ECB Reports Limited Damage from Hurricane Irene

ENGELHARD, N.C. -- ECB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECBE) (“ECB” or the “Company”), the parent company of East Carolina Bank (the “Bank”), reported that their doors were open on Monday to service the needs of their customers at 22 of their 25 office locations, after Hurricane Irene made landfall in eastern NC early Saturday morning.

ECB Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Engelhard, North Carolina, whose wholly-owned subsidiary, The East Carolina Bank, is a state-chartered, independent community bank insured by the FDIC. The Bank provides a full range of financial services through its 25 offices covering eastern North Carolina from Currituck to Ocean Isle Beach and Greenville to Hatteras. The Bank also provides mortgage, Wealth Management, and insurance services through the Bank’s licensed agents. The Company’s common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ECBE.” More information can be obtained by visiting ECB’s web site at www.MyECB.com.East Carolina Bank operates 25 offices in eastern NC from Currituck to Ocean Isle Beach and Greenville to Hatteras, which is the same area of NC that Hurricane Irene’s path tracked this past weekend. ECB’s team focused on preparing their office locations to shoulder the storm last Thursday and Friday while various communities issued mandatory evacuations. “The safety of our associates and their families was of primary importance to us as ECB prepared for Irene’s arrival. As early as Friday, we relocated key personnel to our Greenville market to ensure business continuity after the hurricane. Our customer call center was operational during the weekend to assist our customers, and our website was updated with pertinent information related to our office locations,” reported James Burson, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer.Dwight Utz, President & CEO stated, “Our disaster preparedness and recovery plan was activated and management from across our organization met at intervals throughout the weekend to ensure that each component of our plan was positioned for execution. The post disaster and recovery process has been executed with precision and placed ECB in the position to open our doors on Monday in order to service the special needs of our small business clients and individual customers post Hurricane Irene. Certainly we are most grateful that all of our associates and their families remained safe during the hurricane.”All offices of ECB are open normal business hours, with the exception of Avon and Fairfield which will be open as soon as possible.

ECB Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Engelhard, North Carolina, whose wholly-owned subsidiary, The East Carolina Bank, is a state-chartered, independent community bank insured by the FDIC. The Bank provides a full range of financial services through its 25 offices covering eastern North Carolina from Currituck to Ocean Isle Beach and Greenville to Hatteras. The Bank also provides mortgage, Wealth Management, and insurance services through the Bank’s licensed agents. The Company’s common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ECBE.” More information can be obtained by visiting ECB’s web site at www.MyECB.com.

Choices in Hurricane Window Protection

Hurricane window protection is the most important protection for your home. The choices are many and our guide is to help you to compare the pros and cons of various systems so you can make a decision you will be happy with for many years.

