Repairing Your Faulty uPVC Double Glazed Windows And Doors

It is an amazing fact that uPVC double glazing was sold by the industry as a maintenance free product. While it is true the uPVC frame will last approximately 10,000 years before degrading, the mild steal and cast Zink moving hardware parts will last an average of 10 years before they start to fail.

The problem with window company guarantees:

i) Many window companies have gone out of business leaving the guarantees worthless,

ii) Most guarantees last about 10 years so end just when you need them,

iii) The guarantee in most cases only covers the hardware for 12 months and the uPVC for 10 years.

I have known people who already have uPVC windows and doors getting them replaced with uPVC again at a cost of thousands of pounds (not to mention the cost to the environment) because the hardware is starting to fail. This is like scrapping your car because it needs new spark plugs and a couple of new tyres.

Why do people do this?

The answer is simple.

The home owner calls out uPVC window and door installers who only want to install a new window or door and will convince them it is un-repairable. Even if they wanted to repair it they wouldn't know where to get the parts. You see window companies for instance will use 2 or 3 different types of locks on their doors while there are at least 140 different types.

What the home owner needs is a place where they can buy the spare hardware parts(locks, hinges and handles) so that they can maintain and repair their uPVC windows and doors.

Chris White (Bsc) http://www.upvc-hardware.co.uk

I am a director of safe n sound, set up to keep your existing uPVC windows and doors working by supplying the hardware spare parts required. On our website we have 144 different types of door locks alone for sale. We can supply most hardware parts used over the years by most window companies in the U.K. You can view photos and technical drawings of product and read through descriptions to make sure you purchase the correct item. We accept all major credit cards/debit cards online and many goods will be dispatched same day or next day.

The website address is http://www.upvc-hardware.co.uk

Roman Shades - Creative and Cheap Ways to Make a Decorating Statement

Roman shades can add simple elegance to any room in your house. Your Roman Shades can be made of varied fabrics and different textures. You can add some pizazz to inexpensive Roman shades that you buy at the store by making some creative changes to them and to the area directly around your windows.

•Sew on attachments to the shades themselves. You can make a fabric border for the shade that is in a contrasting color, a patterned fabric that enhances the main color of the shade, or a fabric in a color that is a few shades lighter or darker than the shade. Add store bought tassels to the bottom hem of the shade, or you can make your own tassels from extra yarn you have on-hand. You could also decorate the shade for a theme room or for an approaching holiday. For instance, you can sew big buttons onto the Roman shades in a random pattern if the shades are on your sewing room windows. For a nursery, try using iron-on baby-themed appliqués. Iron-on appliqués are sold at all fabric stores and come in lots of different designs. You can also make your own appliqués by cutting out appropriate designs from scrap fabric you have at home. You can try spray gluing them onto the shades, or stitching the designs to the Roman Shades.

•Match or contrast the Roman Shades to the surrounding wall. One stunning way to make your Roman Shades look expensive is to have them be part of a statement for the whole room. In other words, consider them together with the color of your walls. Why not buy an inexpensive gallon of paint and redo the wall color in that room, or repaint the wall with the Roman Shades as an accent wall? For a sophisticated look that will make the room look larger, match the color of the walls and the Roman Shades. It'll be hard to tell where the wall ends and the shades begin unless the shades are open. Or you can paint a stunning border around the window with the Roman Shades. It'll frame the color of the shades.

•Get different colored Roman Shades. This will be a one-time investment, but change the shades twice a year to different rooms in your home. (This will work for windows that are the same sizes) You'll be amazed at how different your rooms will look when you change the shades. It'll force you to be creative when you change the look of your rooms periodically. For instance, if all of your bedroom windows are the same size, get different colored shades and switch them out for spring and fall. Maybe your bedroom is green for spring and then in the fall you'll get the red Roman Shades that have been in the bedroom you use as an office. Just this one switch will freshen and enliven your living spaces and inject new energy into your rooms.

Visit CORE now to get free access to advice and information on how to add flair to roman shades.

Every Set Designers Guide For Vertical Blinds

When planning a set for a show, be it a movie or a television show, every set designer will come across the opportunity to select window treatments. This is a situation where several important challenges must be met. The window treatments must fit with the application of the set, to show a true reality of who would have selected these products for the target location. Blinds should not increase the noise level on a production. The products usually are desired to be attractive, and durable. Finally, one would like the blinds to arrive quickly, when working last minute with tight deadlines can make it difficult to know in advance what is required.

A set should reflect the stylings of the environment and the occupants. One who is selecting for a hospital set should consider for a different decor when compared to an office suite. A great element of fabric vertical blinds is that they are capable of being used in both such settings. The selection will often relate to the size of the window blinds and the proximity of the window treatments to the surrounding items. An example is that an office suite, and keep in mind we are only using that as an example, may have the vertical blinds immediately next to the desk of the occupants, while a hospital will often have a space in front of the blinds. This allows for more of the vertical blinds to be visible, but also keep in mind that often office occupants wish to have large looking and grand appearances, so the larger height of the windows can be covered well by vertical blinds.

Often a set designer will try to save money by using a lower cost PVC vertical blind. While it is true that many vertical blinds from PVC are looking increasingly like fabric, it is not always true that the cost is significantly less. As oil prices have risen world wide, so too have the prices for PVC vertical blinds. In addition to this, consider that noises on the set can disturb production, and PVC blinds can be loud. For this end alone, fabric vertical blinds can be an excellent choice. They are extremely quiet, and will actually help to dampen extraneous noises.

Unless one is designing a low rent set, attractive designs are often required. This is a chance to showcase your talent as a designer. Fabric vertical blinds offer such a large range of colors and designs, that a set planner can feel confident that there will be a successful appearance. While the past plan would have been to select a close color, with the increasingly high quality of replay equipment, the patterns are more important, so high quality vertical blinds will help to make the scene.

While the sets are sometimes reused, often the products will be moved and bumped often. Vertical blinds tracks are high above the action, protecting them from much damage. At the same time, quality fabric vertical blinds will be safe from some of the banging of the set fixtures. If extreme wear is expected, one can order extra fabric vanes, and can also remove the vertical blinds slats when needed. However, consider that the removal should not be too regular so as to not put extreme wear on parts.

