How To Make Your Front Door A Design Element

In recent years, painting and revitalizing front doors have become a widespread home decor change. Homeowners enjoy changing things up and entertaining color and design changes to their home’s exterior. Superstition also plays a role in some people’s preferred door color choices. No matter your color preference, changing the style of your front door will ultimately make an enormous impact on your home’s curb appeal.

Want to let your guests in through the best door possible? Here’s how to pull it off while considering the rest of your home’s exterior.

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What’s In Store For Us: Hurricane Season 2022 Forecast

There is no denying that virtually everyone living in South Florida is thankful that we skated through Hurricane Season 2021. Even though the coast of South Florida is among the most hurricane-prone areas in the U.S., Floridians were indeed lucky last year. The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, producing 21 named storms. Thankfully, none of those storms made landfall in our state. We were also fortunate because last year was the second in a row (after 2020) and the third time in history we exhausted the designated list of twenty-one storm names.

So what does this mean? It means that Homeowners who aren’t yet fully prepared are the luckiest of all. Thank goodness they tempted fate once again and prevailed. As a homeowner, you have to ask yourself, “if I don’t upgrade to impact windows this year, will I get lucky again?” Or will the 2022 Hurricane Season be the one to break your lucky streak? A lucky streak is a series of concurrent fortunate outcomes or occurrences. The streak will end. It’s too early to tell what 2022 has in store for us, but experts agree that the frequency and severity of storms are increasing.

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How Low-E Glass Windows Can Save You Money

If a window is a window and they are all the same, buying new replacement windows would be easy. But since not all windows are created equal, a discerning homeowner should be fully aware of her options before entering into a contract.

As a consumer seeking the right product for the right price, you must first make crucial frame and glass decisions before buying any fenestration (window and door) products. Selecting the right combination for your new windows and doors can significantly impact the return for your window and door investment over time. When considering purchasing new windows, the least expensive products are rarely the ideal choice for most people.

The truth is, you can spend a lot of money on replacement windows no matter what you buy. But if the windows you choose aren’t the right ones for your needs, they may not provide the results you seek. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not spending enough because the wrong choice will cost you in the long term, and you will have wasted your money. The best way to shop for windows is to ask questions and compare investment value. Don’t just look for the cheapest deal you can get. For example, suppose you want to keep your Florida home cooler and more comfortable year-round. In that case, it’s wise to consider some upgrades. Here’s why.

Windows can lose energy in three ways. These are through:

1) Infiltration,
2) Infrared radiation (IR), and
3) Conduction.

Infiltration means drafts or air leaks. Virtually all new windows made today have adequate weather stripping and will keep infiltration in check.

Infrared radiation brings with it heat. IR comes from direct and indirect (reflected) sunlight.

Conductive temperature transfer occurs whenever there is a dramatic difference between interior and exterior temperatures.

Untreated single-pane, clear glass is ineffective against controlling heat, and both infrared radiation and conductive heat can enter your home no matter how thick clear glass is. This means hurricane-resistant windows will protect you against severe storms and intruders, but not against Mr. Sunshine! Clear impact-rated laminated impact glass is equally ineffective against the latter two, as well.

This is why millions of homeowners nationwide, and hundreds of our customers here in South Florida, have experienced firsthand the advantages that Low-E glass can offer. The primary benefits are that Low-e improves overall comfort and saves you money on your energy bill, month after month, year after year. Because we’re in Florida, most replacement glass units we use include Low-E glass of some type (there are a few).

So what is Low-E glass, and how does it work?

Low emissivity or ‘Low-E glass has a practically invisible coating applied to it. This microscopic metallic coating is spectrally selective and reflects ultraviolet light (responsible for sun bleaching) and infrared light (responsible for heat) from entering your home through your windows. This coating allows you to open your blinds and enjoy natural light without worrying about solar heat gain. If you are a South Florida resident, you want that!

Some modern replacement windows also utilize insulated glass instead of single panes of glass. Panes of glass are combined using a space in between that is well-sealed to keep out dust and moisture. Many different spacers are available that separate the two panes of glass to create a thermal break that curbs conductive heat. Even with these seals, some methods and materials are better than others, affecting the price.

A non-conductive spacer is the best type for efficiency because it also eliminates any conduction around the edge of the glass. Argon gas is the most common fill option because it improves the insulating ability of an insulated glass “unit.” With argon, the window’s performance is another 10% more efficient over air alone. When dealing with argon between the glass panes, however, the type of spacer is more crucial. At Garabar, we use spacer systems that provide a double seal and features a continuous non-permeable mylar backing that prevents the argon gas from seeping out.

