Category: Heatkeeper - page 3

The Convenience of Blinds Between the Glass

The housing market is crazy right now. There are thousands of houses available and many first time home buyers scooping them up. It is the perfect time to purchase. When you start looking into a new home purchase you find yourself checking out a few basic qualities to determine if the house is right for you. We often check for bigger ticket items like the roof and the heating system. New windows are always a bonus especially if they are windows with blinds between the glass. How many times though to you walk into your dream home and see windows that are desirable? Not many.
That is not a problem anymore. With recent energy saving tax credits replacement windows are not such a drawback when considering the purchase of a new home. It is easier and less expensive than ever to purchase quality replacement windows. Many companies, such as Pella, offer windows with blinds between the glass which in my opinion save you money in the long run. Plus it saves extra money in the long run for you aren’t constantly replacing mini-blinds that break or curtain that become outdated.
Not only do companies now offer blinds between to glass they offer different options for home owners to choose from. Roller shades and decorative panels have also become popular lately. Decorative panels are a great option in bathrooms where you want light to flow through but are in need of privacy. Roller shades are convenient in bedrooms where maximum light control is optimal.
The great feature about all between the glass options is their ease of use, ease of cleaning and elegant look. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the kids and pets can’t get their stick little fingers and sharp teeth on them so it save the hassle of replacing window treatments. That is a huge bonus because window treatment shopping is expensive and a lot of laborious work to get them installed correctly.
The blinds between the glass are very simple to use. The cords are all encased and it is a simple pull and twist motion to have them open and tilt. Cleaning them is also a breeze. It is very infrequent in need but when it does need to be done it is very simple. All that is involved is unlatching the glass panel allowing it to swing freely and vacuum the blind, shade or decorative panel with the upholstery attachment on the vacuum cleaner. Not to mention the overall elegant look they give to your home. It allows certain open feel to a room that heavy curtains or blinds on the outside don’t.
When looking into a new home purchase and weighing the pros and cons of different homes don’t let having to purchase replacement windows be the deciding factor. With the options available and the credits that are available having windows, especially windows with blinds between the glass, installed is more affordable than ever.

Options For Between the Glass Features

Many people when looking into replacement windows are looking into the windows with blinds between the glass. I have heard on more than one occasion someone mention that they were nervous about the cleaning and maintenance of the windows between the glass drapery options. I did a little research on the Pella window website because I am also interested and I found out that it is not much more work than regular windows but that it is less frequent.
There are three different types of snap-in between the glass window options. They include raise and lower Slimshade blinds, fabric shades and decorative panels. The first step in the cleaning process is locating the hinges for the glass panel. They are located on the top and bottom interior casement of the window. You need to release the latches by sliding them up or down the channel until you hear or feel them release. Then you will pull the perimeter of the frame and this will open to the panel. So far I am impressed. I like that I do not have to remove the glass panel completely. I would be so afraid of someone falling into it if I needed to place it on the ground.
The panels are very easy to care for. The windows with blinds between the glass need to be in the open position. Next you can remove any dust build up if there is any with a vacuum cleaner curtain attachment. If you see any smudges or dirt you may use a warm cloth to wipe away the dirt. However if a major cleaning needs to done, which really shouldn’t because the blinds are so well encased, take a tray of warm water and mild soap and dip the blinds in. You can then rinse them with clean water and air dry them before placing them back in.
Windows with fabric shades between the glass can be cleaned using the vacuum and drapery attachment. It is important that if you need to use cleaner on the shades that you choose a product that has a non ammonia base. Ammonia will damage the fabric. In order to keep the between the glass fabric shades from fraying check them over after each cleaning. You will want to use fabric repair glue if you see that any fraying has begun on you fabric inserts.
It is important that when cleaning the decorative window panel options for your window to pick a day that is cool and dry. If the temperature is high or the hot sun is out wait to clean them. You will want to dust the dirt off with a soft sponge that has been placed in a mild soap and water mixture. You will want to thoroughly rinse with clean water and carefully blot them dry with soft clean towels. It is important that you never rub the panels for they are easily scratched. It is also important not to use a scraper or squeegee. Another tip is to never leave the panels soaking or never power wash them. It will ruin the panels.
I am starting to love the idea of having windows with blinds between the glass. I love the idea if I ever tire of the blinds I can switch them out and replace them with shades or decorative panels. The feature allows a lot of variety and can be changed depending on your mood, the season or the ever changing décor of a room.

