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Windows play a significant role in the interior design of houses. The interior designs industry generates a revenue of $10 billion every year, and vinyl windows certainly make up a decent portion of that figure. Vinyl windows have become prominent in interior design because of their outstanding features. These windows are beautiful, robust, durable, and energy-efficient. They also have low maintenance requirements. Nevertheless, they will need occasional maintenance to keep them looking good and functional for many years. If you’re looking to improve your house’s appearance by taking care of your windows, the following are dos and don’ts of vinyl window maintenance.

Do Clean the Glass Regularly

The glass is the most important part of vinyl windows. It will help if you clean the glass regularly to wipe off moisture and dust, which make the glass appear dull or cloudy. Use a glass cleaner or a soft cloth and a glass spray to do the cleaning. You can use your own glass cleaner using water and vinegar.

Don’t Use Abrasives

You may be tempted to do mechanical cleaning by using abrasive materials to clean your vinyl windows. Don’t do this! Abrasive materials like razor blades can damage your vinyl windows by scratching glass and vinyl surfaces. Use specialized cleaning products to clean off sticky stains.

Do Clean Your Window Frames

Just like the glass, vinyl window frames need to be cleaned regularly too. Wash the entire frame with water and soap or vinegar solution. This will prevent your windows from getting dusty and old-looking.

Don’t Use Harmful Cleaners

Don’t use cleaners containing harsh chemicals to clean your vinyl windows. Cleaners like organic solvents and chlorine bleach may contain harmful chemicals that can corrode window surfaces and diminish the lifespan of your vinyl windows.

Do Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Clean your windows when the temperatures are moderate. Hot temperatures will dry windows leaving behind soapy residues. On the other hand, cold temperatures will dry the windows slowly, leaving behind streaks. Also, don’t wash your windows under direct sunlight. This will ensure your windows dry properly without leaving behind any stains.

Don’t Forget to Rinse and Dry Your Windows

Windows need to be rinsed and dried as well. After cleaning your vinyl windows, don’t forget to rinse the soap or vinegar solution off the windows. Allow your windows to dry naturally after rinsing them.

Vinyl windows improve the overall aesthetic of houses. Taking good care of your vinyl windows will increase their lifespan and make your home good-looking. The tips provided in this article will guarantee proper maintenance of your vinyl windows.

Outdoor living spaces are important to many homeowners, and in 2017 over 40% stated that they used their outdoor space to entertain guests. However, not everyone is satisfied with their current outdoor spaces, and if you fall into this category, here are a few ways that you can improve it.

1. Improve Your Lighting

One way to improve your outdoor space is to improve your lighting, and you don’t even have to call in an electrician. Hanging lanterns, led lights, solar lights, and fairy lights can all improve the lighting in your outdoor living space and make it feel more comfortable and inviting.

2. Add an Awning

Awnings are another thing to consider when trying to improve your outdoor space, especially if you’re lacking shade. You also have options when it comes to awnings, as some can be permanently fixed, while others are retractable. Retractable awnings can provide the greatest flexibility, giving you the option to cover your living area from rain and sunlight or let the sunshine in when you need to catch a few rays.

3. Add a Fire Pit

Fire pits are a popular addition to many outdoor living areas and they can provide a relaxing atmosphere for gatherings. They can also provide you with the perfect place to cook some s’mores without having to venture to a campground. Some fire pits can even be built-in to use gas and fire glass for a shimmery and unique centerpiece.

4. Add Comfortable Pillows and Rugs

Dull uncomfortable patios can easily be transformed with a few comfortable rugs and cushions. Not only does this make the space cozier, but it can also make it warmer and more inviting for both family and guests.

5. Install a Fountain

Why put on a relaxing nature sound playlist when you can capture the gentle tinkling of water right in your backyard. Fountains don’t have to be elaborate to be relaxing, and even a small fountain can help your patio become a more relaxing place for you to enjoy after a long day of work.

If you’re not satisfied with your current outdoor living space, these are five tips to consider that can help transform it into something you love. The changes don’t have to be huge to have a big impact, and even something as simple as adding small lights and cushions can greatly improve your patio space.

Picking the right windows for your home may sound like an easy job, but the truth is there are many considerations to make. For instance, new home windows come in many styles and have different frame materials, operating styles, and other variations. The good news is you will likely find a favorite window option among the popular choices. To help you decide, here’s how to choose the right window option for your home.

Decide On The Function of the Window

Windows are not all created equally. That’s why it’s essential to first figure out what sort of functionality you need your windows to have. For instance, if you want to create better ventilation, then you might want to purchase casement windows, awning windows, or double-hung windows all of which work well to direct more air into your home.

If you want to invite more natural light into your home, then we absolutely recommend sliding and bay windows. In the same vein, if you want energy efficient windows you want windows that can create an airtight seal, such as fixed picture windows.

