Elliptical Round Top Window

Round top windows can be used anywhere on the exterior of your house. However, they provide the most impact when used on the front of your home. You can install a small half round over your door or use a large, single paned model as a picture window. Round tops are also often used as part of multi-window assemblies with several rectangular panes crowned by an arched piece. Locating a curved window under the peak of a roof can soften the harsh angle and make your home look more inviting.

Types of Round Tops

The arched upper edge of this type of window can be based on a segment of a perfect circle (this is called a true radius). Or, it can be elliptical or oval if you need a shallower curve. For an arc that doesn’t round off at the side edges, choose the “eyebrow” style. Gothic windows are another option. These are pointed at the top like the windows you might find in a cathedral. This imposing look often works best on larger homes with a historical motif.

Additional Information

Installing a round top window requires more skill than putting in a simple rectangular pane. The basic steps are the same; but accuracy in measuring and cutting is absolutely critical. If the radius opening is off, the window will not fit or there will be gaps along the upper edge. If you have your window custom made rather than selecting a standard size, the molding may need to be pre-bent by a company with special equipment.

Custom gutters come in lots of varieties, but you will rarely find a material as beautiful and practical as copper. The pricing of this metal fluctuates with the market, but you can generally get these installed for under $25 per foot.

New Copper Gutters

Do you have a custom roof made from slate, metal, or cedar shakes? You might not want to detract from its stunning appearance by adding cheap vinyl gutters. Using copper for the gutter system in these situations may be ideal.

What To Expect

Copper doesn’t rust because (like aluminum) it develops a very thin oxidized film over its entire surface. This provides some protection for the underlying material. Oxidation causes copper’s first color change from metallic pink/orange to rich, reddish brown.

Sulfur mixed with moisture in the atmosphere creates the gradual change to green patina. This final sulfate coating is highly resistant to corrosion and protects copper over the long term. This finish can take more than a decade to develop depending on the specific atmospheric conditions in your area.

Style Choices

Half round and K-style gutters are the basic choices available for copper gutter systems. The half round style often costs more up front but is easier to clean because of its open profile. Both styles are durable and can be installed on modern and historical homes by using the appropriate hangers or brackets.

The concept of universal design is used to create kitchens that offer the greatest degree of accessibility to the largest number of people (with or without disabilities). It’s a smart method to use during remodeling since it can increase the resale value of your home. A universal kitchen design may also permit you to “age in place” rather than moving to a retirement home. With cabinets in particular, having everything within easy reach minimizes the risk of injury.

Ideal Placement and Accessories

If you are having new cabinets installed, the lower ones should be set 6” off the ground. Put roll-out shelves in these cabinets so you don’t have to bend, twist and reach for cookware. Lazy-Susan rotating trays are an excellent accessibility option for corner cabinets.

Bonus tip: Replace round knobs with easy-to-grasp pull handles to make opening cabinet doors easier.

Pull Down Shelves

Upper cabinets should be no more than 10” deep and no higher than 48” above the floor. If yours are higher and you are just repainting but not replacing them, consider adding pull-down shelves. These metal shelves are hidden in the interior of the cabinet. They pull out and then down, locking into place so you can find what you need. A gas assisted device carries the shelf back inside the cabinet when you are finished.