If you add bay windows to your house, it can make the house feel brighter and more spacious. It will also add a touch of elegance to the home. Wooden shades in a bay windows are necessary to provide shade from sun rays and they also add a little privacy from the outside.

Measurements

You need to measure the bay windows before you buy any type of wooden shades to make sure that the size is correct. First measure the width of each of the window panes because some bay window panes are different sizes. Now measure the length of one of the window panes, the length of the window panes should be the same for each of them. You will need to add 2 inches to this measurement for the depth of the shades.

Hanging

When you hang them, measure 2 inches above the ceiling corners of one of the window panes and mark with a pencil. Next you will need to take the bracket and line it up with these marks. Now use a drill to lightly screw in the bracket. Keep doing this step with the other bay window panes. When you have finished with all the brackets and they have been lightly attached to the wall, use a screwdriver or drill to fasten them securely into place. When all the brackets are secured, the wooden shades can be attached to the brackets.

If you want to add delightful, old fashioned charm to your home, you can’t go wrong with window awnings. Nothing says “small town USA” like these brightly colored canvas accents. Residential awnings may be purchased in standard sizes or custom made for your windows. The dimensions are typically measured in height and projection (the depth of the overhang). The larger the awning, the more shade it will provide for your window.

Awning Styles

Canvas awnings may be open or enclosed on the sides. They can feature a dome top or have a sleek rectangular profile. The valance (the front edge that hangs down) may be scalloped, notched, or straight. With a huge number of colors and stripe combinations to choose from, you can find an awning style to suit any home.

Installation and Care Tips

Installing an awning is very simple. You will need a ladder, a drill and bits, a screwdriver, a pencil, and a level. The assembly instructions will vary a little from one product to the next but the basics are the same. Centering and keeping the awning level is, of course, the most important step. Here are a couple of other important tips:

Drill into the header and studs to install the back bar/return arms for maximum support.

Take care not to puncture the canvas fabric with the drill or screwdriver while you are working.

For cleaning, simply use a garden hose to spray your awnings down once a month. Don’t let dirt build up on the canvas – this can lead to mildew growth and staining. You can use warm water and dishwashing soap for deeper cleaning. Let the fabric air dry.

Windows take a good beating all the time. The finish degrades. The effects
of the sunlight and moisture make it necessary to sand and strip the window. Most windows installed before the 1950′s were done with clear finishes and they were shellacked. Then came lacquers and now polyurethane is the standard for homeowners. If you won’t be stripping the old finish,sand carefully to ensure that the new coats adhere well.  What about stripping a painted window and finishing it clear? You face the challenge of coaxing paint from the crevices of the trim, the window frame, and all the molding. It can be done, but it’s not easy. Take a good look and assess how much work you have ahead of you. You may want to send the woodwork out to a dip-and-strip shop.

Step1: SAND OR STRIP THE EXISTING FINISH

If your window is in good condition, you can sand it to smooth the finish and dull the sheen. Make sure you cover your work area with a cheap drop cloth. Start with 120-grit sandpaper; after most of the work is done,  finish sanding it with 180-grit sandpaper for a smoother surface. If the sash doesn’t just pop out, you may have to carefully pry off trim pieces. Brush paint and varnish remover onto the window sashes. Make sure there is good ventilation and wear rubber gloves and a vapor respirator. Scrape off the finish with a putty knife. Rinse with the right solvent that is  recommended for the remover.

Step2: FILL HOLES

You can use wood putty to fill the flaws. You will want to spot-sand those areas when you are done. If you are using an oil-based finish, go over the window with a tack cloth or damp paper towel if you are using a water-based finish. There is not a putty that will match the wood exactly.  You can stain the wood and use a stainable putty that will absorb the  stain and come close to a match. But keep in mind, it won’t be a perfect  match. Try different brands to see which works the best for you.

Step3: MASK PANES

Use masking tape so you don’t get the finish on the glass. The low-tack  tapes are easy to remove and they leave less residue. They will also work  when you mask off the trim too. The white and blue rolls stick better than  the brown so I suggest you use those. There are a lot of low-tack tapes  out there, so read the labels and find out which one will work best for  you. Mask the two side edges of the sash; they are usually left unfinished so the finish won’t stick when you open the window.

Step4: APPLY THE STAIN AND FINISH

If the window is stripped and you want to darken it or just stain it, do it now. The stain will only work evenly if you have throughly removed the old finish. If the window is made with a soft wood, you will have an additional problem staining it. Soft wood will absorb the stain unevenly and it will look blotchy. Apply a gel stain if the wood is soft, it won’t blotch because the gel doesn’t soak deep enough into the wood.  Apply at least two coats for best results. Sills take the worst of the weather so I would apply three coats there.

Step5: REMOVE THE MASKING TAPE

As soon as the finish begins to dry, remove the the tape from the glass to prevent adhesive residue. If you have residue on the windows, draw a sharp utility knife along the edges of each pane.

