Posted by Matt Miller on Thu, Apr 25, 2013
If you have never 
bought replacement windows before, you not even be aware of the different style names, like double hung. This timeless window design is by far the most common choice for residential homes, complementing a wide array of architecture. It is a versatile design that operates by sliding either the top or bottom sash down or up to create ventilation. As it so happens, Renewal by Andersen double hung windows are the best replacement windows in production. Allow us to tell you why.
Hastle Free Cleaning. Andersen replacement windows are nearly maintenance free. However, dust, sea spray, dirt, and smoke can stick to glass over the course of a year. Andersen double hung windows tilt out for convenient cleaning without using ladders or even going outside. We suggest using a soft cloth and gentle cleaning solution such as vinegar, soapy water, or residential glass cleaner 2 or 3 times each year. Simply wipe the glass down, dry with a squeegee or rag, and push the sash back into position. If there is a really stubborn corner, cans of condensed air with straw extensions work wonders.
Countless Design Options. Pick from an array of different colors to obtain the precise look you want on both the inside and outside of your house. You will never have to paint again, because Fibrex doesn’t fade, chip, or flake away like paint on wooden window frames. Grille patterns also add their own unique style possibilities. Pick from Colonial, Prairie, Modified Prairie, and Farmhouse. We even let you determine the number of squares you want on each sash with colonial grilles. Finally, our estate and standard hardware collections will put the finishing touches on your replacement windows with ornamental locking systems.
The Stamp of Approval. Andersen has been in the window making business for over 100 years. During that time, we have grown a reputation for unbeatable quality. Most architects even recommend our products to builders and homeowners, displaying the Andersen product name and “or equivalent” on the formal plans. Why buy a look-alike that is less durable and doesn’t maintain temperature as well when you could invest in the real thing? On top of that, there are numerous historic districts that only allow Andersen replacement windows to preserve the beauty and structural integrity of culturally rich neighborhoods.
Revolutionary Building Material. Every window frame is made from our innovative Fibrex material that is maintenance free, much like vinyl windows. What truly sets Fibrex apart is its minimal expanding and contracting from heat build-up. The expansion and contraction of vinyl along with vinyl’s propensity to bend under the mass of multiple glass panes causes seals to fail as quickly as five years after installation. Fibrex also doesn’t rot like wood does when it doesn’t receive vigilant care.
Posted by Matt Miller on Fri, Mar 29, 2013
We love to tell our customers in Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and Connectic
ut that Andersen windows are made from a material called Fibrex. So what is it and why should you care about it? Allow us to tell you why there was a need for something better, and how we stepped up to fill those shoes. Window frames have traditionally been made from wood for hundreds of years. That being the case, regular maintenance has always been a part of the picture due to inevitable wear and tear from weather over time. Wood is prone to expanding and contracting with fluctuations in temperature. It can also pit, peel, crack and corrode even without extreme climate conditions. For such a staple architectural element like windows, Andersen didn’t think this was an acceptable standard for replacement windows.
Renewal by Andersen found a solution to the problems presented from traditional wood frames with the revolutionary Fibrex material. Fibrex is a combination of both pulverized wood fiber and thermo-plastic polymers. The result is a window that is more durable, requires less maintenance, and insulates better than either substance alone. What’s more is that the material’s structural stability means a narrower frame and larger glass area for your viewing pleasure.
Also, as much as we know you love standing on rickety ladders 15 feet of the ground while holding a heavy paint can, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to take painting out of the picture for you too. Choose from a myriad of colors including, but not limited to white, sandstone, pine, oak, and maple. You will be amazed at how vibrant the color of your replacement windows is even 15 to 20 years down the road.
Finally, 40% of the raw material used in production is reclaimed wood fiber from Anderson manufacturing centers. We pride ourselves on being Energy Star qualified, meeting the high energy efficiency standards set by the U.S Department of Energy, and with windows lasting longer than ever, landfills are happy to see less dinged up, old windows taking up space every year.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Oct 20, 2011
At Andersen Corporation, we’ve been creating industry-leading products in
America for over 100 years. An Energy Star® Partner of the Year (2011, Product Manufacturer- Windows category), we’re a proud pioneer in developing energy-efficient, highly sustainable, environmentally responsible products and packaging. One of our most innovative products, Fibrex®, is a composite material we’ve been using in window frames for almost two decades. Now Fibrex® will be put to even greater use in an exclusive partnership we’ve forged with SOLON Corporation. SOLON produces large commercial and utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems in North America, and they’re now bringing Fibrex® into the photovoltaic market.
