GoodChildHomes

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.…

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 …

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.…

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 …

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 …

Solar energy is one of the best options for producing alternative electricity that is environmentally friendly. Through solar panel technology, currently solar power can be used independently at home.

Currently, there are more and more companies that provide technology and services for installing solar panels at home. Generally, the cost is around IDR 20 million-30 million based on the amount of electricity that can be generated.

If you are interested in installing it, you can make a rough estimate of the cost through this link from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources .

You need to know the area of ​​​​the roof that you want to install the panels, the direction and angle of the roof slope, as well as the electrical power installed in your home. Although it requires relatively large costs during installation, the use of solar panels has significant advantages that can be enjoyed in the long term. Not only personally, but also more broadly for the Earth’s environment.

Reporting from community solar projects, here are the advantages of using solar panels.

1. Save on Monthly Electricity Costs Although it requires relatively large costs when installing, using solar panels in the long term will provide financial benefits for users. Because it comes from unlimited solar energy, solar panel users can reduce or even be free from having to pay monthly electricity bills to the state electricity provider company, or PLN, in Indonesia. As is known, electricity rates also continue to increase periodically.

2. Multifunction Besides being able to be used to generate electricity, solar panels can also be used to generate heat or solar thermal. Small-scale thermal solar for homes, generally can be used as room heaters, water heaters, and swimming pool heaters.

3. Minimal Maintenance Costs Solar panels do not require complicated and excessive maintenance. It is enough to clean it regularly every month, the solar panel device will still be well maintained. Solar panel devices generally can last up to tens to tens of years. Generally, solar panel provider companies also have qualified solar panel maintenance services.

4. Contribution to Saving the Environment It is undeniable that the Earth is currently experiencing a significant increase in temperature and global warming. Switching to using solar panels can be one of the real steps in saving the earth. Especially in Indonesia, where the majority of electricity still comes from burning coal which is not environmentally friendly. (M-2)

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Installing a New Window Is Easier Than You Think

More and more of today’s homeowners are opting out for interior designs, thanks in part to the many DIY television series that give people cheap and easy home improvement projects ideas that they can do themselves. The truth of the matter is, when it comes to larger home improvement projects, it’s better-and often cheaper to hire a professional to do the project for them. But just because you have to hire a pro to get the most out of your home improvement project, doesn’t mean that you aren’t going get a good return on your investment. Installing new windows in your home can be a great way to increase curb appeal, resale power and grow value from your home. And it’s easier than you think. Use this guide to window replacement and see for yourself why installing new windows may be easier than you think.

Finding the Right Window Installer

One of the most important parts of getting the most out of your new windows is finding the right installer. After all, you can install the most expensive windows, but they are only going to be as good as the window replacement company that installed them. That’s why finding the best installer is so important. But when every window installer in the area claims to be the best, it’s tough to find the best of the best.

There are three key parts to helping you find the best window installer in your area. Use these three tips for finding the right window installer and you can’t go wrong.

• Licensing and Insurance – Without the right insurance and licensing, you as a homeowner run the risk of losing money if someone gets hurt, materials are damaged or your windows get stolen. Be sure that before you ask for a bid, you verify your window replacement companies licensing and insurance.

• References – The right insurance and licensing ensures that you’re going to get someone who can legally do the job, but it doesn’t mean that they are going to do the best job. References from past customers help you to find the best window installer in your area.

• Multiple Quotes – Don’t just pick one window installer and go with them! Be sure to get at least three bids from multiple window installers. Make certain that you get a cost breakdown of materials and labor as well. This way, you can compare between the bids effectively and find out who really has the best deal.

Replacement Times

Many homeowners think that installing a new window (or window) is difficult, time consuming and makes a mess in your home. This often makes people shy away from these types of home improvement projects. But you don’t have make a mess, take a ton of time or cost you fortune to get the job done. Make sure that whomever you hire for your window replacement project, you get a specific completion date for …

Various UPVC Windows Prices Available

The UPVC windows prices greatly vary, as there are so many different types of UPVC windows available. For updated windows price, you would need to check with your local retailer, as prices change. You can also attempt to find UPVC windows prices online, but you will usually need to register at each of the sites that have the windows available, fill out a form, and request information for a quote. At that point, a sales person will call you giving you all of the information you will need about UPVC windows..

There are windows that have the side hung or outward opening. These are the most popular designs and the UPVC windows prices for this type are also cost effective. There are also sliding sash ones, which are available with Georgian bars or without. This style is a bit more traditional. You can find some that look exactly like timber, but the maintenance on them is much easier than it would be if the windows were actually made of wood. This also makes the UPVC windows prices make a lot of sense.

