One way that some people may not consider is the use of wooden interior shutters. These are particularly effective when it comes to maintaining heat and making sure the elements don’t affect your comfort, and they can also help maintain status quo in the neighbourhood. It is a reciprocal measure, as they prevent excessive noise leaving and entering the home.

Not everyone has hobbies that are convenient for close-knit neighbourhoods. A key example of this is anyone who is in a band. If you’re just starting out then practice space is hard to come by, and when it is found it often tends to be expensive to hire. As you’ve not quite written that multi-platinum selling album just yet, hiring a practice space is likely to be an expense you could live without. As a result of this, the majority of people tend to practice in their homes or garages – causing hours of disruption and frustration for their neighbours seeking a quiet night in front of the TV.

It’s not just a case of having loud hobbies though. Some people may be self-employed and decide to work from home. Certain occupations, particularly ones like carpentry and other forms of manual labour, will require the use of loud tools which could cause a disruption to those in the surrounding homes. As these people are their own bosses, they can pick and choose their own hours – meaning that they may be working well into the night.

This also applies to pets. It is commonly said that a dog is a man’s best friend and whilst this may be true for the owner, it’s safe to assume that any neighbours woken up by a barking animal at 3am would beg to differ. Whilst it is sometimes impossible to appease a distressed canine, it is possible to subdue their howls to an extent.

With the use of shutters, it is possible to carry out noisy activities in the comfort of your own home without causing too much disruption to those that live close-by. They can be purchased from any home improvement store and easily fitted without much assistance. As with most window treatments, if you’re not too DIY-savvy then you can get them made to measure and even fitted by the company you purchase them from – sometimes free of charge.

Shutters provide noise insulation to your home, meaning that loud noises from both inside and outside the house can be softened. As a result, both you and your neighbours can carry out the activities you wish without getting involved in heated confrontations about respect and human rights. What’s more, there are a number of laws and legislations in place to combat such noise pollution which could end in a conviction and a fine. Fitting a pair of shutters is a small price to pay to avoid an excessive financial punishment.

Whilst shutters do not completely eliminate the noise, they do a fantastic job of scaling it down to a level where it shouldn’t affect the day to day life of those living nearby. This makes shutters a practical solution for both you and your neighbours as any disruption is kept to a minimum and good relationships should be maintained.

The answer depends a lot upon what you want to use the room for. In your living room curtains will probably be best as they will help achieve a warm and relaxing effect. On the other hand when it comes to your kitchen where you will want a lot of light and space blinds are probably better options as they will fold away nicely when not being used. In addition an environment where there is a lot of steam moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms can cause mold to build up on fabrics, making blinds a healthier choice.

To help you decide on your choice I’ve listed the pros and cons of the different types of window treatment below.

Vertical and Venetian Blinds

Choosing blinds can be a complicated issue as there are several different styles and materials. Slatted blinds such as venetian and vertical blinds are typically made or plastic, aluminum or wood. Venetian blinds are made of horizontal strips and work well on medium and small windows whereas vertical blinds (as the name suggests) are made of vertical slats and work well on larger windows. For this reason they are often seen in offices.

Pros:

• Slatted blinds stack up when drawn, ensuring that they take up much less space than curtains.
• They offer the greatest degree of control over how much light and heat is let in or out.
• They go well with a wide variety of different colour schemes and furnishings.

Cons:

•  They require regular cleaning as they accumulate dust very quickly.
• The slatted design may allow light to leak through even when they are fully closed.
• They don’t retain heat as well as curtains in cold weather.
• The individual slats can bend or break very easily, especially with plastic and aluminium blinds.

Roller Blinds and Roman Blinds

Roller Blinds are another blind with a self-descriptive name. They consist of a sheet of fabric that rolls up out the way when not in us. They are great for bedrooms as they can be coated in blackout fabric ensuring that external lights don’t disturb your sleep. In addition they often have a cassette system which means they completely block the window. Roman blinds are similar to roller blinds but usually contain slats inside the fabric or are made of tightly woven slats meaning that they fold up rather roll.

Pros:

• Block out light with greater efficiently than either slatted blinds or curtains.
• They take up less space than curtains.
• They don’t require regular cleaning.

Cons:

• If not made of a wipe clean fabric then they are difficult to clean
• They can prevent some windows from being able to open.

What About Curtains?

Curtains not only provide privacy and a block to light and heat. They can also frame the window creating a striking and sophisticated effect and drawing attention to the view. They come in a variety of thickness, from sheer curtains which are little more than decoration to heavy drapes.

Pros:

• Done well curtains are aesthetically striking and give the room.
• In winter curtains help keep the room warm better than blinds do.
• They come in a wide range of colours and patterns.
• Kids can hide behind large curtains when playing hide and seek.

Cons:

• Curtains take up more space than blinds, making rooms feel smaller.
• In rooms like bathrooms and kitchens there is a risk of mould and staining due to the moisture in the air.
• Kids can hide behind large curtains.

I hope this guide helps anyone trying to redecorate choose their window treatments. Done well both blinds and curtains can add a lot to a room.

This article was written by Daniel Frank on behalf of Wooden Blinds Direct. Daniel blogs regularly on home improvement and green issues.

Roman blinds are made in basically two types, structured, which consist of horizontal slats that provide support throughout the length of the blind using dowels or poles for each slat or unstructured, which have no poles and are made of only cloth.

The first step in making Roman blinds is to take an accurate measurement of the window you plan to make the blind for. Be careful to measure accurately to ensure a proper fit. Measure the height and width of your window, whether the inside or outside of the window frame.

Next you need to cut a 1/3 piece of wood that will serve as your dust board. This board should be cut the width of the window and will support the pulley apparatus as well as the blind itself. This board should be covered with the cloth you intend to make to blind of. You can apply the cloth with glue or staples, and then attach the strings. Your dust board is now complete.

To assemble the blinds, you need to decide whether you want the slated or non-slated type of blind.

There is little difference in the difficulty of making the slated or non-slated types. For the slated type, measure the length you want each slat, and then cut the appropriate width. Next, you will need to cut the fabric so that the cloth extends past the slats for an extra 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Then you fold that excess cloth over the ends of the slats so that they will fit securely in the pockets formed in the edges of the fabric. There is no requirement as to the length of each slat, but most are made with slats that are from four to six inches wide. This depends mainly on your tastes.

Non-slated Roman blinds are made in a very similar manner, except that they are made with the fold that faces you. The fold of the fabric will create a pleat. When the fabric is sewn, there should be a loop. This fabric loop is the main characteristic of the non-slated blind.

Finally, sit back and rest, because you will probably have numerous requests from friends and neighbours for Roman blinds for everyone who has the pleasure of seeing yours. You are going to be busy.

Author Bio

Kieron Casey is a BA (Hons) Journalism graduate who blogs regularly on a number of topics including home improvement, DIY and roman blinds.

Step One: Measuring

The first step is just to measure the area where they are going to hang. You must decide if you want to hang two separate curtain rails or if you just want to hang one that is long. You then need to measure over the window to see how long the rail will need to be. Remember that you want the rail to be a bit longer than the windows themselves. You also want to measure the distance to the ceiling – to make sure that the fabric will not rub against it when it is being pulled aside – and the distance to the ground.

Step Two: Hanging The Supports

Curtains have to be hung on rails, and these in turn have to be hung on supports. You will mount these before you try to put the rail across. You may want to check the rail to see that it is the right length first, but then you can set it aside and concentrate on the support brackets. You will have at least two – one on each end – though you may have more in the middle. You need to screw them into the wall. Attached them to studs when you can. When you cannot, use drywall screws to give them extra support.

Step Three: Putting Up The Curtain Rail

With the brackets in place, you just have to set the rail across them. You may want to run some screws down through the rail and into the brackets. It all depends how they are designed. The screws can keep the rail from turning and shifting so that the curtains move easily. Do not put them in a place where they will impede the movement of the fabric itself. You can also put screws into the ends of the rail, through the end brackets, so that they will be more out of the way.

