Month: February 2022

How to Replace Your Windows For Next to Nothing

To replace or not to replace-that is the question that almost every homeowner asks at one time or another when it comes to windows. However, there’s probably no better time to ask that question than in today’s financial environment, which makes it not only possible but profitable to replace your home’s windows.

In fact, the net cost of replacing your old windows could be next to nothing-it’s simply a matter of doing your homework before you purchase and doing some calculations based on your current utility bills:

1) Choose energy-efficient windows that are eligible for the government’s $1500 energy tax credit. 2) Research your financing options before you buy new windows. 3) Calculate your average monthly utility costs.

Buy Windows that are Eligible for the Energy Tax Credit

The really great news for homeowners this year has been The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provides federal tax credits for eligible building components that improve energy efficiency. Happily, this includes energy-efficient replacement windows.

In order to meet the eligibility performance criteria, windows (doors and skylights too) must have both a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.

By choosing energy-efficient windows, the tax credit is 30% of the amount paid for the product, up to a maximum of $1500 combined for 2009 and 2010. In other words, if you spend $5000 on new windows before December 31, 2010, $1500 goes back into your pocket at tax time! Not bad.

Shop Around for No-interest/No-payment Finance Offers

As a homeowner, you have many options available to you in order to finance your home improvement plans-even if you don’t have the cash on hand to buy your new windows outright. Consider taking advantage of some of the no-interest or no money down financing offers.

These incentives make it easier for you to borrow the money to carry out the improvement while allowing you to use the money you do have for other things. Remember also that you have equity in your home, and that means you can take advantage of financing options that others may not have by using your home as collateral.

Home equity loans and lines of credit, for example, have low interest rates and the interest payments are often tax deductible. Tax deductible options put money back in your pocket so to speak, further reducing the actual cost of the home improvement. So it’s wise to research your options and spend some time with your calculator before you decide how you want to pay for your new windows.

Energy Efficient Windows Mean Savings on Your Monthly Utility Bills

Much has been written about the energy savings you can reap by being energy conscious. They aren’t exaggerating. The statistics bear out the claim. Energy-efficient windows can save a homeowner an average of 25% on monthly utility bills.

According to Energy Star’s savings estimates for a typical home, …

Window Replacement: When to Do It

Many Illinois homeowners find it expensive to replace their home windows. They don’t realize that quality window replacement may save them from paying more on their heating and cooling expenses aside from giving their homes a great exterior appearance. All they need to understand is that replacing it doesn’t always demand a great deal of cash. It may be accomplished with a low budget. Along with regular maintenance, proper fitting offers you a greater chance that your new windows will last for a long time. As the window industry is constantly evolving and considerably growing, you can acquire good quality at affordable prices.

Nevertheless, homeowners in Illinois should think about replacing their windows especially if they are aware that theirs are already leaky or not in a good condition. Windows leaks may be caused by age or perhaps improper fitting. Generally, old single pane windows are not that efficient, despite the fact that they were once high quality windows. As for effectiveness, you need to go for a double pane window that is purposely created to provide you with optimum defense against the sun and rain, especially if you are living in a place that has extreme climate.

For those who have old leaky windows, but don’t have sufficient budget to hire someone to replace it, you have the option to repair your windows to lengthen its life. More often than not, outdated and poor window system can be revived using a small amount of caulk. With such, it is possible to fix the leak. You can use a silicone caulk on all the sides.. Meticulously put a caulk on each window and ensure that you fill in all the small and large gaps in between the frame and the window itself. Be aware that some windows may necessitate multiple application of the caulk. That’s just one option. If not, it is recommended to invest some of your time and effort into fixing or replacing your windows if need be to establish maximum energy efficiency of your Illinois home.…

Bathroom Replacement Home Windows Choices

There are many different types of replacement home windows for the bathroom. If you are remodeling, you have a chance to make a change if that is what you choose to do. You can choose a window that appeals to you more in appearance, or you can focus on energy efficiency. Here are some of the options to look for when choosing windows.

Opening Capability

Some bathroom replacement home windows open from the bottom, like a double hung window, crank out or slide across. If you do not need the bathroom window to open at all, there are other styles you can use, such as glass block. Decide whether you want the window to open, and if so, how wide. This will narrow down your choices. Having a window that is functional is very important, and many people have trouble getting their windows to work right once they install them. However, if you employ a home remodeling company to put in your windows, they will open easily.

Privacy

The kind of windows you choose can help you with privacy. Buying replacement home windows with frosted or etched glass can increase your privacy. Glass blocks also obscure what is behind them. You might want the look of a window letting in light, but if you choose a regular, clear-paned window, you can always put up a curtain. As long as the window is secure, you should have privacy.

