New Building or Home? Tips for Quality Window Installation

Window installation is always a big topic for any project. New windows, replacement windows, or even just window screens are costly investments often overlooked in the design process. You can avoid the headaches and excessive costs caused by poor-quality window installation by following these tips from experts.

1. Check out the Company

Typically, there is no need to be concerned about a reputable window installation company, but it never hurts to check them out. Most contractors are very proud of their work and will have numerous references. Don't hesitate for even a moment to call those references and ask about their experience working with the contractor. Take note of any complaints, compliments, or neutral comments in particular. If a contractor has been around for many years, chances are that they have a solid reputation and excellent quality standards.

2. Do Your Homework

Ensure the contractor has an excellent business history before committing to any work. Look on the Better Business Bureau's website (BBB) and check out the contractor's company description. Also, many contractors have websites or Facebook pages where they can answer any questions you might have. You will want to know all of the work the contractor has completed so that you can get a feel for how they do things. Another great way to get this information is to look for reviews on the BBB website.

3. Look for High-Quality Materials

The materials used in window screens, sashes, and frames should be of the highest quality. You want a contractor that uses materials that will outlast the windows they are being installed on. Before signing any contracts, be sure you understand the quality of the materials being used.

4. Get a Guarantee

Any good contractor should be able to offer a reasonable guarantee on their work. You will want to know that any problems with the new windows or installation can be addressed quickly and correctly. The contractor should also be able to effectively communicate how and why a warranty should expire and what steps need to be taken for proper maintenance. This will not only help avoid potential headaches but will also protect you and the contractor.

5. Check on the Quality of the Contractor's Work

Check out the contractor's work quality on your new windows and doors. You want to ensure that you can continue relying on your contractor to install quality windows for years to come. Make sure you are satisfied with all aspects of the installation, including how the windows were accented and whether or not the tracks were installed properly.

Conclusion

These tips for a quality window installation will help ensure you get the windows you want at a reasonable price. A good contractor should be able to offer you a wide variety of windows from which to choose, as well as custom options that are not available through traditional manufacturers. In addition, they should be able to offer top-of-the-line materials and workmanship in every aspect of their business.

Benefits of Replacing Your Home's Windows

Replacing your home’s windows can be a daunting task. It might seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but there are many benefits to replacing your windows that make it worth considering. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should replace the windows in your home. 

Improved Energy Efficiency

Replacing your windows can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home. This is especially true if you have older, single-paned windows. By investing in double- or triple-paned windows, you can significantly reduce heat loss and help keep your home more comfortable year round. Not only will this save you money on heating and cooling costs, but it also helps protect the environment by reducing energy consumption. 

Noise Reduction 

If you live in an area with a lot of traffic noise or other loud sounds, then window replacement can help reduce the amount of noise that enters your home. Newer, better insulated windows will block out much of the outside noise pollution, helping create a quieter and more peaceful living space for you and your family. 

Increased Home Value 

Replacing your windows can also add value to your home if you decide to sell it in the future. Newer, more efficient windows show prospective buyers that they won’t have to worry about noisy neighbors or high heating bills once they move in. Plus, newer windows often come with stylish features like decorative glass and frames that can enhance the overall look of your home’s exterior. 

Replacing the windows in your home is not only a great way to save money on energy bills, but it also adds value to your house and reduces outside noise pollution. Investing in new windows may seem like a big expense now, but it will pay off in the long run when you start saving money on energy bills and enjoy a quieter living space. If you’re thinking about replacing your home’s old windows, research what options are available so that you get the most bang for your buck.

Types of Blinds and Which Is Best for You

We partnered with a window company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

It can be difficult finding the right window blinds that match your decor while also providing you with adequate privacy and shade. They are one window treatment that comes in various styles and sizes, so it can hard to know which one is best for your window. As such, the following list should help you to understand the differences between the different types of window blinds:

Venetian Blinds

These are the typical horizontal blinds that many picture immediately when talking about these window treatments in general. They are the most popular type of blinds and are usually crafted from plastic, metal, and even wood and fabric. They have slats that can be easily tilted to control how much light you want to let in and you can pull them up or down using an attached string.

