Entry Doors: The Gateway to your Castle!

Recent studies show that the more attractive the entryway, the higher the perception of the home’s value.

Opal Enterprises was honored to be invited to tour ThermaTru’s entry door factory, located in the western suburbs of Chicago.  What a wonderful way to get up close and personal with a valuable product we offer our customers! One of Opal’s goals is to make sure our homeowners feel confident that the products we offer are superior.

Thermatru was the door industry’s first to the market with a fiberglass entry door! Fiberglass entry doors chosen to improve your home’s curb appeal also offer upgraded energy savings that can earn you $500 back in tax credits for the 2011 year! Fiberglass entry, service and patio doors offer 20 times the security strength than their outdated steel counterparts! And ThermaTru doors come standard with Low-E.

 

Opal Enterprises is proud to offer ThermaTru doors to our clients as they are a rare “complete service” door manufacture. They produce each and every component that your entry door is comprised of. This micro-manufacturing ensures quality control and supreme value. Even that gorgeous glass you choose to highlight your home is made by Thermatru!

 

ThermaTru doors are offered in a smooth or textured-wood finish. The textured wood skins are offered in two different appearances. The compressed-molded door “skins” in the FIBERCLASSIC lines were created by use of an artist’s rendition. Hand-designed doors made to replicate that real-wood-look demand. CLASSICCRAFT entry doors are molded straight from a real wood door and are as valid as can be! There is no loss of wood-species from ThermaTru’s line up either!

The heart of your new fiberglass entry door is centered with dense, injectable polyurethane vs. the less expensive filling other door companies may use: polystyrene (Polystyrene is a thermoplastic substance, which is in solid (glassy) state at room temperature, but flows if heated above its glass transition temperature for molding or extrusion, and becomes solid again when cooled.) which leaves room for error (dead air)

Now that your entry door has the skin of real tree and the inner core warm enough to protect your utility bills, what hue will you choose to welcome guests to your home?

Once a stain or paint color is chosen….off your specific door goes to the specific tinting departments.  No machines to be found! The staining of your custom ThermaTru door is done by hand. Meticulously!  What other door company offers this? If you chose paining as your color avenue, the workers at Thermatru door do this by hand in a controlled environment! Choose from ThermaTru’s color palate, or have your new door finished with your own custom color! (Custom Colors add approximately $250 to the door cost and ads an additional 205 weeks in finishing time.)

 

 

Fiberglass doors made by ThermaTru are not 100% maintenance free, contrary to homeowner’s hopeful beliefs. Although much more manageable than real wood doors, ThermaTru recommends adding a coat of polyurethane to all of you exposed door parts every 3-5 years!

 

Does your home call for a double-entry door? Make sure you have an overhang of at least 8 feet!

 

In effort to mimic real wood beauty but not the warping and rotting features wood carries, your new ThermaTru door has a composite header and bottom as standard. This is to ensure no rot attacks your door! Alaskan Cypress us used on each and every brick mold leg and jamb leg that makes up your door.  Alaskan Cypress is naturally non-rotting.

 

Once your door has been put together, based on your custom directions given to Opal Enterprises, your entry door is wrapped in wax-covered cardboard. This may sound like a minor detail, but this more expensive cardboard protects your door’s finish.  Handles are established on your door to ensure proper transportation. Each ThermaTru door comes complete with all of the appropriate touch up paint you might need.

 

Opal was proud to tour ThermaTru’s, SealRite factory and offer our homeowners a first-hand reporting of an entry door that we are proud to install for you!

Attic Insulation: A Warming Noun!

Get your attic insulated today! It is shocking to me that the majority of homes, older and newly built , simply do not have ANY or enough insulation in the attic. Not only are many Chicago homes not up to code, (R38) but they are far from what the Energy Star supports (R49).

When you take those critical steps to update your valuable home whether it be to add new windows or an energy-efficient furnace, don’t forget that heat rises up and out your roof without the necessary insulation to block that heat from escaping.

