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Shattered Panes, Broken Windows – A Guide to Glass Replacement

Shattered Panes, Broken Windows – A Guide to Glass Replacement

The only way to keep your belongings and valuables completely safe is to wrap them in cotton wool and ring-fence your house with a projectile-defying brick wall and electric fence. But then again, what sort of existence is that?

Indeed, accidents will always happen and whether it’s a neighbourhood kid booting a ball into your greenhouse or a gale-force wind dislodging an elm tree into your bathroom window, you have to adopt a somewhat matter-of-fact attitude to your misfortune – shrug your shoulders and get on with life.

Indeed, if you are unlucky enough to experience broken windows in your home, your first concern should be your safety. Shattered or broken glass poses some health issues and if you’re planning on clearing shards of glass from the ground, make sure you have thick, padded gloves on to collect the biggest pieces and a broom and dustpan for the smaller pieces.

Your next concern should be the repair. Home glass replacement is an activity that can be lumped in with the likes of electrical rewiring and sink-fitting – it really is best left to the experts, so don’t be a have-a-go hero when it comes to replacing a broken window.

If a window in your home suffers a slight crack, don’t be tempted by the masking tape option either – once a crack is there, the whole pane of glass is weakened and it’s more susceptible to shattering.

If you could choose a time for your windows to break, then that would be the ideal scenario – and you might choose a Monday afternoon when you just happen to be off work: a quick call to the local glaziers and have it replaced in a couple of hours. Fate doesn’t work like that – your windows can break at any time of day, which is why many window glass repair services are operational 24/7.

With some things, it’s really best not to cut corners. If you needed a new fuse-box fitted in your kitchen, the chances are you wouldn’t attempt it yourself and you would go with a reputable electrician who is fully indemnified – if anything goes wrong you could otherwise be in trouble.

The same principles apply when fitting new glass in your home: check that the workmanship is fully guaranteed and that the people installing it are fully covered should anything go wrong. It makes sense and it could save you a lot of money in the long run.…

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Home Security Essentials – Even the Basic Home Security System Will Give You Peace of Mind

Home Security Essentials – Even the Basic Home Security System Will Give You Peace of Mind

When it comes to protecting your loved ones your home security should never be compromised. Sometimes, chains, padlocks, or even fences just aren’t enough because burglars nowadays use sophisticated gadgets to break into your homes.

Just the home security essentials will provide you with peace of mind that your home is protected.

Most burglars are just plain lazy which is one of the reasons they choose the profession they practice.

If your home is protected, even if it is only the bare home security essentials, than most burglars will choose an easier target.

Using the best home protection you can afford for your property and family is a smart move. The cost of owning a burglar alarm has come down so much that it is affordable for almost everyone. It just is not worth the risk to have no protection.

In the United States, a burglary occurs every 15 seconds. Burglary costs homeowners an average of $1700 a year. Quite often people don’t even consider a burglar alarm until something bad happens. Once your home and family has been compromised no amount of protection will ever be able to buy back that sense of security that you have loss. Don’t wait until your family has been violated.

The home security essentials of a basic alarm system include a main control unit, a keypad, siren, door sensors, and a motion detector. The main control unit needs to be installed in a secure location (an area protected by the system). If it your alarm system is hard wired versus wireless than you will want a location that is easy to run all the wires to.

The keypad needs to be located near your main entrance so that you can easily arm and disarm the system. Most homes have two or three entrances and these doors will need to have magnetic sensors attached to them. These sensors will send a message to the control unit when the door is opened.

Since most burglars will enter right through the front door these are imperative to a good home security system.

The indoor siren needs to be in a location where it will have the most impact. Contrary to popular belief you do not want the siren outside the home. In most communities it is illegal to put the siren outside the home. The neighbors will only complain anyhow… they will not come to your rescue. (When is the last time you ran for help when you heard a siren?) Inside the home the siren will have the most effect because if there is an intruder in your home and the siren goes off the intruder will want to leave as quickly as possible. The siren is designed to make the intruder panic and run. The siren will also wake you up if you are sleeping.

