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“Windows, Insulation and Doors, Oh My!” – Materials and Practices in High Performance Homes

October 25, 2008 by Phoenix Handyman Leave a Comment

In my last article I defined High Performance Homes; “A High Performance Homes is one that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and uses value added green building practices that causes it to be friendlier to the environment.” In the next few articles we will look at some of the materials and practices used to produce the High Performance Home.

The single biggest heat sink or energy robber in a home is the windows. There are several things to consider here. First and foremost is the total square footage of windows. I’ve never had someone come to me and say “Ronnie build me a home that’s dark and doesn’t have many windows.” Always it goes like this,”I want a home that is light and airy.” Then of course the buyer covers all of the windows with blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, curtains, or heaven forbid foil and seldom opens them due to excessive heat, cold or allergens in the air.

What should you do when designing or selecting a new home? Be realistic. The more windows, the bigger the windows, the bigger the utility bills. If you can, keep your windows down to 15% or so of the exterior wall square footage. Strategically place them to maximize views and limit the direct exposure to the sun. Keep the windows from facing the East or West this will help tremendously. If the windows can be located under a porch or patio so that it has a large overhang protecting them they will perform much better. Also, a larger Cornish overhang will help protect windows as well as shade the exterior walls.

There is an organization that evaluates windows and scores them as to how you can expect them to perform; giving the consumer a chance to be sure they are getting the best product for their money. It is The National Fenestration Rating Council. They subject windows to testing and prescribe how they must be built to obtain a certain score. The scoring speaks to the ability of the windows to block the transmission of heat and ultraviolet rays.

Look for windows that have a low “U-Factor” score. This score indicates the windows’ ability to block heat. A lower score is better. Many builders are using good windows with scores in the .50 range. I like those that are .35 or lower. The next score to look at is “Solar Heat Gain.” Again many windows are being installed with a score around .50. We install those with a score of .32 or lower. Lower is better here as well. Then, the window coverings mentioned before will add additional protection from heat and ultraviolet penetration.

Let me briefly mention doors. Most doors today are made of steel, fiberglass, wood or glass. Nothing insulates like insulation. Hollow doors like steel or fiberglass can be filled with insulation. Wood is not a particularly good insulator and glass is worse. Generally I prefer steel with fiberglass a close second. These doors don’t rot or warp and provide the most security and energy efficiency.

Try to avoid sliding glass doors, after all, what are they but large windows and therefore a big heat sink. And double French doors are hard to keep from leaking heat in or out of your home. If you need that look think of placing a window close to a door or 2 separately cased doors close to each other.

In my next article we will continue to explore best building materials and practices and talk specifically about insulation.

Ronnie Godfrey, Certified Graduate Builder

For more information about this article and other energy saving tips, visit our website http://www.RGodfreyHomes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronnie_Godfrey

Maintenance, Repairs and Replacement For Glass Windows and Doors

October 23, 2008 by Phoenix Handyman Leave a Comment

By Rob Mainstone

Every house uses glass in some form or the other. Your house too might have doors, windows, partitions, balustrades, shower screens or pool fences made of glass or containing glass to a great extent. The advantage of using glass is that it not only looks good but also requires very little maintenance.

Although glass does not require attention on a daily basis, you should ensure that it is cleaned on a regular basis since being porous it can cause streaks and stains to linger on and become a pain to remove if ignored for a long time. Glass doors and windows are actually very easy to clean. All you need is a bucket of water, a mop, a rubber squeegee and a lint-free cloth, preferably an old cotton t-shirt or towel. You might also need a metal scraper to remove stubborn dirt or paint marks from your glass. Your mop should first be immersed in water and then sprayed with any window cleaning detergent. You can then scrub your glass window or door with the wet mop. Remember to scrub the corners too since they tend to be ignored. Next, take the squeegee and start cleaning your door or window from the top towards the bottom in a sweeping motion. You will need to use your cloth to clean the corners. You can also use diluted vinegar in place of any window cleaning detergent. Repeat the same procedure on both sides of your glass door or window.

