Month: April 2022
The Wonder World of Window Shutters
Add charm to your windows with shutters!
Adding window shutters to the exterior of your home adds an element of beauty to your home. They are pretty simple to build, affordable to buy, and provide a fresh look to your house. Whether you create them from scratch or buy them, window shutters have options and styles that suit any home. Not only to they look good, exterior shutters have many additional perks, like offering an extra layer of protection to your windows, keeping your home safe during storms.
Window shutters come in various designs and styles. So, before you start building or shopping for shutters, let us review all the options available in outdoor shutters for windows.
Louvered Shutters
Source: Louvered Shutters
Louvered shutters are one of the favorite styles among window shutters. They are built from even and overlapping slats lined up into a frame parted by a center guide rail that gives it a traditional look. The size of the slats can be chosen to suit your preference. When closed these slats block the light from entering the room while letting the air pass through, and when open they give your home’s exterior windows an attractive frame.
Raised Panel Shutters
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Source: Raised Panel Shutters
The raised panel shutters give an appealing look to the house. As their name implies, they have a raised panel in their structure, and they actually resemble a wooden door. When closed this design totally blocks the outer sunlight, which makes them an excellent pick for the summer season.
If you are a plant lover, raised panel shutters are ideal for you. Window boxes attached to a raised panel shutter give an authentic look to a Cape Cod or Colonial-style home.
Board and Batten Shutters
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Source: Board and Batten Shutters
Board and batten shutters are among the most versatile shutter styles that complement a traditional home exterior. They are built from several individual vertical boards linked together by shorter horizontal pieces of woods or battens. These battens are fixed on both sides and meet in the middle when the shutter is closed.
Even though the board and batten shutters’ design might appear pretty simple, these shutters are very durable.
Plantation Shutters
Source: U.S. Verticals Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a modern window covering offering privacy, sun protection, and style to your home. This style is preferred for its easy maintenance and superior look.
The crucial thing about these shutters is that the slats are flexible, which allows you to decide the amount of light entering your room. As the slats are adjustable, you can close them in stormy weather and also enjoy the fresh and energetic breeze of the morning. The slats are available in different materials. Plantation shutters are in high demand today, though you also see them on historic homes found in New Orleans and Key West.
Cut-Out Shutters
Source: Cut-out Shutters
One of the styles which became very popular in the 1920s is the cut-out shutters. They come with a cut-out design. The impressive characteristic of the cut-out designs is their flexible design. The cut-outs in these shutters are available in many different shapes so you can make a choice, according to your taste. Cut-out shutters are purely decorative; otherwise, they are just a plain shutter and not very functional.
Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are explicitly built to prevent the windows from breaking during a hurricane or other major weather event because of flying trash, violent winds, heavy rainfall or hail. They are usually built of a panel to guard the entire window. They can be made from various materials, including fabric, steel, aluminum, plywood, etc.
Scandinavian Shutters
Source: Scandinavian Shutter
Scandinavian shutters are beautiful, unique and rarely seen. These shutter designs somewhat resemble both cut-out shutters and board and batten shutters. Their structure is like board and batten shutters, which makes them long-lasting. However, their decorative elaborate designs make them like cut-out shutters. Scandinavian shutters are available in many cut-out designs and bright colors, which makes a unique decor element and can add personality to a home’s exterior.
Bahamas Shutters
Source: Bahamas Shutters
Bahamas shutters are identical to louvered shutters as they have similar slats that prevent the light and wind. Rather than connected to the joints at the sides, Bahama shutters are fixed at the top of the window. They are opened and closed by pushing them out and pulling them in, respectively.
These shutters are sturdy and close instantly, especially in case of powerful winds. Their durability and ease of use are why they are so often seen in tropical regions that face both the blazing sun as well as storms.
Installing Exterior Shutters
Adding shutters to your windows can boost the curb appeal of your house in no time. Window shutters not only look great, but they are also pretty straightforward to install. To begin installing exterior window shutters, start with gathering needed tools and materials.
