Question: I want a strong window shutter for security and storms, but I dont want it to block my outdoor view. Is a rolling shutter strong enough and will it improve the efficiency of a large window?

Answer: Installing rolling shutters can protect your windows and sliding glass doors from damage during severe weather. In some hurricane-prone states, such as Florida and the Texas coast, new homes or ones doing major improvement projects are required to install approved rolling shutters. In other parts of the country, they are also popular for energy savings and security benefits.

Energy savings with a rolling shutter can be significant, especially over large windows and glass doors. Considering only the insulation value of the shutter slats, a rolling window shutter can triple the R-value of a standard window. Additional savings come from the dead air space which is created, reducing air leakage and blocking the suns heat and fading rays during summer.

A rolling window shutter operates similarly to an old roll top desk. It is mounted in outdoor vertical tracks on each side of a window or door and rolls up into a small box mounted above the window or door. The individual slats are often only one to two inches tall and interlock with each other. The mechanism to raise and lower them is indoors. There also is an emergency hand crank rod that can be used outdoors.

When the shutter is lowered covering the entire window, some shutters still allow natural light to come indoors. Each interlocking flange connecting the slats together has long narrow holes. When the shutter is completely lowered against the sill, these holes are hidden. As the shutter starts to lift, the slats separate to expose the holes while the bottom slat is still resting on the window sill.

There are several slat design options. The least expensive is made of hollow rolled sheet metal. Metals become stronger and stiffer from the rolling and forming operation. Another option is this same type of roll-formed slat with insulation in the cavity. This makes it a little stronger and provides more insulation. The strongest and most expensive slats are heavier extruded metal.

The type of opening device and controls will be determined by the type and size of the rolling shutter you install and the level of convenience you desire. If a shutter is difficult and inconvenient to open and close, you will end up just not using it as often as you should for the greatest energy savings and storm protection.

When installing a shutter over a normal-size window, an inexpensive pull strap operator is effective. For larger shutters or heavier extruded ones, a hand crank is a good choice. This is still reasonably priced and easy to use. For the most convenience, electric operators are available. With modern electronics, groups of shutters can be operated from just one control.

Question: I am going to add some wall insulation to an old farm house when I reside it. I plan to use real cedar lap siding. What is the proper method to nail it after the insulation and sheathing are installed?

Answer: Ring shank nails are best because they grip tightly and should not pop. Use either aluminum or galvanized steel nails to eliminate rusting. Hammer the nail head in just flush with the siding surface.

The proper nailing location is just above the edge of the piece of siding below. Never try to nail through two pieces of siding with the same nail. Do not nail up too far though or the siding is more likely to split.

Excerpt from:
Installation of rolling storm shutters - Palm Beach Post

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It doesnt take long to find a review of Lee Windsors home renovation work online.

This guy is a scam! an anonymous post on Craigslist warns. He will get a down payment and you will not hear from him again.

Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office deputies apparently agreed. Investigators on Friday arrested Windsor during a sting operation, booking the 39-year-old New Orleans man on a count of residential contractor fraud.

The investigation began with a complaint from an alleged victim, according to a probable cause affidavit for Windsors arrest.

Deputies said that the victim, a resident of Waggaman, found Windsor on Craigslist and contracted with him for residential repairs. The victim sent Windsor a down payment of $300, or about half of the total, on March 5.

But then Windsor went silent, according to the arrest report. He failed to return the victims calls, text messages and emails. Deputies said that the victim used the internet to uncover a trail of allegations of similar contractor fraud in Louisiana and Florida.

On March 10, deputies used a different phone number to make a proposal under the guise of a homeowner seeking his services. Windsor agreed to a cost for the project and told the homeowner that he would meet in Metairie to accept a down payment.

Deputies were waiting. They stopped Windsor at the meet-up spot in the 8000 block of West Metairie Road. He could not provide an occupational license or business records so he was taken into custody, according to the arrest report.

Col. John Fortunato, a Sheriffs Office spokesman, said that detectives would like to speak with anyone else who had business dealings with Windsor, who told investigators that he moved to New Orleans from the Jacksonville area just a few months ago.

Fortunato said that Windsor speaks with a strong British accent. Deputies said that he advertised on social media and Craigslist under a variety of business names, including NOLA Tile, NOLA Property Repair, Affordable Custom Deck and Patio, and Affordable Siding Installation.

Windsor was released on Saturday. Fortunato said that anyone with information on his contracting activities should call the Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau at (504) 364-5300.

Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge.

