At Windows on Washington, we know that no two customers or new roofing projects are the same. This is why we offer many different manufactures to help you find the right solution for your new roof. A knowledgeable contractor works closely with manufacturers to ensure whatever roofing system you choose is installed according to the manufacturer’s suggested best practices. Here is a sampling of the highly regarded roofing system manufacturers we work with:
Decra
Decra offers quality materials with a proven track record. Decra, the original stone coated steel roofing system, represents over 50 years of research and practical experience. Decra offers the ultimate in performance and engineering design giving you lasting Roofing solutions. Decra offers many style options like Tile, Villa Tile, Shake and Shingle with all of the benefits of metal roofing.
Certainteed
CertainTeed Roofing offers great roofing options including Landmark Solaris, an energy-saving breakthrough that puts cool roof technology to work. Landmark Solaris is a steep-slope, solar reflective asphalt roofing shingle which contains advanced colored granules that reflect the sun’s rays and can reduce a roof’s temperature by as much as 20% in the summer months. Landmark Solaris is an advanced hybrid roofing material that marries the traditional beauty of asphalt shingles with the environmental benefits of cool-roof technology. The result is a long-lasting ENERGY STAR® rated product.
Englert
Englert makes some of the best standing seam metal roofing material on the market today. They coat their metal with Energy Star, LEED-compliant coatings and many of their metal roofing products meet or exceed the top requirements for wind uplift and fire resistance ratings. If you are considering the addition of solar panels on your roof, an Englert metal roof is an ideal platform for their solar energy and solar thermal roofing products.
Classic Metal Roofing Systems
Classic Metal Roofing Systems is a leading manufacturer of residential metal roofing. Classic Metal Roofing Systems has designed their products with a focus is on increasing your home’s value and protection, making your roof worry-free and your home comfortable. They offer many metal roofing styles, from the charm of wood shakes, the popular look of architectural shingles, or traditional Standing Seam, all in beautiful, energy efficient, lifetime metal. Some great products include Oxford Shingle, Rustic Shingle, Country Manor Shake and Clicklock Standing Seam.
Malarkey
Malarkey Roofing Products has operated as a family owned company since 1956. At Malarkey Roofing, they work to create long-term value for homeowners. Their commitment to excellence propels Malarkey Roofing to new advances in polymerization and the development of long lasting products. Malarkey maintains a solid commitment to affordable, dependable roofing. With products including high profile laminate shingle, 3-tab shingles and solar reflective shingles, you have a nice range of color and style choices.
Firestone
With a wide product offering that includes single-ply, metal and asphalt-based system solutions, Firestone is your provider of innovative products with outstanding warranty coverage. Design enhancement, energy efficiency and ease of use are just some of the features Fires- tone Metal Systems provide. Firestone offers a diverse product line of base sheets, ply sheets and cap sheets along with installation tools to give you a single source for quality asphalt-based roofing materials.
When deciding on a new roof, it's important to work with a contractor that is able to offer many different manufactures and roofing systems to find the perfect solution for your home. The experts at Windows on Washington will give you a factual breakdown on the different manufacturer and roofing types so you can make a fully informed decision. Contact WoW today for more information.
A Checklist For A Quality Roofing Contractor
All roofing contractors are not alike. It is important to prequalify roofing contractors to get the job done right the first time. Doing a little work upfront will save you hours of distress and potentially thousands of dollars later.
Fly-by-night contractors are typically uninsured and work with cheap, untrained and ill-supervised laborers. They will often use your roof as a training exercise to figure out how to put a roof on and will come to you later asking for more money to finish a job that isn’t correct to begin with. By shopping professional, local, established roofing contractors, getting multiple estimates from companies with a proven track record and weighing your material options, you can get a quality roofing system, professionally installed at a fair price and add value, security and comfort to your home.
We cannot stress enough - you need to understand the nature of low bids. No one likes to pay more than they have to, especially when it is a large investment like a roofing system. A low bid can seem really attractive and it can be significantly less than other bids from your vetted professional roofing contractors. The simple truth is, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Roofing systems are expensive because the hard cost of the materials, the trained, professional labor required in a proper installation and the insurance required to cover workers and protect homeowners from litigation. There’s no (right) way around this.
