Do we have the exterior siding you are looking for? Yes we do. At the same location you and your Dad used to visit. It's called the T1-11. The name Dolan's has been serving the building industry in the Bay Area since before the 1906 earthquake, and yes, we have been on Monument Boulevard since the early sixties. We also have lumberyards with displays in Pinole and Benicia and showrooms in Walnut Creek and Burlingame.  [less]

Wood doors always weather over time but if properly cared for and serviced, you should not have problems with warping. Wood naturally expands and contracts with the weather. That's why correct installation is important to help prevent jambing and sticking. Most doors with Western exposure should have no less than a two to three foot overhang to minimize weathering issues. Always refer to the manufacturers recommendations. An environmentally friendly favorite today is fiberglass because it is made from recycled materials and is very energy efficient. You can have the look of wood like Oak, Cherry and Mahogany without worrying about warping or shrinking. Doors are pre-finished or ready to stain or paint. Visit a door showroom and compare wood and fiberglass. The following manufacturers' web sites may be helpful. jeldwen.com, masonite.com and thrmatru.com.  [less]

In December of 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend many of the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives that expired last year. The Senate did not but there is a move to extend the provisions through 2008. This includes window upgrades to existing homes. There are incentives for businesses but this becomes a subject for the individuals tax expert. Helpful information can be found at energytaxincentives.org and in California at fypower.org.  [less]

This is a difficult question to answer without seeing the gap which may be caused by house settling or simply the lack of the right weather stripping. If it is the latter, you should be able to use any aftermarket weather stripping sold at your local hardware store. If the problem is caused by the settling of your house, you may want to or have to replace your French doors with new ones that have adjustable hinges. This allows further adjustments if your home continues to settle. Several manufacturers offer these kinds of doors including Andersen and Marvin. To fill the gaps under the frame of your livingroom window there is a superb product called "Great Stuff" for windows and doors. This is a foam spray that works well for small gaps. It should not be used as a water-flashing product. All of these solutions help prevent heat from escaping and help save on energy bills year 'round.  [less]

There are a number of recycling centers throughout the Bay Area that deal with old appliances. If you live in Contra Costa County, call 800-750-4096 for information. For Marin, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties the number is 408-924-5453. We have heard that Casebar Washers & Dryers pick up or buy certain models of washers and dryers. To see if there is an interest, call 510-548-4419. Donating an appliance to a charitable organization like Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful option but organizations tend to accept only appliances that are not more than four years old.  [less]

When creating a dog run, you need to be concerned about your dog first as well as the environment. I suggest you investigate organic lawns and lawn care. Visit a web site called SafeLawns.org for information about landscaping without synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Many artificial turf companies build antimicrobial products into their fake turf. This is not good for the dog or the environment. Look for ground covers that are drought-resistant requiring less water. A cement dog run may be an appropriate choice if the dog is not confined all the time. Cement cleans with a hose. If you absolutely want fake doggy turf, check out a synthetic product called ProGreen reviewed in Dog Fancy Magazine and called "durable and paw-friendly." Water and urine drain through holes in the backing and a special base into the ground. To eliminate odors regardless of the surface, use water and if necessary, an organic natural enzyme odor eliminator.   [less]

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of energy that helps us all save money and the environment through energy efficient products and practices. According to the government, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars --- and together, we all saved $14 billion on our utility bills. If you are buying a new home, ask if it is Energy Star rated. If you are remodeling, look for products that carry the Energy Star symbol. It will pay off in the money you save and increase the value of your home if and when you sell it.   [less]

Most aluminum windows with exposed frames are not green because aluminum conducts heat bringing it into the house in summer and lets the cold in and heat out in winter. In other words, your windows are letting in what you don't want and letting out what you do want. There are newer aluminum window designs however, that are quite unique and have recessed frames so all you see is the glass. When the frames are properly encased, that's a different story.  [less]

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a Green Building Rating System that is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green homes and other buildings. It provides immediate and measurable impact on your home's performance and sustainability in five key areas for human and environmental health including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and indoor environmental quality. You will find more helpful information at the usgb.org web site.  [less]