Easily deployable by one person when they are needed.Designs and style may limit their use.ROLL DOWN HURRICANE SHUTTERS ($35 - $55 / sq. ft.):Hurricane impact glass can withstand hurricane debris and completely eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more to retrofit an existing home, but is most cost effective if a homeowner is considering replacing old windows anyway. This is the most value added of the hurricane window protection systems, since these windows also improve energy efficiency, are an excellent theft deterrent, provide sound deadening from outside noises, as well as protect your home in the event of a hurricane (http://arttofimpactwindows.com/products.html). Further, adding new impact windows is likely to increase the value of your home, more so than with any of the other hurricane protective systems.Finally, if your existing windows are in need of replacement because they are old, I encourage you to retrofit them with impact windows since the cost difference between non-impact windows with hurricane shutters versus only impact windows is marginal.One of the most expensive systems.Window film can reduce the sun�s damaging rays into your home and it is promoted to be a theft deterrent. It may also very well reduce the chance for shards of glass to go flying through your home in the event of a hurricane, but do you really think slapping a thin piece of film on your existing windows is going to keep your roof on in the event of a hurricane? By comparison, impact windows are almost three times as thick as regular window glass. Hurricane windows are made up of two layers of glass and sandwiched between these layers of glass is a strong tear resistant interlayer (film) that keeps the glass together in the event it is broken. They are much like the windshield of automobiles.Require storage, but can be stackedFirst, understand what it is your protecting: it�s not just the shards of glass from the broken window that are dangerous - having your roof blown off will really get your attention. During a hurricane, the strong wind that blows over your home creates a �lift� effect on your roof. If a window or door opening is blown open during the storm, this creates an additional upward �push� on the roof, thus doubling or tripling the lifting effect. This is how roofs are blown off.Heavy and difficult to handle, hanging may require more than one personHere are the vitals on your choices for hurricane window protection for your home.CONCLUSION:COLONIAL AND BAHAMA HURRICANE SHUTTERS ($18 - $28 / sq. ft.):Bulky and not attractive. Consider aesthetics before purchasing these.Cannot be used as hurricane protection for doors, must be combined with another system.Most inexpensive of all hurricane protective systemsTime consuming - other than plywood, this system requires the 2nd most time to installExcellent theft deterrent, nearly impossible to break thru the glass to gain entry.Not a convenient option for 2 story homesPermanently attached next to, or above the window, don�t require storage.Permanently attached next to the window, don�t require storage.Storm Prep: Minimal, easiest of the hurricane shutter systemsSTORM PANEL HURRICANE SHUTTERS ($5 - $8 / sq. ft.):Motor driven systems require a battery backup so they can be operated during power outages.IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS ($40 - $55+ / sq. ft.):Since they can be locked, they make an excellent theft deterrentStorm Prep: 30 minutes to an hour for an entire homeACCORDION SHUTTERS ($15 - $18 / sq. ft.):Hurricane shutters are the most economical, therefore the most popular solution chosen by homeowners. However, hurricane impact windows and doors are also very popular because of the added benefits of convenience, security enhancement, better energy efficiency, sound proofing and its attractiveness over shutters. The least expensive system is plywood or panels; these offer great protection, but take a great deal of time to install.Once you have narrowed your choices to what type of system is best for your situation, talk to an expert to help you in your final selection. Depending on which of the above systems best suits you, there are many different style choices, and manufacturers who offer different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How to find one? Ideally, get one who is referred to you by a family member, neighbor or a friend. If they have done a good job for them, this person can provide you with a wealth of knowledge that has been learned over the years. If you must select a contractor you find online, check out their references (at least 5), call them, and go look at the contractor�s work.Can be heavy and difficult to handle, hanging may require more than one personThese are louvered hurricane shutters that attach directly to the wall beside or above the windows.Can be installed by a handy DIY.And don�t underestimate the hassle of installing shutters every time there is a hurricane warning. I frequently go out to do estimates for impact windows on homes that have shutter panels because the homeowner is tired of dealing with installing them.Storm Prep: 15 - 20 minutes per window; 4 to 6 hours for an average homeMost inexpensive of the �permanent� hurricane shutter systemsYour considerations: Cost, appearance, and convenience (this one is often under estimated).Like roll-down hurricane shutters, this is one of the most expensive systems.Some can be locked and may be used as a theft deterrent.Eliminates the need for hurricane shuttersGreat for people with second homes since the home is hurricane ready all the time.Not a safe option for 2 story homesA popular and effective choice, installing plywood shutters to fit snugly inside the window or door frame is an efficient and affordable option for homeowners. These shutters were effective even in the highest winds of Hurricane Andrew, and are relatively easy to install. If you are going to use this method, the plywood needs to be 5/8� to 3/4� thick, and since it takes a lot of time to prepare, it should be cut to size way before we have a storm bearing down on us.Accordion hurricane shutters are attached directly to your home at the window or door opening, folded up when they are not in use and easily unfolded, accordion-style when you need to cover and protect the opening during a storm.Keep in mind that if the aesthetics of shutters is bothering you, but the cost of impact windows is nearly out of reach, you can always combine the two. Install impact windows on the front, and possibly the sides of your home. Then protect the window openings that are cannot be seen from the street with shutters.Storm Prep: 30 minutes for an entire homeThey have more mechanical parts, so may require more maintenance than other devices.Have sharp edges � can be dangerousAdded value of sound deadening and energy efficiency over regular windows.Storm Prep: NONEPositives:MYTH BUSTER - WINDOW FILM & A LITTLE ABOUT IMPACT WINDOWS:PLYWOOD SHUTTERS ($2 - $4 / sq. ft.):Require the most time to installAnother popular and effective choice, these hurricane shutters are typically steel or aluminum corrugated panels that attach to the walls around windows and doors. There are several mounting methods using either pre-mounted tracks and bolts or just bolts.A key factor in the strength of impact windows is how the glass & interlayer are VERY securely attached to a reinforced frame (both mechanically and thru the use of industrial adhesives) so the window does NOT detached even under extreme pressure. The purpose is to keep all window openings sealed so as to not cause a change in pressure inside the home thus blowing off the roof (see video at http://arttofimpactwindows.com). The idea of putting window film on a regular window with its lightweight frame and expecting it to even remotely resemble a Miami-Dade approved impact window is ridiculous. Yes, it would be better than nothing, but your money would be better spent on plywood.Since they are decorative they can beautify the home as well as protect it.These hurricane shutters attach permanently above the window in an enclosed box when they are not in use and roll down, either manually with a hand crank or electronically by motor, when you need them.Storm Prep: 20 � 25 minutes per window (if pre-cut); 5 to 8 hours for an average homeNegatives:

Once you have narrowed your choices to what type of system is best for your situation, talk to an expert to help you in your final selection. Depending on which of the above systems best suits you, there are many different style choices, and manufacturers who offer different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How to find one? Ideally, get one who is referred to you by a family member, neighbor or a friend. If they have done a good job for them, this person can provide you with a wealth of knowledge that has been learned over the years. If you must select a contractor you find online, check out their references (at least 5), call them, and go look at the contractor�s work.

How To Find And Install The Best Hurricane Windows

Hurricane windows were first developed in response to the disaster of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida in August of 1992. They are effective for protecting your home from high winds and flying debris. They can be installed during construction or added later as a home improvement project. The cost of these windows is comparable with other high quality windows.

Proper installation is essential for these windows. The best window in the world will not protect your home, if it isn�t installed correctly. The method of installation depends on the window and the materials used in the exterior of the home. In most cases, professional installation is required. Your warranty may be voided if an inexperienced person installs them incorrectly.As one might expect from a 200 year-old roof, the rafters needed to be shored up. Indeed, they were actually splayed from the weight, and Charles decided to remove the roof altogether. Once the old roof was off, the carpenters actually winched the rafters back into place, then added additional rafters that cannot be seen when coming up the steps. He also decided to add a new pent roof to replace the small porch that formerly shaded the two front doors; all that was left of this porch was an oddly-placed cornice above the doors. Both the pent roof and house roof were shingled with cedar shakes, cut thicker than is usually done with today's materials. A molded cornice has been added to the eaves, matching the details of the doorways.Benefits of Hurricane WindowsSergeantsville is located just down the road from Green Sergeant's Bridge, the last surviving covered bridge in New Jersey. The bridge was built around 1750, and it is thought the town was established around 1830. Route 523, which passes through Sergeantsville, was the original Old York Road which linked Trenton to Flemington, then on to New York. This village is located in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County, not far from New Hope PA and just a few miles east of the river.There are other benefits to these windows. They add a degree of security to your home. Because they are constructed to withstand enormous pressure, they are difficult to break into. The construction of the window and the method of attachment to the home make it hard for someone to enter your home. Many insurance companies offer a discount for this extra measure of security. Contact your agent to determine if a discount is available.Then, on to the stone walls. It is commonly thought that the raw stone exteriors were exposed, but in reality, unless the builder was using "dressed stone" these walls were considered unsightly rubble, and only the poorest homeowner would refrain from covering them with plaster. Charles decided to at least stucco the front wall to make the house look more appropriate to the period. But in order to please the modern eye, he left the sides of the house exposed.This house is currently offered for sale, and it's a delight to visit a residence that has been restored with every attention to detail. But the transformation didn't come easy! The depth of knowledge (and pockets) to pull off such a project can be daunting. However, this magnificent stone house in the small town of Sergeantsville, NJ proves that such a renovation can have tremendous rewards, and it is waiting for a new owner who will carry on the tradition.Shutters are often used to protect windows. Other people board up the windows with plywood year after year. These are both expensive and labor intensive. Windows designed for hurricanes are always in place, ready to protect your home. These storms change course quickly and it will benefit you to be ready all the time. Some people can�t take shutters on or off the house, due to physical limitations. These windows eliminate the need for this extra work.These products must go through rigorous testing to ensure their effectiveness. Impact test are conducted to simulate both small and large impacts that may occur during a storm. These tests simulate the flying debris that is typical in hurricanes.The previous owner had already begun some of the restoration. The 10-foot wide stone fireplace had been turned into a closet; the panels needed to be removed, and the wood stove was installed. An expansive kitchen/dining area was added on to the rear of the house, using antique barnwood beams in the ceiling and exposing the stone on the interior wall. Because the only entrance to the basement was originally an exterior entrance, it has now become a trap door in the kitchen floor.