So what qualities and requirements should you look for in a contractor? Use our handy checklist to make sure you choose a true professional.
- Permanent place of business, telephone number, tax id number & business license
- Proof of insurance - liability coverage & workers' compensation certificates
- Licensed and bonded
- Ensure the contractor is financially stable
- Company has proven track record, client references & a list of completed projects
- Detailed, written proposal with descriptions of the work & specifications, approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures
- Contractor is a licensed or approved applicator with manufacturer
- Contractor should be able to explain his project supervision, quality control procedures, size of the crew and estimated project completion time
- Contractor demonstrates a commitment to professionalism with appropriate industry associations
- Check with Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation for possible complaints filed against the contractor
- Contract & roofing warranties offered for labor and materials
When deciding on a contractor for a new roof, you would be well served by visiting with a
straightforward contractor who meets the qualifications listed above.
Windows on Washington carries an array of different roofing materials and can give you a factual breakdown on the different types to make the best decision for your home. Contact the experts at
WoW today for more information.
As you prepare for an estimate appointment for your new roof, you should familiarize yourself with some key terms. Understanding basic roofing terms will allow you ask more in-depth questions to the companies competing for your business. In an effort to support your research, Windows on Washington has put together the following list of many important terms commonly used by roofing contractors.
Understanding the Basic Roof System Components
Most roof systems are comprised of these five essential components:
Drainage - A roof features elements like shape, slope and layout that impact your roof’s ability to shed water.
Flashing - Sheet metal and other materials referred to as flashing are installed into a roof system's various joints and valleys to prevent water from seeping in.
Roof coverings - This can include shingles, tile, slate or metal along with an underlayment that protects the sheathing from exposure and weather.
Roof Structure - Rafters and trusses make up the roof’s structure and are constructed to support the sheathing.
Sheathing - This includes the boards or sheet materials that are fastened to the roof’s rafters to cover your house or structure.
Other Useful Roofing Terms:
Architectural Shingles - shingles made from fiberglass and asphalt that are laminated or textured to give them an attractive 3D look.
Closed Valley - an area of the roof where the shingles are installed over the valley flashing, so that the metal is not exposed.
Collar - a flange placed over a stack type vent to seal the roof around the pipe.
Dormer - a small, decrative structure projecting from a sloped roof that usually has a window.
Eave - the horizontal lower edge of a sloped roof that overhangs the exterior wall of the home.
Fascia - the vertical roof trim is found just under the roof where it covers the rafter tails.
Ice Dam - ice formed at the lower edge of a roof that is caused by the thawing and re-freezing of water.
Ice & Water Shield - a self-healing, impenetrable roofing membrane installed under shingles to prevent water from forming an ice dam.
Roofing Square - 100 square feet of roofing material.
Roof Ventilation - a system for removing hot air and moisture from the attic area, which is important to the roof's ability to maintain an even inside temperature level and prevent any damage to the new roofing system.
Soffit - the finished underside of the eaves.
At Windows on Washington, we provide our customers with quality products and expert workmanship to improve the comfort, beauty and energy efficiency of their homes. And we do it with unparalleled service. Our work is not complete without your total satisfaction. If you have any questions about your roofing project do not hesitate to call our experts at 703-378-1190 or click the link below.
There are many benefits to a new roofing system. Some homeowners balk at the cost of a roof, especially if they are planning on selling their home. Yes, a roof is a significant investment, but like any sound investment, there are returns. Here are the top 6 benefits that you can expect when your replace your roof with Windows on Washington.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Combined estimates put a quality roofing system ROI at approximately 70%. This means that you will recoup around 70% of each dollar spent on this particular home improvement when you sell your home. Because a new roof has a likely lifespan of 20 or more years, it is worth investing in quality materials and expert professional installation from the start. Spending wisely once to secure the best materials and most proper installation means no additional, unforeseen expenditures down the road.
