Common Problems with Windows, Panes, and Interior Shutters

interior shutters

A properly installed window can lower heating costs, enhance the aesthetics of your home’s interior, and increase the value of your home. Since they take in considerable amounts of radiation, windows should be efficient in illuminating the building and managing heat.

If you need new windows, it is wise to get professional installers to do the job. This article looks at some of the common problems you will encounter with new panes and interior shutters.

Air Tightness

It is important when installing custom made windows to ensure they are airtight. That is to say, the air within the building cannot escape to the outside. If it does, it can envelop the building and occupy spaces where moisture can accumulate.

Usually, air finds its way out through broken seals that are not effective enough to stop leaks. Poor quality sealing may be as a result of installing the lower edge of the pane, before placing the heat insulation.

Lack of airtightness can be problematic for your home. Moisture that is trapped within the structure can accelerate the growth of mold, mildew, and rot. It also reduces the energy efficiency of the building.

Damp Proofing

Damp-proofing is a term used in construction to refer to agents that stop moisture from getting into the building. To prevent dampness, a membrane is placed horizontally under the concrete floor. In the vertical direction, the damp-proof materials protect the walls and windows.

In cavity walls, it is even more critical to apply a Damp-Proof Course (DPC) around doors and windows. DPC stops water from getting from the outer wall into the cavity. It is particularly useful for areas with high levels of humidity. The DPC has agents that can diffuse vapor as it tries to cross the membrane.

Some homeowners may choose to ignore applying DPC around the edges of windows and walls. Sometimes, that is done for aesthetic considerations, which may not favor adding a frame or insulation. Over time, unsightly mold develops around the window.

Foggy Windows and Possible Damping

At times, when the heating system is on, you may notice beads of water or fog on the glass. Usually, it is just an irritating problem, and there is no cause for worry.

However, if the problem is extensive and persistent, it could be a sign of condensation developing. The vapor in the air turns to droplets of water when it hits a cooler surface. Also, there can be a lot of fog on the windows if there is poor ventilation in your home.

The old windows had a low-grade sealant that can come loose over time. It often happens on older double-glazed panes. But before you seek out a Milgard windows installer, rule out ventilation and moisture coming from the interior.

Issues with Interior Shutters

It is also important to consider the issues you may encounter with interior shutters. Wood shutters can be a fine addition to the aesthetics that raise the value of your home. They can complement both traditional and modern decor.

Broken Magnets: Exposure to sunlight over a long period can weaken the magnet that keeps the interior shutters tightly closed. You can fix it by replacing the magnetic parts.

Loose Hinges: You may notice that some of the hinges on the shutters are loose. You will have to tighten the screws. If the screw is not firm, add some small piece of paper or stick to the hole to make it tight.

Broken or Faulty Louver: A broken louver is never a good thing for your interior’s aesthetics. You will have to replace it with a new one. If the issue is that it can’t stay open, there could be tension within the structure due to poor installation.

Bottom-Line

If properly done, the installation of Milgard custom windows and interior shutters can enhance your home interior, and keep it safe. To minimize the risk of these issues cropping up, ensure you get it done by professional window installers.

Windows and Doors: Managing Energy Costs

windows and doors

Are you ready to make the changes to your home that can help you start conserving energy? The perfect place to start is with new windows and doors. Replacement windows and replacement doors can help you shut out the elements and conserve energy.

About 30% of the energy used to keep your home comfortable is lost through old windows and doors. Vinyl replacement windows couple with new doors can put an end to the losses.

No one can deny how important it is to conserve energy — not just because of the associated costs of energy waste but because of the toll it is taking on the environment. Responsible homeowners are taking the steps to cut back on their energy use. However, it can be hard to cut down on energy use when you are dealing with old windows and doors.

Getting serious about conserving energy takes commitment and requires that you really evaluate your home to assess where the problem areas are. New windows and doors are a great place to start and can have a profound change on your energy consumption.

