What are the Benefits of Window Replacement Services?

Energy Efficient Windows: 5 ways windows are rated

“Energy efficiency” – it sounds so environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible, but what exactly does it mean? Is it just a fancy buzzword or does it have a quantifiable impact on the quality and performance of our windows?

If energy efficiency is quantifiable, what makes a window energy efficient? Who does the quantifying and how do they communicate that to the public?

What are the benefits of purchasing an energy efficient window vs a non-energy efficient window?

These are some of the questions that come up while shopping for new windows. Let’s break them down and provide the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your home.

What is energy efficiency?

Quite simply, energy efficiency describes a product’s ability to provide the same service using less energy than a similar, non-efficient product.

What does this mean to you? Energy efficient windows are better at maintaining the temperature inside your home regardless of whether you are in the middle of an arctic freeze or a record heat wave. This helps you to avoid higher utility bills since you won’t need to run your heater or air conditioner as often as if you had a non-efficient window.

Who issues energy efficiency ratings?

Two programs/agencies in the United States test and rate windows on their energy performance levels – Energy Star and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

A third group – the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) – is an excellent third-party resource for educational materials and minimum NFRC ratings recommendations based on what area of the country you live in.

Energy Star

Most of us have heard of Energy Star, even if we are not sure what exactly an Energy Star rating means. The Energy Star program is a joint venture between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy.

Appliances, insulation, windows, lighting, electronics and heating/cooling products are all tested, and their efficiencies compared to a baseline value. Products that meet a certain threshold are given the Energy Star sticker of approval.

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)

The NFRC is a nonprofit independent organization created by industry leaders. Its purpose is to provide consumers with an objective analysis of the energy performance of a particular window, door or skylight.

How is energy efficiency quantified?

Both the Energy Star program and the NFRC quantify the energy efficiency performance of products and communicate that data to the rest of us in a standardized way that we can understand.

How do they do that? Let’s find out.

Energy Star keeps their rating pretty simplified. A product either earns the little blue star sticker of approval or it does not. For a product to be Energy Star approved, it must meet standards for U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient. Each Energy Star sticker also indicates which of the 4 U.S. climate zones the product is rated for.

The NFRC bases their rating on the two factors considered by Energy Star as well as an additional 3 metrics. This means that a window which is approved by the NFRC will also meet Energy Star standards, but not all Energy Star windows will also be NFRC approved.

The 5 factors that the NFRC tests and rates are:

U-Factor

• Rates the insulation value of a window
• A lower U-Factor number means that the window is a better insulator.
• Range: 0.20 – 1.20
• For northern states like Illinois, the EWC recommends windows that are rated 0.35 or lower.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

• Rates the amount of solar radiation and heat that passes through the window
• A lower SHGC number means that less radiation and heat are entering your home.
• Range: 0 – 1
• For northern states, the recommendation is the highest number possible combined with a low U-Factor if you don’t need to cool your house much in the summer. If you usually run your air conditioner frequently during hot months, choose a SHGC below 0.55.

Air Leakage (AL)

• Rates the amount of air that passes through the window frame once it is installed. This metric is measured in cubic feet per square foot of window area.
• A lower number means that the frame is more airtight.
• Industry standard: 0.3

Visible Transmittance (VT)

• Rates the amount of light that the window lets in
• A lower number means less light is coming in.
• Range: 0 – 1
• Reduce glare in a media room by choosing a window with lower transmittance. Craving natural light in your living room or breakfast nook? Opt for panes with a higher visible transmittance rating.

Condensation Resistance

• Rates the amount of moisture that builds up on the surface of a window or causes glazing between the panes of a dual or triple-pane window
• A lower number means that the window allows more condensation to build up.
• Range: 1 – 100
• Condensation resistance is an optional rating category and some manufacturers may not include this information.

How are energy efficiency ratings communicated?

When windows meet or exceed the rating standards, manufacturers label them with a certification sticker.

Look for the blue Energy Star sticker and/or the white NFRC label on the window pane.

The NFRC label is useful for comparing one window to another because it gives the numerical values the window received in each of the rating categories.

How do the prices of energy efficient windows compare to non-efficient windows?

In general, energy efficient windows tend to cost a bit more initially than less energy efficient windows.

