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Many brand names have become synonymous with the product line they are part of. Take Kleenex, Jeep, and Frisbee for example. Another comes from our industry, “Solatube” . While Solatube was one of the first solar tunnel lights to make a splash in the American market, it is not the only quality device being installed.

The Velux solar tunnel is one of the highest quality solar roof lights available. The Sun Tunnel light from Velux comes in a variety of styles. The small glass lens on top, focuses the sun’s light down through a highly polished aluminum tube to a diffuser lens that delivers even, white light into any room.

The benefits of solar tunnels, over traditional skylights are many. First, the light is more efficient, providing more illumination, even on less than brilliantly sunny days. Second, the low profile flashing and solar light lens survive the high winds and violent storms of Oklahoma better, with a replaceable top that is simple to remove and install, without reinstalling the whole light.
We here at Hail and Wind, represent Caliber Roofing Systems of Oklahoma, a preferred installer of Velux brand Sun Tunnel lights. For more products and information on other brands, check out our partners at Energywise Showroom. http://www.energywiseok.com/On the inside, the benefits are even more apparent, with most solar tunnel lights presenting very similar to a flush mount electric light fixture. The diffuser is designed to spread natural light without glare, or “hot spots”.

Featured Articles,

The Calm before the Storm

by Greg CannonJuly 5, 2012no comment

(Newser) – Summer storms continue to take a toll on East Coast: In North Carolina, a sudden violent storm struck yesterday, uprooting trees and killing three people. One 77-year-old man was killed when a barn collapsed while he was inside, and a husband and wife died after a tree fell on their golf cart, the Winston-Salem Journal reports. Dozens of homes were damaged by falling trees, two airport hangars were destroyed, and more than 16,000 customers were left without power.

And the death toll from Friday’s violent storms in the eastern US has been raised to 14, the AP reports. The search for one man, who went missing while boating off Maryland early Saturday, has been suspended. More than 3 million people were still without power in yesterday’s 100-degree heat, and officials are still saying it could be days before electricity is restored everywhere; cell phone and Internet service was also spotty yesterday and gas stations were closed.

Don’t forget folks, in Oklahoma, you’re always in the storm or the calm before, and be prepared! Here is our new guide to getting the best roofer/contractor when the storm does get around to us again! This is the best money you’ll ever spend on storm reovery. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087UYOPC

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Before the Storm Preparedness Check List Part 1

by Greg CannonJanuary 27, 2012no comment

Here at HailandWind.com we take storms seriously. In fact, it is our mission to help you prepare for their eventual arrival and recovery in the wake of their passing. In the past we have talked with you about how to prepare your home to survive the storm, and even how to prepare your family to survive, but what happens after the storm has come and gone?

For the next several posts we are going to be sharing a check list of things you can do as a home owner to prepare for after the storm. There will be accompanying video footage on our home page, so be sure that you are a fan of HailandWind on Facebook.

Step 1: Document your Home and Belongings

In the worst case scenario, your home is flattened or swept away and there isn’t enough left to identify the remains, but in most cases, most if not all of your home and belongings will survive, but may be damaged beyond repair. We all buy home owners insurance in the belief that when worse comes to worst, the “Goodhands” man will swoop in on a helicopter with a bag of cash and sweep us away to shop for new stuff, leaving the mess to get cleaned up by the crew from Extreme Home Makeover.

A good insurance adjuster will have your back, up to the limitations of your policy, but even the good ones need your help. In cases where the quality of goods and materials in your home cannot be established, a minimum replacement cost is often given in place of the actual cost to replace your carpet, furniture, or electronics. By documenting the condition of your home, the materials in it and your belongings, you can help the adjuster take care of you like they hopefully want to.

Start with a list of items that may be expensive, or difficult to replace. List serial numbers, descriptions and other identifying factors. Then use a digital camera, or video camera to record images of each individual item or material. Photograph each room of the house, and its contents. Especially expensive items such as flooring and window treatment. Once you have captured the images, email them to yourself and your insurance agent for safekeeping, along with the list of items, serial numbers and descriptions. Then save a copy onto a thumb drive or other portable media.