Step Four: Hanging The Fabric

With that done, all that is left is to hang the fabric for the curtains themselves. How you do this also depends on the design. Most of the time, you need to insert rings into the fabric. These can then be put around the rail so that the curtain can slide back and forth without getting caught up on anything.

Author Bio

Kieron Casey is a BA (Hons) Journalism graduate who blogs regularly on a number of topics including home decorating, DIY and curtains.

Where the Sun Rises and Sets

Photo by Mahalie

This is a pretty important first step, as it can determine a lot of things. If the most light comes out of one window in particular, you can make it a feature by doing several things.

1. Put mirrors across the room from those windows that get the most light. This will effectively double the amount of light in the room, and it makes the room feel bigger, which is crucial when a room is dark.

2. Get curtains that are made of light, sheer material. This will allow plenty of light into the room. Keep the curtains open during the day to make the most of the natural light. If you do need heavier shades on the window (in a bedroom, for example), try layering a heavier Venetian or roller blinds with sheer curtains. You can then pull up the heavier blinds during the day to bring in the sunshine, then bring them back down at night to keep the street lights – or early sunrises – from waking you up.

3. Rearrange your furniture to make sure nothing is blocking the windows. It might sound a bit melodramatic, but if a bookcase or chair blocks even an inch of the window, it can noticeably cut down on the amount of light streaming in. Give it a go, and see if you can’t get more light in just by shifting some things around.

Add Some Light

Photo by Betchaboy

1. Literally brighten a room up with more lamps. Lighting is incredibly important in dark rooms. Overhead lighting can often be harsh, but floor and table lamps can give a soft light that makes everything feel warm and cosy, rather than claustrophobic and dark. If you have low ceilings, try lighting that points diffused light towards the ceiling: it makes a room feel taller.

2. Perk the walls up with bright, light colours. If the room is very small, you should stick to white, cream or very, very pale colours. Too bold a colour, even a beautiful robin’s egg blue, can feel overwhelming when there’s not a lot of space. Pale colours also reflect some of the light that you’ve brought in, and it’s also one of the cheapest ways to completely change a room. You might even consider painting the ceiling white to make the room seem taller and more open.

3. Reupholster furniture with fabrics in light colours. This can be a bit more expensive, but it’s not as expensive as buying new furniture. If you are worried about costs, you should spend more money on the workmanship and less on the fabric. Basically, a skilled upholsterer will know how to make cheap fabric look gorgeous, but even the plushest velvet looks rubbish if it is ill-fitting.

Additional Considerations

1. Add some decorative plants. There is something about having plants indoors that can make a dark room feel brighter.

Photo by galif548

Taking care of plants needs some consideration, however. You need to consider how much you can afford to spend on the plant, and not just in monetary terms. Some plants can be very demanding, so think about how much time you want to invest in your plant. If you don’t have time to water it often, get a succulent or a cactus. Those kinds of plants have evolved to withstand a hostile environment, so they don’t need as much care as an orchid, which is from tropical locales.

You also need to think about how much sunlight it can get, whether or not it can survive on your windowsill during winter, and other things which are a bit out of your control. Talk to someone at a reputable garden centre, and they should be able to help you find the perfect plant for your room.

2. Reduce large elements in the room. These can swamp a smaller room, and they often block light. For example, you can remove a large fireplace and replace it with a sleek mantle. Or you can replace your large, overstuffed furniture with something more streamlined, but just as comfy. These sorts of things can really open up a space and make the whole room feel more airy.

3. Declutter – full stop. This is one thing most people need to do anyway, but decluttering is crucial. It not only makes your life simpler, since you don’t have to worry about putting so much crap somewhere, but it also makes a room feel bigger. Lots of little things piled around give a room the cramped feeling of a storage garage, which is pretty much the opposite of a bright, relaxing room. And there are a lot of creative ways to declutter, so even if you’ve had a clear out, there’s probably more you can do.

There are many more tips on brightening up a room online, but these should get you started without requiring a huge time or monetary investment. Good luck!

This post was written by Julie who writes on behalf of Print Express UK . She specialises in product development and design.

Are you looking for interior or exterior doors?

Exterior doors need to be stronger than their internal counterparts. This means that cheaper woods such as pine are out

Image: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

of the question. Oak doors are highly suited to an external environment, however, oak internal doors work very well too (particularly if you’ve got dogs that are prone to jumping, or teenagers who are prone to slamming doors!).

Many interior doors are made of lightweight woods – meaning they are very cost effective. However, this does mean that they may not last as long as harder, solid woods. Choosing oak internal doors may seem expensive but they do offer the advantage of possessing a very long lifespan.

What do you want the door to look like?

Doors don’t need to be formed from a plain plank of wood – far from it. You could choose a panelled door, oak doors with glass inserts or even a moulded white door (very contemporary).

Find the right designer and manufacturer and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

What types of doors are there?

• Slab doors refer to the most popular type of door, the ‘standard’ door if you will. These types of doors are popular
  

  Photo by a440

  as pine, glass and oak doors – amongst many others. They are so popular because they start from a relatively low cost and are very simple to install.

• French doors are very attractive but can be rather expensive. When installing them, you also need to account for clearance on each side.

• Gliding doors are great if you want something that little bit different but can’t afford costly French doors. Gliding doors have two to four panels that slide past each other. On the downside however, only one side of the door can be opened at a time.

• Another alternative to the more traditional door are concertina doors (or folding doors). Concertina doors are formed from a number of panels which ‘bunch up’ when opened. The doors are most commonly formed from plastic, making them very cost-effective. They are also highly suited to doorways that are wider than standard since they can easily be modified to fit any sized space. It’s worth noting that plastic concertina doors offer a limited scope in terms of the environment they will blend in with. However wooden concertina doors are available and look incredibly stylish while complementing a large array of styles. Though needless to say, they will cost a fair bit more than a plastic equivalent.

If you have an older property with non-standard door frames it is worth investing in bespoke oak internal doors, these can be made in any style to suite the property from Victorian paneled through to the rustic type found in a traditional English cottage. By carefully choosing your doors you can enhance any property often adding value beyond your investment.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of UK Oak Doors, the specialist suppliers of oak doors. James writes on subjects relating to home improvement and DIY.

There are many initiatives promoting double glazed windows. Nottingham council ran a scheme recently where they promoted double glazing, insulation, energy efficient appliances, and other ways of making your home eco friendly. Other councils are doing similar schemes, but what they often forget to mention is how important it is to take good care of your double glazing.

The following tips will help you to make sure that your double glazing lasts long enough to pay for itself many times over.

1. Keep it clean – vacuum the seals, openings, and frames frequently. This will ensure that dir t does not build up and damage the seals, which can be expensive to fix.
2. Keep an eye out for damp – if you have wooden frames, this is doubly important. If you spot mould or mildew build up, act immediately. Ventilate the area, and try to find the source of the damp as soon as possible
3. Clean your windows the traditional way – a sponge and a mild cleaning solution (even just vinegar and water) is a better way to clean windows than a high pressure hose that may damage the seal of the window.
4. Fix breakages properly – if one of your windows does get broken, don’t be tempted to just slot a new pane in yourself. Get the window replaced professionally so that it is definitely sealed correctly.
5. Beware of paints – some paints do not get on with the materials used in double glazing seals. If you’re thinking of re-painting your window frames, double check that it’s safe to use that type of paint for that purpose. If there’s any doubt at all, ask a professional.

Double glazing is an investment, and should be treated as such. Double glazing is expensive to install, but it will last for decades if it is looked after carefully. In the rare cases that something does go wrong, it can be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself – especially if it’s just a small pane on your home’s lower level, but it’s worth remembering that double glazing is rather different to standard single pane windows.

Modern double glazing installations often use specially treated glass, and fill the gap between the panes with an inert gas, such as argon. They also use special seals and spacers to make sure that the windows are as energy efficient as possible. If you attempt to fix a double glazing pane yourself, you won’t be able to seal it as well as the original manufacturer did.  It would be a shame to ruin the energy efficiency benefits of double glazing by having one “odd window out” that is a little draughty and lets all the heat out of the house!

