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Water gardens are great focal points for any backyard.
With spring in the air, now is the time to start planning for your backyard garden. For many homeowners, a backyard pond is a perfect supplement to your existing layout. The trickling of water in the background is the ideal way to supplement the natural, serene and relaxing atmosphere that the outdoors should offer.
A pond or water garden will likely become the focal point for your entire backyard. Backyard ponds and water gardens will attract birds, butterflies, wildlife, and family members. Ponds are usually small and no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter, and often can be used to raise fish. At night-time, a garden pond can be lit up with both surrounding and submersible lighting. An extravagant light show can be produced by projecting underwater lighting directly onto trickling or falling water.
In the past, the installation of a water garden was a convoluted process that either involved the expense of a landscaper, or trial and error to perfect the art of pond installation. However, preformed pond kits are now available that can make pond installation relatively straightforward. Preformed pond kits are affordable, lessen the risk of mistakes, and come complete with all the accessories that you will need to complete a garden pond installation.
Before purchasing a preformed pond kit, make sure that it fulfils all of your requirements. How large of a pond are you looking for? Do you want to raise fish? Would you like water to trickle down a waterfall? How long is the warranty on the pond kit?
One preformed pond kit that comes highly recommended is the Algreen 180 gallon folding preformed pond kit. New to the Algreen line of products, this kit includes easy-to-follow instructions. The instructions minimize the effort required to install the pond, after a hole is dug. The pieces in the kit fit easily together and leave you ample flexibility to creatively position and landscape the area around the pond, according to your heart's desire.
The 180 gallon kit comes complete with both a preformed pond shell and a preformed watercourse that is manufactured from a revolutionary rubber/plastic composite (this composite material is guaranteed to be more durable and resist wear more than any other existing preformed pond kits). The kit includes a powerful 792 gallon-per-hour SuperFlo pump with flow control; this pump is used to feed varying flows of water to both the watercourse and the built-in fountain. The pump is purposely oversized to allow it to channel water to your watercourse and fountain, and to accommodate fish in your pond.
Up to 4 fountain heads are included with the kit, to allow you to vary your fountain according to your mood. An underwater light is also included free with the kit. This underwater light utilizes colored filters to shine luminous light from the bottom of your pond to accentuate the falling water from your fountain and/or your waterfall.
Small backyard garden ponds are usually low maintenance. The occasional debris from your pond can usually be trapped with a mechanical pre-filter, which is included with the SuperFlo pump. However, if you decide to raise fish in your pond, it is recommended that you increase your filtration capacity. Because the pump is purposely oversized, this can be easily accomplished by upgrading your pre-filter to a larger filtration device. Optional filtration devices include the mechanical and biological SuperFlo submersible filter, or the Algreen pressurized filter.
You will need to start planning for your water garden now in order to have it completed by spring. Before commencing any project, it is always recommended that you conduct research to learn as much as possible about the topic. Therefore, it is recommended that you use the early part of the season to read more about pond construction.
Read more about the 180 gallon granite preformed pond kit.
This article was provided courtesy of GardenSM.com.
About The Author
Gerry Fung is the Vice President of of GardenSM.comGardenSM.com.
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Laminate flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while offering easy installation and lasting durability. At first glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. Laminate Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well as stone and ceramic effects.
Laminate floorings main advantages are that it is easy to install, is very hardwearing and relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring is a floating floor, which means it does not fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked together. This enables the floor to be fitted fast and with no real mess.
Laminate flooring has been around in Europe for around 15 years and has seen massive growth in the past few years. In 2004 over 750 million square meters of laminate flooring was sold worldwide this was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The biggest growth market is in the US with an impressive growth rate of 25%.
What Is Laminate Flooring Made From?
Laminate flooring is made up of four layers. The bottom layer is the stabilizing layer; this is what gives the laminate floor its stability. It is made up of moisture resistant resins.
