ABE Doors Blog

A.B.E. is Going Green

2012-05-09T00:00:00-04:00

Earth Day - born April 22, 1970, when 20 million American citizens took a united stand and became consciously dedicated to creating permanent change that would protect and preserve the world that we live in and thrive from - has become one of the largest civic observances in the world. Since 1990 Earth Day has gone global, and this year more than 1 billion people in 192 countries took part in the 42nd Anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day 2012 focused on uniting communities in their efforts to spread awareness and make positive eco-friendly changes in order to mobilize the Earth.

We, here at A.B.E. Doors & Windows, are always striving to better ourselves - whether it is professionally as a business serving others within the community, or by personally challenging ourselves to learn from our experiences and willingly accepting positive change in order to grow. We have taken an active interest in educating ourselves and fully support the fight to create a clean and healthy environment. Since 2008, we have been diligently recycling all of our paper, aluminum, plastic, and glass products on a weekly basis. Within the last month, we have also decided that we will be going paperless, wanting to conserve paper-use and diminish waste. In order to do this, we have purchased high speed scanners and are transferring every paper document that passes through our office onto the computer. Not only does this eliminate clutter, but it makes all documents easily accessible. Now, when we ask our customers to provide their mailing address, we are also giving them the option to share with us their email address as well. Online communication is not only a faster method of communication than mail delivery, but it is convenient for both parties and will greatly decrease the amount of paper that we use over time.

These changes, though they may seem insignificant in comparison to all that is taking place every day, are just another positive step forward in making our business and community a better place. Being conscientious about caring for our environment is much bigger than A.B.E. Doors & Windows: it reaches out and encompasses the world around us. We are just a small piece of the puzzle; but when we are combined with the many other individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments, who are working to protect and preserve our earth, it truly radiates hope for future generations to come.

Seeing is believing

2012-04-30T13:12:00-04:00

For sheer visual impact, a photo in a catalog or online can't match what happens when you see one of our great-looking doors installed. You can't get the same sense of how smoothly it works, either, without seeing for yourself.

That's why we recently expanded the display area at ABE Doors and Windows' Wescosville Headquarters. The new section opens up space to feature three of our very nicest patio doors, and we think you should check them out.

The star of the show is the ProVia gliding patio door. This big, beautiful model includes internal mini-blinds. It's a feature that gives you ideal control over room daylighting, and the blinds never need cleaning because they're sealed inside double-pane glass.

You can also see graceful, opulent Frenchwood doors in real wood from Andersen. The hinged type is a true French door. The gliding model provides the same look, but its sliding structure saves space.

Whether you're already planning a patio door installation or just thinking about a change that would transform your home decor, you really should take a look at these doors - in person - before you do anything else.

Welcome to our team, Ellen Rauch!

2012-04-25T00:00:00-04:00

A.B.E. Doors & Windows is pleased to welcome Ellen Rauch as the newest addition to its family. Working for us on a temporary basis since January of 2012, Ellen was made a permanent member of our office staff on April 9. As a Customer Service Representative, Ellen is fully enjoying her work experience thus far:

"I'm absolutely thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be a part of a company who embraces and embodies teamwork and strives for greatness always. It's truly a blessing to work amongst co-workers who genuinely care about assisting others and are personally driven to always provide the best quality of service possible. I honestly don't consider my employment with A.B.E. as just a career - each day is unique and offers new opportunities for me to utilize every single one of my skills in interacting with and assisting others. I love that my realm of work engages and challenges every aspect of my being, and I am excited to continue experiencing new things, learning from them, and growing stronger as an individual and profesional. I am honored to be a part of something so much greater than myself, and I am thankful for all that A.B.E. Doors & Windows has given to me thus far."

Ellen, who just celebrated her twenty-fifth birthday yesterday, is now our youngest employee and will be utilizing her passion for writing by regularly contributing to both our Facebook page and blog. Outside of work, Ellen's interests include music, movies, reading, and pop culture. She also enjoys volunteering within the community and has recently become involved in taking both kickboxing and acting classes.

We congratulate Ellen on her dedication and hard work thus far, and we look forward to seeing what her future holds within A.B.E. Doors & Windows.