The trade-off is that over the lifetime of the window, energy efficient windows will help decrease the amount of your energy bills whereas non-efficient windows will lead to higher heating and cooling costs.

What long-term savings can I expect from choosing energy efficient windows?

According to Energy Star, replacing old doors, windows, and skylights with energy efficient options can save you up to 15% annually on your energy bill.

What are the take-aways?

• Energy efficient windows help to thermoregulate your home, thereby decreasing your heating and cooling costs.
• Windows are tested and rated on their energy efficiency by the Energy Star program and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
• The Efficient Windows Collaborative helps educate consumers and explain which windows are best for their needs.
• Energy efficiency is evaluated based on 5 factors:
  • U-Factor
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
  • Air Leakage
  • Visible Transmittance
  • Condensation Resistance
• Windows that meet energy efficiency standards are identifiable by their blue Energy Star sticker or white National Fenestration Rating Council label.
• Energy efficient windows cost more initially, however you can expect cost savings in the form of up to 15% lower energy bills over the lifetime of the windows.

Ready to take the next steps towards energy efficiency? Contact us to set up an in-home evaluation.

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Level Up Your Style Game with New Window Treatments

Window treatments are like women’s bangs or manicures. They can make a bold statement or add a sophisticated accent to your room. Classic, trendy, rustic, glam – play with materials and textures. Have fun showcasing your personal style and accentuating your rooms’ beauty.

You may choose to shop based on your practical needs or your stylistic desires. In either case, you will be choosing both a type of treatment and a print/color/style that matches your aesthetic vision for your room.

First, ask yourself some practical and functional questions. The answers to these questions will guide you to the type of treatment that is the best fit for you.

6 Questions to Help Find the Right Type of Window Treatment

New window treatments aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. As you start to explore your needs, you will find that specific rooms in your house would benefit from different types of window treatments.

1.      Is privacy a consideration?

Balancing your desires for both light and privacy takes some finesse.

A bathroom, for example, feels more open with natural light, yet visual privacy is crucial.

In the case of the bathroom, the window’s main purpose is to allow light in, not to provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors.

For these types of windows, adhesive patterned frosted glass treatment films are a creative option. The pattern of the frosted portions protects your visual privacy while the bits of clear glass in between allow light to flow in.

Want to have more flexibility and keep an unobstructed view? Tier-on-tier shutters are a traditional solution that provides maximum control over the light-to-privacy ratio. Open the top set of shutters to welcome in the sunshine while keeping the bottom set closed to prevent nosey neighbors from peering in.

2.      How much light do you want to allow in?

For some rooms, window treatments can serve a very important functional purpose. We usually think of windows as letting light in, however, in some cases, the ability to block the light out is equally meaningful.

Do you work a night shift and need to sleep during the day?

Imagine creating the full dark movie theater experience in your home media room on a Sunday afternoon. You may see the value in a blackout curtain.

Does the afternoon glare of the sun stream into your home office and cause a maddening glare on your computer screen?  Take a cue from corporate offices and invest in a solar shade.

3.      Is the room often humid or damp?

Window treatments for areas like bathrooms can be particularly tricky.

Most woods and fabrics don’t hold up well to extended periods of time in moist environments.

Aluminum blinds are also a no-go unless you enjoy the look of rust.

Avoid cleaning up mold and mildew. Choose a more forgiving option like faux wood blinds, honeycomb shades, or vinyl shutters.

4.      Are the treatments going in a location where they are more likely to get dirty?

Go into your kitchen and look at the placement of the window(s) in comparison to the sink and to other potentially messy areas.

Instead of having to do an internet search for how to get splashes of marinara sauce out of elegant drapes, pre-plan and choose a more location-appropriate window treatment.

A roman shade dresses up the upper portion of the window and can easily be raised to a level that keeps it above all the mess.

5.      Do you have pets or young children?

Creamy floor-length or pooled curtains are breezy and airy. They are also a potentially irresistible temptation for toddlers cruising the house and looking for something to pull up on or indiscriminately use as a napkin.

Dogs and cats also appreciate repurposing long window treatments as chew toys or scratching posts.

Reserve the long curtains for your bedroom and keep the window treatments throughout the rest of the house child and animal friendly.

6.      Are these treatments a long-term investment or more of a seasonal statement?

Know your plan and budget before you go shopping. Seasonal window treatments are fun and creative, yet meant for short-term use. You may not wish to spend too much on treatments that you don’t keep up year-round.

