Dave Ballard, of Sedalia, has become the owner of the first Frames N Panes franchise in the nation.
Ballard, who also owns Ballard’s Custom Insulation, said he’s been operating his new venture for about two months now. Frames N Panes is a relatively new Canadian company that specializes in mobile window and window frame repair.
“The guy who started it, he’s pretty good to work with,” Ballard said.
Ballard went for training at the end of March and the beginning of April in Victoria, British Columbia.
“It’s been successful up in Canada. I’m hoping it’s successful here too.”
Ballard said he found out about Frames N Panes in a trade magazine and took on the venture because he believes it is important for businesses to be able to diversify in today’s economy.
“I bought into it because it ties into my insulation business,” he said. “Home efficiency is my livelihood.”
The process Ballard’s business specializes in involves removing trapped moisture from between the panes of glass in double-pane and triple-pane windows. A special valve is inserted into the window and helps pull out the moisture.
“When a window loses its seal, it loses its R-value and makes it less resistant to temperature change. What this system does is remove the moisture and renews the R-value.”
R-value denotes the efficiency of insulation in building materials. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness, Ballard explained.
Since the business is mobile, Ballard said it’s a good alternative for customers who don’t want to go through the inconvenience and cost of removing windows to have them repaired.
“We come to your site. That’s actually what saves you money because you don’t have to take out windows,” he said.
Ballard also does window frame restoration using a new process developed by Frames N Panes that can repair damage to PVC and vinyl window frames right at the customer’s home.
Ballard said he’s excited about having the first franchise in the country and is optimistic about its success.
“I’m nervous, of course. I hope it goes. It’s at its infant stage, but I think it will take off,” he said.