Metal Roofing Blog

“This economy stinks, it’s time to trim the fat, we should downsize and there is no way I’m wasting money to be more green.” These are all things many businesses in traditional industries are saying right now, but not one local home improvement company located in the heart of Feasterville, Pennsylvania.

Global Home Improvements, Inc. and owner Paul Kazlov are singing a different tune when it comes to “going green” and making “green.”  Since the housing bubble burst in 2007 and home values declined; Global has increased consumer sales by 400%, hired 8 new full-time employees and has invested in a 52 KW solar system that will produce enough renewable energy to cover ALL electricity generated by their 24,000 square foot office location!

And this project is right inline with the company’s stance on the environment and sustainability. Global has made a name for themselves in PA, NJ and DE for selling and installing long-lasting and high quality products that are also good for the environment such as: Metal Roofing, Fiber Cement Siding, Fiberglass Windows, and Integrated Solar Thin Films.

Global is now buying some for themselves; in the form of 216 polycrystalline solar panels manufactured in the U.S. by Sharp! The U.S made panels were cost more than Chinese counterparts but the warranty and proven technology made it the right long-term investment for owner Paul Kazlov. He explains this concept as “lifetime cost vs. right-now cost.” And when asked to elaborate more on this notion, here is what he had to say:

“When installing our own solar system, we wanted to practice what we preach. The majority of educated homeowners and business owners no longer look for the lowest price. Other factors to consider include quality of product, re-sale value, product performance, maintenance costs, energy savings, environmental impact, as well as pre-mature replacement costs into the overall buying decision. We are confident that our system will accomplish all of these things, and actually cost less over time!”–Owner Paul Kazlov

In addition, to contributing to the renewable energy pool in this area, this project will also employ a crew of 6 men for 1 month or more. And this is just the start for Global Home Improvement! In the next year, they also plan to convert more warehouse space into offices and to add a small garden rooftop in a continuous effort to “green” the local economy. In the end, it’s more than just a “go green” mentality, it’s a long-term thought process that will lower operating costs and allow Global to remain in business to service their customers for years to come!

For more information on Global Home Improvement’s Solar Project or any of their sustainable home improvements such as metal roofing, siding or windows visit them online at www.globalhomeinc.com or call 888-234-2929.

Rain Water Collection for Metal Roofing is Environmentally Friendly and a Great Investment for your Home and Garden

We face a growing concern in North America about our dwindling water resources and our growing demands to conserve and reuse water responsibly. That’s why we now offer a single source for those who are looking for viable rainwater harvesting systems. Whether you are looking for a simple rain barrel or a more detailed system; Global Home Improvement has your solution!

Reasons for Rain Water Collection:

• Asphalt roof runoff has toxins that should be diverted into the ground so that it can filter naturally as opposed to entering our lakes and rivers and water supply

• Soft, pure, chemical-free rainwater maintained at proper ambient temperature help plants grow vigorously as opposed to cold chlorine-filled tap water

• The zero hardness of rainwater helps prevent scale or rust stains when washing your car

• Water is free so you only pay for collection and use

• You may water your lawn with no restrictions

• Tanks are located near source eliminating the need for complex and costly systems

• Approximately 40% of water used during dry months is used outdoors

Rain Water Harvesting System Sizes

Rain water collection systems come in different sizes including 225-gallon and 400-gallon containers that can hook up to any traditional gutter and downspout system. However, if you have a large property and yard with a sprinkler system you may want to consider a 1700 gallon beneath ground system with a pressurized tank!

The Ultra 1700 Rainwater Harvesting System by Englert is a 1,700-gallon system with a below ground , polyethylene tank designed for non-potable water uses including home landscaping and irrigation, vehicle cleaning, household toilet flushing and laundering. The Ultra 1700 comes with a downspout basket filter to prevent debris from entering the chamber. The Ultra 1700 has an automatic pumping system and accessory fittings which can be installed in two days by two to three installers.

For more information on the polluting effects of roof and rainwater run-off contact your local township. And for a free estimate call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929!

Global Home Improvement and Green Is Global.net wants to wish everyone a happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

This is a wonderful time for family, friends, company parties, neighborly love and more! And as always, these are the same people we want to thank for our continued success and lots and lots of referrals.

