5 Ways in Which a Replacement Window Company Can Scam You

There are certain qualities that a good replacement window company should have and if these area not available chances are you are dealing with someone who will scam you. Below I provide a quick list of these:

Certification and licensing

Replacement window contractors are expected to have a certificate that allows them to operate in an area. A scammer can produce some forged certificate to prove that they are both certified and licensed to do business in your area. You need to follow up and check with the relevant authorities before you hire any one. If a company is not certified then there must be a reason, which should tell you not to hire them.

Membership

If you've ever hired a contractor before then you know that they always boast of being a member to a certain industry association. They all know this is key because being a member means you are at a certain "better" level that your competitors. Now a ruthless company will present false information on this just to get them to commission them to do the job

Someone else's portfolio

If you've ever read some of my reviews then you know that I always recommend checking out some previous jobs done. This puts you at ease as you see the kind of job the replacement company can produce. These companies know this and may "steal" other companies' portfolio and show it off as theirs.

Expensive quotation

This is an obvios way to be scammed. I've had a contractor produce a quotation and told me it was the cheapest in the area. He spoke to convincingly I believed him and never bothered to get some more quotations from other companies. Need I say what unfolded.

Add on on quotation

Sometimes you'll get them to provide a quotation, you double check it with others and choose it as the best. After you sign the contract unscrupulous window replacement companies will then tell you that they have to requote and will give you a thousans confusing reasons for requoting. This is why you need to make sure that a potential contractor inspects your home and ascertains the exact costs before you sign anything.

Exterior Window Blinds

Exterior window blinds not only makes your room spacious but also adds an elegant look to the window of houses or office premises. These hide torturous sunlight and other unwanted particles. Being indispensable in this world, exterior wooden blinds have defined new chic look to the home décor. As a true style statement, these blinds are getting popularity, as they never had.

Types of external window blinds

Exterior window blinds are very useful to protect a clean and healthy environment. They can be used for different purpose to retain their importance and efficiency. Blinds are available in different colors and style patterns to suit different needs and requirements. A brief description of each of them has been explained below.

Awnings

Awnings are of high quality and generally made up if Australian-made canvas and protect the harmful effects of the heat and light. These forms of exterior window blinds are found in more than 40 different varieties of fabric designs, capable of molding and mildew resistance. These blinds come in a European range called Solitaire acrylic fabric that includes over 30 fabric designs to choose from. Canopy, Roll up, Straight Drop, and Folding up are some of the available variety in this range.

Fabric awnings suit electric power or manual operation and can even be used with automatic or remote control systems.

Awnings are available in Canvas, Aluminum, Shade view Screens.

Automatic awnings
The close-fitting design of this versatile and attractive awning makes it an excellent choice for ground floor windows, offering the benefits of optimum privacy and sun protection.

Easy function, self-locking arms enable simple shade adjustment, and when the sun goes down, the awning may be rolled away neatly into the head box.

Canopy awnings
Add a decorator touch to your home while protecting your windows, doors and entry ways. Available in a fixed or foldable style, an almost limitless variety of shapes ensures there's an awning to suit your needs.

Replacement Windows - Confused About How to Buy Them? Don't Give Up! 6 Tips To Simplify Buying

1. MATERIALS. Think about how you want the interior of your home to look. Do you want to be able to change colors when your décor changes? Or are you the type of person that wants it done once...and never worry about changing the look again? The materials that windows are made of are wood, vinyl, composites or aluminum. Then there are the combinations of those materials. Wood with aluminum or vinyl cladding, vinyl with vinyl, "foil" or wood interior laminates, thermally broken aluminum, solid vinyl, cellular vinyl and wood-dust /vinyl-dust composites. Each one has characteristics that may solve your particular needs.

2. GLASS. There are dual pane, triple pane, dual pane with a film sandwiched between them, plus many types of glass coatings that reduce heat, light and UV radiation from passing through. You absolutely want at a minimum, a Low E coating which reflects heat off the glass. In the winter, when the heat is coming from inside the house, you want it to bounce back into the house. In the summer, when the heat is coming from outside, you want it to bounce off and stay outside. This is what Low E glass does. There are many grades of Low E. Get the best you can afford. You may also find windows with self cleaning coatings.

