http://www.aamanet.org/upload/file/Why_R_Is_Not_Simply_The_Inverse_of_U_September.pdf

Before you click away, know that R is a complete measure of the insulation of the whole window, while U is typically only measured at the center of the glass. So, when you do things like filling the frame of a window with insulation, you can boost the R Value while keeping the U value the same.

In this barren real estate market, many people are said to be doing home improvements instead of buying a new home. The idea is to put more equity in to an existing home that may have depreciated simply due to the economy. Like any investment, one should consider the payback they can expect on their outlay.

There are only so many basic ways to improve any home. You can improve on siding, doors, windows (of course), additions, swimming pools, etc. Each method of improving your home has a payback, which varies according to the part of the US you live in. In New England, it turns out that windows are one of the top things to do when considering just what to do to improve your home. This is not without debate, however. Some people feel that potential home buyers overlook the windows. And, it is intuitive to Suntech, that the entryway door is another simple and cost effective method of improving on your home’s equity.

Many people sling internet data at us these days. The internet is clogged with spam and surveys. What’s missing are people who can compile the data and explain why it is the way it is. Why does an entryway door provide such a good return on investment? It’s the very first feature people see when they look at your home. In my opinion, it’s that simple. Along with entryway doors, are windows (of course). Windows are in almost every single structure in the world, since the beginning of time. Doors and windows are simply not optional. Even mud huts have windows and doors.

Furthermore, in 2010, wood windows eclipsed vinyl windows on the return in investment. Wood, as it turns out, lasts longer than vinyl, which is an unproven material to work with. Vinyl windows simply don’t go back far enough to have proven them selves, and the first generation of vinyl windows are all being replaced now. So what is the residual value of replacing wooden windows? About 74%

Some useful links / sources of information:

Payback (2010)

Payback (2009)

Windows Not So Good

Norwalk, CT, September 20, 2010 – JumarMarketing, LLC, a full-service marketing agency specializing in marketing strategies, brand awareness, web design and development, and social media and search engine marketing, announced its partnership with client Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc., a Westport, CT-based firm that sells, installs, and services highly specialized, cutting edge residential windows and doors for the commercial and residential markets.

With the goal of expanding both the commercial and residential sides of its business, Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc. enlisted the help of JumarMarketing, LLC to define and deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy that would introduce it to potential residential customers as well as prospective business clients. The result was the launch of an end-to-end campaign that delivered on many different facets. Beginning with the brand itself, Jumar modified Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc.’s existing logo and developed a new tagline to enhance its presence. This was followed by the design, development, and implementation of a targeted print advertising campaign, as well as the production of direct mail and print marketing promotions. New sales collateral was also designed and created, including new business cards, postcards, and branded stickers.

To further assist in driving awareness of Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc.’s in the markets it serves, its website was consolidated with that of parent company, Suntech of Connecticut, Inc. This enhanced the company’s appeal to both residential and commercial markets and allowed potential clients to view Suntech’s breadth of experience by including the history of the commercial side of the business. Jumar is also currently managing the Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM) management, online marketing, and public relations campaigns on behalf of Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc.

“Jumar has continued to deliver exactly what we needed, from strategy to execution,” stated Vincent Berkun, General Manager of Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc. “The new website enhancements, advertising campaigns, and branding refresh are exactly what we wanted. We are very pleased with our progress so far and look forward to a continued relationship with Jumar,” continued Berkun.

“We are delighted to be working with Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc.,” said Judi Virgulak, President of JumarMarketing, LLC. “Our objective was to grow their client base beyond the business market, and we feel the items we have delivered—and will continue to deliver—are a step in the right direction in terms of positioning them in front of new potential customers.”

About JumarMarketing, LLC
JumarMarketing, LLC is a full-service marketing agency specializing in strategy, branding, web design and development, and social media and search engine marketing. The company provides strategic and technical solutions to build, market, and grow clients’ businesses. JumarMarketing, LLC works with clients across various industries to build brand equity, maximize online visibility, target quali¬fied leads, drive website traffic, measure & increase ROI and develop new business. For more information, visit the company website at www.jumarmarketing.com.

About Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc.
Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc. is a highly specialized, cutting-edge residential window company located in Westport, CT and a subsidiary of Suntech of Connecticut, Inc. Offering over 30 years of expertise in commercial contracting, the company sells, installs, and services exceptional and innovative glass products throughout Fairfield and Litchfield Counties, CT and Westchester County, NY.

