Welcome to the continuing “Home Improvement” saga. This Sunday’s episode is entitled “The Guiding Light”.

We open today’s program with the appearance of Terry Carrier of Carrier Home Improvements. Terry is laden down with tools and is about to embark on his mission to bring a new light in our home.

Welcome to the continuing “Home Improvement” saga. This Sunday’s episode is entitled “The Guiding Light”.

We open today’s program with the appearance of Terry Carrier of Carrier Home Improvements. Terry is laden down with tools and is about to embark on his mission to bring a new light in our home.

Okay, enough of the soap opera stuff.

a couple of months ago I told you about my tour of the Atlantic Windows factory in Port Elgin N.B., and how I was impressed with both the people working in the plant and the product that they produced. Gwen and I had contemplated getting new windows installed for some time now as the old ones are drafty wood sliders. In addition to being drafty, they are single glass units with clip-in storm glazing.

We decided that we would tackle the three windows in our kitchen/dining area first and when Terry came out to do the measuring we suggested that he increase the height of the dining area window to allow more light in the room. As it turned out, this was a great idea.

Although new windows that have Thermopane glass, a low ‘E’ coating and are gas filled take a while to make your money back in energy savings, they will certainly add to the appearance and value of the home as well as comfort. Although energy savings is important to us it was the comfort and appearance that was a deciding factor.

We chose Atlantic Windows Premier Series vinyl windows for several reasons, first and foremost they are virtually maintenance-free. The white vinyl extruded frame goes right out to the vinyl siding, so there is nothing to paint. Sure, we have to clean the glass once in a while, but even that is made easy in that they can be cleaned from the inside. The big feature though is Atlantic’s lifetime warranty on everything except glass breakage and that includes parts and labour.

There were several styles of window to choose from and we chose a casement style for the dining area and tow canopy windows for the kitchen. Although one of these is out of the weather due to a large roof overhang, the other is a south exposure and is subjected to heavy rain. Sleet, and snow. The canopy style allows us to open the window even in driving rain. In addition to these conveniences the elimination of the centre mullion gives us more light.

We chose Carrier Home Improvements for a few reasons and the first of which ifs the fact that Terry is an old friend. His price was very competitive, he is a member of ‘SAWDAC’, the Siding And Window Dealers Association of Canada. As such, he registered jour installation into the “Window Wise” program which has strict window installation guidelines that must be adhered to.