Things To Consider In Choosing Window

Climate

Your local climate must be considered into your option. Various glazing, tint and protection technologies provide several advantages. Many are created particularly for specific climates or regions. When you reside in Ohio, you need windows which help keep your home warm in the wintertime and cool during summer. Some are more worried about blocking the sun’s rays and holding up throughout hurricane season.

Energy efficiency

Minimizing energy costs and preserving the environment are typical aims for homeowners going through the window replacement procedure. ENERGY STAR® windows are independently-certified items which are tested to do 2 things. The coating, insulating air or gas and quantity of panes all play a role in the general energy efficiency. All these elements can have various advantages in various climates and combinations.

Privacy

Every single window has a purpose – simply not always the same one. A huge picture window in your living room offers the outdoors in and offers a lovely portrait of the outdoor environment. Probably you aren’t seeking the same thing on your bathroom. Tinted, glazed, obscured, and patterned glass can offer extra privacy inside the areas you’d want to keep behind closed doors – and windows.

Types of Windows

Types of windows are engineered to make exterior home renovations easy and meet the needs of homes. 


Double-Hung Windows

Double-Hung Windows

Our best-selling windows combine style, functionality, and technology

Sliding Windows

Sliding Windows

A modern solution providing both framed views and fresh air.

Casement & Awning Windows

Casement & Awning Windows

Increase curb appeal and enjoy fresh air even on rainy or windy days.

Picture Windows

Picture Windows

A popular exterior home trend for 2021 and the perfect choice to showcase a stunning view.

Single-Hung Windows

Single-Hung Windows

Clean lines and modern engineering create long-lasting appeal.

Bay & Bow Windows

Bay & Bow Windows

A transformative window option that adds dimension to any home.

Window & Doors Ideas And Tips

Improve your knowledge with our regularly updated blog. Our blog is filled with informative information regarding windows, doors, and home trends.

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Tips to Choose the Right Contractor

How do you find the right professionals for window and door replacement? Before you start your search, you need to understand the key points to make the right decision. Here are a few tips to make the task simpler.

Tip 1: Set a budget.

Whether you are installing the windows and doors to enhance the look of the house or for replacing the damaged ones, you need to consider how much to spend on them in advance. 

Tip 2: Focus on quality.

Without the right manufacturer and contractor, you may end up with defectively installed poor quality doors and windows. Ask for a free price quote, look for online references, and check out testimonials.

Tip 3: Determine the style. 

Do you think casement windows would be better for your home? Do you need tinted glass for the windows and doors? Think about the details. Ask the contractor about the choices available, the pros and cons of each, and the cost.

Tip 4: Consider convenience

Ask when they would be available for a thorough inspection to provide you a price quote. You can rely on them if they show up on time. Also, inquire about the exact time they need to complete the job.

Tip 5: Think about energy-efficiency.

Today’s technological advancements make it possible to install windows and doors that boost the energy efficiency of your home. And you cannot ignore this if you want to save on the energy costs in the future.

Window Glass

Our blog is filled with informative information regarding windows, doors, and home trends.
8 Ways to Decorate Your Timber Windows at Christmas

8 Ways to Decorate Your Timber Windows at Christmas

Tell me who doesn't want Christmas decorations? The classic Christmas tree within the living room, glistening chain lights outdoors, and stockings hung by the fireplace all provide your home a festive atmosphere. However there’s a single region of the home which usually gets forgotten: the windows. Windows are usually ignored regions to embellish for the festive season, however you can find hundreds of ways you can maximize the interior and exterior appearance of your home by adoring your windows using seasonal decor. The cheerful window display pulls attention coming from passersby and welcomes family and friends as they get into your home. Taking a look at your particular window type, no matter whether a sash window, a casement window or an entrance door, is a great way to enlist window decoration ideas for the holiday seasons which makes the most of your home’s architectural design. Listed below are 8 ideas for decorating your timber windows during Christmas.

1. Lighting

Lighting - 8 Ways to Decorate Your Timber Windows at Christmas

Curtain lights put in a magical shine into your timber windows. Icicle lights are likewise beautifully suitable for window displays. Hang up star- or snowflake-shaped lighting to get a very festive appearance. You may also just outline the window frame using classic string lights for a quick, easy decoration. Find out what you are looking for in white or various colored lights.

2. Paper Snowflakes

Would like to make the kids involved? Invest a snowy Sunday afternoon flipping construction paper and clipping out snowflake designs. You may also glue on glitter or sequins for additional twinkle. Stick the completed item to the glass using double-sided tape or suspend the snowflakes through yarn connected to the top part of the window.

3. Evergreen Wreaths, Garlands & Bows

Evergreen Wreaths, Garlands & Bows - 8 Ways to Decorate Your Timber Windows at Christmas

To have an old classic country Christmas ambiance, decorate your timber windows making use of seasonal greenery. You could hang up an evergreen wreath down the center of the window or suspend a faux holly garland all around the top. You may also display pine cones or twigs you have collected during your nature walks. No matter what you choose, vibrant red bows are a nice way to complete the appearance.