 

New Windows and Doors Are a Win-Win

When you choose Burbank replacement windows and doors as your home improvement project, the rewards are numerous. With these new additions, you can:

    • Improve aesthetics
    • Enjoy the quiet
    • Save energy

 

Vinyl windows can easily upgrade the look of your home. When you replace doors and windows on your home, you can increase your curb appeal tremendously. Of course, with new windows and doors, you also can keep the noise outside where it belongs.

You can do what is right for the environment, for your wallet, and for your lifestyle with one easy choice. Replacement doors and windows may be one of the best choices you ever made for your home.

If all of the above was not enough, you can also hang up the paintbrush when you upgrade your windows. No more scraping away the old paint. No more worries about painting. All you need is a hose and a few minutes to wash off any buildup.

 

Do what is right for the environment and do what is right for your home by choosing to replace your windows and doors. For more information, please contact us today.

Awnings Can Help to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Area And Save Energy

awnings

Are you fully enjoying your patio and other outdoor spaces? Many people are not. While there is nothing better than a beautiful sunny day, no one really appreciates too much sun while they are trying to relax, eat, or read on the patio. Awnings can be the perfect solution to help provide some shade on your patio.

Awnings Burbank homeowners have discovered not only add a great aesthetic to their home but also help them to enjoy their outdoor spaces more. Once you have those Milgard custom patio doors installed you may want to think about having some awnings installed as well.

Keep the Heat Off

A retractable patio awning is a great way to control the amount of sunshine your patio gets throughout the day. They are very easy to use and put you in control. For example, in the early morning hours the sun is not too harsh so you can leave the awning closed, but later in the day when the sun is beating down, opening that awning can really help to keep things comfortable.

Having shade on your patio will encourage more outdoor living. Of course, awnings also can help to keep things cooler on the inside of the house as well. Retractable window awning is a great way to control the amount of radiant heat that enters your home.

Entertaining Outdoors

It is estimated that about 40% of US households use their outdoor living spaces to entertain. Is there any better way to bring people together than to enjoy the outdoors? Well, there is one thing better than enjoying friends and family on the patio. Enjoying friends and family in comfort on the patio.

A professionally installed and easy to use awning system can create the perfect environment for hosting your favorite people. You will love your outdoor living space with a little extra shade.

Instant Upgrade

Awnings can instantly upgrade the look and the comfort of your home. Deciding to have awnings installed also will upgrade your lifestyle. You can add to your home’s aesthetic while you add to your comfort.

Get more use out of your outdoor living space by controlling the comfort of those spaces with awnings and enjoy the added benefit of a lower energy bill for those hot summer days.

What You Need to Know About Buying Patio Doors

patio doors

Finding the right patio doors can depend on a few different factors. You’ll want to find one that fits well with the style of your home. You also need to consider the material you want to be used. These along with other factors will help you make a good decision. Here’s what you need to know about buying patio doors.

What type of patio door should I get?

There are three types of patio doors that are most commonly used. Sliding patio doors, folding patio doors, and swinging patio doors.

Sliding patio doors offer many different benefits. One of the best benefits is that they’re very easy to use. You can get in and out quickly when you need to. Also, because they’re glass, you get to enjoy a lot of light coming into your home. You can also attach a patio door screen to it, that way you can enjoy the fresh air in your home without any bugs coming in.

Swinging patio doors have hinges like normal doors. The doors can be side-by-side or you can have three doors in a row. It all depends on the wideness of your patio door opening. Most people tend to use full view glass panels to enjoy having a lot of sunlight in the home. You can get this style of door in different colors, glass, and many other variations.

Folding patio doors are usually really good for wide spaces. As the name indicates, these types of doors are opened by folding them back. They can have up to 8 individual full glass doors that open or close. The panels are usually framed with wood or aluminum.

What material should I use?

Along with different types of patio doors, there are different materials you can use as well. Vinyl is one of the most common materials used for patio doors. It’s durable and can withstand both warm and cold climates. You won’t have to worry about any fading or peeling. Wood is another option that looks really nice on a home. You can choose between pine, mahogany, and other types of wood. But be aware that they can take some work to maintain, and they are more expensive.

If you’re really interested in durability, steel is a really good option. They’re usually made to be rust resistant. Lastly, you might consider fiberglass. An advantage to using this material is it’s lightweight and weather resistant. Though keep in mind that this option can also be more expensive than others.