Giving shape to your home’s exterior with geometric replacement windows is lots of fun. Finding the perfect location is your first step. Many homeowners choose to put an accent window just below the apex of the roof. It can be an actual window looking into an attic loft, or a faux one that is merely decorative. Round “porthole”, half circle, and octagonal styles are popular for this type of application. They draw the eye up to the tallest point of your home making it look more imposing.

You can also flank standard, rectangular windows with smaller right angle triangle or trapezoid shaped accent panes. These angular shapes add interest to your home exterior. Use your imagination – these can be placed in almost any area. Geometric windows are usually non-opening, so don’t rely solely on this style if you want to have the option of letting in fresh air.

Larger windows such as bay or bow styles offer you the ability to take geometry 3 dimensional. Use at least three sections or as many as eight to create a radius that gives you an expanded view into your back or front yards. For a ray of bright color, consider adding geometric windows with panes of colored glass in your kitchen or bathroom. Install these decorative stained glass accents in walls with a southern exposure for maximum effect.

When the time comes to upgrade your windows, consider more than just double or triple pane glass. The screens you select can have a big impact on efficiency too. In fact, solar window screens have the potential to save you a significant percentage on your energy bills. The initial price is not much more than what you would pay for regular screens. This means you will recoup your costs quickly – unlike with other home improvements that can take years to show an ROI.

Rooms equipped with these screens will be much cooler in the summer than ever before. Solar window screens can save you money in the winter too. Radiated heat loss is significantly reduced because the special coating on these screens reflects heat back inside your home. That means solar screens are a good investment no matter what climate you live in.

Additional Perks

Most UV light is blocked by these screens. This means your interior furnishings such as carpet and drapes are protected from fading. Sunlight will no longer cause an annoying glare on your TV or computer monitors either.

This type of screen is also designed to enhance your privacy. The protective effect is strongest during the day. Obviously, if you stand in front of a “privacy” window screen at night with a light source behind you, a silhouette will still be visible.

Are you concerned that dark colored screens won’t look attractive against the exterior of your home? Don’t worry. There are now “solar” materials available in neutral colors that look like regular screens.

When preparing to install new windows or doors, it is important to carefully remove the old material. This is removal, not demolition. Some of the material can be re-used.

First, all interior wall surfaces and trim must be removed. Have all replacement product and necessary tools at hand to install the new product right after removing the old.

You will use: a utility knife, flat pry bar, hammer, scredriver, plywood, reciprocating saw, screws and masking tape.

For doors — Gently remove the interior trim using a pry bar. This trim can be reused upon installation of the new window/door. Use a utility knife to cut away any old caulk between the siding on the exterior door frame.

Casing nails, which secure the door jambs to the framing, should be removed using a flat pry bar. Here is where your reciprocating saw comes into play. Those stubborn nails you can’t remove can be cut away. Now, remove the door from the casing

For windows — Place tape across the window to avoid shattering. Remove the interior trim from the frame with care. Again, this may be reused. Those stubborn nails can be cut with the reciprocating saw.

Your replacement windows or door can now be installed.

In our previous post, we explored the things you need to consider when you are shopping for replacement windows. Once you have investigated all your options by comparing products and prices from several dealers, here’s the next step:

Determine whether you will install the windows yourself or have an expert do this for you. Hiring a contractor to perform this task is more expensive; but a professional will usually complete installation correctly and in a timely manner. This can put your mind at ease – and you won’t have to worry about purchasing all the tools necessary to do the job.

Gather recommendations from organizations (such as the Better Business Bureau) that collect/publish information on local suppliers and contractors. That way, you will be able to select a company that follows industry standards and best practices. Don’t simply hire a handyman to handle this type of job. If you do and something goes wrong, you might have to go to small claims court to resolve the issue.

Safety & Liability

Whenever workers are using tools or ladders on your property, there is the potential for a claim against your homeowner’s policy. Before allowing work to begin, ask to see the contractor’s business license and general liability/workers’ compensation insurance. If any of the contractor’s employees are injured while installing your replacement windows, they will need to file a claim with their employer – not against you.

Warranty & Maintenance

One of the most important aspects of window replacement is the warranty. Understand exactly what components and time period your warranty covers. With a contractor, the workmanship and installation should be covered in addition to the product. Retain a copy of these warranties for your records. During the installation process, ask the contractor to show you how to perform required maintenance to keep your windows in good condition over the years.

Windows generally last for many years. But, like any other part of your home exterior, they will eventually require maintenance. You can often adjust or repair seals, locking mechanisms, glass, woodwork, vinyl, screens, and other components.

However, as a homeowner you know it is time to buy replacement windows when yours:

• Are beyond repair or not cost effective to repair
• Feature a design or material that is not energy efficient
• Don’t fit the style you want for your home

Materials, Sizing, & Efficiency

Your final purchasing decision will have consequences for years to come, perhaps decades. Invest in high quality materials (other than wood) that will withstand the long-term wear and tear of normal use. Most windows on the market today offer superior performance compared to those typically installed a few decades ago.