4. Christmas Stencils

Purchase stencils or come up with your own depicting classic Christmas items, like snowflakes, pine trees, reindeer, as well as Santa’s sleigh. Put the stencil in the window and spew it with “snow frost” to produce temporary, powdery white pictures in the glass.

5. Christmas Candle Lights

Christmas Candle Lights - 8 Ways to Decorate Your Timber Windows at Christmas

Searching for a stylish, subtle look? Put candles of numerous shapes and sizes in the windowsill. Their flickering light at night will generate an inviting look both outside and inside your house. For fire safety as well as simplicity of use, think about using battery-operated LED candles along with built-in timers.

6. Hanging Baubles

Hang up decorations, mistletoe, pinecones, miniature stockings, or some other Christmas baubles around the window. Simply just connect them to strings attached into the window frame. For the most eye appealing presentation, space the baubles equally apart and hang them up from various lengths of string.

7. Window Clings

Window Clings - 8 Ways to Decorate Your Timber Windows at Christmas

You may use these rubbery, tacky decorations every year. Just peel them off the plastic page they come on and adhere them to the interior of your window. The reversible style implies you may enjoy them from each side of the glass.

8. Santa's Village

In the event that you've got a broad sill or window seat, fill up the area using a miniature Santa’s village. To start with, cover the windowsill using cotton “snow.” After that, put ceramic trees, people, and light-filled structures all around the snow. Finish the look using fairy lights dangling from the window frame to illustrate the starry night sky above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5 Things to Consider When Selecting A Replacement Window

5 Things to Consider When Selecting A Replacement Window

Choosing the right windows for your home is an important decision. Windows let in light and the impressions of the outside into your home.

They are also how you present yourself and your house to the world. When it comes to finding the best replacement window brands, you want to make the right choice.

Here are five things to consider when choosing replacement windows for your home.

1. Figure out Your Personal Preferences

The first thing you need to consider when buying house windows is your personal preference.

This may seem obvious at first blush, but it’s important to decide on an aesthetic preference that suits your tastes and complements your home. There are numerous architectural and design styles to choose from, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs.

Another great thing about choosing replacement windows is that it affords you an opportunity to get creative. For instance, the type of window you choose can affect the ventilation and lighting situation in your home, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.

If you’re looking for more natural light, larger windows might be the better option. On the other hand, if you wish to limit the amount of incoming light, look for smaller or tinted windows.

Consider energy savings as well. If you’re in the more northerly climes, lots of natural lighting can save on winter heating bills; conversely, less natural lighting can save on cooling costs in hotter climates.

2. Check Your Foundation

Personal-Preferences-5-Things-to-Consider-When-Selecting-A-Replacement-Window

It’s probably a good idea to have your foundation professionally inspected before installing replacement windows.

This goes to the heart of why you need to replace your windows in the first place. If there’s cracking or misalignment issues with your windows, it could be a sign of foundation problems.

You want to get this taken care of before you go to all the expense of replacing your windows.

3. Choose the Right Window Style

Choose the Right Window Style - 5 Things to Consider When Selecting A Replacement Window

Now it’s time to choose a style.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of different styles to select from. Obviously, the best type of replacement windows for your home will depend entirely on your home’s architecture, as well as your personal taste. But there’s a lot of leeway within those parameters.

The method of opening sliding windows is perfect for minimizing the space that might be taken up by other types of window styles. At the same time, you retain all the ventilation and lighting benefits of the other types.

4. Choose the Right Frame Material

Choose the Right Frame Material - 5 Things to Consider When Selecting A Replacement Window

Now that you’ve got your style nailed down, it’s time to give some thought to what kind of material you want the window frames to be made of.

There are many different factors to consider for each type of material, so choose wisely. Wood is the most aesthetically pleasing, but it requires arduous upkeep throughout the lifetime of the window.

Vinyl has the longest lifetime and requires the least amount of maintenance. Aluminum, on the other hand, has the shortest lifespan-only about fifteen years.

5. Decide on the Right Type of Glass

When deciding what to look for in replacement windows, don’t overlook the kind of glass used in the windows. And really, this is one of the most important considerations.

The better the quality of the glass, the more energy-efficient the windows are. The best replacement window brands will come in dual- and triple-pane varieties, and increase window thermal efficiency by filling the spaces between the panes with noble gases like argon or krypton.

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8 Questions to Ask Your Window Installation Company

8 Questions to Ask Your Window Installation Company

If you decide to replace your windows, your biggest concern might be choosing the right type of windows from a high-quality brand. However, the window installation company you hire is equally important. After all, a high-performance window can only achieve its potential if installed correctly.

To make sure your window installation experience goes as planned, ask these eight questions of any company you’re considering for the job.

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

Window Installation Company - 8 Questions to Ask Your Window Installation Company

While startup companies may be trustworthy, are you willing to be a window installer’s guinea pig? You’re much better off choosing a company with decades of experience. Not only does this ensure knowledgeability, but it also means the company consistently satisfies customers, a necessity for staying in business long-term.

2. ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?

Window installers are required to receive a license from the state to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest safety tips and best practices. Then, insurance removes liability from you if a worker is injured while installing your windows. Never work with a window installation company that isn’t licensed and insured.

