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Choosing The Best Fabric Vertical Shade

Fabric vertical window blinds and fabric vertical shades are both highly decorative window covering options. There are numerous styles and designs to choose from, making it easy to coordinate with a particular look or theme. More than this however, these treatments offer numerous advantages when it comes to sun protection and energy conservation.

Shades with PVC backing do more than adequately block out light and provide your home with privacy. These interior coverings block out the harmful rays of the sun. This means a much lower potentate for skin damage and less wear and tear and some of your most beloved furnishings. They are also phenomenal at keeping cold air out in the winter time, and hot air out in the summer. This can mean lower energy costs the whole year round.

While many people rarely consider it a possibility, sun damage to the skin is possible even when you are inside the home. Relaxing in the sunshine, even while lying indoors can take a toll on the dermis, especially for individuals that are extraordinarily sun sensitive. With the right window treatments however, you can take a break from constant applications of sunscreen on days that you have decided to spend inside.

The colors of your living room were carefully chosen and placed just so, by you. The sun however, has other motives. When you have less than adequate protection provided by your window coverings, sofas, carpets and other items have a tendency to discolor and fade.

Finding the ideal fabric vertical shade provider for your needs is easy to do when you use the online consumer ratings and review. These will help you locate a reputable merchant that provides top quality products at the most competitive prices. With the right selection you can get the aesthetic appeal that you are seeking along with maximum sun protection and assured durability.…

Energy Ratings For Window Replacement

Window replacement is usually not a choice people like to make. They look at the upfront costs and find that the time it will take to recoup that cost will take, on average, thirteen years. What isn’t figured into to this equation is the increase in home value, the increase in immediate enjoyment and comfort, and, if using energy efficient casements, that the energy being used is being optimized.

Another benefit to look into is tax credits from either your state or federal government or both. Items like solar water heaters, additional insulation, and energy efficient products, are often subsidized by government. Rebates from manufacturers and in house sales at retail stores can save even more money. With good planning, the replacement cost of glazing (glass) products can be decreased between ten to forty percent.

The National Fenestration Rating Council or NFRC is a non-profit organization created by the door, window, and skylight industry. All of these products are rated by taking into account the efficiency and effectiveness of the whole product. Understanding how to read these energy performance ratings will assure you are getting the most efficiency you can afford.

Five characteristics of the window are rated for performance. These are classified as follows: condensation resistance, air leakage, visible transmittance, solar heat gain coefficient and the U-factor. These same ratings are used for doors and skylights.

The U-factor measures the rate of heat loss of an assembled product. The rating measures the insulating properties of the frame, spacers, and glazing (glass). U-factor values can range from. 15 to 1.25. When the factor is considered low (less than 0.30), it means the widow is better insulated. Increased insulation keeps the inside temperature in and the outside temperature out.

SHGC or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rates how well the assembly blocks the suns heat. This scale is from zero to one with common readings of 0.25 to 0.80. Lower means better in the case of SHGC. A rating close to zero means the solar radiation transmitted through the glass and absorbed by the product materials is more successfully blocked. The free heat from southern exposure in the winter is usually wanted. When choosing windows for this orientation a higher SHGC may make more sense.

Visible Transmittance (VT) refers to the amount of light allowed through the window. The scale, again, is zero to one and the higher the number represents the amount of light and view allowed into the interior. Normal ranges are 0.30 to 0.80.

AL or air leakage reporting is optional at this time. This rating measures the amount of air that leaks out of a square foot of window space. Look for a rate of less than 0.30.

Condensation resistance (CR) speaks to how well the product prohibits the formation of condensation on the interior of the window. This rating is also optional at this time. The scale is from one to one hundred with a higher number equating to better protection.

Many …

User Enhancements From Microsoft Windows XP to Microsoft Windows 7 – May 2010

Microsoft Windows 7 is the newest generation of the Microsoft Windows operating systems, Released in 2009. It has many new features to enhance the way you use your computer. Windows 7 is now becoming the new standard of Windows, since XP stole the spotlight from Windows 98. It provides a more manageable user interface for today’s multi-tasker and better searching capabilities. It really takes the best of what Windows XP had and added form and function.