Windows and Doors: Perfect Placement

Building a house and making it your home is one of the biggest goals of many families. It is a dream to be the first person to live in the space and to be able to make each decision about the design your own. In designing your home it is easy to overlook things like the placement of light switches or plugs. In the end however it will matter when running the vacuum, plugging in nightlights, running Christmas lights. It is so important to make each element count. That includes the placement of windows and doors.

Windows and doors have to be placed correctly for your home design to flow naturally. It is important to take their placement into consideration in each room. Think about how the furniture will be placed before you establish where the entry door will be. The same thing should be taken into consideration with windows with the size and shape. I always have disliked the windows in our bedroom because they are placed in such a way that our bed has to stay on one wall. If we move the bed anywhere else it would be placed underneath a window and that does not work for our family.

It is also important in thinking about the air flow in your home. Windows and doors let the air circulate through your home. That is one thing I really like about our homes design. We have two door walls, one in the kitchen and one in the living room. We also have French doors directly across from the door wall in the living room. I hardly ever run the air in the summer because the breeze flows through the house. We have a ceiling fan that also helps keep the air moving to create an environment without stale air.

A room was added within the original space of our home before we moved in. This created a very unbalanced room. We use this as a sitting area. The problem is that the windows are now not centered on the wall. The addition wall actually butts directly up to the one of the windows. It is odd for many reasons. The window treatments have to be those in which are put directly in the window casing. It is also weird for air to flow because it comes in that window and meets with a wall. It really has no balance at all. If I were there when they were designing this added room I would have suggested that they further bring the wall into our sitting area and make the room addition larger and include two windows instead of just the one.

It is personal preference when design your dream home. The placement of windows and doors is one in which great thought and common sense should be brought in. Spare no detail. If you spare any detail, small or large, it will end up being the one thing that continues to plague you after you are settling into your new home. My girlfriend did not put too much thought into outlets and now will forever be plagued with a light switch that should be in the mud room before you enter the home but that lives in the kitchen. You need to open the door from the mud room to the kitchen before you can flip a light on to take off your shoes. It happens to all of us.

Replacement Windows: Adding Value to your Home

Replacement windows are something that will enhance your home’s value. When shopping for replacement windows you will want to put great thought into the purchase. The choices of what is available to home owners today are a bit overwhelming. You will need to consider your budget, the style and personality of your home, maintenance and energy efficiency.

When considering replacement windows for your home take a look at what is already in existence in your home. Do you like the style? Does it fit the character of your home? Are you installing replacement windows only because you are looking for something more efficient? If that sounds like you consider using the same windows you already have in place. It will be the most cost effective alternative. You will be able to use the existing space without much need for any new construction. The size of the window frame will stay the same you are just replacing jams that are worn out or not sealing correctly and improving efficiency with replacement windows that are upgraded.

When you are choosing windows consider the ventilation in the room. Are you happy with the current airflow or are you looking to expand the window opening for better circulation of the air. You might even consider adding windows where there are none now. Not only ventilation is important when it comes to the size of the window but also light. Do you want the room to be flooded with natural light? Different types of windows have different amounts of glass that is open. With any choice you will want to consider these different factors.

It is also important to decide on how accessible you want the windows to be to open them. For instance sliders are often more accommodating to people who like the ease of just moving the window back and forth. Whereas with double hung you need to have a bit of strength to push them up or pull them down.

Another thing to consider is if the room needs something to make it pop. This is often when people will add bay windows to the mix. These windows make an excellent addition to any room. They often add dimension and give way for extra seating or space for extra knick knacks.

Another thing to take into consideration when purchasing replacement windows is the thickness of the glass. Are you interested in double or triple pane? You will need to make certain arrangements in the window frames construction to provide ample support for the extra weight of the glass.