This post was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of Stormclad the experienced suppliers of windows Nottingham. Crispin is interested in ways to save energy in the home and enjoys writing on this subject.

On the inside of your home, consider replacing those contractor specials with solid doors made from rich hardwood

Image: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

materials.  After making your choice, think about the installation.  Do you really want to pay someone else to do it for you or would you rather tackle this simple project on your own?  Let’s take a look at two different ways a do-it-yourselfer can easily replace a door:

Replacing Just the Door Panel

For interior doors, many homeowners use this procedure to replace only the door panel without completely gutting the doorway:

1. Choose a door that matches the dimensions of your current door exactly. If the door knob hole is pre-drilled, it should be on the same side and at the exact same height as the current fixture
2. Use a hammer and screwdriver or chisel to remove the door from the hinges.
3. Compare the new door to the old one. Using the old door as a pattern, attach hinges and use a hole saw and power drill to create a holes for the door knob assembly if they weren’t pre-drilled. You may have to chisel sections for the hinges to allow this piece of hardware to lay flush with the door.
4. If the new door is a little too long or two wide compared to the old door, use a planer to shave off slivers of wood until it matches exactly.
5. Hang the new door on the hinges.
6. Install a new door knob.
7. Make any adjustments necessary to ensure a smoothly operating door.

Replacing the Entire Door Unit

If there is any damage to the doorframe, you’d like to completely replace the decorative trim, or you’re changing out an

Photo by a440

exterior door, you should purchase the entire door unit.  This configuration includes a door panel mounted in a doorframe along with trim for one side of the doorway.   For exterior doors, it also includes the door sill.  Removing the old doorframe is easier than most people think, and you won’t have to worry about using the hole saw or installing the hinges.  Here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow to complete this job:

1. Unless you want to take on a more complicated construction process, choose a door unit that matches the width and height of your current door. In most cases, you should purchase a left- or right-opening door to match your current doorway.
2. Remove the interior trim.
3. Remove the old door unit.  You may need to pull back some siding or trim to see the nails.  Once the nails are removed, the door assembly should pull out fairly easily. If it’s stuck, gently tap from the inside with a small piece of 2X4 and a hammer.
4. Slide the new door unit into place to ensure a snug fit.
5. Remove the door, place caulk or other sealant under the door sill, and slide the new door unit back into place.
6. Level the door horizontally and vertically using shims.
7. Open and close the door panel to make sure it works smoothly.
8. Nail the door in place from the outside and apply special sealing tape to the top to prevent any water leaks.
9. Check the door operation again and adjust the door if needed.
10. Replace the interior trim.
11. Install a new door knob and lock in the pre-drilled holes.

Like most home-improvement projects, replacing a door isn’t rocket science.  If you pay attention to the details and follow the instructions, you’ll be walking through a brand-new door in no time!

This guest post is brought to you by DIY Home Center, an online retailer specializing in Deckorators and FastenMaster home building products and accessories.

Caring for Bare Floors

Bare floors have no protection from walking traffic, busy children, crawling babies, pets, etc. They also have no protection from the discerning eye of guests and clients. To impress clients, keep guests comfortable and children safe, bare floors should be clean, shiny and free from dangerous imperfections, such as splinters and cracks. Regular washing, buffing and polishing will make bare floors look good, be safe and protect them from floor destroyers, such as spills, heels and rolling chairs. A good floor buffer can do all of the cleaning, polishing and protecting any bare floor needs.

Keeping a Clean Carpet

Carpets, while protecting bare floors and small children, are easily damaged by traffic and spills. Furthermore, failing to deep clean a carpet can leave it stained over time. A dirty carpet inside a business looks sloppy. Businesses want to present themselves as competent. A dirty carpet says the opposite. Inside the home, a dirty carpet can be unhealthy for children and pets. It can trap dirt, allergens and even parasites, like fleas. That is why it is important to vacuum carpets frequently and use a carpet cleaning machine whenever a carpet starts to look a little dingy. This will stop usage stains from setting in.

Clean Countertops for Good Health

Countertops are typically the place where people put their food, their hands, their personal belongings, such as keys and purses. If these surfaces are not cleaned regularly, they can transfer bacteria and other illnesses between people when food or hands touch them. Countertops are also typically below eye level and draw attention. If a business or home has dirty countertops, people will notice. Care for countertops by using disinfectant cleaners and keeping grout clean and complete. For example, if the grout is coming up, fix it, or the problem will only get worse.

Don’t Forget Walls and Doorframes

Walls are often neglected when people care for surfaces in their homes and businesses. People focus on the surfaces where we place items or on floors, which become obviously dirty. Walls should have the same kind of care, but typically

<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1556">Image: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a>

do not require it as often. As any parent with young children can testify, people lean on walls and touch walls with their hands. They may leave behind greasy, dirty fingerprints and germs. Neither a home nor a business looks good with dirty walls. Care for walls by keeping the paint fresh and using paint that is easy to clean. From there, it is a simple matter of using a mild spray cleaner and soft rag to wipe down the walls.

Doorframes are another largely neglected surface of homes and businesses. Like walls, people often lean on them and touch them. Items brush up against them as people pass through as well. Keeping up with doorframes is the same as keeping up with walls. Make sure the paint looks fresh and is easy to clean. The use of a mild spray cleaner or a bucket of soap and water to wipe them down are all that is needed when they need cleaning.

Keeping surfaces clean is not difficult. Caring for them is simply a matter of maintenance and sufficient washing or vacuuming with the right products. This can help eliminate odours and bacteria/allergens in homes and businesses. It can also make the room in question look more presentable, homely or professional, and ensure people enjoy their stay and want to come back.

Frame it Right

Large drapery panels should frame the bay – Designer Amy Bubier suggests placing these panels on the return walls so that you don’t obstruct the view. If you want your room to look taller, make sure to hang them two inches below your crown molding or as high as possible in your room.

Mix it Up

Mix your bay window treatments – Consider using plantation shutters on the windows themselves while hanging a top treatment over it, like a valance. You can coordinate the look of your valance with the fabric on pillows or cushions in the room, says Dave Stimmel. He also recommends adding a window seat if your bay windows don’t already have a seat, since this helps you mix your textures. “I love operating fabric or textile Roman shades with a coordinating seat cushion and decorative pillows,” he says.

Get Some Shade

Roman shades are elegant and easy – Flat shades will frame the window and add color and texture. They’re low maintenance, which makes them the best window coverings for families with children.

Find the Right Brackets

Consider ceiling mount brackets – Finding the right rod can be difficult for bay windows, so ceiling mounts can help give you a continuous look. Another option you have is to find a rod that has hinged elbows that swivel, since the rod you choose has almost as much impact as the bay window treatments themselves.

Opt for Elegance

Choose silk for elegance – Silk instantly makes your room look more sophisticated, and if you add stylistic elements to the insides to the panel (like fabric braids or an internal panel of a different color), you can add a touch of elegance without having to go overboard.

Bay windows bring their own stylistic elements, so dress them up to add your own pizzazz.

So which of the two should you choose?

First we should look at what each type of skylight is and the features and benefits they provide.

A vented skylight can be opened and closed to control air ventilation and circulation. As the name implies, a fixed

Bathroom Lighting Skylights

skylight is just that – it is a fixed window pane which cannot be opened or closed. In both instances, a skylight is relatively easy to install and to maintain. They do not incur an energy cost, though they can help to reduce power bills by making the most of natural illumination and by helping you to control temperature within the space over which they are fitted.

The principle reason for installing a skylight is to increase natural daylight. By bringing in natural light, a very different look and feel can be created for the living space. Depending on which direction the roof faces, differing effects can be created. A south facing roof with a skylight will provide excellent, all day light while a westerly facing skylight will provide additional light towards the afternoon for instance.

Photo by Konrad Lindenburg

Fixed skylights are the simplest and cheapest of the two variants. Having no working parts, they are relatively easy to install and there is no operation as such. They can provide a degree of additional ventilation if vents are fitted, though these may be difficult to control unless there is a remote venting system installed.