Opening the Door on Curb Appeal

2012-04-09T16:18:35-04:00

A better look for your house might be part of preparations to sell it - or it might just reflect your desire to improve the home you see every day. Either way, replacement entry doors offer an effective, immediate way to ratchet up the curb appeal of your place. A new door draws the eye in a striking visual focus - and you can select exactly the level of cost that works for your budget.

You can accomplish something similar, though probably to a lesser extent, with a new garage door installation. New doors of either variety purchased from and installed by ABE Doors and Windows can accomplish the feat in short order.

That impressive new entry door might feature new glass details, great-looking hardware, a fresh configuration of double doors, or a transom. The garage door could be one of our carriage-door styles, single or double. The color and design options for either type are practically unlimited - and the change in the look of the door makes a huge difference.

If you want to upgrade the look of your door without replacing it, several options are available. Consider repainting/refinishing, changing an associated light fixture, selecting new locks and hardware (inciuding a knocker, doorbell button, house numbers and letter slot) or adding a brass kick plate. For a really transforming change, though, nothing beats the fresh look, first-class factory construction and professional installation of a door from ABE Doors and Windows.

Tech, carpenter ... and soldier

2012-04-02T12:58:21-04:00

Nigel Andre of Whitehall is a carpenter and technician for ABE Doors and Windows. If he's ever working on an installation at your house, you'll notice him primarily as a hardworking member of our skilled and dedicated team.

But there's another side to Nigel. Wherever he goes, day in or day out, he's also a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard. Our company salutes his service, which now stands at twelve-and-a-half years between active duty and time with the Guard at home. And we're also proud that ABE Doors and Windows does everthing possible to help him meet his military responsibilities.

There was a time when soldiers might remain in the Guard or Reserves for years without being called to active service. In recent years, though, these components have been tasked with a more active role in national defense. "There's times when I have to go at the last minute," Nigel said. "And the company's always been great about it."

Under federal law, employers must keep jobs open for soldiers called to service. It's possible, unfortunately, to obey the letter of the law and violate its spirit. Some employers look for unfair ways to dismiss an absent soldier. Nigel has had to take action for soldiers under his command when other employers tried to cut them loose while on duty.

That hasn't happened with ABE Doors and Windows and it never will. "I'm just very appreciative," Nigel said. "The company has been very supportive, very understanding."

Our company has been recognized by the Army National Guard for this support. We appreciate that, but from our standpoint what really counts is the willingness of our people to stand up for our country. Helping them out when deployments come up is the least we can do.

Warming Up: ABE Doors and Windows at Stablers 2012 Spring Home Show

2012-03-13T09:21:00-04:00

With the economy showing signs of rebounding at last, and dozens of exhibitors sharing their very best, the 2012 Spring Home Show at Stabler Arena figures to be a memorable one. The curtain rises March 30 on the three-day event, and ABE Doors and Windows will showcase outstanding products at two separate displays.

Booths R188/189 in Rauch Field Hall are devoted to garage doors. They feature a full-size carriage-house door in natural wood. Booths S069/070/084/085 in Stabler Arena show off a variety of our best products. Look for the Andersen patio door, ProVia entrance and storm doors, Andersen and Gorell windows, plus a cross-section of a Raynor garage door.

At the show, we'll be telling visitors about our spring sweepstakes - a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. The ABE folks manning the booths will explain the three ways to enter: write a review on Google, like us on Facebook, or check in on Facebook during your visit to the show or to our home location showroom. Official rules are available at http://www.abedoors.com/sweepstakes/rules.cfm. The contest ends May 31. No purchase is necessary to win.

The recession means that several years' worth of pent-up demand is simmering among homeowners who've delayed improvements they've had in mind. We're excited to be at the show with the information people need now that they're ready to move ahead - and we'll be glad to arrange a free estimate for anyone who's interested.

Ask the Insurance Question

2012-02-27T08:33:08-04:00

When you arrange home repairs or improvements, you'll probably ask about the contractor's experience, capabilites, price range and delivery schedule. A question that homeowners often neglect may be even more important: "Do you have liability and accident insurance?"

Many small operators work on a wing and a prayer. They hope nobody will get hurt on the job at your house, and they don't bother with insurance. But hope is no substitute for real protection.