While this won’t prevent a hurricane, tornado or flood from invading your home, it may be the key to making a quick and full recovery in case of disaster.

Next time we will go over your insurance policy to make sure it is “storm proof”. Want to get a head start? Find the declarations page of your policy and familiarize yourself with its content. We will show you what to look for and how to correct any deficiencies it may have.

Featured Articles,

Who is Greg Cannon?

by Greg CannonJanuary 11, 2012no comment

When you meet Greg Cannon for the first time, odds are he will be wearing either a straw, or gray felt fedora, depending on the season. As with all good salesmen, he can carry on a conversation about almost anything, but if you really want to see his passion, talk to him about home improvements, in particular roofing.

Greg’s introduction to the building trades came during Summer breaks in his Texas youth, when he spent time on job sites working in the family construction business. He developed a passion for seeing a job done right at an early age. That coupled with his love of tinkering with electronics led to a stint in the Navy as a computer network engineer aboard the aircraft carrier USS JFK.

After the Navy Greg settled in to take advantage of his GI bill, studying and earning two associates degrees in finance. It was during this time that the building trade called his name again. He was recruited to sell roofing for Accura Roofing and has been at it ever since.

When Trademark Exteriors decided to expand their business into the Oklahoma market, Greg jumped at the chance to help them, and took on the role of operations manager, where he still serves today.

When Greg talks about roofing, he lights up, and for good reason. His passion for innovation and new technologies has led him to become one of the most highly credentialed roofers in the Southwest. He not only knows how to sell a roof, but knows the products, the codes and the ins and outs of making a roofing system work for the client.

“When I approach a new client’s job, I am looking to see what’s been done in the past. I am looking for trouble spots, things that were left undone the last time, new technologies that we can integrate to improve the energy efficiency and structural integrity for that client. I want to solve their problem.”

With his two online entities, HailandWind.com and InsulateMyWallet.com, Cannon has positioned himself to become a consumer advocate when it comes to roofing, dealing with the insurance industry and energy efficiency.

“If people understood how much money they could save by having their home properly insulated and roofed….The way I see it, I don’t sell anything, I help people see potential savings in their homes, and find products to help them do it.” Greg smiles.

Greg’s biggest goal is to help home owners be able to afford their homes more easily, and in many cases he can help them cut utility expenses by up to 40%! While he admits that not everyone shares his passion for shingles, he points out that everybody likes more money. If you would like to talk with Greg about how he can save you money, leave a comment here, or on the Insulate My Wallet, or Hail and Wind Facebook pages, he’s always open to making new friends!

Featured Articles,

Only You Can Save Planet Earth!

by Greg CannonDecember 29, 2011no comment

Okay, maybe that headline is a little bit of an exaggeration. After all, are we really sure it needs saving? One thing is sure, all of us should be doing our best not to add to the mess and conserving energy is one way to do that. If those arguments mean nothing to you, then hear us now, energy usage=money, less energy= less money. That’s what we thought, we have your attention now. Here are five things every property owner should have already done, and one thing to think about.

Have an Asessment Done

Yes, we know that some companies charge a little for this audit, but your utility companies will do inspections for free, and we offer free inspections. True energy audits require quite a bit of work and very expensive specialized equipment, but the cost will be offset in savings. What you don’t know may not hurt you, but it sure can cost you a LOT of money. Find out where your home is leaking money into the outside environment, that is the first step.

Seal the Leaks

Whether it is replacing weatherstrip, or doors and windows, the cost of replacing these things can literally save you multiple dollars a week, per opening, which means they will pay for themselves, this is not just something that salesmen say.

Seal Your Ductwork

Call your heat and air company and have them come out and seal the joints on your duct work. The current estimate is that only 75% of the climate controlled air your systems put out actually arrives at its destination. That’s a 25% increase in system efficiency, that’s right, 25% less air conditioning, or heating required to keep you comfy!