- Window Shutters
- Screws
- Level
- Drill
- Ladder
- Paint for touch up
Remember: Additional tools and materials may be required as per your shutter style and window location.
Following are the steps for exterior shutter installation:
When choosing the shutters for your home, size matters. The wrong size shutters can ruin the look of your windows, so check the shutters visually against your home’s exterior before installing. Then carefully measure and mark for installation and install your shutters.
Follow these steps:
- Temporarily hold one shutter in the position where it is to be installed. Line it up next to your window and adjust it a bit where it seems the best.
- After holding the shutters in the precise position, mark the position of your screws from the screw holes of the shutter with a pen or pencil.
- NOTE: If your shutter does not contain the screw holes, remove it after marking the screw position and place it horizontally on a table or sawhorses. Now, use a drill and dig four or six holes on each side of the shutter as marked.
- Drill some pilot holes on the marked positions of the screw holes.
- Now put up the shutter with the screws this time but do not tighten them.
- With the help of a level, check the edge of the shutter and adjust the final position. Now, tighten the screws.
- NOTE: If the screws do not tighten down firmly, put some anchors or plugs to tighten them.
Repeat the process for the other shutter, and you’re done. Give yourself a pat on your back!
Additional Tips:
- Be careful while installing the shutters on heights with ladders.
- Wear a tool belt for your safety when you go up for work.
- Please ensure the shutters are secured properly because they need to stay in place during powerful winds and storms.
- For heavy shutters, use three-inch stainless-steel screws with a star driver head.
Window Treatment Measurement: Blinds, Shades and Curtains
Window curtains and blinds are multi-utility accessories. The general use of curtains, blinds or shades is to block the view for privacy and protection from sunlight, but due to the endless availability of beautiful options, they also contribute to the overall décor of the house. If you plan to purchase new curtains, blinds or shades, apart from choosing the color and material, it is critical to choose the right size – undersized curtains or blinds aren’t of any use and oversized ones wouldn’t look great either.
The first step in choosing any window covering is measuring your window for a good fit. Attractive window treatment for a small window is going to be different from a sliding glass door. Also, depending on what you are purchasing, the measuring technique differs.
Measuring a window for blinds
- Inside-mounted horizontal blinds: Inside mounted blinds are those which only cover the glass area and don’t overlap the window frame. Here is how you can measure the window for it.
1. Measure the width at three different places – top, middle, and bottom. If there is a difference, use the narrowest width.
2. Measure the height at three different places – left, middle, and right. If there is a difference, use the longest height.
- Outside mounted horizontal blinds: Outside mounted blinds are those which overlap the window frame and may be greater in size than that of the frame.
1. Measure the width where you’d like to place the blinds. Add a minimum of 1.5 inches on both sides which would ensure privacy and sufficient light blockage.
2. Measure the height from the top of the headrail location to the sill. It is recommended that you choose the top and bottom location as per your preference about the reach of the blind. You can consider adding 1.5 inches from the base of the window for proper light control and privacy.
Source: Steve’s Blinds and Wallpaper
- Inside-mounted vertical blinds
1. Measure the width at three different places – top, middle and bottom – from opening to the sill. If there is a difference, use the narrowest width.
2. Measure the height at three different places – left, middle and right – from opening to the sill. If there is a difference, use the longest height.
3. Measure the two diagonal lengths of the window. If there is a difference in the two lengths, an outside-mounted blind is recommended.
- Outside-mounted vertical blinds
1. Measure the width of the window and include the frame in the measurement. Add 3 inches on both sides for optimum privacy and light blockage.
2. Measure the height from the top to the bottom. You can choose the top and bottom locations as per your size preference. You can add 3 inches at the top as the mounting at the top would require additional space.
3. Patio door – if the blinds are being purchased for the patio door, make sure the length up to the floor is not considered. Measure the length from the top to the floor and deduct a minimum of 0.5 inch for clearance and better operation.