Above this there is the core layer; this is made up of high density fibreboard (H.D.F.). This is saturated in resins to make it extremely hard. Most manufactures also add a moisture resistant resin to the core. This is important as it helps keep the flooring protected against moisture penetrating the boards.
On top of the core layer is added a high strength paper along with the decorative paper. It is this decorative paper which gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance, ranging from highly authentic wood reproduction, ceramic or stone designs.
The top wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard wearing. This top layer is very similar to the top layer on counter or kitchen work tops but is usually around 40% stronger. This makes the laminate flooring highly resistant to scratches, burns, dent's, stains, etc.
There are a lot of laminate flooring manufactures who have products in the market place, each saying theirs is the best. Our advice is to stay with the leading ones these are QUICK-STEP, ALLOC, PERGO, BRUCE, and KRONOTEX. Theses manufactories have been around a long time and offer quality products that you can trust.
How Does Laminate Flooring Fit Together
Most laminate floors today fit together with a click system with the most common being the UNICLIC system as used by Quick-Step. This is extremely easy and fast to fit. The ingenious UNICLIC-system has a special shape of tongue and groove. You simply place the tongue of one plank into the grove of another at an angle and press down. Their sophisticated and very accurate milled shape makes it possible to create a very tight connection during the installation. The floor can be walked on straight away.
If you are laying laminate flooring over a concrete sub-floor then you will fist need to lay down a damp proof membrane (DPM). This is basically a sheet of plastic usually around 5mm which helps protect the Laminate from moisture. On top of this goes the foam underlay this acts as sound absorption and also helps even out minor irregularities in the sub-floor.
Most manufactories now offer a combined DPM and underlay along with several underlay's that have better sound absorbing qualities.
About The Author
Jason Ashby has over 20 years experience in the flooring trade. For more information visit "Laminate Flooring Info" at: http://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk.
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You’ve just moved into a new house and suddenly the comfy old furniture you’ve cherished for years—okay, decades – just doesn’t seem to work any more. Do you give up the comfy old stuff for new furniture? The truth is that you don’t have to choose. You can buy new furniture that is comfortable if you know how to shop.
Start with the living room. If you’ve had your couch, loveseat, or sectional for more than 10 years, chances are you need to rethink your furniture needs. Do you have a small child now who has trouble getting on or off of a couch that didn’t seem too wide when you bought it? Is your sofa apartment-sized to fit into your first place, but it seems out of proportion now in your new home? Take size and width of seating into consideration when buying. And the only way to know if it’s comfortable is to sit on it. If you plan to nap on your couch, lay on it right in the furniture showroom. Don’t be afraid to test the level of comfort.
Looking for a chair or recliner? Take your shoes off and sit in it like you would at home. If you usually tuck your feet under you, that’s how you should sit when you try out the furniture. See just how far back that recliner will lean back or just how hard the rocker can rock. While you’re trying out the potential new furniture, note whether it’s comfortable or not. If it’s not, don’t buy it. Move on. Furniture is not like shoes or jeans. You shouldn’t buy them with the hope of breaking them in for comfort over a period of time. The new furniture should be comfortable as well as functional upon purchase.
Moving to the dining area you’ll need to take into consideration your table and seating needs. A family of five probably won’t be comfortable squeezing around a breakfast style bar built for two. Likewise, a couple who seldom entertains and is years away from planning a family might not want to take up space with a table that accommodates eight. Know your needs. Know your likes as far as colors and styles. Then, have a seat. Again, it’s the only way to know if your new furniture is going to be comfortable.
No one really likes to lie on a bed in a furniture showroom, but if you are going to buy one it’s a must. Do you usually sleep on your belly? Crawl up on the bed and lie as you would if you were asleep. Roll around. How does it feel? Don’t buy the first one just because it felt okay. The next one might feel better and still the third might feel great!
If you are furnishing a home office, the same tips apply. Sit in the chair. Pull up under the desk. Pull out all the drawers and compartments you can find. Will the printer be within comfortable reach?
