How Energy-efficient Windows Add Home Value

If you’ve just moved into a newly-purchased house, you should consider having your windows replaced with modern energy-saving models. These windows don’t just help you cut down on heating or air conditioning power cost; they could also boost the value of your home.

Homeowners can reduce their energy bills by taking note of window traits such as the U-factor, emissivity rating, presence of air sealants, and material of their windows. Experienced professionals know that windows are not a simple matter. For instance, according to the Department of Energy, the direction that the windows are facing can contribute to added heating and cooling costs.

Moreover, homeowners should read and understand energy performance ratings like U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC) very carefully before they purchase replacement windows. A U-factor of 0.35 or lower means that the window doesn't transmit as much heat indoors as other windows do while a 0.6 SHGC means that a window can reliably provide sufficient heat indoors during winter.

The material used to construct a window should also be considered because certain materials (like aluminum) absorb more heat than others, regardless of the energy performance rating of the glass that they hold. Wood doesn't fail in this regard, although it requires frequent maintenance. Alternative materials like Fibrex strike a balance between durability and energy-efficiency although they only make up a small portion of the market because they are new.

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Windows: Safety Considerations

Your home is a veritable sanctuary where you need to feel safe and comfortable at all times. However, if crooks can easily break in through your windows, your peace of mind can be gone in an instant. As such, be sure to carefully select the type of windows to be installed in your home. Here’s a look at some choice worth considering.

Bay Windows

A bay window projects outward from the main walls of a structure. It can be polygonal or curve, with several panels that can be either fixed or adjustable. Bay windows are not that easy to break into and are ideally installed if your home has several stories.

Double-Hung Window

A double-hung window is made of two sashes that can be lowered or raised to open one half of the window system. Aside from its beauty, which is suitable for almost any structure, it ensures children’s safety since you can open only the upper half to allow breeze to enter. Meanwhile, the lower half can remain closed to prevent small children from accidentally jumping out.

Fixed Windows

To prevent unauthorized entry or accidental falls, you might want to opt for fixed windows without opening and closing mechanisms. Fixed windows are intended only to receive natural lighting. Their sashes are fixed along the window sill and sides to prevent ingress and egress.

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Points to Consider In Replacing Windows

There is no better time to replace your window than when it is no longer serving its purpose. Indeed, it is of great importance that you periodically check and confirm the functionality of your windows, particularly if you are living in a region where the changes in temperature can drive you crazy.

You might be surprised at how much heat your home is losing or gaining. Your rotting windows may also cause further damage internally, as well as to the overall appeal of your house.

So when you finally decide to take on a windows replacement project, make sure that you keep in mind the following pointers:

Look into different designs and types of materials used before commencing with the installation. Learn about window frames, types of glass, the ratings for the ability of the windows to insulate and keep the heat in, how energy-efficient the windows are, and the quality of the materials.

While some people prefer to do the replacement, repair or improvement of their windows by themselves, it is a way better idea to consider the aid of window replacement experts. Not only will you be assured of faster installation, you will also get proper consultation on the best kinds of materials and designs. They can advice you on customized options that will cater to your specific needs and preferences.

Last but not least, make sure that you fully understand the warranty given, especially if you are to avail of some special offers.

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Choosing Windows in Colorado Springs—like Planning in Case of a Fire

"Windows add points to a home’s beauty and keep it warm or cool when needed. However, when fires rage from bedroom to living room, windows must shift their role from insulator to the family’s only way out. The Window Safety Task Force (WSTF), a collaboration of window and door regulating bodies like the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), stresses the need for windows to be designed to double as a fire escape. In fact, planning for a fire should be a part of any plan to install windows for Colorado Springs homes. To be useful in the event of a fire, the window style must provide an escape route just wide enough for everyone to get out safely. Awning windows are among the most ideal due to their wide opening and ease of use. They can be opened fully to allow an exit for every member of the family."

http://www.loveyourwindows.com/choosing-windows-in-colorado-springs-like-planning-in-case-of-a-fire/

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Make Your Windows Shine with Homemade Cleaners

Yes, your windows will get dirty, but there are different homemade solutions (instead of using chemical cleaners) that could help make your windows shine bright like a diamond. Making homemade window cleaners is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here are some recipes that homeowners could try:

Vinegar and water

A general window cleaner can be made by using white vinegar and water. The vinegar will help remove films from the glass surface and will leave the window free of smudges and streaks. Mix vinegar and water in equal parts and put in a spray bottle. Spray this solution to your windows and wipe them with a lint free cloth.