When Windows XP came out Microsoft got it right, a sleek interface and a speedy operating system. There really wasn’t that much to complain about, for the most part, it was point and click friendly. Nowadays, we are much more muti-task oriented. We install many more software applications, we save Gigabytes of music and video and we want to find everything within a click of a button. Windows XP just can’t keep up with us anymore. Windows 7 has search features on every window with updated caching for faster results. You can pull up applications in seconds without even using your mouse. Browse files in eight different view arrangements! With Window Snap feature, live muti-view taskbar icons, Sidebar and transparent windows, there are some great additions from Windows XP.

Let us start off with looks. At first glance you will notice that you have a sidebar. The sidebar to the right of your screen can hold mini applications like a calculator, calendar, clock, notes, weather, etc. You will notice that the start bar is semi-transparent and there may be quick launch icons, to the left, bigger then you remember. The quick launch buttons now look like normal open windows, except they are matte and not gloss looking, to signify they are not yet launched. Let’s say you open up two windows of internet explorer. You will notice the matte icon turn to a gloss looking icon. By scrolling over the internet Explorer icon on the task bar, you can reveal a nice square balloon window containing live previews of each explorer windows. This will give you visual reference to which window you want to open without taking up as much room. This holds true to other applications that can open multiple instances. To the right of the start bar there are the already lunched applications, and notification like your antivirus and internet connectivity. In Windows 7 you can choose to have these icons put away into separate floating boxes, only seen by clicking the expansion arrow. This will save you space on your start bar if you typically have a lot of starting applications.

Now to the new search features. If you click the Windows icon to the left, the start button, you now can type the program you want to launch and windows will find it. So if you want to quickly open an instance of Mozilla Firefox, just click the windows icon on your keyboard, to open the start …

Air Conditioning Tips For Landlords

If you’re a landlord, air conditioning can be a major asset. There’s a range of options for landlords to add significant value to a property at low cost with residential air conditioning. This can be a very simple exercise, requiring relatively low outlay to achieve best results.

Air conditioning and rented properties

Strangely, many Australian landlords still don’t seem to realize that the old days of the hot or freezing fibro shack or old Brick Veneer unit are long gone. The rental market is really characterized by standards of living, and the buildings without air conditioners really aren’t up to scratch any more.

The air conditioning is a positive for tenants, too, in terms of quality of life. People don’t mind paying a bit extra for a nice place. Air conditioners adds definite value for tenants, and is seen as value for rent money. Most tenants gravitate to better quality premises, and the air conditioners provides exactly that.

Value adding on rental premises

The simple fact is that cooling systems create commercial value for landlords. Air conditioning is a commercial investment for landlords, and a good one. It’s an important, in fact essential, upgrade for premises without it, as well and without it, a rental property instantly devalues itself.

In terms of value adding, air conditioning is an absolute must. There are whole generations of Australians who’ve never lived in a place without it and won’t even consider doing so. For many people, particularly those with allergies like hay fever, it’s essential to control their allergies. They can’t be expected to live in places without air conditioning.

Cost vs. returns

Returns on fully air conditioned residential properties are much higher in real terms. They pay for themselves by attracting and retaining tenants. Modern air conditioners really are comparatively cheap, for any modern home or unit, and the most expensive systems are paid for by less than half a year’s rent at the absolute most for a house. Air conditioning for units is significantly cheaper.

The only real costs after installation are likely to be for servicing, and that’s not required often. Digital air conditioners are a whole new generation of systems which are far less prone to mechanical issues and generally very durable.

Getting the air conditioner service you need

The next issue is getting service when you need it. Getting the service you need, when you need it, is easy. A bit of shopping around for the big name brands is the quick way to find the best services, as well as the best air conditioners. Parts and service are easy to obtain, and there are no real issues in getting prompt service for your tenants.

