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

By Ronnie Godfrey -

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.

Copyright 2007

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 of Vinyl Doors and Windows is Necessary

By Ron Victor

Vinyl windows increase a person’s home value and home appearance. It can be cleaned very quickly. But, however, proper maintenance of vinyl windows is necessary as it becomes dirty quickly. With the help of heavy rain, the windows can be cleaned very quickly. But if even after that the windows are not cleaned the following instructions can clean them. Always wash the window with the help of a soft cloth or a soft brush. Sometimes it may be difficult to remove stains such as crayon, felt pens, lipstick, bubblegum so cleansers can be used to remove stains very quickly. Do not use cleansers such as nail polish remover, furniture polish as it could damage the surface appearance of the vinyl windows and doors.

Remove all the stickers and labels with the help of a soft cloth. Try to avoid high pressure spray to clean the windows Do not use blades, knife to clean the doors and windows as their might be scratches. Roller can be cleaned once in 6 months. To clean it first use the vacuum cleaner to take out the loose material, then use a cloth and water and a dish wash liquid to finish the cleaning. Proper maintenance of weep system is required to assure proper drainage. Water can be filled up in sill or track. It should be cleaned regularly to avoid dust. A soft bottle brush can be used to clear the openings. Casement window should be cleaned regularly. To clean this use a soft cloth soaked in water with a dish washing liquid. Due to UV rays the doors and windows may be worn out in order to avoid this repaint and re-caulk should be done every year. Try to clean the brass hardware on the window with the help of a soft cotton cloth. Clean the window track regularly otherwise dust will build up and it may become harder to open them. The screens should also be cleaned regularly to avoid bugs to enter. To clean the screen soak them in a tub full of water and then clean it with a garden hose. This may increase the screen life.

Condensation means the fog that can be seen on the glass of the windows. It happens because of high humidity in the house. It generally appears as moisture on the glass of the window. If moisture is seen on the windows it is because of high humidity at home. When the interior temperature of the house is 70 degrees the inside humidity should be according to the outside temperature. When the outside temperature is -20 degrees and below the inside humidity can be 15 percent. When the outside temperature is 10 F to 0 F the inside humidity can be 30 percent. Considering the outside temperature the inside humidity has to be adjusted. Humidity can be reduced by opening the curtains everyday so that the house air can enter the window. Let air circulate in the bathroom, kitchen everyday so that there could be less humidity. Try to keep the humidity level of the house under control with the help of a humidifier. Keep in mind that items such as clothes exhaust fans, gas heaters are vented properly.

Ron Victor is a expert author for [http://customorderonline.com/replacementwindows-styles.html]Replacement windows and New construction windows. He has written many articles in various topics such as vinyl windows Vinyl Replacement windows, custom vinyl windows. For more information visit: http://customorderonline.com Contact me at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

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

DIY UPVC Doors - Best As Front Door, Exterior Door, Back Door

By Johnson M

When you think about change or fix a door in your new house or office. Front doors come first because it is leads to the impression of your taste and choice for your home or office well-being.

Making a simple house using attractive windows and doors, is affecting further than just ordinary. Looking for change diy uPVC windows and doors are the best alternate for your home improvement as it is becoming trendy day by day.

uPVC doors are finished with harder wearing material compared to the wooden doors absorbs rain water. For exterior look, uPVC door simply repels the element and keeps your home warm and keeps the cold weather condition outside.

They are made or two panes of glass placed several millimeters apart. This creates a compartment between the panes that traps air and forms a highly efficient insulating layer in windows and doors. So uPVC windows and doors are excellent insulators.

Want to make your home more attractive & bright, try panels of glasses to allow light to stream into home. By adding stained glass panels or other attractive panels to an uPVC door, dark areas of your home shown to be natural light.

Advantages of uPVC doors & windows

•    Required low maintenance and little cleaning, only to do is wash and wipe.

•    Cuts down utility bills.

•    More energy saving compared to the traditional door.

•    Reduce outside noise pollution.

•    Offer multi locking system.

•    More secured and durable for protecting your home.

•    Less price compared to traditional wooden doors.

•    No impact on its attractiveness for years, because uPVC doors do no lose their  shine over the period of time.

There are more options and collection available of uPVC windows and doors like attractive, affordable, designs and customised sizes. So your home looks exterior appearance and modern architecture.

You can decide right doors for front, back, entry, entrance; exterior, interior, internal and external looks according to the best colours suiting your house and also available in wooden colours to choose from.

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.

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

Maintenance, Repairs and Replacement For Glass Windows and Doors

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

Home Window Repair

By Katie Appleby

One of the most usual repairs that people do around their houses is on their windows. The most common reasons for home window repair are also broken glass and deteriorating putty, which is not only unattractive to the eyes but also produces openings that lets the air escape. Although anyone can always approach a professional to do repairs around the house, there are also certain repairs that can be done by house members and a broken window is one of these. If a family needs to replace the broken glass of a window, then they would just need a number of things to be able to do this.