Keeping your house comfortable furnished doesn’t mean giving up style. And giving in to style, doesn’t mean that you can’t have comfortable new furniture!
About The Author
Bob Benson is the founder of Furniture online. You can check out our website at http://www.leather-furniture.info.
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A definition and description of the different types of skylights vinyl windows that can be installed in a home. Skylights vinyl windows are a familiar architectural sight in most modern day homes. They are usually situated in smaller rooms that don't have a lot of light because of a need for privacy (such as a bedroom or bathroom) or in larger rooms that are leant a sense of majesty from having the sunlight pour in through a vast gap in the roof.
The reason it is important to have skylights that are seamed with vinyl is that they help keep cold air out and warm air in. However this can be a drawback if you live in a hot climate and the sun is beating down through your skylight vinyl windows all day. In hotter climates tinted skylight windows or ones equipped with automatic shades are more useful so that the cost of your air conditioning does not rocket sky high. Skylight vinyl windows are best utilized in colder, damper climates where insulation from the elements is needed.
The larger they are the better skylights vinyl windows look in any room. The usual size of skylight vinyl windows is between one and four square feet. Cubbyhole sized ones just look tacky unless they are highlighting a sculpture or a plant.
However sometimes you only have room for a small vinyl sealed skylight in which case it is recommended that you buy one that has a funnel shape that is wider at the bottom. This allows more light than normal to be filtered into the room from the skylight and then be spread and reflected over a larger area. Light adds heat. Make sure that this type of skylight is also vented to allow heat to escape if you live in a hot climate.
In essence there are three different types of vinyl sky light windows.
Vented Skylight. The vented skylight is more of a modern entity, as before the late eighties most skylights did not have the ability to open or close. These types of skylight vinyl windows can be opened either electronically or manually. The vinyl stripping around the frame of the window prevents them from leaking rain.
Sun Tunnels. Sun tunnels are essentially holes that are about a foot wide that allow sunlight through to dim areas of your home. They are installed to allow more natural light into bathrooms, basements, attics and even closets!
Skylight Window Shades - These are skylights that come with a lid. Sometimes it isn't always ideal to have the sunlight brightening your room especially if you want to take a nap or view a movie in the dark. These types of skylights come with a remote that allows you to adjust the amount of light in the room.
Skylight vinyl windows are so secure and water proof that the need to frame the skylight with wood is no longer necessary. The vinyl also prevents double paned windows from sweating. However if you prefer the more elegant, finished look of wood wrapped windowpanes they can be easily fitted around skylight vinyl windows to achieve a more traditional appearance.
About The Author
Rene Knops helps you get a clear view for choosing beautiful window blinds, shutters or window treatment at lowest prices. for Details visit: http://www.ChoosingWindowBlinds.com.
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Furnishing a nursery can be a wonderful time for an expectant mother. Not only is it fun to prepare for the birth of a baby, but it gives the expectant mother an outlet for those nesting instincts that will soon kick in. A lot of well-meaning people (i.e. parents and in-laws) will convince you that you simply must have certain furniture for your new baby’s room.
Some of the furniture you will likely consider includes:
Do you need it all? Only you can know for sure. Ask yourself, “What furniture am I really likely to use?”
A bassinette is handy for keeping the new baby very close. Most are portable so you can roll them throughout the house. If someone offers to loan you a bassinette, take them up on it as long as the mattress is clean and in good shape. You’ll only use a bassinette for a short period of time, so why invest in it as a major piece of furniture?
A crib, however, is a different story. If you plan for your child to sleep on his or her own at all, you will want a crib. It’s not as safe to borrow a crib from someone and while cribs are a type of baby furniture that have sentimental attachments, don’t agree to use an old crib because it was the one your husband used when he was a baby. Safety standards have changed dramatically and what was once considered safe furniture, might not be now. Look online to find baby crib safety standards. Make sure any spindles on the bed are placed close enough so that the baby cannot get his or her head stuck between them. Also, make sure there’s no lead paint on the bed. If you’re like most mothers, you’ll feel better about your baby’s safety if you buy new or one that was just recently used by someone you know.