3. FEATURES. Everybody wants to have their windows to tilt-in for easy cleaning. Almost all new windows can do this today. However, some are easy to tilt, and some are difficult to tilt. You may want to try them out before you buy so there are no surprises. There are various options, such as dual locks, screen locks, vent locks for partial opening, all available on most quality windows. Stay away from "single hung" windows. These are the ones where the bottom sash goes up and down and tilts in for easy cleaning, but the top sash does not even open! Single hung windows are a cleaning nightmare!

4. COLORS. Today's state of the art windows are available in a surprising variety of color combinations. Manufacturers can make a vinyl window with the same color on both sides such as bright white, soft white, tan or almond etc. Or they can paint the exterior surface with a long lasting paint that binds to the vinyl. There are dozens of exterior colors available using this method. Then there are what are known as co-extruded frames. This is where the base interior color is extruded (like toothpaste coming out of a tube) and a secondary color extruded on the exterior surface at the same time. This process makes an even longer lasting exterior color surface. The third method is to apply a vinyl laminate to the exterior surface. This is also a very stable method due to the space age glues used in production. Interior laminates are also available in various woodgrains and even paintable-stainable "foils" which look and feel like wood. Finally, you can even get real wood laminates on the interior, with maintenance free vinyl on the exterior. Pick a color/material combination that goes with your home!

5. DECORATIVE OPTIONS. Call them muntins, grilles or grids, the bars that break up a large glass area into smaller sections can add interest to any style window. The bars themselves are available in flat, contour, pencil, snap-in, between the glass, bonded to the exterior surfaces of the glass, and even "true divided lites". True divided lites mean that a window with 6 small panes is actually 6 individual pieces of glass (either single pane or double pane). Simulated divided lites are manufactured by bonding the grid material to the exterior surfaces of the glass. They normally have a spacer bar installed between the two panes of glass to complete the effect of simulating a true divided lite window. Grids are available in many colors and materials to match the surfaces of the windows. Some manufactures also have leaded glass, and etched glass as options. Many of these options are actually separate panes of glass, sealed between the double panes of insulated glass.

6. WINDOW STYLES. There are only 9 basic style windows available in the U.S. market. The most common is the double hung. Joining them together can add many more window configurations.That is both sashes slide up and down for ventilation. Sliding windows are similar, but open by sliding to the left or right. Picture windows are fixed and do not open for ventilation. Casement windows are the type that crank out for full top to bottom ventilation with a full screen. Bow windows - these have equal width casement or picture windows mounted on a gentle curve. Bow windows are considered more of a contemporary look. Bay windows have a center picture window with either a double hung or a casement on each side...usually mounted at a 30 degree or 45 degree angle. The bay window is a more traditional look, and a very dramatic visual statement. You may need to add a roof or "pent" to keep the elements off the top of the projected bow or bay window. Garden windows project out 90 degrees from the house wall, and have a built in glass roof. These are great in a kitchen to grow herbs and can have casement vents to allow ventilation in the summer. Awning windows crank out from the bottom, and are used where the shape of the opening is wider than it is high. You can leave these open in light rain, and still get ventilation. Lastly there is the "hopper" window. This type of window opens into the house from the top of the opening. It is usually used in a basement. You can join many of these style windows together to get combination windows that will fill a specific need. A professional window dealer will be able to help you sort out what is best for your home and lifestyle.

Whether you want to replace your windows for energy savings, reduced maintenance or increased visual appeal, today's window options can fit any lifestyle and budget. Don't forget to learn about the installation process to insure that your investment will pay back year after year with minimum effort.

Replacement Windows - What Are They Made of and What is the Best Material For My New Windows?