A venting skylight is also fairly simple to install, however they are more expensive because they have moving parts and are a more complicated construction than a fixed variant. It is typical for there to be either a manual or remote control system installed to allow for opening and closing operation. By opening the skylight you are able to increase the circulation of air within the living space. They are an excellent means of removing excessive heat from a building as hot air tends to rise and a vent provides a means of escape.

Skylights do have a mistaken reputation for leaking. Modern skylight installations have largely combated this problem,

Photo by Bess Sadler

though it is important that they are fitted by someone who is experienced in installing them.

In summary, a fixed skylight will typically cost around 40% of the cost of a vented skylight. They provide an excellent means of illumination, and in the instance of vented skylights they are an excellent means of controlling internal temperature. Optional extras usually include a remote control of the opening and closing mechanism and even a fixed skylight may be equipped to provide some additional ventilation, though not to as large an extent as a vented version.

There are many different types of skylights you can choose from including pyramid skylights, venting skylights, roof windows, deck mount, or curb mounted.

However, there is one problem that crops up again and again – that is the problem of condensation. Condensation is a natural occurrence, and no double glazed window can entirely eradicate the potential for condensation on your windows.

Condensation forms from everyday life. If you hang your laundry up to dry indoors, then excess moisture gets into the air. If you boil a kettle, then excess water gets into the air. If you take a shower, then excess water gets into the air. Even breathing, lets out excess water… There is no way to stop the causes of condensation, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with condensation. After all, windows are there to be looked out of, and nobody wants misted up widows – especially during the winter, when this problem is more likely to occur.

What Can Be Done About Condensation?

Well the solutions to this problem are fairly simple, but you should have an understanding as to the type of condensation problem you are experiencing. If your windows are misting up on the inside over night, then the chances are that your problem is caused by poor ventilation. The solution could be to simply open the window during the day, to allow air to circulate throughout the room. Additionally, most modern double glazing units will be fitted with ‘trickle vents’, so if you have these, then use them.

If you don’t like opening windows, then you should look into purchasing a dehumidifier. But, remember, the cost of running these is likely to be quite high, especially, compared to the cost of opening a window for an hour a day!

Remember, if you do experience condensation on the inside of the windows, then it’s likely that your double glazing is working very well to trap warm air inside your home. Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold air and forms on the surfaces between – in this case your double glazed windows.

If your problem has built up over time and your walls or windows have mould growing on them (due to excess water) then you should treat this. Simply, wipe the walls and window frames with a clean dry cloth, then once you have removed as much of the mould as possible, try spraying some Tea Tree Oil over the affected area, as this contains natural anti-mould properties and should stop it growing back. It also smells nice, and is better for the environment than chemicals. Once the room has completely dried out you could take the opportunity to repaint, or repaper your walls – though only do this once you have eradicated the mould.

Condensation Between the Panes of Glass?

If, on the other hand, your double glazing is misting up between the two panes of glass, then your problems are more serious. Check the guarantee on your units – if they are still under guarantee, then you should get onto the company that supplied and fitted your units to replace them. If your double glazed windows are no longer under guarantee, then you should really consider replacing them.

Why Replace Double Glazing?

If a double glazed window mists up between the panes then it means they are no longer functioning as double glazed windows! You may as well have single glazed windows. This is simply because the seals between the panes have broken; letting air and water particles are seep in, between the panes of glass. Once this happens, there is little that can be done to save the existing windows.

The best solution is to replace your double glazed windows with newer, energy efficient units. Think carefully about the type of windows you want, and remember – you get what you pay for. Cheap windows will need replacing again in only a few years time, whereas high quality double glazed windows will last years – and years – and years. Some will even out-live you, so take this into consideration.

If you don’t plan on being in your home forever, and know you will want to move, then don’t be fooled by the prospect of cheap windows now – it may seem a good idea, but it’s easier to sell a house with perfect, sound windows with a long guarantee. It is equally important to look at the energy rating, as this is something more and more people are looking at when buying houses – the cheaper a house is to run, the better it will be to live in – and the more attractive it is to a potential buyer.

Finally, choose a reputable double glazing company that has been around for a long time and shows no signs of going bust – a 10 year guarantee on windows from a company that has gone out of business is not worth very much! Also, you should check their customer reviews; if people are willing to leave positive feedback, then the chances are they’re a very good company.

Caulking and weather-stripping prevents air from entering or escaping the home, and also prevents the spread of moisture around pipes, drains, and faucets.

Replacement weather-stripping is usually available at most building supply and hardware stores.

The most popular types of weather stripping include foam rubber, EPDM rubber, felt, bent metal, and plastic.

When selecting weatherstripping, you need to consider the durability of the material as well as what would work best for what you are weather stripping. For example: bent brass and aluminum is found on many older doors and are durable, but they conduct heat easily, don't usually seal that well, and are easily damaged by being bent the wrong way or through poor installation.

Bent metal weather-stripping is also one of the most expensive weather-stripping materials.

Bent plastics are similar to the bent metals, but are less expensive. They are also less durable.

Most rubber and foam materials stay flexible for years, are inexpensive, easily replaced and effectively seal air leaks. Don’t forget to choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors as well.

For the best possible results from your investment, you should make certain that the weather-stripping material will stay flexible under extreme weather conditions. Also be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
In general, you should: 1) weatherstrip the entire door jamb; 2) apply one continuous strip along each side; 3) make sure the stripping meets tightly at the corners; and 4) use a thickness that, when the door closes, the stripping tightly presses between the door and the door jamb without making the door too hard to close.

Before you begin the installation of the weather-stripping you need to conduct a visual inspection to locate caulk that is cracked or deteriorated and weather-stripping that has gaps in the seal.

You may also be able to tell if a window or door needs better weather stripping by trying to rattle the door or window, or by looking around the edges to see if any light penetrates through the cracks.

In order to install your weather-stripping you will need to purchase caulk. Caulk comes in cartridges that will be inserted into half barrel caulking guns.

For small caulking jobs, you can find it in small squeeze tubes or ropes. Expect to use about a half-cartridge per window or door and four cartridges for the foundation sill, and at least one more for around faucets, vents, pipes, and electrical outlets.

Types of caulk generally used on houses include:

• Oil or resin-based caulk – This is the least expensive caulk, but also the least effective. It is readily available and will bond to most surfaces. It tends to harden and crack after 2 to 4 years.
• Latex and butyl-based caulk – A little more expensive, but much more durable than oil-based. It lasts from 6 to 20 years and holds up well to building expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature.

Before applying caulk or weather stripping, the area should be cleaned thoroughly and any old caulk or weather-stripping should be removed.

Directions for application will be on the tube and should be followed carefully. In general, about a half inch of the caulking cartridge nozzle should be cut off at a 45 degree angle and the tip should be punctured.

Once the caulk is applied, you can finish the surface with a moistened finger or something smooth.

Apply caulking to all fixed joints, including:

• Around windows and doors where frames meet siding
• Between window sills and siding
• Between frame wall plates and the foundation
• Around all holes for pipes, ducts, or electric conduits through outside walls
• Around all holes through walls, separating heated and unheated spaces, such as attached garages, storerooms, or attics
• Between unheated porches and the main body of the house
• Where the chimney or masonry meets the siding
• Around outside water hose faucets

Weatherstripping is similar to caulking, but is used for areas like the bottom of a window or door where the seal will be formed.

Installing weatherstripping is a simple process. All you will need is the contents of the kit you buy at a home improvement store. Keep in mind that this is being applied to a movable surface so you don't want to purchase a flimsy product that can wear easily.

If the kit you purchase does not include the screws, you should have several types and sizes of screws available as well as a utility knife or something to cut the weather stripping with, and screwdrivers, and possibly a hammer.

Installing Weatherstripping:

1. First measure the length of all seams to be weather-stripped, add a couple of inches for each seam and add the numbers together.
2. Next, cut the weather stripping to fit each seam, plus extra. Apply the stripping all the way around a window by using nails, screws or adhesive.
3. Attach the stripping to the jamb or the stop- the placement varies with the type of weather-stripping you selected.
4. Then, apply the stripping to the sides and the tops of doors. Use a weather-tight threshold or door sweep to seal the bottom.

