Thursday 29 August 2013

5 Practical Tips to Maintain Your Doors and Windows


A major part of home maintenance includes taking care of doors and windows and checking for damage and repair work. Doors and windows are opened and closed regularly and are affected by weather conditions, so they need to be preserved for optimum performance and durability. Door and window material is the deciding factor for the type of maintenance and care that is needed as each type differs.

Proper care and maintenance can mean that your doors and windows will last for many years. There is a long list when it is about preservation techniques for doors and windows and includes fixing minor or major problems, cleaning, painting, and other related tasks. The process of maintenance includes the entire structure of the door and window and the hardware and locking systems. 

Source:Google


Regular Checks
The first step to maintaining and preserving doors and windows of your home is by conducting regular checks for any type of deterioration:
  • Locking mechanism and operating hardware
  • Peeling, blistering, chipping of paint
  • Soil and debris on window sills or door track
  • Window glass condition and loose putty around panes and signs of moisture
  • Weather stripping is sealed tight
  • Frames both internal and external
  • Examine trim, signs of warping, mildew or decay
Regular checking of doors and windows will ensure that they remain in good condition and last for years.

Cleaning
If you want your doors and windows to endure, regular cleaning is advised. Hardware can be cleaned using mild soap solutions and wiping with a soft cloth. Use a small brush to remove any blocked soil or debris and the window or door tracks, weep holes and sills should be free of any obstructive dirt. Following manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning is a safe bet as harsh cleaning solutions may damage doors and windows. Both exteriors and interiors of glass should be cleaned regularly as dirt should not be allowed to accumulate.

Doors have thresholds or tracks but they need to be cleaned by using methods that are prescribed according to the material that they are constructed from. If you are using mild soapy solutions make sure you dry thoroughly after all the scrubbing work. Never use strong cleaning liquids or sharp knives and pressure hoses to clean. Check Champion window reviews before choosing for one.

Condensation, Air Leaks and Insulation
Insulation checks and maintenance is of prime importance to protect your doors and windows from condensation and air leakage. Proper insulation can save expenses on your power bills and can increase the value of your home. Seal all your windows and doors tight to prevent condensation and replace faulty weather stripping which will serve as a moisture and heat barrier. Any chips or cracks in window frames should be sealed. Any gaps between the wall and window frame should be sealed with caulking. 

Take Care of the Hardware and Hinges
All moving parts of hardware, hinges, tracks and rollers should be kept in optimal condition so that they are easy to operate and last for years. Rollers can be adjusted, tracks can be vacuumed, and lock strike should be repaired if it does not work smoothly. The metal mechanism should be sprayed with light lubricants for smooth operation. Clean track wheels of sliding doors regularly and adjust sagging doors. Check and repair locking mechanism to prevent any burglary attempts and to ensure security of your property.

No Delays in Repair Work
Doors and windows can make a difference to the energy efficiency of your home and save costs in utility bills. Along with annual or bi-annual maintenance it is advisable to fix any damage without delays. This is essential as air or heat leakage can send your power usage soaring and increase your household expenses a great deal. If the windows or doors have serious damage, consider investing in energy rated and efficient replacement doors and windows to get the best out of your investment and up your property value.

Monday 12 August 2013

How to Buy Replacement Windows: 5 tips you must know

Before you buy replacement windows there are several important aspects that you need to keep in mind that will help you make the right decisions. Shopping for new windows is not simple. Consider the reasons for buying, educate yourself about windows, and don’t get fooled with sales pitch or rush to get ripped off by special deals. The bottom line is that your new windows should match your home’s architecture and your budget and should increase property value. The new look to your home is something you should not regret should refresh its appearance and bring lasting value.

Know About the Benefits
Replacement windows should be considered if your windows are not energy efficient and show signs of condensation, foggy glass and rotting. The benefits of new windows are many and among them are:
  • Lower energy consumption and costs
  • Better construction materials and designs
  • Installation is easy and quick
  • More choice in styles and material
  • Easy to maintain
  • Brings in light without fading furnishings and protects from air leaks and UV rays and reduction in noise levels
  • Increases value of property
Learn About Design, Styles and Construction
Homeowners should be well informed about replacement windows before setting out to buy them. It is a prime investment and should last for many years so get educated on every detail of the windows. Among the factors to consider are:
  • Window construction: This includes size, frames, glass, gas fills, coatings, hardware and operating mechanisms.
  • Materials: Windows are available in vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass.
  • Designs: The choices are many and include picture, slider, fixed, double-hung, casement, awning, and bay or bow windows among others.
  • Security features: Security features should be able to protect from storms and break-ins.