WOOD. Wood has been a traditional material for windows for centuries. There are some advantages to wood windows. They can be painted or stained to match your interior décor, they can look as nice as furniture, and they fit well into historic renovations. The downside of wood is that it is susceptible to damage from excessive moisture (it can warp or rot), excessive dryness (it can crack or split) and it does require some type of sealing to make it last long term. The wood windows on the market today are primarily designed for new construction. With new construction windows, you install the window in a new opening, and install new exterior and interior trim. New construction windows work well when you are gutting the home, since they generally are made standard sizes, and you must make your openings fit the stock window sizes available from the manufacturer. Some manufactures will make custom sized windows, although this can add substantially to the cost per window. You will also have the cost of buying and installing the new trim. There are a few regional manufactures that make custom size wood windows to order as their normal procedure (for example TrimLine Windows). Although these may be higher end windows, you will not pay custom size charges. These windows are true "pocket replacement windows" meaning they are designed to fit into the 3 ¼ inch space where the old wood sashes were removed from. With this type of installation, you will not be forced to replace the trim on the interior and exterior. Now you can get the advantages of a wood window without the installation problems.

ALUMINUM. Aluminum was used on many low-end builders grade windows in the past 50 years. They were strong, inexpensive and did not require painting. Today, they are considered the least effective windows at keeping the heat in your home since they conduct heat at a rate over 1000 times faster than wood or vinyl. They are primarily used today for commercial applications. Removing aluminum windows from your home and installing energy efficient windows in their place can cut heating costs by as much as 50%.

VINYL. Vinyl is rapidly becoming the material most used for replacement windows. Manufactures have been very creative in producing a wide variety of different color combinations, woodgrain looks, even paintable and stainable synthetic surfaces that will last a lifetime once a finish is applied. The newest pre-finished wood-grained windows are almost indistinguishable from actual stained wood. So if you like the look of wood, there is a good chance you can have a window that will please the eye and require no maintenance at all.

CELLULAR PVC. This is one of the latest improvements in window construction in the last 20 years. A cross section of this material looks like vinyl on steroids. It is produced by a slower extrusion process, which allows the PVC to expand and become structurally stronger than regular vinyl. In fact, it is 140% stronger than vinyl, so especially for large windows, it the material of choice. It is a 214% better insulator than vinyl and it is a 60% better insulator than wood. Some manufacturers offer pre-painted exterior, to give the homeowner the ability to compliment the exterior color of their home.

FIBERGLASS. Fiberglass windows are fairly new to the market. They are made with some post consumer glass recycled into what are called "pultrusions" This is similar to extrusions, but is pulled through the die instead of being pushed through the dies. High cost and low availability have made this product rare in the marketplace. It has some advantages such as strength and it is paintable. It is used in less than 1% of windows today.

COMPOSITE. Composite material is made by mixing ground up vinyl with sawdust and combining the resultant mixture with epoxy binders. The result is a strong material resistant to wear and tear. Most windows that use composites in them use them in conjunction with other materials. Composites are relatively new on the market. They are generally much more expensive due to the low market share. Only time will tell if they are accepted in the marketplace.

In conclusion, vinyl and cellular PVC have the most rapid growth in the window replacement products used today. The options and colors available, as well as affordability make them the most popular materials to replace your windows. They have proven longevity, with great support from dealers and manufacturers. Check with a professional window company to have them review your project, and beware of high pressure sales tactics.

Privacy Window Treatments Are the Best Way to Add Protection For Your Home

Privacy window treatments have been found to be effective in protecting you and your belongings. The growing trend in establishing privacy in homes has resulted in several different types of blinds, curtains, and more that help to enhance the overall privacy that the consumer has when it comes to the interior of the home.

Now, you can purchase window treatments that are effective in properly protecting people from seeing the inside of your home - whether it be day or night! Here, you will learn how privacy window treatments can help protect you and the belongings that you have inside of your home.

When it comes to protection in the home, there are typically three general areas that the average person wants to protect. These include the basic protection against assault, protecting the home against burglary, and also protection of privacy. There are specific types of window treatments that work to properly protect each of these areas.

You will only need to consider the length and width of the treatments, as well as the design and overall color scheme. It is possible to properly protect the home with these types of blinds without jeopardizing the interior decoration scheme that you have in each room of your home.

It is important to ensure that you do everything that you can today to protect yourself, as well as the items in your home. Personal safety should be the first concern that you have when selecting window treatments. It is best to have protection for the daytime and the nighttime.

You have to remember that anyone, at any time, may be observing you from a distance. There are several people who intend to do you and your family harm. However, if these individuals are unable to see you or your family, it may sway them from attempting to cause you personal harm.