Do you need a changing table? Mothers went for years without this piece of furniture. But, they are nice to have and at a convenient height that saves some back strain. It’s a matter of available space, available money and your willingness to bend over to change a diaper!
A dresser, if bought to last for years, would be a good furniture investment. Don’t waste money on a cutesy theme dresser that the baby will only outgrow when he or she starts to develop personal tastes. Instead, think about the rest of your house. Do you have a lot of mahogany furniture or a lot of white painted furniture? Buy a dresser that you can move elsewhere in the house if your child decides he or she hates it down the road. Buy solid wood. The furniture will last longer and it will contain fewer chemicals than cheaper veneer furniture pieces often include in the processing stage or in the glue used to hold pieces together.
Everyone thinks you need a rocking chair if you have a baby. Is it a necessary piece of furniture for the nursery? Not if you have a rocking chair somewhere else in the house. No mother or baby wants to spend all their time in the nursery anyway. Use rocking time in another room to give you both a change of pace – unless you just want to buy a rocker.
About The Author
Bob Benson is the founder of Furniture online. You can check out our website at http://www.my-wicker-furniture.info.
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Do you have an attic in your house? Lucky You! You can decorate your attic however you like and create your own favorite corner in the house, or even an extra place for your children or your guests. Depending on your attics’ space and on your own personal taste, you can finally have an attic that fulfils your needs.
Need an extra bedroom? The attic can turn into a beautiful private bedroom for a friend that stays the night, a visiting couple, or a relative from out of town. Use light shades and soft fabric materials; you don’t want your guest to get tired and dizzy from the lively colors. Instead, create a pleasant, romantic atmosphere. You will need a single or, if there is enough space, a double bed, a small closet with drawers and one or two small bedside tables. A big, elegantly shaped mirror will add several points and will make the room seem spacious. If the room is already spacious enough, you can place a bedroom chair facing the window. Add a dreamcatcher or a wind chime and enjoy the results!
How about a playroom for your children? They would love to have their own, “No Moms Allowed!” space for their toys, their games and their imagination. You will need a soft, warm carpet to keep the room cozy during wintertime. Don’t carpet the corners though, as you will need some room to swap out for a lighter, cooler carpet for the summer days. You will also need large pillows or soft inflatable chairs. When opting for a playroom, use lively colors that will keep the children excited and happy. This room could have a small TV and DVD play set, videogames, board games, many toys, and puzzles, whatever a kid needs! Don’t place sporting material such as bouncers, trampolines and swings because the roof is too low in attics and the children might get hurt while playing.
Are you an artist? Even if the answer is no, an attic can make you one! Make your own inspirational studio. Don’t use a carpet this time. Color and material chips will stain it. If you are a painter, equip your studio with painting knives, palettes, art pencils, drawing sticks, charcoal, paints, brushes and canvas, paper blocks and rolls. If you are a craftsman you can create a wood art studio. Equip it with a large working table, hole cutting templates, curving tools. Place furniture with shelves in the corner to place and admire your artwork.
An attic can be your gym! You’ll need adequate ventilation in there, or a large window. Dress the room with a soft carpet and buy your gym equipment. Don’t buy large fitness equipment. Prefer many smaller ones, or a few multi training machines. You can also have light exercise tools like fitness balls, tummy trimmers, weight sets, yoga mats. A small refrigerator filled with bottled water or energy drinks is necessary for the attic gym room so that you won’t need to run downstairs every time you get thirsty. A mini stereo will enhance your exercise with power music.
There is no limit to your imagination about the potential use of your attic space. Sure, it comes in handy as a storage place, but what moments of joy can you invest in a storage place? With creativity and a little money, the attic can be your favorite room.