The motion detector is the last part of the home security essentials. If …

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Vinyl Windows For Your Home – 5 Simple Ways You Can Tell If You’re Flushing Money Down the Drain

Vinyl Windows For Your Home – 5 Simple Ways You Can Tell If You’re Flushing Money Down the Drain

Replacing your old, inefficient windows with updated vinyl windows can have a dramatic impact on how much money you send away to the gas and electric company every month, unnecessarily. No one wants to spend more than they have to on anything and with replacement windows, it’s such an easy way to save a lot of money on the ever increasing energy costs. It’s not uncommon for people to see a savings of 30%-40% on their energy bills from the previous 12 months after replacing their old windows.

Most homeowners have a general idea that they may need to replace their windows, but they don’t realize just how bad they have become over the years (or how bad they were to begin with!). Here are the five biggest indicators that you should seriously consider new vinyl windows sooner than later:

Your window frames are aluminum (or any other type of metal). Metal is a natural conductor and it can never be as efficient as wood or vinyl windows. If you have metal windows, go put your hand close to the frame when it’s very hot or very cold outside. You will be able to feel the temperature radiating from the frame. Not good.

You have only a single pane of glass separating the inside of your home from the outside elements. Glass alone is not a very good insulator. In fact, a single pane of glass has an R value of less than 1. (R value measures resistance to heat. The higher the number, the more efficient the product. Your attic is around an R 30.) To get a much better insulation factor, you need at least two panes of glass with some form of dense gas between the panes such as Argon or Krypton. This will provide up to an R12, depending upon several factors, which will make a huge difference in your energy bills every month.

There is moisture in between the panes of glass in the vinyl windows you have right now. If there is moisture in between the panes of glass, this tells you that the seal has been broken and all the dense gas that acts as the insulation has escaped. Now you basically have two single panes of glass, and that’s it. This adds up to slightly less than an R 2 which isn’t much better than having just one pane of glass.

You have no low-E coating on your glass. How can you tell if you don’t have any Low-E coating? If the sun is shining through your windows and it feels as if you’re in sitting under a heat lamp, you don’t have this critical coating on your windows. This basically gives your home the “Green House Effect”. This might be acceptable in the winter as it can help keep things warm, but it is killing your cooling costs in the summertime. Low-E …

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Home Improvment, How Not To Fix Plaster

Home Improvment, How Not To Fix Plaster

When you are a property manager for you own rentals, you learn a lot about fixing up a place. One day, a tenant called about an issue in his bathroom, he said the ceiling was drooping down a little. So I head over to assess the damage and repair. When I got there, I could hardly get the bathroom door open! The ceiling was hanging down about 2 feet, obviously a slow leak from the bathroom upstairs. I begin by cutting sections of the drywall that’s hanging down, a whole 4*8 sheet by-the-way. I thought I was doing great, I cut small sections and let them drop into a bucket. I was really doing a good job, not one mess on the floor. After about the second time I emptied the bucket, the last cut I made, must have weakened the rest of the ceiling. And here I thought I was removing weight from the board. To say the least, the entire ceiling collapsed on me, I was covered in drywall and so was the rest of the bathroom! Oh well, so much for not making a mess. From there I found what was leaking upstairs and took care of that issue. Now it was time for a new sheet of drywall and a lot of cleaning downstairs.

Well, I got the place cleaned up, at least the big pieces of drywall. Then I got the new ceiling up and got it taped and mudded. Now it was time to let it dry so I could take care of the sanding and painting. I looked over at the window sill, and saw that there was some loose plaster. Well, I thought, I might as well fix that since I’ve got to paint the whole bathroom anyway. And that’s when it got real interesting.

I took my trusty scrapper and scrapped the window sill. Well, about half of the sill fell onto the floor! I really didn’t scrap very hard. After a few more light scraps, I was missing the entire left and lower sill, not to mention a good quarter of the upper sill and even a good portion of the wall. In the meantime, my wife came by with lunch. I sent her to the home improvement store for a gallon of wood putty. (Oh, did I tell you, I was new at the time?) While I’m cleaning up my NEW mess and making the hole bigger and bigger, she runs to the store for me. She asks for a gallon of wood putty, and the guy asks her with a perplexed look “What are trying to do?” Hey, I didn’t know what else to ask for. He sent her back with a big bag of Fix-All. To this day, I love Fix-All! I think I could build a house with it after this situation. OK, now it’s time for the second repair.

