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.

If you do live in a hurricane zone, you should definitely install hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters protect your home from extreme damaging winds.

These winds throw debris against your house at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. In particular, you want to prevent window breakage.

Your goal is to keep the wind outside. If high winds get inside your home or business, it becomes trapped. In reality, the pressure from wind continues to build as it stays in a structure. This can literally cause the winds to blow your house or business apart.

Some experts recommend install hurricane shutters if you live in an area that experiences tornadoes or other extreme high-wind weather. The problem with this is that tornados will literally lift a roof off a house, or a house off its foundation without ever blowing out a window! So while they can help prevent window breakage from flying debris, in reality it does little to fully protect your home. However, protecting your home is worth the investment.

If windows are broken during storms, you are likely to have water damage to rooms. This is expensive and time consuming to repair. More importantly, damage to irreplaceable family heirlooms and other invaluable items are not always reparable.

Hurricane shutters come in a wide variety of styles, including automatic ones that you lower with a touch of a button! Other styles include ones you manually close. Either type is easier and more time efficient that nailing plywood to your windows hours before the storm hit!

However, the entry door is almost always exposed to weather and they often look old before they should Traditionally homes have been build with solid wood doors- the problem with this is that the wood is very susceptible to rain, wind and sun damage!

We now have more options for entry doors. If you can think of it, chances are, it is produced! Some are made of wood, and others are made of fiberglass, and fiberglass and steel combinations. Often, the entire entry door is sold as a complete entry system.

This means that the door is already pre hung in a frame, and includes weather stripping on the bottom edge. These doors can even come with sidelights, transoms, locksets and hinges.

As mentioned before there are many materials that entry doors are made of today, and sometimes what appears to be a wood door is not really a wood door. Many of today’s wood doors have steel interiors and most doors whether wood or steel have some sore to foam insulation.

Many popular entry doors come with a window or glass pane in them. In my home, I chose a steel door (that looks like wood) with a frosted glass pane to allow light through and a transom.

One great benefit is that sliding closet doors don’t use up precious floor space, increasing the usable space, since there is no allowance for door clearance required.

You can choose from three primary types of sliding closet doors. Each type will have different pros and cons, depending on your application. Plan ahead and consider how you will use the closet space when deciding which type of sliding closet door to install.

Multi-fold Closet Doors
Multifold doors fold like an accordion. They are typically made of narrow panels of wood, plastic or fabric. When closed, multi-fold closet doors look like wall paneling or vertical blinds. When open, they use up very little space, leaving your room open and providing excellent access to the closet space.

Since the doors are thin they won’t provide much sound insulation, but they’re easy to install, mounting from underneath the door jam or along the ceiling. This also enables them to be used as privacy dividers between rooms so that you can close the spaces off from each other or open the room up into a larger space.

Bypass Closet Doors
Bypass doors are well suited to closets since they don’t require any door swinging area and do not use any avaialble floor space. They are usually made from panels of wood and can be covered with fabric or mirrors to match your room’s decor. Almost any door becomes a sliding door if you install it using a sliding door hardware kit.

Bypass doors are typically hung from a track installed under the door opening’s head jam. The track will be hidden by decorative trim. A secondary track or guide is installed at the bottom of your door opening and guides the sliding doors from the bottom, providing a smooth sliding action. One drawback with bypass doors is that only one side of the closet can be accessed; to get to the other side you must slide the doors the opposite direction.

Bi-fold Closet Doors
Bifold doors are great if you want to make the full width of the door opening accessible, like in the case of a laundry closet. Bi-fold doors can be purchased in a variety of styles; plain, raised panel, louvered and mirrored. Installing bi-fold doors is a great do-it-yourself project that most homeowners can tackle.

A drawback to bi-fold sliding closet doors is that you lose some floor space when the doors are open, but not as much as you do with regular hinged doors.

Instructions for replacing sliding closet doors:

Step One
Measure your old doors accurately, and then go to your favorite home improvement center or lumberyard.

Step Two
Choose a new set of closet doors that fits your style and room decor. You will find plenty of styles to choose from, finished or unfinished. Be sure the doors you buy are the same size as your old doors.

Step Three
Finish your new closet doors, if you purchased them unfinished. It is best to finish the doors before hanging.

Step Four
Remove the old doors by lifting them out of the track; most sliding closet doors hang in an overhead track. Some have a locking mechanism you can override by holding down a small lever. In some cases, you may find specific points on the track where the rollers have to be positioned over a cutout before you can lift the doors free.