However, one question that many homeowners struggle with is what to do with the area.

Empty bay windows mean wasted floor space and a lost design opportunity.

Make the most of your bay windows with window treatments and an appropriate use of the space.

Consider these home decorating ideas for the bay windows in your home.

Bay Window Treatments

Because of the design and shape of a bay window, there are some considerations that are unique to designing a window treatment that is both functional and complements their beauty, including the bay seat often incorporated into the constructions of bay windows.

If your bays overlook a secluded area and light control isn’t a problem, window treatments may not be absolutely essential.

But bay window treatments can make your windows into a design focal point.

You can use any type of window treatment in a bay if you have the right hardware.

Curtain rods, for example, are available in versions especially designed for bay windows.

Other window coverings made to fit the special requirements of bay windows can include

You can certainly cobble together three separate rods if you have sufficient space to hang them (it may be a problem to fit them end-to-end in a smaller bay), but make sure to consider the issue and measure carefully to insure that you don’t accidentally purchase something that won’t fit.

The following are some ideas for bay window treatments:

• Bay Window Curtains – Long panels or café-style window curtains particularly suit bays. Accentuate your windows by hanging panels between them. The closer you hang the panels to the ceiling, the more dramatic the result. Café curtains topped with one long valance are another attractive option that also provides privacy if your bay overlooks a public area.
• Window Shades – If your bay has decorative molding that you don’t want to hide, consider using a shade. Shades come in many shapes to suit your rooms. You could select a roller shade, which rolls straight up and down from the top; a Roman shade, which pulls up into loose pleats; or a ribbon shade, which manually rolls up from the bottom and ties underneath.
• Valances – Consider accentuating your bay with a valance and leaving the windows otherwise uncovered if privacy and light control aren’t problems for you. The valance-only approach can be one of the most attractive and allows you to take a creative approach. You can purchase a valance or create your own using fabric or scarves.
• Window Blinds – Mini blinds are certainly a possibility, but in general it’s best to avoid them in bays. The long series of unbroken horizontal lines is busy and doesn’t make the most of the bay. Unless you have no other choice, it’s best to avoid them.

Using Your Bay Window Space

There’s a fine line between using the space in a bay window area and overwhelming it.

Consider the level of detail in your window treatment and the surrounding furniture to determine how much you need to add to complete the space.

An elaborate window treatment or closely-adjacent seating area would require minimal accessories to complete the look.

A secluded spot with little furniture nearby and a more streamlined window treatment will probably need a little extra oomph to make it truly shine.

Another important consideration when decorating bay windows is to design your window treatment to take complete advantage of the view outside.

For bay window areas that need finishing, consider these home decorating ideas:

Add seating – A window seat, complete with pretty cushions and a small side table, is a wonderful idea. If you don’t have the construction skills to pull off a custom job, you can hire a professional or use prefab wall cabinets. Put them in a row and finish them off with cushions. Or use a chair.

Add plants – One of the major advantages of the bay window is the light. Bring in an attractive plant stand and make use of the natural light while completing the space.

Add an accessory or two - If the space is too small to add furnishings but still looks empty, put an accessory or two on the floor. Try a large decorative vase, an oversized typographical letter, or a stack of vintage suitcases. Or lean a painting against the wall to one side.

Again, the goal is to make the most of your bay windows, so the key is to select an option that will draw the eye to the area and that enhances the functional and aesthetic qualities of your window area.

Find more great ideas for decorating bay windows at WindowBlindsTips.com

Skylights offer light and visual interest, but they are also difficult to reach, and the light that is welcome during your dinner party might interfere with your ability to see your television a few hours later.

Window treatments can mitigate this problem, but you can’t just select some blinds off the shelf.

You’ll need to find a treatment specifically designed for skylights.

Why Should You Cover a Skylight?

The most obvious advantage to covering your skylight is light control. It can be difficult to use a room with a skylight as a bedroom or home theater if you don’t cover the skylights first. And while you could cover them permanently, you lose the beauty and design interest of the window if you take that approach.

There are additional benefits to installing a skylight window treatment that you may not have considered as well. Skylights let a lot of heat enter and escape your home. During the day, it’s generally nice to have the warmth, but generally you’ll lose more heat at night than you gain during the day. The result is higher heating costs and more strain on your pocket.

By installing a skylight window covering and closing it each night and during the cold winter months, you’ll save money in the long run.

Skylight Window Treatment Options

Roller shades and skylight blinds, sometimes called velux blinds, are your two major choices when it comes to covering your skylights. Be prepared for consistently higher prices than you’d pay for conventional shades and blinds, particularly if you select an automated style that opens and closes via switch or remote control. You can decrease the cost somewhat if you choose a manual option; just make certain to purchase a telescoping rod to open and close it.

If you have an unusually-shaped skylight, you can still install a window treatment. Look for custom sizes to fit domes, trapezoids, pyramids, or other unusual shapes. As with most home improvement projects, the word “custom” will generally also mean that they’re more expensive.

You will likely be limited to a short list of colors and patterns, but in general it’s not the best of ideas to put loud decorative prints on your ceiling so that shouldn’t be much of a problem. You may, however, want to select options like blackout screens, particularly for a home theater, where darker is better.

Consider the opacity of the fabric or material that you’re selecting. Fabrics can range anywhere from the aforementioned blackout screens to honeycomb shades that filter the light but still allow it to enter the room.

Once you’ve determined your needs, the final step is to find the window blinds or shades. They’re a lot more difficult to locate in stores when compared to traditional window treatments.

One possibility is to find an online retailer and order from them. Make sure to visit the site and look for their measuring instructions. By following their instructions to the letter, you insure that your skylight blinds will fit perfectly and do the job right.

By maximizing the look and feel of your window accessories, you can really take your window treatments to the next level.

Luckily, there are many hardware options available to suit any style.

Read on to learn about the various accessories available and learn some handy tips for selecting and installing them.

Types of Curtain Hardware

• Curtain Rods – Curtain rods come with a variety of options depending on your needs. You might select a plain rod for a café curtain, a combination rod for a layered effect, a traverse rod to easily open and close heavy curtains, or a tension rod to fit inside a cramped space.
• Rings – You may need rings to attach the drapery to the rod. These rings are similar in style to shower curtain rings, and they essentially work the same way.
• Sconces – Most rods will come with their own mounting hardware, but you can elect to purchase a sconce for a more formal look. Sconces are decorative rod mounts and can be used to add decorative punch to the window treatment. They can also be used to hold swags.
• Finials – These decorative pieces, usually made from iron, stone, or ceramics, fit on the end of the drapery rods. Note that most window treatments will use a sconce or a finial, but rarely both.
• Tiebacks – If you’d like to open the curtains but don’t like the look of a traverse rod, consider using tiebacks to either tie or fasten the curtains in the open position.
• Rosettes – The rosette is a decorative element that can be clipped on to support brackets along the length of the curtain rod. Not only does the rosette hide the bracket, but it also offers a little extra design flair. Note that you can attach rosettes to the top of the drapes even if you’re not using support brackets if you like the look.
• Drapery Jewelry – Drapery jewelry is attached to the fabric or can be dangled from the rods. You can purchase jewelry specifically made for this purpose or purchase pieces from a flea market. Jewelry can also be used in lieu of tiebacks for a pretty statement.

Installing Your Drapery Hardware

Most drapery hardware will come complete with instructions, and the installation process should be easy enough for beginner do-it-yourselfers.

The keys to success are to make sure to purchase hardware that will work well together, adequately support the curtains, and work well within the overall design scheme of the room.

Here are some installation tips that may help:

• As with any design project, avoid over-accessorizing. Your hardware should compliment rather than overpower your window treatment. Generally, it’s best to select one or two decorative elements and focus on them rather than adding ornate finials, tiebacks, sconces and jewelry all to a single window.
• Make sure that the hardware you select is strong enough to hold the curtains. For heavier curtains, generally a one-inch rod is recommended. You should also consider installing center support brackets on the drapery rod if you’ve selected drapery in a heavy fabric like velvet. And if your drapery rod will be longer than four feet, you need a support bracket anyway.
• Determine the appropriate rod length by measuring the window, adding the desired distance past the window, and adding on space for decorative finials or sconces. You may need to use a telescoping rod to cover long distances.