Unlike large drapes, vertical blinds can be produced quickly. Even as a custom design, fabric vertical blinds can be processed and produced in a matter of two weeks, usually, and sometimes a little faster. This quick production can help when working with the quick and tight deadlines that are so common in your business.

So, when selecting window treatments for a set, consider the versatility, attractiveness, low noise levels, and ease of receiving vertical blinds as your solution. Fabric vertical blinds also, by the way, have the ability to change the colors without much difficulty, so should this project end, the set plans can continue on forward. Fabric vertical blinds are a great window treatment choice for set designers looking for quality blinds.

Judith Persit is certified as an interior decorator and gets her vertical blinds from blindsfactorydirect.com at blinds.

Steel Basement Windows - A Two-Way Street

Why would anyone install windows in a basement? If you have single-paned steel basement windows in your home, you've probably been staring at them and asking yourself this very question.

The answer is obvious: you wanted to let beautiful natural light into the basement so it doesn't look like a dungeon. Of course, as steel basement windows rust, corrode, jam shut, and fall apart, they're hardly an attractive addition- even if you are getting more light through holes in the rust. With a humid basement on one side and a damp, rainy environment on the other, steel basement windows don't stand a chance. In just 5-10 years, they're usually in need of replacement.

If water is filling up your window wells or collecting outside of your basement windows, then they're likely to let in more than just sunlight. This water can leak in through the cracks and run down your basement walls, leaving an unsightly puddle in your home and possibly damaging possessions stored nearby.

While rainwater is coming in, heat from the basement is going out. Single-paned steel windows have an R-insulation rating of 1, which means that they stop only 50% of heat from passing through. This is an expensive drain on your home's energy! In fact, the US Department of Energy has reported that energy bills can be saved by 30-40% simply by sealing all windows in a home in cold climates. And of all the windows in a home, drafty, single-paned basement windows with heat-conducting steel frames are the least insulated of all!

If your basement windows need replacement or you're remodeling, the best option is to install double-paned vinyl windows. Unlike steel-framed windows, they will never rust, rot, or corrode. Additionally, they won't need to be repainted, and they'll continue to look beautiful for many years to come.

Best of all, vinyl double-paned basement windows are much more energy-efficient. Vinyl will not easily conduct heat out of your home, and the airspace between the two basement window panes adds insulation. A top-quality vinyl double-paned basement window will have an R-insulation rating of 3, which is three times the insulation rating of single-paned steel windows! Your investment will begin to pay back for itself as soon as it's installed in your home.

Basement Systems provides their dealers across the United States, Canada, and the UK with energy-efficient EverLast basement windows and SunHouse basement window wells Their vinyl double-paned windows have a Low-E rating and are designed with crystal-clear glass that gives your basement a brighter, more cheerful look. They slide open and closed smoothly and will never rust, rot, or corrode. And because they can be removed easily from their frame, they're easy to clean and double as an access point for sliding in long objects or boards into the basement.

Whether you need basement windows or anything else for your basement or crawl space (including a basement waterproofing, sump pump, basement remodeling, dehumidifier, or crawl space vapor barrier) Basement Systems has a locally-owned and operated contractor in your area. All estimates and consultations are free and come with no obligation. The basement is an entire floor of space in your home, and - make the most of it!

Jacques Bouchard
Basement Systems

Storm Windows and Hurricane Shutters

Have you wondered why there are so many more hurricanes now than there were when we were kids? This seems to be a massive change in the weather conditions, and this change has dictated a need for storm windows and hurricane shutters to help protect your home from winds and weather. If you happen to live in a hurricane prone area, then you are sure to know the importance of adding hurricane shutters and storm windows in your home building plan. This can help to protect your investment from hurricanes and other severe weather. To learn more about hurricane shutters and storm windows for your home, read on.

You first need to completely understand how these hurricane shutters can work for you. These shutters help to protect the glass in your home, so that your home will not be opened up due to flying debris. Installing hurricane shutters can help to protect the inside of your home from wind, rain, and debris. Installation is simple and they simply close over your windows to help keep them secure from wind, rain, and debris that may be flying around due to the high winds and severe weather.

When a hurricane occurs, the doors and windows of your home are the areas that are most likely to open up your home to damage. These openings to the home are not strong enough to protect your home during a hurricane or severe weather. These openings into your home are very susceptible to severe wind and flying debris during a hurricane, which is why it is important to protect these areas in order to keep your home safe. The glass in windows and the design of doors makes it difficult to keep the home secure during severe weather without storm windows and hurricane shutters.

When glass breaks in your home due to things flying around, the house quickly becomes pressurized. This causes an increase in pressure and this pressure and the wind outside begins to create a suction, which rips off the roof of your home and causes further damage. If your roof is ripped off, then your home is more likely to suffer tremendous damage. In most cases, the structure will collapse, causing the home to be completely destroyed.

After learning about all of this, you are probably considering getting hurricane shutters, especially if you live in a hurricane prone area. If you can protect the vulnerable areas of your doors and window, you can help to protect your home from severe weather. This can help to protect a substantial investment that you have made in your home. Your home depends upon the installation of your hurricane shutters and your life may depend upon it as well. Purchasing these hurricane shutters before you are faced with bad weather can give you the additional protection that your home needs to withstand the storm, which will be well worth the investment in them. Home building with protection in mind can help protect this very big investment-your home.

Being particularly passionate about kitchen valance, Clinton Maxwell was writing many news on the topic. You might see his writings on kitchen window curtains over at http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/kitchen-curtains.html and other sources for kitchen window curtains tips.