We have based our company vision and culture on providing the best service and best products without compromise for the last 10 years.  As we move forward we encourage everyone to:

• Install metal roofing over shingle roofing for its lifetime of value and 100% recycleability
• Install fiberglass windows over vinyl windows because fiberglass is all natural, lasts longer, looks better and doesnt release dioxins into the atmosphere
• Install fiber cement siding, the natural alternative to vinyl or wood siding
• Install radiant heat attic barrier to keep the hot air in your home and not in your attic
• And finally install Solar Thin Film to offset up to 50% of your home’s electrical bills and hedge against rising energy bills

For all your Holiday Home Improvement Needs and for the Best in Metal Roofing and More this Winter Call Global Home at 888-234-2929 for PA, NJ and DE!

Fix them for less than $100 with Global Home Improvement

Last winter showed us what snow and harsh weather can do to your gutters and home’s exterior…This year prevent water damage to your foundation and basement, avoid falling gutters that can damage your soffit and fascia and put a stop to old and ineffective gutters.

Global Home is extending this offer friends, family, customers and Green Is Global readers only! In addition, a friend of yours is a friend of ours so please forward this posting and help everyone save time, money and headaches this year!

Global Home Improvement Wholesale Gutter Cleaning, Repair or Replacement

*Removal of old gutter protection before cleaning is not included in price. In addition, prices do not include fixing rotted wood or damaged aluminum fascia.

Call us at 888-393-0295 and say good-bye to troublesome gutters!

Recently, Global Home Improvement, a leading replacement window company in Philadelphia and New Jersey calculated that the average American can have brand new replacement windows for their entire home for less than a cup of coffee a day! With the $1500 tax credit, and matching tax credits by companies such as ourselves, it truly is more affordable than ever.  What’s even more impressive is we are not even comparing this fact to a Starbucks Frappacino! It can even be as low as a Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds Iced Coffee!

I know that a couple dollars a day seams low for new replacement windows but check out the math!

New Windows for An Entire House with 10 Windows = around $7,000

The Federal Tax Rebate for Energy Star Windows = up to $1500

Global Home Improvement is Matching Tax Credits = up to $1500

So $7,000 – $3,000 = $4,000 for 10 Energy Star Rated Windows capped and installed! Using a basic financing factor of .02 for basic 10 year financing = $80 a month / 30 days in a month = $2.66 a day!!

At $80 a month or $2.66 a day you can’t afford not to replace your windows considering double pane windows can save you an additional 20% or more on your energy bill!

**Note** These numbers are for estimation purposes only to demonstrate the affordability of new windows. For a Free Window Estimate in PA or NJ, call the experts as Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929

To understand solar thin-film we need to understand: What exactly is solar power ?

Solar energy is radiant energy that’s produced by the sun. The sun radiates more energy in a single second than people have used since the beginning of time!

The energy of the Sun comes from within the sun itself. Like other stars, the sun is really a big ball of gases––mostly hydrogen and helium atoms.

The hydrogen atoms in the sun’s core combine to create helium and generate energy in a process called nuclear fusion.

During nuclear fusion, the sun’s extremely high pressure and temperature cause hydrogen atoms to come apart and their nuclei (the central cores of the atoms) to fuse or combine. Four hydrogen nuclei fuse to become one helium atom. But the helium atom contains less mass compared to four hydrogen atoms that fused. Some matter is lost during nuclear fusion. The lost matter is emitted into space as radiant energy.

Simply a small part of the energy radiated by the sun into space strikes our planet, one part in two billion. Yet this amount of energy is enormous. Every day enough energy strikes the usa to supply the nation’s energy needs for one and a half years!

Where does all this energy go? (If you want it to go to your house…click here for solar thin film estimates)

About 15 percent of the sun’s energy that hits the planet earth is reflected back into space. Another 30 percent is used to evaporate water, which, lifted into the atmosphere, produces rainfall. Solar energy is also absorbed by plants, the land, and the oceans. The remaining could be used to supply our energy needs.
How we use solar energy and solar thin film today ?

Solar energy can be used in a number of different ways, of course. There are two simple kinds of solar power:

* Solar thermal energy collects the sun’s warmth through 1 of 2 means: in water or in an anti-freeze (glycol) mixture.

* Solar photovoltaic energy converts the sun’s radiation to usable electricity.