Save your budget for the investment pieces that you will use daily (think that blackout curtain the bedroom and the solar shades for the office.)

Window Treatment Styles

Now that you have narrowed down your window treatment’s style, the next – and arguably most fun – part of the process is to select the aesthetics of your treatment. How do you want your treatments to look and feel?

Classic

Fabric curtains are perhaps the most common and readily available type of window treatments. Curtains come in many colors, palettes, and prints. You can even make your own custom curtains using a sewing machine and your choice of fabric.

If you love the classic style, accent your rooms with long pleated panels in a floral print. Fabrics can be as light as rayon or silk or as heavy as a damask or velvet.  For a formal, classic look, add a box-pleated valance on top.

Rustic

Vintage farmhouse style comes alive with a soft floral Roman blind or tab-top curtains. Focus on the ease and simplicity of use. Internal shutters in the right wood can also work here.

Modern

Decorative aluminum screens are a new type of window treatment that pairs naturally with modern interior design. The screens are strong, industrial, and relatively inexpensive. Choose one in your favorite geometric print.

Practical

If your window treatment focus is on practical factors like cost, longevity and ease of use, look into blinds.

Natural

Wood panels function much like adhesive patterned frosted glass treatment films, except they add the natural warmth of wood. Unlike the frosted glass, wood panels are susceptible to moisture damage, so be sure they are used in a room that stays dry.

Is it important for you to choose a product that is naturally and sustainably made with as little impact on the environment as possible? An internet search for “natural window treatments” will led you to companies that create impressive natural options including biodegradable roman and solar shades.

Creative

Step outside the box and embrace your unique, quirky design sense. Homeowners looking for a more creative take on window treatment have more and more options.

Roller shades or roller blinds can be customized with artwork prints.

Remember:

Before you go out shopping for window treatments, know your practical needs and aesthetic desires then choose a type of treatment that will satisfy both. Prepare to fall in love with your home all over again.

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Increase Your Curb Appeal: Upgrade Your Front Door

Upgrade Your Front Door and Increase Your Curb Appeal

What first impression is your home making? As visitors approach, do they see rustic practicality? Upscale elegance? Modern minimalism? Historical charm? A home in need of a renovation and facelift?

Try something: Go outside, stand on the curb and look at your house as if you are seeing it for the first time. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you want to change?

Siding, roofing, landscaping, windows and doors come together to create the curb appeal of your home. If tackling all those variables sounds daunting or if your home improvement budget doesn’t cover such extensive renovations, it’s okay. You can still make a lasting impact by changing just a single item: your front door.

A front door is a natural focal point for your home.  Make that focal point work for you by trading out your old, boring door for a statement piece.

There are so many materials and styles of doors to choose from and options for every budget. Hire a professional and you can focus on the fun of choosing the perfect door, not the nitty gritty details of measuring, leveling, and installing.

Ready for some inspiration?

Choose Your Front Door Material

The material you choose impacts the cost, energy efficiency, durability and security of the door.

Common exterior door material options include:

1. Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and relatively resilient. Aluminum doors will last a long time without the need for much maintenance. They are also inexpensive and can be painted.

Despite its strength, aluminum may weaken under high temperatures and it is a poor insulator. An aluminum front door may increase heating and cooling costs in areas prone to temperature extremes.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is more than just a well-known flooring and textile alternative. It is also making an appearance indoors. Composite doors constructed of a blend of bamboo and jute are water and termite resistant.

Bamboo’s biodegradable nature makes it a preferred choice for homeowners seeking an environmentally friendly material.

3. Fiberglass

Choose fiberglass doors for their durability and versatility. If you are looking for a lightweight, energy efficient, sturdy door that will last a long time with minimal maintenance, fiberglass should be on the short list.

Since fiberglass is such a popular choice, these doors are readily available in many finishes and styles. Fiberglass doors can even be finished to imitate a wood grain at a fraction of the cost of real wood.

4. Glass

It may sound surprising, but glass front doors are indeed an option. Visually, they provide a stunning and unexpected look.

The trade-off with glass is the decreased durability, increased security risk and heightened maintenance concerns. The hefty weight and substantial price are also deterrents for many homeowners.

5. Steel

Steel is a trendy new door material that feels very modern with its cold, industrial vibe.  Doors made from steel are durable and need little maintenance.