Energy Savings
In addition to your return on investment, when considering a new roofing system, there are a number of other factors to take into account. A professionally installed roofing system from a trusted manufacturer can help you significantly reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable. Some of today’s quality roofing systems have increased insulating values. Likewise, “cool” roofing options from manufacturers like Englert, Certainteed Solaris, Firestone, Decra and Classic Metal Roofing Systems can increase your heat deflection and save you even more money in energy costs.
Comfort Level
One of the most important things your roof does is keep the temperatures within your home stable and comfortable. An old roof is far less likely to do its job to keep warm air in during colder winter months and keep your home cool during the warmer summer months. This can increase your energy cost significantly in just one season not to mention the compounding long-term costs.
Safety and Security
Beyond return on investment and energy savings, there are also safety issues. Old roofs nearing the end of their usable life may present some possible safety hazards like water damage and the associated risk of health compromising mold and mildew. Additionally, an old roof is far more likely to suffer significant damage during inclement weather like high winds, heavy snowfall or a severe storm.
Curb Appeal
A structurally sound roofing system using the best available materials is an investment in your family’s home. A nice looking and expertly constructed roof can add to the curb appeal of your home for your own enjoyment or when you are selling your home. A quality roof installed by a reputable roofing contractor will help you stay safe, comfortable and may reduce your energy costs.
Warranty
A professionally installed roof with a strong warranty is a great feature and provides added value when selling your home. In today’s competitive real estate market, features that add value and curb appeal can make all of the difference when it comes to listing price, selling price and how quickly a home is sold. An aging roof is a very hard sell for any potential buyer because of the fear of being saddled with a costly, unplanned repair after the significant expense of purchasing a new home.
Want more information on different types of roofing and the benefits of each? Call the experts at Windows on Washington today and let us help you navigate through your roof replacement project.
At Windows on Washington, our mission is to provide our customers with quality products and expert workmanship to improve the comfort, beauty and energy efficiency of their homes. And we do it with unparalleled service. Our work is not complete without your total satisfaction.
When you trust Windows on Washington with your home improvement project, you’re taking the first step toward making your home improvement dreams a reality. The primary focus of our business is customer service and building lasting relationships. We offer our customers detailed, written proposals with descriptions of the product, materials, work scope, specifations and cost so that there are no surprises. With Windows on Washington, you know that you are receiving best in class products with expert installations.
Windows on Washington listens to your specific needs and home improvement challenges, then provides solutions that include the most suitable products for your project, whether it is replacement windows, exterior doors, siding, roofing or insulation. We believe that there is no “best” product that meets the needs of every homeowner. We represent a number of different manufacturers, thus allowing us to provide varied solutions for your home improvement challenges and budget.
Windows on Washington is dedicated to providing solutions to your toughest home improvement challenges, at a fair and honest price. Our experts are skilled in windows, doors, siding, roofing and insulation, so we take a comprehensive approach to improving the comfort, appearance, and energy efficiency of your home. Click on the link below to talk to one of our experts about your project today.
Homeowners are often asking the WoW Experts about how to tell if an aging roof is showing signs that it's time to consider replacement. Many people think that the lack of any active or visible leaks means their roof is ‘good enough’. Not so. The optimal time to replace a roof is before it begins leaking. This way, you have adequate time to carefully consider your options and properly qualify a roofing contractor. Looking for the signs that a roof has worn beyond repair can save you money, extensive emergency repairs and homeowner headaches down the road.
Here are the 4 tell tale signs it's time for a new roof:
1. Leakage - A roof leak is a serious sign that your roof must be repaired, and more often than not, replaced. Ignoring roof leaks or doing a quick, band-aid fix puts many of the other parts of your home at significant risk. If you spot a leak or have repeatedly repaired the same leak without success, you should have a complete professional inspection to identify the cause. Sometimes, if a specific reason can be found for the leak, the roof can be repaired and made sound. What may at first appear to be a roof leak may often point to a flashing issue. Without sound, tight flashings around all of the areas of your home including chimneys, vents, skylights and junctions--water can cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.