Measuring the window for roller shades
- Inside-mounted roller shades – since these shades are installed inside the frames, a minimum depth of 2 inches without a valence and 4 inches with a valence is necessary. The rest of the window measurement instruction is the same as that of inside-mounted vertical blinds.
- Outside-mounted roller shades – these shades can be mounted over the existing molding or above it. If the shades are to be mounted on the wall above molding, the window treatment sizing would be the same as that of outside mounted vertical blinds. If the shades are to be mounted on the existing molding, this is how you need to take the measurement:
1. Without a valance – measure the width of the trim from the outer edges.
2. With a valance – measure the desired width that you’d like to cover and add 3 inches on both sides for adequate privacy and light control.
3. Measure the height from the top of the trim to the bottom location depending on how far you’d like the shade to reach at the bottom.
Source: Steve’s Blinds and Wallpaper
Measuring the window for curtains: The correct measurement of the width of the window depends on the kind of drapery style you are purchasing.
- Width for side panels – this drapery style isn’t meant to cover the entire window; it is rather hung at the sides for décor. You simply need to measure the width that you want the drapery to cover as the custom draperies come with the appropriate fullness.
- Width for full window coverage. If you wish to cover the entire window, follow the below instructions for measurement:
1. Measure the width of the window from three different locations as suggested in blinds and shades. Use the longest measurement if there is a difference and 12 inches on both sides.
2. Take the above number and divide it by the number of panels you want. Let’s understand this with an example: Suppose you wish to order two curtain panels for a 40 inches wide window. First you add 24 inches to the original width and then divide it by two (two curtain panels are required), you get 32 inches. Hence, both the panels are required to be 32 inches wide.
Length of the curtain: Measure the height from the top to the bottom. You can choose the bottom location depending on how long you wish the curtain to be. For patio doors, make sure the entire length up to the floor is not considered, a minimum deduction of 0.5 inch is necessary so that the curtains do not touch the floor and get in the way of the door’s sliding mechanism.
Source: The Home Depot
Reasons to Choose Vinyl Windows for your homes facade
Are you looking for something bolder yet graceful home façade? Do you want other look at your elevated home designs just do WOW about it? Well, it’s time to say Goodbye to your old style and welcome home the new range of vinyl windows. Replacement vinyl windows are a great choice when it comes to renovation or a completely new built.
Vinyl windows are available in number of designs and shapes. They add more beauty to your home. It can lead to a perfect mesmerizing look. If we consider upon how different designs leads to the beauty to your home façade then it is not possible to stop with one.
Bay or Bow Vinyl Windows are a perfect choice when it comes to adding a dimension to your home. If you have a living space that falls in a way that it will show up the décor on the outer side of your house, add a Bay or Bow windows. They give a beautiful shape to that flat wall and make it look really appealing. It balances out the flat look externally and it allows more light and fresh air to come in the internal structure of the house. Moreover, these are energy efficient windows hence they will maintain the internal temperature all the time. Bay windows have a lovely décor space. It has an added advantage of placing a beautiful flower pot or a little plant on its platform which can give elegant look to your space and home facade. You do have an option to buy vinyl windows online for your convenience.
While choosing replacement vinyl windows, it is advisable to study its budget. It is always wise to consider low cost replacement windows. When we say cost, it does not apply to the direct amount that you pay to the wholesaler or a retailer but how much you are going to save over the year which may recover the total cost of windows. Casement windows are also a good choice when it comes to replacement vinyl windows. Casement windows are energy efficient windows hence they literally pay for themselves over long run. Casement windows have sash opening. It serves the purpose of air and light inside along with prevention of water droplets in case of rain. To close casement windows, hooks are provided. It is almost so difficult to break through the windows and get in the house for a burglar. Along with this, they are energy saving and adds a great complement to home façade hence it is a popular choice for many. They can really add an opulent character to your house. That means casement window is a complete package of security, beauty and firmness.