Fall Window Box Ideas - Decorating, Planting, and Vegetables

Decorating window boxes in the fall can be a fun task. Many window box owners find that changing their window boxes to match the seasons is an enjoyable activity that can keep their window boxes and houses looking fresh with the seasons. This article will provide you with some great Fall window box ideas that will help you determine the best way to decorate your home for the holidays

One of my favorite fall window box ideas is to incorporate a Thanksgiving type theme into the window boxes. This can be achieved with an assortment of pumpkins, corn stalks, squashes, and flowers and leaves with autumn colors in them. Steer towards reds, oranges, and browns to match the color of the changing leaves in your yard. It's also a great way to decorate the home for visiting family over the Fall holiday seasons.

In addition to festive decorating in the fall, their are also many plants and flowers you can grow that will thrive in the Fall conditions. Some of my favorites are geraniums, petunias, and sweet potato vines for a nice trailing effect. A good mix of both vines and colorful flowers can create a great combination in a window box. Often, a flowering centerpiece can be used to create drama or add a personality highlight to the box. There's no end to the possible combinations you can enjoy.

Some of the best vegetables to grow in the Fall for window boxes are broccoli, turnips, and tomatoes. Broccoli is a very popular and productive plant even in the Fall and turnips will mature quickly allowing you to harvest more often. Tomatoes can take some more work, but are a favorite among avid gardeners. Window box gardening is often a convenient way for beginners to get started with easy maintenance right from a kitchen or an easy access window. They're easier to maintain and take less of a commitment than preparing a garden area in the backyard.

No matter what the season: fall, winter, spring, or summer, there are creative window box ideas you can use for fall flowers, plants, and decorating. Good luck and have fun!

Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a window box company that specializes in affordable no rot window boxes. His window boxes have been featured on The Today Show as "the last window boxes you will ever buy." Visit their website gallery for more window box ideas of beautiful plants and flowers. These no rot window boxes can be made custom and fast anywhere in the country.

Box Garden Window

1. Determine the Purpose of your box garden window:

Let's be honest, window gardens are still something of a rarity in America, unless of course you live in brownstone houses or in hoity-toity neighborhoods. However, this is not the case for most of the rest of the world. In places like Japan-where most terrain is steep and uninhabitable, causing populations to crowd in small areas-window gardens offer aesthetic and spiritual relief. So, if you want to find the same aesthetic and spiritual relief in a place like New York, San Francisco, or even if you just want to cover something ugly on your home, or try your hand at growing a garden, a box garden window is a great way to go. So, to grow the best box garden window you can, your first major decision should be to figure out the purpose for your garden; from there, you can choose the right plants for your garden to get the best appeal.

2. Figure out Ornamentation

After you figure out your purpose you can figure out your ornamentation. For many people window gardens are purely there to spruce up their home and neighborhood. If this is your purpose, then your ornamentation may be different then if you have another purpose. For example, you may be satisfied to have just one burst of color in the spring and then allow trailing plants such as to dominate the window garden for the remainder of the growing season. So, you want to plant flowers and other plants that will bloom in different seasons so that you have good growth all year round. Take a look at the following lists to get some ideas for what grows well and when:

Some spring followers include:

Pansies, tulips, daffodils, crocuses, primroses, lilies, and violas.

If you want flowers in the Spring, but you also want to continue seeing flowers through the summer, plant:

Geraniums, lavender, impatiens, salvia, petunias, daisies, begonias, zinnias, fuschias, and nasturtiums (Nasturtiums have an added bonus in that their leaves and flowers are edible and add a peppery, cress-like taste to salads and sandwiches).

For permanent window boxes and year-round greenery, a "winter interest" window garden can include evergreen such as:

dwarf Alberta spruce, bristlecone pine, mugho pine, and small cacti

If you want plants that grow down your window, and are great for year-round greens try the following:

Ivy, myrtle, creeping Jenny, sweet potato vine, and vinca.

3. Determine which Fragrance you want

Sometimes homes have smells, and many times they are smells you just can't get rid of, like the musty smell of an old house. So, if you want to plant things with fragrance to cover the small try mints, or lemon smelling plants. There are also options for other smells, and honey smells from flowers in great as well.

4. Determine what else you want

You can always plant herbs, food, etc. Many people use box garden windows for growing an herb or vegetable garden. It is a great way to supplement the things you use in your cooking through out the summer months. So, if you want to have a small vegetable garden, grow the plants like cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Try growing sage, thyme, rosemary, dill, etc.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information. For free articles delivered daily by email, visit HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

Electronic Smart Glass for Conservatories

It's often be written that "people who live in glass houses shouldn't...!" and the traditional solution has been to go indoors to do whatever you want to do, or invest in some window blinds.

But if you really want to impress the neighbors with your technique, perhaps you should invest in smart glass.
Smart glass allows you to control the amount of light and heat, passing through it. At the flick of a switch the glass can change from being transparent to opaque, giving you privacy when you want it, but without the necessity of installing blinds, shutters or curtains.

There are several technologies that enable this to happen, including:

Liquid Crystal Glass uses a liquid film in a sandwich of two plastic interlayers inside two laminated glass panes. In the panes "off" state the glazing is translucent milky white. However, when an electric current is applied to the liquid film it turns slightly hazy clear. The switch between the two states is nearly instantaneous.

Suspended Particle Device - SPD Glass has light absorbing microscopic particles dispersed within a specially formulated emulsion, which like liquid crystal glass, is then sandwiched between two plastic interlayers inside two laminated glass panes.

The particles are activated by applying a low voltage; this forces them to align at various angles and thus various transparencies. This controls not just the light passing through the pane, but the heat as well.

These glass panes can repel up to 95 per cent of solar heat in their opaque state, making the conservatory a much more comfortable place to be on really hot summer days, even though the view is impaired.

This glass isn't a cheap option, it can cost ten or twenty times the price of conventional conservatory glass, but as glass only represents a small percentage of a conservatories total cost you might consider it a worthwhile investment.
Smart glass does of course save you from having to spend money on window blinds or awnings, so is a saving to be taken into consideration, and it comes with a huge show-off factor to impress visitors with, and for many people that is priceless.

Although this type of glass wouldn't be suitable for a traditional conservatory, or one with many small panes of glass, I'd certainly recommend you consider installing smart glass if you are having a minimalist conservatory designed...or if you have nosey neighbors.