Listed below are the five most practical and popular solutions solar power can be used:

1. Small portable solar photovoltaic systems. We see these used everywhere, from calculators to solar garden products. Portable units may be used for everything from RV appliances while single panel systems are used for traffic signs and remote monitoring stations.

2. Solar pool heating. Running water in direct circulation systems through a solar collector is an extremely practical method to heat water for your pool or hot spa.

3. Thermal glycol energy to heat water. In this method (indirect circulation), glycol is heated by sunshine and the heat is then transferred to water in a warm water tank. Using this method of collecting the sun’s energy is a lot more practical now than ever. In areas as far north as Edmonton, Alberta, solar thermal to heat water is economically sound. It can pay for itself in three years or less.

4. Integrating solar photovoltaic energy into your home or office power. In numerous parts on the planet, solar photovoltaics is an economically feasible method to supplement the power of your property. In Japan, photovoltaics are competitive with other forms of power. In the USA, new incentive programs make this form of solar technology ever more viable in many states. An increasingly popular and practical way of integrating solar energy into the power of your home or business is through the usage of building integrated solar photovoltaics.

5. Large independent photovoltaic systems. For those who have enough sun power at your site, you could possibly go off grid. It’s also possible to integrate or hybridize your solar power system with wind power or other kinds of sustainable energy to stay ‘off the grid.’

How do Photovoltaic panels work ?

Silicon is mounted beneath non-reflective glass to create photovoltaic panels. These panels collect photons from the sun, converting them into DC electrical power. The power created then flows into an inverter. The inverter transforms the energy into basic voltage and AC electrical power.

Solar cells are prepared with particular materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is presently the most generally used. When light hits the Photovoltaic cell, a specific share of it is absorbed inside the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is given to the semiconductor.

The power unfastens the electrons, permitting them to run freely. Solar power cells also have one or more electric fields that act to compel electrons unfastened by light absorption to flow in a specific direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by introducing metal links on the top and bottom of the -Photovoltaic cell, the current can be drawn to use it externally.

Solar Pro Arguments

- Heating our homes with oil or gas or using electricity from power plants running with oil and coal is a cause of climate change and climate disruption. Solar energy, on the contrary, is clean and environmentally-friendly.

- Solar hot-water heaters require little maintenance, and their initial investment can be recovered in just a relatively limited time.

- Solar hot-water heaters can work in nearly every climate, even in very cold ones. Simply choose the best system for your climate: drainback, thermosyphon, batch-ICS, etc.

- Financial incentives (USA, Canada, European states…) can help to eliminate the price of the first investment in solar technologies. The U.S. government, as an example, offers tax credits for solar systems certified by by the SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporation), which amount to 30 percent of the investment (2009-2016 period).

Solar Cons Arguments

- The first investment in Solar Hot water heaters or in Solar PV Electric Systems is higher than that required by conventional electric and gas heaters systems.

- The payback period of solar PV-electric systems is high, as well as those of solar space heating or solar cooling (only the solar warm water heating payback is short or relatively short).

- Solar water heating do not support a direct combination with radiators (including baseboard ones).

- The efficiency of solar powered systems is rather influenced by sunlight resources. It’s in colder climates, where heating or electricity needs are higher, that the efficiency is smaller.

The author – Barbara Young writes on solar RV panels in her personal hobby site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is focused entirely on helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.

In our last article we acknowledged the BP oil spill tragedy and started to question some of our everyday habits, such as asphalt roofing, that create the demand for oil and ultimately lead to oil dependency and catastrophes like the one currently en-Gulfing us as we speak!

What we didn’t fully address last time was the severity of the down-the-road consequences that this spill is generating. Now on it’s 51st day we are starting to see serious political reactions, economic implications and wildlife deaths everyday. Because this world is one big ecosystem and in many ways so is our economy (all inter-connected) let’s look at the quality of life consequences we are soon to face and what we NEED to plan to do about it.