About The Author
Charles Kassotis From Just an Attic… to Your Favorite Room! Visit Ventinfo.com at www.ventinfo.com and Learn Some Simple Steps To Help Turn Your Dusty Old Attic Into Your Favorite Room In The House.
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by: Cat Greenbriar
Choosing patio furniture can be a difficult decision with so many options. There is one option that is comfortable as well as beautiful to accent any patio, and that is aluminum cushion patio furniture.
Aluminum cushion patio furniture is the most comfortable patio furniture . Plush cushions and soft upholstered fabrics make sitting in a chaise lounge a very relaxing experience. The fabric chosen for upholstery can be suited to match any type of décor.
Aluminum cushion patio furniture is also a great choice for durability. The aluminum hardware is treated to be weather resistant, and is also designed with comfort in mind. Cushions also are treated to be mold and mildew resistant so they can survive the elements when left outside.
Aluminum cushion patio furniture has some unique design elements to offer as well. Instead of a set of simple chairs, aluminum cushion patio chairs can be swivel chairs or rocking chairs that allow for maximum mobility as well as comfort. An aluminum serving cart can also be ordered to compliment any aluminum cushion patio furniture set.
Aluminum cushion patio furniture is a great choice for commercial or residential use. It is a great idea when you want you gets to have the maximum comfort patio furniture can provide when sitting outdoors or poolside. It is more decorative than traditional aluminum patio furniture, so you know your guests will appreciate that.
About The Author
Cat Greenbriar writes for PatioStuff at www.ettflorida.com. Please visit the site at http://www.ettflorida.com/cushion-patio-furniture-sets.html for some of the greatest deals on aluminum cushion patio furniture sets. Also view some great selections for aluminum cushion patio chairs at www.ettflorida.com/cushion-patio-chairs.html and aluminum cushion chaise lounges at www.ettflorida.com/cushion-patio-chaise-lounge.html. Cushion fabrics are available for viewing at www.ettflorida.com/fabrics.html.
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Hardwood floors have been around for hundreds of years. Wood floors were probably the first type of floor covering besides dirt. Hardwood floors can be one of the essential elements in designing your home. They offer a level of value and comfort no other flooring choice can. There are a number of benefits to owning and installing a hardwood floor.
One of the best things about hardwood floors is the lack of problem with regard to maintenance concerns. Because technology has allowed for the finish or stain of hardwood floors to require only sweeping for typical cleaning purposes, your floor will stay beautiful without the backbreaking scrubbing hardwood floors used to require. While the use of an appropriately recommended professional cleaning product will be required sometimes, a simple broom will take care of most of your cleaning concerns. It is important to note, though, you should never use anything on your hardwood floors that has not been manufacturer recommended. This helps to ensure your flooring will last a lifetime.
Durability means hardwood floors.
Another great reason to invest in hardwood floors is that they are environmentally friendly. Wood can not only be recycled, it is also a renewable source of material. Many of the products of yesterday like barns and old homes are recycled as hardwood floors. Moreover, wood products are incapable of harboring or collecting dust and other allergy particles. This means your family will suffer less risk of allergies or allergy induced medical conditions. Several health organizations endorse wood floors for people with health risks.
Additionally, hardwood floors are an excellent financial option. While some of the flooring is a bit more costly than the cheap alternative, hardwood maintains its value over time. It does not show the wear and tear that synthetic products do. This will only serve to increase your home's value in the long run.
There are many great reasons to invest in hardwood floors.
Finally, hardwood floors can come in a large range of shapes and sizes. In the past, there have been few choices in the hardwood floor market. Today's market, though, offers styles, colors, and species that will fit any décor. Hardwood floors make an excellent addition to any home.
About The Author
Andrew Caxton contributes adding articles to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. Your guide on home decorating and how to choose from hundreds of decorating ideas and tips. Andrew will inspire you to capture the look you want. More info in hardwood floors at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/hardwood-floors.html
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Some of the most spectacular gardening is on the rooftops and patios of the world's largest cities. Today's homeowners and apartment dwellers do not have to discard gardening. In fact, they can create their own garden hideaway.