Types of Low-E, Hard-coat vs. Soft-coat

Here at Garabar, we primarily use glass with a “soft-coat” Low-E. In an insulated unit, Low-E is applied to the inside of the outer glass panel. Between the pane and interlayer is where the Low-E goes in laminated glass. Soft-coat (vs. hard-coat) Low-E is proven to be the most effective way to control infrared radiation.

There are some terms you should be familiar with when shopping for energy-efficient windows.

U-Value. A measure of efficiency. A lower number means the glass is more efficient.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. A measure of the heat added to your home from natural sunlight. A low SHGC number means you will gain less heat.

UV Transmittance. Ultraviolet light (UV) is what will fade your carpet, drapes, and furniture. The lower the transmittance percentage, the less UV light will get through the glass and into your home.

Choosing the correct type of glass depends on factors such as:

1. The direction a window is facing.
2. Whether your home has a problem with heat gain or loss.
3. Various local building codes.

The professional window and door consultants at Garabar are here to help you. Please schedule an appointment or call us at (561) 290-2212 today.

How to Keep Sunlight from Fading Your Valuable Home Furnishings

Most know that Sunlight is the direct UV (ultra-violet) radiation source. And all Floridians know that the UV rays are among the most powerful in the US. What you may not know is that UV rays make up just a tiny portion of the sun’s rays.

Different types of rays come through your windows in different amounts.  UV rays not only cause skin cancer, but they can also cause your furniture, flooring, and curtains, etc., to fade.

You can prevent UV fading from occurring in different ways. Films are available that can block up to 99.9% of the UV rays. Applying film is an option if you already have new non-impact windows installed. However, suppose you live in South Florida, and you are still shopping for replacement windows. In that case, there is a better way to protect your home against the harmful effects of UV.  That is to invest in hurricane windows made with laminated impact-resistant glass.

How Laminated Impact-Resistant Glass Prevents UV Fading

Layers are fused by applying heat and pressure to create a solid monolithic glass pane.

Laminated glass is commonly used in architecture and for hurricane protection. Laminated glass incorporates a special protective interlayer, and it is made by sandwiching that interlayer between two glass panels. The process uses heat and pressure to bond the panels together.  It’s kind of like making a high-tech grilled cheese sandwich. When glass panels and the interlayer are fused this way, the glass acts as a single unit and looks like ordinary glass.

The interlayer is comprised of either PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) or SGP when used to create laminated glass.  SGP is stronger than PVB, but it costs more because it is an ionoplast semi-crystalline polymer that is more expensive to produce. Glazing manufacturers use SGP because it enables them to create impact windows for larger openings.  Both PVB and SGP provide UV fading because the rays cannot pass through them.

If you are considering buying new windows or sliding glass doors, keep these things in mind.

1. The best way to prevent UV fading is to make sure all windows and doors have laminated glass. 
2. Both the PVB or SGP interlayers used in all laminated impact-resistant glass will help prevent UV fading equally.
3. Since these interlayers can block up to 99.9% of the UV rays that try to pass through, it means you are blocking out virtually all UV rays.
4. The interlayer within the laminated glass will block all UV radiation, so it will help prevent fading damage to your expensive stuff.

Garabar typically uses PVB interlayers in most of our window installations.  We use mainly use PVB because it performs incredibly well for residential use. In addition to superior UV control, you’ll enjoy:

1. Hurricane protection
2. Intruder prevention
3. Noise reduction
4. Value for your money

Most importantly, we provide the very best hurricane protection possible for an affordable price. Of course, in some cases, we will use SGP, like when the NOA specifies its use to add strength and security for larger openings or by customer request.

Is your ultimate goal complete protection from fading from Florida’s sunlight?

Windows with clear laminated impact-resistant glass may not provide all the protection you want.  You must be aware that UV rays are only responsible for about 40% of the fading process. The remaining 60% of the fading process will come from heat and visible light coming into your home, so there are other steps you must take to eliminate fading thoroughly. Call Garabar at [phone] to speak with one of our professional window and door consultants to learn how best to protect your home and furnishings from destructive UV rays.

How To Increase The Life Of Your Commercial Roof

There are 5 Factors That Affect The Longevity Of Your Commercial Roof

The life expectancy for a roof can range anywhere between 10 to 40 years, depending on the proper maintenance it receives. There is a multitude of factors that go into how long your roof can last. Proper care and maintenance can mean a life expectancy difference of up to 10 years more. Garabar recommends that you keep an eye on these 5 areas to ensure you get the most of your investment.