This is important because about 30% of your home’s heating energy can be lost via the windows. Therefore, if you live in an area with a cold climate, the right energy efficient windows can help you save a pretty penny.

Make Sure The Window Suits Your Home’s Style

Any new home windows you choose should also be suited to the architectural style of your home. For instance, if your house has a traditional look, double-hung windows are often recommended. In contrast, casement windows are more popular if your home has a modern design.

But still, it’s possible to incorporate both these window styles by installing the double-hung ones in the front, since they have more curb appeal. You can then install casement windows in the back to let more air and light in.

Go With a Flexible, Mix-and-Match Approach

If you are in love with more than one window style, you can still choose them all. However, to avoid having a disjointed look, it’s important to ensure that your windows have a similar design and are made from the same materials. This helps to create a more cohesive look that’s aesthetically pleasing.

These tips can make choosing new home windows super easy. At the end of the day, the right window should be suited to its purpose while matching the overall design of your home.

French and sliding patio doors are two of the most common patio doors out there. There’s a reason why they are both popular. However, it can be tricky trying to sift through all the information available on these two patio door styles and trying to decide which one is right for you.

No worries! We have made your life easier with this quick breakdown of french doors vs sliding glass doors and which one is best for you.

What You Need To Know About French Doors

French patio doors are also referred to as swinging patio doors because of the way they open inward or outward from the center. For this reason, French doors are ideal in a spacious environment. You will often find them in most traditional homes and they typically cost more than sliding glass doors. They can be differentiated from sliding doors because of their wider door frame.

What You Need to Know About Sliding Glass Doors

As the name suggests, sliding doors slide sideways, instead of opening out. They also come with a protective screen that allows you to enjoy the cool breeze without also letting bugs in. The biggest advantage of sliding glass doors is that they don’t take up as much space, so they are always a great option if the area doesn’t have much room.

A Summary of Which Option Is Best for You

Well, as with most things, there’s no one size fits all option. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your needs and preference. For instance, sliding glass doors are a great option if you want something more cost-effective and which doesn’t take up a lot of space. If you want traditional patio doors and have enough space to accommodate them, then by all means choose French patio doors.

If you’re still torn between these two options, you can choose a combination of the two. For instance, with Milgard custom patio doors, it’s possible to install patio doors that contain design elements taken from both the French and sliding door styles.

The deck and patio construction industry have expanded by 3% over the last half-decade. In 2019, it reached a revenue of $783 million. Needless to say, there are many options available on the market when it comes to choosing the right patio doors.

However, Milgard custom patio doors are always the top option, whether you prefer sliding or French doors. Milgard custom patio doors are durable and well-designed. You will never go wrong by giving us a call because we offer the best patio doors on the market!

If you’re looking to replace your patio doors or improve the ones you currently have, tinting is an option that you should keep in mind. Tinted patio doors can have a range of benefits that make them perfect for residential homes. To help give you a better idea of why you should consider patio door tinting, here is what you need to know.

1. Privacy

Window tinting, like the options provided by Milgard custom patio doors, can increase the privacy in your home by making it more difficult for outside viewers to see inside. This can be especially helpful if you want to keep the blinds open for light, but don’t want to advertise what’s going on inside to all of your neighbors.

2. Protection From UV

UV rays can be damaging, and they are responsible for causing colors to fade over time. This can even damage items in your home if they are in direct sun. However, window tinting can block nearly 100% of UV rays, which helps to keep your home protected.

3. Blocking Heat

If you want to keep your blinds open during the day for light, heat can quickly become a big problem. Fortunately, window tinting helps to reflect and absorb solar energy so that it can’t heat up your home.

4. Reducing Glare

Glare can be a big problem if you’re trying to watch TV with the blinds open. However, window tinting, like the kind provided by Milgard custom patio doors, can help reduce glare so that you can watch without interference. Glare can be cut down by as much as 94% in some instances, making this a great addition to any home.

5. Style

Another benefit of patio door window tinting is that it is both functional and stylish. Whether you’re investing in brand new tinted doors or applying a tint to your current doors, it’s an option that can provide a sleek appearance both inside and out.

The Perfect Patio Doors

If you are looking to improve your current doors or invest in new ones, consider how tinted patio doors can benefit your home. Remember, too, that patio doors can last up to 30 years with proper service, so this is an investment that should stay in your home for a long time to come. There are numerous options to choose from, and with options like Milgard custom patio doors, you can create the perfect tinted doors for your home.

The type of windows you choose for your home should reflect your style and preferred quality. When deciding which window type is best for you, the question of single vs. double paned windows often comes up. If you’re unsure about the differences between the two, then this short guide breaks it down so you can make a more informed decision.

What Are Single Paned Windows?