Gardening in small space means you plant in containers, choose plants carefully, grow up on trellises instead of outdoor, hang plants from something overhead. Herbs, vegetables, shrubs, and citrus fruits can all be grown in containers. More and more vegetable varieties are available specifically for container growing.
For small-space growing people can grow in everything from custom-made pottery to clay pots and wooden planters. Your gardening containers must have drainage holes at the bottom. Cover the holes with a section of window screen so the soil doesn't leak out.
Get a bag of dry, soulless mix for container gardening. You need to soak the soil with water before planting. This process can be messy, so plan ahead and do it outside if possible. Moisten only as much as you'll need for the current task.
Keep an eye on your gardening container. It can dry out quickly in hot weather. If you really get into it, you might want to consider a drip irrigation system. This is a network of plastic tubing that can be regulated to provide a constant moisture supply to your plants.
Most plants need an average of 1 inch of water every week. You should try to water your garden plants earlier in the day, so the sun can help dry off any water left on the plant. If you see a plant drooping, be sure to water it, because some plants wilt and do not recover if they dry out.
About The Author
Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-home-decor.com Gardening and ideas to showcase your homes.
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Without a doubt, solar energy is the way of the future. Solar energy production is an extremely simple process to understand. A solar, or photovoltaic, cell collects energy from the Sun. A solar cell is a semiconductor device that is constructed using photovoltaic materials. It contains no liquids or chemicals, and no moving parts. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity.
A solar panel generally consists of a series of individual cells, which are supported by a module that allows the cells to work in unison. The energy that is captured by the panel is stored in a battery. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) energy. Many solar energy systems have inverters in them which allow direct current (DC) electricity to be converted to alternating current (AC). Most consumer products such as appliances and electronics operate on AC current.
Unless you have a vast expanse of land to house an array of solar panels, it is unlikely that you will be able to power your entire home with solar energy. However, it is possible to power a single room in your house with a small array of panels fixed to the roof of your house. Multiply the wattage of each individual electrical device by the number of hours you expect to use them each day. That combined number will be your benchmark, or the bare minimum your system must be able to generate.
There are a number of options available to consumers that are considering converting to solar energy. A basic system that can be used to power a computer and a few other small items can be purchased for approximately $1000.00. Naturally, the price will increase with the production capacity of your system. In most regions, the price of an installed system will cost somewhere in the area of $10.00-$12.00 per watt.
Solar energy is one of a few truly renewable resources that can be used in energy and power generation. Every hour of every day, the Sun blankets our planet with enough energy to sustain our global energy needs for a year. As the technology behind photovoltaic energy advances, consumers will be unable to resist the urge to convert.
A lot of resources are being put into the development of solar energy technology. Most of the major oil and energy companies have entire divisions committed to solar energy. Researchers and engineers are spending countless hours trying to develop the technology today that will vastly improve conditions in the world tomorrow. It is no secret that we cannot continue down the path we are on. Fossil fuels are no longer a feasible option for energy production. The future is solar. The future is now.
About The Author
Jim Fritz has been a devout environmentalist for most of his adult life. He has been researching the benefits of solar energy for many years, and he is a contributing writer to http://www.thesolarguide.com – a brilliant online resource for information about Solar Energy, Solar Panels, Solar Consumer Goods and more.
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There is no getting around it. Window replacement is a major renovation to your home. Besides adding tremendous aesthetic appeal, particularly in an older home, window replacement has immediate potential to save on electric, gas and oil bills. There is also the advantage of nearly 100% recuperative value of the cost should you decide to sell your home.
So become informed of the ins and outs of window shopping, so you don't "break" your budget, and avoid these ten window wrongs.