Improve your home’s level of security along with its style when you opt for a robust steel door. Keep in mind that the lower the gauge, the thicker and sturdier the steel will be.

6. Vinyl

Vinyl or PVC doors are formed from a lightweight, sturdy, resilient material. If your focus is on finding the most cost-effective, effective option for a front door replacement, vinyl may be the winner.

With a vinyl door, you no longer need to worry about termites or moisture damaging your door.

7. Wood

The most historic choice for exterior doors is, of course, wood. Although wood doors are still used to lend a rustic or traditional feel to a home, this material is increasingly being adapted to have a place in modern luxury homes.

Wood feels warm and inviting. Its substantial weight makes a bold statement of strength and protection.

Choose Your Front Door Style

Congratulations – you have chosen the material for your front door. Now, what do you envision that door looking like? What style speaks to you?

If you are still figuring it out, here are some ideas to get you started:

Craftsman

Craftsman doors are a slight variation on a traditional solid hinged door. Their straight, traditional lines reflect this style’s no-nonsense Quaker roots.

Not quite sure what a Craftsman door looks like? The signature style feature is the set of 1-3 windows set on the top one-third of the door. The remaining two-thirds of the door on the bottom is solid.

A Craftsman style front door is, of course, often found in Craftsman homes. It feels classic and timeless.

Dutch

Dutch doors are, historically, a rustic choice. Dutch doors were originally designed to allow air and sunshine into farmhouses while keeping all the livestock out.

This style of door is divided horizontally so that the top half may swing open while the bottom half remains closed.

Dutch doors are still primarily made from wood as they have been for centuries.

Modern

The signature of a modern style door is its clean, unobtrusive lines accented by large, minimalistic hardware. Geometric patterns can add interest and are a simple way to make the exterior of an older home appear more contemporary.

Bamboo, steel and glass are all popular material choices for modern doors.

 

Arched

In a world where so many elements are straight, square and rectangle, an arched door adds a feeling of unexpected whimsy and historic nostalgia. Wondering where you may have seen an arched front door before? They are most common in Tudor style homes.

If you fancy an arched door, be aware that their unique shape means that they are usually custom ordered and built to fit rather than mass-produced to a standard spec size. This raises their cost.

What Do I Do Next?

You have a good idea of what material and style you would like for your new front door. So, in order to upgrade your front door, the next step is to contact a professional company, ask some final product questions and get an estimate on the cost of the door and installation.

If you are absolutely committed to installing the door yourself, read up on how to properly measure for a door prior to placing your order.

Take some before and after photos because this is a transformation that you will want to remember and share.

 

 

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What is the best way to clean windows?

Ask most homeowners if there is anything they dislike about their large windows, and invariably one of the top responses will be: cleaning them. This twice-yearly task is an often-dreaded part of home maintenance. Window washing sounds relatively straightforward, but professional washers use very specific techniques.

Very few people know the best way to clean windows.

Too many homeowners have invested time and effort into cleaning their windows only to realize on the next sunny day that streaks and grime still mar their view.

Don’t be one of these unfortunate homeowners. Learn from others’ mistakes and set yourself up for success when you put into practice these tried and true window cleaning tips:

Use the best window cleaning solution

To fully remove built-up dirt and grime from your windows, you need to use the right cleaning solution. The best window cleaning solutions are heavy-duty enough to provide results yet gentle enough to not damage window frames, trim or your home’s siding.

Commercial solutions are available, but not necessary. Homemade solutions are inexpensive, more environmentally friendly and easy to make.

The most effective DIY window cleaner has just three everyday ingredients:

• Water
• White vinegar
• Dish detergent

Vinegar, especially white vinegar, is acidic. The acid helps to loosen stuck on dirt, tree pitch, and residue from previous cleaners. It also helps to minimize and avoid streaks.

Many DIY cleaner recipes use water and vinegar. However, the addition of dish detergent is critical to window cleaning success. The dish detergent contains soap which acts as an emulsifier. The soap helps lift the loosened debris and allow it, as well as oils, to mix with the water. The whole mixture can then be rinsed off leaving behind a sparkling clean window pane.

To make your window cleaner:

• In a large bucket, mix 1 part white vinegar and eight parts water.
• Add roughly one teaspoon of dish detergent for every 4 cups of water.