As you can see there is so much to consider in replacing the windows in your home. It is not a purchase to take lightly. Take time to make this purchase. Many contractors provide free estimates so make sure to book at least three appointments with different window providers in your area. Get their opinions on style and cost. This is a great way to compare what is out their without spending an overwhelming amount of time on research.

Windows and Blinds or Windows with Curtains: What Will You Decide?

What is one of the first things you think of when buying your own home? Furnishing it of course! Picking out the colors on the walls, the furniture for the rooms, the patio set it is all a lot of work but fun all at the same time. One thing that often gets thought of last is the window treatments. People assume that the house comes with these items but what is forgotten is the fact that the previous homeowners style of window treatment won’t often mesh with what you have going on with your home furnishings.

Picking out window treatments might be one of the harder tasks in home ownership. You will need to decide if you like windows and blinds, windows with curtains or windows with both. Each option has advantages to it. It is your decision as the homeowner to figure out what density of light the room should have, what the purpose of the window treatments is, what look you are attempting to create. These are each important in determining what window treatment each room in your home will have.

Windows and blinds are the most common choice in spaces such as bathrooms. Blinds are easy to use when it comes to manipulating the amount of light and privacy you need. For instance if you are about to shower you would pull the shades and eliminate the open window. Depending on if you like dim light or bright light you can tilt the actual blind to conform to your desire. Blinds are incredibly durable. You can purchase blinds that are plastic or faux wood and they will survive the moisture that accumulates in this type of space. Then when you are done you can let the light into your room by opening the blind.

Windows and curtains are a good choice in kitchens, dining rooms, and living room spaces. You can change the thickness of the fabric you use for your curtains and this will let you play with the amount of light you have in your space. I personally love light in a kitchen so I use only a window valance which leaves ¾ of the window open for light to flow in. In my living room I use a shear inner curtain with a heavier fabric curtain on the outside. This lets the light in through the sheer curtain but when I am ready for total serenity I close the thicker curtains for the ultimate privacy. The dining room is one area where I use a sheer curtain so that the light from the outside can come in but privacy is also regarded. Who wants to be eating a meal with their family only to have people driving by gaze in or cars passing by distracting the conversation?

The combination of both windows and blinds with curtains is ideal for bedroom areas. It is ideal for creating a very dark nighttime setting that also blocks the noises form outside. Blinds serve the purpose of controlling the light and help in creating another barrier in between the elements that can keep us awake whether it is light or noise pollution. Curtains help to add that extra warm, comfortable feel we are looking for in a setting such as a bedroom. I love feeling tired in my room at night when I draw the blinds and curtains but energized when I retract the blinds and curtains in the morning to let the light shine in.

There are many things to think about in window treatments. Window treatments are one area that you have full freedom. You might even consider replacing the windows in your new home with the windows that have blinds between the glass. This option is new to replacement windows and eliminates the need to consider curtains or blinds.

Advantages to Window Pane Replacement

Do you live in a newer home that was built during the big boom in new construction? Are your window panes thin due to the builder cutting cost? Do you wish your windows had blinds between the glass? This is all possible with window pane replacement. Window pane replacement is becoming a popular option for buyers who have sound window frames but are looking for more energy efficient windows. There are several options available in window pane replacement to give you energy savings and curb appeal. Along with these savings people are looking into the conveniences of luxury features such as blinds encased between the panes of glass. Below is a look into the benefits gained from replacing window panes.

We know that single pane windows are not nearly as energy efficient as windows that are double or triple pane. Old windows lead to a loss of heat and higher energy costs. Consider adding extra window panes to improve your windows. Also gas-filled windows are popular and have been proven to lower energy bills and also help keep your homes temperature comfortable and consistent.

It is obvious that if a window pane is cracked or chipped that it is in need of replacement. If air is allowed to filter through the crack you are not minimizing your energy costs. What happens in these instances is that air is allowed to filter in through this direct entrance and exit to your home. In the winter the warm air will be sucked out and in the summer the opposite will occur. Another benefit of replacing window panes that have damage is cosmetic. It gives the appearance that you don’t take much pride in the up keep of your home.

