The Perfect Basement Apartment
3 Key Signs That You Need To Replace Your Home’s Windows
Maintaining a house can be costly and time-consuming, but it is an important part of protecting your real estate investment. From shampooing your carpet and repairing a leaky faucet to washing your home’s exterior and mowing the lawn, it is easy to see the stressful nature of home maintenance. Thankfully, certain updates not only improve your home’s appeal, but they also can increase your home’s value. New energy efficient windows can give you an estimated 70 percent return on your investment, but you should understand when your home is ready for this update. With this guide, you will understand when your home is in need of new windows through a place like Morgan Exteriors Inc. Condensation on Windows If you notice the glass of your windows is foggy, it is most likely due to condensation. Condensation on your windows develops due to a failed seal. When your window’s seal fails, moisture penetrates the glass between each pane. This moisture allows air to seep through the glass, resulting in the condensation and foggy glass. If your window’s seal has failed, you may also notice a white film on the glass panes. When air and moisture penetrates the glass, calcium deposits will build up on the windows, resulting in the white filmy residue. If your windows lack proper insulation due to failed seals, contact the window’s manufacturer to learn if your windows are still under warranty. Most manufacturers offer a 10 or 20 year warranty, but some companies will offer a lifetime guarantee, allowing you a free replacement if your window seals fail. Your Home Is Drafty In the summer, warm air can enter your home through poor quality windows. In the winter, you may experience cool bursts of air each time you walk by a window. These drafts of air are not normal and should be addressed to improve your home’s comfort level. As your windows age, the seals will wear down, decreasing the amount of insulation the glass provides. If your sashes and frames of your windows wear down and become loose, small gaps will form around the glass panes. Air will infiltrate through these gaps, as well, leading to uncomfortable drafts in your home. When you feel these drafts of air, your first inclination may be to apply weather stripping around the windows. While sealing around your windows is beneficial, it is only a temporary fix. The sealant will eventually expand and stretch, allowing air to seep through the gaps, so replacing your old windows is your best option for preventing future drafts. Increased Heating and Cooling Costs Heating and cooling your home accounts for an estimated 45 percent of your total energy costs. Unfortunately, if your windows lack the proper seals to insulate your home, a great deal more energy will be necessary to heat and cool your home. Installing new windows will prevent air from leaking through broken seals and worm frames. This will decrease the amount of energy you need to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. Not only will your home be heated and cooled in a proper manner, but you will also see a decrease in your monthly energy bills. When choosing your new windows, make sure to pay attention to the U-Value and SHGC. The U-value represents the window’s resistance to...
read moreTwo Window Frame Sealing Mistakes To Avoid
If you have old and drafty windows in your home, then it is time to start thinking about replacing them. Around 30% of all the heat lost in the home during the winter months escapes through the windows and doors. More heat loss may be noted if you can feel a noticeable draft coming from your windows. If you are fairly handy around the house, then you may think about installing some of the new windows yourself. If you want to give it a try, then you will want to make sure that the windows are sealed properly to prevent new drafts. There are a few installation mistakes that can lead to this issue. Keep reading to learn how to avoid them. Mistake – Not Securing The Sill Properly If you have older windows, then you will likely need to replace not only the window, but the basic frame and sill as well. This means you will need to remove the window as well as the wooden frame that keeps the window in place. You will end up with the rough wooden window opening afterwards. If you opt for vinyl windows, then you can purchase the frame and sill to fit the space. The sill part of the window will contain a track that allows the window sash to snap into place. The sill will snap into the frame, and the frame will fit into the rough wooden window opening. This means the frame will need to be secured first. This part of the window is where it must fit tightly around the edges. A good seal can be created with the use of a proper adhesive. A good adhesive to use is a silicone based caulk. This type of caulk is water-resistant, flexible, and it will not wear down as quickly as polyurethane varieties. This will help to create a waterproof seal around the very base of the window sill. This seal will be created only if the silicone comes into contact with clean and dry materials. Use soap and water to clean the inside of the frame and the wooden window opening, and allow them to dry afterwards. Place a generous amount of the caulk around the wooden base of the window and carefully place the sill in the opening. Allow the caulk to dry for one full day. Look around the sill for small openings between the vinyl and the wood. If you see any, then you will need to place a small amount of polyurethane spray foam around the frame to close the openings. Spray the foam and allow it to expand and dry. Afterwards, use a utility knife to trim the foam so it is flush with the frame. If the window frame has nail flaps, then fold them out against the house and nail them in place. Roofing nails can be used for this purpose. Mistake – Forgetting The Waterproof Membrane Once the silicone caulk, spray foam, and nails are secured, the frame of the window will be fairly secure. However, water and air can still seep in around the frame over time. To prevent this issue, a separate film or membrane must be placed over the nail flap edges of the vinyl frame. This will help to close off the lip or edge of the frame. You will need to purchase waterproof...