Replacement vinyl windows can be bought at a wholesale price and it may leads to great amount of low cost windows eventually. Vinyl windows are available in different size, custom made to fit the existing space and with different colors. You are not looking at those boring options when you cannot have a color of your choice. When you have a house that is colored beautifully with the wall paint and the vinyl windows that are colored to complement your exterior walls, it is like adding more sugar to your recipe.
Bring home the leading trend today to give your home façade an unbeatable look. Buy windows online and get them embedded on your lovely walls so that your house has a complete different view.
Because today is the time were beauty and bold should go hand in hand and vinyl windows is one such lovely option.
Choosing the Right Window by Room
Windows are the ultimate source of natural light and fresh air for a house, giving it life and enhancing its visual appeal at the same time. Rooms without properly placed windows may feel like dull and stuffy chambers. Windows are not just a traditional requirements in a house, on the contrary, any house is incomplete without them.
While the casement type windows were the only choice for a long time, window choices have now evolved. Depending on the type and size of a room, you get many window designs from which to choose, finding the best one to serve the purpose. But with an abundance of choice, can come a dilemma of being overwhelmed! Not to worry, we have crafted a list of best window types for different rooms in a house to help.
Living room
- Bay windows
The name bay window is derived from the French word ‘baee’, which means an opening. Bay windows are designed to angle out beyond the exterior wall and to offer individuality to a house. They are a combination of 3 or more windows, which can be of the same or different sizes. Together, they create a square, hexagonal or octagonal shape.
Adding an overhead light and club chairs in the window area, placing a couch to face the window, or positioning a large furniture piece on the opposite wall are some great ideas to implement in a living room with bay windows. It also offers the perfect space to build a window seat that is guaranteed to be a favorite lounging spot.
Source: Nimvo
- Picture windows
A picture window is generally a large, fixed-pane window. Designed to give you a vast and clear view, these windows act as a frame for the outside scenery. If you have a garden or if you reside in a high-rise apartment, a picture window would offer an amazing view.
If you love the idea of a picture window, consider keeping furniture of the same height at right angles in the room space. This would balance the room and provide great contrast to the furniture.
Kitchen
- Double hung windows
Double hung windows are quite popular for the kitchen. With various size variants, they offer 100% control over the air circulation as you can open them an inch or all the way from the top or the bottom. And it is so easy to open them without creating any obstructions! Over the kitchen sink or the counters are some of the right places for double hung windows.
- Sliding patio door
If there is enough space available in the kitchen, then why not! A sliding patio door enhances the incoming natural light and fresh air making the kitchen lively. It would not only elevate the look of the kitchen but also add more character to it. Plus, this is not only a window to the outside, but a door.
Source: Simonton Windows
Bedroom
- Casement windows
It is a type of window with single or multiple fringes attached on the side and is permanently mounted. Casement windows open like a door and hence provide excellent safety. Depending on the preference and room size, you can choose a medium or large sized window, but it will certainly provide good air circulation and great views.
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Source: Norandex
- Double hung windows
If we talk about the most common type of windows for a bedroom, we need to mention double hung windows. Traditional double hung windows are a great choice for the bedroom where they are easy to operate and to clean as they tilt in. Also, the ability to open both the upper and lower sash provides better ventilation to your bedroom.
Bathroom
- Awning windows
Awning windows are the ones which have a hinge on the top and opens from the bottom sash. Since it opens away from the main frame, it provides the biggest advantage for bathroom placement. Without being worried about the weather, you can open the windows to improve air circulation. Specially for the bathroom, privacy glass can be used in the window, which would allow light to enter but prevent visibility.
- Skylight window
Installing a skylight window did go out of style a few years ago but they have already made a comeback! How can one resist the view of the sky, warmth of the sun and the great amount of light? For privacy concerns, internal glazed partitions can be installed to check the visibility. This window is the right choice if a conventional window does not fit in the bathroom.