I'll be adding these details to our Tips and Advice On Choosing Conservatory Glazing at Conservatory Glass in due course.

Ian Dewar, Consultant to Richmond Oak Ltd http://www.oakconservatories.co.uk

Why Energy Efficient Windows Are a Clear Choice

Real quick...Here are seven reasons to install energy efficient windows:

* Save energy
* Save money from using less heating or AC
* Add to appearance of the house
* Protect a home's interior furnishings from fading
* Higher impact resistance
* Make outside noise less audible
* Insulate your home better, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer

With reasons like those, it's no wonder energy efficient windows are all the rage. If your windows need to be repaired or even replaced, consider installing energy efficient windows.

How exactly do I pick out energy efficient windows?

When picking out energy efficient windows, you want to look for windows that are Energy Star certified.

Energy Star was developed by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The government program's purpose is to help individuals and organizations protect the environment through energy efficiency. The standard does not just apply to windows but to other products as well.

For the purpose of this article, we will be taking a look at windows that are Energy Star certified. What makes windows Energy Star certified? Any Energy Star product including windows must meet the following criteria:

* Have an NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label. The NFRC tests the insulating quality of the entire window.
* Be 40% more efficient than the product usually requires under most building codes.
* Reduce energy bills by up to 15%.

Customers cannot just rely on the Energy Star label to pick out a good energy efficient window though. An important consideration for consumers is to select windows that are appropriate for the area of the country in which they live. Energy Star labels windows three ways:

* "N" for northern climates
* "S" for southern climates
* "C" for central climates

The three types of windows are designed to address the heating or cooling concerns in each climate: mostly heating for the Northern Zone, mostly cooling for the Southern Zone, and both heating and cooling for the Central North Zone and Central South Zone.

How Energy Efficient Windows Improve the House Aside from saving energy, energy efficient windows are particularly fantastic in states that can get extremely cold. These windows work to make homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which becomes particularly evident in states with very cold winters and states with extremely hot summers. With these windows insulating well, homeowners spend less on heating and air conditioning bills. Energy efficient windows also improve the house due to their attractive appearance, though not all energy efficient windows are the same. Homeowners have choices concerning main parts of the window, such as the frame, panes, and spacers.

Parts of the Window

* The frame

Look for windows that have fiberglass, wood composites, or vinyl because these materials are better at insulating. One negative aspect of using wood material for framing is that wood can be difficult to maintain, often needing painting after a few years. Thus, if you choose to frame your windows using wood material, it's advised to get some exterior vinyl or aluminum cladding to cover the wood frame.

* Window Panes

If wondering whether having multiple window panes is preferred to having one window pane, remember the phrase 'Two is Better than One' or 'The More the Merrier.' Two panes of glass with space in between filled with air or krypton or argon insulates better than just one pane of glass does. Certain Energy Star windows have windows with three or more panes of glass, which do the best job of insulating and have greatest the impact resistance as well as improved energy efficiency. Another benefit of multiple panes is that they keep outside noise out better than a single glass pane does.

* Low-E glass coating

Low-E coating is a special coating on the window that is great to have. It reflects infrared light to keep heat outside in the summer and inside in the winter. It also reflects ultraviolet light to protect a home's interior furnishings from fading.

* Warm Edge Spacers

Warm edge spacers are great for reducing heat flow and preventing condensation. Made of foam, steel, fiberglass, or vinyl, they keep a window's glass panes the right distance apart.

There are many brands of energy efficient windows from which to choose. Manufacturers include those such as Accent Windows, Andersen, Cascade Windows, CertainTeed, Gorell, Marvin, Winstrom, and many more. Home improvement companies select which manufacturer brand they would like to make available to their customers. For example, Highland Windows, a Connecticut home improvement company based in Hartford (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/ct/hartford/) is licensed to install Alside, another energy efficient window manufacturer, which has won The Energy Star Window of the Year Award three times.

All Around the Home is an online directory that profiles contractors, allowing visitors to search by service needed such as windows (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/windows/) and by region such as Connecticut (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/windows/ct/). Homeowners may request a free estimate from contractors they are interested in.

Double-glazed Conservatories

One of the simplest ways of making your home slightly bigger and giving it that classy look is to install a conservatory. The sole purpose of a conservatory is to enjoy the surrounding landscape within your home whilst being sheltered from unpleasant weather conditions. As are mostly made from glass it is important that they last for a long time which means they withstand external conditions such as severe weather. They should also insulate your home and provide security and comfort. For these purposes it is beneficial for your conservatory to be made from double glazing.
Double glazing was filed for a US patent in October 1989 by inventors Dariush Arasteh, John Hartmann and Stephen Selkowitz and the patent was issued just over two years later in November 1991. Double glazing works by spacing two or more sheets of glass apart and then hermetically sealing them to form a single glass unit with air between each sheet. The technical term for double glazing windows is insulated or thermal glass as the production of such windows was not solely exclusive to two panes of glass. However as most of the windows were manufactured using only two sheets of glass the term double glazing stuck.

Double glazing is one of the simplest ways of saving energy in your home as they greatly reduce the amount of heat that is lost in your home. Due to this they can be classed as a very sustainable piece of technology as the use of central heating in the home is immensely cut. Moreover the troublesome condensation and damp problems caused by single glazed windows is non-existent in double glazing. Condensation is created due to the contrasts of the air within our home and the outside environment. The air in our homes contains many droplets of water resulting from the use of kettles and even our breathing. The warmer the air gets the more water it can hold until it reaches a limit and becomes saturated. When the saturated air comes into contact with a surface which is cooler then itself it forms vapour on the surface. Double glazing combats this as the trapped air within the two panes of glass does not mix with either the room air or the outside air, and therefore creates an insulation barrier.

