Everything You Need To Know About Window Glasses

While designing your windows, you should give special care and attention to the window glass. With the right kind of window glass, you can give a new and fashionable look to any room in your house. The most important thing about your windows design is that they should add to the beauty of your room and not over power it.

Here are some common mistakes made while choosing window glass for homes:

1. Too dark: The window glass should not be too dark in color because it might make your room look very dark and gloomy. If you want to reduce the excess sunlight, then you should try to use the reflective glass that keeps the sun’s heat and harmful rays out, while allowing the light to go inside the room.

2. Wrong color: The color of the window glass should match the entire room. You can use different combination and mix-match the shades, but the make sure that the color doesn’t clash with or over powers the furniture and upholstery in the room.

3. Bad pattern: When you will go to the window glass store, the salesperson may try to sell you many “unique” and “latest” designs. Always remember that salesperson try to push on the designs which give them the greatest profit. But you should always choose a pattern that suits your house and looks beautiful. Don’t go by the latest trend or what the salesperson says.

4. Fragile built: This is really important, especially if you have small children at home. The glass should be strong enough to take impact and not shatter easily. A fragile window mirrors cannot only be a waste of money, but can also prove to be dangerous for you and your family.

These days, stain glass windows are extremely popular. They not only look good on normal windows, but are also a great accessory for French windows and room partitions. You can install a glass window anywhere you want to create some partition, without making the space look closed and dark. A stain glass window allows some light to go through, while creating a clear partition.

Here are some places where you can use glass window partitions:

1. In offices – To create partition between to work stations or between office and pantry.

2. In homes – To create partition within the living room or to provide ambiance and decorative look to a dull room.

There are more use of window glasses than you can think of. All you need is to just use your imagination.…

Save Money With New Windows Installation

There are many things you may have to buy throughout the years you live in your home. You have probably heard the old saying, “Fixing up a house is never done.” This is true in a sense. If you live in your home for many years you will eventually have to replace the roof. There are cosmetic items you may want to replace and there are necessity items you need to replace. You may need to get a new furnace, new windows installation and/or water heater to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently.

Cosmetically you may want to replace the doors in your home. Your home may have been built with less expensive doors that are not solid wood. You may decide to change the doors with six panel doors that are solid wood. You will update your home as well as add money to the amount your home is worth overall. A good rule of thumb is, whatever update you have done on your home is to add half of it to the base price of your home especially when you decide to sell it.

To save money when you install new six panel wood doors is to buy the doors at a home improvement discount store unstained. You can stain the doors yourself. You may want to hire a professional to install your doors so that they hang correctly.

For items you need to keep updated and working functionally it is best to hire a professional to do the job. For example, if you need a new furnace it is highly recommended to hire a professional. The last thing you want to do is to install the furnace incorrectly and have your home start on fire.

Another home improvement item, as well as a necessary home improvement item, that you should hire a professional is when you need new windows installed. You can save money with new windows installation when it is done correctly the first time. The window installer will know how to measure all of your windows you are replacing in your home. You do not want to measure your windows, order the windows and have them arrive too big or too small. Your windows will have to be re-cut if you have odd sized windows which may add an expensive extra cost to your wallet. It is best to let the professional order the glass you want installed as there are different choices. He or she will safely carry and install the new windows correctly in your home.

You will save money on new windows installation on your heating bill. Keep the frigid air out of your house and the heat inside of your house. You will save money with new windows installation when it is summer and you have your air conditioner on or your central air. You will keep the cool air in your home so you can relax and literally function as some days are …

Wooden Window Shutter – Restore Its Beauty For a New Look

Wooden window shutter is essential in beautifying a home. However, it can be damage by some factors. To restore its beauty, you can paint it. Here are steps that may guide you.

1. Take off the shutters.

Remove the shutters from the windows. Put them in a safe, shady place like garage or patio. Avoid painting when there is direct sunlight. This will cause irregular dryness of paint. Also, keep the place clean by covering it with scrap papers.

2. Polish the old paint.

Use a knife to remove any old paint. Make sure that you will gently do this so that the shutter will not be damaged completely. You can do this within 30 minutes.

3. Clean.

Wash the shutters carefully. You may use a brush together with hot water and soap. Rinse completely the soap. Any left soap will be a cause of ugly painting. Also, since it is wooden, it must be dry totally. A towel may be used or you may leave for an hour or more. Air will be the one to dry it.

