Shedding More Light on Windows
Other Columnists
Q. You recently wrote an article about replacement windows.
Which window did you recommend? My mom remembers reading the article but not
the details. - Sue Menoscal, New Hyde Park
A. My story on replacement windows ran on Sept. 4, 2003, and dealt with a
couple of issues, including how to evaluate window performance and how new
materials and technology were improving glass and frame quality. There are some
major improvements ahead, including, in my opinion, increased use of
fiberglass in frame construction. There's also a trickle-down effect; as more
national manufacturers use better materials and tweak the way windows are
built, smaller window companies react accordingly. As for recommending a
window, my articles are not about endorsing products but rather about informing
homeowners and consumers about how to make intelligent decisions on
remodeling, repair and purchases. In the window article, much of the expert
opinion was provided by Jim Benney, executive director of the National
Fenestration Ratings Council (www.nfrc.org). Since the early 1990s, this
organization has been rating window performance based on several categories,
including air leakage and U-factor (how well a window keeps heat inside a
building). My advice is to find out how to rate window performance by visiting
the NFRC Web site. Then, by all means, shop around. In addition to meeting your
budget, look for a window company that has experienced installers.
Q. Several weeks ago, you wrote about framing a large bathroom mirror with
decorative molding. One reason for framing the mirror was to hide the damage to
the silvering around the edges of the mirror. Is there a place on Long Island
that resilvers antique mirrors? - Robert Coles, Port Washington
A. You might try antiques shops, but in many cases these shops send mirrors
out to a third party to have the work done. One respected and established
antique mirror and glass repair service is Walter's Mirror in East Elmhurst,
Queens (718-446-5757). The company has been replacing glass and resilvering
mirrors since 1958. Owner Frank Hippel says resilvering antique mirrors starts
at about $20 a square foot. In addition, Hippel's company also makes new
mirrors look distressed. Several finishes or looks are available. Visit the
company's Web site, www.waltersmirror .com.
Q. On Nov. 20, 2003, you wrote about placing zinc or copper strips under
asphalt shingles to rid roofs of a black fungus. Readers might be interested in
Shingle Shield, which makes a roof cleaner and manufactures precut zinc
strips. I haven't used the items yet but anticipate doing so next spring.
- William Bellmer,
Garden City
A. Several companies manufacture zinc and copper strips specifically for
preventing roof algae and moss. In addition to Shingle Shield (www.shin
gleshield.com, 800-942-3004), there's also Z-Stop (www.z-stop.com, 800-845-
5863). These precut products are easy for the average homeowner because they
can be unrolled like tape, and little cutting is required. But in the roofing
industry, much of the metal flashing that is used is cut from thin sheets of
copper or zinc. Sheets of zinc or copper flashing might be easier to come by at
building supply warehouses - less expensive, too. However, the homeowner will
have to cut the sheets into strips with tin snips.
Q. In a past column, you've mentioned a wallpaper seam adhesive that was
readily available. I misplaced the column. Can you help?
- Gerry Mittler, St. James
A. Several brands are available at paint supply stores, hardware stores or
home centers, and they usually come in 3- to 4-ounce tubes or quart tubs.
Figure on a couple of bucks for the tubs and about $5 for the quart. ShurStik
and Golden Harvest are two that come to mind. In addition to repairing those
curling seams, the adhesives are quite good when it comes to applying wallpaper
borders.
Although he cannot always respond, Gary Dymski welcomes letters. Write to
him in care of Newsday Home Work, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250 or
e-mail gary.dymski@newsday.com. Include your community of residence.