Although we thought the postcard was pretty spiffy in its design and content, you’re right; there isn’t really anything out of the ordinary about it. What made the undertaking special to us is that we utilized the services of STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, a local not-for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. With the help of STAR, Inc., people with developmental challenges can contribute to society in a meaningful way and ultimately lead fuller lives. We used the folks at STAR, Inc. to fulfill our postcard project (add mailing labels, secure postage, deliver to the post office for mailing).

What seems like a pretty ordinary task turned out to be extraordinary. They did a great job for us, and the end result gave them something of which to be proud. And, simple as it was, the work put them one step closer to fulfilling their goal of assimilation into everyday society where work = money = independence.

We were so positively affected by the experience that we will use STAR, Inc. again—for sure—and encourage others to do the same. For us, the old saying really is true: a little goes a long way.

The details had to be exact and perfect. We accomplished the task and received accolades for the extremely high quality of our work adding that any flaws would have been clearly evident due to the minimal elements of the home.
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CT-based commercial contractor announces the selection of its services for the new Sports and Recreation Center at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute

North Branford, CT, August 26, 2010 – Suntech of Connecticut, Inc., a leading architectural glazing company specializing in the commercial market, proudly announces their selection as a contractor on the new Sports and Recreation Center at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA. The project, scheduled for completion in 2012, entails the construction of a 29,000 square foot gymnasium, complete with 14,000 square feet of cardio space and 5,000 square feet of specialized, multipurpose rooms. Featuring state-of-the-art equipment, the new center will overlook WPI’s quadrangle to the east and Alumni Field to the west. The $53.2 million development is part of the Institute’s seven-year capital plan.

As preferred vendor, Suntech of Connecticut, Inc. will provide custom applications and installations for the new Sports and Recreation Center, described by WPI President Dennis Berkey as a place for faculty, staff, and students to come together in competition, camaraderie, and celebration. The Center will include a four-court gymnasium, a 25-meter competition swimming pool, well-equipped locker rooms, offices for athletic department administrators and coaches, a multi-level atrium, an elevated jogging track and space and equipment for cardio, free weight, and circuit training. The center will also serve as a location for other large scale events, such as admissions open houses, career fairs, national academic conference and alumni events. In addition, the facility will have space dedicated to WPI’s robotics programs, in support of their regional and national robotics competitions.

As experts in the installation of Architectural Metal & Glass products, Glazed Curtain Wall
Systems, Aluminum Entrances and Storefronts, Custom Skylights, Windows, Metal Wall Panel
Systems, Exterior Ceramic Cladding, Fire Resistant Glass, and Stainless Steel Applications,
Suntech of Connecticut, Inc. aims to be a noteworthy part of the facility’s completion and success. Due to a 2007 WPI Board of Trustees policy decision, the facility must meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards from the U.S. Green Building Council. Therefore, more than 75% of the facility’s construction waste will be diverted from landfills through recycling.

“Areas of the building use some of the most modern energy efficient (green) commercially available building products available on the world market today”, stated Michael Berkun, President, Suntech of Connecticut, Inc.

The large glass expanses (curtain wall) surrounding the enclosed indoor Olympic sized pool (natatorium) have 2” thick triple glazed insulated glass units. These insulated panels have a thin (molecular level) Low-emissive metallic coating, (Low-e) which has been scientifically designed to let in the maximum amount of visible light (Visible Light Transmittance), while controlling the amount of heat coming in from the sun (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient). Using 3 layers of glass, they also entrap the still air in-between the glass panels and radiate collected heat back into the building, creating a very low U-value. (0.17).

The aluminum frames have been designed to outperform almost all commercially available products. Although a fairly expensive option in today construction market, the money was spent to reduce the amount of condensation that would typically occur in the high humidity areas of the pool areas.

“We are very proud to be involved in the new development at Worcester Polytechnic Institute”, stated Vincent Berkun, General Manager of Suntech of Fairfield County, Inc. “Assisting in such a necessary and positive project in WPI’s capital plan will be both exciting and rewarding.”

Imagine you’re in the middle of a meeting, and everyone is peeking in! Imagine flipping a light switch for privacy. That’s what smart glass does. As the production amounts go up, the prices come down. The technology is there. One aspect of smart glass that Suntech can deliver is laminated or “sandwiched” versions – we can put it in to about any frame these days, as long as it’s stationary. The thickness can be mad up with other glass, and we can even put it in to surrounding glass applications that require exterior building exposures.

Another side note is that smart glass is able to be projected upon. What that means is that you could have a whole wall of glass that is literally a projector screen. This is exciting stuff. People have used privacy glass in bathrooms, sun rooms, by hot tubs and more.