2. Rain slots or notches - When it comes to your roof, leaking is certainly a bad sign, but it isn’t the only sign. If you have a roof with asphalt or fiberglass shingles, take a look at the rain slots (notches) between the tabs. If the notches are significantly wider than they are on new shingles, are rounded off on the corners, or the surface of the shingles is bent, warped, cracked, curled or dented, it is a good idea to have a complete inspection of your existing roofing system to identify how much life is left in the materials.
3. Shingle granules - Another sign that your roof has seen better days is a build up of shingle grit and granules in your gutters. The older the shingles get, the more cast off granules you will see. Likewise, if when you inspect your shingles, you are seeing much of the asphalt layer peaking through the colored granule coating, your roof is at the end of its life. If your roof is metal, note any damage, rust or loose panels. For roofs constructed from tile or wood shingles, damaged or loose shingles indicate it is likely time to replace your old roof. If you have a flat roof, fish mouth seams and UV degraded surfaces indicate that replacement is in the near future. A careful and educated inspector can likely diagnose these signs of aging and tell you how much life is left in the roof.
4. Storm and Other Damage - It is possible that your existing roof is not very old but has suffered some severe weather damage. This could simply be the result of a very strong storm, or could be cased by improper installation of the existing roof system or construction with substandard materials. In these cases, you should examine any warranties you have and ask your insurance providers about coverage. Start doing your homework with regard to roofing systems so you’ll be ready to make an informed decision when the time comes.
When determining whether to replace your roof, you would be well served by visiting with a straightforward contractor. Windows on Washington carries an array of different roofing materials and can give you a factual breakdown on the different types to make the best decision for your home. Contact the experts at WoW today for more information.
It’s a great time for home improvement, especially if you live in the Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Suburban Maryland area. Remodeling Magazine has released their Cost vs Value report for 2013. This report describes many different home improvement projects as well as the projected return on investment (ROI) if and when you sell the house. Just remember - while these numbers are very strong, they do not take into account the immediate energy savings you will gain, so the actual ROI can be above what is listed.
As of 2013, the average ROI for home improvement projects increased by 2.9% nationwide and saw increases in each measured category. The Metro DC area had some of the largest growth in ROI as compared to other cities, and was above the national average in every category. In addition, the highest gains on ROI were from replacement projects rather than renovating or addition projects at almost 8% growth.
We’ve highlighted a few examples of replacement projects that net the highest ROI for the year.
Custom Window Replacement
Last year, custom window replacement carried a ROI of up to 74.3% for the Southern Atlantic Region. In 2013, there was a slight increase to as much as 74.7%. However, the bigger news for the Metro DC area is that the ROI is well above the national average at 95.1%. That means that homeowners in the Metro DC area are not only apt to get almost every dollar spent on replacement windows back when their home is sold, they will reap immediate and continuous cost savings through lower energy bills while they live in the home. Couple this with the increased comfort and improved curb appeal that new windows bring, and it’s a win-win.
Entry Door Replacement
A new door can make a great impression on a guest or potential buyer, dramatically impacts curb appeal and increases the value of your home. Once again, our immediate area saw a major increase on the ROI when it comes to steel doors with a ROI of 106.2%. Fiberglass entry doors are also netting up to an 85% ROI. Many entry doors are also Energy Star Qualified, so utility dollars literally stop going out the front door while giving an fresh, updated look to the front of your home.
Roof Replacement
When a home is being sold, the number one item that a home inspector will assess is the roof. Buyers want to ensure that they are not going to have a large outlay of cash for a new roof after they move in. With that being said, putting a new roof on your home will not only net you a ROI of up to 70.4% but it’s a feature that will make a lasting impression on potential buyers and can differentiate your home. So, maybe it’s time to replace your roof to enjoy a few years of increased curb appeal before you sell your home.
Siding Replacement
Last year siding ranked as one of the highest ROI of all home improvement projects - and this year is no different. Last year, the projected ROI was 89% and this year it increased up to 96%. There are several types of siding available - vinyl siding, foam back siding and cement fiber siding - all can give a major boost to curb appeal. In addition, carefully selected siding can improve the energy efficiency of the home, resulting in increased comfort and energy savings which drive your ROI even higher.