See the article here:
New Orleans man booked on Craigslist contractor scam allegation - The Advocate

Published: March 10, 2017 3:00 AM

CANTON -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced a lawsuit against a home improvement contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services to northeast Ohio consumers.

Clinton A. Matthews, of Canton, and his business, Matthews Home Services LLC, are accused of violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act. In the lawsuit, DeWine seeks reimbursement for consumers and an end to any violations of the law.

According to the lawsuit, Matthews did business as Matthews Home Services, offering home improvement services, such as basement or home office remodeling and vinyl siding installation.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office has received three complaints against Matthews Home Services. Estimated consumer losses total approximately $4,550. Additional complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau. In their complaints, consumers generally said Matthews took their money but failed to start the work as scheduled, provided multiple excuses for delays, and either never did any work or did work that was shoddy.

The lawsuit, filed in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Matthews of failure to deliver and shoddy workmanship.

DeWine offers consumers the following recommendations to help prevent home improvement problems:

Research a company before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General's Office or Better Business Bureau. Also conduct an Internet search with the name of the business and words like "reviews" or "complaints." Be skeptical if you find no information. Some operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to detect their record of shoddy work.

Get multiple estimates. For a large job, consider contacting at least three different businesses before making a final selection. Keep in mind that the company that gives you the lowest estimate may not necessarily deliver the best results.

Check your cancellation rights. If a home improvement contractor does not have a fixed place of business or comes to your door to offer services, you may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel the contract under Ohio's Home Solicitation Sales Act. Make sure you receive detailed written information about your cancellation rights.

Make sure verbal promises are put in writing. Get a detailed written contract including any verbal claims the contractor makes and other important details, such as the estimated cost of the work, the expected start and end dates, and the names of the individuals who will perform the services.

Be wary of requests for large down payments. It's reasonable for a contractor to require a down payment, but be skeptical if you're asked to make a large down payment (such as half or more of the total cost) before any work begins. If possible, pay in increments as the work is completed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at http://www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

A copy of the lawsuit is available on the Ohio Attorney General Office's website, http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

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Canton contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services - The-review

Out West Awning Co. has been a staple of the Pikes Peak Region since 1903. The company provides commercial and residential awning services to clients throughout El Paso, Teller and Pueblo counties. More than 100 years ago the company was both an awning and outfitting company, gearing up hunters, hikers, homeowners and business-owners with everything they need from backpacks to tents to patio awnings to entrance canopies. Today, the locally-owned and operated business keeps up on all of the cutting-edge products and technologies in the awning industry, and is a Charter member of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association.

We are excited that after more than a century business continues to boom at Out West Awning, and as we expand we see a prime opportunity to partner up with deck, pergola, siding and other talented installation crews in order to offer a more complete set of services to our commercial and residential clients, says Richard Forward, President of Out West Awning Co. An awning is a great way to wrap up a new construction or home improvement project and itll help our partnering companies margins overall. Not only would the partnership be mutually beneficial for the contractors, it would streamline the process for clients instead of them having to call a different installer for each and every project. The company already works with several general contractors in the region, who recognize the superior quality of Out West Awning Co.s product.

We stay ahead of the curve and consistently keep track of trends and manufacturing techniques, says Forward. Many do not look into the marketplace deep enough to understand what makes an excellent awning versus an okay one versus a weak one. Good, better and best applies to every industry and ours isnt an exception. Forward is very particular about how he builds his awnings, and has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars on top-notch equipment and inventory, which can be viewed at his showroom at 1865 N. Academy Blvd.

The company is seeking to establish partnerships with skilled commercial and residential installers to extend a range of services to its valued customers, including engineered shade sail structures, maintenance-free aluminum walkway covers and more for businesses. On the residential end, home improvement projects include retractable awnings, stationary patio awnings, window awnings as well as solar management.

Teaming up with Out West Awning Co. provides contractors with an edge in the booming Colorado Springs economy. From the graphic design to material quality, the company is at the top of its game. The seams of the awnings are welded minimizing sewn seams, which affords greater life out of the product. In addition, the materials offered are water repellant and time tested in our particular climate. They offer a full spectrum of materials and processes to accommodate your graphics needs for your business identification.

Out West Awning is also thrilled to announce that theyare designing their own line of retractable screens, which the company will have sole possession of. The screens will be available in more than 140 colors; and Forward plans to have them available by late April. Its an exciting time to become a part of and grow with Out West Awning Co., whether as a client or business partner. You have to move quickly in this business, and offering our quality product as an option of something to install is highly appealing, says Forward.

To learn more about how you can get involved, contact Richard Forward at 719-570-9778.