Add Insulation

Do it yourself, or hire a “guy” (leave a comment for more info on good “guys” in Okc) but make sure you have the recommended amount of insulation in your attic for your temperature zone. An estimated 40% of climate control loss is through the ceiling of your home. Proper insulation will not only keep you warmer, but cut down on your utility costs, and the maintenance required to keep up your machines.

Optimize Your Climate Control

Clean your air filters, have your machines tuned up, and consider an upgrade if your system is older. True, the cost of a new system is extensive, but it will save you money on utilities, and may increase the value of your property.

Consider Alternatives

Once you have stopped the leaks, and optimized your current systems, look at ways to take part of your consumption OFF the grid. This step should only be taken after your home has been optimized to minimize energy usage. These systems are expensive, and can take long time to pay off. There are some grants and rebates available for wind and power, depending on your situation. Ask your utility company for more details.

Featured Articles,

How to Stay Warmer on the Cheap!

by Greg CannonDecember 23, 2011no comment

We know that not all of our readers can afford a new heat and air system, do not qualify for tax credits, and in many cases could care less whether or not they are leaving a big carbon footprint, they are busy trying to survive. This time of year can be hard for those people. We thought we should give some advice for those who cannot afford to hire us, even with zero % financing, on how to stay warm this winter.

Stop Drafts

While it may seem that cold air coming in is the issue, the real problem is escaping heat. Check all your windows, doors, heat vents and other openings for drafts. Simply light a candle and pass it slowly around the edge of the door or window. Flickering flame indicates a draft, slowly shifting flame that becomes steady when held still indicates relatively still air. Fill the gaps with weatherstrip or caulking. If those are not available, even rolled or folded newspaper slipped into the gap can help. Cover extremely drafty windows and doors with plastic sheeting, draperies or even blankets and bed sheets to cut the draft and conserve valuable heat.

Optimize Your Heat System

Change out your filters, or at least blow or vacuum the dust from the surface. The more air that travels through the system, the more efficiently it can heat the room. Set your thermostat to a steady temperature during the day and turn it down slightly at night to save energy. Most of us can be comfortable at temperatures as low as 68 F once we become accustomed to it. Turn your blower to the “on” position. The heat will still turn on and off with the thermostat setting, but the circulating air can keep your rooms warmer.

Heat Less Space

If you have central heat, any room that is not used and does not contain water pipes that may freeze can be closed off by shutting the vents in that room and closing the door, or hanging a curtain over the opening. This can cut the heated area drastically to help conserve. If you have a floor heater, wall heat or other area heaters, close off rooms that are not heated, and do not require heat for pipes.

Looking for Help?

Most communities have agencies that can help with the cost of heating. Check with your state department of human services, your church, or the city offices. In some larger communities a 211 system has been put in place to provide that type of information. Simple dial 211 and give them the required information. If you need simple help with caulking, weatherstripping, installing plastic over windows, etc. don’t hesitate to ask neighbors or family for aid. Cutting the cost of your heating bill can mean the difference between tough choices and surviving the winter in comfort.

Featured Articles,

Finding Money for Home Improvements!

by Greg CannonDecember 13, 2011no comment

We don’t know about you, but it seems like this is the time of year when everybody’s bank accounts are tapped out. All your good intentions about not making Christmas too commercial flys out the window in a flurry of gift wrap and foil bows. We thought this would be a perfect time to introduce a few programs that can help you make the needed changes in your home by supplying the capital required to get the job done. There are a lot of options, we are only sharing a few. If you are not in central Oklahoma, programs similar to the local ones we mention probably exist in your community as well.