Step Five
The old track must be removed from the top of the door opening with a screwdriver. You shoudn’t need the old hardware except if you have door guides mounted on the floor, which you can probably leave in place and reuse unless they are damaged or worn beyond what you find visibly pleasing.

Step Six
Compare the length between your new track and the old one. If its too long, trim the new one with a hacksaw so that it fits the opening correctly.

Step Seven
Mount the bracket in the same location as the old one, being sure the screws are seated properly so that the heads don’t interfere with the roller movement. Don’t overtighten the screws, or the track may warp out of shape and prevent your new closet doors from sliding smoothly.

Step Eight
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount the rollers on the top inside edge of your doors. Some kits come with the rollers already mounted, in which case you can skip this step!

Step Nine
Hang the new doors on the track.

Step Ten
Check everything for fit and adjust the rollers if needed per your manufacturer’s instructions.

The style, color and condition of the door has a great influence on the overall appearance and curb appeal of the home. When shopping for garage doors you should also consider the things you use your garage for. If it also serves as a workshop or children’s play room, then you will need a door with good insulation.

First you should determine what size door you need. Garage doors are available to fit virtually any opening, just measure your opening and take the measurements to your local Home improvement or builders supply store to get the door you need

Choose a garage door that complements the rest of your homes exterior. High end formal carriage style doors will look out of place on a ranch style starter home! So no matter how much you love the door, think about how it will blend with the rest of your home!

Windows and window panels are another way to add style and your own personal touch to a garage door. Double-paned windows allow natural light in but keep extreme seasonal temperatures out.

Most garage doors are made from either wood or steel. Wood doors offer a wide variety of options. You can find anything from standard raised panel designs to doors that mimic the ornate styles commonly used on the carriage houses of the 18th and 19th centuries. Wood doors are also available in several species, either paint or stain grade.

Steel doors are usually more economical than wood doors and are the most common type of garage door. Most manufacturers offer several colors out-of-the-box. You can also paint the door to match your home.

When choosing a garage door opener, be sure to consider the following factors:
 
Choose a motor with power adequate to lift your door. If you have a double door, look for at least ½ hp. Even on a single door, a larger motor is likely to last longer. Also look for a unit that advertises a "soft" starting and stopping system, which operates more quietly and with less wear and tear on the door.

Higher-end garage door openers operate quickly, reducing the time you have to wait in the driveway.

For safety reasons, the faster-opening models still close at a standard, slower speed. Federal law requires all garage door openers include features that stop the doors from crushing objects in their paths and cause the doors to reverse direction if they strike something. In most cases, this is controlled by an electronic beam that, when broken by a person or object, triggers the safety mechanism. This ensure no children or pets get crushed!

All models include a manual release that will allow you to open the door if the power is out. Some higher-end models include a function that opens the door just a little bit so the family pet can get out.

Most garage door openers include a security light that comes on as you activate the system and stays on long enough for you to get out of the car and go into the house.

French doors are commonly available in wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Some wood doors are covered with aluminum or vinyl. Each door material has its advantages and disadvantages. Metal- and aluminum-clad doors need less maintenance over time, but wood provides a higher quality, more traditional look.

Although an issue for all French patio doors, leakage is of particular concern with wood doors. Once a wood door becomes exposed to moisture, it warps and starts to expand. Then it can easily start to stick. Some door materials are also noisier than others. Steel doors clang and aluminum doors make less noise, but wood is the quietest.

 Each pane of glass in a French door is referred to as a light. Single-light doors have one undivided panel of glass. Doors with divided lights have smaller areas of glass separated by muntins (wood or metal bars).

When deciding between single or divided lights, consider the style of your home. Traditional wooden divided lights may look strange on a sleek modern house. For such a house, steel or aluminum doors with undivided expanses of glass may be a better choice.

The majority of manufacturers now offer both in-swinging and out-swinging French doors. The decision to choose between them is usually dictated by location.

Leakage and warping must also be taken into account when you’re ready to install (or have installed) a set of French doors. Do-it-yourself installation in a new opening can be risky because cutting through the wall may create waterproofing problems.

Every manufacturer has a menu of available doors and options. This menu is not uniform within the industry. Some offer a wide variety of sizes and types as standard doors, which are usually in stock and available for immediate purchase.

If you want a size or type not available in the manufacturer’s inventory, it can often be ordered, but delivery may take longer. Other manufacturers make all of their doors to order.

If you are considering an unusual size or material, you may want to go with a manufacturer that custom-makes all of its doors. As a general rule, if you want a door to be more than 4 feet wide or 8 feet tall, you will need a custom door.