Non-liquid cleaner

When your windows are just dusty and not really dirty, they can be cleaned with a dry cloth to make them streak-free. A lint free cotton cloth can be used to polish the windows, and old newspapers can also be used.

Borax

Borax and water can also be utilized to make a natural window cleaner. Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 3 cups of water. Apply it to the window surface and wipe. After cleaning your windows with borax, wash the glass with equal parts of vinegar and water to polish it and to make it streak-free. 

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Simple Tips for Replacing Old and Worn Windows

Windows can easily be one of the more visually appealing and captivating components of any home. There's nothing quite like watching the early morning sun’s rays filter through your clear window glass. At the same time, you may want to keep a close eye on the condition of your windows, as you might need to replace the sooner than you think.

To start with, inspect your windows for any visible signs of damage such as cracks on the glass. Sometimes, a window may not be damaged per se, although its seals may already be compromised. In this instance, it is certainly advisable to perform a thorough check of each casement.

Alternatively, rather than rely on your own limited knowledge of window maintenance, you might want to call on reputable window contractors. Your chosen expert should be able to assess whether a simply repair work will suffice, or if a total replacement is already in order.

Meanwhile, given that a window replacement project can take several days to complete, it’s undoubtedly sensible to schedule this task at an opportune time, preferably when the weather isn’t too warm nor too cold. Otherwise, you will only place your entire household at the mercy of the elements.

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Basic Window Maintenance Tips

If not maintained properly, a window will not be able to last for a long time, and won't function as well as you wish it would. Window maintenance tasks are not very hard and can even help prolong the life of your windows if you diligently stick with them. Also, well-maintained windows in an equally well-kept home can boost the value and appeal of your humble abode.

Window Frame Maintenance

Windows that are located in areas more prone to dust and dirt should be cleaned more often. Use an all-purpose cleaner and sponge to clean the inside of your window frame. This can also be done to the outside portion of the window, but a brush may be needed to remove stubborn dirt from your window's exterior components. If you allow dirt and grime to accumulate on your window, it won't be long before you find it hard to open or operate.

Glass Maintenance

Over time, the glass of your windows, which are constantly exposed to various contaminants and harsh weather, can become scratched or hazy. All you need is a soft cloth and detergent to wash off dust, fingerprints, and other dirty spots. Remember to wash the inside first before proceeding to the outside surface that tend to hold more dirt.

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The Benefits of Sliding Windows

Summers in Colorado Springs are usually around 80 degrees or less. However, on really hot days, the temperatures can reach as high as 84 degrees. Such warm temperatures force some homeowners to crank up their air conditioning systems to cool themselves, but a great disadvantage of this habit is when the bill comes in and they find out they owe a huge amount of money in power costs.

One way to avoid high power bills is to open your windows to let in the cool summer breeze. However, if your windows are not opening properly, it may be time to have them replaced with sliding windows, which you can easily open or close as you please. Unlike other window types, sliding windows have one stationary pane and one sliding pane, which you can easily slide along a track in the window frame when you want to open it.

Aside from being easy to operate, sliding windows consist of a few window components, which means they are less expensive to fix if something goes wrong. Another benefit of sliding windows is that it is a space-saver. If you have casement or awning windows and if you have flower boxes on your window ledge, for instance, opening the windows won't be possible without hitting the flora, but this won't be the case if you have sliding windows as you can easily glide it without even touching the flora.

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