4. Select your material.

One important material that you must choose is paint. Since you are using wood, a latex paint is best appropriate. Also, choose a color which can fit the design of your house. It should also go with the color of your house if it is painted. Furthermore, the color of paint must also be pleasant to the eyes. People will love looking at it if is beautiful and attractive.

5. Do the painting.

Before starting, you must see to it that no direct sunlight and strong winds can disturb you. Apply first the first coating. Make it light so that the second coat will be noticeable. Spray paints or paint guns are available. You can use them so that the result will be perfectly fine. Let it dry before putting it back to its position.

Now you are done with your wooden window shutter. Put it now to its place to create a new look in your house.…

Window Repair and Residential Glass Replacement

Anytime you need window repair or residential glass replacement make sure you call someone who specializes in window replacement and repair and knows what he is doing. It’s better if you replace your old drafty windows with new quality windows which will save you money on your utilities. It will keep the cold out in the winter and keep you cooler in the summer. But if you can’t afford residential glass replacement, you can still improve the energy efficiency of existing windows. Windows and doors are the major source of heat-loss in most homes.

Here are some tips on how you can improve the existing windows. First of all you should start by checking for air infiltration or leakage around the window frames and this way you can discover if you have any gaps or cracks that allow warm or cold air to leave or enter the house. To do this, you should hold the back of your hand near the edges of windows to track down the source of leaks. If you feel cold air flowing out from behind the trim, chances are the spaces around the window or door jambs weren’t properly sealed.

But this isn’t a major problem because it can be fixed inexpensively with weather stripping and caulk. Another method is by applying a window film to the glass to reflect harsh sunlight. Films are generally made of polyester or thin plastic applied to the window’s interior by homeowners or glued to the surface by professional installers. So, as you can see, when it comes to window repair you might still need specialists. At least you know you are getting quality work.

Older windows that are drafty, sagging and refuse to open often suffer from lack of maintenance rather than poor workmanship. Also, while they are protecting your home from heat and cold the glass might break or crack from time to time. That’s when you’ll need residential glass replacement. Depending on the problems you have you can always call a window repair specialist or a residential glass replacement contractor. Just think about your safety. You can’t allow an intruder break into your home via a glass window.

If you have already decided the best solution for you and your home is residential glass replacement then do some research before or just ask someone who specializes in window replacement. This way you know you’ll get the best quality and you can be sure you won’t regret the decision.…

The Basics of Home Window Repair

Home window repair can be a stressful task to many. It is one of those few repairs that people think that they will not have to think about; however there are numerous reasons as to why a window may need to be replaced. One of the most common reasons for home window repair is someone knocking the window out by accident. Most times in this situation there are children playing and next thing they know, there is glass shattering. Also home window repair may be needed because of scratches, cracks, or holes. Many times home owners have to repair windows because of normal wear and tear on a home. The good thing about having to do this repair is that there are several things that can be done to fix the problem.

Parts and Expenses

Window glass repair or window glass replacement may not be as troublesome as it seems. It can be a quick and easy process depending upon what all needs to be done. Unfortunately some people attempt to fix the window without any prior knowledge. This may possibly cause more damage to the window. So it is recommended that people without knowledge of window repair call someone with more experience. In many cases finding the correct part for the window is the hardest task. The older a window is, the harder it is to find the part. If the part cannot be found then it could mean more expenses for the homeowner.

Scratch

If there is just a scratch on the window instead of installing replacement windows, it may be able to be repaired at home with only a glass repair kit. These kits truly work and are able to repair glass within a matter of minutes. It is always important to do something once a crack is noticed. If a crack is not dealt with then it can easily spread.

Good and Bad of Home Window Repair

Home window repair can be easy or hard depending upon what happened to cause the repair and whether the parts can be found. Only someone who is capable of fixing the repair should be handling the window because the window can be quite fragile.…

How To Measure, Install and Maintain Venetian Window Blinds

Venetian Blinds – How to measure

Introduction

There are a number of things you need to consider when measuring for new blinds. Below is a quick guide to help you. Firstly make sure you have a pencil and some paper and a tape measure (preferably a metal one).

What to measure in…

Always measure in millimetres (mm) as most blind suppliers require a size in millimetres.

Where to measure…

In normal window areas there are 2 potential places for your blinds to be installed, these are known as the window face, or the window recess. All Venetian Blinds can be fitted to the face of your window frame or wall, or into the top of the window recess. This gives you complete control over the positioning of your blind.

For a recess measurement:

Make sure you have enough depth to mount the Venetian Blind inside the window frame area. 50mm should be fine; any less will result in the blind protruding out of the recess. If you have less than 50mm it may be worth considering installing your blind outside the window recess as a face fit.