After it snows and you drive down your street. How many houses have their shingles exposed? Does yours? This means the heat up and left right through the roof!

As the co-owner of Opal Enterprises who noticed that my modest home, built in 1975, was warm and wonderful upstairs bit cold and arctic as soon as I went downstairs….I knew the heat was escaping and Nicor gas company was the beneficiary! So, all too late….but better late than never, I had my attic insulated with blown-in insulation. I cannot stress to you enough…the warm results were IMMEDIATE and noticeable!

Here are some notable facts when you choose Opal Enterprises to insulate your attic, whether it be combined with your new windows, roof or James Hardie fiber cement siding or as a stand-alone-project:

The point of DIMINISHED return is R60

Are there items being stored in the attic?

Is there a furnace in the attic?

You cannot get back into your attic once it is insulated. We can leave a path or NOT insulate one side so  stored items can be accessed.

We can blow right over rolled insulation if you already have some in your attic.

2 can lights are included in our pricing of an insulation project. This consists of 4” flashing, made of metal that is formed around each can light. Some guys use chicken wire. (really??)

Fiberglass insulation is used and not cellulose (dusty, breaks down, basically broken down newspaper, chemicals added to make it fire-retarded, when this get damp…it mats down and leaches out additives). Fiber glass insulation feels like cotton candy.

The Typical job:

Opal Enterprises uses factory installers that is typically a 2-man crew. We show up in a sharp black van or pickup truck.

A tarp is laid throughout out house and everywhere we will be inside your home. We make sure the attic and path-ways are prepped.

3 hours of prep work takes the longest. This included baffles and can lights. Baffles are there to keep insulation from blocking soffit ventilation.

Asbestos must be removed by a third-party or by the homeowner before attic can be insulated.

Your home is walked on the outside to make note of and for ventilation areas. Then, before and after pictures are taken. Large green rulers are stapled throughout the attic. These rulers stay there so that you have a point of reference at any time!

A run offer generator is used so that we don’t blow a breaker in your home. The guy in the attic has control of the blower to ensure even installation and complete control at all times!

This is a pretty clean and fast process, the tube used is transparent so homeowners can see insulation moving through out!

A chipper, or card board, is used to build a perimeter around the hatch to your attic. Remember, if you do not store items up there, it will be difficult to get into this hatch. We have after photos to show you!

We roll up the interior tarps. Clean up any major loose insulation that might have escaped and we are out of your home in no time.

You will feel the warm results right away! Remember, most homes are not up to code with attic insulation. And Code is an R38. Not enough to have the Energy Star backing of R49.

Call Opal Enterprises today and get your attic and your home warm and cozy!

Certifying your Siding Contractor

Homeowners are smart, savvy and have high expectations for anything that has to do with their personal castle! When exterior home remodeling is needed, specifically for siding installations,  there is simply no exception to this rule! Siding contractors bidding on siding remodeling projects must pass many assessments before being awarded a homeowner’s valuable project; and there is no shortage of competition in the Western Suburbs of Chicagoland!

James Hardie Artisan Lap Siding

Owners drill potential siding contractors on their local ties to the community, written estimates that demonstrate cost vs. value, reputation, product offering and references. If all things considered make the competing contractors all look the same, how does a homeowner determine who is the “best man for the job?”

The answer is CERTIFICATIONS!

Opal Enterprises is a Preferred James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Installer!

Our certification status w/ JH is non-paid & voluntary….not mandatory like a state roofing license.

We care and train on the fundamental ideas of using best practices when installing James Hardie Like choosing a “factory certified” anything, this “certification” provides clear, big business back up….if something were to go wrong….James Hardie is there to back Opal Enterprises up!   Opal strives to install James Hardie. We are not careless and only do 2 jobs a year, we excel in James Hardie installation.  We have installed more James Hardie than the competition with less experience.

• JH validates Opal and says….”Yes, we know they do good work!”