read moreFrequently Asked Questions about Sliding Glass Door Repair and Replacement
If you notice a crack or chip in your sliding glass door, you may have many questions. Getting answers to the questions you have will help you to properly deal with the crack and know what action to take. Here are three of the questions you may have about sliding glass door repair and replacement. If There Is a Small Crack in the Glass, Is Repair or Replacement Really Necessary? If you notice a small crack or chip in the glass of your sliding door, you may wonder if you really need to take any action. However, it is important that you either repair or replace the glass. The constant sliding motion of the door can cause the crack to grow, leading to more problems. Additionally, weather elements can lead to the continued growth of the crack or chip. When it is hot or cold outside, your glass expands and contracts. This can cause the crack to grow or can even cause a damaged piece of glass to shatter. Repairing or replacing the glass helps prevent this from happening. When Is Repairing a Crack an Option? If there is a small crack or chip on your sliding glass door, you may be able to fill it. This repair helps to stabilize the glass, preventing the crack from growing due to motion or temperature extremes. However, not every crack or chip can be repaired. If the chip or crack is already large in size, replacement is generally recommended. Also, if the door is cracked and you notice there are more cracks branching off from the original crack, repair may not be needed. Lastly, you have to decide if the cost of repair versus replacement makes sense for your glass. If your sliding glass door is already old and likely needs to be replaced soon, it may not make sense to invest in a glass door repair. On the other hand, if your glass door is fairly new, you may be more open to repairing the glass to get the most amount of money out of your new glass door. A professional glass door replacement company will need to look at the type of glass door you have, the age of the glass, and the extent of the damage to provide you with their opinion as to whether repair or replacement is a better option for you. Should Just the Glass or the Entire Door Be Replaced? If the glass on your sliding glass door can’t be repaired, you have to decide whether to replace the glass or whether to replace the entire frame for your door. The majority of sliding glass door frames are made from aluminum, which has an expected lifespan of about 20 years. If your door frame is made of vinyl or wood, your frame’s expected lifespan increased to 30 to 40 years. If the track and frame are in good condition, you may simply wish to replace just the glass. If the door isn’t sliding over the tracks like it should or is sticking or warping or you notice a great deal of air seeping into your home along the frame, you may wish to replace the entire door rather than just the glass. There are a number of reasons why cracks can appear in glass....
read more3 Ways To Protect Your Wood Siding
Wood siding can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, when you choose to have wood siding over other forms of siding, you should know that there are things that you must do in order to protect it. Wood is more susceptible to rot and decay than other forms of siding, such as vinyl siding. There are a number of easy things that you can do in order to protect your wood siding. Prevent Exposure To Moisture Wood, when exposed to trapped moisture, will begin to break down and rot. Due to this, it is imperative that you try to prevent your wood siding from being exposed to moisture as much as possible. As long as your wood can dry out, then you don’t have to worry about it rotting. Ensure that you have proper airflow around your home. This means removing any shrubs or bushes that are up against the side of your home. Shrubs and bushes will trap moisture against the wood siding, allowing it to start to rot. If you do want to keep shrubs and bushes in your yard, ensure that they are at least 3 feet away from the siding. In addition, you should maintain your gutters. Ensure that the water is properly flowing away from your home and not hitting the wood siding in the same places. Clean your gutters to ensure that they do not back up and overflow onto the siding. In addition, do your best to not rest or store things against your wood siding. This also traps moisture against the wood siding. Keep It Clean Dirt can discolor your wood siding, and mildew can cause your wood to become fragile and damaged. It is important that you clean your wood regularly in order to keep it its natural color, as well as to prevent mildew damage from spreading or becoming so bad that it damages the wood. Once a year you should clean your wood siding. Dirt can be cleaned off easily with warm, soapy water and a firm bristle brush. If you haven’t cleaned your siding in some time, you might need to use a power washer to remove the stubborn dirt. Mildew patches will look like small, black splotches across your wood. In order to properly remove mildew, you should use a concoction of bleach and water, one part bleach for four parts water. Use a firm bristle brush to gentle scrub the mildew away. Rust can also be present on your wood siding, due to metal screws and fasteners rusting. Rust stains will usually look like dark, vertical streaks near metal fasteners and screws. These rust stains can be removed with a mixture of oxalic acid and water. Replaced Damaged Areas Right Away When your wood starts to rot, it can spread. Not only that, but moist, rotting wood is inviting to pests that can further destroy your wood siding, such as termites. Once a year inspect the exterior of your home looking for rotted wood. Rot will appear as crumbling, breaking down wood. Sometimes wood rot is not obvious. If you think that areas are rotting, use two fingers to press down on the wood. If it is soft to the touch or starts to crumble, the area is rotting. Inspect your exterior for...