1) Measure the width of the recess from wall to wall at the top. This is where the brackets will be fitted. Be sure to measure across 3 areas of the width to ensure the area is the same width (or very similar) and the walls do not have bulges that will affect the operation of the blind.

2) Note down the shortest measurement.

3) Take off 10mm each side – this will give you some flexibility in case of any variants in your walls and will ensure your blind doesn’t get damaged when operated. If you want to cover the total window area we suggest you fit your blind to the window face.

4) Measure the drop by taking the measurement from the top of the recess to the bottom.

5) Note down the measurement.

For a face measurement:

1) Measure the exact width of where you’d like your blind to be. As a guide, add an overlap from the window frame of between 50mm and 100mm, this will help reduce the gap at the side of the blind, providing better light control and more privacy.

2) Note down the measurement.

3) Measure the drop from the top of where you want your blind positioned to the bottom.

4) Note down the measurement.

And remember…

• Ensure that on all recess width measurements that you have deducted 10mm from each side.

• Measure at least twice to make sure there are no errors.

• Note the side you wish the controls to be so that they are easily accessed.

• To be sure of a great fit it is important that when measuring you account for any obstructions like window handles.

• For full-length windows we recommend that you measure to approx 20mm off the floor. This will give enough clearance and allow …

Window Cleaning – Do It Yourself!

Many people clean their windows themselves and end up unsatisfied with the end result. If you can afford it, hiring a professional is your best bet, but if not doing it yourself isn’t too difficult, it’s the way to go. Some basic equipment is required which you can easily find at most home improvement centers. First of all you will need a window cleaning squeegee. A 12 inch one should be fine. Go for a better quality one that you can easily put new rubber into, a strip washer and maybe a replacement rubber for the next time you clean your windows. A few cotton clothes, dish soap and a bucket will also be needed. If you have second story windows a ladder is useful but an extension pole also does the trick. Ladder work is at your own risk! These are the basic tools, with these you’ll be able to clean pretty much any window.

First you should fill your bucket with 2 gallons of cold water. Next add a squirt of dish soap. Experiment with the amount you don’t want too much or too little just enough to provide a little slip for your squeegee. Dunk your stripwasher in the water and slosh it around to create some foam. Wring it out a little to remove excess water. Next apply the stripwasher to the window and scrub in a circular motion avoiding the top seal. You don’t want drips! Scrub until you think the dirt is loosened and then prepare to squeegee the glass. There are many squeegeeing techniques but we’ll stick to the basic straight pull. If the window is long and vertical you will place the squeegee at the top of the glass and pull straight down.

Avoid putting too much pressure on the the squeegee do the work. Wipe the rubber dry with your cloth and then pull down again if needed. Make sure your squeegee is overlapping the clean glass no less than half an inch. Next detail the edges with a dry cloth. Make sure you do the bottom last since it will be the wettest. If you have a wider window to clean then do the same but pull across instead of down. Make sure the top end of your squeegee is tilted in the direction you’re pulling. This will insure that all the water flows down the window. With a little practice you will be on your way to perfect windows! If you want to save some time and frustration, or you’re afraid of heights then by all means hire a professional window cleaner.

Hope this helps…

Decorative Ideas for Your Wood Sash Windows

It long has been a saying that if you have had wood sash windows installed in your home, you would not need any excess decorations to help improve your home decor plans. However, this stupendous praise has been compromised in recent times by the arrival and quick advent of PVC or plastic windows.

The hype and popularity of the latter has made the timber windows jade a little on the esteem front, but there are plenty of ways to step up the fashion quotient of your wood windows without replacing them. So what are the ways in which you can use decorative experiments and come out a winner? Well, with wood sash windows, it is far more difficult to get away with callous fashion experimentation than with clothes or other segments of interior decor.

This is exactly what we have a few decorative ideas and tips at hand to help you make merry while dressing up your window frames!

Valances: Using valances over your wood sash windows is a great way to keep things fresh! In fact, wood window valances have often been considered as the best adornment for window frames – especially if you can have them made and installed in a unique fashion! For instance, hand-crafted artwork or fabrics can look out-of-the-world over a well-polished timber window.

Colors: Use colors – both on the window frames as well as on the panes. The use of colors that match with the furniture or wall colors can create a mesmerizing effect on the ambiance of the room. This is not possible with steel or PVC window frames, which when colored other than their natural grey or white, may look artificial and drab. On the other hand, judiciously colored wood sash windows can create magic within the four walls!

