Are you aware that there is a secret weather forecasting formula locked in a black box in New Hampshire? True story. You can't make this stuff up. But before you start thinking that this secret weather formula is somehow connected to the ancient Mayans, we?ll tell you right off the bat, it isn't. This formula, which has proven itself to be 80% accurate, was devised by Robert B. Thomas, founder of the Old Farmer?s Almanac, and has been used since 1792. It relies on the study of magnetic storms on the surface of the sun, prevailing weather patterns, and the atmosphere to predict future weather patterns.

Meteorologists question the validity of the Almanac and its methods because of its secrecy and their inability to compare it to modern techniques for studying weather patterns, which employ physics, math and atmospheric readings. They claim that the Almanac?s methods are not based on science, but cannot deny the track record of this popular reference guide.

Whether You're a believer or not, it might be a good idea to take note of what the Almanac says about this coming winter. If the predictions are right, we need to prepare for extremely cold temperatures and lots of snow. What does this mean for you? More heating costs.

It might be a bitter winter or it might not be, but now is always the time to upgrade your windows and save on your energy costs.

One of the most noticeable upgrades you can make to your home, for a minimal amount of money, is a new front entry door. It is like getting a facelift for your house. If You're looking for ways to increase the quality of your home, this is the way to go.

So you've decided to invest in a new door. The next question you have to work through is what material to go with. you've probably heard that fiberglass is less expensive and more durable. But you want to do this right. Do You'really want to go with the cheaper choice? Well, the truth is, it isn't just the cheaper choice, it is the best choice.

If you are a smart shopper, you probably still have questions. Here are some answers to help you out:

Will a fiberglass door last as long as real wood? This is actually less a question of what material the door is made of and more a question of how well the door is maintained. Doors made from wood or fiberglass will both last a really long time, when properly cared for.

How does care differ between these two materials? A wood door should be re-finished every year on all 6 sides, to keep It'safe from the elements. A fiberglass door can hold up for 5 years between coatings. But, even without routine finishing, fiberglass is still considered to be low maintenance. It can last years without being susceptible to mold, rust, or other deterioration.

If You're looking for an entry door that is easier to maintain, less expensive, resistant to moisture damage, and just as opulent as a new wood door, fiberglass is the perfect choice. Set up a free in-home estimate with one of our door specialists today, and give your home a facelift with fiberglass.

When you think about replacing the windows on your home with new vinyl windows, what comes to mind? If You're like most people, nothing comes to mind. Why should it? All you know is that you want something that will replace those old warped or broken windows, and you want something that is going to add to the beauty of your home. But, even though we manufacture all of our vinyl windows with multi-million-dollar robotic systems, and guarantee the best quality available, we understand that vinyl replacement windows aren?t for everyone. So, here are the pros and cons of getting vinyl. You decide.

PROS

• Lower energy bills. This material keeps its shape when temperatures heat up or cool down. That means they?re not going to warp and lose their seal. We also use the highest quality materials in our windows and give options for triple pane glass to resist heat transfer. If You're looking to have windows that will save you money on your heating and cooling bills, vinyl is the way to go.

• Easy maintenance. There is no beating vinyl when it comes to easy maintenance. These windows swing out, flip down, and pull out for fast easy cleaning. If you've ever tried to clean third story windows, you know how great this feature is.

• Durable. Once again, resistance to heat and cold is what makes this material shine. As the years pass, vinyl windows will hold their shape.

CONS

• Fewer options. Even though we offer more of a selection than most window companies with 5 different window options, 10 different glass options, and over 50 color options, there really is no competing with wood when it comes to variety. If You're looking for a specific style of trim, vinyl may not be right for you.

• What you have is what you have. If You're the kind of person who likes change, vinyl may not be the right fit for you. Unlike wood frames, most vinyl is not paintable. That means You're not going to be able to mix things up every few months like you can with wood.

Have you decided that vinyl siding is right for you home? It is an easy choice. Maintaining wood siding can feel a lot like renting paint. You slap a few coats on your home and in 5 years You're out there painting again. Vinyl siding offers a permanent solution that, if done right, will resist the passage of time and protect the wood of your house from the harmful effects of severe weather. But, now that you've chosen vinyl as an upgrade, You're still left with a question: ?Which vinyl siding is the right one?? Hopefully, we can shed some light on that question.

Do I want to stand out?

You may be thinking that your home would look awesome in teal or purple, but before you take that bold step you should know that it could affect the value of your home in the eyes of a potential buyer. Even if you don?t imagine you will ever sell your home, it is still a good idea to consider a home'sale in your plan. Look around your neighborhood and see what color tones are being used and consider talking to a real estate agent to see what color could increase your home's sale value.

Will my color choice cost me more?

Not all colors are created equal. If you choose an exotic or rare color, you can expect to pay more. Common colors are used by a larger customer base, and when vinyl siding companies can sell to a wider base, they are able to pass their savings on to their customers. They are also inclined to do so because reducing the price means they will ensure larger bulk orders for that color style.

What style works with my home?

This is the most obvious question on our list, but it deserves mentioning. If you have a fence or deck that is painted a certain color, you are going to want to match those design elements. If your home has a certain theme or style, you?ll want to go with the siding that complements your home best. Though most vinyl siding looks like standard horizontal clapboards, siding can also come in vertical panels, shingles, scallops and more.

Outside of a possible business investment, purchasing a house and property is the single most expensive and important commitment one can make. However, the initial purchase of the home is just the beginning. Following the exciting day of ?signing your life away? comes the home maintenance, keeping the house up to date, and paying for that investment.

Often, that purchase involves investing in an older home, sometimes referred to as a ?fixer upper.? Others perhaps built a new home 20 or 30 years ago and have come to realize there are improvements that must be made. Whatever the case may be, there comes a time when conditions call for new windows and doors. The benefits of replacement windows and doors are many. One value of installing new and improved windows and doors may simply involve the aesthetics or enhanced beauty of the home. This results in creating greater curb appeal which gives positive effect to the value and marketability of the home.

Perhaps an even greater benefit than beauty is the energy efficiency that comes with new and improved windows. The cold draft is now gone. The new and improved glass systems retain the heat in the winter and keep it cooler in the summer, making heating and cooling so much easier and more efficient. Installing the new windows and doors gives opportunity to use new sealant and caulking material, offering permanent flexibility against cracking or splitting in even the most extreme weather conditions.

The benefits of energy efficiency have recently led to yet another advantage of replacement windows and doors. As recent as December 2015, President Obama and the United States Congress made way for multi-year extensions of tax incentives for any home improvements that increase energy efficiency. The Window and Door Manufacturers Association as well as the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association were quick to welcome the passing of this Legislation. Among many provisions approved in this legislation is included the extension of the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives through 2016. It also extends the tax credit for energy efficient improvements for new home construction as well as existing homes.