These strong windows are also not vulnerable to the elements, as wood would be, as they will not rot or warp, so the windows prices will be worth it. Even the cleaning inside and outside of the glass is easy, as they tilt once they are opened. This is for emergency escapes, as well.

When a house has been designed with more square and smaller framework, the tilt and turn windows are usually used. The frames have the ability to have sashes with larger openings than the outward opening window, again making the UPVC windows worth every penny. These open inward from a hinge on the bottom of the window and give approximately six inches, or 150mm of ventilation.

There are also special ordered windows, such as round windows, or those with a curved head at great double glazing window prices. Additionally, an appearance of a cottage type of home can be given to the windows by installing sections of the different fitted shapes at the tops of these curved windows. And there is also the pivoting type whose sashes open to a pivoting point. It practically turns these windows inside out, making it extremely easy to maintain and clean, another UPVC windows prices justification.

Since these windows will not fade or decompose with age, the windows prices make sense. The multiple chambers that are built into the frame are very much like a double glazed window chamber, making them very energy efficient, again justifying the prices. The built in gaskets make them also less susceptible to condensation, providing a water tight seal. They greatly cut down on noise, and have locks built in, as well. And their metal reinforcement provides great strength.

If you need help measuring your windows, a sales person will be happy to assist you. It does take a bit of skill, and perhaps the person who will be …

Vinyl Window Repair Options

If only your home windows is like the window in the computer. You could just restart if things get dirty, use system restore if something breaks or something goes wrong, use repair disks function if a certain part is broken or simply reformat when nothing else seems to work. Imagine if you could just do this kind of things in your actual home windows, wouldn’t that be a treat?

To fix a window properly, one must understand the basics of a window installation. Usually, if a house is made of stone and cement, the windows are mounted on steel frames and junctions and can never be moved, ever. If you wish to move it or relocate it, you will have to dismount the whole window, and yes that includes destroying a part of your home. Today however, replacement windows have replaced this gruesome process. One isn’t obliged to dismount the whole window. Replacements can be installed on an existing frame and comes in a variety of designs and materials to choose from.

Vinyl windows are available for sale in unbelievable prices as per quality and aesthetic value. Vinyl windows are also durable and flexible and come in all colors and sizes. Window repair has never been so easy thanks to vinyl replacements. It is quite simple to attach a replacement window to an existing frame. Simply remove the old window from the frame, fit a vinyl window of the right size to window and apply adhesives. It is that simple that even a single person can do it.

While not always the problem some people can have trouble installing vinyl replacements for window repair. If this happens there are always professionals who can help in redecorating your home and do the usual tweaks and spins for you to achieve the home that you love and truly deserve.…

Windshield Replacement and Repair – Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Damaged Window

Windshield replacement and repair is something people should not ignore. Many people do not realize it is an important consideration for the front windshield of your vehicle to be replaced or repaired when damage is done. Often times, your windshield is the only thing that can protect you and your passengers from harmful flying elements while driving. In some cases, a full window replacement may not be necessary. A cheaper and quicker alternative would be getting a windshield repair instead.

Very often, drivers on the road will ignore the small chips and cracks they get caused by flying rocks, debris, or minor collision. It is important to take good care of your windshield, making sure they are free of any defects. A properly done replacement or repair would not only be a good investment, but you will be ensuring a higher level of protection for you and your passengers while driving.

Ignoring the small chips and cracks that you receive while driving for a long period of time can or will lead you to bigger problems. It was proven that stresses like extreme temperatures, driving and fatigue stress will cause your windshield’s chips and cracks to spread quicker. In the beginning when they first start out, they may seem small and not a problem, but over time it will weaken the glass and the cracks may spread corner to corner, horizontal or vertical, in any direction. It could be illegal in your states if the cracks impede your ability to safely see and drive your vehicle.

So the next time while you are driving out in the road, after a fresh clean car wash and clear windows, see if you notice any small chips on your windshield, if so then think about calling in a shop to get those chips or cracks repaired. Most auto glass shops will provide you with a mobile service, which means they will come to your home or work, or where ever you ask them to, to provide you with their services. The repair cost averages between $20-$70 dollars, depending on your location or shop, and chip or crack sizes. Keep in mind, most auto insurance companies will cover the cost of your window replacement or repair, depending on your coverage, but often times auto insurers will cover the full price of the repairs with no deductible, to avoid the more expensive alternative, a full windshield replacement. So don’t be afraid to take that advantage, it may be part of your policy, and it would be a waste of your hard earn money going to auto insurance if you don’t.

If you live in an area where an auto glass shop is a hard reach, or maybe you live in an area where you usually get these chips and cracks, then consider buying your own windshield repair kit. You can usually buy them online, and depending on where and what you order, prices …