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Home Improvement

/Home Improvement

Dangers of Improper Installations

Dangers of Improper Installations There’s a lot more to putting new windows and doors in your home than picking the best models on the market.  More important than the model is the installation and whether that was done properly.  Its akin to having a Mercedes with the engine installed backwards...it looks great but won't do what you were hoping it would do. Improper installations can lead to a variety of problems, including: Structural Damage to Your Home from Poor Installation Windows and doors basically are attacked by extreme weather, temperature changes, humidity levels and more.  The extremes of the Gulf Coast will wreck havoc on your home, its just a matter of time. When products are installed improperly, you run the risk of cracked joints, water damage, resulting mold issues, rot, insect intrusion and a whole lot of other potential issues.  Also imagine what hurricane force winds and rain would do to an improperly installed window or door.   Improperly [...]

Why Choose Folkers?

What makes Folkers Window and Home Improvement different than the other guys? Why should you consider using Folkers instead of other contractors? It's really pretty simple... we're the best at what we do. Folkers has been in business for over 44 years. Folkers does not use subcontractors, which means our installers are employees and their work standards and practices are controlled by us. Legally, subcontractors cannot be told how to do the work or when to show up to work. In addition, many subcontractors are here today and gone tomorrow. Folkers is a veteran-owned business and we instill the same military discipline into the organization. Our staff of 25 has over 350 years of combined experience. Folkers installers have an average of 15 years experience. Our sales staff has over 20 years experience each, meaning they know the code, know the products, know the installation issues that may arise and can answer all of your questions. We play by the book. [...]

Window and Door Installation

Have you had the "sales person" out to provide a free estimate for window and door installation? Have you done your homework on the internet and now have more questions than you started with? Do you have a fist full of brochures and they all look the same? You're not alone. In many cases, a white window is a white window is a white window and they all look relatively the same. In many cases, they are relatively the same with minor differences in the locks or the frames, etc. Folkers Window and Door Installation What really sets a home improvement company apart from the rest is the window and door installation process. Folkers has a documented 9-step process that is followed every time. We do not outsource to subcontractors, like many window and door installers. Instead, we have a team of full-time employees who are highly trained in our window and door installation process. We use only the highest [...]

Lifetime Warranty

Most folks these days hear the words "Lifetime Warranty" and think, "That's great but it's not really a lifetime warranty," due to all of the exclusions typically found in a lifetime warranty. There's always the except in this case or the doesn't cover that situation type of exclusions. With Folkers' lifetime warranty, this is not the case, with one exception. . . acts of God, which is what the insurance is for.   Folkers' Lifetime Warranty covers windows and sliding glass doors. In addition, we have a dedicated service department that handles issues and problems that might occur after the initial installation. Thus, we do not have to farm out the repairs and we never use subcontractors so we don't have to chase down the installer(s) who might or might not still be in business. Here's an example, if Johnny Baseball next door throws a ball through your window, we'll replace the glass.  If Allstate's Mayhem is mowing the yard [...]

Do You Know The Code?

Do I have to follow the building code? This should be first question that pops into your head when you're considering new home windows or doors. The answer is quite simply, YES! The building code is law, first of all. Secondly, the code is designed to protect you and your property from unscrupulous contractors who prey on folks. Yes, there is a fee for a building permit. And yes, "Big Brother" is dictating what we can and cannot do with our property, so to speak. With that said, the cost is minimal. The code provides protection by dictating, to us contractors, what we can and cannot sell and install in your home. Alabama is not quite as stringent as Florida. However, the coastal counties do have a variety of storm-related regulations depending the municipality and county in which you reside. If you have questions about the building code in Alabama and/or Florida, call us and we'll be happy to walk [...]

8 Warning Signs That You Need a New Front Door

8 Warning Signs That You Need a New Front Door Here are eight questions you should ask when considering a new front door for your home. 1. What is the age of your doors? This really is the first question to ask yourself when considering new doors.  If your home has the original builder grade doors and your home is over 8 years old, then you are a candidate for replacements. Builder grade doors is an industry term that refers to a grade of doors used by builders during new construction of homes. Builder grade doors are actually low-quality, stripped down products. The term comes from the fact that many builders and developers purchase a low-end door product. They use these in new developments as a way to save themselves thousands of dollars. Most people don’t inspect the door quality when buying and/or building a new home but rather folks will view the aesthetics of the home… the look of [...]

8 Warning Signs That You Need to Replace Your Windows

8 Warning Signs That You Need to Replace Your Windows Windows should be viewed as a system within your house. The "window systems" transport air of various temperatures, light and people rather than transporting gas or electricity. Like other areas of your home, windows show warning signs when something is wrong. Such as a leaky roof or chipping exterior paint, your windows show signs of age, damage and inefficiency, too. However, window warning signs are often times hidden and less obvious. They're not as alarming as water spots on the ceiling or termite-infested siding. If you have been wondering whether it’s time to replace your windows, read on to see if replacement makes sense. What is the age of your windows? This really is the first question to ask yourself when considering new windows. If your home has the original builder grade windows and your home is over eight years old, then you are a candidate for replacements. Builder grade [...]

Things to Consider When Adding a Sunroom or Patio

Things to Consider When Adding a Sunroom or Patio   Whether you call it a sunroom, a patio enclosure, a Florida room or screen room, there are some things you need to consider before starting such a project.   A sunroom can be a great addition to any home. They can provide a number of uses but there are a few items to consider. You may find that a screen room is a more desirable option. A screened-in porch is exactly what the name implies. It contains a roof, structural members and is screened. Using screen material to enclose the room and protect occupants from insects but not the elements. Whereas a sunroom is enclosed by glass, often with sliding doors that contain screens, and is often times heated and/or cooled, it does not protect occupants and furnishings from the elements.  In some cases, a screen in porch can be converted to a sunroom by swapping the screened walls for [...]

Why Pull a Building Permit?

Why Pull a Building Permit?  Many customers ask us about applying for a building permit and why they should incur the expense related to the permit.  There are a variety of reasons why permits should be pulled and we’ll discuss those below, but the main reason is that IT’S THE LAW! Understand that there are many companies that will not pull permits and if you happen to run across one of these unscrupulous companies, ask them why they are not pulling permits. See if what they tell you adds up. Beware of Companies Who Won't Pull a Building Permit These are some common responses you may get when asking why they're not pulling a building permit. "If we pull a permit it will increase the cost of the job to the homeowner.” There’s a reason that pulling a permit increases costs and quite simply, it’s because the job is done correctly.  Cutting corners and using materials that are substandard will [...]