•    According to the US government 600,000 to 1.2 million gallons a day of oil are leaking into our ocean
•    Marine scientists have already found a 100-foot-thick layer of oil 1,300 feet below the surface about 45 miles from the well site with more discoveries each day
•    The National Wildlife Federation reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead as well as 316 sea birds with more dying everyday
•    The oil is already in the Loop Current a significant hazard to the Florida Keys, (and entire East Coast) as well as areas of the west coast of Florida, Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico

In addition, more immediate and grave threats include:
•    The risk of even more ferocious hurricanes with oil skimming off the surface and onto our mainland because crude accumulating at the surface could be raising the temperature of the surrounding water
•    The risk of disease and widespread illness as the oil passes through the food chain and reaches us due to the bioaccumulation of chemicals and toxins

NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!!!! What can be done to save our planet and our economy??? One of the answers is Solar Thin Film and Metal Roofing

Although, this is not the complete answer it represents a better way of thinking based on:
•    Renewable and clean energy
•    Low lifecycle costs
•    Sustainable material usage
•    Long-term economic value

I don’t think any of these concepts are radical but they all make sense. And here’s how:

Renewable and Clean Energy

The Sun blasts Earth with enough energy in one hour-4.3 x 1020 joules – to provide all of humanity’s energy needs for a whole year! Solar thin film is made to harness that electricity, and convert it to usable energy that gets hooked up to your energy meter and sent back into the electrical grid. On average, homeowner’s offset anywhere from 30-60% of their home electrical usage for the entire year.

This fairly new solar thin film energy system has already offset 14.2 barrels of oil in its lifetime! That’s over close to 600 gallons for just one house in less than 1 year!! Extrapolated, that’s over 15,000 in it’s lifetime.

Low Life-cycle Costs

As mentioned before, metal roofing is the least expensive roof over the lifetime of the metal roof. That includes maintenance, replacement costs and energy savings. That is just one of the reason’s solar thin film loves metal roofing. The other reason is that you get a tax credit (30% with no limit) for the metal solar roof when you laminate the solar film onto the panels. These two products combined give you 50+ years of roofing and 25 years of solar output at a high level.

In addition, the efficiency and low cost to product of solar thin film will eventually combine to eliminate crystal panels all together. At that time you will just have to re-laminate new solar panels over top the metal roof when the 25 years is up.

Sustainable Materials

Solar thin film is made in America and is much less expensive to mass produce than traditional silicon photovoltaics. Thin film solar cells use a fine layer of semi-conducting material, such as silicon, copper indium gallium selenide or cadimium telluride to harvest the electricity form the sun at a fraction of the cost.

Long-term economic (and ecological) value

As mentioned metal roofing is already a more sustainable, longer lasting and a more value-adding product over time than any other roof, especially asphalt shingle. But, what about the solar aspect?

Solar installations on metal roofs have become more and more popular because of the quick payback period (3-8 years) and the long term ROI (20-30%).

Another reason for the recent increase of metal and solar installations is the ever increasing price of OIL and FUEL. When estimating solar ROI it is impossible to predict the future oil prices but with recent events such as the BP oil spill, government regulation will increase, causing supply to decrease and energy prices to increase.

At Green is Global, it’s our hope that almost every home in America can afford solar and metal roofing. Think about your Flat Screen TV, with all the benefits at the current prices, isn’t it hard to live without one? The same goes for solar including same-as-cash financing up to $45,000!

Call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929 or email adam@greenisglobal.net to tell us how you feel about our solar thin film, metal roofs and the world (global) views addressed in this article.

By now everyone should be aware that there is a serious tragedy going on in the Gulf of Mexico that is affecting industry, food supply, wildlife and our tax dollars. In an effort to do our part, GreenisGlobal.net is looking to educate all homeowners and Americans on the difference 1 metal roof makes (and solar metal roof – see part II coming soon).

There is no denying oil is a necessary part of life. Petroleum goes into our cars, boats, planes, plastic manufacturing and asphalt production for roadways as well as…roofs! So asphalt roofs have more in common with oil other than necessity (you need a roof); they are literally made of oil.

According to Citizendium.org asphalt (petroleum) is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most petroleum crude oils and in some natural deposits. The largest use of petroleum asphalt is for making asphaltic concrete for road construction and accounts for approximately 80% of the petroleum asphalt consumed in the United States. Roofing shingles account for most of the remaining 20% of asphalt consumption in the United States.

Every year, 13 billion pounds of asphalt shingles go into landfills, whereas metal roofing is 100% recyclable at the end of its very long lifespan (50+ years).