Trademark Exteriors Oklahoma City

Since we partner with Trademark, we have first hand knowledge of their financing program. Many other contractors offer similar deals, call around to find out about them in your community. Trademark offers financing on product and installation for everything they sell, from roofs, to doors, windows and siding. For approved home owners, they will install up to $40,000 worth of improvements on a one year, same as cash program with no interest. While they primarily service Central Oklahoma, they work in other areas as well, depending on the job. Call Greg today to find out if your project is a fit.405-923-3879.

City Grant Programs

Here in Central Oklahoma, there are several communities that offer no, or low interest loans for home repairs and improvements. Midwest City offers interest free grant money for certain home repairs and improvements to owner. occupants who can qualify. http://midwestcityok.org/grants-management The City of Oklahoma City offers a similar program for up to $15,000 at 3% interest. here is more information: http://www.energysavvy.com/rebates/OK/residential-energy-efficiency-loan-program-oklahoma-city-29/

Energy Star Tax Credits

The Energy Star program is a federally operated program that rates certain home improvement products and appliances for their reduction in energy use over other products. Home owners who install these products may be eligible for tax credits to help offset the cost. Visit this site to see if improvements you made this year can save you on your taxes! http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

Utility Company Programs

Through federal funds and matching grants, utility companies often offer incentives for energy efficient appliances, repairs and improvements. EnergySavvy.com is a great site with a list of rebates and programs available in your area. Here is the list for Oklahoma: http://www.energysavvy.com/rebates/

Other Resources

If you are net savvy, try a search for energy rebates in your area. A simple Yahoo search yielded many pages of information. Read carefully before applying, since funds run out on these programs once they are used. If the program you want does not currently have funding, bookmark the site and come back after the first of the year to see if things have changed, or keep looking, there are a lot of good sources for savings on home improvement. Here is one more list for Oklahoma: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?re=1&ee=1&spv=0&st=0&srp=1&state=OK

Featured Articles,

Recipe for a Warmer Christmas!

by Greg CannonDecember 7, 2011no comment

Recipe for a Warmer Christmas

As the Winter weather starts, many home owners become acutely aware of how drafty their homes are! Christmas is supposed to be a season that warms the heart, but what about the toes? To make your Holiday as merry as it should be, and prevent complaints from those out of town guests, here are a list of things you can do to audit your cold home and make improvements.

Assess the Situation

If your heater is running too much, find out where your home is leaking heat. Start around doors and windows. To determine if you have drafts, light a candle and hold it near the cracks around your doors and windows. When the flame flickers, it is an indication of an air current. Make a note of all doors and windows that show signs of leaking.

Attack the Obvious

Replace old weatherstrip on the edges of your doors, and in the door frame. With new weatherstrip, you should not see light around the edges of your door. Do the same for window frames and the underside of lifting window sills. Home Depot and Lowe’s both carry a full line of products to fit almost any door or window.

Go for Big Impact

Start from the top and work down, since heat rises. If you do not have 11 to 13inches of insulation in your attic, this will make the biggest impact on a cold house this is where 40% of all heat is lost in the typical home. Floors are the second biggest factor. Check for drafts through floor vents, along the edges of walls and through cold floors. Adding rugs can help. The bottoms of doors, and in between the sashes of older windows other problem areas that many homes have.

Finish Repairs

To make sure your home is ready for guests, start with the biggest repairs first and work down the list, starting with the biggest heat losses. This will allow you to get the most done for your time and budget. If you intend to do the work yourself, do adequate research. Publishers such as Stanley and Black and Decker publish how excellent tutorial books and online articles. Do your research before going to the lumber yard or hardware store. Knowing what to ask for can avoid a lot of confusion.

Professional Services

We also free evaluations and estimates on repairs and upgrades in all of these areas for those who do not want, or cannot do the work themselves. Remember, a license or certification is no guarantee that a contractor is qualified, but it is a good place to start. Always ask for credentials and references when hiring home repair and improvement services. Contact Greg at 405-923-3879. Be sure to ask about our door seal special for $125. We’ll replace weatherstrip and adjust most entry doors for that price, some restrictions apply. Paint and stain touchups available for an extra charge.