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Windows
& Coverings
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Information about windows, coverings,
trim and energy efficiency. Click on a link to browse to an area
of interest. |
Highlight
 Pozzi Wood
Windows® - manufacturers of high quality windows available
in various wood finishes. Feature outstanding craftsmanship,
multi-pane construction and solid components. Please visit their
site for further information. |
Manurfacturers Online
Consumers Reports Online /
Home - fee-based subscription access
to brand-name ratings and evaluations
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Windows (Wood, vinyl,
aluminum, fiberglass) |
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Blinds and Window Coverings
(drapes, shutters, decorative arrangements) |
Levolor®
- winner of the WCMA Safety Innovation of the Year Award featuring
metal horizontal, wood horizontal, cellular, and vertical blinds
Spectra Window coverings
online - spectra covers the Dallas Fort Worth and North Texas
areas with custom draperies, blinds, shades and shutters |
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Resellers Online
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Windows (Wood, vinyl,
aluminum, fiberglass) |
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Blinds and Window Coverings
(drapes, shutters, decorative arrangements) |
blinds-4less.com
- extensive inventory and pricing charts
Blind King® - we
offer the full line of top-quality Levolor ® blinds at deeply
discounted prices. By measuring, ordering on-line and installing
your own blinds, you can enjoy these incredible savings
Iris window coverings
online - horizontal, vertical, wood blinds, shades, shutters,
motorization, and drapery hardware
Blind Ambition Window
Coverings - reseller of many different window coverings
Blind Man Window Coverings
- helpful approximate pricing chart based on width and height
of various blinds
Blinds2You.com - various
blinds in different colors and approximate pricing charts
Blinds Network - online
catalog featuring various photo example of blinds and information
NoBrainerBlinds.com
- wood blinds, honeycomb shades, vertical blinds, Natural Wood
Roman Shades, Horizontal Aluminum Blinds and Budget-Priced 2"
Vinyl Blinds
Blinds Depot - extensive
window coverings selection |
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Yellow Pages
(requires javascript enabled
browser - NS3+IE4+)
Information
(Support
pages
= Safety
- Prevent Child Suffocation )
WINDOWS
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A cost saving strategy and improvement
that can boost the value of the home is new windows, especially
if the home or apartment has older windows. Some indications
that influence the purchase of new windows are: wood frames that
are warped, poorly insulated, single pane without storm windows,
drafty when the wind blows or ugly windows that would detract
from the sale of a home.
About Windows
There are several types of window frames. Most differ
in their construction. A few of the more popular types are: vinyl,
wood, aluminum, and more recently fiberglass
composite frame windows.
These range in cost respectively
and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. When choosing a
window, a good place to start is by budget. Have a few local
companies that specialize in residential windows give you bids.
Ask what types of windows they sell and recommend. It is also
helpful to call a few builders and ask what they recommend and
install. Wood windows are particularly popular in more expensive
homes where there is greater latitude in budget.
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Common window
types used for specific applications |
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Vertical bedroom window |
Single hung (single vent) |
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Vertical small room window |
Double hung (double vent) |
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Basement window - horizontal |
Horizontal slider (single hung on
its side) |
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Large front window |
Picture window (no vents or slides) |
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Main kitchen window |
Window box (protrudes beyond exterior
wall) |
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Upstairs bedroom skylight |
Skylight (installed in roof) |
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Living room or door |
Stained glass |
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Living room |
Bay window |
In addition to different frames
and different layouts, there are different glass panes and finishes
that are used. An example would be a bathroom window with obscure
or privacy glass. Objects usually only visible when very close
to the window. The glass has a pattern or frosted finish to it
to prevent visibility of the room.
Energy Efficiency
 Another finish, generally called 'Low
E' (short for low-emissivity), is barely visible but has a reflective
quality which eliminates much of the ultraviolet light that can
sun damage sofas, paint, and other objects inside the home. The
illustration at the right is an approximation of what light transmission
occurs in a window without this coating. With low-E, close to
the same amount of light lumens or brightness comes through the
window, but harmful rays are kept out. This coating may also
have some of the same effect in winter by acting as an insulative
layer - reflecting heat back inside the home. |
Most double-pane windows have a
gas that is pressure sealed between the two panes. This gas acts
as another insulative layer by reducing the reaction between
the outside temperature and the inside temperature. Some windows
that are poorly constructed can loose this energy-saving property
later in the life of the window.
Looking for windows that are NFRC
(technical information
on the National Fenestration Rating Council) certified to help
you compare the insulative properties of the windows you intend
to buy. Another great source of window efficiency information
is EWC (Efficient
Windows Collaborative). These organizations help the consumer
know the energy efficiency of different windows by providing
a standard of measure and certification program for window manufacturers.
Additional technical information can be found at the Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory web site and Maryland
Energy Administration.
Benefits
Good windows can raise the value of the home while providing
cost savings for the homeowner long term. Some utility companies
provide payment installment plans for those on a tight budget.
They typically work with preferred installers and have certain
criteria for purchasing new windows. Check with your natural
gas or electricity provider to see if such a program is available
in your area. Spreading the cost of the windows over many payments
makes affording new windows easier and can be a sound investment
strategy if considering selling the home. |
WINDOW
COVERINGS
Maintenance Issues to Consider
When Purchasing new Coverings
Low maintenance
option: horizontal
vinyl blinds with standard braided cord blinds and non-textured
gloss slats will be easy to clean, won't break and have extremely
high resistance to sun bleaching.
Cloth
tapes: although
visually appealing, dust can collect on decorative cloth tapes
(used as an alternative to to standard braided cord blinds) which
may difficult to clean.
Material
based cellular shades:
provide ambient light,
yet constant dust build up may limit the lifespan of this type
of window covering.
Horizontal
metal blinds: can
be easily dusted and cleaned, but misuse may result in permanently
bending or creasing the slats.
Horizontal
wood / vinyl blinds:
slats with textured finishes
such as sand blast and simulated wood can trap dust and dirt
in the recesses of the texture, making cleaning a time consuming
process.
Vertical
Blinds: traditional bottom weight with clips
that may break and chains that may become entangled may not be
appropriate for high traffic areas.
Draperies
and ornate cloth window coverings: may
help retain the temperature of the room, especially with older
windows. Susceptibility to sun bleaching and stains should be
considered when making a selection.
How to measure for
new blinds |
SAFETY
WINDOW
TRIM
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Tools
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Window installation tools: measuring tape, level, hammer, small
crowbar, screwdriver, table saw, silicon caulking that can be
painted, insulating foam (spray canister) - minimal expanding
types preferable, and finish nails. Optional: finish nail gun.
Trim installation tools: measuring tape, level, hammer, small
crowbar, table saw, miter saw, silicon caulking that can be painted,
sand paper, and finish nails. Optional: finish nail gun and router
with bevel bits. |
Ideas
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