For the same reasons double glazing also prevents the amount of noise that enters the home. The trapped air or 'insulation barrier' also creates a vacuum of air which prevents the majority of sound frequencies from entering our home. In a world of increasing noise pollution created from cars on our roads and airplanes in our skies this is another perk that double glazing offers. This is important for your as there is a large amount of glass meaning that a lot of noise can enter the home.
Double glazing windows also give your home a heightened sense of security. The robust frames that now come with these types of window feel much more durable and the fact that they are visibly more secure gives you a much added sense of comfort within your home. For these reasons double glazing windows are ideal for windows in your home or business and are a very good for conservatories which require many groups' windows within a confined space of the home. Aesthetically double glazing is also superior to its predecessors in that they come in many different styles and materials and so really make your look modern. They do commonly come in UPVC which is what may spring to mind if you think of double glazing however they are also come in wood which gives them a more traditional look.

Modern design should really take into account sustainably in a world where there is apparent global warming. Double glazing is the way forward now and is not just an investment in improving your home and standard of living but also an investment to improve the future.

James Forbes is a specialist in conservatories having worked for many years in Yorkshire for a company specialising in conservatories. More information can be found at http://conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

The Stained Glass Tradition

Stained glass reached the state of the art in the early 11th century. Many gothic structures used such windows and even today they impose themselves with their beauty and their ingenuity. In those times men set up a glass factory wherever nature allowed one to be built, namely near a silica deposit. Silica is the main and most important ingredient in glass making. To obtain colored panes, people used the help of chemistry. While still liquid, an amount of metallic oxide was mixed in the melting pot. This gave the material its color.

Man knew colored glass from ancient times so the Romans, the Egyptians and the Greeks were renowned glass artisans. During the 5th and 6th century, the technique we know today as stained glass began to show its face. Early creations can be admired today in museums. At first, they combined thin pieces of alabaster inside a wooden frame; this gave a similar effect. Later on, Asian manufacturers used pieces of colored glass to create what we know today as stained glass.

For more detail, artists use painting techniques that enhance the overall design and complete difficult to fill areas. One interesting thing about these marvelous windows is that the only role they play is to dose the light and to make it difficult to see what happens inside the structure. The themes used in these masterpieces are religious (inspired from bible), symbolic or inspired from literature and myths. Some of them display scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and other religious figures. These are present everywhere on the windows of medieval churches.

Creating state of the art stained glass panes involves a lot of artistic genius and a lot of experience. Artistic skill and engineering skill are a must for designing the theme and the structure of such an artwork.

Nowadays, in the 21st century, this technique is used in combination with modern forms of art. A revival of the gothic style took place after WWII. Many monuments lost their windows during the war. Great German artists like Ervin Bossanyi, Ludwig Schaffrath, Johannes Shreiter, and Douglas Strachan took the matter in their own hands and struggled to make and old art form a contemporary one. Nowadays there are not many places where to study the traditional ways of stained glass making.

Despite this fact, stained glass is frequently used for home accessories and interior design elements. Either if it’s a lamp or a window, a piece of stained glass will always add a finishing touch to your home.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.stained-glass-info.info/ A website that specializes in providing information stained Glass that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.stained-glass-info.info/ now!

How to Find Discount Window Blinds

If your searching for a discount window blinds company, find a good company that offers a heavy selection of blinds to choose from, they must have horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb or cellular shades, roman shades, roller shades, and a selection of the very popular choice of bamboo products, the more choices you have, the better the chance is of finding the right discount window blinds your looking for. Search for a discount window blind company that offer's and affordable and stylish window covering solutions, whatever your choice or budget. It's best not to have a such narrow selection of horrible or low quality blinds just because the amount you want to spend is limited.

Discount window blinds should be inexpensive, not cheap in quality,you should be able to purchase them with confidence that these blinds you have chose will satisfy your tastes and stand up to the abuse they might receive over the years of use, and other conditions they might go through.

Search for the discount window blinds company that guarantee's all their products with lifetime warranties. Generally if there is a great warranty, it means the manufacturer is pretty confident in their product, and you won't need to use the warranty. Also, another great way to ensure that your discount window blinds are not going to be a purchase you regret is by finding a store that does not say that all sales are final. You should get the satisfaction of knowing that if the blinds aren't working out for you, that you can return them.

If you decide to order a set of discount window blinds, be sure that your order arrive's on time. If you save thousands of dollars on discount window blinds, then you don't get them for eight months, then you have eight months of loss privacy, lots of sun where you don't need it, so all that money you just saved wouldn't feel worth it.

It's also probably a good idea to consider price. Just because the company or store claims they are a discount window blinds provider, does not mean they are really giving you a discount. Shop around for the competitors, look at quality and how it compares, and ensure that you are not just being told you are getting a good price, but to make sure you know you are getting that good price your looking for. Quality is going to be the most important decision, and the more you shop around, the better chances are your going find the high quality blinds at a discount price that your looking for.

Another thing you should be aware of is alot of discount window blind stores pay their sales people on commission, so they are going to try and talk you into an expensive set of blinds even if something less expensive can satisfy your taste. This means that you will need to find someone that is ready and willing to provide professional advice about the window blinds you need and the cash you want to save.

At Window Blind Dealers you can find detailed information on Discount Window Blinds, faux wood blinds,fabric window blinds, Metal Window Blinds and more. Window Blind Dealers is an affiliated window blind dealer.

Buying Double Glazed Windows: The Process

Double glazed windows are definitely a great way to save money on your heating and energy bill, there is no question about that. However, there is a lot that needs to be done when upgrading to double glazed windows, and although the installation and upgrade process is not too complex, there is a lot of research that needs to be done to insure that you get the best deal and the highest quality of work.

Double glazed windows are very expensive and that is the primary reason that it is important that you do your research. It is recommended that you spend some time online doing searches on various companies and finding all the info available. Then compare all companies and ask at least four or five for a custom quote and a few references to contact about the company and the quality of work. Doing this almost assures that you will hire someone reputable who will be able to give you everything you want at a fair price. Like with anything else in life, just remember that you get what you pay for. There are also a few questions that you should ask each company you seek a quote from. You should find out if the windows have a BSI number or some other standard, if installers are covered in the code of practice, if there is an official trade organization that can recommend companies, and of course if there are any discounts.