While cleaning of your glass windows and doors is a fairly simple job as long as you do not have to climb to a height to clean any fixed windows, repairing or replacing is another matter altogether and best left to the professionals. If your window is cracked due to any accident, then you should get an experienced fitter to inspect and replace it. In the meantime, you can delicately apply masking tape on the cracked glass so that it does not crash and splinter into minute pieces without any warning. Ensure that you get more than one quote but do not base your final decision on the basis of lower rates only. Instead, consider the experience and reputation of the glass expert before you make up your mind. Certain glass items such as leadlight doors and windows will require people who have prior experience in designing, replacing and installing such items. An experienced designer will be able to design and construct a new leadlight based on your ideas and also be able to install it without any fuss.

In addition, glass accessories such as brackets and hinges can also break over a period of time. Often, water might start to seep from the side or under window frames and you might need to seal any gaps that might be facilitating a leak. Again, unless you have prior experience, it is best left to experts to come in and have a look at the leakage and determine the appropriate action.

Thus, in addition to looking smart and providing clean lines to your house, glass doors and windows are also easy to maintain and in the unfortunate event of breakage are also very easy to replace. A little care and time will go a long way in ensuring that your glass doors and windows last for a long-long time.

Rob Mainstone is the owner Perth glass company, West Perth Glass and provides glass repair services for West Australian clients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Mainstone

Filed Under: Do it Yourself Projects, Doors and windows, Drywall, Hiring a Handyman Tagged With: Doors and windows, repair and maintenance of doors and windows, windows

The Benefits Provided by Doors and Windows

October 22, 2008 by Phoenix Handyman Leave a Comment

By Rob Mainstone -

Normally, you might not give a second glance to the doors and windows that are present in your house, but if you think about it, then they play a very important role in protecting you, keeping you warm or cool and also enhancing the look of your house.

Doors and windows are usually fitted with various types of glass. These offers security and privacy but enable natural light to enter into the house. When you keep one or more windows open in your house, you also manage to keep your house airy and cool. This means reduced energy bills and fresh air for you and your loved ones. In case of extreme weather, you can also get your doors and windows double glazed, which in turn will act as an insulator to trap heat or cold in the house and thus protect you.

Windows are available in different varieties such as fixed pane, double hung, sliding, louver, awning, etc. and also feature different types of glass. You can choose the type that is most suitable for your house after studying their advantages and comparing their prices. The right type of window will definitely enhance the look of your house in addition to providing the right amount of light and air. In addition to your window, you can also add a security screen or a fly-screen to keep away various pests that may have two feet or more. A security screen might contain a sturdy grill made of aluminum or steel. There are also various glass finishes that might need to be fitted depending on the room type. Thus, your bathroom might require an opaque glass or leadlight to protect your privacy while your living room could be fitted with clear glass. You could also fix curtains to get additional privacy when the need arises. Match your wants and needs before deciding on the type of window and glass for all your different rooms.

Doors, which at one time were mainly made of wood, have also given way to the popularity of glass. If you truly want to impress your visitors at first glance, then a leadlight door with its various colors and designs could truly paint out a verbal welcome to all those standing at your front door. Front doors will definitely need a security grill and possibly a fly-screen too. This would enable you to get fresh air without any worries. You can use glass doors in your inner rooms as well as your bedroom or bathroom. When affixed in a wooden frame, a glass door exudes warmth and when confined within a steel or stainless steel frame, it provides a modern look to any admiring viewers. Thus, doors provide security, air and light and they do so in style. Doors and windows should match the traditional, modern or any other theme that you might have visualized for your house. There are experts that can guide you on making the right choice so that you do not end up with a wrongly designed or placed door or window.

Thus doors and windows are important natural light and air regulators for every house and in addition also provide the right look that can make you comfortable and also impress your visitors. So, the next time you look at any door or window, just mouth out a silent thanks.