Installation

It is essential to ensure that your roof was installed by a reputable, licensed, and insured roofing contractor. The roof you are investing in is something you want to guarantee will hold up through fluctuating climates and Florida’s famous hurricanes. If a roof is not installed correctly, it can lead to potentially serious issues like sagging or leaking. Not only does this decrease the life of your roof, but it can lead to structural damage throughout the entire house or building.

Roofing System

To ensure that your roof will last as long as you need it to, invest in quality materials for your roof. There are several viable options for quality materials. America’s most popular roofing material is the asphalt shingle because it offers the best trade-offs among beauty, durability, energy efficiency, and durability. However, when it comes to longevity in Palm Beach County, asphalt shingles pale compared to tile and metal roofs, which can last up to 45 years. The summers in South Florida can be brutal, and having a roof that can stand up to the heat is crucial.

Weather

While Garabar can’t control the weather in South Florida, but we can help you protect your roof from its harsh conditions. Extreme weather like rain, wind, and heat can take a toll on your roof if you don’t take the proper precautions. Be sure to do a monthly self-inspection of your roof to guarantee these weather conditions aren’t tarnishing the longevity of your roof. Fortunately, we use roofing products that are designed to deliver active resistance to harsh UV rays.

Maintenance

Almost all significant roof damage starts as something minor and inexpensive to repair. If you notice wear and tear on your roof, be sure to have it inspected routinely to ensure no avoidable issues could be addressed that could turn into more expensive problems. We have trucks on the road offering free assessments in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, and beyond, so you are never too far from our help.

Proper Ventilation

Excessive heat is one of the most common reasons a roof can need repair or replacement sooner than expected. To avoid this damage, invest in a roof that offers UV protection and guarantees that it is properly ventilated so your roof stays as cool as possible. Not only does this keep your roof in good condition, but it can also help lower your utility bills.

Excessive heat is one of the most common reasons a roof can need repair or replacement sooner than expected. To avoid this damage, invest in a roof that offers UV protection and guarantees that it is properly ventilated so your roof stays as cool as possible. Not only does this keep your roof in good condition, but it can also help lower your utility bills.

Garabar specializes in commercial roofing.  And our assessments are always free, so your time and money are never wasted. Have us look at your commercial roof by calling [xyz-ics snippet=”Phone-Number-1″].

How to Choose a Contractor

Whether installing new windows and doors in a single-family home or adding a new roof to an entire condominium building, choosing the right contractor is the most critical component in the process. Having the best products and materials available is of little value if they are installed improperly. The key to having a successful project is to evaluate a home-improvement contractor in the following areas.

1. Are they fully licensed to perform the work?

   Check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to make sure the license is current. Check online ratings with social media and the BBB for possible complaints filed against the contractor.

2. Do they have adequate insurance for your protection?

   Many contractors work with only the minimum required insurance coverage or are not covered for the type of work to be performed. Workers Compensation coverage is particularly important.

3. Do they operate out of a commercial office with a working phone number answered by a live employee?

   Many contractors operate without a physical plant. A mail drop, a home office, and a cell phone are the only tools a one-person “Bubba in a Truck” operation has to work with. When something goes wrong, do you want to be leaving a voice mail message and hoping someone returns your call?

4. Is the company the right size for your job?

   A small company may not have enough depth in its staffing to keep a project on schedule if the unexpected happens to key personnel. Yet, a huge company may not give your project the individual attention needed for a smooth and timely completion.

5. Was the installation process explained to you?

   Many people think they are simply buying new windows, when in reality, window and door installation is, in fact, a significant construction project. Furthermore, when work is done inside a home, such as installing new windows and doors, it can turn into an invasive and dirty process if you choose poorly. Workers may be in every room of your home at some point during your project. Usually, lots of dust is created because of all the grinding, sawing, and drilling required. If the dust control is left in the hands of unskilled or unsupervised workers, you could be in for a nightmarish clean-up afterward.

6. Will there be adequate project supervision?

   Unfortunately, it is all too common to have a contractor or salesperson sign you up, and then your project is handed off to a sub-contractor who wants to get the job done in a hurry without regard for quality. This is the primary cause of construction “horror stories” many consumers have experienced. Insurance coverage is often lacking as the contractor may have had coverage, but his “subs” did not.

7. Were you provided a complete detailed proposal?

    Does it include descriptions of work, products and types of materials to be used, the warranties available, payment requirements, and project procedures and timelines?

8. What about the Price?

   We have all heard the comment about “you get what you pay for.” Understand that higher quality products and protection cost more than lower quality and that higher-skilled, more experienced workers command higher salaries. Therefore, the lowest bid is the one most likely to have the most problems. Professionalism, experience, and quality artistry should be the driving factors in your selection process.