The second major aspect about double glazed windows is a contract and you need to make sure that you get one. The contract should include all details about the job including rates and any additional fees or charges that may be implied, plus the number of people that will work on the job and the estimated time required to complete it. Also, the contract should contain the materials that will be needed and any insurance programs, and finally, if you agreed on anything else not in the standard contract, be sure to get it in writing and signed.

Payments are also a big issue and you should be sure to get all payment details in writing. Most companies should require a deposit of somewhere between 20-30% of the total offer. If they are charging substantially more that that, you may want to look into the company further and find a possible explanation. The rest will be paid on completion. When it comes to payment, just make sure that both of you agree on all the details and be sure to get everything in writing.

Finally, the last aspect of this process is the legal part of ordering this service. According to the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, consumers of home improvement and service goods have special rights and you need to be well aware of these rights. For example, if the installation is not completed to the quality that it should be and you have to pay another company to fix this problem, you can pass this bill to the original company. There are a number of benefits that this Act provides so be sure to read it thoroughly. There are also a number of things that could go wrong so getting some insurance may be very helpful.

Getting things double glazed shouldn't be a difficult process, but if you follow the steps outlined above, chances are, your buying experience will be much more enjoyable.

David A. Howarth has been working in the home restoration and improvement business in the UK for over 20 years now, and enjoys writing about home improvement features such as double glazing and conservatories.

How to Make Acrylic & Glass Block Window Installations Easier & Improve Quality at the Same Time

"I'm really scared to do this glass block window installation" a customer recently said. "Don't you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?" Fortunately the answer is yes - it's by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following:

1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier
2. What products and sizes are available
3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in
4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems
5. Cool and unique projects ideas.

1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier

Let's face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.

Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2" thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ½ vs. traditional block units made of 3" and 4" thick block).
With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns - from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.

2) What product and size options are available?

Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8" x 8" x 2" (for the reduced weight), 6" x 6" x 3", and 8" x 8" x 4" in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and occasionally 9" x 9" and are usually 1 ½" to 2" thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.

3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system

The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.

Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry.
These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy.
For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames - it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.

4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems

There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it's best to use each product.

Advantages and Where to Use Framed Glass Block Windows

- Where you want the strength & durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality
- If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows
- Where you are concerned about what cleaning products may be used on the windows - (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the block's surface)
- If you like a slimmer frame around your window
Advantages and Where to Use Framed Acrylic Block Windows
- If you want a fully operable single hung, casement, awning, or slider window (acrylic windows can be provided with cranks and fully operable window sashes). In addition acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon, or round top window designs.
- If you need an energy star or Low E rated window.
- If you want a lighter window for ease of installation.
- If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window application.

5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas

Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:

- A step down almond colored vinyl framed glass block window was used above a soaking tub in a home builder's Parade Home in Columbus Ohio.
- A therapist in New Orleans Louisiana is planning to use a slider acrylic block window in a waiting room inside of an existing glass block wall for privacy and to keep the all block look.
- A home being remodeled in Dallas Texas is considering installing a framed window with a block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly on the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit which is baked directly into the glass making it a permanent part of the glass).
- A church in Arkansas is looking to put a Ruby Red colored cross inside a framed window.
With framed glass and acrylic block windows and a vast selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs - projects have never been easier, cooler, and neater to do!

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide suppliers of acrylic block windows and also vinyl framed glass block window manufacturers including patterned and color glass blocks.
For nationwide questions and orders call 877-668-5888

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/ - bathroom glass block windows, acrylic block windows, colored glass block, vinyl framed glass block windows

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/product_new-construction.aspx vinyl framed glass block windows, color glass block, glass block sizes, acrylic block windows, installing glass block windows

Replacing Window Glass

Replacing window glass begins with safety glasses and a good pair of work gloves.

Replacing window glass or a broken window associated with an older window is something a homeowner can do with a few basic tools.

Start by removing the broken glass pane remnants still stuck in the window sash. You may need to use one of your pliers to help pull out any smaller pieces.

Next, remove the old glazing compound with your putty knife. Work your way around the entire window sash, in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and scrape the old glazing compound out.

You may want to use a hair dryer to heat the glazing compound up. The heat will soften the old glazing and make it easier to remove. Apply heat to a localized section of the old glass to soften it up, and then scrape it out with your putty knife. Keep stepping around the window sash in this process.

Also, in the process of removing the old glazing, remove any glazing points that may still be attached to the window sash. Use your Needle-nose pliers to remove the points.

After you have removed all of the old compound and glazing points, sand the area down to the bare wood to remove any old glazing or paint. Then apply a sealer to the bare wood to protect it.

Now install your piece of glass and place it into the window sash. Note that the glass should be slightly smaller than the window sash, e.g. 1/8th inch narrower in both length and width.

With the glass in place, install glazing points approximately every 4-6 inches, making sure you have a couple of glazing points near each of the corners of the glass. Be careful not to break the glass when doing this.

With the glazing points installed apply the new glazing to the window sash. It is best to roll out a ¼" string of glazing material, and using your fingers and putty knife push it into place around the window edges.

Once you have pressed in the new glazing material use your finger or a moist rag to smooth out the glazing and to clean the glass.

Let the window dry overnight, and then apply paint to the window sash. When the paint has dried reinstall it into the window frame.

About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com

Plantation Shutters Help Make Your House a Home

When you are considering window treatments for your home, it is important to know about many different options, besides curtains or standard miniblinds. As more people are putting money into their homes, it is easy to see why they are opting for something different. Plantation shutters offer many different looks for a home. You can use them to create a very traditional look and feel, but they can also be a more modern touch if you use a colored finish, rather than just a stained wood. There are so many options to condsider when you are choosing which plantation shutters are right for your home.

Once you have decided to go with a shutter, you must decide on which material is right for your home. Wood is very durable, can be painted or stained, and is a renuable resource, for those interested in using materials which are considered earth friendly. These shutters offer privacy, heat insulation, sound insulation and light control. The nice thing about shutters is that you can control, very easily, the amount of light that you let into each room. Also, when your home has an outstanding view you can set up your blinds to allow people to be able to see outside and enjoy the view, while still having some privacy.