If something does go wrong, it can become your problem. (Click this link for a painful example: http//www.professionaldoordealer.com/news/2012/01/handyman-sues-homeowner-because-of-garage-door-accident.aspx.) An uninsured contractor or his or her employees can sue you if injured on your property. Costs may be covered by your homeowner's coverage - and when your insurance pays, your future premiums may go up. Even worse, if your coverage isn't high enough, you might be on the hook personally to make up the difference.

At ABE Doors & Windows, we accept the need to protect our workers and our customers. That's why all our crews are covered by a million dollars in insurance. This is nothing more or less than behaving responsibly toward the people who keep us in business.

In Pennsylvania, a contractor can't be certified without meeting the state's insurance requirements. If you hire someone without certification, they may lack insurance, too. Why take the chance? There are many reasons to go with ABE Doors & Windows - and the fact that we carry substantial insurance coverage is a big one. Whoever you use, ask about the contractor's insurance coverage and have him or her prove it to you by showing a certificate of insurance before the start of the job.

Garage Doors of Distinction from Raynor

2012-02-20T14:53:41-04:00

There are garage doors ... and then there are garage doors. Anyone seeking something that really adds to the design quality and beauty of a home should consider the Distinctions Series from Raynor.

Distinctions Series garage doors utilize select, high-quality materials. They're built to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Just as important, they offer many choices in color, finish, style and detail - so much so that a door can be tailored to perfectly complement your home design and landscaping.

Among the outstanding choices in the series:

- Arbor Shore. This collection features stainable, vertical grain cut lumber, true-divided built-in windows (known in architectural terms as lites), and a consistent wood tone throughout - at prices that are competitive with any comparable doors on the market.

- American Rivers. These solid-wood carriage-house doors include hand-forged hardware and architectural glass options for a custom handcrafted look.

- Timber Bay. In swing-up, swing-out, accordion and bi-fold styles, these doors deliver the beauty of Western Red Cedar and African Mahogany - ideally suited for older and newer homes.

- River Pointe Carriage House Doors. This carriage door line makes outstanding features and quality available at an affordable price level. Also available at modest cost are Raynor's StreamWood, RockCreeke and StyleView collections, each providing exceptional appearance, durability and overall value.

In wood, steel or aluminum, a Raynor Distinctions Series custom model is not just another garage door. This series delivers the finest features the industry has to offer, along with the widest range of design options available. See for yourself - the ABE Doors & Windows showroom at 6776 Hamilton Boulevard features a full-size Distinctions Series ArborShore door in beautiful natural wood.

Ten for Eleven Isn't Bad

2012-01-30T07:00:00-04:00

For the tenth time in the last 11 years, ABE Doors & Windows has been named to Who's Who in Business in the Lehigh Valley.

We've once again been chosen as the Who's Who Leader in the Door and Window Replacement category.

Sponsored by Lehigh Valley Style Magazine, the Who's Who in Business Survey bills itself as the region's only statistically accurate survey of consumer preference. Conducted by Polk-Lepson Research Group, an independent market research firm from York, Pa., the survey identifies the region's leaders in a variety of business categories as determined by Lehigh Valley residents. And that's why we're especially proud of the selection.

"What makes these Leader selections significant," said ABE Doors & Windows President Jim Lett, "is that consumers make the choices. That tells us we're doing well with the audience that matters most - the people we serve in the residential door and window markets."

Jim Lett Named WDDA Member of the Month

2012-01-23T10:08:00-04:00

WDDA Names Jim Lett Member of the Month
Jim Lett, president of ABE Doors & Windows, is honored in January as the Member of the Month by the Window and Door Dealers Alliance. It’s appropriate that he should be selected as the WDDA’s first honoree. His sense that window and door dealers nationwide needed a coherent voice made him an early participant in the project that developed into the alliance. And it’s his belief today that the alliance has provided that unified voice and much more.

“WDDA fills a need that went unmet for years before it was organized,” Jim said. “It’s a great source for relevant information and a terrific forum where dealers can exchange views and experiences. We believe no other organization is really looking out for the interests of dealers in our industry in this way, and we at ABE Doors & Windows support it strongly.”

Doing it on your own – up to a point
Like many WDDA members, Jim is accustomed to making things happen on his own. ABE Doors & Windows started off immediately after Lett finished college as a company that installed steel cellar doors. Before long, his growing firm was handling garage doors, entrance doors and a wide variety of windows – in short, a full line of attractive, high-quality products. In the process, ABE Doors & Windows had grown to be a top regional dealer and installer.