Out West Awning Co., 1865 N. Academy Blvd. OutWestAwning.com.

Read more from the original source:
Out West Awnings Co. is expanding, inviting construction partnerships - Colorado Springs Gazette

The developers of The Landings apartment complex on Monday night got the rezoning they needed to add 120 apartments to the complex.

But it did not come easily or cheaply.

Council members divided 3-3 on whether to allow the development on the southeast corner of the intersection of 36th Street and Cornhusker Road to expand.

Mayor Rita Sanders broke the tie in favor of the developers, siding with councilmen John Hansen, Paul Cook and Don Preister.

The three council members who voted against the construction project all said the intersection was too heavily traveled and too important to Bellevue to be handed over to residential development.

They favored waiting until commercial or retail developers showed an interest.

Those council members were Pat Shannon, Thomas Burns and Jim Moudry.

The developers NS Landings 2, LLC did not get all they wanted, however.

They had asked for a waiver of a city requirement they install a sidewalk along the edge of the development, from 36th Street east along the south side of Cornhusker Road to Linden Plaza.

But council members voted 6-0 to deny the waiver, thus requiring that the sidewalk be installed.

The developers had protested that the sidewalk would be a sidewalk to nowhere, since it would stand alone without connecting to an existing sidewalk either to the east or the west.

But council members sided with Bellevue resident Dwight Beaton, who spoke at the public hearing in favor of requiring the sidewalk.

Sidewalks would always be sidewalks to nowhere if none are ever installed, he said. But a consistent program of sidewalk installation would soon have sidewalks connecting to other sidewalks, he said.

The vote was a defeat for the Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce, which spoke in favor of reserving the corner for commercial development.

Rusty Hike, chairman of the chamber board of directors, said busy intersections are rarely good locations for residential developments and would be better used for commercial and retail development which would generate both property and sales taxes for the city.

See the rest here:
Mayor breaks tie, OKs new apartments - Omaha World-Herald

SCIO The Linn County Road Department will oversee restoration of the Gilkey Covered Bridge this summer, according to County Engineer Chuck Knoll.

This will be the fourth covered bridge restoration project Linn County has completed in the last five years, he said. We plan to advertise this project for bid in the next few weeks.

Renovation is expected to run from June to late October, and the estimated cost is $1- to $1.5-million, to be funded through the Oregon Department of Transporations local bridge program. (The Shimanek Covered Bridge is in line for restoration in 2019.)

According to Knoll, the Gilkey carries Goar Road over Thomas Creek and is located in an area of the county known as Gilkey station, established in 1880. Knoll said the area was a center for shipment of farm products.

The bridge was built based on an Oregon State Highway Commission design, although there's some confusion about what year it was actually constructed. A plaque on the structure indicates 1939, but Knoll said a 1936 Albany Democrat-Herald article noted it was constructed that year.

Linn County has about 320 bridges that we inspect and maintain," he said. "Through the years since 1936 I have a hunch that the Linn County Engineer before me and the Roadmaster before Darrin Lane had a lot of work to do and did not have time to correct any published sources that got the date wrong or right. We might consider placing a new sign on the covered bridge that indicates the bridge was constructed in 1936 as part of this project.

However, he added, a sign with an incorrect date of 1939 might, to some, have a little historical significance.

Kevin Groom, who designed the renovation project, said the open trussed style allowed more light and visibility while reducing wind resistance on the house.

The partially exposed trusses also dry out faster than enclosed designs, Knoll said.

The bridge uses 120-foot Howe trusses on each side of the roadway. In 1995, the county replaced decaying bottom timber chord sections on both trusses. Repairs three years later included replacing more decaying chord members, as well as steel hanger rods, bearing plates, floor beams and cross-bracing; a new deck installation; chemical fumigation of trusses; and paint.

A 2008 truck accident forced further repairs: replacing a damaged upper cross brace and damaged timber diagonals; and repairing damaged steel hanger rods, siding and broken roof collar ties.

Groom noted the renovation project is designed to bring the structural capacity of the bridge up to 40 tons, which will support the crossing of trucks. Its current capacity is six tons.

The project will include installing new pressure-treated timber bottom truss chords; making epoxy repairs to damaged existing top timber chords; adding steel side plates on existing top timber chords to increase strength; installing a new timber roof truss, structural members and cedar shingle roofing; installing a new timber deck and historic timber guard rail; new timber siding; new paint; and new bridge approach spans.

In addition to the extensive work on the main span, the project will also replace all of the existing timber and concrete substructure with new reinforced concrete and steel piling abutments and piers, Groom said in a report about the bridge status. This will address constant maintenance issues associated with decaying timber and scour damage from Thompson Creek that have occurred in the past during large storms.

