Monday, December 22, 2008

Denver Window Company

There are many places to get Denver Windows and quite a difference in their quality and price.

Lets first think about what you are buying the windows for. When you think about it, if you are replacing windows in your home there is no reason to buy cheap windows that will end up costing you more on utilities in the long run. Also many low quality, cheap windows do not carry a warranty like the other top quality windows. If you are buying windows for a shed or garage, something that you do not heat-then a lower quality window might be ok. Maybe in this location you use a vinyl window instead of a fiberglass window. After you have determined a quality and price for your desired windows then you can move to the next step of finding windows in Denver.

Of all the window supplier Denver has to offer, the lower end windows can be found at stores such as Home Depot or Menards. Although these Denver window suppliers have a wide variety of windows, often times they are the lesser quality windows. Another problem with going to these kinds of stores for Denver windows is you still have to find someone to install them. This is another cost factored into buying windows from a large store. One other problem with finding windows at a big store like Home Depot is the windows in stock is what they have. You cannot order custom windows form companies like this.

A solution to this is finding a Denver window company that sells quality windows at a great price and has someone who can install them too. Prestige Window & Door is just the window company in Denver that does this. They are a direct seller of Milgard windows and they have individuals who install these quality windows as well. The advantage of using Prestige Window & Door is you get a price break on the installation because you are buying the window and the installation through one company. This sets Prestige apart from all of the other Denver window companies.
They also have the ability to order any custom window size you may want in any style. You do not have to pick from a shelf.

If you are looking for a Denver window company that offers quality windows and a great price, has the ability to install and order customized windows, Prestige Window & Door is the place to go. They have both fiberglass and vinyl windows at competitive pricing to insure you receive the best deal! Contact them today at 303-317-5572

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Replacement Window Installer Shares Some Tips

(Source: Robert Clarke)

Are you thinking about taking on a good do-it-yourself home improvement project? With some simple tools and a few tips from a professional window installer, you can take on the job of installing your own vinyl replacement windows.

Advantages

The newer vinyl replacement windows have many benefits to offer owners of older homes. First of all, it’s all but impossible to find stock windows at your local lumber yard or home improvement center that fit the measurement of the openings from your old windows. Since the newer vinyl windows are made-to-order, the size you get will be a perfect fit.

Another advantage to considering vinyl replacement windows is, you don’t have to cut the window existing opening bigger to accommodate a larger window or patch the inside walls and siding because the new window is smaller than the old opening. Since the new replacement windows will be built to fit your existing openings, no other major alterations need to happen. Usually, a little caulking and some minor touch-up painting is all that’s necessary.

Some other important advantages of installing new vinyl replacement windows are also inviting. You can expect some energy savings on your fuel bill because of the better insulating properties of thermo pane glass. The glass can also be tinted to reflect heat or to block UV rays. You’ll love the tilt-in panes for easy cleaning. No more risky trips up the ladder. Newer windows usually have fewer problems with condensation in winter time because of the better insulating properties of the newer glass panes.

Measuring

You’ll need to take an exact measurement, height and width of each window frame to be replaced. Put a small piece of masking tape on each window and give it a number for identification. Write the number of each window on a list, along with the height and width measurements for each window. Tell your window supplier to tag each window ordered with the corresponding number from your list. This will be a great time saver later on when the windows arrive. You’ll know exactly where each window goes.

When measuring, use a carpenters framing square to check each window for square. If a window is 1/8th inch out of square, you’ll need to deduct 1/8th inch from your measurement(s). Use a small level also to check for level and plumb. If the top and bottom of the window opening are level, yet the opening is out of square, there’s a good chance that the side openings are not plumb. If the side opening is 1/8th inch out of plumb, deduct 1/8th inch from the “width” measurement. Usually, your window supplier can give you a printed sheet with their measuring and ordering guidelines. Don’t worry; most windows are built with sliding top or side moldings to make up for out of square openings.

Installation

It’s best if you have a helper, at least someone to hold the window in place while you attach the mounting screws.

From inside the home, use a flat pry bar to remove the stop moldings on the sides and top of the window. Pull the bottom sash inside. You’ll have to cut the weighted ropes on each side to release the window. The lead weights will then drop down inside the wall cavity. Don’t worry, you won’t need them. Once the bottom sash is out, remove the top sash the same way. Use a paint scraper to clear away any paint chips that might prevent the new window frame from sitting properly. You should then brush and vacuum any debris and dust from the opening.

Slide the new window into the opening to check the fit. If all looks good, remove the window and prepare the opening for installation. Each window manufacturer may have their own specific instructions for installation. Generally, you’ll want to run a bead of caulking on the sill and sides for the new window to “set” in. Most windows will have pre-drilled openings in the sides for mounting screws, which are also usually provided.

