (clear liquid) or Sparkle Glass Cleaner (purple liquid). Be generous with the amount of cleaner you apply. Rinse with clear water if streaks remain after cleaning. Do not use brand-name glass cleaners that are ammonia or alcohol-based. They may leave streaks or produce a film that attracts moisture or dust.

Outside Glass Surface
To clean the outside glass surfaces, use a vinegar-based solution (as previously described) and a squeegee. If streaks still appear after a thorough cleaning, rinse the glass with clear water. To remove grease or sealant on the glass, use mineral spirits sparingly, then wash with a vinegar-based cleaning solution.

Cleaning Your House
Vinyl and aluminum siding are virtually maintenance free, clean with a simple wet brushing or hosing off. Sometimes stubborn areas of dirt could use harder brushing with 1/3 c. laundry detergent, and 6 gallons of water. Add some chlorine bleach if fighting mildew. Work from the bottom up to about 5 ft. vertical sections. Rinse with plain water, going over previously washed sections so the runoff doesn’t dry on an already cleaned area!