Burglary is another key point of interest when it comes to purchasing privacy window treatments for protection. It is important for you to remember that if someone can see the items that you have in your home - particularly the ones that are valuable, then it is very likely that those items can be stolen.

By purchasing curtains and blinds that can obstruct someone's view from seeing your possessions you may be taking the one step that is necessary to protect your property. Remember, privacy window treatments were created so that you and your belongings can be properly protected.

Tips on Choosing Patio Window Treatments That Work Right For You

Patio window treatments are becoming a trend among individuals who want to add a touch of class to their patio. In most cases, the patio is an area where the emerging trend of "outdoor living" can be experienced. Many may have a patio near the pool, a place where a deck is placed, or even near an outdoor recreation area.

Decoration and the overall style of this type of location are very important when it comes to setting the mood for the activities or even the relaxation that is accomplished with the patio. Here, you will be introduced to some basic considerations on how to select patio window treatments.

All too often the windows in and around the patio are neglected. Many find that either they do not want to be burdened with the expense of purchasing these types of treatments, or that they are unsure of the type of curtains and/or blinds that should be purchased for the patio.

The first thing that you should do when considering the purchase of these types of window treatments is take measurements of the space that you would like covered by the products. You should measure the height, as well as the width to ensure that you are purchasing a product that will easily fit over the windows that you are trying to cover.

Once you have established the size of window coverings that you need, it is time to take a look around and decide what your decoration and/or color scheme is in the room that you plan to place the window treatments. You will want to purchase treatments that can be easily adapted to the type of decorations and the colors that you are using in the room.

By taking the time to consider this, you can easily adapt a wide range of items in the home that can prove to be quite an accessory when it comes to enhancing the overall look and feel of the room.

The next thing that you will want to consider is the type of patio window treatments that you want to use in the room. You can purchase standard curtains, or even blinds. Many elect to purchase blinds that slide or roll up for the patio area.

However, just about anything can be chosen to go in this particular area. Once again, it all boils down to your personal style and taste. How to select patio window treatments is not a difficult task, it is just one that takes a little thought.

Motorized and Remote Controlled Blinds - A Guide to What's Available

The first question you might be asking is, "why would I even need a remote controlled, motorized blind?" The answer is convenience. It is nice to be able to push a button and raise and lower your shades or, open and close the slats on your blinds. And, many blinds and shades are placed in locations that are hard to reach, e.g. skylights.

Before I dive into what's available, a little explanation of the difference between the motorized option for either window blinds or window shades. On window blinds the motorization opens and closes the slats for light control. This is called motorized tilt. For window shades, the motorization raises or lowers the shade by unrolling or rolling up. This gets at the basic distinction between blinds and shades: blinds don't roll up and have vanes or slats, whereas shades are one continuous piece of material that either rolls up or folds up (in the case of some roman shades). This is called motorized lift.

The motors inside the blind or shade are operated by a remote control. When ordering a motorized option, you will also need to purchase at least one remote control. Typically one remote can operate multiple motorized blinds or shades for added convenience.

The options and functionality of the motors and remote controls will vary by product and manufacturer. For example, some remotes operate using infrared or "line of sight" transmission, while other remotes use radio frequency transmission which can operate without pointing directly at the shade or blind and can control single shades or groups of shades simultaneously for added convenience.

Now that we got the details out of the way, here's a list of window shades with the motorized lift option: cellular shades, solar shades, sheer shades, pleated shades and woven wood blinds, which are more commonly called bamboo shades. Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb or cell shades, are an excellent choice if you want to add insulation to you window. Pleated shades look a lot like cellular shades but do not have the same amount of insulation. They have small crisp pleats like an accordion and fold up instead of roll up. Solar shades are meant to block incoming light but still preserve views. They come in different levels of opacity (see-through) from 3% to 14%, the latter offering the greatest see-through. Solar shades are good for blocking damaging UV rays from the sun and also limit solar heat gain. Sheer shades are a little less known. They are kind of a hybrid shade, featuring two sheer fabric facings over soft fabric vanes. Sheer vertical blinds feature a light filtering material between hanging fabric or vinyl vanes.