Source: EBOSS
Walk in closet
- Hopper windows
The best way to efficiently utilize compact spaces for a window is to have a hopper window. Hopper windows open from the top and generally can be moved all the way to 180 degrees. Since we are talking about a closet here, the opening structure of hopper windows prevent dirt from entering the inside space due to its structure and design.
- Sliding windows
Keeping the space in mind, sliding windows are another great option for a walk in closet. Since the one half of the windows slides overtop of the other half for opening it, there is no hindrance caused in opening or closing it. Sliding windows come in large as well as small sizes with two or more than two sashes. A small or medium sliding window with two sashes could be an ideal choice for a closet.
Source: Caroline on Design
Finally, your choice of window type for each room of your home comes down to room size, furniture and, most importantly, your design and use preferences. The above list should come in handy for making an informed and quick decision.
Easy Steps for DIY Window Cleaning
The natural light of the brightening day streaming through a window makes us feel fresh and boosts our productivity. However, over time dirt and dust may gather on your windows and make the natural lighting dull and gloomy. Regular cleaning is necessary for window maintenance and to keeps its glass shiny and sparkly. Cleaning your glass and window surfaces often keeps your vinyl windows opening and closing smoothly, lets light in and blocks drafts out.
Cleaning windows is considered as a bothersome job by some people, but the simple truth is that window cleaning is pretty straightforward. If you are wondering about the ‘How,’ read on for a step-by-step guide to DIY window cleaning and tips that can save your windows from possible damages.
How to Clean Your Windows
Pick up and gather the right tools
Source: Cleaning Tools
House-cleaning specialist share a list of tools needed to clean a window correctly and their secrets to make cleaning fast and easy. It all starts by assembling the right tools before you begin to avoid needless trips back and forth to your basement or garage.
To clean your windows yourself, you’ll need the following tools:
- Bucket: Choose a bucket broad enough to fit a window-cleaning squeegee.
- Window-Cleaning Squeegee: This is an often underestimated but useful tool. It comes in various sizes, quality, and price, but experts believe that it is essential to select the one that is best suited to you.
- Gloves: You need waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry against the water, soap, and again water used in washing windows.
- Clean Towel: Cleaning professionals advise using a microfibre cloth that is used only for glass surfaces. However, you can also use a soft and worn old towel that does not leave any marks on the window.
- Vacuum Cleaner: To vacuum the excess dust on the sides of windows.
- Cleanser/ Detergent/ Soap Powder: If you have to handle old, stubborn stains, money is well spent on a quality solution strong enough to clean your window efficiently. Or use a homemade window cleanser made by mixing vinegar and dish-washing liquid.
- Ladder: You might have to reach even to the heights for which a ladder and long handle for the squeegee is necessary.
When you are finished collecting everything from the list, you can jump to the next step.
Important Note: Early morning or late afternoon is a better option to clean the windows. Never clean windows in direct sunlight as the cleaning solution may dry too quickly and leave marks.
Prepare the windows first
Begin with thoroughly inspecting the windows and shutting the curtains. You might find spider’s webs, a dead bug, or dust. Clear those from the window first, and root out any dried leaves too – you don’t have to wreck your cleaning efforts later. Remove the dirt and debris with a vacuum cleaner that has a soft dusting brush that prevents damaging the surrounding area – better to deal with these barriers right away before starting the washing.
Make a reliable cleaning solution
If you don’t want to buy a specialized and labelled window cleaner, you can make one yourself. The great news is that you have everything you need right there in your kitchen.
For a handmade window cleaning solution, mix three cups of distilled or filtered water, a half cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. If you want to cut the vinegar smell, you can add some drops of your favorite essential oil to give a pure fragrance to your home. Another homemade cleanser option is to mix lemon juice with lukewarm. Both of these simple DIY mixtures can do wonders.
Start Cleaning!
- Start by wetting the windows and washing them simultaneously on the inside and outside to cut corners. Lukewarm water dries quickly, so if possible, use cold water for cleaning. Use warm water only if you want to remove some particularly stubborn stains.