Anyone can do their own home window repair. Among the things that they just need to get if their window has a broken glass pane are glazier’s points, linseed, a glazing compound and of course, a new glass pane. These things can all be found in any hardware store in the neighborhood or just about anywhere. However, to be able to have more choices on window panes, then they should head on to a glass shop. Once, all the materials needed are at hand, anyone can already get started on fixing their broken window.

The first step that needs to be done in home window repair is removing the old broken pane as well as the putty. This is made easier of linseed oil is applied to putty and would be left to stand for some thirty minutes. Heating the putty would also make its removal easier. Once the putty is already malleable, the glazier’s points are the next to be removed. However, to get this out, the glass need to be broken completely. As soon as the glass has been taken away and that frame has been cleaned of all remnants of the old putty, boiled linseed oil should also be wiped onto the old wood. This keeps the wood from getting the oil that can be found in the glazing compound.

Laying glazing compound on the window sash on which the new glass pane will be set, is the next step to home window repair. As soon as the glass is set, glazier’s points should be placed using a putty knife or a glazing tool at every four inch to keep the glass in its place. The points should be inserted straight and firmly into the wood, against the glass. To seal the pane in, more glazing compound should be applied. It should be made sure that half of the glazing is set on the glass while the other half should be in the frame. After a few days, these new window can already be painted. However, you should also paint the edge of the glass right before the frame to seal in the glazing.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about [http://thehomecarpenter.info/home-window-repair/]home window repair, please visit [http://thehomecarpenter.info/]The Home Carpenter for current articles and discussions.

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

The Benefits Provided by Doors and Windows

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

Sliding French Doors - Best Answer For Your Entry Door

By Johnson M -

Sliding French doors offer great erudition and are available in many styles, coloured and materials to the entrance of your house. Not only sliding French door give good looks but also helps in space saving. The difficulty with most doors is that they decrease the amount of usable space in a room. You need to set aside the space directly in front and behind a door in order to make sure that it works correctly. With them, this is not a problem. The main idea of this sliding French door is to allow maximum light inside the rooms.

Sliding French doors are best answer for your entry door it is made of solid wood and fibreglass. Entry doors are to be always depending on the situation of the house if you have a house which faces garden, pools, hills, sunsets or you can see the sunrise from your home then you could easily go for sliding French door with glass as the option because you could have a great view and also have positive sun energy coming your way.

If you are having a large room it can often be very uneconomical. A lot of people have trouble spreading furniture around in order to make a huge living area seem cozier and more suitable for a home. By using them, you can easily organize space of your room.

You could even divide your large room in two parts by using [http://www.compositedoors.com/static/benefits_sliding_french_door]Sliding French doors as they are very elegant and create a great part ion between your living room and bed room.

Sliding French door plays a very vital role in room’s natural lightning, you in fact have the lavishness of being able to add to the amount of lighting in your room. This is one of the reasons why they create a very good and healthy look to your room making it more refreshing.

French doors are most popular as they are available in different types flexibility and design and are available in a number of varieties of sliding French Doors. It can be a massive solid door or have one side still and the other side swing in and out. French doors can also have both sides sliding in glass French doors or may be one side fixed and the other side sliding, or a folding French door.

Sliding French door give you space as well as great looks to your house and you can have both advantages (benefits) of modern looks as well as you could see the outer beauty of the world through you entrance in a larger way.

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. Please take a look at our wide range of front door, back door, entry doors and entrance door. We are known as affordable doors supplier in UK and offer nationwide delivery. You can also buy door online through our website. Do not hesitate to contact us.

www.compositedoors.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnson_M http://EzineArticles.com/?Sliding-French-Doors—Best-Answer-For-Your-Entry-Door&id=1490091

Bifolding Doors & French Doors - Best Door For Home Improvement

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

Composite Doors Vs Wooden Doors

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

How to Fix a Screen

By David Shifflett

When screens on window and door are torn, they allow pests into your home when they are left open. When they are sagging or rusty, they look terrible and darken rooms. Fortunately, most screens are easy to remove and replace. Most the frames these days are metal and the screen are fiberglass, or vinyl.

1. You want to use a flat head screwdriver to remove the spline that holds the screen in place. You can slowly pry up on it make sure that you don’t scrap the screen or bent the metal.

2. Lay the replacement screen down on the frame and trim the screen so that it is slightly bigger then the frame. You can use utility scissors to cut it or if you are replace it with metal you want to use tin snips to cut it. If you are using metal please be careful it can pick the hell out of you and cut you good, so use gloves when dealing it this material.

3. Using the convex side of a screen-spline roller, push the screen into the spline channel of the frame. Then push the spline back in over the screen. Using the concave end, force the spline into place, stretching the screen fabric so that is it tight. Cut off the excess screen fabric with a utility knife and you are all done.

Now that is how you fix those annoying screen that tear or break. Because we all know that when you have kids that they like to open door with the screen and not the door

For more articles like this visit [http://www.pshomehelp.com]PS Home Help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Shifflett http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Fix-a-Screen&id=1574843