The louver size determines how big of an opening you have when the blinds are opened. They can range from and inch and a quarter, to four and one half inches. It is a good idea to look at each of the different sizes and determine which type of opening would be appropriate for each room. A room with a view, for example, would be more likely to have the larger louver size, so that when the shutter is opened you can see out and enjoy the view. A bathroom or bedroom might be a good room to use the smaller louver size. This is because even when they are open, there is still a relatively small opening to see in and out of.

Overall, plantation shutters are a wonderful way to add elegance to your home, while also providing it with some practical uses and wonderful finished appearance. They are a simple way to make your house stand out from the others, and add a personal touch based on the color choices and sizes you choose for your home. Compared to finished product, the cost for plantation shutters is very reasonable overall.

Simon Harris writers about Plantation Shutters at http://www.shutter-world.com

Cutting Your Energy Costs With New Windows

It seems the cost of heating or cooling your home is starting to get rather expensive. One sure fire way to help cut the cost down somewhat is to replace your existing windows with new, more energy efficient ones. But the lurking question remains, what types are out there and which one is the best for my home? Sit back, relax, and hold on for a ride through the new window tour.

First there is toughened glass. This type is also known a tempered glass. This window type is created by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its overall strength and durability. If this window does break it will shatter into small fragments similar to a broken car window. This type also greatly enhances thermal resistance. Major uses for this type of glass are in ovens and baking apparatus as well as automotive applications.

Next we have laminated glass. This type is also known as safety glass and will not shatter when broke. It will hold its form. It is made up of an interlayer (two or more layers of glass). It is commonly used in skylight glazing and automotive windshields. It is also seen in exterior storefronts as well as curtain walls and windows. Multiple laminates and thicker glass is use for bulletproof applications.

Next we have tinted glass. This is also known as window film. The advantage to this type is it reduces heat and radiation from the sun. The film used is either dyed or metalized in order to convert incoming solar radiation into infrared radiation and then refracted back through the glass to the exterior. There is a trade off with this type of glass though. It can cost 10 - 15% more than regular glass but can reduce energy loss by30 - 50%.

Now we have patterned glass. This is also known as decorative glass. It is a safety style glass and used in kitchen and other cabinet doors. It contains UV blockers which help stop fading of interior furnishings. It is also a barrier against all levels of noise pollution.

Now we move on to reflective glass. This is glass coated with a reflective film and helps control solar heat gain during the summer. It also reduces light transmittance and helps aid in visual aesthetics of a building.

Next we have high transmission (low e) glass. This type allows red, green, and blue light to transmit equally and prevent the stress from heat and mechanical strain. You will find this type of glass used in your camera lens.

And finally we have glass and insulating glazing units. Another name for this type of glass is thermo pane. This type is made-up of one sheet of glass which has two of the low emissivity coatings that is used to provide the lower heat transmission. This is used in one way mirror applications due to its coatings and reflective appearance and also insulated glazing units.

Now you have a list of windows to cut those high costs down to manageable levels. Good luck in your shopping.

For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com a free Online Home Improvement Directory in 100 Cities in North America. Featuring over 2 million Real Estate classifieds, helpful articles, contests, home improvement videos, virtual home tools, Qualified Trades people, ask an expert, a moving center, get free quotes for Insurance, Moving, Mortgages, Contractors, Find Foreclosures and a finance blog that will save you money on bank rates & credit card rates.

Tips on Choosing Stained Glass Windows

Choosing stained glass windows can be a challenging task simply because of the fact that there are so many different types to choose from. You will find that the following types of stained glass windows exist: Opalescent, Cathedral, Streaky, Textured, Translucent, and Wispy.

However, the glass types of Cathedral, Translucent, and Opalescent are actually the most common types that are chosen by many for their home and/or business.

In this helpful guide, I will introduce you to these common types so that if you are in the process of choosing stained glass windows, you may have a little knowledge on these particular selections.

Cathedral stained windows are extremely popular when it comes to homes, businesses, churches, and synagogues across the nation. This type of window has a glass that is actually transparent in nature and typically reflects at least one single color. There are many different color selections available when it comes to this type of window.

In addition to this, you will find that you can choose among many different types of textures for the glass. Examples of common textures include that of Artique, Glue Chip, Iridescent, and Seedy. This type of glass was originally introduced in cathedrals in the 10th century by the Europeans, which is how it got its name.

Translucent glass in stained glass windows is the next common choice by many. With this type of window, you will be able to see light well from the outdoors, in, but will be unable to make out anything but shadows. This is a type of stained glass that is often used in lamps and things of a similar nature.

However, many elect to use this type of glass in panels that are installed in the home, as well as windows. If you are looking for privacy, and a high sense of décor, then this is the type of stained glass that you will want to choose for your home and/or business.

The next type of stained glass that is relatively common is Opalescent glass. One color or several colors can be displayed on this glass. It has an appearance that is relatively milky. Details from the outside can be viewed through stained glass windows that use this type of glass.

However, in some instances, the milky effect helps to reserve a sense of privacy in your home and/or business. If you are choosing stained glass windows for your home and/or business, you are likely to find that the three main choices mentioned here can meet your needs.

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to StainedGlassBeauty.com a website with information and resources on all your stained glass window needs.

Preserve Resources by Choosing Bamboo Shades

The planet is ours to live on and to enjoy. However, many people believe that we are capable of damaging it permanently. If we do not begin by taking steps at home, then any discussion about global warming and the problems we are faceing, will be nothing but talk. As we all know, talk is cheap, but when people act and make changes, that is when true improvements can happen. Everyone should consider reducing the miles they drive to conserve gas. By driving a bit slower, we can cut our fuel consumption. Keeping a well-maintained vehicle also is helpful, but even better is to carpool with a coworker. These are the easiest as well as most apparent of the changes that we can make. So many people can make more easy change at home. Some of these changes can have a superior impact on the environment.