Garage Door Replacement
Not many people think of replacing garage doors to add value to a home. However, when a homeowner invests in new garage doors, guests and potential buyers have the impression that the home is well cared for. This impression gives potential buyers confidence that the same care was taken throughout the home. In 2013, garage doors can net up to 96.9% ROI for our local area.
At Windows on Washington, we provide solutions to all your exterior home improvement challenges. Our experts are well trained in custom replacement windows, steel and fiberglass exterior doors, siding, roofing and garage doors. Contact us today to see how Windows on Washington can make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient.
Windows on Washington has chosen a full exterior make over for our highlighted Project of the Week. This project began with replacing all of the home's original window units with Okna 500 replacement windows. The homeowner chose the foam filled frame upgrade for the added energy efficiency that option provides. These oustanding windows will prevent drafts to keep rooms comfortable, increase efficiency to control utility costs and improve the curb appeal of the home.
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| Front Dormer Window Before |
Front Dormer Window After |
Next, the home owner chose to replace their current siding with long-lasting, no maintenance Hardie Plank Siding. This product is unique, as it is a type of foam back siding. The foam backing is beneficial for three reasons: efficiency, stability and sound reduction. Foam back siding increases the energy efficiency of your home because the foam core is a barrier of insulation preventing heat loss where the studs of your walls contact the outer wall of the home. The stability of this product gives a very polished look without a wavy appearance, as the foam backing allows the siding to lay flush against the home. The final benefit to this product is the reduction of outside noise due to the sound barrier of the foam.
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| Siding (Before) |
Hardie Plank Siding (After) |
Lastly, we installed new gutters to compliment the polished look of the windows and siding. They not only make the home aesthetically pleasing, but also provide a needed barrier of protect around the home by carrying water away from the home's exterior, avoiding the future problems that poorly managed drainage can bring.
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Homeowners in the Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC area can trust their home improvement projects to the experts at Windows on Washington. This locally owned company has won numerous awards for service excellence, including Angie's List Super Service Awards for 2010, 2011 and 2012. Do you want to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and beauty of your home? Call the Experts at Windows on Washington today for solutions to all your home improvement needs.
Windows on Washington will be attending the Dulles Home and Remodeling Show Friday-Sunday, January 18-20, 2013. We will be showcasing our best in class replacement windows, doors, roofing, siding and gutters. Stop by our booth, number 126, to talk to one of our professionals about your home improvement project. 
Special Events Schedule for the Home and Remodeling Show
Friday
1:00pm - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - Master the Flipping Craft
2:30pm - Josh Flagg of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Put a Dollar In and Get Two Back
4:00pm - Heloise - Hints to Remodel, Refurbish, and Redo
5:30pm - HandyMOM 101 Workshop
6:30pm - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - 5 Steps Towards Flipping Homes
Saturday Special Events
11:00am - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - The 7 Real Estate Myths
12:30pm - Heloise - Hints toRemodel, Refurbish, and Redo
2:00pm - Josh Flagg of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Put a Dollar In and Get Two Back
3:00pm - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - Master the Flipping Craft
4:30pm - Josh Flagg of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Put a Dollar In and Get Two Back
6:00pm - Heloise - Hints toRemodel, Refurbish, and Redo
7:30pm - Color Trends for 2013
Sunday Special Events
11:00am - Zero Energy Homes: Say Goodbye to Electric Bills and Never Loose Power Again
12:00pm - HandyMOM 101 Workshop
1:00pm - Christen Bensten - "How to Restore with Chalk Paint"
2:00pm - Luxury Kitchens and Baths
3:00pm - Floors 101
4:00pm - How to Work with an Architect: A Case Study in Home Remodeling
Here are all of the details you will need to enjoy the event!
When: January 18-20, 2013
Where: The South Hall of the Dulles Expo Center
Hours:
Friday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Admission:
$10.00 - Adults
$7.00 - Adults Online
$3.00 - Kids 6-12
Free for kids 5 and under
At Windows on Washington, we field a great deal of questions from homeowners that are dreaming of a home improvement project. We are committed to supplying our customers with all the facts, and believe the beauty, performance and warranty of the products we install speak for themselves. If you are considering a home improvement project, stop by our booth at the Capital Home Show and talk to one of our experts or contact us by clicking on the link below.