To get a free no-hassle estimate for your next Roofing job, new Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors, or even Solar power for your home or business, give Garabar a call at [xyz-ics snippet=”Phone-Number-1″]. We work all around Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, and beyond!

Garabar Goes the Extra Mile

Deciding on the right contractor for your home improvement needs can be difficult. And sometimes, your home does not wait for the right time; life happens. Garabar prides itself on always going the extra mile for our customers because we know how stressful home improvements can be. When you receive The Garabar Touch, you can rest easy knowing that we stand by these three things.

Licensed, Insured and Looking Out for Your Best Interests

Garabar values complete transparency in our business, which is why, with every truck you see and contract you sign, our license and insurance information is front and center. Garabar will never cut corners so we can ensure that you get the best service possible. Working with a licensed and insured contractor is necessary because not only does it mean that the work we do is going to be done right, but if someone gets injured on the job, you are not liable. And to ensure a happy customer and quality job, Garabar often goes above and beyond the city coding requirements to make sure your investment is going to stand up to the harsh Florida weather. Good enough is never good enough for Garabar.

Returning Your Property How We Found It

Having roofs or impact windows and doors installed are big jobs, so Garabar prioritizes cleanliness for your home and sanity. When Garabar does any work on your home, we ensure that we take extra measures so that dust and debris will not take over your living space or yard. We want to guarantee that you receive the best service every step of the way, even during the ‘not-so-pretty’ parts. The only thing we will leave behind is quality work and a sense of security in your investment.

History and Experience

When you hire a contractor to work on your home or business, you must also trust their employees with your property. This is why hiring a company with a long-standing reputation in the industry and strict hiring requirements is important. Many of our team members have been with us for over 10 years.

We understand that sometimes expenses come up, and we want to ensure that quality roofing and impact windows and doors are accessible to everyone who needs them. Homes from Palm Beach Gardens to Boca Raton are especially susceptible to unexpended roofing needs during the hurricane season.

The Garabar Touch is not a claim; it’s at the heart of our company, and we’re committed to proving it every day on every project. Check out our reviews to see how The Garabar Touch has made a lasting impression. We are always available for a free assessment. We have team members in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Delray Beach, and beyond ready to stop by and assist you. Call us at [xyz-ics snippet=”Phone-Number-1″] to get started with us today!

Updated Message On Covid-19

Everyone spent the last couple of years dealing with COVID-19 and the pandemic still impacting our world. For Garabar, that means understanding how it affects our employees, our suppliers & manufacturing partners, our customers, and the communities in which we serve.

We continually make the necessary adjustments to our work and operations. We have a straightforward objective that guides us: keeping you and our employees safe while still completing projects promptly. This practice has been at the center of our policy changes and virtually every decision we make.

If you live in Florida, you know that summer is here. Along with it comes rain and the hurricane season – and many leaking roofs. The number of severe storms that can cause catastrophic damage is rising. Again this year, early predictions are leaning towards above-normal activity.

Therefore, we have made several moves in our business in response to the looming threat of the coronavirus. Yet we still serve our customers by helping to protect their homes and families to the best of our ability.

In Florida, despite the current state and municipal policies set in place to curb the continued impact of COVID-19, residential construction is considered an essential business. Therefore, your home improvement and home repair projects can still take place.

Garabar is an Essential Business

At Garabar, we will continue to do essential work and operate as usual but continue with the added precautions. Our manufacturing partners still function at near-normal capacity, but with many additional measures to keep employees safe. Understand, however, that we expect our lead times to increase.

Know that we are always here for you, our valued customers. Some of you may still want to schedule consultations, installations, or repairs with us, but with special accommodations. We are happy to arrange a remote consultation via phone or video conference with one of our experts if you wish.

Garabar continues to follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on the steps to help prevent the spread of the virus. We have shared specific instructions with our employees on the importance of washing their hands and staying home if they feel sick or are returning from any environment identified as posing a coronavirus-related risk.

Our company will continue to monitor the situation and do all we can to protect you and our employees. If you have any concerns, we will be happy to partner with you to perform our work at your comfort level.

Call [xyz-ics snippet=”Phone-Number-1″], and we will take care of it.

Neglecting Roof Inspections Will Cost You Money – Look Up

As professional roofing contractors, we see all kinds of roofing problems.  Experience shows us that more roofing issues began as minor maintenance tasks that grew into costly repairs simply because the homeowners didn’t bother to look up at it.  The problems grew more expensive to fix due to neglect and lack of awareness.  Just as with personal health, it is better to diagnose a problem with a roof through check-ups, preventative maintenance, and cleaning before it becomes increasingly worse.  We encourage every homeowner to inspect your roof a few times a year.