There are only a mere 10 Preferred Contractors in the Western Suburbs of Chicago!

• Opal Enterprises has established a solid base in the western suburbs w/ 8-years under the same name and mission!

Being certified says “We have the education, required insurances and licensing and experience! ONLY those siding contractors who have proven they have the right insurances, licenses & experience installing may HAVE a “Factory Certification”

THE BRAND NAME: Not all manufacturers have “Preferred Installer” programs: This means James Hardie has established long-term relationships with a small selection of contractors. James Hardie cares about the product & they want to ensure a smooth business practice out there in the market. Hand picking preferred installers ensures to James Hardie that there will be less product disputes & issues. Ultimate care of the customer’s home.

• James Hardie gets peace of mind of having zero defects with Opal Enterprises siding installation methods.

Opal Enterprises belongs to a preferred group that meets regularly to discuss improvements, we work together to better the industry in the benefit of collective homeowners.

Another benefit to the homeowner is: cross membership. James Hardie recognizes and believes in other good organizations like: Pella, GAF, CCN (Certified Contractors Network), all of which Opal Enterprises affiliates with! Strong organizations group together & the results are stronger, premium products with more tangible benefits for homeowners (better options, more colors, reviewing current issues that are occurring, etc.)

And finally, the glue to being a certified/preferred James Hardie installer is the 3rd Party Surveying that accompanies the title.

We must let our work be randomly/regularly audited by James Hardie field technicians. Opal does not take risks that James Hardie would possibly NOT back our work, not warrant our our installation, or even make us redo our work. Opal Enterprises welcomes job audits….James Hardie validates our work.

• Being preferred means Opal must offer JH customers with a 3rd party review survey opportunity.

http://www.guildquality.com/cr/Opal-Enterprises-Inc/PBI47359323XU8/

Why Wait Until Spring?

WHY WAIT UNTIL SPRING- NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO SAVE!

It is that time again when the wind blows fiercely, the weather becomes frightful, and you begin to notice just how inefficient those old windows actually are.  Unfortunately, many homeowners have the misconception that the entire remodeling industry hibernates for the winter and those, much-needed renovations must wait patiently until Spring!

 

Naperville Whole Home Remodel that was installed January 2009.

With rising heating fuel and electricity prices, the winter months are the most crucial, and the worst time to allow an old window, non insulated siding, and even roofs, to go as is. Assuming it is too late to winterize your home may turn out to be a huge mistake.  Poorly insulated or drafty windows can cost a lot more than most people realize.  And with the benefits of installing in the “slow” season, the best, most cost-effective time to install is the winter.  Many fear the thought of remodeling in the winter, and for the average do-it-yourself installer, working in the cold is not ideal, but at Opal Enterprises, our installers work year-round and have been highly trained and come well equipped to provide installation service that you’ll be absolutely satified with, no matter what the weather’s like outside.

 

 

Entry Door Replacement in Naperville

If you’re already considering an exterior remodeling project, especially one that is costing you money, now is the absolute best time. With new products on the market that have been manufactured with new and improved technologies, it’s easier than ever to beat the chill, and literally save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your replacement windows, insulated vinyl or James Hardie fiber cement siding.

Choosing Windows for Replacement with Opal!

Replacing Windows may not be the same as Improving Windows

There are many windows that are on  the market for homeowners to sift though and choose for their home. Each window manufacture offers unique options and benefits to address the needs of home’s. But what can be a constant for homeowners, is a Professional Installar like Opal Enterprises.

There are a few factors that homeowners consider when choosing windows for their project.

Energy Efficiency •Installation Method• Curb appeal • Window Brand • Company who will Install

Energy Efficiency: When exploring window brands that offer Energy Efficiency, homeowners will run into the terms, U-Factor and R-Factor.  When looking at a window, you will want to at least consider finding the lowest U factor and highest R factor possible. Another term homeowner’s will encounter is: Low-E, which stands for “low emissivity” and is the glass coating that improves thermal performance. The microscopic metallic oxide layers help reflect OR absorb the sun’s warmth. Low-E also reduces UV damaging rays.