Think about that, over the next ten years, 130 billion pounds of petroleum based products will be put back into the earth via landfills. So if:

Texas Crude Oil Density = 873 kg / cubic meter
1 cubic meter = 264.172 gallons
1 barrel of oil = 42 gallons
42 gallons * (1 cubic meter / 264.172 gallons) = .15898 cubic meters / barrel
.15808 cubic meters / barrel * (873 kg /cubic meter) = 138.8 kg / barrel of oil
138.8 kg / barrel of oil -> converted to pounds -> 305 pounds/barrel of oil

Assuming that Asphalt shingles contain as low as 5% crude oil and as high as 20% crude oil, the number of barrels of oil deposited into landfills over the next 10 years will range anywhere from 21.3 million barrels to 85.2 million barrels!!

Although this number is an estimate, it does not even take into account all the oil from:

• The energy it costs to make asphalt roofs or
• The transportation costs of shipping foreign oil and asphalt
  
• The high transportation costs of asphalt roofs in general (to job site)

Conversely, standing seam metal roofs are the clear choice for energy efficiency, and oil preservation for the following reasons:

• Metal roofs have 2-3 times the life expectancy of asphalt shingle roofs
• Metal roofs contain 20-30% post consumer recycled material
• Metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan
• Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays saving 20-40% on building cooling costs (1/6 of all energy in US is used to cool buildings)
• Metal roofs are up to 1/7 as light as asphalt shingles and what can be shipped in a single truck load of metal would take the equivalent number of shingle roofs up to 3-5 times as many trips

If this information wasn’t enough to realize that metal roofing is the obvious sustainable choice, think about the hazardous run-off of petroleum as shingle roofs dry and get washed over, whereas metal roofing runoff is so clean it would be considered drinkable (if you wanted to drink roof water)! But now think where that runoff goes…into our public drains and back into our drinking water!!

And finally, if you absolutely, positively do not think metal roofing is the best roof choice, than stay tuned for the renewable energy product that is revolutionizing the solar industry as well as the energy industry…SOLAR THIN FILM INTEGRATED WITH METAL ROOFING….Stay Tuned for Part II of this article Next Week!

Enjoy Memorial Day and Be Patriotic by installing an American Made, Foreign Petroleum Asphalt Free, Standing Seam Metal Roof!! Visit GlobalHomeinc.com

If you live in PA or NJ, Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore and up to North Jersey…It is time to discover innovation in home renovation! If you want the best products from the best contractor, you need to call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929 for your free in home estimate. To learn more read all the ways you can go green this year!

Standing Seam Metal Roofing: Metal roofs around Philadelphia are made of 20-30% recycled material and are, at the end of their life-cycle, fully recyclable. Compare this to the 13 billion pounds of shingle that end up in the landfills every year. You can also save up to 30% a year on your home cooling costs by installing a new reflective metal roof.

Integrated Solar Thin Film: Combined with a standing seam metal roof, solar thin film is extremely eco-friendly and a sound investment. You can drastically cut energy costs with a properly installed metal and solar system. In addition, they are eligible for NJ SRECs (new jersey solar renewable energy credits) that companies will buy on the open market if they can’t meet clean power guidelines. Average ROI is 6-8 years with typically a 20% return on investment over 20 years!

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: James Hardie fiber cement siding in PA and NJ uses only raw materials within 500 miles of manufacturing facilities, reducing transportation. In addition, the low toxicity of raw materials such as wood pulp, cement, sand, water (recycled up to 4 times), is good for the earth and your home. New ColorPlus technology ensures true color and beauty throughout your home’s siding.

Infinity Fiberglass Windows by Marvin: Fiberglass Replacement Windows Philadelphia are far more energy efficient than their wood or vinyl counterparts. They exceed all performance requirements for energy reduction in Energy Star ratings. Infinity is also Energy Star rated in all U.S. climates, something that most competitors cannot claim.

Challenger Series Triple Pane Vinyl Replacement Windows: Philadelphia and New Jersey best vinyl replacement window on the market. The Challenger far and away outperforms the competition in energy efficiency due to its triple pane construction with double krypton gas chambers. This gives the Challenger a .19 U-Factor which is well below the Energy Star minimum of a .30 U-Factor! Tax credit eligible!!