Suppliers also provide a good backup service, warranties on their work, and a clearly laid out set of charges. The top name brands, like Panasonic and Mitsubishi air conditioners are easily serviced locally.

You’ll find the entire process of getting air conditioning is simple and efficient from the …

Potting Bench – A Necessity for Container Gardening

Container gardening is the new fad these days. This type of cultivating plants in pots and cans can be very helpful especially for people who are living in small and confined spaces. Homeowners can simply choose the flowers and shrubs that they want grown within the confines of their tiny outdoor space.

Now, people don’t need to have vast planting beds or even own a parcel of land in order to grow their desired blooms. The only requirement would be is to have pots and containers around and homeowners can have some thriving vegetation up in their thirty-story condo or their fifth-story apartment. And, to make this an even more uncomplicated task, a potting bench should also be in place.

A potting bench is a necessity when it comes to container gardening. They are of big help to these revolutionary gardeners. Anyone involved in plant cultivation can attest to the difficulty and labor it takes in order to keep the shrubs, herbs and flowers in healthy condition.

We can’t negate the fact that plants need a lot of care and attention. A daily dose of water can keep them nourished every day. There is also the need to have them fertilized and pruned every now and then. In doing these activities, you will definitely be in need of supplies. Having to fetch them inside the house and putting them back in can eat up a lot of time and sap you of your energy. Not to mention the thought of having you twisting and crouching every so often to get to your plants on the ground.

Thus, you can make your container gardening fairly easy with this outdoor equipment around. You can do everything you need to accomplish within this working station only. You can do pruning, fertilizing, soil mixing and replanting all in one spot and at a comfortable position that allows you to stand and even sit on a tall chair. Aside from this, it can conveniently function as storage and display case saving you all the time and effort by heading only to one corner each day to carry out your enjoyable hobby…

Glass Block Bathroom Window Sizes and Designs – Mix Them Up To Add the Cool Factor

The reality is most people think “inside the box” when designing a glass block bathroom window. The determine a size they want, find a supplier and then leave it up to them to figure out what block sizes will work best. Although this approach may get you a window that is symmetrical and functional it won’t necessarily result in a unique window. So if you’re doing a replacement or new construction bathroom window why just stack up the blocks when you can mix them up for a cool and innovative design?

Here’s 7 steps to make your window design interesting and unique:

Step 1 – Determine your size – In a replacement or new construction window size does matter – but you may not always be limited to your existing size. If you’re doing a replacement window in conjunction with a bathroom remodeling project ask your contractor two questions. First – what size window would fit the existing opening. Second – how difficult it would be to reframe the window opening? Block windows can be sized in 2″ increments and unique design can be made by not just laying one block on top of another. For new construction ask your builder what sizing flexibility you’ve got. Make sure to have these conversations before the rough framing process begins (so you don’t incur any extra framing costs).

Step 2 – Identify what block sizes you’d like and mix them up – You can make one of a kind designs combining 4″ x 8″ & 8″ x 8″ blocks or consider using 6″ x 6″ with 12″ x 12″ units. If you really want to go wild use multiple glass block window sizes like 6″ x 6″, 6″ x 8″ and 12″ x 12″ for a dramatic appearance.

Step 3 – Choose a block pattern – Block windows are available in either high privacy or moderate privacy patterns. If the window is in the shower consider the highest privacy units (the Iceberg pattern is excellent for a shower). If the window is in the bathroom (not in the wet space) a more moderate wavy pattern may be the best choice.

Step 4 – Select clear, colored or frosted glass blocks – The cool thing is the blocks no longer have to be clear and colorless. If you want to add excitement to your window add colored and/or frosted units (and mix up the sizes) for a project that really stands out.

Step 5 – Determine if a framed or frameless window would work best- If you’re doing a window in new construction the vinyl framed block window (with nailing fins) allows the window to be installed just like a traditional new construction vinyl window. If you’re working on a remodeling project (where the size of opening cannot be changed) the frameless block window will work best and can be sized to 2″ increments.

