Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Florida Living at its Best!

Many years ago, I made the decision to move to Florida, and when I first went house hunting I asked about the possibility of seeing a snake in the back yard.  The realtor seemed shocked that I asked such a question, and replied, “This is Florida you know.” 

That was the beginning of my Florida "Reptiles and bugs" phobia.    I call it a phobia, some called it an obsession.   I couldn’t stop thinking about these critters that were so foreign to me, and apparently when interviewing for my Florida staff, I asked more critter than job qualification questions.

When I moved into my house, my guard was down.  I was so excited!  I had a swimming pool for the first time in my life, and was reveling in that fact!  I was on the phone with a friend up north, rubbing in the fact that I was sitting by the pool and was 30 degrees warmer than her, when out of the corner of my eye I saw something.  I continued talking, and about 15 seconds later my mind processed the fact that I was sitting approximately 6 inches away from a real live snake!  It was small.  My scream was not.  My new neighbors came running.  They left laughing.  This snake was very small and non-venomous.  I DID NOT CARE! 

I needed a pool cage and I needed one right that minute!  Being from up north, I did not understand the virtues of a cage, but I learned quickly, and boy do I love my cage! 

Not only has it kept out the MOSQUITOES AND WASPS AND FLIES, OH MY, but it has become my favorite “room” in the house.

I have exchanged my “critter” phobia for awe and respect of the amazing wildlife we have the opportunity to experience here in Florida; HOWEVER, I receive a great deal of peace of mind “experiencing” them with my pool cage between us.


For over 20 years, Commercial Residential Aluminum has built, installed, and serviced seamless gutters, swimming pool cages, screen enclosures, lanais, front entries, fencing, screening, re-screening, replacing a screen panel, rain gutters, soffitt and fascia, aluminum railings, covered walkways, windows, and much more, for Sarasota, Venice, Manatee County, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Naples.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Where is Perry the Platypus?

Oh the places he has seen!  Our sales department is hopping, and Perry has traveled many places since we adopted him as our “Top Sales” Mascot!

He is about ready to waddle to Geraldine’s desk, who is “tops” in many categories!  She is about to move into a new office, and her well-placed confidence is clear on that sign behind her, claiming that office as the future home of our web-footed friend!  Geraldine’s designer tee shirt is a tribute to her success as well!

Thank you Geraldine, we appreciate you, and Perry the Platypus is heading your way!

How long will our Platypus hang out there?  Stay tuned…

On a serious note, don’t forget that hurricane season is just around the corner.  Let us know if you need help with “battening down your pool enclosure” or replacing your windows to hurricane strength!

For over 20 years, Commercial ResidentialAluminum has built, installed, and serviced seamless gutters, swimming pool cages, screen enclosures, lanais, front entries, fencing, screening, re-screening, replacing a screen panel, rain gutters, soffitt and fascia, aluminum railings, covered walkways, windows, and much more, for Sarasota, Venice, Manatee County, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Naples.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Gutters Continued…

Choosing the Right Company

All kidding aside on the gutter topic, hiring the cheap guy to install your rain gutters might seem like the right idea at the time, but there is much more to gutter materials, sizing, and design than meets the eye. 

Our goal is to protect your home with a customized and attractive solution.
There is technical information ahead, but it’s actually pretty interesting reading!  Did I just say that?
Seamless Gutter, it’s all About the Customization

CommercialResidential Aluminum customizes lengths of gutters for your home so there are no seams to piece together.  These seamless gutters eliminate leakage and create a nicer look. 

Commercial Residential Aluminum does not use pre-made corners, because all houses are different.  We measure each project and make our own miters. 
When we design your system, we strategically place splashguards to ensure ultimate protection. 

Gutters are available in many colors to blend and accent the look of your home.

Superior Materials for your Seamless Gutters
ASK about your materials!  Our 032 gutter coil is a heavier material less likely to corrode, develop holes, or become warped with hot and cold weather.  Our 7” versus 5” gutter accommodates more water flow, allows for additional roof overhang, and our larger downspouts also allow more water flow and debris to come through.  Our pop rivets look nicer than the screws that many companies use.  They are round and shorter and leaves don’t tend to catch on them inside the downspout.

We don’t use gutter spikes that are hammered into your fascia board, which can pitch your gutter back to your house, causing water to pool, resulting in rotten wood and termites.  We use hidden fasteners which snap into the face of the gutter from the inside and screw through the drip edge,  creating a clean hole, a correctly angled gutter, and a nice look.