Mini Blinds

These are micro forms of traditional Venetian blinds that are typically made from aluminum slats. These slats are usually only a half of an inch wide, so more light is able to filter through. They also tend to be on the more affordable side.

Cordless Blinds

These are Venetian blinds that don’t come with an extraneous cord which may pose a choking hazard to pets and small children. Going cordless also gives your window a cleaner, more put-together look.

Honeycomb Blinds

These are hybrids between shades and blinds and are truly the best of both worlds. They get their moniker because they appear like honeycombs from their side view.

These window treatments look louvered like blinds, but they pull down like the pleated shades they really are. They are usually manufactured from polyester fibers. And, though they lack slats that you can tilt to allow light in, their solidified front can insulate a room, allowing it to become more energy efficient.

Vertical Blinds

These are simply blinds with vertical slats instead of horizontal ones. It is similar to what you’d see from a company that provides window shutter installation for Franklin homeowners. They hang up and down rather than left to right. Though they are not common, they work well for oddly-shaped and larger windows. They can be made from PVC, fabric, or decorative wood.

Panel Blinds

These are wide fabric panels that hang vertically from a track placed above the window. These tracks can be tricky to hang, so you may need help. Ask your local blind retailer if they offer window blind installation along with the product.

You may see these commonly used on large sliding glass doors, such as those that open up to a porch or patio. They block the sun well enough to cover a large area and still be considered room-darkening.

In conclusion, there are so many types of blinds out there that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, if you do your research, you are sure to gain a better understanding of what each type is designed to accomplish.

Do You Have Cracked Windows? How to Get Them Replaced

When you find yourself dealing with cracked or damaged windows, you may be tempted to ameliorate the problem rather than replace the windows altogether. The wise move is to weigh the pros and cons. For a host of reasons, the best move is to have the windows replaced, and you will learn how to do that here.

Fracture to the Infrastructure

An argument could be made to justify living with cracked windows in your home, but it would not be a winning one. Windows, doors or any void in the building envelope present a challenge to maintaining the indoor air climate. Any fissure interferes with the best control of airflow, especially with the HVAC system’s operation. You could be faced with higher energy costs; exposure to external factors, such as humidity, moisture, rain, cyclones, dust, dirt and vermin, and you risk the attractive nuisance a crack represents. Keep your home clean, safe and secure by replacing cracked windows.

Assess the Damage

You are better off replacing a window when a crack is small. Left to its own devices, it can turn into an emergency repair due to the vulnerability of cracked glass. In the brief interim, you can cover the crack with masking tape to help stabilize the glass, but then, there goes your view. It is wise to avert any traffic near a cracked window to avoid the risk of physical injury or the potential for legal exposure. You can also clean the surface of the glass and perhaps apply superglue around the crack. Warning: These are stopgap measures that should only be used when a crack is still small. Significant damage needs the urgent attention of window replacement.

Window Glass Replacement

Typically, you can have a professional glazier assess the extent of the damage. If only the glass is damaged, you possibly only need window glass replacement, which involves measuring the pane, then cutting and fitting the glass to the exact dimensions of your existing window frame. If the frame is defective or damaged, you could require more extensive work, such as replacing the entire window unit. Whether it is single- or double-hung windows, fixed-pane, bay or bi-fold windows, a glass repair specialist is prepared to handle the job and take the stress off you.

Rely on a Professional

Find an accredited, qualified local glazier who is recognized by the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA). A reliable, experienced glazier can ensure that your window replacement is glazed according to Australian Standards. Relying on a professional to perform the necessary window replacement not only provides a sense of safety and limited exposure to litigation by reducing the chances of further damage or injury, but you will also have an installation warranty. Further, properly installed windows that meet regulations have a positive impact on the overall property value.

In conclusion, take those minor cracks seriously. Inquire with your local professional glazier for an assessment and a quote for the necessary work. Well-versed in all aspects of glass, regardless of the job, you can restore the profile of your home to good as new with help from the pros.