1. Replacing One Window At a Time Over the Next Ten Years.
This renovation should not be done piecemeal. It's better to do all the windows that need replacement at once, and preferably all the windows in the house. Room by room window replacement is cheaper and it can be easier if done slowly, a few at a time, but aesthetically, the house will not convey an organized, tranquil and cohesive design unless all the windows match well. What if materials are discontinued or become temporarily unavailable, or suppose there's not enough money to finish the house?
If you can't afford them all now, don't start until the money is there. But don't worry about buying replacements because once finished, they should not need replacement again.
2. Changing That Custom Window Space to Standard Window Space.
There is no need to downgrade that special custom window such as an arch, a small French door, or any unusual configuration. Installing plain single glazed panes, because custom windows are too costly, doesn't do justice to the unique features of the house with its different lines, corners, and spaces. Don't refrain from customizing your windows to fit the character of the house simply to save money.
One cost effective way to get a custom look without the custom cost is to take several standard stock windows and combine them into a unique design which enhances that special space.
The cost of customizing a window versus combining standard stock windows is vast. Although the options are more limited, the customer doesn't lose out on their designer detailing.
3. Not Matching the Features You Need With Available Options.
You've been living in this house for ten years so what's needed is obvious, so put some brain power into the problems and write down the features that are most important before visiting the websites or the showroom. The options available are truly endless with as many fashion statements on the market as any Parisian boulevard.
Bare it down to the bones first. Those multi-paned, lever-operated, jalousie windows in the living room are not only an eye sore, but a thorn in your side. They don't belong in your stately Victorian on the best street in New Orleans.
Make a list of the features you really want and formulate a concept of the perfect dream windows. Do this before perusing over the options so the focus stays on the needs of your home first, before the glitter dazzles you away.
4. The Easiest Thing Is To Buy All Vinyl Windows Inside and Out and Be Done With It.
Those TV commercials 25 years ago which showed how easy those replacement vinyl windows were to clean and open, did not show the vinyl after 20 or 30 years in a hard sun. It's true, vinyl replacements have improved, and are very energy efficient provided the vinyl does not deteriorate. However, I do not recommend all vinyl replacements at all and prefer instead a combined vinyl and wood replacement over an aluminum frame.
It has the easy maintenance advantage of all vinyl, but does not depend on the heat sensitivity of the vinyl for efficient operation.
Some people like wood at any cost. Although it requires a lot of maintenance and regular repainting, nothing breathes and feels like wood in any home renovation. For our money, we recommend an aluminum frame with wood on the interior side, and a vinyl coated aluminum frame outside for the maximum advantages of energy efficiency, aesthetics and maintenance ease.
5. There Are Some Great Deals On Dual Pane Windows.
And if you fall for those great deals you'll get a rude awakening. Something like two pieces of glass of questionable quality, with no special coatings or surfactants, glazed together to form one window. Slightly longer than one year later when that sub standard warranty runs out, condensation builds up between the panes and a black spotty toxic mold starts growing all around the sides. "What a pity", says the new glazier shaking his head. "This rot is anything but dry. You should have come to me earlier." If only it really was a good deal. The manufacturer doesn't even return those calls and the contractor has left the state.
True dual paned windows are expensive, and the options are numerous. There is a new state of the art version where the two panes are actually blown together into a single unit with a harmless insulating gas sealed between them. This completely eliminates fogging, condensation, and drafts. Other types need proper sealing and should carry a good low u-factor.
The U-factor is a durability test which determines how much interior heat escapes from the window. Conversely, a low Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient, or SHGC tells the consumer how much heat from the sun penetrates your windows.
If you bargain away your consumer protections, don't be surprised if that big renovation goes sour.
6. Customizing Into Complacency.
Even the best windows from the best manufacturers could pose operational difficulties and design flaws. Not that they were the top of the line to begin with, but those ads for vinyl replacement windows showing the easy tilt down cleaning mechanism proved difficult for many people to use.