Proper installation is essential for these windows. The best window in the world will not protect your home, if it isn�t installed correctly. The method of installation depends on the window and the materials used in the exterior of the home. In most cases, professional installation is required. Your warranty may be voided if an inexperienced person installs them incorrectly.

Author: Clinton Maxwell

Small Town Stone House With A Long History

As a native Midwesterner, the first thing I noticed when moving to the Delaware Valley was the enormous number of fieldstone houses. Frankly, I'd never seen such a thing. What people in the East take for granted is a matter of wonder for the rest of us who grew up in much younger cities.

Jersey Winder - or pie-shaped - stairs lead up to the two second-story bedrooms. These stairs are stenciled, as are the floors in the master bedroom and bath. The upstairs hallway still shows the exposed stone wall. The upstairs closet and bathroom doors are finished with faux graining, and you have to touch them to know the difference.Construction of Hurricane WindowsThe windows are constructed of two layers of laminated glass. The glass has a strong, plastic film between the layers. In the event the window shatters, the film layer stays in place, protecting your home from wind damage and your carpet from the driving rain. The inner layer of the window varies according to the size and style of the window.These windows can generally withstand wind speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. They can withstand debris flying at these speeds as well. In addition to windows, the glass is available for sky lights and patio doors to protect the whole house.Although probably original, the front doors had been cut and fitted with windows, which didn't really work for the house. To improve this look, Charles commissioned new doors and period-style paneled doorways to take the place of the weathered jambs.But that was only a first step. All the old doorways and window frames needed replacement. "The new windows are all hand-built in the 18th-century style, and have early glass in them," Charles explained. He found period hardware for the doors and windows, and added working shutters that are so tight they practically create a vacuum seal when closed. He also fitted removable custom storm windows to the inside of the frames, to make this period house more energy-efficient.The current owner, Charles Frischmann, was just the man to take on the project. Organist, music professor, historian, antique collector, Charles had already restored two stone houses and was ready to take on the third. He had learned much from the previous undertaking, and this one didn't even give him pause.The film in the inner layer helps protect your home from ultraviolet rays. The UV rays of the sun can fade your carpets, curtains or furniture. In addition, the material helps reduce sound entering the home as well as sunlight.Obviously, the biggest benefit is protecting your home form the wind and water during a powerful storm. Most damage done to homes during hurricanes occurs as a result of broken windows. Flying debris breaks the window and high pressure air enters the home. This high pressure air can either blow out the window on the opposite side of the home, or blow the roof right off your house.As with many houses from the 19th century, this house has two front doors. There's a very logical reason for this. One door leads into the "keeping room", where the family keeps house. The keeping room contains the large fireplace for cooking, and of course a table and chairs for the family to relax. This is not the room you want to introduce your guests into! So a second door would lead into the living room, which was probably only used for special occasions.

Sergeantsville is located just down the road from Green Sergeant's Bridge, the last surviving covered bridge in New Jersey. The bridge was built around 1750, and it is thought the town was established around 1830. Route 523, which passes through Sergeantsville, was the original Old York Road which linked Trenton to Flemington, then on to New York. This village is located in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County, not far from New Hope PA and just a few miles east of the river.

Author: Mercedes Hayes

Shower Enclosures with Heavy Glass Shower Doors are Best for Bath Remodel

When it comes time to renovate your bathroom look into getting rid of your old bathtub in favor of new shower enclosures with heavy glass shower doors. Most people never really needed their old bathtubs as for the most part they take showers every morning and never really use the bathtub. A shower enclosure with a heavy glass shower door is a great option for your bathroom remodel.