As the name suggests, single paned windows are made from only one layer of glass. However, they have different styles and materials. Although some single paned windows have an extra removable glass pane, generally, they don’t offer as much insulation as windows with more panes. They are also not great at blocking out noise.

Advantages of Single Paned Windows

The biggest advantage of single paned windows is their low cost and easy installation. Typically, they’re an excellent option for homeowners that are on a strict budget. Also, because they don’t provide much insulation, they’re more suitable for warm-climate environments.

For instance, in 2017, over 40% of homeowners used their outdoor space for entertaining, so if the weather is warm, single paned windows may not be much of a downside. If you need to add some extra insulation to a single paned window, you can use window film as a short term solution. Otherwise, it’s best to get double paned new home windows from the start.

What Are Double Paned Windows?

Double paned windows also have a pretty explanatory name – they have two glass panes. Most double paned glasses also have argon gas between the planes for maximum insulation. With additional layers of protection between your home and the weather, you’re not at the mercy of seasonal temperatures.

Advantages of Double Paned Windows

While double paned new home windows are a bit more expensive than single paned windows, they help you save money in the long run. As mentioned earlier, their biggest advantage is the extra insulation they offer. They can help you control the heating and cooling aspect of your home, so you can better manage your home’s internal climate. This contributes to a lower energy bill and a smaller carbon footprint.

Single vs. Double Paned Windows: Which Are Better for Your Home?

Overall, double paned new home windows are highly recommended because they make your home more comfortable by reducing cold air, condensation, and loud noises. They’re also a great way to go green without breaking the bank. Single paned windows don’t quite match up to double paned windows, even if the initial cost is low. However, since they’re not as efficient as double paned glasses, any savings might be canceled.

Replacing the windows in your home may sound like a complex project that will cost you a lot. It need not be, as long as you do it the right way and involve the right professionals at the right stages. Following are five reasons why you would consider getting new home windows in the first place.

Improved Energy Efficiency

If you have an older home, there’s a good chance that your windows are made with single-pane glass. These glass panes may also not have heat-reflecting low-E coatings. Getting new home windows that are modern can help you save on your energy bill, given that up to 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows.

Better Curb Appeal

Because there are many modern style options available for windows, you can give your home a fresh, new look by simply replacing your windows. It is important to feel comfortable in your home, and improving its look is one way to do this.

Security and Safety

Windows, like doors, are a potential entry point into your home by burglars. They often target old windows that look worn down, because there’s a good chance that such windows have broken latches or are warped and therefore easy to break into the house through. You should make sure that the windows in your house open and shut well because they can also present you with an emergency exit when an emergency occurs.

Get Rid of Defects

As much as the window may look low-maintenance and hard to get defective, there are some cases when you can spot defects like rattling and drafts around the window whenever it gets windy, visible water leakage through it, rots and cracks that can sometimes even let in insects and other pests, and condensation leading to fogged up glass panes.

Fade Protection and Less Noise

If you get dual pane windows or laminated glass, it can help reduce the noise you hear while inside your house. If your new home windows are also made of modern glass that can block out ultraviolet rays from the sun, you will experience less fading of artwork, furniture, finishes, and carpet inside your home.

If you decide to change up your windows, make sure to get advice and an estimate from a qualified contractor. This will help you get the best windows for your needs, budget, and the architecture of your house in a straightforward manner.

The window treatments in your home are an important part of your whole house. They dress the windows up and work together to create a harmony between your house’s design and layout, and the functionality of your windows. Following are tips to help you choose the right window treatments for your house.

Know the Options You Have

This is perhaps the most important part of getting window treatments, because if you don’t know what you can get, it may negatively influence your final decision. The different types of window treatments include: drapes, blinds, curtains, shades, and valances. You can get some help from an interior designer to make sure your needs are fully met.

The Size and Shape of Your Windows

Depending on if your windows are circular, bay, arched, or rectangular, you will need to get a treatment that matches the shape.

The way your window opens will also dictate what options are available to you. They can be double and single hung which slide from the bottom up vertically, sliding windows that slide from side to side, awning windows that are hinged at the top, or casement windows that are hinged at the side.

Know The Purpose for The Treatment

This can be privacy, durability, prevention of fading, and blacking out a room, to name a few needs. Therefore, you can get solar shades if your main need is blocking out the sun’s rays from directly hitting your indoors at the wrong time, for instance. You can also get aesthetically pleasing shades if you just want to give your space a facelift.

Maintain a Consistent Theme

While you don’t want each room in your house to look identical, using wildly different treatments for different rooms in your house will not have a good effect. Being consistent with colors and materials will help your house have a good flow as someone moves from one room to the next. You can play a treatment up or down by adding accessories or removing them as necessary.