The main source of solutions lives at home with us. Our homes use a ton of energy. The less we use, the lower our impact. Choosing bamboo shades is an easy change that we can make to reduce our footprint. While plastic simulated woven wood shades and other window treatments might provide some of the same benefits, only natural wood bamboo shades can remain affordable while providing all of these great benefits.

Light entering a room can cause one to use energy-consuming machinery to lower the heat. It can also cause furnishing to wear prematurely, thus sending them to the landfills. We can reduce the light entering by using bamboo shades, thereby lowering cooling costs. A lot of people use electrical systems to cool their homes in the summer. By blocking the sunlight, the benefits of bamboo shades in the management of light and heat are countless. Bamboo shades are great because they can totally block the light coming into your home by 100 percent. Also, when open, the basic shades can block anywhere between twenty-five percent to over ninety percent of the light that is filtering into your home. This is roughly the amount of reduction of the incoming heat, which then lowers the amount of cooling required. You can achieve all of this by simply using woven shades. By keeping out excess heat and light, you will reduce wear and tear on your belongings.

Most people lower their blind or curtains when they change, so as not to reveal themselves to the world. Then, we normally turn on the lights, which of course use electricity. On the other hand, bamboo shades will provide privacy while allowing filtered daylight to enter the home, reducing the need to turn on the lights. You can save energy, have plenty of privacy and still have enough filtered natural daylight from your windows by using unlined bamboo shades.

When it is time to replace window coverings, bamboo shades should definitely be the choice. These natural wood shades are nearly totally biodegradable. There are only very small metal and plastic parts incorporated into the bamboo shade. This means that you can be certain in knowing that the bamboo shades and threads will disintegrate quicker than most other types of blinds, and you can feel great knowing that you're not adding to the piles and piles of garbage that will never go away. On the other hand, bamboo shades will biodegrade into environmentally friendly components instead of plastic trash that will last for a thousand years, because natural bamboo shades are completely biodegradable.

Ultimately, you can use window shades as one component of your overall home energy plan. Bamboo shades can be especially useful. Light filtering and privacy are some of the benefits of woven wood shades. You can recycle all natural bamboo shades when you are done with them. Because they provide excellent light control, bamboo shades may help reduce your cooling bills. Bamboo shades are a smart choice that's good for the planet.

Judith Persit writes for her store on the web. Buy or learn about about bamboo shades or educate yourself on shades at her website.

Wood Or Vinyl Replacement Windows - Which is the Better Buy?

When it is time to purchase wood or vinyl replacement windows and doors, it can be difficult to decide between the two options. Several factors go into purchasing the right items for your home -- color, design, efficiency, and budget. You will need to find a style that meets these needs in order to make the right choice for your home.

Benefits Of Vinyl Replacement Windows And Doors

If you are looking for a style that is relatively low maintenance, vinyl replacement windows and doors are the perfect solution. Because the color is right in the material, there is no scraping, painting, or sealing. This means there is no more climbing on a ladder to bring your home back up to par. These are also considerably more budget friendly and they come in a variety of different types, colors, and designs.

You can purchase basic types if money is an issue, or you can get highly efficient and artistic versions to match the architecture of your home. Lastly, they are easier and faster to install. Manufacturers make this style at a faster rate and have added features into the basic design to make them relatively easy to install correctly.

Benefits Of Wood Doors And Windows

If you are looking to sell your home in the near future, you may want to consider the higher aesthetic value of wood items. These have more options and often fit in better with a home's design. In fact, buyers often look for this feature. If you have a historic home, you may find that this style fits in with the exterior look and feel of the home. Wood is more energy efficient than vinyl varieties. When it gets extremely cold or hot outside, the frame will remain relatively the same temperature indoors. As an added benefit, they are also more effective at keeping out sound.

Cons Of Vinyl Replacement Windows And Doors

The inefficiency of vinyl is one hurdle you will have to get over. New styles are more efficient as advancements in their design have improved this significantly. You may also want to consider the overall look of vinyl windows in your home. For historic homes or designs that require a bit of added comfort and warmth to their look, vinyl isn't the only option. To solve this, look at some of the more innovative design styles such as those with mullion bars running through between the panes.

The Cons Of Wood

Wood doors and windows do often look better, but beauty does have its price. The biggest downfall to this style is the added maintenance they require to keep them looking their best. This starts from the moment they are installed. They will require regular maintenance on a regular basis from that point on. Most of these styles will also require you to seal them off on a regular basis to ensure they hold their level of energy efficiency. In addition, this style has a higher price tag.

Purchasing wood or vinyl replacement windows and doors will keep your home efficient and beautiful. You just need to ensure that whatever choice you make is the right one for your home.

Christine O'Kelly is an author for Custom Order Online, a leading online replacement windows and doors retailer. They provide high quality home repair supplies and customer service for items such as flooring, doors, and vinyl replacement windows at an affordable price.

Hurricane Panels - What You Need to Know For Proper Installation

Hurricane panels or storm panels are one of the most basic and effective options for hurricane protection of windows. Although they have their share of limitations, they can be very good at providing a low cost line of defense for your home. Here, are few additional things you should know about them:

1. They are most effective when staggered over windows.

By creating a staggering of the different hurricane panels, you will provide greater strength to the whole. This synergistic effect is important because it will help better protect multiple windows.

2. Be sure to have an adequate supply of additional screws.

Storm panels do require maintenance work and this is a good idea to have a number of screws in reserve. This screws cannot be regular screws though. They should be resistant to corrosion allowing you to effectively take the panels off in the off season.

3. Installation can be an undertaking and should be treated as such.

Many homeowners fail to appreciate the effort it takes to install hurricane panels. This results in them rushing or making a mistake and slipping while on a ladder. For this reason, it is best to have professionals install them or make the installation each year with a friend. The friend can help secure the ladder and prevent a fall. Another option is to break the project out over several days to help reduce the risk of a fall. Bottom line: if you take the right precautions, this will go a long way towards avoiding any injury and getting proper installation.

By keeping these different tips in mind, you should be able to properly install your hurricane panels.

For more information on Hurricane Storm Panels. Also, try visiting http://www.storm-shutters.net to get some solid tips on different hurricane shutters and impact windows.