http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windows-and-doors-articles.htm Up to date Windows & Doors Articles and information from HomeRenovationGuide en-us info@homerenovationguide.com Tue, 06 May 2008 16:38:37 EDT Copyright 2007, HomeRenovationGuide,com http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/masonite.htm Staining your front door is a simple process that can achieve elaborate results. Three easy stages—Preparing, Staining, and Applying a top-coat—will allow you to increase both the aesthetics and value of your home.PreparationPreparing to stain your door just might be the most demanding step of the process. You will need access to a standard set of tools, acetone, and a quality stain. Doors can be stained either hanging in the opening or removed from the frame. To ensure an effective staining, it is important to keep your work-area and the door itself free of dust and Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:37:40 EDT http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/masonite.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/replacement-windows.htm In our efforts to save money and reduce carbon emissions, we are all seeking actions we can take to bemore proactive. Upgrading your windows to be more energy efficient is a great start.It’s a very important decision, choosing the right windows for your home. Whether building or remodelling, the right windows will not only enhance the beauty of your home, they will also save you a considerable sum on your heating costs. Take the time to clearly examine the advantages, including thequality. Poorly constructed or installed windows can cause condensation and lead to mold Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:07:46 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/replacement-windows.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/pella-energy.htm Making an investment in superior windows and doors will pay off down the road. In lower energy bills. In less fading damage to furniture and carpet. And above all, in the comfortable enjoyment of your home. That’s why Pella® products are designed with a variety of options and glass technologies for outstanding energy efficiency. No single solution is right for every home or every climate. But you can count on Pella for the solution that’s right for you. Our years of experience have allowed us to put together some things and tricks to use.• Ensure an airtight seal. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:42:35 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/pella-energy.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/condensation.htm Understanding CondensationMoisture is present in all homes, but when it becomes excessive, homeowners need to take an active role in protecting their investment. Humidity and CondensationHumidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. Condensation is water that forms when warm, moist air hits a cooler surface. In homes, it might occur on surfaces such as windows, bathroom walls and cold-water pipes. When interior humidity levels are too high relative to cooler outdoor temperatures, condensation can form on the coldest surface in a room — often the glass Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:06:10 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/condensation.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/window-door-replacement.htm As you consider replacing your windows or doors, look for these indicators that your old windows or doors need to be replaced:Poor performanceOpening and closing is a difficult task; air leaks in, out or around the window; condensation or fogging occurs on or between glass panes.Safety Windows that don’t open easily or are painted or nailed shut may prevent a safe escape during a fire when seconds count.Looks Chipping, deterioration and water stains on the window or the area around the window (inside or out).Effort Cleaning is a major hassle; replacement parts are har Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:05:38 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/window-door-replacement.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/welda.htm When you buy a window for your home you are investing in a home improvement that can either save you money or continue to cost you money. There are considerations that need to be taken into account: How long will the window last? How energy efficient is the window? How much maintenance will be needed? How long is the warranty? If damage occurs, how will I get it repaired? How much will the new windows increase the value of the home? Saving Money on MaintenanceNew windows can save you money on maintenance in two important ways: 1. If you choose vinyl windows, you can Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:04:44 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/welda.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windowtech.htm Windows bring light, warmth and beauty into homes, giving a feeling of openness and space to living areas, but they can also account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating or cooling bill. Given rising energy costs, it is important to understand what types of energy-saving options are available.Today, there are many window technologies available that are worth considering. Glazing materials now come with a wide selection of options such as Low e, Argon, and perhaps one of the most important features to go into the make-up of the glazing system, the type of spacer in the Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:09 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windowtech.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windowrepair.htm If you live in an older home and you have the original windows, then you most likely have had thoughts on repairing or replacing them. You may remember the saying "throwing good money after bad".....well this certainly can apply to your approach to windows and doors.Whether you are contemplating repairing or replacing your windows, call in experts and make sure you get at least 3 opinions or estimates. Beware of the quick fix, which in most cases just adds to the overall cost in the long run. Typically your first clue that there is a problem is a draft coming around o Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:22 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windowrepair.htm http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windowglossary.htm Knowing the basic terms used for window and glass installation can help when determining your needs, and talking to your contractor.Conduction - Heat transfer through a material. Heat flows from a higher temperature area to a lower temperature area.Emissivity - The relative ability of a surface to reflect or emit heat by radiation. Emissivity factors range from 0.00 to 1.00 and are typically measured in a U-Factor (or its inverse, R-Factor). The lower the emissivity, the less heat that is emitted through a window system.Relative Heat Gain - a calculated relationship of Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:59:22 EST http://www.homerenovationguide.com/pages/windowglossary.htm