U factor is the measure of transfer of energy. R factor is the ability to contain energy.

Installation Method: A replacement window can be made to fit into an existing opening that a window currently occupies and is in fact installed within the frame of an existing window. This is cost effective way of installing a new window. Homeowners may hear the term “pocket”, or “insert” window.   A New Construction Window is made for a new opening where there isn’t a window presently or where an existing window is completely removed, called a Rough Opening.  This installation method is all known as “full-frame window replacement”  or “total window replacement”.  We here at Opal Enterprises prefer this method of window installation and offer it to every homeowner. It is a more complete and inclusive window installation method. The existing and failing window is removed in its entirety, and the frame is taken down to the studs. The new and improved window is installed into a clean and rot-free opening.

 

Opal's Professional Installer flashes the window opening properly

 

 

Opal's Full Frame Window Replacement

 

 

Opal Enterprises' Installer makes proper adjustment to ensure flawless installation of your new window!

 

To help understand which type of installation method of new windows is best suited for your home, you can tell by first observing the exterior sill. This is the portion of the window at the bottom of the frame that typically protrudes anywhere from ” to as much as 3″ off the face of the house. (Typically you see larger sills on historic homes) If there is no sill, you may find a piece of casing running along the bottom of the window frame. The condition of this piece functions as an equally good barometer. Take a peek under the sill and determine if there is any rot.

Opal will examine each window opening for you. There are times when a mixture of replacement methods can be used on the same home.

We are careful with our homeowners budget while ensuring the project is installed absolutely correctly.

Opal offers a strong 5-year warranty on all windows installed for homes in the western suburbs of Chicagoland!

Curb appeal: While Opal Enterprises offers several window brands that range in material type: Vinyl, Fiberglass and Wood windows that are clad on the exteriors. Opal is also proud that we offer homeowners pre-finished interiors by our on-staff painter!

While we stand behind all of the window we offer to homeowners, I would like to offer a brief shout out for the Marvin Integrity Line.

Marvin Integrity Windows brought to you by Opal Enterprises: Made from Ultrex fiberglass. “Ultrex’ is Marvin’s term for the innovative pultruded fiberglass that boats out-performance of  vinyl windows.  Marvin is the solution for homeonwers that have experienced low-quality vinyl windows (but mind you there are high-quality vinyl windows that are the market, like ALSIDE vinyl windows that Opal is proud to offer!)

You can read about Marvin Integrity Windows and the descriptive features on our web site .  When a project manger with Opal Enterprises was asked, “Put simply, why do you personally like Marvin Integrity windows?” The answer given was simple; “Because they are made from fiberglass! The acrylic paint finish is very durable, the window has a clean look with a thin frame that offers plenty of glass and it is energy efficient!”

Trust Opal Enterprises to help educate you on all the windows that are out on the market, and listen to our expertise options on what window is best for your home and your budget! But don’t take just our own word that we are the reputable contractor for your window project; check us out on Angie’s list,(Opal has an A rating) Guild Quality, The Best Picks Report Book on Window Installers, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, our online Google Reviews and of course the Chicagoland BBB (Opal maintains a strong A+!!)

Call Opal Enterprises at 888-676-OPAL today to begin your window IMPROVEMENTS!

Gearing up for HomeOwner Success!

As Opal Enterprises gears up for the 2010 remodeling season we are refreshing our product knowledge, including more industry best practices to our standard operating procedures, and growing our team to better serve our valuable homeowners!

You expect your exterior remodeling contractor to be educated, professional and progressive, here is how Opal Enterprises is striving to meet and exceed your expectations!