Now that most of the wall is missing, it …

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Akron’s Top Home Improvement Project – Six Things You Should Know About Window Replacement

Akron’s Top Home Improvement Project – Six Things You Should Know About Window Replacement

Replacing the windows in your home is one the most popular home improvement projects in the Akron area. The reason is simple–homeowners receive multiple benefits from this one project. In addition to significantly lowering your energy bills, replacement windows will help increase your home’s value, improve the exterior and interior appearance, and eliminate maintenance. However, most people are overwhelmed with process of choosing the right windows for their home. Here are the top six things that will make the process easier.

1. Choose a reputable company-There are lots of resources to help you choose a good company and product. The local BBB is a good place to start. Make the sure the company is accredited by the BBB. Also, Angie’s list is another great resource. You’ll need to be a member, but you can sign up for a few dollars. Look for companies with the Super Service award on Angie’s list-they are the top 5% in the category. Finally, protect yourself and make the sure the company is licensed, bonded, insured, and the workers are covered by Workman’s Compensation. Be sure to ask.

2. The spacer material between the glass panes is the key to performance and longevity-Not all spacers, the material between the glass panes, are created equally. There are three basic types of spacers: Intercept spacers, full box metal spacers, and structural foam spacers known as Super Spacers. Choosing the right spacer will lead to higher performance and longevity for your home improvement project.

Intercept spacers are the most commonly used in replacement windows because they are inexpensive (made of tin) and are easy to manufacture. They are a U-shaped channel in between the glass. Full box metal spacers are square pieces of aluminum. They are also inexpensive to manufacture.

Although less expensive upfront, there is a downside to using metal spacers. Both intercept and full box metal spacers expand and contract, as that is the property of metal, with temperature swings. This expansion and contraction of metal spacers allows for three undesirable things to occur: colder and warmer temperatures around the edges of the panes (18.6 degrees colder than structural foam spacers), a higher occurrence of seal failure (in as little as three years as tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council–NFRC) which allows the gas to escape leading to fogged or inefficient windows, and condensation promoting mold growth.

Windows with structural foam spacers-Super Spacers-perform the best. Developed by Edgetech for NASA, this material prevents the problems associated with metal spaces above. Expect to pay more for these spaces. But the extra upfront cost is worth it.

3. Not all warranties are the same: read them-All warranties are “limited” (i.e. excludes vandalism, acts of nature) and most are “lifetime,” but not all are the same. For example, a limited lifetime warranty from a well-known big brand covers 10 years on the parts and frame, 20 years on the glass and two years on …

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How To Measure Windows For Your New Blinds

How To Measure Windows For Your New Blinds

The main benefit of blinds as opposed to curtains is to keep out the strong hot sun in the summer time and let in the warm sunshine in the colder seasons. While providing beautiful accents to your windows and the room in general, window blinds also protect your furniture from being faded by strong sunlight. You can adjust them to allow light to filter into the room without allowing fading rays onto the furniture.

When ordering specialised custom blinds for the windows in your home, you will need to provide precise measurements to the company when you place your order. There are several important things to consider when measuring your windows for your new blinds. By taking special care to be precise and accurate, you will ensure the right measurements and therefore proper fitting blinds. Many custom made window blinds cannot be returned if they do not fit, so it is important that your measurements be right. Here are some important tips for ensuring your windows are measured properly:

•First, decide if your new window blinds will be inside mounted or outside mounted. Inside mounted blinds mean that the hardware will be recessed within the window opening. Outside mounted means the hardware for the blinds will be mounted on the wall outside of the window casing.

•Never assume the windows are the same size, even if they appear to be. Many windows vary just a bit here and there, enough to throw off the measurements and cause one-size-fits-all blinds not to fit.

•Use a steel measuring tape in measuring the windows. A cloth measuring tape cannot be depended upon when it comes to accuracy in measuring your windows.

•Record measurements as width x height. This is the industry standard for all window blinds and shades.