 Explore Your Options
When you are hundred percent sure that you need to change your windows rather than repair existing then it is time to find out about various window replacement companies and what is on offer. When you choose a window replacement company ensure that:
  • Get estimates from two or three well known companies and weigh the pros and cons
  • See BBB recommendations and get references from friends or family who have had window replacement done and are happy with the results
  • Don’t get conned by special offers and deals and beware of special pricing
  • Don’t get ripped off with sales talk about features of the glass or other aspects
  • Choosing reputed companies that manufacture and undertake installation of replacement windows and read consumer reviews about these windows
  • Go into the written details about warranties that are available and how they work
Energy Efficiency
New windows substitutes should be able to reduce energy consumption and cost and should include ENERGY STAR® ratings and other features that contribute to energy efficiency. Learn all about energy efficiency for the window design you have chosen before you buy. Your huge investment should enable you to get value for money and save energy costs up to 20 to 30 percent.

Take Your Time
Your windows are a lifetime investment so take your time to decide and don’t get pressured into making a wrong decision in a hurry. Smart choices mean you will get comfort and peace of mind and avoid errors in judgment of the type of window that works for your home best. It is advisable to get receipts and pay in installments. Reputable contractors will never ask for complete payment till the work is completed.


Replacement windows will give your home a new lease of life and save money if chosen well. Finally it is about value for money and comfort and this depends on attractiveness, operating mechanisms, warranties, glass and material and after sales services. Choose top rated window replacement companies to get optimum benefits and don't forget to check Champion Windows Reviews before choosing replacement windows from Champion Window.
 

Sunday 11 August 2013

Importance of Energy-Efficient Windows

If you are a homeowner it’s important to understand your windows and how the value of your home is affected by windows. It is not enough for your windows to look beautiful, elegant, and let in lot of light. Do your windows increase or reduce your heating and cooling bills? Energy efficient windows are crucial to increasing comfort levels and substantially reducing energy consumption bills.

If the current windows of your home are not energy efficient, it is time to reconsider altering or replacement windows. You cannot ignore the windows of your home especially if there are air leaks and your family experiences discomfort during the warm and cold seasons. Energy-efficient windows have many benefits and are a worthwhile investment for your home.
 
 

What are Energy-efficient Windows? 
Saving energy is among the prime goals of the federal government for the overall good of the nation’s energy resources. Energy efficient windows are specially constructed incorporating treatments that help in reducing lighting and cooling related costs. These windows include sturdy frames, multiple panes with gas or air filled in the gap and glass that has special coatings that help in insulation.

Air leakages of traditional older windows can increase your utility bills significantly. Today’s window technology has undergone impressive changes for the better and includes many benefits for homeowners. These windows have ratings based on insulating capacity which include resistance to heat and sealing against air flow among other factors. Some energy saving windows are built with special coatings that reflects heat indoors during colder weather and outside during warmer seasons. This helps in improving the comfort levels inside the house in keeping with the climatic conditions.  

Benefits and Advantages 
If you decide on energy efficient replacement windows the first benefit is that your home will be snug during freezing temperatures in winter and cool and sheltered during the warmer months. Specially treated glass ensures that your home will not be subject to cold drafts because the windows have weather stripping that seals it tightly.

During the hotter months replacement windows with top quality energy efficient ratings will reduce the direct impact of ultra violet rays of the sun. This results in cooler environment indoors. Though constructed with multiple panes of glass, these windows will not obstruct views.

Lesser Condensation 
Another advantage of energy efficient windows is that less condensation takes place around the edges of the glass due to the specialized construction. This means lesser chances of rot mould and paint deterioration. The window glass and frames are designed to reduce condensation to a great degree as they are sealed tight. Windows with air leakage protection can significantly lower power consumption bills and increase the property value of your home.

Variety of Choices 
Another advantage is that energy saving windows is available in extensive designs to suit your home architectural style and interior décor. You don’t have to stick to one style. You can choose decorative glass, large sized glass, or tinted panes, depending on your individual preference. Energy saving windows can have frames in vinyl, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass or combine two types of materials. These windows limit radiation and your furnishings won’t fade due to the specially treated and paned glass.

Call the Professionals 
When you decide on investing in energy saving replacement windows it is important to get highly experienced professionals from companies that manufacture and replace windows. Even top quality windows will not work efficiently if the installation is not done with expertise and skill.Check Champion Windows reviews and choose your Energy Efficient windows from the same.

Energy efficient windows can not only save your money but be your contribution to reducing global warming and reducing the nation’s power consumption.