In the last few weeks, Opal took the time to tour the James Hardie Fiber Cement factory in Peru, Illinois.  Everyone here at Opal got the chance to put on our hard hats and dig deeper than a delivery truck full of premium fiber cement siding. We were exposed to production methods & recipes, industry standards and learned more about how James Hardie and Opal Enterprises can work together to enhance homeowner’s remodeling experiences. Ask anyone from our team about our tour experience…we are eager to share!

Team members from our Naperville based remodeling company rallied with Pella Windows in West Chicago to get updated with new window features, upgrades and how Pella is ensuring all of their windows will continue to qualify for the offered Energy Tax Credit that is available throughout 2010. Opal Enterprises is excited that Pella continues to prove to be the best window manufactures available!

Opal’s alliance with Alside Building Materials was also enhanced as we took time to visit their new warehouse and supply center. We have been purchasing exterior remodeling products from Alside for over 7 years. While there, our team sat down to narrow in the on premium window and siding products that we are proud to continue offering!

We have expanded our team by adding David Garza to our estimating and sales department. He comes to us with several years experience in the exterior remodeling industry. We are excited to have his proficiency, professionalism, likability and education available for our homeowners! Welcome David!

Opal Enterprises has participated in the new EPA lead testing requirements that are set to be enforced starting April 1, 2010new-epa-lead-rules-impact-replacement-industry

has chosen Opal Enterprises as a Certified Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor! Great Job Jake for shining on the test and congratulations Opal for being the type of company GAF/ELK is proud to partner with!

Be confident that Opal is your exterior remodeling company. We believe in staying on top of product changes as well as long-lasting personal relationships with our manufactures.

The next relationship we seek to enhance is one with you!

OPAL HITS THE BOOKS

Providing Our Homeowners with an Experience They Will Not Regret

Homeowners are asked to make many vital decisions over the course of their remodeling project, all of which can be extremely overwhelming.  But, as an experienced contractor, Opal Enterprises knows that choosing the right contractor for your job, whether it be Opal or not, is one of the most important choices a homeowner must make.

 Homeowners, all too often, base their choice for contractor solely upon price, and that decision alone can put a major damper on an entire project.  According to the Certified Contractors Network (CCN), an organization of which Opal belongs, complaints relating to home improvement professionals was the second highest, surpassed only by car sales.  Of these complaints, the majority inclueded complaints about of contractor going out of business, poor workmanship, and work never being completed.  A recent survey by CCN indicated that only 52 percent of homeowners would be willing to rehire their recent contractor, and only 66 percent of these homeowners belived their contractor to be honest, trustworthy, and qualified for the job.  These horrifying figures are the direct result of choosing the most affordable, but not necessarily the most qualified contractor for your exterior remodeling project.

 It’s important to all of us at Opal Enterprises to not only provide homeowners with the education they may need to make better remodeling choices, but also ensure homeowners that their job will be done RIGHT!  Opal Enterprises has developed a long-running relationship with Pella Windows and Doors in an effort to remain on top of our game, and have the ability to provide our homeowners with the necessary tools for an overall successful project with pleasant results.  Pella frequently offers their contractors seminars that reinforce high-quality installation techniques to make sure all Pella products are installed according to manufacture specifications and allow for their products to perform at optimum level.  

Pella also offers many informative seminars on how to be a more successful contractor, how to implement Green efforts and the importance of doing so, as well as, sales training seminars to ensure that our salesman start off the exterior remodeling experience on an positive note!

Pella has provided Opal Enterprises with many tools and the ability to provide our valued homeowners with extensive product knowledge and installation expertise like no other! We have taken full advantage of what Pella Windows and Doors has to offer Opal Enterprises and we know that our ongoing efforts will result in a flawless and rewarding experience for both our homeowner and our staff!

Hollywood Here We Come……

Every single one of us at Opal Enterprises, is excited to share with you our very first TV commercial.