read moreMen With Melasma: How Can Spectrally-Selective Glass Protect Your Skin At Home?
Although melasma is more common in women, men can develop it as well. You apply sunscreen to your skin every two hours and wear protective clothing and hats to limit your exposure to outdoor UV rays. But what can you do to protect your skin inside of the home? Ultraviolet sun rays can penetrate the window glass in your home and aggravate your melasma even further. Replacing your window glass with spectrally selective glass reduces your exposure to indoor UV rays. Here’s what you should know about ultraviolet light’s effects on your skin condition and how spectrally selective window replacement benefits you. What Are the Most Dangerous UV Rays and How Do They Aggravate Your Melasma? You may think that all ultraviolet rays are the same but they’re not. The sun releases three types of ultraviolet rays: UVC, UVB and UVA. UVC stays within the atmosphere and doesn’t bother you, but UVB rays usually cause sunburn if you expose your skin to direct sunlight for too long, or when you leave your skin unprotected or uncovered when you go out in the sun. However, UVA rays are the most dangerous for your skin because they can damage the cells placed deep inside your skin outside the home and out. UVA rays are powerful enough to penetrate the protective foundation supporting your home. Because melasma affects the cells that control your skin’s pigment or color, you experience the most problems from UVA rays. The areas of your skin affected by melasma become dark brown, beige or black, depending on the severity of your condition and natural skin tone. You experience changes in your skin’s pigmentation even during cloudy days or the cold season. Cold weather or shady days don’t reduce or limit the effects of UVA radiation on your skin. To reduce the harmful effects of UVA rays, place spectrally selective glass in your home. What’s Spectrally Selective Window Glass? Spectrally selective glass blocks as much as 73 percent of the sun’s most harmful ultraviolet rays because of how it’s made. Selective glass isn’t the same thing as window film or tint, which cover the surfaces of glass. Instead, spectrally selective glass features a special glaze or coating made of three layers of silver, tin oxide or some other strong substance that allows natural light to enter your home but keeps dangerous UVA rays out. The protective coating reflects much of the sun’s radiation back outdoors before it has a chance to enter your home. In addition, the area between each coating contains special gases, such as argon and krypton, that absorb heat. As a result, the surfaces of spectrally selective glass stays cool and comfortable. For maximum performance and UVA protection, you can have a window replacement contractor tint the surfaces of your selective glass. White, frost or other variations of the color white make excellent choices because they reflect the sun’s rays. If your contractor offers it, you can have the tint designed in different patterns, such as flowers, dolphins or mountains, to improve the appearance of the glass. Can You Do Other Things to Protect Your Skin From UVA Rays? Once you have your new spectrally selective glass installed, add a few final touches to your windows to protect your skin from UVA rays. For instance, placing lightly-colored curtains or window treatments on your windows works well....
