How to Upgrade Your Windows to Last Longer and Work Better

If you're a new homeowner or simply looking to make some home improvements, the windows are a perfect area to concentrate on. This is because windows that go unrepaired or don't hold enough protection can cost you in the long run. You want your windows to last you as long as possible while providing you with the most protection. The following includes a few ways you can begin to upgrade your windows to last longer and work better. 

Upgrade to Double-Pane

One of the ways that home builders reduce material cost is by installing cheap single-pane windows. Although they pass inspection, they don't offer the best protection and are much more likely to cause you problems in the short term, especially when it comes to energy conservation. Therefore, upgrading to double-pane windows is highly recommended if you wish to obtain further protection from the elements and have windows that are going to go the distance. 

Add Exterior Shutters

Sometimes it is not an improvement to the window itself that can make it last longer but an addition. That is why the first item on this list includes exterior shutters. Adding shutters to your windows provides you with a variety of benefits that include everything from protecting your windows during strong thunderstorms to shading them during those hot summer days where UV rays are blasting down onto your home. 

Sealing/Caulking

The number one way to ensure that your utility bill skyrockets is to neglect cracks on your windows. The best way to avoid this from occurring in the first place is to make sure that you are sealing your window at least once per year, preferably before the winter or summer months. You may choose to have special rubber material installed onto your window for a more uniform look but caulking it yourself with store-bought material is often just as effective. 

Add Interior Shutters

While exterior shutters are great for protecting your windows against storms, interior shutters, or blinds, are more useful in the day-to-day. Typically, people still want to be able to have natural lighting in their home without getting blinded by the sun’s glare directly through the glass. With interior shutters, you can have the best of both worlds by letting in just the right amount of sun for you without just leaving the window fully exposed. While this tip doesn’t necessarily make your window last longer, it does help it work better at providing natural lighting.

Although extremely important to the comfortability of your home, windows are often neglected by homeowners. That is why it is so important to ensure that they are being taken care of and upgraded every few years. By applying the tips listed above, you may be able to extend the life of your windows and even make them work better for you.

What Homeowners Should Know About Their Boiler

Does your home have a boiler? Although the old-fashioned boiler has fallen out of fashion in favor of natural gas or electric forced-air furnaces, many older homes still have boilers that are going strong. Despite its waning popularity, the boiler has many advantages, especially for larger homes and buildings. If your home uses a boiler for heat, here are four things you should know.

Boilers Are Efficient

A boiler may be an older method of heating, but that doesn't mean it's less efficient than modern furnaces. Boilers work by heating water and sending it up through pipes and radiators to keep your home warm. This method tends to lose less heat than a forced-air furnace when heating large or multi-story structures, making boilers a popular choice for heating apartment buildings.

Boilers Need Maintenance

A good boiler can last a long time, but boilers require more upkeep than a modern furnace. Regular cleaning is a must to keep dust and dirt from getting into the boiler and causing damage, and boilers must be descaled regularly to avoid mineral buildup. If something is wrong with your boiler, it's important to call a boiler repair professional immediately to prevent dangerous explosions and damaging leaks.

Water Level is Important

It takes a specific amount of water to keep your boiler working properly, and serious safety issues can arise when the water level drops too low. Monitor your boiler's water level, and call a professional to make adjustments when necessary. If your boiler has a built-in water gauge, test it periodically to make sure it's still functioning correctly.

Boilers Can Leak

Leaks are a common problem with boilers, but the good news is that they can be easily fixed by a professional. The important thing is to check your boiler frequently to make sure that it's not leaking. Gas leaks are especially dangerous, but water leaks can also result in explosions by dropping the water level too low or cause water damage to your home's basement.

While boilers have many advantages, they're not the right choice for every home. If you have a smaller home or live in a warmer climate, a boiler may be less efficient than a forced-air system. Boilers are also more difficult to control, which means that your house can easily become too hot or too cold for comfort. If your home has an ancient boiler, consider whether you want to keep it or upgrade to a newer type of system.

How To Personalize Your Office Space at Home

If you’ve been working from home over the past year, you know how mundane the workday can feel without an environment packed with coworkers and cool office gadgets. As offices open again, many employees will continue to work remotely. If you plan on staying home to work, there are still ways you can make your at-home experience more productive and unique. Discover how to personalize your office space at home.

Upgrade Your Chair

Before quarantine, many homes were lacking an ergonomic chair or two. If your home is without a comfortable work chair, it’s time to upgrade your seating arrangement.

Your new chair should support your posture and provide comfort for the full eight or nine hours of your workday. Chairs with neck and arm support have become popular for remote workers, too, as they promote good posture and relaxed neck and shoulders.

Customize Your PC

Did you know that you can customize your PC? That’s right—that big block of hardware that enables network connection is eligible for personalization.

PC component manufacturers release various PC parts in different colors, sizes, and designs to appeal to those trying to create a custom setup. Whether you prefer dark and sleek or a fun and vibrant vibe, you can design a custom PC that’s specific to your taste. Reviewing the basics of building your own PC will give you a strong foundation of knowledge that can get you started on the coolest DIY project ever.

Revamp Your Décor

If you consider your at-home workstation merely a spot to support your nine-to-five grind, you’re missing a valuable interior design opportunity. To personalize your office space at home, revamp the area with décor that speaks to your aesthetic and life outside of work.

Framed art pieces, fancy window drapes, colorful plant vases, and photos of family and friends—there are endless ways to upgrade your work area to feel more welcoming and individualized. If you need inspiration when designing your revamped workspace, consider how you decorated the rest of your home.

Incorporate Natural Lighting

Working in a space without any natural lighting can be a bit of a bummer and slightly disorienting, especially if it’s your everyday work spot. Reflect on various areas around the home that get a good amount of sunlight from the windows. If your current work-from-home setup doesn’t get any natural light, relocate it to a spot with a window that lets in a bit of nature.

How to Care for Your Home’s Metal Roof

There are plenty of reasons to invest in a metal roof for your home: not only do they resist many common causes of roof damage, but they’re also customizable and can suit your home’s unique look. However, though metal is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market, even it requires a bit of maintenance every now and then. So, if you’re serious about having one, you must know how to keep it performing properly. This is how to care for your home’s metal roof and look out for decay.

Keep the Panels Clean

Firstly, you need to keep your roof’s metal panels clean of debris and dirt. While they might not seem like an immediate threat, these items can inhibit proper drainage during storms: it traps water on the roof, which can speed up the rusting process. Because of this, you must make a habit of sweeping these objects away prior to rain showers.

Remove Rust and Repair

The next step to caring for your home’s metal roof is to scrape away any rust that formed on its surface and repair the afflicted areas. Even with your best efforts, rust can still find its way onto your metal roof. As such, if you take the time to inspect for rust, you can keep these materials strong and increase their longevity. Once you remove the rust, reach out to a professional contractor to promptly fix any damage.

Seal Any Gaps in the Material

If you happen to notice gaps in between your roof’s metal panels during your inspection, you’ll want to get these sealed as well. Sometimes, harsh weather can cause these metal sheets to shift, creating small holes where they should overlap. Leaving them alone can allow water and even insects into your attic—potentially resulting in expensive damage down the line. Because of this, getting these things taken care of now will ensure your home stays safe and more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket.

Update Its Appearance

Make sure to also do some standard upkeep with your metal roof’s appearance while you’re at it. Even though its durability is higher than other roofing types, maintaining a modern aesthetic can help retain your home’s overall value when you go to sell it. You can paint them any color you wish, or they can even take on the appearance of shingles with the proper techniques. So, don’t be afraid to make it something more fitting to your needs.