 

Anyone from the Midwest knows that the winter brings cold temperatures, harsh winds and an undesirable amount, for some, of snowfall. Unfortunately, these conditions

Our qualified installers do high quality work all year round. This Naperville home had new siding, windows, entry door, and decorative millwork installed during the cold December month.

have given many homeowners the misconception that exterior remodeling, or any type of construction, takes a sudden halt in the winter. There is no need to go into home-remodeling hibernation during the winter months; Exterior remodeling is a year-round business. Our highly experienced crews are knowledgeable and trained in working under the harsh winter conditions. Installation of windows, siding, and more are completed in a way where exposure to the elements is minimal, and only winter-grade supplies are used in the completion of the project.

The main purpose of our ad spot is to let homeowners know that now is the best time to complete your home’s remodeling project. Why wait until the spring to take care of inefficient windows, siding, and more. Harsh winds, ice, snow, and especially cold temperatures can pose very real threats to your home, and more importantly, the people in it. That’s why it’s wise to replace the problem areas of your home that are essential to your protection and heating during the winter NOW! It’s a win-win situation; You’ll help keep our crews busy and you will save in more ways than one!

 

Opal is very grateful for all those who contributed to the success of our commercial. We would like to thank all who were involved and helped with the spot! The commercial was truly a fun experience and hopefully a complete success for the company!

Look for our spot on various channels broadcasted to Naperville WOW customers, or check out our posts on Facebook and Youtube

 

 

Check out the Behind the Scene Shots:

Opal Installs a Jewel of a Roof!

This article talks about one of Opal Enterprises current window and roofing installation projects in Naperville, IL. The project illustrated in this article chose Opal Enterprises as their contractor to roof their home and install Pella Architect Series windows. At this time, we have begun work on the roof and are still waiting for the windows to come in from Pella. In general, Pella windows can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks to be manufactured in Pella Iowa and are well worth the wait.

Because roofs are usually of high importance in priority to homeowners, we get the roof installed as soon as possible. This particular Naperville Roof was a good candidate for what is known in the industry as a RE-ROOF. This means that the home’s roof is made up of only 1 existing layer of asphalt shingles and can support 1 more layer on top. Once a home has 2 layers of asphalt shingles, the roof must be torn down to the decking. In the case of a re-roof, there are few shingles that are removed from the home’s roof. But in the case of a tear-off roof, Opal makes sure these shingles get recycled. Recycling old asphalt shingles is a relatively new notion as well as a hard concept to tackle. At Opal Enterprises we have teamed with a local waste removal company that will utilize your old shingles and roofing nails that will be transformed into other useful building materials.

This homeowner chose to use CertainTeed’s Landmark 30-year Warranted shingles (brand name of shingles) on this Naperville Home and they made an excellent decision in choosing do because they are very durable and backed by a historically reliable company. Additionally, because Opal is certified through CertainTeed as a 5-star Contractor, this homeowner can rest assured that the shingles are being properly installed according to spec!

CertainTeed Landmark shingles take roofing to a higher level.

In our experience, CertainTeed roofing shingles are a beautiful color-blended line of shingles. In comparison to other popular brands, they tend to offer the widest array of colors which is great because you can find CertainTeed products to match nearly any trim, stucco or siding color. An additional benefit of these shingles is that they are manufactured with self-sealing adhesive strips and a wide nailing zone, considerably larger than most competitors, which creates ease of installation which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your roofing job.

Opal Enterprises is proud to serve Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale and the surrounding area of the western suburbs with its roofing and window installation services. In these pictures, you will see one of our best roofing crews that is headed by one of our siding, window, and home remodeling experts named Peter. Peter makes sure the job sites run as expected: keeping the job site clean, managing the crew and communicating with the homeowner. We are pleased to say that Peter and his crew have been with Opal Enterprises for over 7 years! Peter’s expertise combined with Opal’s belief in customer service ensures a smooth job every time!

Because Opal Enterprise is fully insured, has a viable roofing license and is an honored member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners can trust that their contractor is responsible and professional. Applying a roof system correctly is essential to the warranty and performance of the roof.

Pictures of Windows & Roofing Project in Naperville, IL