- Apply the cleaning solution directly to a wet cloth or dip a scrub brush into the bucket of solution and swab the windows until all the dust is removed.
- Wipe the windows with circular movements rubbing firmly to remove built-up pollution, dust, or grit. Don’t brush or press too much – avoid scratching the glass by soaking stains.
- Once you have removed all the dirt, the squeegee comes into the picture to get rid of the water. Starting from the top, pull the squeegee from side-to-side and work your way down to the bottom.
- Wipe the edges to remove all remaining moisture and residue. Even if you are cautious, marks can still appear. Use a different clean, dry cloth or old linen napkins to dry the windows.
- Use old towels to soak the spilled water off the windowsill or the tiles, so the excess water doesn’t wind up on your floor. After the towel, you may have to clean the surface with microfibre cloth again.
- Lastly, inspect the surface thoroughly for any remaining spots and go over them with a clean cloth one last time.
Ta-da! Perfectly clean windows with so little effort!
Window Cleaning prolongs the lifespan of your windows and enhances the charm of your home. So, what’s holding you back? Follow these steps to enjoy crystal-clean windows. Go ahead and give your home a feel-good sparkle today!
Four Common Window Problems and How to Fix Them
As a homeowner you are always concerned about each and every corner of your house. It is quite possible that windows related issues get unnoticed. The reason is that they are not operated many times in a day. But when you come to know about it, you certainly want to have the solution. Replacement vinyl windows could be a potential solution for you. You can go directly to buy windows from the wholesaler to get windows discount offer. When you have windows that are not easy to open and shut, then it really takes a troll on mind. Let us understand some of the common window problems and ways to fix them
1. Drafty windows: It is possible that windows that have turned old may turn drafty over the time. A drafty window keeps you very uncomfortable. It will keep on altering the temperature of your house. It will allow the air current in the house hence desired temperature cannot be maintained. This leads to more energy drawn to keep the desired temperature. Drafty windows may have poor insulation, broken window seal, poor fitting of window or rotting of frames. A drafty window gives your house poor appearance. They are no more energy efficient windows hence this is the perfect time to get the replacement vinyl windows.
The solution to drafty windows is surely to replace with vinyl windows but just in case you are not ready to change the entire window then you can fix it by replacing window whether strip. Keep your living space secured and get energy efficient windows.
2.Water droplets lodging: This is the common phenomenon what we call as condensation. During winter, the ice particles get accumulated on the window frames to be converted into water droplets. These water droplets form a layer and leads to foggy or cloudy window corners. There will be a decrease in the efficiency of heating system and the desired temperature will not be maintained. Your heater will have to work harder in such a case.
We recommend you to have replacement vinyl windows to avoid any such hassle. A New construction window is also the solution to it but over a long run it may come up with similar problem. Instead, get a custom sized window and there is a permanent solution to this problem.
3. Cracking, warping or rotting windows: It is very common for wooden framed windows to undergo cracking or rotting. This mainly occurs due to sudden difference in weather condition. A Wooden framed windows needs care. When it is not looked after well, it gives you annoying results. The layer of moisture over wooden frames is a threat. The moisture may slowly penetrate and cause a fungal layer to be formed. This process will gradually lead to rotting process.
We give away quality vinyl windows. A replacement vinyl window is the best thing you can do to have a nice and durable windows. You can buy windows online to get window discount offer. Vinyl windows are energy efficient windows.
4. Faulty windows: There’s nothing more annoying than windows that makes you struggle to operate them. Whether you are to open a window or close it, if feels like a war with the windows.
Replace windows with the energy efficient windows. A replacement vinyl window is always an acceptable choice for everyone. You can always grab a good deal if you buy windows from wholesaler directly or buy windows online. Custom sized windows are also available to meet your demands.
Make your living space secured, comfortable and easy with vinyl windows.
Happy living to you !!
Window Liquidators - All About Replacement Windows and More 