•Always, always double check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Many custom window blinds cannot be returned, so you want to be sure to get it right the first time.

•Measure window sizes to the nearest eighth of an inch.

•Never, ever measure existing blinds. Always measure the window frame, not the blinds.

If following these simple steps before purchasing your new blinds, you can be sure not to have any disappointment when fitting in the new piece of decor. Window blinds can match the room’s decor and provide a certain atmosphere while providing light control for different times of day and various activities. From living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and family rooms, beautiful blinds with quality function are a great asset to any home.…

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A Short Guide to Window Replacement

A Short Guide to Window Replacement

Hot summer months often entail the increase of energy consumption, the same goes for cool months. Some may argue that cooler months would mean a lower energy utility bill. This can be true for some people and false for others. The reason is that people fail to realize that more energy is consumed in cold months because their window is in dire need of replacement. Now what does a window have anything to do with an increase in energy consumption? Windows that are old and outdated tend to have cracks or gaps where cold air can flow through, thus even with it shut your heater requires more energy to keep the room warm and toasty for you. Window replacements can offer you home better overall ventilation for the hot summer heat or the cold chilly winter nights.

Since we are on the matter of replacing windows, you are perhaps wondering which option is best for your home. For instance, residential windows in vinyl have some obvious advantages: the types are energy efficient and are low maintenance. They have the capability to considerably reduce noise. Last but definitely not the least, those who are worried about the impact of construction waste to the environment will be happy to know that this type of window can be recycled. Made of high R-value material, this basically entails that it is able to provide ample insulation. Its popularity is based on the fact that it’s a cost effective alternative to wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.

Considerations

If you have come to accept that you require a window replacement before the cold season kicks in, then you should select the proper window that will suit your needs perfectly. For starters, decide on the reason why your existing windows require replacement. By doing this step you will be able to determine the characteristics that you will need to have in the replacement. Qualities may include: the type of material, style, upkeep, energy efficiency, etc. Another vital aspect that should be thought of is pricing. Figure out your budget, the amount you are willing to pay for when you decide to go shopping. Additionally you must have already figured out how many pieces you are planning to replace and purchase. This will affect the total cost and also the style of window you will be able to buy.

Window Materials

Materials and style selection is important since it will play an essential role in the overall appearance of your home as well as the amount of maintenance it needs. You may select various designs and style for various spaces in your house. This again will be dependent on your personal preferences and needs. Lastly, always employ a reputable window replacement service. Take some time to conduct a bit of research, browse through reviews and look for experts, and their expertise as well as quality professional output will easily outweigh their rates. Basically if your windows are installed correctly with a design that …

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It’s Time to Take Another Look at Aluminum Windows

It’s Time to Take Another Look at Aluminum Windows

There are multiple options out there if you are looking for a new window. One of the more popular types is the aluminum windows. There are also the combination Aluminum windows which are aluminum on the outside, double glazing in the middle and wood on the inside. This type is becoming more and more popular and affordable every day. If you have not looked into the combination aluminum window now is a good time to check them out for your home.

Low maintenance windows are another type that you might want to look into. The durability of the aluminum windows have improved over the years. They are able to withstand the elements better and better each year. Most aluminum windows are pretty sturdy and can withstand what nature throws at them. The interior wood is treated and comes with a long lasting protective finish which makes them practical and easy to clean.

It’s easy to see the stylish look of an aluminum window. You can customize what size, configuration and shape you want so that it matches your home. The colors can be selected both for the Aluminum and the wood finishes on the inside. The low profile aluminum will not be highly visible from the inside of your house but will look very flashy on the outside. It is not hard to find a window that looks however you need and want you window to look.

As the windows are manufactured off site to fit your exact measurements the only other cost you will deal with is the instillation. They come complete with handles and fittings so you don’t have to spend extra time and money selecting these once the windows have been installed. It is even possible, if you are lucky, to fit the new windows into existing frames without having to alter existing architraves significantly.