Next, set the new window back into the opening. Press the unit forward to rest against the outside window stop moldings. Check the window for plumb on the sides. Use wooden shims to move the unit as needed. Once the frame is plumb in the opening, check it with your framing square. Again, shim as needed to get the unit square.

The next thing you’ll want to check is that the unit is plumb, from inside, to outside. Again, use wooden shims to force your new window unit into plumb. You’ll also want to take note where the mounting screws will go and put wooden shims in, as necessary, to fill any voids where screws will be placed. After installing the mounting screws, check each window for smooth operation. You may find it necessary at this point, to remove or add shims for proper operation of the window.

After you are comfortable with the operation of each unit, you’ll want to slide the extension moldings on the top and sides, to take up any extra space. You can then apply a bead of caulk around all four sides of the window, inside and out.

Summary

To install new vinyl replacement windows is not rocket science. With these tips, some simple tools and printed instructions from your window supplier, you can easily install your own vinyl replacement windows.

You may reprint the above article in your electronic or print newsletter; however, please include my byline and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all copyrights.

Copyright 2005 http://www.contractorsusa.info

Robert Clarke has operated several home improvement companies over the last 30 years. He is the owner of ContractorsUSA,Inc, a nationwide contractor referral service at http://www.contractorsusa.info. Get more information about vinyl replacement windows at http://www.contractorsusa.info/replacement-window-installer.html

Basement Windows

For one, basements are often stuffy and feel close or crowded. Ventilation is important to basements in order to make them a livable area. Basement windows play a big part in ventilation; just because they may not let much usable light in, they provide another valuable service. Basement windows can also help circulate air, and provide a portal for the entrance in and exit out of air that is being circulated. Without this ventilation many people would find their basements depressing and confining, and their use would be limited.

Another valuable function of a basement window is as a means of entrance or exit from the house should situation prove necessary. Because of this use there are certain specification that must be met when selecting basement windows. For one, basement windows are not like the other windows in your home, so do not be fooled into thinking you can just get the same windows for every space in your home. Basement windows are specially designed for installation in masonry foundation walls. Although they are, generally speaking, relatively small in size compared to most of the vast array of windows available, it is important to select replacement windows for your basement that meet the egress standards of local codes when the windows will be installed in a finished basement. So what are these standards or size, etc.? According to the International Residential Code, an egress window must be at least 24 in. wide and 20 in. high with a net clear opening of at least 5.7 sq. ft. to allow occupants to escape in an emergency or to allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter from the outside. While this may seem like a rather large space for a basement window, should your house ever catch fire, and a firefighter need enter through a basement window, you will be grateful for such regulations.

Other regulations for basement windows include: Regulations for venting: as discussed, basement windows are great sources for venting. However, when it comes to basement windows, it needs to either be able to vent, or not. Venting configuration regulations say that if you want to use the window for ventilation it needs to have venting capabilities OR it has to be stationary, which means non-operating.

Height restrictions and regulations: There are two regulations for basement windows, height and width, and are based on the nominal height and width of windows. Nominal height refers to the measurement across the longest side of the unit (from top to bottom). This measurement is expressed in inches, and rounded to the nearest full inch. Nominal Width on the other hand refers to the measurement across the shortest side of the unit (left to right), and is also expressed in inches and rounded to the nearest full inch.


And last but not least are the jamb regulations. Jamb depth means the measurement of the width of the frame of the unit from the inside edge to the outside edge, and like nominal height and width is expressed in inches.

Different areas have various regulations, so to find the regulations for your valuable basement windows so that you can meet requirements, ventilate properly, and have safety issues covered, contact a local basement window supplier.

Your basement windows do not just have to be functional. Many windows that are decorative can meet the safety regulations set forth. To give your basement windows a unique twist, try stained glass or etched glass. Because basement windows do not allow much light in anyway, it should not change the lighting configuration of the room.


(Source: Dan Calderwood) Back to Denver Window Information

Friday, December 12, 2008

How To Save $$ on Your Utilities

Old wood windows, single pane glass windows or poorly hung windows and doors can be a major cause of energy loss. Everyone has experienced at one time or another, the cold blasts of winter seeping in around icy windows that are not insulated and sometimes won’t lock or even shut completely. Wood windows can be a maintenance nightmare as well. Replacing these energy hogs with vinyl, double-pane, low E windows can make a world of difference in not only energy savings but in noise reduction and lowered maintenance costs.

While there are other replacement window companies out there that will come up with astronomical prices for replacing all the windows in your house, a quality home improvement contractor should be able to install an average sized replacement double hung window for about $400-$450 per window including the cost of the window. And while you are bound to get the best price if you have the entire house done at once, using a good home improvement contractor will allow you to do a portion of your windows at a time if doing the whole house would just stretch your budget too far.