You can not have a dual shower head in your old tub with a shower curtain as too much water would probably escape and the plumbing would be a nightmare to leave the bathtub still in use. With heavy glass shower doors to keep the water in and the waterproofing done on the shower enclosures you could have just about as many shower heads as you want.Shower enclosures are good because they seals in the heat and steam making it kind of like a sauna as you shower. A shower curtain also needs replacing fairly often with the amount of grime that can build up on it after a long period of use. Shower enclosures with heavy glass shower doors have a much longer lifespan.You might have seen really nice shower enclosures with heavy glass shower doors and multiple shower heads on television and wanted something like that for your bathroom. There are a number of shower enclosures that are very nice. Different types of glass and stone works make them elegant and very easy to clean. Some even come with a coating preventing soap scum and calcium deposits from building up along the shower walls and door.Many people are getting a special coating on the heavy glass doors and shower enclosures so any buildup wipes off much easier than ever before. Your bathroom will look so much more elegant and makes you excited to jump in the shower every day. You�ll also find with the shower enclosures there is much less slipping with a flat bottom floor. Even if things do get slippery there are 3 hard walls and heavy glass shower doors with handles to help keep you from slipping and falling down in the shower.When you price out some moderate stone work and a new shower enclosure and heavy glass shower doors look into setting up a dual shower head system to massage and clean in tandem. Your shower should be a very relaxing place for you to enjoy.Whether you are looking to update the tired old look of your bathroom, or you need more security in preventing falls or flooding, shower enclosures with a heavy glass shower doors are always an advantage over an old bathtub with a shower curtain. It increases the value of your home, it�s easier to clean and just a luxurious addition to your bathroom.

Whether you are looking to update the tired old look of your bathroom, or you need more security in preventing falls or flooding, shower enclosures with a heavy glass shower doors are always an advantage over an old bathtub with a shower curtain. It increases the value of your home, it�s easier to clean and just a luxurious addition to your bathroom.

Author: Christy Martin

Seeking Port Huron Professional Board Up Services

Extreme weather can occur anytime and this is very true today as the world experiences climate changes. In August of 2009, a fierce storm hit Port Huron damaging the city severely. Trees were uprooted and some collapsed on houses.

Anytime Port Huron expects bad weather to strike, property owners are advised to consider having their homes and businesses professionally boarded up. Boarding up the structures of a building such as the doors and windows will help the building withstand storms and heavy rains.Residents of Port Huron and neighboring areas expecting bad weather will find it easy to locate a professional boarding up company that is readily available at short notice and at any time of day or night. Companies realize that many emergency situations require their board up services so round-the-clock operations are typical, assuring customers that they can secure their properties from bad weather or criminal elements any time the need arises.Hiring Professional Boarding Up ServicesLet the representative know whether the property is a residence, an office, or a commercial establishment. Is it a single or multiple-floor building? What structures of the property need to be boarded up - the door, window, or storefront? The type of property and the structures to be covered will determine what boarding up materials will be needed. For instance, a broken glass storefront will of courser require glass board up services and the appropriate materials.Quick Service for Emergency NeedsThe representative will also need to determine if you are the property owner, the designated person responsible for the property, or you simply calling for the property owner. In the last two cases, the representative would ask whether you have the authority to have the place boarded up.Make sure to indicate right away if you have an emergency situation so they can dispatch a crew to your location right away. Some instances that may be considered emergencies are approaching storms and break-ins when board up services would be required immediately. In such cases, be sure to leave a contact number with the representative where they can surely reach you.In the aftermath of such inclement weather, it is typical to find some windows or entryways broken in homes, stores and other places of business. This is also a situation that would need professional glass board up services and general boarding up services.They will also need to know the exact location of the property that you want boarded up. The property may be different from your place of residence where the bill will be sent so make sure not to confuse the addresses so as not to delay their arrival. You may want to give them good road descriptions like landmarks to help them find the location faster.

Residents of Port Huron and neighboring areas expecting bad weather will find it easy to locate a professional boarding up company that is readily available at short notice and at any time of day or night. Companies realize that many emergency situations require their board up services so round-the-clock operations are typical, assuring customers that they can secure their properties from bad weather or criminal elements any time the need arises.

Author: Leo Nov

Automotive Industry - Try This If You Are Struggling Selling Cars in This Economy

The automotive Industry is really facing some tough times right now. How long will these down times last?

Insuring your house and property to the maximum extent possible. An up to date inventory of your possessions is a smart move.Secure all doors and windows, close off windows with curtains or blinds, and close all internal doors.With a little good fortune, these fairly simple precautions should get you through the hurricane safely. You will have done well, and will emerge healthy and fit enough to tackle the inevitable clean up. Good luck.While serving seven and a half years in prison, Troy Evans learned that the most confining prison walls are not made of bricks and bars but rather hopelessness, fear and self-doubt. Troy began building his walls more than a decade before his arrest. It was only after he was imprisoned behind real bars that Troy used the time for self-reflection and developed the tools and self-discipline he needed to tear down his internal prison. Only then was he able to become a better father, a better son, and now, a highly sought-after inspirational speaker.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Author: Nick J. Lang