The Advantages of Choosing Faux

Not only are faux blinds cheaper than wood blinds, but they also offer some additional advantages. Faux versions get less dusty than wood, and they are also more resistant to warping, sunlight, and humidity. With high quality faux wood blinds, you get all of these advantages with a real wood look and feel that is very difficult to distinguish from real wood.

Selecting Faux Wood Blinds

The first step to choosing faux wood window blinds is to measure your windows. Not only do you have a variety of blind lengths and widths to choose from, but you will also need to choose the size of the individual slats that make up each blind. Common slat sizes range from 2 to 3 inches.

Depending on the size of your window and the look that you want, you will need to choose inside or outside mount blinds. Outside mounts, which cover the entire window and casing, are a good choice if your windows are out of square or abnormally small for your room.

Inside mounts fit inside the casing and cover only the window. They’re a good choice if you have decorative casings or would like to layer curtains and blinds for a strong design statement. However, you need to make sure that there is enough room inside the window opening to hold the blinds and attach the heading. If your window is flush with the wall, you will probably need to use an outside mount.

Design-wise, you can select plain wood blinds or an embellished version. Some faux blinds come with cloth tape connecting the slats instead of nylon string. These tapes can be color-coordinated with your décor. Note that these tapes can’t be removed, so they make cleaning your blinds a bit of a challenge.

Another design choice is a valance. Some blinds come with an attached valance in a variety of colors.

If your blinds are located behind large pieces of furniture, or if you just enjoy cool mechanics, consider a motorized version. With a flick of a switch, you can open and close your blinds.

Do it Yourself; Simple Wood Blind Installation

To install your own faux blinds, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Brackets
• Faux wood blinds and mounting hardware
• Ladder (if your windows are too high to reach)
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Steel measuring tape

Once your equipment and materials are ready, follow these simple steps to install your blinds (manufacturer’s instructions may vary):

1. If you have blinds currently installed, remove them. If the holes from your existing blinds will show when the new blinds are installed, consider filling them with spackling or joint compound.
2. Take a look at the wall. If you’re installing on metal, brick, or tile, you’ll need a drill and some special hardware.
3. Measure your windows. For an outside mount, measure about three inches past each side of the window. Measure above and below the window, allowing enough space on top for the mounting bracket. For an inside mount, measure the height and width in three different places and use the narrowest measurement for each one. If you’re uncomfortable taking these measurements yourself, consider calling in a professional.
4. Purchase your blinds. Check to make sure that all of the necessary parts are included.
5. Install the left and right side brackets by screwing them into the walls. For an inside mount, install them on the jambs inside the casing. For an outside mount, install them at the desired height above the window. Use a level to make sure that the brackets are straight.
6. Install the headrail. Before installing, untangle any knots in the cords or tape. Slip the headrail into place between the brackets and snap into place. If your brackets have covers, close them.
7. If your model includes a valance, install the valance clips according to the package directions, and then insert the valance into the clips. Note that the valance may need to be installed before the headrail into place on some models.

You can do window treatments on a budget with simple curtains, cellular blinds or Roman shades. Or, you can go all out and have a professional window treatment designer install designer cornice board window treatments and automated controls that set natural light levels and privacy at the touch of a button!

Planning Your Window Treatments

There are many factors to consider in planning window treatments. The theme, decor and colors in your rooms are important factors. Also important are your local climate and the amount of natural window light your rooms typically receive based on the size, type and placement of windows.

How much privacy does the intended room require? Remember to consider the views and window exposures. While sheer curtains may be great in the living or family room, you will probably want more privacy in the bedroom or bathroom!

You also want your window to open properly, so your window treatments shouldn’t interfere with how various window applications are designed to function.

So, for instance, vertical shades are typically not a good option for windows that open horizontally. For a simple treatment, fabric panels draped on a rod can work with almost any window. Cornice boards and valances offer a nice designer touch.

Consider the styles, colors, and patterns in upholstery and other fabrics in your rooms, selecting window treatments that blend and harmonize with your decor and design themes.

Also try to match the window treatment to the window application. For example, you many want to make a bay window treatment less elaborate, allowing the views and window seat take more prominence.

Measuring and Ordering Window Treatments

Correct measurement of your windows correctly is an important part of the planning process; you don’t want to order those custom wood shutters only to find that they are too wide for that picture window in the living room!

If you are uncertain, consult a professional or ask the shop or retailer from whom you are ordering window treatments to visit your home and take measurements.

This precaution also gives you some insurance that if the treatments don’t fit for some reason when delivered you won’t be to blame.

Matching Window Treatments to Your Room Decor:

• In rooms that have minimal pattern and texture on, window treatments can be an ideal way to give the space more depth and visual movement.
• Window treatments can also be coordinated with your choice of colors and patterns. Try using complementary prints and colors in the primary fabric or blinds, curtain linings, and window trim like a cornice board or valance.
• For rooms with a more complex theme and design elements, you can use a more subtle window treatment that does not overpower the room or detract from other visual elements.
• If your room decor and furniture is retro, you will want to design a matching retro window treatment; bright colors like fire engine red or lime green coordinated with other design elements in some style of modern blinds or shades will be appropriate.
• On the other hand, in a traditional Victorian style room, you will likely want to go with something more like draperies appointed in dark, rich colors and tie backs with tassels and gold embroidery.
• Window treatments should help balance a room, providing texture, color and natural light appropriate to the overall design. For example, wood blinds or shutters can complement and enhance the natural warmth and texture of wood grain and stone design elements in a country style room.

Window Treatment Elements and Options

Remember that combining different elements of window treatment options is often the best way to create a unique and artistic look!

Here is a run down on the various elements and options you can use in designing your window treatments:

Window Films and Tints

A good thing to consider first is whether window tinting makes sense for your windows. If you live in a warm climate with hot weather, then this is a necessity if your windows did not come with the right tinting from the factory. Window tinting can have a huge impact on the thermal efficiency of your home’s windows.

Curtains and Draperies

Curtains, when closed, will eliminate your view, which is great in rooms where more privacy is important. You can also use linings to enhance opacity and durability, arranging the center overlaps and eliminate openings between opposing curtains.

Use a sheer fabric to let more natural light into a room or a more opaque fabric to shut out sunlight, which is especially good for windows with a Southern exposure.

While sheer curtains and draperies offer some privacy during the day, at night they become almost transparent from the lighting inside a room. For better privacy, you can use shades underneath your sheer curtains that can be lowered.

Pleated and Cellular Shades

Cellular or honeycomb shades in non-sheer fabrics are a great option, offering privacy, good durability and insulating benefits. Cellular shades also come in many colors, styles and have various options, including top down or bottom up features that allow opening, closing, raising and lowering them for flexible light and privacy control. Automated electric controls are also available.

Fabric or Roller Shades

Most roller shades offer good privacy and light control, since they are typically made with opaque vinyl or fabric or vinyl materials. Most types of shades and blinds can be custom made to fit your exact window measurements correctly.

Mini Blinds, Wood Blinds, and Shutters

Most types of blinds and shutters provide good privacy, unless set to an angle that allows visibility between the slats or blinds. For more great information on shutters and blinds visit the Bamboo Blinds web site.

Cornice Boards and Valances

For that designer touch in your window treatments, the icing on the cake will be to have custom cornice boards or valances made. Like crown molding and other custom trim details, use these finishing options to enhance and complement your room decor!

Window Treatment Quick Tips:

Does your room receive lots of natural window light?

Use treatments that can be used to easily control light entering the room; a layered treatment that includes cellular shades or lined draperies works well.

Is Your Room Dark?

Use sheer or light weight fabrics without linings. If the room requires a more formal treatment, try using something that does not cover the entire window space, such as draperies with tie backs.

Are Your Windows Out of Proportion to the Room?