Use the most effective window cleaning tools

Before getting started on your window cleaning project, ensure you have all the tools and equipment you will need.

The basics include:

• One bucket of window cleaning solution (either homemade or commercial)
• One bottle of general household cleaner (safe for use on your interior and exterior window frame materials)
• Natural sponge
• Microfiber strip applicator/window scrubber (able to be placed on extension pole if needed)
• High-quality rubber-edged squeegee (able to be placed on extension pole if needed)
• Chamois cloth(s)
• Lint-free cloth(s)
• Soft-bristle brush
• Squeegee extension pole (if needed for tall or second story windows)
• Ladder (if needed for tall or second story windows)

Choose the right day to clean

The first tip professional window cleaners will give to schedule your cleaning for a cloudy day or a time of day when the windows are not in direct sunlight. The faster the window dries, the higher the likelihood that the cleaner will dry on the window before you can remove it.

Don’t skip the prep work

It is tempting to dive right into cleaning the glass because, after all, that is the part of your windows that is generally most noticeably dirty.

Before tackling the glass, turn your attention to everything surrounding the glass.

Your interior window frames are likely coated in a layer of dust. Exterior frames may have cobwebs, leaves, dirt and other debris wedged in the corners. Take care of these issues first so that you don’t drag extra dirt onto the panes when you are cleaning them.

Use the soft-bristle brush to remove debris from your exterior frame gently. Wipe both the interior and exterior frames using a lint-free cloth and household cleaner.

Now that your frames are clean, it is time to move on to washing your windows.

Learn your technique from the pros

Expert window washers make their technique look like a fluid dance. Watch them in action, and you will see that the best professionals don’t move their applicators and squeegees at right angles, but instead use an “s” or “snake” pattern that helps prevent streaking.

The basic window washing process used by the pros is:

1. Apply cleaning solution and scrub away dirt using the microfiber strip applicator/window scrubber (for picture windows) or natural sponge (for multi-pane windows).
2. Remove cleaning solution using a wet squeegee and an s/snake pattern.
   • Using a wet squeegee instead of a dry one will help keep it from skipping on the glass.
3. Use a chamois cloth to soak up any residual water in the corners of the window.

Remember to clean all parts of the windows, not just the panes

The panes are the first place we notice dirt since we look through the glass. That doesn’t mean that we are done cleaning once the glass is sparkling.

The act of window cleaning is more all-encompassing than that. The next time you tackle window cleaning, go the distance and remember these often-forgotten areas:

• Blinds
  • Clean with simple tongs and microfiber towels trick that saves a lot of time and headache
• Window treatments
  • Wash and dry
• Hardware
  • Dust and lightly oil if needed
• Tracks
  • Vacuum
  • Clean using household cleaner and a foam paintbrush of the same diameter as your track depth
  • Lightly oil if needed
• Screens
  • Remove dust with a lint roller

Use this opportunity to check for any maintenance needs

Pair your semiannual window cleanings with your spring and fall window inspections. While you are cleaning the windows and frames, be alert for any of the signs that your window seals have failed or that your windows need to be replaced or repaired.

Taking the time for proper cleaning and maintenance will pay dividends by improving the look of your home and extending the life of your windows.

Mix up some cleaning solution, order yourself a deluxe squeegee and start practicing those “s” patterns. Your windows will thank you.

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https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/best-way-to-clean-windows/

Top Tips to Pick the Best New Home Door

Discover 4 Elements at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/4-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-new-door/ You Must Consider If You Will Change Or Incorporate A Door To Your Residence. A door can easily give numerous points in a home-- safety, thermal barrier, privacy or even possibly an aesthetic focus. The key reason for your door, your budget, the style of your residence and your tastes will certainly all play a role in selecting a new door. Chicago Window Guys serves the Chicago area including north of Lake Bluff and south of Alsip. Call us today for a free quote +(847) 701-4011.

6 Most Common Home Window Problems You Can Encounter

These Are actually The 6 Most Common Window Issues You Can Run Into at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/6-common-window-problems-to-watch-out-for/ . As you perform routine window maintenance on your residence, it is critical to watch for signs of prospective problems. Through finding little troubles before they become a considerable problem, you can conserve on your time and money. When it is time to buy a brand new home, knowing what to search for in relations to window wellness can additionally be helpful.