21. May 2009 by admin.

Good news if your looking or planning from now through 2009-10, for a new energy efficient replacement windows & doors. That’s because now you can receive a tax credit of up to $1,500. or 30% of the cost of qualified energy-efficient windows and doors. This is a huge opportunity for you to reduce you home’s heating and cooling cost - so act now!

Previously, the tax credit was originally a measly $200 for windows and up to $500 for doors. Now that Congress and the President have passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, aka “The Stimulus.” Inside is a provision that triples the old tax credit and that benefits the homeowner greatly, in cost savings.

To qualify for the new tax credit, you have to be a smart consumer and buy the most energy efficient windows. Energy Star certification, the old standard doesn’t cut it anymore. The new standard will help our country become energy independent. Plus, better windows save you money on energy bills and keep you comfortable all year round.

What Are The Requirements For The Tax Credit?

Only windows and doors with a U-Factor of .30 or less qualify. U-Factor is a measure of the window’s overall energy-efficiency. Many windows have U-Factors of .31 or .32. Those don’t qualify.

Windows and doors also need a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .30 or less. A low SHGC blocks the blistering heat that comes through windows in the summer, reducing the load on your air conditioning. Once again, .31 or .32 aren’t good enough. It has to be exactly .30 or less.

U-Factor and SHGC are independently tested and verified for windows by the National Fenestration Rating Council. Any reputable window will have a NFRC sticker.

How To Tell Which Windows And Doors Qualify

To get your $1,500 tax credit, you need to shop smart. Many windows and doors out there don’t meet the new requirements—even some high-end brands you’ve heard of. A lot of companies haven’t processed or don’t even know about the new tax credit. There’s a lot of confusion about this right now—you don’t want to be left empty-handed.

Here’s what you need to do: Make sure that any replacement window or door you buy has a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or less. If the window company won’t show you the NFRC sticker certifying the ratings, walk away. If you’re unsure or suspicious, visit the NFRC at www.nfrc.org. You can verify ratings in the product directory or contact them directly.

How To Claim Your 2009 Energy Tax Credit For Windows And Doors

1. Purchase and install any replacement window, patio door, or entry door with a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or below between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.

2. Save your receipt and each window and door performance label (NFRC label) with your tax documents.

3. Claim your tax credit on your Federal filing for the 2009 or 2010 tax year.

Terms and Limitations

• The tax credit is for the cost of the product only and does not include installation costs. Be sure to ask for a sales receipt that shows the cost of the product only.

• The tax credit is 30% of the amount paid up to a $1,500 maximum.

• If a combination of windows and doors are purchased, the total maximum credit is $1,500.

• This is a new tax credit for 2009/2010

If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, feel free to request a quote from MBM Construction by following the highlighted link below.

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21. May 2009 by admin.

 As a custom deck builder and home improvement contractor in Massachusetts, I’m often regularly asked these kind of questions once I’ve built their pressure-treated deck. So I will do my best to answer the most common question I can think of now. Understand this before I move on, staining your treated decking involves the same process as untreated-decking — the main thing is that the wood is clean and dry from any moisture or dirt.

Can I stain pressure treated lumber?

Yes, you can stain pressure-treated lumber with the one exception, that the decking has completely dried out and has been clean of any and all dirt.

How long should I wait to stain pressure-treated lumber and why do I have to wait?

The process begins at the lumber yard factories and treatment plants. The pressure-treated lumber goes through a process of using a water-based solution that carries the treatment of chemicals into the fibers of the wood while under pressure; this leaves the wood wet.

What if I decide to stain the pressure-treated decking or wood before it’s dry - are there any consequences?

If you were to go ahead and stain or paint the decking before it dries, you’ll end up with bubbles -or- blisters forming on your deck. Also keep in mind, you’ll end up locking in moisture inside of the wood creating fungus or rot to take hold and destroy the wood.

What are the time tables for staining the deck, how long should I wait?

It all depends on what region of the country you live in. If you live in a hot sunny state like Arizona, give it a few weeks and it will more than likely be dry. However, here in Massachusetts it all depends on what season your deck is being constructed in. In the spring and summer months here in MA. I would wait 30-60 days before I would treat your deck with stain.

What kind of stain should I use for pressure treated lumber?

There are stains on the market today. My favorite type of stain would be Cabot stain, it holds up to the rough seasons we see here in Massachusetts the best. Many people believe Thompsons is the best, I completely disagree –they only have the best marketing! Just read the backs of the can and follow their directions…

How should I stain pressure treated lumber? Or, how should I apply the stain?

Read the can because it varies with some stains but most stains can be applied with a brush, sprayer, or sponge. You will probably find a sprayer to be the easiest method.

Should I stain pressure treated lumber yearly?

Yes! If your looking to preserve the deck, porch, patio for years to come stain your deck annually.

My final thoughts:

Staining pressure treated lumber is not rocket science. In fact, there is nothing remotely complicated about it but it does take time and if you don’t do it properly, you’ll mess it all up. If I did not make this point obvious enough above then let me say it again here:

Treated wood must be dry before you stain or paint it.

Enjoy your project. Wear gloves. Wear goggles. Be careful with tools. Work in ventilated areas.

Feel free to comment on my page, I’ll answer your questions to the best of my ability. And if you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island and  in the market for a new deck or porch, visit my home page - the link will be highlighted below.

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