Hang window treatments six inches or more above the top of the window opening to give them a more vertical appearance. Using a valance or cornice board is a great way to add height to windows.

Is Your Budget Tight?

The selection of style and fabrics in your window treatments has a large impact on the cost. Choose smaller elements in your treatments for more expensive fabrics. For example, a valance can oftentimes be made with as little as one or two yards of fabric.

Use less expensive materials for the base elements in your window treatments, paired with more expensive fabrics for accent and highlight elements, you can keep your overall expense low.

New windows usually feature two or three panes of glass with an insulating air space between.

Some higher quality windows also have gas such as argon between the glass panes, which offer an even greater insulating factor.

Often a special coating called “low-E” applied to the glass. This coating contains metallic particles that slow heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer.

Windows are available in several different styles including single or double-hung, gliding/horizontal, awning, hopper, casement, jalousie, fixed, bay or bow and garden.

The most common style, standard-size, double-hung windows are in stock in most home improvement and builders supply stores. Most other types of windows will have to be specially ordered, especially if they are an unusual size or shape.

Windows are typically made of vinyl, metal, wood and wood with vinyl- or metal-clad exteriors. Wood is more energy-efficient than either vinyl or metal.

Windows come in either new-construction or replacement models. New-construction windows are installed from the outside, with no interior or exterior trim in place at the time of the installation. Siding and window trim are installed after the windows are in place. Replacement windows are installed in the existing window frames, leaving both interior and exterior trim in place. The instructions below are typical of installing a replacement window.

How to Install Replacement Windows:

1. First, from inside the house, remove the storm windows.
2. Next, outside the house, remove the screws for the storm window frame.
3. With the screws removed, tap out the storm frame gently with a hammer and remove it completely.
4. Next, inside the house, use a utility knife to cut the paint and caulk between the narrow strip of molding called a sash stop and the window casing.
5. Then, insert a putty knife and work the sash stops loose enough to insert a prybar.  Use the prybar to carefully remove the sash stops. You can save the sash stops for reuse later.
6. With the sash stops removed, you can now remove the upper sash, lower sash, and window crack all at the same time.
7. At the top of the rough opening, you can remove the parting strip with a pair of pliers.
8. Now that everything has been removed (with the exception of the outside trim and the inner casing), it’s time to do a test fit with the new window.
9. If the window fits into the rough opening, the next step is to make sure the sill is level.
10. After you know the sill is level, use a caulk gun to apply silicone sealant to the bottom corners of the rough opening.
11. Starting on the lower sides, apply aluminum weather proofing tape to cover the bottom of the sill.  The butyl adhesive backing prevents any water from penetrating the sill.
12. Next, apply silicone sealant to the outside stop, which is where the new window frame will sit.
13. Next, apply silicone sealant to the edge of the window ledge,and the corners at the ends of the sill.
14. Now, it’s time to set the window in place.  Set the bottom in first and then tip the frame upright and push it against the stops.
15. Check to make sure that the window frame is square.
16. The install shims at the top, bottom and middle of the sides of the frame.
17. Check that the gap between the sash and the frame is uniform from top to bottom.
18. With the frame square and locked in position, run screws through the pre-drilled holes in the sides, through the shims, and into the jamb.
19. Now use a utility knife to score the shims and break off the excess.
20. Fill the small gap between the edge of the frame and the window opening with low expansion foam made expressly for this purpose.
21. Replace the sash stops removed earlier and secure with nail gun.
22. Outside, form a watertight seal between the replacement window frame and the original opening by pressing foam backing rod into place.
23. Next, fill the remaining space with silicone caulk and apply a caulk sealer.
24. Now tool the joint smooth with your finger.
25. You’re done! Perform any clean up and finishing off of the trim on the inside, and sit back and view the world through your new windows!

Pet ownership is one of the great joys of life, but owning a pet comes with its own fair share of challenges as well.

One of those challenges is taking the pet out for exercise or to do its business, and it can be difficult and cumbersome to take the dog or cat out so many times a day.

As the slave to both a dog and multiple cats, I found myself getting up every half hour to let someone in or out. Pet doors are one of the most useful ‘gadgets’ you can get for your dog or cat.  The variety of available pet doors is wider than most realize.

Before you purchase a dog door, or cat door you need to keep a few key points in mind:

Measurements – It is very important that you get the right measurements for your pet door. The door should be tall enough and wide enough to allow your dog or cat to go through freely. Ideally, it should be larger than your pet, to allow for weight gain or growth, if you are purchasing for a new puppy.

Flap Dimensions – This is considered the access of the pet in and outside the house.

Rough-Cut – If it will be a hole drilled to wither the wall or the door.

Exterior Dimensions – This is the total size of the frame so that you can determine the space that it will need.

Location – The type of pet door you buy will be partially determined by the location of your door. If the door connects a room like, say, your laundry room, to the garage or basement, then you can probably get away with a less expensive door since features like a lock may not be critical.

If you want a pet patio door or other exterior-located door, you’ll want to consider features like locking mechanism, insulation or possibly even an electronic pet door.

Pet doors are designed to simply fit into a hole that is cut into the door, making them easy and fast to install.

For security, there are a number of one-way doors, which allow cats and dogs out, but nothing in. This design can help prevent burglars from using dog doors to gain access to the home.

Installing a pet door is a great way to eliminate some of the problems associated with pet ownership, while at the same time giving your pet the freedom he or she desires.

One of the most common pet doors is the electronic pet door. This type of door allows total control over when your dog or cat can come in or out. Newer models give more flexibility with a remote sensor that attaches to your pets collar and ‘opens’ the door when your pet approaches it. Unlike regular flap doors, you also have control over which animals can go in or out, which is especially useful if you have one cat that goes outside, but another who stays indoors.

Another variation is the Magnetic Pet door. Unlike the electronic types, this does not require electrical power to function. Electronic doors use infrared signals to unlock the flap thus allowing entrance, whereas Magnetic doors only use magnets found in the collar keys to unlock the flap, thus requiring heavy duty magnet because it primarily relies on the strength of the magnet to have it opened. The benefit in this is that you do not have to worry about batteries dying, or a power outage affecting use of the door.

New to the pet market are window pet doors. They are sold in either single-paned or dual-paned types, and are most commonly available in glass models. However, you might need a pet ramp if you want to mount a window which is at an unsafe height for your pet, especially for heavier dogs. Window pet doors are most ideal for a cat door.

Also available are wall-mount pet doors. These types of pet doors are built by drilling holes on your walls for a full-access for your pets.

While installing a pet door in a door effectively ruins the door, a wall mount pet door can often be removed and the wall patched leaving no trace of the pet door.

Stucco exterior and dry-wall interior is the perfect example since both sides can be patched and painted-to-match if the pet door must be removed later.

One of the newest innovations in pet doors is a remote control sliding door. While not specifically a ‘pet door’, it allows the convenience of turning a traditional sliding door into something that can be modified for pet use. The sliding door is installed on a track, and can be opened manually, or via remote control.

Pet Door Installation
Fortunately for pet owners, installing a pet door is generally quite an easy process. Here are the steps needed to install a great pet door:

1. Determine the size of the pet door that will be needed. There are a number of different sizes of pet doors, designed for a variety of pet sizes. The door should be large enough to accommodate the largest pet that will use it; measure from the animal’s shoulders to the bottom of the rib cage so your pet can comfortably fit through. If the door is too small, you may find that your pet will be reluctant to use it.
2. Before making a cut in the door, use the measurements to cut a hole in a piece of corrugated cardboard. The pet should then be encouraged to step through that hole. If the pet fits easily through this hole, you will know that the chosen size will work well. If not, the next largest size pet door should be used.
3. After the proper size has been chosen and the door has been purchased, cut the appropriate size hole in the door and insert the pet door. After the pet door is in place, give the cats and dogs in the household some time to get used to the door. They should be watched closely to make sure they are able to both enter and exit the house unassisted before being left alone.

Bamboo has been used widely since ancient times as an interior design element in many Asian countries. It is environmentally friendly and can be harvested within two years of planting without killing the plant, providing a plentiful supply.