Your choices of blinds with the motorized tilt option are: mini blinds, wood and faux wood blinds. I am sure you all know what mini blinds are so I won't go into any details. Wood and faux wood blinds have real hardwood slats or composite or vinyl slats that look like real wood. They come in a variety of slats sizes depending on what size window you are trying to cover. Just so you know, in general, the larger the window the larger the recommended slat size. The slat sizes range from 1/2" (wood mini blinds) to 2 1/2" for large windows.

Wooden Window Shutters and Three Things You Should Know Before You Buy

Wooden window shutters can add style and elegance to your home. There are many different styles and shapes for these shutters that you purchase that will give your home an amazing look and feel. Not only do they add beauty to your home, but they can also help protect you and your family through out storms or even hurricanes.

When shopping for these wooden window shutters, you want to purchase the very best that is available. In this article you will find three things that you need to look for to ensure that you are receiving the highest quality available.

The first thing that you need to consider is the wood that the shutters are constructed from. There are many different types of wood that can be used and each one has different properties to it. The wood that is used must be durable and not too heavy. The type of material that is considered to have the highest qualities for wooden window shutters is called basswood. A shutter made from this type of wood is among the very best that you can buy.

The second thing about these shutters that you want to look at is the joints. The joints and finger joints need to be strong and solid. The joints need to be able to withstand the harsh elements and wear and tear from the outside world. Also, another thing that you want to check with the finger joints is the spacing.

These need to be lined up correctly so that they are not visible once you have painted and hung your shutters. The third thing that we want to look at is the joints that are between the strides and rails of the shutter. These need to really be strong in order to keep them from separating. For these areas the best kind of joints are doweled and glued. Doing this will make the joint much stronger.

When it comes to shopping for wooden window shutters, we want to get one that is of the highest quality for our home. By looking for these three very important factors of the shutter, we can be assured that the construction will last for a long time and will always be there to protect our windows. You shouldn't have to settle for something cheap, just because of how it looks. Be careful of what you buy, the quality can save more than money.

Tips to Starting a Window Cleaning Business

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? A Window Washing Business is a local business with local needs. Your Window cleaning business is not a business that requires much equipment, and what you do need is very affordable. So don't waste your money buying cheap squeegees and other equipment, this will slow you down and produce a bad job. Window washing is so simple anyone could do it.

Start your own window washing business and start making an excellent living within months or even weeks. It is one of the easiest and most cost effective business start ups there is.Get some local clients first, keep them happy and on a schedule, gradually keep finding more customers to start growing your window washing business. you must remember to keep your regular clients very happy, it does not take long for the word of mouth to get out if your doing a bad job, this also works in your favor if you do excellent work, your customers may speak highly of you to other business owners, remember that!

Customers will give you referrals. This will help you build your business more quickly. Customers aren't going to just fall in your lap. You need solid and effective information on how to secure (and keep) window cleaning customers.

Cleaning a window might seem easy, but if it was, why would people pay you to do it? It's a hard job, and time-consuming but the rewards of setting up a window-cleaning business are plentiful. Clean windows just around the corner. Remember to be creative in your advertising, you don't need to spend a lot of money, put something on your vehicle, flyers, postcards, friends and family, and best of all is word of mouth. So maybe it's time you start your own part time or full time window cleaning business.

Wooden Window Blinds

Wooden Window Blinds are kinds of window blinds that enhance the beauty of home furnishing. As it name suggests wooden window blinds be made up of real wood, which makes them really durable. Being the hot favorite for interior designers, wooden blinds have their distinct style and class. They create their own atmosphere by adding warmth and comfort into the room.

Wooden window blinds can be easily matched to the wood and wood trim to give a more attractive and alluring impact. The lusty wood color of wooden can be used as a value addition for general home furnishing. Considered as a true style and fashion statement, these blinds also provide a deep sense of privacy.

Matched with other wooden furniture at home, these blinds have a mesmerizing impact and can be really effective to notice. Being a one-time investment, they can be available in either horizontal or vertical formats stretching their utility and usability.

One of the interesting features of these blinds is that they can be customized personally. Wooden window blinds make their own statement by their strong appearance that cannot be ignored easily. If you want to add into your blinds then guide your blind maker to help it realize in the original. You can also choose different kinds of styles, types, stain and color of your wooden window blinds that shows your style and taste. Adding a personalized touch can be a value addition. Due to their personalization, they can be loved and protected for a longer duration of time.