What glass should I get?

The right glass is all a matter of preference. For example, you might be most interested in getting something with style. In this case, decorative glass would be good to get. They’re stylish, and they also have the option of being frosted for extra privacy. Perhaps you want glass that can provide some usefulness. Low-E glass has a coating that prevents harmful UV Rays of the sun from getting in. They’re also energy efficient, helping you to lower your energy bills. In addition to choosing a type of glass, you could also consider having built-in blinds or grids between the glass as well.

There are many options to consider when it comes to patio doors. Whether you prefer more style, or you desire something cost-effective, there’s an option that’ll work for you for a long time. Patio doors can last for around 30 years, and even longer with service. Hopefully, this information will help you decide on the best patio door for your home.

Is Your Home Ready for Replacement Windows?

replacement windows

How do you know when you should be looking into new replacement windows? It is a common question that the professional window and door installation companies get a lot. The answer is, “it depends on a few factors”.

Replacement windows and replacement doors are one of the best places to put your renovation or improvement dollars. Knowing when you should be considering replacing windows and doors can be the best way to gauge if your windows and doors are up to par.

What Do The Experts Recommend?

The experts agree that if your home is 15 years or older you may want to consider replacement of your old windows and doors. Technologies have evolved over the last decade or so that has made some major improvements in the function of replacement windows.

Today’s vinyl replacement windows are more energy-efficient than ever which is good news considering 30% of your energy costs are attributed to faulty windows and doors. One of the main reasons homeowners decide to call for professional Burbank windows and doors installation is because they are tired of dealing with drafty windows and doors.

If you notice any of the following around your windows and doors it is time to call in a professional that can manage your replacement window installation and replacement doors:

  • Noticeable cracks around the frames
  • If you can feel air coming through around the frames
  • A temperature difference near the window or the door

In some cases, it is obvious that your windows and doors need to be replaced. The windows and doors are in poor shape and it is hard not to notice. In other cases, you have to put on your detective cap and really take a good look.

Tired of Maintenance Costs

One of the things homeowners really love about vinyl replacement windows, besides the great energy savings, and the quieter atmosphere is the reduction in maintenance requirements. Imagine windows that you do not have to scrape and paint every year. All you have to do is hose things down once in a while.

New replacement windows require little to no maintenance which can be freeing. You get to enjoy energy savings, a quieter environment, and not have to worry about maintenance problems.

Milgard Patio Doors Gives You a New Outlook

milgard patio doors

Milgard patio doors add a perfect touch of style and more to your patio. Most people do not realize that 30% of their heating energy is flying right out of their old windows and doors. Milgard patio doors not only look amazing but they can help you to lower your energy costs as well.

Milgard is a leader in windows and doors. You can get a whole new perspective from your home simply by replacing your windows and patio doors.

Upgrading Your Home Made Easy

Upgrading your home is easy with Milgard custom patio doors and Milgard windows. Old windows and doors date your home. You can have the aesthetic that you love and the savings that you want with the right window and door replacement.

Milgard patio doors can add instant value to your property and more importantly will add instant value to your lifestyle. It is important that you love where you live and that your space reflects your style.

Low Maintenance Doors and Windows

You have more important things to do than maintain your windows and doors constantly. If you are tired of dealing with the amount of maintenance that you need to pour into your old windows and doors it may be time to consider replacement options.

With Milgard you will enjoy years of worry-free, maintenance-free operation. These windows and doors are built to last and to do it beautifully with minimal maintenance required. This can be the perfect place to invest your home improvement dollars.

Get a Nice ROI

One of the reasons that homeowners choose Milgard patio doors is because of the return they will get on their investment, and the return starts immediately. You immediately can lower your energy bill. You can immediately start enjoying the beautiful aesthetics. When it comes time to sell you will also see a return on your investment. It is a win-win situation.

You do not have to be stuck with drafty windows and doors that need constant maintenance. You do not have to watch as your energy dollars fly out your patio doors. You can choose to get the new patio doors that you will love installed.

Call today to learn more about Milgard patio doors and windows.