But there’s only so much any one company can do by itself. Lett saw the importance of an industry organization providing new strength, reach and capabilities that would benefit every member. As such, he was an enthusiastic early participant in WDDA.

Strength in numbers
As a prime example of the alliance’s value to its members, Lett cites its work concerning safe work practices for lead paint. He’s a firm believer in the importance of EPA’s continuing dedication to lead safety. ”We all want everyone to be safe,” he said. “I think it’s also important that EPA should be able to enforce these regulations in a fair way, so that everyone is able to compete on a level playing field.” He believes that the WDDA’s efforts in this field contribute to helping promote true competitive balance.

Beyond representing member interests in legislative and rule-making situations, Lett says, WDDA helps make dealers’ work easier and more successful in many other ways. He values the alliance’s development of training and educational resources, and enthusiastically supports its work around meetings, trade shows, seminars and publications. In all these ways, he believes, WDDA is helping shape the professional character of the door and window industry, making it better not only for dealers and installers, but also for vendors and end users.

“It’s a special honor to be chosen,” said Lett. ”This organization does important work on many fronts. I couldn’t be prouder to be recognized as someone who’s contributed to its efforts.”

Tips to Stay Warm This Winter

2012-01-03T12:00:00-04:00

The wind is howling and it's a blustery day today in the Lehigh Valley. It's time to start thinking about tips for staying warm this winter.

Here you'll find strategies to help you save energy during the cold winter months and keep warm!

1. Call A.B.E. Doors & Windows!

Most importantly, if you haven't already done so, contact A.B.E. Doors to look into energy saving Windows and Doors. This can be the most effective means for staying warm and reducing your energy costs. Contact us for your Free Estimate Today!

2. Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun

Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

3. Cover Drafty Windows

Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration. Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

4. Adjust the Temperature

When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

5. Find and Seal Leaks

Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes ("plumbing penetrations"), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.

6. Maintain Your Heating Systems

Schedule service for your heating system. Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.

7. Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace

Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly—approximately 1 inch—and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.

8. Lower Your Water Heating Costs

Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F).

Vacation Tips for your Garage Door

2011-07-05T12:00:00-04:00

There are a few things that everyone thinks of to secure the safety of their home when leaving on vacation:

leave some of your lights on
stop the mail or newspapers
activate any alarms
lock all windows and doors
etc.

However, there are a few garage door tips and everyday habits that can help you protect your family and your home.

Keep your garage door down even when you are home. This prevents burglars from scoping out the contents or any entrance ways to inside the house.

Keep the door that leads from your garage to your house locked.

Avoid leaving your garage door openers in cars parked outside the garage.

Consider replacing your old remote with one featuring rolling-code technology. Even if a burglar uses a scanner to try obtain your remote signal, the rolling random code can make it impossible to get your code.
- If your opener doesn’t have a rolling-code technology system, be sure to change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the operator and remote control. Using the standard factory settings can leave your garage vulnerable to break-ins.

Wireless keypads which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number or PIN are available for most garage door openers. This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote.

While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which is usually an optional accessory on some openers.

No matter what, always remember to give your A.B.E. Doors & Windows professional a call 610-398-2430 - they're happy to answer your questions.

Have a safe vacation!

Can your garage door weather the storm?

2011-06-10T12:00:00-04:00

Recent storms and tornadoes throughout the country have experts reminding everyone that garage doors, doors, and windows can play a significant role in protecting homes during severe storms.

The most budget-friendly ways to keep a home or business safe is by protecting openings like garage doors, windows, and doors. Doors and windows are often the weakest link during a storm. Having a new and sturdy garage door can protect a home or business from bad weather and natural disasters. A strong garage door will help protect your home from generating internal pressure during a storm with heavy winds. If your garage door is not strong enough and fails to hold up during a storm, pressure can increase and knock out walls and ceilings in the home.

Make sure that you're protected by contacting A.B.E. Doors & Windows for some cost effective ways to stormproof your home or business. A few upgrades can prevent dangerous weather from having disastrous consequences. Allow us to help put your mind at ease, prevent costly damages and help you confidently weather any storm.