Due to their majestic appearance, wooden window blinds are not only meant for houses but also for offices. They give a cool touch to the inside environment of the offices or houses. With their features including warmth, comfort and feeling of coziness, these blinds give a mesmerizing impact. That is why, they are the most sought after blinds in the market these days. Besides an interesting look, wooden blinds provide a classy and opulent touch as well. No doubt, professionals are opting for wooden window blinds and trust their service for a longer period of time.

Being very popular and preferred kind of blinds, they are a true style statement. You can also choose from a variety of shades, textures, colors, and materials that say a different story altogether. It is not about styling of home furnishing but also showcasing your own style preference. You can also select if you want a vertical, horizontal, side-opening or middle opening, bottom up or top up to make your wooden window blinds really special.

Internet is the best medium to get your favorite wooden blinds. Browse through different various types, colors and styles of these blinds to compare price, utility and styles. You can also contact a local blind maker to get your perfect measurement, style and color.

Window Treatments - Small Change, Big Impact

Window treatments can add warmth and personality to your home. You can transform the appearance of any room with little expense and time. Here are some basic tips to help you choose the best window treatment.

The first step is to measure your window with a metal retractable tape measure. Measure the following dimensions: Length and width inside the window casing, length and width outside the window casing, and 4" above the top of the window to the floor. Standard measurements for draperies are 1/2" from the floor and overlap 2 - 4" on either side of the window.

Next, research different options and set a realistic budget for each room. There are a variety of types and styles, and it's best to set expectations on how much you'll spend. You can find information on websites, magazines, retail stores, and even set up a custom consultation.

You'll need to consider four main things when buying window treatments: Function, privacy, light control, and style. Some areas of your room may require more light control, privacy, or ventilation. Hard window treatments, including shades and blinds, offer the most control over light. Soft window treatments, such as curtains and drapes, effectively trap heat and block noise.

After deciding between hard or soft window treatments, or a combination of the two, begin looking at colors and styles. Color can create a focal point of the room and set the mood. Bright colors on a light background can fill the room well, but may look less full on a dark background. Fabrics also contribute to the style of the room. Velvet, silk, and moiré fabrics are more formal, while linen, chenille, and cotton are more casual. The latest in hard window treatments include eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, jute, and paper. Whether traditional or modern, your treatments' style can make or break your room's design.

Finally, decide what type of hardware you would like to complement your window treatments. There are specific types of hardware with the window treatment that you choose. Rods, pole ends/finials, holdbacks/tiebacks, sconces, rings, hooks, brackets, and curtain clips are among the basic hardware selections. Think about the function, size, scale, and style of your hardware.

Choose Discount Plantation Shutters For Your Window Coverings

Window coverings can be an expensive investment for any homeowner. However, they do not have to be expensive. Discount plantation shutters offer the homeowner the opportunity to cover their windows with a quality product that is affordable.

Where would you find a good source for discount plantation shutters? Watch for sales at all the major home improvement centers and do it yourself centers. Some cities have discounted building supply stores as well. Another good place to look is the internet. Keep in mind, that you will be paying for shipping and handling charges too.

Another source for discount plantation shutters is yard sales. Make sure they are in good condition though. There are so many different sellers online that you may find some very good prices due to the competition. Another option on where to find this product is to check the window covering specialty stores.

There are some obvious advantages to installing discount plantation shutters. Some of these advantages include the following:

• able to fit most windows
• able to insulate in cold weather
• able to control amount of sun in warm weather, which should reduce the need to air condition
• by blocking out the sun, they prevent fading of items near the window
• easy to regulate light coming in
• add value to the home

Installation of the discount plantation shutters can be done by just about everyone that is comfortable with this type of work. Some stores will have a technician that does installs for customers who would rather not do it themselves. These are great window coverings that add a lot of character to a home. In most cases, they stay with the home when it is sold.

The main reasons for installing discount plantation shutters are to spruce up your otherwise dull or old window coverings. They add a more modern look to a home and are stylish and affordable. So, what are you waiting for, start your search today and upgrade your current window coverings to something more modern and stylish.