Rob Mainstone is the owner [http://www.westperthglass.com.au/ ]Perth glass company, West Perth Glass and provides residential and commercial [http://www.westperthglass.com.au/services.html ]glazing services for West Australian clients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Mainstone http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-Provided-by-Doors-and-Windows&id=1560947

Filed Under: Doors and windows Tagged With: Doors and windows, types of doors

Bifolding Doors & French Doors – Best Door For Home Improvement

October 22, 2008 by Phoenix Handyman Leave a Comment

By Johnson M

French doors and bi folding doors are best door for any home improvement projects. But everybody has confusion to choosing between French door and bi folding door which one is best door for them. Here we covered some topics which will be helping you to choose right doors for your home, office, resident, living place. Let’s start with French doors…

If you want a better change and are looking to make exterior appearance of your home look more modern and with looks of modern architecture then French doors best option for that. You could also choose French door as a great partition which can divide your living and dining area into two different rooms with a very eye-catching looks.

French doors established for external right of entry doors. If you have a garden or your home is in front of some beautiful outside scenery or you would like to be connected with the outside world then French door is the right answer. [http://www.compositedoors.com/static/Bi_folding_doors_vs_French_doors]Bi folding doors are make use of same as use of French doors approach, which is designed to bring the outdoors in. Bi folding doors could be used in any area (corner) of your resident, home & office can be made in such a way that it could suit your interiors of your living & working place, they are very delicately crafted.

Bi folding doors come with the additional features like any where fitted and better view with more light, but not thick like French door.

French doors can not offer exclusive capability in compare with bi folding doors. Bifolding doors have some marvelous benefit they can set the patio and dining area into one. It gives interior to exterior looks outstanding.

Most of the exterior, back, entrances look out in garden, home, living rooms. French doors creates usable space drop, swing inwards or outwards. For example, in the dining area, a set of French doors may hold back the position of a dining table and other furniture dining. When you open French door then you loose some spaces of living place but it’s not happened with bi folding doors, you get maximum interior or exterior space.

Bifolding doors will convert your home in modern living place by given maximum space, natural light and environment. French doors are vital part of any home improvement project. Choice between French doors or bi folding doors remains on individual needs as both of them have their own merits and advantages.

Author shares about Imperial Doors is UK leading manufacturer and suppliers of home doors, residential doors, industrial doors like composite, bifolding, stable, GRP, uPVC, fibreglass, French, folding, sliding, bifold, double, folding sliding, PVC, PVCu, entry, front, back, entrance doors. Do not hesitate to contact us. http://www.compositedoors.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnson_M http://EzineArticles.com/?Bifolding-Doors-and-French-Doors—Best-Door-For-Home-Improvement&id=1517365

Filed Under: Do it Yourself Projects, Doors and windows Tagged With: choosing the right door, Doors and windows, Hiring a Handyman, installing doors

Composite Doors Vs Wooden Doors

October 21, 2008 by Phoenix Handyman Leave a Comment

By Nick Schofield

When you are in the market to buy doors you have to ensure you do the necessary research to get the best product based on your requirements. It’s very safe to say that in today’s world wooden doors are becoming a thing of the past, composite doors will allow you to get the same feel and style of traditional wooden doors but at a much better price and without the defects.

Composite doors have a number of advantages over wooden doors, the first benefit you will see as mentioned before is the price. They come in a number of different styles and designs so whether it’s a Georgian bar combination composite door or a design from the 1950′s your after you will not be stuck for choice.

Another great advantage of designs such as the Georgian bar combination composite door is that they have 6 times the heat insulation compared to doors made from timber, this means that you could potentially be able to save on your heating bill each month.

Composite doors will increase the security on your premises as they have a unique locking system which is harder to break, along with the guarantee that the door itself will not warp, twist or bow in any way you can be confident about buying composite doors for your premises.

Picking the perfect design is crucial to making the final result much more pleasant, if you are having trouble finding a design you like you can create your own by using online door designers to get the perfect result – every time!

https://www.compositedoorshop.com/ Composite Doors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Schofield http://EzineArticles.com/?Composite-Doors-Vs-Wooden-Doors&id=1507880

Filed Under: Doors and windows Tagged With: composite doors, Doors and windows, wooden doors

“Windows, Insulation and Doors, Oh My!” – Materials and Practices in High Performance Homes

Maintenance, Repairs and Replacement For Glass Windows and Doors

The Benefits Provided by Doors and Windows

Bifolding Doors & French Doors – Best Door For Home Improvement

Composite Doors Vs Wooden Doors

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