Don't buy any windows that you haven't subjected to rigorous tests of your own. Just because a window is customized, doesn't automatically make it user friendly. There isn't a manufacturer in the business that hasn't made windows with design flaws and especially problematic are those custom features. Work them personally; don't just observe the demonstration. Have the family work them. Ask questions to the salesman. Any sticky wickets? Leave the windows at the store or at least those complicated mechanisms. Operation will only make them stickier.
7. Buying Windows Without NFRC Rating.
NFRC or the National Fenestration Rating Council testing has become an industry standard in evaluation of energy efficiency and performance. It's a shame to purchase windows without the rating considering it doesn't cost you anything but the manufacturers depend on it to sift out those less then ideal quality windows.
Also manufacturers who are cheaper but disavow their warranties after 1 year usually are those windows which don't perform well against their better quality competitors. In fact, many states now require the NFRC ratings in order to get a permit for window replacement of any kind. Check with the local council about building code requirements for your home.
8. All Window Hardware Is Basically The Same.
The hardware installed with your windows determines the ease, safety, and durability of operation. In fact, your windows are only as good as the hardware holding them together. Window hardware can hide cheap metal materials in the locking mechanism or sash. Try to get hardware that complies with California's comprehensive anti theft and forced entry standards. They require that any closed window is a locked window and is able to stay locked under heavy lever type pressure.
9. Who Needs Two Guarantees?
You need two guarantees to cover you in any eventuality and here is the inside story.
First, there is the manufacturer's warranty. This covers the windows from manufacturing defects, untimely wear, replacement parts or anything to do with the windows themselves. It is an extended warranty that is issued with top quality windows for ten to twenty years and sometimes longer. It should not pro rate the benefits over time due to the age of the windows, and should be fully transferable should you decide to sell your home.
Second, there is the guarantee from the contractor who installs the windows. This usually only extends over one year, although a contractor who is sure of their work and has a good reputation might be persuaded to offer more coverage, sometimes up to two years. In any case, this warranty is limited and covers only the work of the contractor regarding installation and not anything to do with manufacturing flaws of the windows themselves.
For instance, if the surfactant is mottled on that western exposure picture window in the master bedroom, don't try to redress the problem with the contractor. Call the manufacturer.
However, if mold is developing on the inside of one new window sill, get the contractor back over there as soon as possible before that warranty expires. Try not to get involved if there is a dispute over responsibility. Make them work it out.
10. It Will Save A Bundle If My Painter Installs The Windows and I Will Help
Fine, if you have the time and the painter has adequate expertise but unfortunately, a lot of mistakes occur when trying to simplify window installation.
Because window replacement is a more expensive and enormous undertaking than it seems unless it's only one or two windows we're talking about, or you've done it before, it's best to leave this to a contractor. Installation is the least of the expense of window replacement so it doesn't pay to cut corners here.
One important tip, when you hire a contractor to install those new windows, besides doing all the standard evaluations of his work, such as viewing his jobs over the past three months, getting reliable references, not paying up front for the job, etc., if there is a little extra money to spare, consider hiring an engineer to evaluate the installation. It's a relatively inexpensive way to buy a lot of peace of mind.
Even if you can't afford one, try asking the contractor during the interview if he minds if you hire an engineer to evaluate safety measures and installation. If he gets offended or refuses, don't use this contractor. The reason speaks for itself. If he says he doesn't mind or heartily welcomes the opportunity, then this contractor trusts his own work, and will no doubt work better knowing that an expert will be there, even if he isn't.
If an engineer is hired, bring him once at the beginning, and once before the last few windows are finished to check for compliance before the final checks are written.
Armed with these tips, you should get more for your money, and years of pleasure looking out your new "pretty as a picture" replacement window.
About The Author
Bob Williams UncleBobsTips.com provides timely advice to common home improvement problems faced by everyone. These practical tips will give you the knowledge you need to save time and money on all of your home improvement projects. http://www.unclebobstips.com.
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