Knoll said the Linn County Road Department is fortunate to have Groom on staff.

Kevin has many years experience in the structural design of timber covered bridges, Knoll said. Kevin provided the design for the restoration of the bridge, with support from Andrew Potts, Daineal Malone and myself, as well as input from our bridge maintenance crew.

Knoll said projects of this magnitude work best if tackled as a team effort.

Its best to get input from everyone who has a working knowledge of a covered bridge, Knoll said.

Linn County Road Department is responsible for the maintenance of six covered bridges in addition to Gilkey: the Hannah, Larwood, Short, Shimanek and Hoffman covered bridges. Hannah, Larwood, Short and Hoffman have been restored over the past five years with engineering design, contract administration and construction inspection completed by the Linn County Engineering staff.

Contact Linn County reporter Alex Paul at 541-812-6114.

Originally posted here:
Gilkey Covered Bridge to get overhaul this summer - Albany Democrat Herald

BMC STOCK HOLDINGS, INC. (NASDAQ:BMCH) Files An 8-K Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of ... Market Exclusive ... product specification, installation, and installation management services. It offers a range of products sourced through a network of suppliers. It also offers various products, including hardware, wood boards, gypsum, insulation, roofing, siding ... and more »

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BMC STOCK HOLDINGS, INC. (NASDAQ:BMCH) Files An 8-K Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of ... - Market Exclusive

Exhibits range from stone work, landscaping, and sellers of sheds, gazebos, hot tubs and pools, to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home security systems, windows and skylights, sunrooms, and roofing and siding.

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. The 15th annual Southern Rhode Island Home Show is taking place this weekend at the University of Rhode Island's Ryan Center.

Show organizer Dean Appleman said 106 companies are exhibiting at the show, which was open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and will continue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appleman said he expects attendance to be between 9,000 and 11,000 people.

Exhibits run the gamut of home improvement products and services, from stone work, landscaping, and sellers of sheds, gazebos, hot tubs and pools, to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home security systems, windows and skylights, sunrooms, and roofing and siding sales and installation. Appleman said representatives from local banks will also be on hand to assist those who need help financing their home-improvement projects.

Appleman said cash-and-carry items will be available for sale.

Energy companies will also be at the show, including solar energy vendors. "Solar is really big this year," said Appleman, who produces home shows all across New England. "It has really taken off."

General admission is $7, or $5 with a coupon. Children 12 and under may enter free with an adult.

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Southern Rhode Island Home Show draws thousands to Ryan Center - The Providence Journal

Clinton A. Matthews, of Canton, and his business Matthews Home Services LLC are accused of violating Ohios Consumer Sales Practices Act. In the lawsuit, DeWine seeks reimbursement for consumers and an end to any violations of the law.

According to the lawsuit, Matthews did business as Matthews Home Services, offering home improvement services, such as basement or home office remodeling and vinyl siding installation.

The Ohio Attorney Generals Office has received three complaints against Matthews Home Services. Estimated consumer losses total about $4,550.

Additional complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau. In their complaints, consumers generally said Matthews took their money but failed to start the work as scheduled, provided multiple excuses for delays, and either never did any work or did work that was shoddy.

The lawsuit, filed in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Matthews of failure to deliver and shoddy workmanship.

DeWine offered consumers the following recommendations to help prevent home improvement problems:

Research a company before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office or Better Business Bureau. Also conduct an internet search with the name of the business and words like reviews or complaints. Be skeptical if you find no information. Some operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to detect their record of shoddy work.

Get multiple estimates. For a large job, consider contacting at least three different businesses before making a final selection. Keep in mind that the company that gives you the lowest estimate may not necessarily deliver the best results.

Check your cancellation rights. If a home improvement contractor does not have a fixed place of business or comes to your door to offer services, you may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel the contract under Ohios Home Solicitation Sales Act. Make sure you receive detailed written information about your cancellation rights.

Make sure verbal promises are put in writing. Get a detailed written contract including any verbal claims the contractor makes and other important details, such as the estimated cost of the work, the expected start and end dates, and the names of the individuals who will perform the services.

Be wary of requests for large down payments. Its reasonable for a contractor to require a down payment, but be skeptical if youre asked to make a large down payment (such as half or more of the total cost) before any work begins. If possible, pay in increments as the work is completed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney Generals Office at http://www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

A copy of todays lawsuit is available on the Ohio Attorney Generals website.

More here:
Home improvement contractor accused of not keeping promises - Norwalk Reflector