Security

If you choose vinyl or aluminum windows, make sure they have sturdy locking mechanisms. Wood windows are easy to break into, but locks will also help them somewhat. A glass block style window will be more difficult to break into than other types of windows. A glass block window may be difficult to put in properly, but a home remodeling company can so an excellent job of installing it for you.

Price

Most people will want to consider the price of replacement home windows before they buy. There are many factors which influence the price. The material matters – vinyl and glass block being cheaper and wood being more expensive. If you have insulated windows they will cost more. The way the windows open might have a bearing on the cost. The best way to find out is to shop all your options.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of replacement home windows can change the amount of money you pay on your electric or gas heating bills. It can also make a difference in whether your bathroom is drafty or a warm and sheltered place. Look for a window with a U value of 30 or less. The U value is a term defining how easily heat is transferred through an insulating material. The lower the U value it is, the better the material is insulating. A home remodeling company will help you understand such concepts when choosing your windows.

Decorative Design

The way the window looks will most likely be a consideration for you as well. …

Insulating Your Home by Dressing Your Windows With Blinds

When winter comes, or simply colder temperatures, one thing many people forget is how the construction and decoration in your home can affect how much of the heat escapes your home. No house is insulated completely, and there’s always going to be a certain amount of heat escaping. Doors and windows are prime locations where hot air can escape allowing the cold in, and in the case of windows, there’s things you can do to help out. Insulating your home by dressing your windows is a good way to keep the interior warmer, whilst lowering your heating bills in the process.

Most windows have a single glass, and that’s just not enough to keep all the cold air outside. Condensation happens along the sides, and the heat is sucked out. Then, if you don’t have anything else to help insulate it, then cold air invades your whole home, forcing you to turn up the heat. One solution would be to double glaze the whole house. A feature which most new builds will include anyway. This works by trapping air between two panes of glass which acts as a very poor conductor thus slowing the heat from its escape.

Instead, dressing the window in a fashionable and functional way can really help insulate the home. For example, blinds can be a good start for this. There are many types of blind, made of various materials, each with their own inherent properties that will insulate your home differently depending on how they are used. One type many people use is wooden venetian blinds. These are great because wood is a natural insulator, which gives a big help to your windows and house insulation. The real benefit is created by the fact that venetian blinds can be left down all the time and then tilted to allow light in so that some benefit is always there. Any type of wooden covering will help in a similar manner such as shutters or wooden vertical blinds.

Another option is using blackout roller blinds, something you find in more homes lately. The fabric used is generally made from a 3 pass fabric, where a base fabric is effectively painted twice, once black and then again with the colour desired. This extra weight gives the fabric excellent insulating properties and retains heat more effectively. The limitation is that when the blind is up there is very little benefit as the blind is completely out of the way. Next there are roman blinds which can be made with interlining between the face fabric and the lining. This then offers a very luxurious feel and brilliant insulating properties. This will stop the heat conduction and also help your home keep warm.

The way these blinds are installed also affect how much money you’ll save on heating bills. Having flush blinds help a lot, because by being flush against the window, you eliminate an extra space where air could sip in. …

UPVC Windows – Essential Home Improvement

UPVC windows prove to be one of the most popular choices when completing home improvement projects. In recent years their use has grown immensely and has become one of the most recommended materials used by double glazing installation companies.

What does UPVC stand for? The term stands for ‘un-plastcized polyvinyl chloride’. Whilst its discovery and development is steeped in complexity and sophistication, its benefits are clear and concise.

Simply put, UPVC double glazing forces argon gas between two panes of glass. This reflects and keeps out heat rays when the weather is warm and in turn reflects heat energy back into the property when the temperature outside is cold. Its benefits include;

Cost; an obvious and high-ranking deciding factor when considering home improvement is the outlay cost versus the return on investment. UPVC, in comparison to materials such as timber is relatively low. Its cost effectiveness accentuates its popularity when combined with other factors.

Durability; its intricate chemical composition ensures that it is tough and resilient. UPVC double glazing windows and doors are often supplied with guarantees by professional installation Companies. It is unlikely once installed that they will need replacing and maintenance is minimal. The material, in its nature, prevents discolouration from the sun and premature deterioration. It will not rust, rot or flake.

Environmental benefit; because the product is long lasting and less energy and other resources are expended to make and install replacement products, UPVC windows conserves energy in manufacture and in use.

Insulation; UPVC is a very competent insulator. It offers prevention from heat loss and in turn reduces heating bills and energy costs within your property immediately after installation. Sound pollution is reduced as the trapped air layer serves to isolate from outside noises.

Security; UPVCs composition means that its hardness is extremely difficult to damage or break through. It is robust and will offer any home or business owner tremendous confidence when choosing it as another barrier of protection against possible intruders.