Well, you now know as much about gutter as I do.  If you are in need of new seamless gutters, or gutter repair, please visit our website, www.CRAluminum.com, or call us at 941-486-9104 for a free estimate!


For over 20 years, Commercial ResidentialAluminum has built, installed, and serviced seamless gutters, swimming pool cages, screen enclosures, lanais, front entries, fencing, screening, re-screening, replacing a screen panel, rain gutters, soffitt and fascia, aluminum railings, covered walkways, windows, and much more, for Sarasota, Venice, Manatee County, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Naples.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Who is Perry the Platypus?

Meet Perry Hickok.  He's one of our partners at Commercial Residential Aluminum

Perry, our Head of Sales and one of Commercial Residential Aluminum's partners, is a strategic leader who has an innate ability to originate, expand, and enhance business opportunities and client relationships.

Perry started in the Aluminum Industry over 30 years ago as a product installer where he learned Aluminum Construction from the ground level. He was quickly promoted into management and  knew his unique combination of leadership skills, love of sales, and product expertise were being wasted working for someone else, so he joined Tom Teffenhart in 1992 to form Commercial Residential Aluminum.

Now, let's come into the present...

I was trying to find a fun way to recognize our best sales person every week, and I happened to  Google "Perry" and "stuffed animal."   Perry the Platypus, a Disney character, magically appeared, and our chance to have fun at the boss' expense was born!

Every week, Perry the Platypus travels to the desk of our salesperson with the highest dollar sales, and he is creating quite a stir.  He actually looks a little like Perry Hickok, he growls, which our fearless leader is sometimes known to do, and right now he's sporting a pair of PH's glasses.

Perry the Platypus is pictured with Eric Zito, who was our top sales person two weeks in a row!  Congratulations Eric!


Join us as we watch Perry the Platypus travel.  I'm fairly certain he'll gain new hair, clothing, etc., as the year progresses!

For over 20 years, Commercial Residential Aluminum has built, installed, and serviced seamless gutters, swimming pool cages, screen enclosures, lanais, front entries, fencing, screening, re-screening, screen panel replacements, soffitt and fascia, aluminum railings, covered walkways, windows, and much more and much more, for Sarasota, Venice, Manatee County, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Naples. Please visit www.CRAluminum.com for more information.

Monday, March 26, 2012


THE ABC’s of SEAMLESS GUTTER

Once upon a time, I lived in a fantasy world where gutter was invisible.  It wasn’t seen and it wasn’t heard.  The fascination factor just didn’t exist.  I mean, really, it’s gutter.  I’ve already typed more words than I ever thought about it! 

Then I married a partner of Commercial Residential Aluminum, and I started to become vaguely conscious of these aluminum water catchers.  This was one of many products his company offered, so I stifled my yawns at the topic for his benefit.  If gutter was important to him, then of course, it was important to me!

Recently I started doing a little consulting for Commercial Residential Aluminum, and my gutter vernacular began to expand.  House Gutter, Seamless Gutter, Super Gutter.  What does it all mean?  Why should I care?

And FINALLY, the light bulb flashed brightly!  Gutter truly came to life for me!   I became enamored with the fact that the right gutter system protects against uncontrolled water damage, one of Florida living’s only pitfalls.  I became obsessed with the fact that I could actually avoid ground area washouts and erosion with this clever invention.  And let’s face it, I am a vain creature and always protect my hair AT ALL COSTS!  The pièces de ré·sis·tance for me is that this precious female ally actually controls the annoying water run-off in doorways and garage openings.

This is the first of a two part series about gutter-the next part will include some technical terms, but don’t be frightened.  It is my goal to educate you so that if you are considering installing or replacing your gutter, you make the choice that is right for your most important investment.

The bottom line is that the right gutter system protects against uncontrolled water damage, ground area washouts and erosion, and annoying water run-off in doorways and garage openings.  The wrong choice can lead to water damage, rotting wood, termites, mold, excessive debris accumulation, and can be an unattractive addition to your home.

If you have any questions about this, would like a free quote, or would like to learn about our other product offerings, please visit www.CRAluminum.com or call us at 941.486.9104.  While you’re at our website, please hit the Facebook “like” button and be entered into our monthly contest where you’ll be eligible to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

For over 20 years, Commercial Residential Aluminum has built, installed, and serviced seamless gutters, swimming pool cages, screen enclosures, lanais, front entries, fencing, screening, re-screening, screen panel replacements, soffitt and fascia, aluminum railings, covered walkways, windows, and much more  and much more, for Sarasota, Venice, Manatee County, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Naples.  Please visit www.CRAluminum.com for more information.