Remodeler: Rembert Rogers III
Company: Craftsman Construction Co., Charlotte, N.C.
Product: Jeld-Wen Pozzi Divided Lites and Sash Replacement units, www.jeldwen.com.
True Light
Remodeling firm Craftsman Construction frequently replaces windows in Charlotte's older homes, and using new windows that reproduce the traditional style and appearance of the original windows is critical, says Rem Rogers. "The details that are available on Pozzi windows match the type of styling required for these homes," Rogers says.
Rogers says his company most frequently installs Pozzi's double-hung windows with Pozzi Divided Lites, which look like true-divided light windows.
When Rogers must order custom-sized windows, Pozzi's cost structure keeps the windows priced reasonably, he says. But what really has Rogers revved up about Pozzi windows is the service he receives from his local rep. "Having exceptional service is important to us, and that's what we get with Pozzi," Rogers says.
Remodeler: Tom Luce
Company: Luce Custom Remodeling & Design, Melbourne, Fla.
Product: PGT WinGuard impact resistant windows, www.pgtind.com.
Windy City
Remodeling and building additions in Brevard County, Fla., was made more difficult for Tom Luce when hurricane codes were implemented after the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Andrew. "We've been using PGT's products for years, and when the hurricane codes came out, we only had two choices: either use impact-resistant [windows] or install shutters."
Luce and most of his clients opted to switch to impact-resistant windows to maintain the aesthetic appeal of their homes. Luce chose PGT's WinGuard Impact-Resistant Windows, which combine either aluminum or vinyl frames with impact-resistant laminated glass. A silicone glazing process keeps the glass from breaking away from the frames. Even though the windows are more expensive, Luce says, his clients see the value in installing them. "For contractors, it's a good choice for the middle of the road," he says.
Remodeler: Cindy Knutson-Lycholat
Company:Knutson Brothers II, East Troy, Wis.
Product: LOGIX Insulated Concrete Forms, www.logixicf.com.
Building Blocks
Building lakefront basements and foundations has always been a challenge for remodeling firm Knutson Brothers II, says Cindy Knutson-Lycholat. The company kept running into problems with the traditional poured concrete and forms they were using. Then Knutson-Lycholat attended a seminar hosted by her local concrete company and learned of insulated concrete forms (ICFs). Used to create reinforced, pre-insulated concrete walls above and below grade, ICFs are essentially expanded polystyrene blocks, or forms, that are dry stacked, reinforced with steel, and filled with concrete.
The company has now been using ICFs for about 10 years, and Knutson-Lycholat says their jobs are much better for it. It helps keep the temperature and moisture constant, she says. "I like the ease of installation and the fact that we can do a foundation on [what could be] a difficult site, and it's no longer difficult." Currently the company uses Logix ICFs, which come in several shapes, including corners, transitions, and brick ledges and in a range of internal widths from 4 to 8 feet.
For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog.