Annually, the interior design industry generates $10 billion in revenues, and this amount shows how much in demand the services of interior designers are. If you feel like you can’t pick the right color for your shades, for instance, or don’t know what material to get for your kitchen windows, getting a professional’s help will go a long way in giving you good results.

Windows are an integral part of any home-a household’s ‘eyes’ to the outside world. You may need to factor in a few key decisions when searching for the right set for your house. Top among them is the material for the frame and the sash.

Whether shopping for new construction or replacement windows, your material choice comes down to several different options. Wood and aluminum windows are popular options. Fiberglass and vinyl windows are the two most popular artificial materials. How do these materials compare for use on window frames, and which is the best option overall?

Vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride as the base material. Vinyl is America’s go-to option, with over 20 million units sold annually. Fiberglass frame windows cut out a niche for themselves, selling as the most energy-efficient material. Fiberglass is made from polyester resins impregnated in glass base material and then molded into shape.

Here is a comparison guide to help you pick out the right window material.

1. Design Aesthetic

While both materials may appear similar at a distance, fiberglass offers a wider range of decorative options than vinyl windows. Fiberglass is stronger, requiring less material than vinyl for the same stress levels. The thicker vinyl frames reduce the glass space, meaning less natural light. Fiberglass can also be textured to resemble wood and comes in a wider range of colors and styles.

2. Installation

If you are reasonably confident of your skills with a power drill, you can install vinyl windows for yourself. Vinyl is slightly flexible, making it easier to install than rigid fiberglass. Fiberglass windows may need professional window installers after ordering from the manufacturers. Vinyl frames are available in pre-made standard sizes at most home improvement stores.

3. Strength and Durability

Both fiberglass and vinyl windows tend to outlast wood, as they are resistant to chipping, cracking, rotting, and denting. However, fiberglass frames are up to eight times stronger than vinyl, making them more durable. Good quality vinyl windows have ratings for up to 30 years with proper care, while fiberglass can last up to 50 years.

4. Energy Efficiency

Both materials have a higher R-insulating value than wood. The glass base material-similar to that on window panes- means that the fiberglass frame and the window glass expand and contract at the same rate. This makes fiberglass up to 15% better at insulating than vinyl as the more energy-efficient material.

5. Cost

Vinyl replacement windows are more affordable than both fiberglass and wood materials. Fiberglass is cheaper than wood but slightly more expensive than vinyl. Vinyl windows can be roughly 10-30% cheaper to buy and install. The average cost ranges between $700-$800 for vinyl and $900-$1100 for fiberglass.

6. Maintenance

Both types of windows are typically low maintenance. You do not have to worry about cracking and warping. You can easily scrub the grime away with a hard brush and water. Painted fiberglass windows may require a fresh coat when they fade.

Both fiberglass and vinyl windows are excellent products for your replacement project. Vinyl’s strengths are in the costs, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Fiberglass windows are preferable when looking for aesthetics, strength, and energy efficiency.

Sliding patio doors give you the ability to open up your space invitingly and elegantly. No matter which style you choose for your home or business, you want to make sure they last for years to come. With the proper care and service, patio doors can last more than 30 years.

Sliding Patio Doors That Work Properly

A sliding patio door should be as easy to open as your favorite beverage. Ease of opening is just as important as your family or guests that walk through these doorways. A sliding patio door works appropriately if:

• You don’t have to force it to open.
• The door does not swing slightly off the ground from left to right.
• You don’t have to lift it, then slide it.
• You don’t have to jiggle it.

Performing DIY Sliding Patio Door Maintenance

Sliding patio door maintenance can take less than 10 minutes. Routine care should be done in the spring and fall or every time you notice debris building up in the track. Disinfecting the handles and high-touch areas can be done as often as you feel is necessary. Don’t be in a hurry with these steps to avoid accidentally pinched fingers.

1. Start by vacuuming out the track crevices both on top and on the bottom. Do this when the door is closed. Open the door and repeat on the other side. Remove as much pet hair, paperclips, trash, or other debris as possible.
2. Wipe down the top and bottom tracks with a damp cloth while the door is both in a closed and open position. Ensure the fabric or sponge is not wet but damp enough to remove residual dust and dirt the vacuum left behind.
3. Wipe down the glass with your favorite glass cleaner. Wipe the handles with your favorite disinfectant.
4. When the tracks are dry, spray the tracks with a high-quality silicone lubricant spray. Don’t over-lubricate. Lubricating the slide helps prevent rust and corrosion.
5. Test the sliding patio door by moving it back and forth to make sure it works with ease.

Tips for Advanced Cleaning

If you’re physically capable of it and it’s safe to do so, consider removing the sliding patio door from its rollers to access the entire track. If you spot any rust or corrosion on the track or rollers, consider using some steel wool to scrub it off. If you see any cracks or cannot remove the rust, consider contacting a qualified sliding patio door repair expert for assistance.