Privacy is also an advantage of getting new window panes. Not only can you have blinds between the glass installed but now most panes of glass come with a reflective coating that helps increase privacy. Having blinds between the glass not only helps with privacy they ease your life. No more cleaning blinds. No more pets and children destroying the cords or bending the blinds because it is all housed in the new window panes. They eliminate the maintenance involved in any type of window treatment and ease your life. Window pane replacement with blinds between the glass and filled with gas are the way to go for ease and energy efficiency.

Sometimes it is not economical or needed to replace an entire window to add value and savings to your home. Often window panes can be replaced adding energy savings and curb appeal. It is defiantly a more economical approach to updating your current windows with just as much benefit. Make sure this is an option you explore before purchasing replacement windows for your new home.

Replacement Window: An Easy Renovation

We are looking at purchasing a new home. There are so many things to consider in making this purchase. We love our current home and have installed replacement windows, siding and landscaping that we adore. The problem is that there just isn’t enough space for entertaining inside or out. It is becoming evident that we have outgrown our cozy home and that even with all the work that has gone into this investment we need to start looking for something with a lot more space. The good thing is that we have renovating experience and the market is fair for what we are looking at. All of those things are in our favor. We are also aware at how we can make certain renovations ourselves that others consider large deal busters.

In looking for a new home many potential buyers get caught up in new roofs, replacement windows and other purchases that they feel are deal breakers. We are fortunate to have the skills under our belt to tackle any home renovation project the new house will lead us too. If new home buyers took a second and looked into things such as replacement windows they would see just how easy it is to replace them. Now more than ever it has become one of the few home improvement project that people can look forward to. It will not be a deal breaker anymore after you review these handy steps in dealing with the purchase and installation of your new replacement windows.

First you will need to locate reputable replacement window dealers in your area. You will want to get quotes from at least three dealers. Compare the type of windows offered, the quality of the product, the ease of installation, available warranties and how satisfied previous consumers have been with the service provided. You will want to make sure that you premeasured all of the windows that you are interested in replacing and take your measurements in when you are speaking with the dealer.

When you are taking measurements you will want to measure your existing windows thoroughly. Make sure your measurements include the left jamb to the right jamb from the bottom, middle and top of the window. It should be the same but overtime windows often warp and shrink so measure everywhere to be safe. You will want to use the same technique to measure the height of the window from the inside jamb to the inside window sill. Make sure when you are ordering your windows that you specify that these are exact measurements.

The next step after you have ordered the new windows and received your replacement windows is to take off the old sash and remove the jamb liner from the existing windows. This should be done one window at a time so that if you run in to a window that needs extra installation time you don’t leave your home open to the elements.

From here you prep the existing window frame and the area for the new window. You will add a new jamb liner, spray in a low expansion foam insulation to seal the area within the wall if any gaps are present and caulk the opening for the window to be placed in. You will be installing your new windows before you know it.

The installation of the window involves placing the window and fastening it in loosely at first. You will want to shim around the window making sure that you have a completely level replacement window. If the window is not completely level you leave room for movement and air leaks. Once all the shims are in place and the window is completely level fasten all screws for permanent placement. That is it. You are done with your replacement window installation. Now all you need to do is caulk the inside frame and add a finish to the interior of the window. This finish can be paint or stain but you cannot leave your windows without any sealing touches. If you leave room for the window frame unsealed your replacement windows will have a shorter lifetime then if it had been sealed.

Congratulations you have just learned to replace a window. Now when you are staring at your dream home but see the windows could be replaced you won’t just walk away. Pull on some boots and a hard hat and get to work replacing them.

Windows with Blinds between the Glass: Getting your Renovations in Order

Deciding to renovate your home is a huge decision for most home owners. What renovations are going to give us the most bang for our buck? Is there any sort of order we should do renovations in? We worry that we are choosing universally accepted tiles and fixtures. We wonder if we should start with the ceilings, floors or walls. Renovating is different for all home owners and for all contractors there is a different set of guidelines. When renovating make sure that your contractor helps guide you through renovations and does not order you through steps. If you want you lay the tile before you choose wall color just to get a feel for the room then don’t let anything the contractor tells you detour you. If it makes sense to you then the renovations are being done correctly. Here is a guideline to follow when starting to plan for your homes renovations.