Choosing an energy efficient window is also a cost effective way to reduce household bills and conserve heat within the home.

Under the UK BFRC Scheme, new windows are rated from A-C (similar to ratings found on new fridges, freezers, washing machines etc.)

The benefits of a high energy rating window include reduced heating costs, improved sound insulation, reduced condensation and improved energy conservation within the home.

Installation of UPVC windows and doors is an area of home improvement which requires an understanding of building regulations which are continuously evolving and updating. A professional window supplier should be in a position to install a full range of energy efficient windows and doors and will be happy to offer advice on the most appropriate options for your property.

It is important that when choosing a Company to install your UPVC windows and doors that they are Fensa registered which gives peace of mind that a Company adheres with all building regulations and offers an insurance backed guarantee …

Custom Window Designs Can Take Your Home From Ordinary to One of a Kind

Chances are, your standard rectangular windows blend right into the side of your house. No one notices them. But installing custom-designed windows not only makes your windows stand out, it also enhances the entire look of your home. Some window companies offer custom window design and installation among their services, and you can choose from an array of window shapes or design your own based on a certain aesthetic or the needs of your space. The sky’s the limit with custom window design.

Shape Options

If you’re tired of rectangular and square windows and want to give your home renovation or new home construction a twist, consider windows in other shapes. Custom windows are available in circles, half circles, quarter circles, triangles, trapezoids, octagons, hexagons, and more, as well as irregular shapes, such as a square with a round top. You can install porthole windows looking out from your attic and triangular windows in every bedroom, depending on the look you’re going for. Some window contractors will even allow you to design your own shape, although the more custom the shape, the higher the price can rise.

Architectural Considerations

If you’ve put a lot of work into designing a unique house, standard rectangular windows can look out of place. Perhaps you want a large triangle of windows mirroring the staircase in your living room, or floor-to-ceiling picture windows overlooking the spectacular view from the master bedroom. If you’ve built an archway over the front door, a half-circle window inside the arch can accentuate the design and let the sun stream into your foyer. In addition to the shape of the window, think about the shape/size of the room, how much light you want to let into the space, what kind of window treatments you prefer, and any other architectural features in the room that could be highlighted by an unusual window.

Beyond Shape

When you’re customizing your windows, shape isn’t your only decision. A custom window company will also let you select the type of glass, the style and material of the window frame, and if and how the window will open. Consider the energy efficiency of the glass options available to you. Will they prevent heat transfer, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter? Do they block and filter the sun, or let it shine through clearly? Window frames can also vary in terms of energy efficiency, based on what material is used in their construction. Certain types of frames also require more maintenance than others. Finally, if you want certain windows to open and close, you’ll need to consider how you want that to happen: sliding up and down, sliding left and right, or an awning window that pushes outward to open.

It takes a lot of thought to design your own custom windows, but the result is completely worth it. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind space, sure to be commented on by …

Do you want to create a unique look for your home or office but are unsure how to make elements work together? If so, hiring an interior designer may be a smart move.

However, before diving in and hiring a contemporary interior designer Denver CO it’s smart to learn more about their benefits. Keep reading to find out.

Save Money

When you hire an interior designer, you can feel confident that the furniture and décor you choose will work for your space. They will also help ensure you don’t purchase items that are too large or the wrong paint color. All these things cost money. While the interior designer will charge a fee for their services, you will likely save a lot in the long run.

Save Time

When you hire an interior designer, they will also help you save time. They have a sense of what needs to be done and can anticipate potential obstacles they may encounter.

A Professional Assessment

Hiring a trained designer means you have an immediate plan of action for your room or office. These individuals go to school for design and décor, which means they are experts at what they do. Having a trained pair of eyes means they will see things you miss, which is going to benefit your space significantly.

A Qualified Liaison

A trained designer knows how to talk to building owners, contractors, and architects. This ensures you get the results you really want without handling these conversations yourself.

As you can see, there are more than a few benefits offered by hiring a professional interior designer. Keep the information above in mind to know what these people offer and why they bring so many benefits to the table. Being informed is the best way to decide if you should hire this professional for your décor needs.…

Sewer lines should draw your dirty water away from your home, leaving your place clean and safe. Unfortunately, sometimes they clog or bust, leading to backflow in the house. If this occurs, homeowners face the daunting task of cleaning everything up and making repairs. Should this happen to you, be prepared to complete the following steps.

1. Contact a Water Remediation Company

How much contamination occurred at the scene? This amount varies based on each event. A water remediation company can evaluate your home and determine how much damage happened. They should take samples of the wall, air and flooring to understand what problems you face, and they can put together a detailed plan to fix the property.