read moreFour Ways To Keep Cats From Scratching Your Screens To Bits
It’s no secret that cats love sitting in windows and watching birds and other creatures outside. Often, all of that watching leads to temptation to try and nab a bird out of the air, leading to nasty scratch marks on your window screens. If you’re having trouble with cats clawing your screens, don’t just ignore the issue and keep dealing with unattractive, ripped screens. Here are four ways to protect your screens. Open the windows from the top. Many modern windows can be opened either by pulling up the bottom portion of the window, or by pulling down the top portion of the window. If you have this style of window, start opening them by pulling the top down, rather than by pulling the bottom up. There’s no window sill at the top of the window, so your cat cannot access this area easily. Now, the one issue with opening your windows from the top is that there’s typically no screen in this portion of the window, so bugs and debris may fly in. You can prevent this issue by putting retractable screens in the window. These screens start out compact, but then you pull on either side of them to expand them to the width of your window. Many home improvement stores sell them, and they’re rather inexpensive. If you’re thinking of replacing your windows in the future, it may be wise to purchase the type that opens from the top so that you can use this strategy to keep your kitty from scratching. Put aluminum foil in the window sills. Many cats do not enjoy the way aluminum foil feels under their paws, so they will stay off of surfaces that are covered in it. Lining your window sill with aluminum foil may prevent your cat from jumping up there in the first place, which should eliminate the scratching concerns. Keep in mind that this may not work for every cat. Those who are insistent upon seeing the outdoors may ignore the foil, so you’ll have to have a trial run before you count on it working. Eventually, once your cat is no longer used to jumping into the window sill, you may be able to remove the foil and have the cat still stay away. Put retractable screens in front of your normal screens. The previously mentioned retractable screens have another possible use. Try setting them across the opened portion of your window in front of the normal screen. When the cat scratches, he or she will scratch the retractable screen rather than your normal screen. The retractable screens will get ruined in the process, but since they’re cheaper and easier to replace than a normal window screen, this isn’t such a big deal. Put claw caps on your kitty’s claws. Declawing your cat will certainly help protect your windows, but since it can lead to a number of unpleasant side effects, it’s best to look for alternative ways to make your kitty’s claws less harmful. One option is to cover your cat’s claws with little plastic caps. Made specifically for cat claws, these soft caps press onto each claw, making it dull so that it does not cause damage to your screens or other items. Some cats tolerate claw caps well, while others rip them...
read moreWhat You Must Know When Installing Vinyl Windows
If your windows are old, it may be time to consider replacing them, but there are many different options to consider. Vinyl windows are a popular choice thanks to their great price and many benefits. However, before you run out and purchase new vinyl windows, check out these five important facts to help you determine if they are right for your home. Vinyl Windows Offer Great Durability Metal windows, such as aluminum tend to offer more durability than vinyl windows, but that doesn’t mean vinyl windows are weak. They can withstand the weather quite well and have many benefits over metal windows. Unlike metal, vinyl is not prone to rust or corrosion, and unlike wood, it isn’t susceptible to rotting and chipping. They also withstand scratches quite well, and even if it does get scratched, you can’t usually tell because the frame is the same color throughout. They Can Help Lower Your Monthly Energy Bills Vinyl isn’t conductive, which means it stops the transfer of heat. Therefore, vinyl windows do a better job of keeping hot air inside or outside your house. Metal is conductive, so more heat can pass right through the window. Plus, vinyl window frames are larger than metal, adding extra insulation. On the downside, the vinyl’s energy effectiveness can degrade. Vinyl expands and contracts as it gets hot and cold. If it stretches too far, it can pull away from the caulk, causing air leaks, which allow your energy to slip away. They Don’t Require Much Maintenance Thanks to its great durability, vinyl windows don’t require much maintenance to keep them looking new. You don’t have to worry about painting or stain to protect against the elements. Vinyl windows are often white, however, so they can get dirty easily. To wash them, simply use a hose or pressure washer. While vinyl isn’t prone to the same dangers as wood and metal, it is prone to mold and mildew, especially in shady areas. It’s important to examine your windows routinely and clean away any mold or mildew you find. Vinyl Windows Are an Affordable Option It seems like whenever something boasts energy-efficient benefits, the cost skyrockets. However, that isn’t the case with vinyl windows. They are actually one of the least expensive window options available. The price varies depending on the type of window (double hung, sliding, etc.), but for a typical sliding window, you can expect to pay between $575 and $775 per window. Once installed, you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon either because they can last up to 40 years. You Can’t Change Their Appearance On the one hand, you don’t have to paint your vinyl windows, but on the other hand, you can’t paint your vinyl windows. This can prove to be bothersome if you decide to repaint your house and realize that white windows no longer work. Vinyl simply can’t absorb paint, so you’re stuck with the color you originally chose. Vinyl is also prone to fade, and since you can’t paint it, you’ll have to replace the vinyl if you want to fix it. In addition, no matter how you look at it, vinyl looks like plastic, and you can’t really disguise it to look like metal or wood, making it a poor option for some home...
read moreAbout Me
When we got married, my husband and I moved into a lovely brick home. Because we were young and in debt, we would have benefited from being able to rent out a portion of our home to tenants. Unfortunately, our home didn’t include a basement apartment. If your basement is currently not being used, consider transforming it into a basement apartment. Before renting it out to tenants, you will need to make sure it meets certain specifications. For example, most local governments require basement apartments to contain a certain amount of windows. Usually, you will also have to ensure that your windows meet size requirements. On this blog, you will discover how to create the perfect basement apartment with the right windows.