Step 6 – …

Why Decorative Window Glass Is So Popular

Want to give a room a beautiful look without changing much of it interior? Then how about using decorative window glass? Decorative window glasses are available in many styles, designs and colors.

The best thing about these glasses is that they are extremely easy to install and maintain. They can be installed in any room, including kitchen, bathrooms and lobby to create a sense of privacy as well as ambience. Hotels and restaurants also use them extensively as well as stores and shops.

However, the most extensive use of decorative window glass is in homes. They create partition between two parts of the house without making it too congested and dark. Transparent and translucent glass creates a sense of space, provides ample light, while creating partition. Hence, these are great for kitchens and bathroom.

However, decorative window glasses are not just for cosmetic purposes. Frosted and tinted glass can also keep you healthy. Most people think that while indoors, they don’t have to worry about their skin. But experts tell us that the sunlight coming from our windows and glass doors is enough to harm us. These days, special glass is available that can stop harmful UV rays from entering your home. This can not only keep you and your family’s skin young, but also reduce the risk of various skin diseases, including skin cancer.

In addition, this type of glass also helps to keep your home cool and clean. It stops the sunlight from entering your home and hence reduces the affect of outer heat. You can save a lot of money on air conditioning during those scorching summer months and also help the environment by reducing your energy consumption. They keep your house clean by ensuring that you get a good view of the outer world, while stopping bugs and dirt from entering your home.

Therefore, if you are want to create a healthy atmosphere in your home without making the space look small and closed, and then choose designer window glass. You can choose the color and design of the glass according to the interior of the house. For example, if you have an earthy and informal feel to a room, you can use frosted colorless color to compliment the room.

Decorative window glasses have become a rage in interior designing. The sheer number of designs and versatility that they provide has made them a favorite of people who want a classy, beautiful home.…

Make Money Replacing Broken Window Glass

Owners or tenants pay you to replace broken window glass in their apartments or homes. This business idea can be either a part-time or a full-time way to make money, depending on the demand and your ambition. With the hard times we are having, people will be staying in their present homes longer, rather than trading up. This practice increases the demand for home repairs. (This is article #3 in a series of emergency handyman services.)

Requirements

This business idea is best suited for people who are physically fit and enjoy working with their hands. You must be able to remove and replace broken window glass and repair damaged window dividers. This refers to window panes held in wooden sashes with glazers’ points and glazing compound (putty).

You should own a pickup truck or van to haul equipment, materials, supplies, and trash. You need to own or purchase the equipment and protective gear required for this activity. You should set up a home office with the basic office equipment and supplies.

Getting customers

Since this is an emergency type service, you should be able to make money without much trouble. Use a simple classified advertisement in the local newspaper or on to get customers. Also, advertise in any property owner’s newsletter.

Preliminary job activities

After arriving at the job site and greeting the customer, inspect the damaged window(s). Use a tape measure to find the approximate inside width and height of the wood frame to receive the new glass. The customer may be in a hurry and want you to work on a holiday, weekend, or at night to get the glass replaced. In addition, you may be asked to come back later and paint over the cured putty bead to make it weatherproof.

You can use standard job bid forms to estimate your labor and the costs of broken window glass and any damaged window dividers. This bid should include the fees for any extra services to be performed, such as painting or staining, and hauling away any trash. If the customer accepts your bid, you both can sign the bid form.

Main job activities

Before starting work, put on goggles and heavy work gloves. Then use a wide trowel or shovel to pick up any visible pieces of broken glass inside and outside the damaged window. Place these pieces in a sturdy cardboard box. Then lay down a plastic sheet to catch any more pieces that may fall down.

After heating the old putty, remove all remaining pieces of broken glass. Place them inside a sturdy cardboard box. Then use a chisel, putty knife, or utility knife to remove all the old putty from the window sash. Replace any damaged window dividers. Use a whiskbroom or small paintbrush to clean the wood where you removed the putty. Then apply linseed oil to all the bare wood.