Outline your project
So many projects have been derailed because of poor outlining. When deciding to jump into renovations make sure you have a simple plan of attack. Sketch out what you hope the finished project will look like. Create a list of items that are must have, things you are willing to compromise on and absolute no’s. Get all of your ducks in a row with local and state permits. Decide what you want to hire out and what you would like to tackle on your own. Lastly, but most importantly make sure your funding is adequate for your project.

Outside in
When beginning any remodel project take a look at the outside projects first. Inspect the foundation of your project. If required make repairs to the home structurally before continuing with any renovations. It is also wise to make any changes in the roof lines before starting inside renovations. You will want to ensure that inside walls and joists are strong enough to withstand the prevailing projects. Windows are a big part of most remodeling jobs. Windows with blinds between the glass have become a popular renovation feature. Make sure you install all windows and repair and install siding before jumping to the interior.

Annihilate
You will want to demolish anything you are not saving when beginning the interior projects. This way you will not have to do demolition in the kitchen after you have finished the bedroom. Any and all demolition should take place prior to beginning the renovation process. In order to start the process you will want to rent rubbish containers to keep the mess of demolishing your home to a minimum. Be as careful as possible when removing any surfaces that you are unsure if they are covered by lead paint. During this phase of renovation it is best to not occupy your home. Demolish as much as possible if you will not be living in the house.

Construct
This is the point in your renovation project where you will want to be ready with the structural elements of your renovation. Whether you are knocking in walls or building them up it is a good time to begin those projects. If you are adding windows, such as the windows with blinds between the glass you will want to enlarge existing window frames. This will ensure that any new walls being built or taken down will still provide symmetry for your renovations. During the construct stage you will also want to add support beams to existing structures especially if you plan on adding weight to your structure.

Guts
Don’t forget about any new electrical, ducts and plumbing that needs to be run for your renovation project. With the walls exposed it will be much easier to put the guts of the systems into place. You also need to have the inspectors out while the walls are down. This will make any necessary repairs easier to fix.

Insulate and drywall
Now that you have all the guts in your walls it is time to add insulation and drywall. Insulation will progress rather quickly while the process of drywall may take up to a week. In order to achieve perfection and seamless wall surfaces it will take time.

Floors and finishing touches
After all the major construction is done and the walls are up it is time to install flooring. You will want to install flooring before the finishing touches on paint and moldings are put in. It is easy during flooring to bump into walls. You would not want brand new moldings and paint jobs to be destroyed by these preventable blemishes. Trust me it is easier and less expensive to cover the new flooring with drop clothes rather than redoing paint and molding.

Extensive renovations on your home take time and money. When beginning any major home improvement project plan ahead. You will need an extra stash of emergency money for the unexpected repairs that pop up along the way. No one plans for their pipes to leak but you never know what you will come across when you are in the annihilation phase. The best advice I could offer any one starting on a home renovation is to be patient and trust your gut.

Blinds between the Glass: Using Curtains to Add Flair to Blinds Between the Glass

Are you bored with your between the glass window treatments? Even with the plethora of between the glass treatments available curtains visually add something unique to the interior design of any room. Adding curtains to your room is one of the least expensive ways to add drama. Sure you can paint or add some wall paper for dimension but curtains are affordable and easy to switch out. If you aren’t pleased with your wall paper you are looking at weeks of peeling it off.

Adding personality to your rooms by adding curtains takes little to know interior design experience. Curtains are one of those items that can be added to any window even if the windows already have blinds between the glass. There are only a few decisions to make when installing curtains to your room; color, length, purpose, hardware and personal flair.

When deciding what type of curtains to add to your rooms make sure to measure the windows and furniture in the room before becoming too set on one type. For instance if you have a large bed frame with large nightstands but small windows you will want to place more emphasis on making the windows grand. When you measure for a small window that is in a room with large items you will want to look for hardware that can extend past the existing window frame. This will make the window appear larger and won’t allow the furniture to be the main focal point of the room any longer. With extra large windows if you want to down play them you will want to use simple window treatments to deemphasize their size.