If you have gaps around your doors, try contacting a window contractor skilled in installing doors and see if it can be adjusted to hang properly to minimize outside air intrusion. If this isn’t possible, installing a storm door may be just what you need to add that extra insulation. Consider purchasing storm doors with moveable panels and screens for those warm days in spring and fall when you want to open up the house and take advantage of Mother Nature’s breezes. The added cost for the moveable panels will more than pay for themselves on the days when you can turn off the heat or air conditioning and open up the house.

Since most new construction doors do not have low E coatings on the glass, look into either having a coating installed or purchase one yourself at a home improvement store and coat the glass on the weekend or whenever you have some free time. A low E coating reduces the amount of heat that can penetrate your window glass and can make a big difference in you summer time utility bills as well as preventing areas with southern exposure from overheating in the bright sinter sun.

All of these tips will make huge differences in you energy bills. Since the cash that you put into improving your house can generally be recovered when you go to sell your house and money spent on utility bills cannot, it makes great sense to spend your cash sprucing up your house instead of sending your money to the utility company. Increase value of your home and lowered monthly utility bills make these types of home improvements a huge success.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Importance of Windows

written by mari milian

Vinyl replacement window are gaining importance. These windows are generally inexpensive. Vinyl windows are made up of PVC, polyvinyl chloride. In a new house, the moldings are made from PVC material. This material has lot of benefits. Because of this material the home maintenance costs may go down. These windows are 100 percent maintenance free. This reduces costs and time. Since vinyl is colored, the dings and scratches are unnoticeable. Mostly people don't think about what type of window they should buy as they think it is a boring part and so they don't focus on it. Mostly homemakers do not think of replacing windows until they are rotten or when they receive high heating bills.

Start taking care of your window. Before buying a vinyl window decide if you want to shop or trust someone else for shopping. Some people do their research on the internet and find their favorite window and then find a window installation company. Many people may find a window company that offers replacement windows and installation service.

Most of the replacement windows are sold through qualified window dealers. These windows do not need painting or sealing and are less expensive than wood. These windows have a quicker turnaround time than wood windows. Some of the tips before buying a window are picking up a window that last for over 40 years. Choose a window that has low e glass. Buy windows that are gas filled for energy efficiency purposes.

Replacement windows come in different styles like double hung windows, picture windows, awning picture windows, hopper windows, sliding windows, casement windows, awning windows, garden windows, bow and bay windows, storm windows, specialty windows. These windows have different colors like white, beige, cocoa brown, white interior and many other colors. Simonton vinyl windows are extremely durable, resists corrosion, maintenance free. These windows are available in a wide range of styles and shapes. It can be installed easily. Double hung windows are divided into two sections. One section can slide up and the other section can slide down. Do not confuse double hung windows with double glazed windows.

Many homemakers like double hung windows because they are good at inhibiting air intrusion into the house and have a classic appearance. These windows are so popular in style that the manufacturers and installation companies tend to price them competitively. In Double hung windows only one lower half or the upper half can open, both can never be opened at the same time. These types of windows can be cleaned easily. Casement windows have contemporary style windows and bring in more light than other window choices. In casement windows they do not have to push a window up, just turn the crank. Casement windows are tall, awning windows are wider. They work along the same line as casement window. Bay windows are usually three windows combined together. The middle window will not open but the two windows flanking it can be either double hung or casement windows depending on your taste. New windows will give your house a new look.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Replacement Window Tips

Written by Replacement Windows

Replacement windows become necessary when your windows are damaged, especially with storm damage. Many people choose to replace a damaged window with a hurricane window, which is made with impact resistant glass. This makes for stronger windows, although when going through storm repair it is a good idea to keep shutters in mind. Replacement windows come in many types, including vinyl windows and wood. It is even possible to get an aluminum window.

Replacement windows are termed by the material that makes the frames and sashes. Vinyl replacement windows are made using PVC, for example. A hurricane window does not necessarily have a special material for its frame and sash, but it is distinguished by specially rated glass that is designed to resist impact and withstand high water pressure in the event of flooding. They do not often leak.

Choosing vinyl replacement windows
Because they are made from PVC, they are very energy efficient. They are also quite strong and require little maintenance. In fact, they can be cleaned with only water soap. Additionally, they do not chip, rust or blister. Nor do they warp, flake or swell. Because the frames and sashes are welded, they do a good job of minimizing leaks.

An aluminum window is much stronger, and is also durable and easy to maintain, but is a poor insulator, allowing for condensation and heat transfer. Wood, while very beautiful, is difficult to maintain. Without the proper protection, wood will crack, swell and warp. It is, however, an excellent insulator that rarely has problems with condensation. An interesting way to have wood windows is to use a clad window. The interior part of the window is wood, while the exterior is vinyl or aluminum. While this arrangement is not as beneficial as all aluminum or all vinyl, it is better than all wood, and can give your home a touch of elegance. Clad windows combine both worlds. There are many options when replacing windows as part of storm repair. No matter which type you use, you should always make sure you fully understand your needs before buying replacement windows.

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