Everybody does it. We make a New Year’s resolution’s on January 1st to ensure the new year is more successful than the last, but for some reason we let it all fade away through the year. Why? Maybe it’s because we set unrealistic goals or we make a resolution that takes daily time and energy and then we lose interest. Whatever the reason, it’s time to set ourselves up for success with New Year’s resolutions this year. Choose a resolution that matters to not just ourselves, but those around us. Choose one that has goals set throughout the year that are attainable and where we can see immediate and future benefits from this resolution.
One such New Year’s resolution is to make your home more energy efficient. Making this a priority in the new year can not only improve your curb appeal but also the comfort level in your home. This goal is broad enough to cover many different price ranges depending on your financial position and gives you an immediate return on investment. Feeling this reward immediately will help keep you on track to continue to make those improvements that matter.
Here are 5 projects to accomplish this New Year’s resolution of increased home energy efficiency in ascending order of the magnitude of energy savings.
1 - Lighting and Electrical
There are several small practices that you can do today to make your home more energy efficient and start saving money immediately.
- Changing your light bulbs to Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs will save utility dollars, as these bulbs utilize about ⅓ of the electricity of a traditional light bulb.
- Unplugging electrical appliances when not in use will also cut down your electric bill. According to the DOE, anywhere from 5% to 10% of residential electricity is used by devices that are plugged in 24 hours a day (TV, coffee maker, DVR, electrical gadgets like iPods, etc.) Unplugging these devices, or if you use a powerstrip - switching it to the off position when not in use, will eliminate this expense.
- Whenever old appliances are in need of replacement, choose an Energy Star rated new appliance to reap additional energy savings.
2 - Energy Audit
An Energy Audit provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall efficiency of your home, as well as pinpoints the exact areas where energy loss occurs. The auditor will create a customized, professional air sealing and insulation strategy to increase your home’s efficiency, decrease heating and cooling costs, and maximize your return on investment. Some DIY measures, such as caulking or weather stripping, will also keep energy dollars from flying out the windows. In addition, because it is a relatively inexpensive home improvement, the ROI is high since utility bills are often immediately and significantly reduced.
3 - Air Sealing and Insulation
Once the energy audit is complete, you can prioritize those areas that will have the highest impact from professional air sealing and insulation. Investing in air sealing and insulation will be a little more costly than a bit of weather stripping, but according to the EPA, this improvement reduces annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 20 percent. Tackling this project will save you money year round by reducing the heat demand in the winter and decreasing air conditioning expenses in the summer. These energy and cost savings will keep your New Year’s resolution right on track.
4 - Replacement Windows, Entry Doors and/or Garage Doors
It’s now time to get serious with your New Year’s resolution with replacement windows and doors. As much as 10 to 25 percent of your central heat is can be lost through old, leaky windows and doors. There are several measures you can take to help prevent this energy loss. Caulking around the leaking areas is a best practice that can save you money in the very long term, but the results may not be enough to see a dramatic change in your energy bill and the comfort level of your home. Replacing the old windows and doors with Energy Star rated replacements will not only save money immediately on energy bills, but according to the Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report,the ROI for replacement windows and doors is between 71% and 78% at resale.
5 - New Siding
New siding gives curb appeal a big boost by making a fresh first impression. In addition, carefully selected siding can improve the energy efficiency of the home, resulting in a more beautiful, comfortable and cost effective household. Advancements in technology and manufacturing have given homeowners several types of siding from which to choose. Vinyl and foam backed siding should net up to 77.2% ROI, while the ROI of fiber cement siding could be as high as 89.7%. HGTV ranks siding replacement as the #1 project to add value to a home.
These 5 energy efficient home improvements will make your home more beautiful, efficient and comfortable - all while saving you money on energy bills. Prioritizing based on project costs and ROI will keep this New Year’s resolution realistic. To discuss which project makes the most sense for your home, contact the experts at Windows on Washington today. We offer an array of services that include: custom replacement windows, siding, roofing, entry and garage door replacement, energy audits, air sealing and insulation.