Color, Print and Pattern
Colors are often used to describe our mood and the same exists with the mood of a room. Curtains can be one area where you use color to create an ambience. Neutral is always a good choice for walls because you can change the accessories to create the mood. If you choose a patterned wall paper or bold color to create a statement then let the walls stand as the room’s statement. Downplay the color, print and pattern of the curtains so that the room does not become overly busy. Whatever you choose when using curtains to decorate a room make sure it fits your style and taste. You are the one who has to love what you see when you enter the room.

Length
This is really important when placing emphasis in your interior design. Don’t think that just because you have short windows that are set higher off the ground you must use curtains that are short. If you want to add drama and flair you will want to emphasize the window. Use the windows natural light by using sheer curtains that go to the floor. Floor length curtains will always add a touch of class and flair. Short curtains tend to be great for kitchens and baths. These areas in your home can use curtains in a fun playful nature. Feel free to choose half curtains or only a valance where you aren’t concerned with privacy such as in the kitchen. If you have windows with the blinds between the glass privacy won’t be an issue anyhow. Windows that have the blinds encased within look wonderful with valances or even sheer curtains. It is all personal preference.

Function
Will the curtains you are installing serve a light control purpose? If so you will need to purchase room darkening curtains. This comes into play for bedrooms mostly. If you work nights and sleep days make sure you take this into account when planning for curtains in the bedroom.

Hardware
There are so many rods and hooks out there to jazz up your curtains. If you have a more neutral personal style then add the decorative touches in the rods and tiebacks. This is an inexpensive way to change the look of your curtains without going too extreme.

Personal Flair
When doing any kind of designing in your home this is the category to put ninety-five percent of your energy into. You will want to enjoy the space and the way it feels to you. Make sure when doing window treatments that they compliment who you are and what you want to say about yourself through your home. This is truly the most important piece in the puzzle of interior design.

Blinds between the Glass: Choices in Interior Design with Built-Ins

Windows with blinds between the glass are the latest rage in home design. They are a little bit more expensive than other replacement windows but when you add up the energy savings, savings on window treatments and time savings you are getting a true value. In doing research I have found that your options of window treatments for windows with blinds between the glass are not as limited as when the product was first developed. If you were turned off at the concept because you felt limited to mini-blinds or accordion shades then you will be excited at the following new options in replacement windows.

We will start with the basic snap in blind. You now have color choices that will let you match your interior without adding additional curtains to the windows. Shades come in many different colors so be sure to check with your manufacturer before settling on off white. You will be surprised at how accommodating the choices are. You can also custom order the windows for the décor in each of your rooms. The windows do not need to all be ordered with the same color. Another feature that many clients don’t realize with the new blinds is that they are easier than ever to snap in and out. If your rooms look changes so can your blinds. The other thing I just love about these built in shades is that they create a consistent look from room to room. Even if the colors are different the basic concept is the same and to some consumer this is a huge selling point.

Another feature between the glass windows are featuring is cellular shades with different fabrics available. The nice feature about this is that even if you are adding a splash of pizzazz to your room décor the curb appeal is kept uniform by the backing that is placed on the shade. The white or cream backing provides a neutral look to the windows. If you want your home to have a uniform look from the curb these fabric cellular shades can give you that while providing a custom look to the interior. Another great feature about cellular shades is that they are able to be opened from the top or bottom. This is important especially in houses where the floor level is equal to the street. To prevent people from being able to see in your home you can have the shades open from just the top.

This is probably my favorite new product available for windows with the between the glass feature, patterned panels. These are perfect for basements and bathrooms. You still have one hundred percent of the light while keeping one hundred percent of your privacy. When looking into windows with between the glass features check out the different panel design options. I am sure there is one that you will fall in love with.

Last, but not least, are grilles. This is my least favorite option but people like the decorative appeal they provide. Some people don’t realize this but you can use grilles and blinds together. This gives a dimensional look to your windows from the road without the hassle of cleaning separate squares like you would have to do if the grilles were on the outside of the window.

Hopefully you will find exactly what you are looking for in your replacement windows. Remember when shopping to do a price analysis that includes window treatment cost and I think you will agree that windows with built-ins and windows without are fairly close in cost. This is especially true once you take into consideration the cost of window treatments.