Photovoltaics are a method of utilizing solar energy to generate electric power. Solar panels have become increasingly popular, and the opportunity to use the durable yet low-maintenance product, Fibrex®, in their production affords SOLON the ability to make their panels lighter and more sustainable while also reducing heating and cooling constraints and negating the need for grounding. Fibrex® is made from
40% reclaimed wood fiber, making it an environmentally conscious product, which is again ideal for the PV market.
Because Fibrex® is designed to be exposed to the elements without the weight, bulk, or maintenance needs of its conventional predecessors, it is an excellent option for SOLON’s revolutionary commercial rooftop PV systems. This month, SOLON is debuting a
groundbreaking new rooftop PV system in Dallas, Texas, utilizing Fibrex® for the first time. This installation will pave the way for PV products using Fibrex®, which SOLON is using successfully in PV racking due to its stiffness, water resistance, compact design, and durability. In the future, SOLON plans to utilize the versatile composite to create lighter, more environmentally responsible panels in their commercial, utility-scale, and even residential markets.
For more information about the partnership between Andersen Corporation and SOLON Corporation,
review the press release. You may also read more about
Fibrex®,
Andersen, and
SOLON by following the links provided.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Mon, Aug 29, 2011
Due to Hurricane Irene, Renewal by Andersen of RI, Cape Cod & Northern CT is currently closed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope to have power restored soon. Thank you for your patience.
Update:
Renewal by Andersen of RI, Cape Cod & Northern CT is now fully operational and will resume normal business hours on August 31st!
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Mar 03, 2011
Considering floor replacement for your next home improvement project? When choosing your new floors, be sure to check out bamboo. Bamboo flooring is an
environmentally and budget-friendly product with a variety of options and benefits.
Bamboo and BudgetBamboo flooring prices vary. Be wary of retailers who tell you bamboo is 50% cheaper than traditional hardwoods. In actuality, quality bamboo flooring is comparable in price with most hardwoods, averaging
$2 to $4 per square foot. If you’re choosing not to install the flooring yourself, it’s good to know that bamboo installation requires no special tools or training, so it should cost the same as installing any hardwood floor.
Bamboo BasicsProvided you have the right tools and some willing helpers, laying bamboo flooring can be a fast home improvement project with dramatic, beautiful results. Aside from being attractive, it is available in several shades, easy to maintain, and ideal for people with allergies. It is also an
incredibly durable floor replacement option, with most brands offering 25-year warranties. Plus, bamboo flooring can be installed over many existing types of flooring, dramatically reducing the time and expense of a floor replacement project.
What’s So Green About Bamboo?Bamboo has become a common flooring choice in recent years, and one of the reasons for this surge in popularity is that bamboo is a sustainable, renewable natural resource. This aspect of bamboo flooring gives homeowners the option of a high-quality, beautiful end product while also meeting their desire to reduce their environmental impact.
Because
bamboo is a grass, not a tree, it reaches maturity in five years compared with the 50 years it takes to grow an oak suitable for flooring use. As well, bamboo is cut without killing the plant’s root, which actually begins to regrow immediately with very little human intervention (such as fertilization, herbicides, or pesticides). This makes bamboo a truly sustainable natural resource and, ultimately, an environmentally conscientious choice for floor replacement.
Photo Credit:
subindie
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Feb 24, 2011
What’s better than a home improvement blog?
A local home 
improvement blog! Sure it is fun to look at the large national blogs, but nothing beats the feeling of closeness with a blog that is being written in your backyard. From time to time we like to feature other local home improvement blogs and today’s selection is
Katy Elliot and her blog on Home, Art, and Food. As a former editor for Home & Garden magazine, Katy is no stranger to home improvement or writing. One of her most recent projects has been purchasing a historic home
(250+ years old) in Marblehead, Massachusetts and attempting to fully restore it.
One of our favorite posts from her blog is
Newspaper Insulation.
The article includes a picture of a
Newspaper dated October 28th, 1942 that was stuffed in the walls as insulation. This piece is a unique look back at a time period that wasn’t so distant. Some great headlines include: Beat Back New JAP Drive In Solomons, Rationing Of Butter Is Certain, 40,000 Register For Oil Rations. Other great headlines and the full story can be
read here.
If you are more interested in the food pieces of her blog, follow
this link. Some great recipes include: Grapefruit and Meyer Lemon Marmalade, Lobster Rolls, and Popovers (some of you may remember these from The Cocke n’ Kettle in Uxbridge, MA).
If you are interested in restoring older homes and in food with a local flavor, Katy’s Blog will not disappoint. It is written with an authentic voice and tells a great story that plays out with each passing day. Be sure to check out the links below to learn how you can connect with Katy Elliott and her writing:
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Be sure to subscribe in the top right corner so you don't miss a beat!Photo Credit:
katyelliott
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Feb 17, 2011
Given our difficult economy, it is harder than ever to afford luxuries like vacations, weekly yoga lessons, and expensive day trips. Instead of spending money on this short-term entertainment, you should turn your backyard into your own private escape. Below are some great ideas to turn your backyard into a place of relaxation and escape from the real world.