If you are looking into getting some new windows aluminum windows should be at the top of your list. They are good looking, very cost efficient and most of the time pretty easy to install.…

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New Storm Windows Add Up to Wise Home Improvement

New Storm Windows Add Up to Wise Home Improvement

If you have old windows in your home, in all probability the old windows are leaking quite a bit of air, which makes the house chilly in the winter and costs more to cool in the summer months. Leaky windows could even be harming your house by allowing windblown rain to seep into the structure. One of the best home improvement tasks you can do as a homeowner is to install some high quality storm windows. A good storm window can fend off cold air better much better than a replacement window and it also costs less to install storm windows. You can install the windows yourself in less time than it takes to install a window.

When shopping for storm windows, be sure that you choose good quality windows. Many storm windows sold at home improvement stores are made rather poorly, with weak corners and with weatherstripping that does not fit tightly enough around the edges of the window frame. For a double-hung window, a triple-track storm window is ideal. This type of window has two glass panes and one screen, each on their own track. If you prefer to have your windows open in the summertime, you can purchase another screen sash and put it in the top of the window by taking out the pane of glass on top.

Once you have measured the windows of your home and have purchased your storm windows, you must first scrape away any built up paint if needed. Next set the storm window in place in the opening. Be sure that it is sitting square and that the windows slide open and closed with ease. If the stop on the window is narrower than the window flange, you can cute the flange using tin snippers if necessary. You will now need to drill screw holes in the flange if holes are not already there. Space the screw holes about eight inches apart. Next you should apply a good amount of silicone or window caulk along the flange along the top and the sides, but not the sill. Home improvement stores sell caulking and silicone, and it is up to you which you prefer to use. Silicone dries clear, while caulking dries white.

Now, in order for the storm window to fit, you will have to tilt it into the opening. Be sure to get it into the correct position the first time so that you do not smear the caulk. Press the flanges into the caulk to ensure that it seals all along the sides as well as the top. Next you must put a screw into the middle of the top flange and into the side flanges near the bottom. Make sure that the window is aligned correctly before driving the remaining screws. Scrape the caulk away that has leaked out due to the pressure applied. For the bottom of the storm windows, you should drive screws into the sill …

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Make Your Home More Valuable

Make Your Home More Valuable

Everyone wants to make their home more valuable. But with the right home improvement projects, you’ll be able to increase the value of your home without spending more than you make. After all, getting a good return on your initial investment is what it’s all about. Use these great ideas for increasing your home’s value and be sure to grow your homes worth and your love for it.

Window Replacement

Old and dated windows can really be an eyesore. Not only do they decrease a home’s value, they all decrease the energy efficiency of your home. This can make energy bills soar during the summer and winter months when heating and cooling needs increase. New windows help to ensure that your homes overall value will increase significantly. You can even increase the value further by installing storm or hurricane windows. These high strength windows can prevent strong winds from breaking during hurricanes and tornado, ensuring even more damages happen. But besides being able to prevent storm damages, they can also help prevent burglary and home invasions. Some storm windows can take impacts of up to 135 Mph or more!

Landscaping

If you need to increase your homes curb appeal to increase its value, nothing beats the price and returns of a professional landscaping job. Landscaping features are a cost effective way to increase the look of your home and property. Even if you own a townhouse, landscaping with window boxes can add the curb appeal your home needs to increase its overall value and make your home look good.

Front Entry Door

Another great way to increase curb appeal is by adding onto the front entryway of your home. This area of the home can increase a home’s value significantly simply because of its visibility throughout the inside and outside of the home. Front entryway doors are a great investment with an even better return. Many front doors can be installed with a window insert, increasing the home’s value as well as the amount of natural light in the door. Add sidelights or a French style double door to your entryway and increase your home’s value even more.

Kitchen Makeover

Nothing brings down home value like a dated kitchen. When appliances, counter-tops and flooring are old and out of date in a kitchen space, you can bet that it’s going to be tough to sell. With the addition of a new counter-top, cabinets, flooring and appliances, you’ll be sure to increase the overall value of your home and get a great return on your investment.

Siding

The exterior of your home can really benefit from new siding. Siding can make your homes outside walls look brand new again. With the addition of a new exterior insulation, your siding project can make up for the costs in no time at all with huge energy savings. And because siding comes in a huge variety of styles, shapes, sizes, colors and materials, you’ll be able to find the …