2. Talk With Your Insurance Agent

Water damage is often covered under your home insurance plan if you have backflow coverage. Do not wait to file a claim. Call your agent immediately, explaining the situation. Ask to open a claim and find out anything they need to get you started with the process.

3. Take Pictures of the Ruined Materials

You want photographic evidence of the destruction. Use your phone’s camera to snap images and videos of the scene. You might even want to film the remediation crew working on the home. Evidence is critical.

4. Make Immediate Repairs

You shouldn’t wait to repair anything that caused the incident. Doing so could worsen conditions, making it more complicated and expensive to restore. In addition, water continues to move, attacking more of the home. Work with an emergency water damage company Snell VA to correct any physical issues with the home. The early invention is essential in keeping things from getting out of control.

Are you worried about waiting for an insurance check? Save the bills because insurance may reimburse you. A prompt reaction shows insurance good faith and could avoid delays in coverage.

If your place is impacted by sewage, seek help right away. Work with professionals to clean up the space and tend to any concerns.…

Home Window Repair Tips for Homeowners

When it comes to home window repair, you need to identify first the type of repair that you need. Repairing is the act of salvaging something without necessarily replacing it entirely. Window repairs for home are not hard as you thought. Even though there are various types of window shapes, sizes and styles you will discover that the techniques that you use on repairing them are just the same. Modern windows on the other hand might be challenging and complex.

Window repairs include replacing window glass, replacing screen in a wood or metal frame, repairing sash windows, replacing a corner joint, replacing casement windows, repairing window sills and others. For those who are doing the repair for the first, it is quite difficult and you need the assistance of those who have the skills. While others who have the experience in DIY projects, repairing home windows is just another undertaking that needs completion.

There are common problems that we encounter when it comes to home window repair. Among the repairs that one should have basic knowledge about include windows with broken glass and windows which will not open or close. These problems are basically what we can repair by ourselves otherwise when damage may seem difficult to resolve, you need to ask for a skilled worker to do it for you.

When your window has broken glass, the first thing that you should do is to remove the window sash and lay it on a work table. You can lay a towel over the glass and break it. Remove the glazing points or metal fasteners that hold the glass in place. Brush on a fast drying paint primer, and then apply a thin bead of caulk on the frame perimeter. Insert the glass and apply glazing compound. Scrape off the excess compound and put the window sash back in and leave it for a week before applying paint.

In case the window won’t open even if it is already unlocked, try using a putty knife to tap between the window and the frame inside with a rubber mallet and exert effort to open the window. You can repeat the step if the window will not still open. If you notice that the window won’t close, you can get the side of the window and examine closely if there are any defects. Look at the separator and check the hinges too.

It is important that you know the basics of home window repair in order for you to enjoy the view outside and let the fresh air in. well functioning windows can also protect you from intruders from coming into your dwelling. You must also consider each job whether you really need repair or replacement will suffice.…

Replacing Old Windows – As Simple As it Sounds

Home improvement projects have grown by leaps and bounds since information is so readily available in self-help books and online sites. Although that may sound like a threat to the contractors’ business, perhaps it’s the silver lining as someone is bound to mess up. The contractor is then called in to fix the problem and ultimately still makes a buck or two.

How hard can it be to start your home improvement project by replacing old windows? That depends on the magnitude of work versus your capabilities, inborn or picked up along the way. For starters, replacing a window is not in the same league as, perhaps, repainting a room. Both are achievable with the correct materials and skills, yet the former is perhaps more challenging.

There are as many designs of houses as there are of windows. Hence, selecting a certain style with specific measurements to replace your existing windows do not entail a simple trip to your local hardware store and picking something off the shelf. More often than not, you may require custom-made windows to suit your requirements. This means additional costs and time.

More houses are now built using standard design templates which often make them look like commodities off a factory production line. Structures are pre-cast to ensure uniformity and speed in setting up. External trimmings such as doors, windows and roof tiles are the same as bulk purchases reduce cost. Hence, newly developed housing areas pop up all over like mushrooms after the evening rain. Window manufacturers have also responded to consumers’ wishes as there is a growing market for replacing old windows. As such, it may be easier to source for new or replacement windows as these manufacturers are more willing to produce them as individual units. It’s become very much like consumable items, similar to tossing out your spent ink cartridge and buying a new one for your printer.

Although the notion of embarking on a home improvement project in this area sounds attractive, another challenge lies in the availability of specialized equipment. Depending on the type of new windows, there may be a need to employ such equipment to ensure proper installation. Experienced window installers have access to these types of devices and can easily bring the equipment onsite as part of the installation package.

If you still have apprehensions towards engaging professional help for replacing old windows, ask around to determine a list of reputable contractors. Surely not every contractor is out there to take you for a ride. There are honest ones who have done previous jobs of good quality and will be able to do the same for you.…