How do you inspect a roof?

The first step is to visually check it, especially after a heavy storm or high winds. The good news is that you don’t have to climb a ladder to get a good look at your roof. Instead, all you need is a pair of binoculars to look for any potential problems.

Here’s what you should look for when inspecting your roof yourself:

• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Peeling flashing
• Missing granules

Next, look for leaks in your attic & ceilings because an early indication that your roof needs maintenance is the appearance of water stains inside your house. You should be checking your ceilings and attic just as regularly as your roof itself for water damage to head off any serious issues. The most common warning signs of a leak are:

1. Musty odors in certain rooms.
2. Water stains on your ceiling.
3. Spots on your exterior walls.
4. Bulging patches on your interior walls.

If you notice any of these signs, your next step is to locate the leak immediately, but please do not attempt to climb on your roof because it is dangerous.  The best solution is to call Garabar at [xyz-ics snippet= “Phone-Number-1”] because there could be a hole in your roof, and we can quickly and safely make the necessary repairs for you.

Winter Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance during the Winter in Florida is equally crucial because it means less rain. That, in turn, means that roofing work, if needed, can progress more quickly. Especially when it comes to large projects that span several days or even weeks, having less rain to deal with eliminates many of the delays and complications we run into in the summer.  Wintertime is also the perfect time to have your professionally cleaned. There are local services that specialize in roof cleaning and we are happy to take a close look at your roof for trouble spots after you have it professionally cleaned.

Less rain in the wintertime means a lower chance of interior water damage. Unfortunately, we find problems in our roofing system too often after a breach and rain pours in. Often these leaks go undetected for weeks or months. In most cases, the interior damage caused by a leak can far exceed the cost of the repair itself.

No matter what the season, an intense downpour can cause significant damage to a roof weakened by our summer weather.  Now is as good a time as any to inspect and maintain your roof. Give Garabar a call for a free quote at [xyz-ics snippet=” Phone-Number-1″] to have a look at your roof and allow us to suggest ways to strengthen it.

What Are Hurricane Impact Windows?

Hurricane-rated impact windows are often referred to as Hurricane windows.  Hurricane windows are specially designed to offer year-round protection from high winds and other perils. Like auto safety glass, they are made with laminated glass that doesn’t break into shards if shattered, the windows remain intact even if the glass is broken. To create these windows, two panels of glass are bonded with a clear, ultra-strong interlayer. Window and door frames and window sashes, as well as the hardware, are also specially designed to keep the windows or doors in place during the harshest weather.  Installing hurricane-rated windows and doors eliminates the need to close up with unsightly shutters, put up panels, or hang plywood in the event of an impending storm.

Garabar, Roofing, Windows & Doors is conveniently located in Lake Worth, Florida.  We offer a full range of hurricane impact windows and hurricane impact doors for your home, condominium, or business. We also offer commercial storefront impact doors and glass. Servicing all of Palm Beach County and beyond, all the products we offer are made of commercial-grade aluminum or vinyl, high-impact resistant laminated glass, and high-quality hardware all manufactured to conform to rigorous industry standards.

Garabar supplies and installs hurricane windows in and around West Palm Beach including those that are certified according to the strictest code in Florida for large and small missile protection and extreme wind load resistance.  All Garabar’s products meet or exceed the Miami-Dade Product Approval Control or the Florida Building Code standards for HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone).   We proudly service discerning customers in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Canal Point, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Greenacres, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Lantana, Light House Point, Loxahatchee, Manalapan, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach, Singer Island, and Wellington. Call us at [xyz-ics snippet=”Phone-Number-1″] for a Free Quote?

Security Against Intruders
Impact Glass cannot be broken easily. All Garabar impact windows & hurricane impact doors are forced-entry resistant. You’ll feel safe knowing your home and family, or storefront can withstand virtually anything mother nature can throw at it. Garabar also has extra security options including reinforced locks where needed.

Protection Against Harmful UV and Infrared Rays
Hurricane impact windows are built with an interlayer sealed between the glass called PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Garabar only uses the strongest rated SMI and LMI glass on the market with options available to help keep your home cool, even during the hottest times of the year.

Energy Efficiency
Improve your comfort level and save on your FPL bills too!  Hurricane windows & impact front doors are constructed of heavy-duty materials providing insulating & shielding capabilities. Garabar deals directly with our manufacturing partners resulting in the ability to custom spec energy efficiency as well as higher impact grade glass for your specific need.