Use a tape measure to find the actual inside width and height of the wood frame …

Security Window Film

The use of window tinting has brought many benefits for car owners. This same benefit has now been brought to homes and offices where they are now being installed on windows. The benefits provided by these window tinting include UV ray protection, privacy, anti-glare and anti-graffiti among others. In addition to all of these above benefits, window tinting can also be used in adding a layer of security and safety to homes and offices.

One way that home window tinting adds security to homes is that outsiders find it hard to see the contents of homes that have tinted windows. Due to this uncertainty, intruders are not sure whether the home is occupied or not and thus are unlikely to trespass and steal. Moreover, they are not also able to see if the home contains valuable items and thus are less tempted to break in and steal. Using security tinted film is a cost effective method of protecting the contents of the premises compared to hiring security personnel. In addition to protecting against thieves, security commercial window tinting also provides protection against natural disasters, explosions and vandalism.

One of the biggest concerns of homeowners is the security of their family and household items. Businesses also have the same concern when it comes to securing their property and employees. Installing security window films acts as deterrent against criminals from breaking into the home or office. In fact, in most robbery cases, intruders mainly break into the home or office through the windows. Thus, installing residential window tinting is a good way of protecting your property and keeping the people inside safe.

In addition to protecting the home and offices against intruders, security window films also offers protection against severe weather elements. Extreme weather conditions such as storms, tornadoes, hurricanes or strong winds can cause windows to break or scratch. Replacing these widows is very expensive and thus utmost care should be taken by installing security films. These films are available in various styles and colors and are very cost effective. By using security films, homeowners do not have to worry about using boards to block the windows.

Owners of buildings, especially those containing plenty of glass,are prone to explosions or other forms of attack. Even though these buildings are made using high quality windows, the impact the explosion is likely to case the windows to break into pieces.However, installing residential window tinting helps reduce the chance of these windows breaking. The use of the window tinting adds a layer of protection on the windows and prevents them from shattering in the event of an explosion.

The benefit of security film used in homes and offices is that it not only offers security for the windows, but also provides other benefits. For instance, these films also eliminates the penetration of ultra violet rays, acts as anti-graffiti, provides privacy and helps in heat reduction among others. This means that users of security films will benefit from much more than just …

Is a Wall Mounted Air Conditioner a Solid Investment?

A wall mounted air conditioner is used to cool a room down; in some cases depending on the size it may cool down many rooms. These are a great option when a window is not available to mount a window unit it.

They are also a perfect solution for commercial applications where a room is enclosed for a host of reasons. These types of units are the perfect solution for a host of applications. They come in many different sizes and can cool things down quickly and efficiently.

Where They Are Used

Many times you will see a wall mounted air conditioner in hotels, motels and inns. They are favored in this capacity because they give each guest the ability to regulate the temperature in their own rooms; this is a great feature that is much appreciated by the guests.

There are really large units that are mounted in commercial settings, or in office settings. They are used in rooms where high tech equipment is stored like servers and other necessary communication equipment.

The wall mounted air conditioner is set at a low enough temperature to keep the equipment from over heating. They are used in factories for the same purpose. Of course these are fairly large units that are meant to function in a specific area to keep things pretty cool.

In the home they are used to cool down specific zones or to keep a room cool that does not have the capacity for a window air conditioner. They are more powerful than a window unit many times and are preferred because they do not block the window and do not pose the risk of falling out of the window.

They are usually rather inconspicuous in the home. They are mounted near the ceiling where the most good is done cooling the air.

Purchasing

Obviously purchasing large units for commercial applications is a bit different than purchasing one for the home. You can purchase a wall mounted air conditioner for the home from many different sources. Most home improvement stores will carry them as seasonal items. You can also easily purchase one of these great units directly from the manufacturer in most cases online. There are many manufacturers that will sell directly to the public via their websites.

Many times theses websites will offer tech support for installation, how to videos and even an eight hundred number so you can talk to someone about installing your window mounted air conditioner.…