Modern technology has improved on this ancient window treatment design to enhance any room with a traditional and stylish decor.

Crafted by weaving thin shafts of bamboo together; the joints and outer bamboo skin are stripped for a smooth finish.

Roll-up bamboo blinds offer an affordable and attractive window treatment to accent your home decor. The slats on roll-up blinds are quite thin, enabling ease of rolling, so that the woven patterns can be used to vary the light and privacy as desired.

Roman shades made from Bamboo fold into layers when you roll them up or down, offering a different style from typical blinds. Bamboo blinds and shades are also made in many other styles, sometimes using long, wide bamboo slats in horizontal or vertical blind styles.

You can order bamboo blinds or shades in a wide variety of sizes and shipping cost is usually minimal, making them ideal online purchase. Or, have your Bamboo blinds custom made to fit any window in your home perfectly.

Installing Bamboo blinds is a good do-it-yourself project, with a cordless drill, tape measure, pencil, screwdriver and step ladder being the only tools needed in most cases. Be sure to check measurements and level carefully when marking for bracket installation.

Or, if you have a lot of windows in need of shades, you may want to check with local installers for a deal and save yourself a few hours.

Bamboo shades give natural warmth to any room; living and family rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms or kitchen. Bamboo also has natural fire repellant qualities.

Combining traditional design, available in many styles, with a natural texture, bamboo is more durable than plastic or thin metal shades.

It is a simple, cost-effective way to increase your home’s comfort, energy-efficiency and overall appearance.

Insulating window tints add year round comfort to your home. They reflect the sun’s heat in summer. As a result, your home feels cooler and your air conditioner runs less. Insulating films also retain up to 55 percent of your home’s heat in winter.

Window tints provide comfort you can feel and savings you can see in your utility bills. In addition to increased comfort and lower utility bills, insulating films reduce fade damage to your home’s furnishings, floors and window treatments by blocking out up to 99% of UV rays.

Insulating window films are affordable, energy-efficient improvements for all existing residential windows, including dual-panes and can pay for themselves in less than a year. They improve the comfort of your home and reduce your utility costs by reducing your top source of heat gain.

Glare reducing window tints help reduce the glare and provide the flexibility of being removable and reusable. These films prevent television and computer screen washout and can improve the look of your home.
Glare reducing window tint should be applied to the inside of single-pane windows and to the outside of dual-pane windows.

Privacy window tinting helps create privacy for you and your family. Frosted privacy films are translucent and allow light to pass through while providing 24-hour privacy.
Mirrored privacy films provide daytime privacy. They allow you to see outside, but stop others from seeing in during the day.

The most important step in installing your own residential window film is to start with professional film, not the consumer grade films found at home improvement stores and other discount sources. Consumer grade films won’t give you the same ease of installation, durability and lifetime guarantees as professional grade window films.

Materials:

• Window film
• Spray bottle
• Measuring tape
• Straightedge
• Marking pen
• Small utility knife with breakaway blades
• Razor blade scraper
• Broad knife
• Squeegee
• Credit Card
• Coffee filters

Instructions:

1. Select professional quality film for your window tinting project. A variety of residential window films is available, including dark film for privacy, reflective film to keep your house cool in the summer, bronze film for soft lighting and frosted film for a translucent look. Many films also have a low-E coating that resists the passage of heat.
2. Mix cleaning solution; 1 ounce liquid detergent and 12 ounces distilled water. Avoid household window cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar as they can dissolve the film’s adhesive.
3. Spray entire window with the cleaning solution.
4. Scrape off any dirt or paint using your razor scraper, and spray the window again.
5. Using squeegee, make downward strokes to remove the solution from window.
6. Wipe any accumulated dirt and grime from the window gasket with a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth, repeating the process until the window is completely clean.
7. Unroll film on a flat, clean surface. Measure the window, and use your straightedge to cut the film, leaving it about 1 inch larger than the actual dimensions of window.
8. Spray the inside surface of the window once more with your cleaning solution, leaving it wet this time.
9. Remove the backing from the window film. It helps to have another person hold the film as you remove the backing. A good idea is to apply pieces of transparent tape to the top corners of the backing and then use them like “handles” to pull away the backing smoothly.
10. Now, spray the adhesive side of the film to prevent any static cling.
11. Start at the top of the window and apply the adhesive side of the film to the wet glass, using your hand to remove any wrinkles, bubbles or creases.
12. Go ahead and spray the entire surface again. Then, use the squeegee and pull outward from the center of the window toward the edges to remove any remaining bubbles and excess water.
13. Use the broad knife and a utility knife to remove the excess film, cutting carefully along the edges of the window.
14. Spray the entire surface a final time, using the squeegee to remove the cleaning solution. You can use a credit card wrapped in a coffee filter to squeeze out water near the edges of the window film.

They can make such a large impact in the room- how do you know what to choose?

First you should evaluate the design of the window itself. Also, look at the window in the framework of the room and how the room is used. Do you have beautiful windows that you want to show off or are your windows plain and you want to minimize their appearance?

Spend plenty of time deciding on a fabric. Don’t be rushed into making a costly mistake. When making your decision, keep in mind how the material will be used and also the drape of the material.

Another home decorating tip is to start the selection process with your favorite color instead of being influenced by fashion or by the idea that you simply want something different. If you are in doubt of the color for your window treatments, select curtain fabrics that are a little lighter than the color of your walls.

Consider where the window is placed. Are you close to your neighbors? If so, something that can be closed to give you privacy is important. However, if you are like me and live out in the country, with no neighbors, you can get away with bare windows or minimal window treatments such as sheers!

Once your window curtains are hanging in place, you will be glad you spent the extra time and effort in selecting them. A home decorating tip to keep in mind is to be creative as well as patient when decorating.

Using vintage curtains can give your home the warm, homey inviting look you’ve been searching for! You can purchase vintage curtains from yard sales, flea markets, ebay, or any number of websites.

You can also purchase new curtains that are made with vintage materials or patterns. The use of vintage curtains can turn your kitchen into a 1950’s style diner, your living area into a cozy retreat or your game room into an exiting and fun grown up play area.

Using vintage accessories along with your vintage curtains will add to the overall effect of your vintage decor. You can find these items at flea markets and online auctions.

Try a classic Lionel train set in your game room and a vintage green pool lamp over your pool table. Paired with a pair of vintage curtains in a fun print, you’ll make your area a unique and enjoyable area to spend time in.

Vintage curtains come in such a wide variety of styles and colors, you are certain to find one that complements your vintage decor. From the vivid green and orange combination of the 1970’s, to classic cowboy prints, romantic floral designs and cheerful red and white check patterns, there are many to choose from.

Other interesting window treatments to consider for that unique retro look include bamboo shades, roller shades, roman shades or wood blinds.

Most of all, have fun creating your retro decor and finding your vintage curtains!

So what are they? Plantation shutters are interior shutters installed inside a window. Though the name is often used to describe any interior window shutters, true plantation shutters feature that are 2 ½ to 4 ½ inches wide, set into panels that are 12 to 19 ½ inches. The panels can be adjusted as needed to let in light or to keep it out. This adds shade to a home and can even help reduce the energy bills.

Shutters also add privacy in areas that require it. For this reason, many people install plantation shutters in large windows over the bathtub or in the bedroom. Many people also use plantation shutters in windows facing the street. Plantation shutters can be used in every window in the home, but is usually cost prohibitive!

You can purchase Plantation shutters in most every type of wood or in vinyl. Customers looking for a stained look should buy wooden shutters as vinyl offers a painted look. Some new of the new models of vinyl plantation shutters are made to replicate the look of wood. These are a more affordable alternative for those desiring wood.

Plantation shutter installation is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. Installation is quick and requires just a few simple tools. If you prefer, some companies do offer installation at an additional price.

If you do opt to do the installation yourself, the most important thing is to accurately measure. You will want to make sure that your shutters are a precise fit for your window. An inaccurate fit will greatly detract from your plantation shutters’ look and value.

Manufacturers will offer detailed installation instructions. Home improvement stores also offer tips and suggestions for installation. In addition, instructions are available on the Internet.