DAYLIGHT is FREE!

Almar is proud to announce that we are

Velux 5-Star Contractors!

Daylight is free, reducing not only your lighting costs, but also the energy consumption load placed on our environment to produce power. In addition, the quality of light introduced to the home by our products results in better color rendition.

Have you been introduced to the next generation of SUN TUNNELTM skylights? This is the most innovative tubular skylight in the industry. The new product design delivers brighter/whiter natural light and easier/faster installation than ever before.

VELUX SUN TUNNEL skylights are ideal for smaller rooms such as closets, hallways, laundry rooms and second baths. You can now add natural light to places you thought were impossible.

"Craig installed a SunTunnel in my bathrooom. I love it so much, I never have to turn the light on during the day! I can not wait for him to put one in the kitchen, hallway and anywhere else I can think of." Allison Guido, CS (Almar)

Check our our new Skylights & Solar Soultion Webpage for information. And watch for information on Velux's Solar Hot Water System coming soon!

Q & A: Energy Efficiency for my Home

Dear Almar: I just had my oil tank filled and was shocked by the price. I know that I have felt angry the last few fill ups by the sky rocking price, but this time I am worried about how we will make it thru next season.

I have a 1950's ranch, that I don't think it is insulated (aside from the attic which we did when we moved in 1 ½ ago), we do have vinyl windows the previous owner put in, but they aren't very good quality, and the original boiler from the 1950s which also runs our tankless hot water - so we have to keep the heater on year round.

What can I do now to make my house more efficient before next winter?


Almar: Start by determining if your exterior walls are in fact insulated or not. If not, then we should start there. How is the exterior of the house sided?

CZ: We have old asbestos siding, that we want to get rid of and replace with vinyl.

Almar: Then I would recommend stripping the Asbestos Siding (don't forget you have to have a professional abattoir do this project) then before we install the new vinyl siding we will install the blown-in insulation or install Insulating board under the new siding.

CZ: How will the blown-in insulation help reduce the amount of oil we burn?

Almar: By making the house better insulated, there will be fewer drafts, and you won't have as many air changes per hour resulting in less use of fuel.

CZ: If we are going to vinyl side the house are there any options that will help increase the insulation value?


Almar: We can install a Green Guard Insulating board before we install the standard siding panels. Alcoa does make a siding panel with foam insulation built in called Structure panels. Structure siding is siding bonded with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. It provides superior strength, style and performance and a significant improvement in your home's R-Value (resistance to heat flow). This panel also features Alcoa's patented T3-Lok System and withstands winds up to 160 mph!

CZ: How much insulation is too much?

Almar: Insulation with proper ventilation can be determined by your siding professional.

CZ: What about my windows? How do I know if they should be replaced?

Almar: If they are old, or for that matter new windows that are drafty or not properly installed. You can find out if they are properly installed by asking a professional contractor. Some vinyl windows improperly installed can actually make your house colder.

CZ: What options do I have to reduce my oil consumption?

Almar: There are several options now to make your house more self sufficient starting with a new High Efficiency boiler, Solar Water Heating as well as Solar Heating. Also consider setting back the thermostats, new windows, insulation (as discussed above), storm doors and tighter wall and sill plates.

CZ: What is Solar Water Heating? How does it work? And what's the budget range I should expect?

Almar: This will help you reduce how much oil you burn during the warmer months when you don't need the heater on. More and more companies are getting in the solar market. Velux (the global leader in skylights and other solar technologies) has a product currently on the market.

On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50% - 80%. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes. Other financial incentives include:

· Anticipated payback period of 3 to 7 years.
· Solar energy systems can take advantage of the sun's free energy year round.
· Solar energy can be produced even at low temperatures.
· Federal tax credits help pay 30% of the cost, up to $2,000 for the system. Many states and utilities offer additional support.
· Between tax credits and energy savings, this system offers a faster return on your investment than other solar energy systems.
· Lower first-time start up cost than solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy EERE Consumer's Guide


CZ: How does it work?

Almar: Sun heats up liquid inside collectors. Then the controller pumps hot liquid into the water tank. Next hot liquid heats up water inside the tank. Finally, hot water is available for use inside the house. Source: http://www.veluxusa.com/products/solarWater/

CZ: What are my next steps?

Almar: Rank from most to least important the changes you would like to make and what your budget range is. From there, together we can create an Action List for which projects you want to tackle in what order over the next few weeks, months and years and what products are the best fit for you.

With the rate of rising fuel costs, your payback time if getting shorter each day! Why wait and let you money seep right out your windows and walls?

This is just some quick information on the various options available. Give Almar a call today (781-826-2577) to discuss your specific house, options, wants and needs! And don't forget Almar offers a minimum 3-Year warranty on our work, along with the Manufacturers Warranties.

How Safe is your Deck???

As the weather starts to improve around New England more and more homeowners are starting to migrate outside to use their decks. It's important that before you start using your deck this season you make sure that it is safe and secure.

A simple, annual inspection doesn't take long or require special tools, but can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep your deck a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Especially in New England where there's a lot of snow and ice, your deck could have developed a trouble spots over the winter.

Almar encourages all homeowners to have your deck inspected for safety and comfort issues. When we examine an existing deck we look for and discuss the following issues with you:

1. Improper Footings - All footings should be 48" deep and should be made of proper concrete.
2. Missing joist hangers/framing supports.
3. Missing or improperly installed balusters, or railings.
4. Safe and easy to grip handrails.
5. Splintering Pressure Treated wood.
6. Rising nail heads.
7. Rot issues.
8. Deck accessories that may be hazardous such as, anything that creates heat (grills, fire pits, etc.)
9. Upgrading Pressure Treated wood to lower maintenance Composite decking.

If its time to get an old deck inspected or you are ready to build a new deck please give Almar a call (781-826-2577) and we can inspect it for you, and handle all your home maintenance needs.

This is also a great time to upgrade your existing Pressure Treated deck to a lower maintenance decking like Azek or Oasis by Alcoa, where you can spend more time relaxing on your deck rather than working on it.

Call Almar at 781-826-2577 to discuss your special project.
Visit the Almar website to see more Deck Projects

Kitchens: What to consider during your planning process.

Remodeling your kitchen will increase the design, function and resale value of a home.

When shopping for a home, most people start in the kitchen. It's the most important room from a functionality and design standpoint. If you plan to sell within 3 to 5 years, focus on a small kitchen renovation that updates a few main areas, such as the cabinets and the countertop. If you plan to stay for 7 to 10 years, you may want to add in appliances and some new tile, and design the kitchen of your dreams.

Here are some quick tips to consider when planning your kitchen Renovation:

Start with your Cabinets as they are usually the most expensive item in a kitchen remodel. You have several different options depending on your budget and style including: Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom. Framed Versus Frameless, and don't forget the Accessories & Hardware:

When dealing with countertops precise measuring is key to on-budget, on-schedule countertop installations. Also, be sure to clarify the backsplash height and materials in advance. You should look at your options including Laminate, Solid Surface (e.g. Dupont Corian and Silestone), Granite Other Stone and Wood.

Flooring materials are more varied than ever before. All the options available may leave you feeling a little confused about what best suits your needs. Your options include: Vinyl & Linoleum, Ceramic, Quarry, or Stone Tile and Wood.

Remember your kitchen is a High Traffic area, and you'll have dirt from the outside entry door. You should choose something that is easy to clean because spills are common while cooking. And non-slip flooring is always good idea.

For more tips and to read the full article: click here or call 781-826-2577 to discuss your special project.