3. WHAT CREDENTIALS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS DO YOU HAVE?

Only reputable companies earn awards and gain acceptance into local and national associations. These credential and accomplishments indicate that you’ve found a trustworthy company to install your windows.

4. WHAT WINDOW BRANDS DO YOU CARRY?

Installers that only sell their brand are more likely to use hard selling tactics with a stronger emphasis on meeting quotas than satisfying customers. A nonproprietary window installer is different. This type of company offers products from a wide variety of brands to ensure customers find exactly what they’re looking for. Enjoy a vast array of options and virtually zero chance of buyer’s remorse by selecting a window installation company that offers multiple brands.

5. DO YOU HAVE A SHOWROOM?

Window Installation Showroom - 8 Questions to Ask Your Window Installation Company

Searching the internet for window replacement options is a good place to start, but nothing compares to seeing the real thing in person. A showroom is your chance to weigh wood vs. vinyl windows and sliders vs. double-hung windows by scrutinizing them up close. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask detailed questions of window professionals to help you feel confident in the final choice you make.

6. DO YOU PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE?

In the unlikely event that you detect window defects or need field service for another reason, you can simplify this process tremendously if your installer is also your warranty service provider. However, it’s not uncommon for window installation companies to balk at back-end field duties and push them off on the manufacturers, no matter how distantly they might be based. This is why it’s important to ask about warranty service before hiring a window installer for the job.

7. WHERE CAN I FIND REVIEWS OF YOUR COMPANY?

Window Company Review

The testimonials of past customers can predict the type of experience you’ll have if you hire a particular window installer. Check the company’s website for reviews as well as third-party sites like Yelp.com and Angie’s List. The installer you want to hire should also provide you with a list of references upon request.

8. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO I CAN VIEW?

It’s important to find a company capable of completing the type of project you have in mind, whether new construction, replacement, remodeling, or commercial in nature. Viewing a photo gallery is one of the best ways to pick out first-rate companies from the rest.

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Difficulty-in-Operation

6 Things Your Windows Are Trying to Tell You

Some homeowners have no idea how old their windows are. They may look OK from afar, but there might be some telltale signs that there are serious issues. Even if your windows aren’t that old, issues can arise at any time. Your windows are talking, so listen up. They're telling you they're stuck, suffering from moisture damage, or letting in outside air.

1. Condensation Forms Along The Bottom Or Corners Of The Glass

Condensation Forms Along The Bottom Or Corners Of The Glass

If you see condensation along the bottom or corners of the window glass, this tells you that your home is excessively humid. This indoor humidity issue can lead to mold or mildew growth as well as rotten windowsills. To create a balanced indoor atmosphere, you can open your windows for better ventilation or just invest in a dehumidifier.

2. Condensation between Panes of The Glass

Condensation between Panes of The Glass

Dual-pane windows typically have a sealed airspace between the panes, which is an insulating feature. If you see condensation inside the airspace, it means that the seals have failed and there is trapped moisture inside the window. Moisture gets trapped between the panes and condenses into droplets or turns foggy. If you notice a large area of damaged pane, you need to invest in replacement windows.

3. Condensation Forms In The Center Of The Glass, Inside The House

Condensation Forms In The Center Of The Glass, Inside The House

Your window is trying to tell you: You've probably got a gas leak. This can be a problem in double-pane, gas-filled windows. The gas, typically argon, leaks out from between the two panes or settles to the bottom of the window, causing the glass to bow inward. Once the gas leaks out, the window no longer provides good insulation, which is why the glass gets cold in the winter. Replacing the window is the only way to solve the problem, and the issue may be covered under a warranty.

4. Difficulty in Operation

Difficulty-in-Operation

This typically happens to wooden frames: that have swollen due to temperature changes. Carefully sanding them can help make panels slide easier, but too much could make the sash too loose when the wood shrinks back.

If you are replacing your windows, make sure you invest in composite window frames. In some cases, such as casement windows, this could be more of a hardware problem, typically the joints and cranks. If lubricants do not help, you should schedule for a replacement immediately.

5. Leaks around the Window

Leaks around the Window

Your window may not be closing as tight as it should if you find rainwater leaking around it. You should if the locks are working properly. If the leak is still apparent, you can check other components of your home. If a window is shut tight and water is still getting inside, and especially if the leak is happening near the top, then there's some bad news. The leak is probably not due to the window, instead, it's probably coming from somewhere else, such as the roof or siding, and the water is dripping down the wall and entering at the window.

6. Drafts

Drafts Window
Ice inside in the corner of a window in winter. Poor warm isolation concept.

If your windows are drafty, it’s time to check the weather stripping. If it’s seems to be loose or missing a chuck here and there, it’s going to let that cold (or hot) breeze in. This indicates poor window insulation, which can be resolved by replacing weatherstripping. If you still feel drafts after replacing your window’s caulking, you need to look for high-quality and durable replacement windows. Stopping the drafts should lower your energy bills and improve your comfort indoors.

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We provide information about window and door replacement and installation service, as well as  latest tips and updates on home improvement and product performance.

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  • 0808 258 1495
  • james@storyteller.co.za
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