Glass paintings: Use the panes to show off your glass painting skills. Glass painting, especially on polished wood frames can look as majestic as those adorning the old regal palaces of the Dukes and Duchess themselves! The fact that the wooden frames highlight the color and the glass paint better is another advantage you could consider while decorating your timber windows!

Flowers: Flowers are the ultimate decorative idea or weapon – whatever you may choose to call it. You can actually create a Swiss picture perfect wood sash window with flowers placed in fashionably astute positions in front of the window itself.

Antique Furniture & Drapes: Nothing sets up the tone of a grand interior decor theme better than antique furniture and royal drapes. Add these to the room, along with polished and glazed wood windows, and you will have an ambiance that even George III will be proud to live in!

So what are you waiting for? If you have a wooden window frame that needs some polishing done, use these ideas to liven it up. And if you implement the ideas right, there is no challenging the fact that your windows and your …

How to Repaint a Wood Window Or Door Frame

Wooden frames offer an unsurpassed architectural element to any residence. There’s been a great push in recent years to upgrade old windows and doors with more energy-efficient models, especially with low-cost vinyl windows, but in many instances – and especially in historic buildings – replacing is not an option.

Wood needs to be repainted regularly to keep them looking good, and also to protect the window trim and door jambs from rotting over time. If you see exposed wood on your building’s windows and doors, know they are dying a slow death to the elements.

How to Paint Wood Frames

Inspect. Before beginning any repair job, first inspect the frames for excessive rot or water damage. If damage has gone too far, no amount of paint can keep water from causing further damage, and it’s probably best to call in a professional to address the causes of water rot.

Clean. Remove all old, flaking paint (or stain) from window trim and door jambs with a chemical paint stripper, sander, scraper, or wire-bristled brush. Wipe down with a wet cloth to gather fine dust from sanding.

Fill. Using wood putty, fix minor abrasions, nail holes, and pits in the wood. Sand with smooth sandpaper and wipe with a damp cloth.

Prime. Good primer helps seal the wood and provides a good bond with the paint.

Paint. Once you strip off the old finish, you must repaint quickly as untreated wood can be damaged by the sun, rain or humidity. Avoid dark colors, as they cause excess heating and cooling. Paint all surfaces, but avoid slopping paint onto the door or window hardware. Use care not to let paint bind a window shut. Use oil- or water-based paints designed for outdoor use. Two coats on exterior window and door frames ensures adequate coverage and longer life.…

Fixing Roller Window Blinds

Advice On Making Your Roller Blinds Brand New

Fixing roller blinds can be a very important task due to the fact that they are ultimately there to protect your window, your privacy and fulfill your interior space. You are perfectly aware that having blinds that do not function properly equals to having none at all. Dysfunctional blinds could prevent you from controlling the amount of light within the room, enjoying a beautiful, sunny day outside, letting some fresh air in or otherwise limit all the benefices this type of window treatment has. This is why it is very important to have a functional blind and be able to fix your roller blind whenever needed.

A word or two on roller blinds

Firstly, a word or two on this type of window covering. A roller blind consists of an aluminum tube attached at the window top via brackets and with some kind of fabric rolled up around it. When you pull the tube down, the rolled fabric unfolds and covers the whole or just a part of the window, depending on the level the blind is set and locked on. It is usually operated by a chain or a remote used for motorized roller blinds which have a motor installed inside the tube. These blinds are made from different kinds of materials like linen, cotton or polyester and usually come in more or less transparent options, including blackout blinds which are not see-through in any way to translucent and sheer ones. These window treatments will protect your privacy, allow you to control the amount of light and contribute to your window’s and thus your home thermal insulation and not to mention their timeless and stylish look.

Prepare to repair!

Now, if you have purchased this type of blinds being aware of all the previously mentioned characteristics and advantages, you probably want them to function properly. If that is not the case, you will need to know how to fix your roller blinds. Firstly, know that there are a few things that usually go wrong with these blinds, like the blind folding and rolling up to fast, being too loose or having a damaged and slipped chain. Do not despair, since repairing your roller blind could be quite a simple task with proper guidance.

If your blind rolls up too fast can be repaired by slackening the tension of the spring. And the other way around. If the blind is too loose, you will have to increase the spring tension. The first thing you could do is roll up the blind and take it down. When removed from the brackets, roll it up and down manually a few times. This could easily be the only thing you will have to do. Simply reattach the blind and test if the spring tension is adequate. If this has not loosened or tightened the spring, you will need to try something else.…