Pondless Waterfalls
Running water always seems to calm us. It may be that deep down connection to nature or just the fact that white noise has been known to have calming effects. While there are several water setups available for your backyard escape, some are more labor intensive than others. A full koi pond requires a lot of up keep and maintenance. Between feeding the fish, checking the water temperature, and winterizing the pond with every season, where are you going to fit in the time to enjoy the pond and relax?
A pondless waterfall gives you the benefits of running water for your backyard escape with none of the headaches of maintaining a full pond. They are relatively easy to construct, can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch, and will fit in any size yard.
Shaded Areas
Now that you have your pondless waterfall setup, you need an area to relax. No one wants to lie down in the beating sun. Now you need to create a shaded area. If your yard doesn’t already have a shaded area, you may want to consider planting a tree or two or setting up a tasteful canopy.
Plush Outside Furniture
Got Shade? Got Waterfall? Now you need some furniture! We 
would suggest splurging on some appealing and comfortable outside furniture. Often you can find plush cushions that can also stand up to the elements. Another great solution is the classic hammock. Can you think of a better way to spend a Sunday morning than lying on your hammock under your newly planted tress listening to the sound of your backyard waterfall? Enjoy your Sunday Zen!
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Photo Credit: Winston Furniture
Posted by Damien Cabral on Mon, Feb 14, 2011
We all know choosing new windows for our home is a big decision. Now imagine picking windows for a home made entirely of glass. That is what Phillip Johnson did when he built this glass house in CT.
When people come into my house, I say "Just shut up and look around."
--Philip Johnson
Well it doesn’t get more direct than that, does it? The house is made of quarter-inch thick glass supported by black steel pillars. It also features rich walnut cabinetry and brick floors that are polished with a purple hue. The house sits on a 47 acre site and is often referred to as Johnson’s “viewing platform.” For a time, Phillip Johnson used the house as his private residence even after he donated the house to the Natural Trust. The house is now open to the general public and tour reservations can be made here: philipjohnsonglasshouse.org Be sure to check out the amazing pictures of this house below.
Photo Credit: The Glass House
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Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Feb 03, 2011
MA, RI, and CT have been getting hammered with winter weather lately. These conditions are putting both our patience and our homes to the test. It is important to protect our homes from this brutal weather and be safe while doing so. Below are some tips to help you through these trying and freezing times.
Shoveling Tips:
It is very important to do some light stretching before you begin shoveling. You will want to bring water with you outside to ensure you are staying hydrated. (Don’t eat snow as a substitute.)Lift with your legs, not your back; this will help you avoid injuries. Also, you should know your limits, if you are tired, take a break! These tips can help you stay safe when shoveling the heavy white stuff.
Roof Rakes:
Once you are done dealing with the snow on the ground, you now 
have to look at the snow on your roof. This is especially true if you have a flat roof on a porch or another part of your home. It is not advised to stand on your roof and shovel the snow off. You could end up hurting yourself by falling off the roof or the roof could collapse under the additional weight. The best solution is to secure a roof rake. A roof rake is simple tool with an aluminum head and long pole used to sweep the snow of the roof of your home. Roof rakes are the perfect solution to remove snow, while keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Furnace Inspection:
Be sure to have your furnace inspected and cleaned at least once per year to ensure your family is safe and furnace is operating correctly.
Prepare an Emergency Kit:
It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit ready during any season. You never know when extreme weather will hit and you are left without basic amenities. Some items to include in your kit include:
- Non-perishable food – canned goods, Ramen, Pop-Tarts
- Jugs of water
- Blankets and first aid kit
- Battery operated radio
- Flashlight, matches, and candles
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Photo Credit: half_cat3
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Jan 27, 2011
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing LiveGreenMom on
our sister blog on the Moonworks website. Check out an excerpt below as well as the full interview here: LiveGreenMom Interview.
Moonworks (MW): Why did you decide to begin blogging and what did you hope to accomplish?
LiveGreenMom (LGM): I decided to start blogging in December 2009. I was a couple of years into being “green” and I realized that quite a bit goes into it, but because I had taken on the steps gradually, it didn’t seem like that much effort. I had a light bulb moment when I realized that there are probably so many other mothers just like me, overwhelmed with motherhood & the lack of sleep or personal time, that didn’t need something else to do – like being green. I thought ‘I can share this insight, and what baby steps I took to get to a point where I felt like I was not only making a difference in our family but also teaching my children so it becomes a part of their routine.
Be sure to subscribe to Live Green Mom’s blog and check her out on twitter @LiveGreenMom.