Standard sizes today are not necessarily the same as those sold years ago. To make sure your new windows will fit properly, use a tape measure to accurately assess what sizes you need. Then, double check to make sure! You may have to customize the window to fit the space or change the dimensions of the opening. This will increase the material and labor costs necessary to get the job done properly.

Energy savings from high efficiency triple-pane glass windows may offset some of the upfront costs for replacement over the first few years of use. This often makes it reasonable to upgrade – even if there is no apparent damage to your current windows. Check the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council), Energy Star, and Consumer ratings for more information on this critical topic.

A bay window with a window seat is a lovely alternative to an outdoor bench. Bay (or bow) windows curve outward and generally feature multiple panes that overlook your back yard. This makes a great lookout for parents who need to keep an eye on their kids playing outside. You can also use this as a bird watching station or a place to soak up some warm sunlight and read a book without battling mosquitoes.

4 essentials you will need to create the perfect bay window seat:

Sheer Curtains – This isn’t the place for louvered blinds. You need to be able to sweep your window treatment to the side so you have a clear, unobstructed view. For a romantic effect, use ribbon tie backs. 

Sturdy Seating – Have this installed by a professional or get a kit to DIY. Don’t try to create a window seat from scratch unless you have fairly advanced carpentry skills. Otherwise, it may collapse at an inopportune moment. Add cushions for greater comfort.

Shelves – You need a place to set your coffee cup and plenty of room for your favorite books. Make these shelves the same height as the seat to keep the nook from feeling cramped. Choose wood with a light finish or paint your shelves to offer a bright contrast to the walls as an accent.

Squeegee – Nothing ruins your view more quickly than smudges and grimy handprints. If your bay window goes from floor to ceiling, invest in a long handled squeegee to keep it sparkling.

Basement windows have a far less life expectancy than do the other windows of your home. Generally the location of the basement windows exposes them to more snow cover or greater rain coverage. These areas are also generally in less lighted areas and are susceptible to different aging than that of other windows.

New windows obviously look better, but they are also more energy efficient. Basement windows can often be over looked when considering the efficiency of your home energy loss. This is again based on their location. Some are very difficult to get to or even see depending on the age of the house and the original set up of your home. New basement windows can also be a bit safer to your homes security. An old single pane window is far less secure and easier to break into that is a double or triple paned window. Using vinyl windows for the replacement of your basement windows also means that you never need to paint them. So there upkeep is simply low maintenance.

New windows in the basement are a great deterrent for rodent infestation in your home as well. New windows keep out birds, rodents and a variety of bugs. Vinyl windows will never rust, so they are a great chose in snow and rain climates.

Double or dual paned windows are also classified as (IG) insulating glass windows. These windows are far better in insulating than old single pane windows. They are also more cost effective that triple paned windows. A dual pane window can increase the R-value approximately 2 to 2 ½ times over that of a single pane to a value of 1.5-2.0. Deciding on the right windows depends a lot on the weather conditions were you live. If you live in warmer climate year round, air filled aluminum window frames should work just fine.

In colder weather areas, a gas filled double/dual pane window in wood or vinyl would be ideal. A quality dual paned window will also greatly reduce your energy cost. Double/ dual paned windows have better insulation, noise reduction, and easier to clean. The inside of the frames are protected from the elements which keeps them spotless. Dual/double paned windows also protect items in the house from UV damage.

The UV coatings on double/dual paned windows help protect your floors, rugs, and photos. Double paned windows are made up of two facing glass panels set in a frame, separated by a small space from half an inch to three-quarters of an inch wide. The gap might be filled with air or nontoxic gasses like argon or the more expensive krypton in order to improve insulation. The dual lights of glass that make up the window unit are held apart around the perimeter edge on the inside by a spacer. A spacer is made of either aluminum or stainless, coated, or galvanized steel.

To avoid fogging from moisture, the spacer contains an absorbent substance called a desiccant. Decorative frames might also be inserted between the glass panels to give the impression of individual windowpanes.

The summer time is a great time to take a look at your home windows. A great indicator of how well your windows are doing is to check your utility bills. If your home is older and you still have the original windows, then it is a good possibility that it is time to think about replacing your windows. You can lose a lot of energy through your windows especially if the seal around your windows is beginning to crack. Replacing your windows can help save you a lot of money in energy bills in a short period of time.

Many times your windows will lose air through small cracks that you may not even know are there. When windows are installed, a thin layer of caulk is added to the outside and inside. This layer of caulk will eventually pull away leaving a gap between the windows and the wall. Air is allowed to follow freely through these cracks if they are not repaired. This will cost you money on your energy bill.

The newer windows that are available these days are energy efficient. This means that they were created to help lower your energy bills by as much as 25 percent. These windows help keep heat out and cool air in during the summer months. Many homes are losing up to 40 percent of their cool air through leaks that have formed over the years.