Posted by john herman on Wed, Feb 08, 2012
I think that
white trim looks great with almond windows. Many of my window customers do this type of treatment on their trim. The other way to do this if you have not yet replaced your windows, is to order windows that are almond on the exterior and white on the interior. In fact we offer many different color options in both vinyl and composite windows that have been factory painted on the exterior. Homeowners looking for the ultimate matching exterior can even have a factory painted exterior in a custom color of their choice. Here are a couple of photos of almond interior with white trim. With vinyl replacement windows, you can acheive almost any desired result, in addition to saving energy!
Posted by john herman on Tue, Oct 18, 2011
Thermal Sash Window and Door Systems has been matching up windows with the specific needs of homeowners since 1984. Homeowners have different reasons to replace windows. Most reasons are related to improving the energy effiency of their old windows. This is a story of a home that had a western exposure on the back of the house. Each afternoon when the sun was shining, the rooms at the back of the house became so hot and uncomfortable, that even the central air conditioning system was overburdened. The homeowner asked Thermal Sash for recommedations. We suggest ed the
Envirostar vinyl replacement window. The windows were made to fit the existing openings. The exterior of the home was stucco, and the new windows had to be installed without damaging the exterior finish. The customer selected Envirostar model with triple pane glass and two coatings of soft coat Low E glass. This glass package added maximum insulation value to the openings by improving the efficiency in three ways. The
triple glass created two air spaces which works by slowing the transfer of radiated heat through the window. The
Low E coatings were specifically selected to reflect the radiated heat from the exterior (infrared radiation) where direct sunlight and sunlight reflected off the deck was penetrating into the house. The windows also incuded
argon filling, which helps to reduce convection currents in the air spaces created between the glass panes. The installation was completed, and the results are explained by the customer, Mike, in the short video above.
Posted by john herman on Mon, Oct 10, 2011
Thermal Sash Window and Door Systems is your source for one of the most advanced vinyl window systems available today, Envirostar. With "U Values" as low as .20 (this is equivilent to an "R Value" of 5 !) and air infiltration ratings at .01 cubic feet per minute, this window is the most energy efficient vinyl window on the market today. While industry minimum requirements for double hung windows call for an air infiltration rating of .30 cubic feet per minute or less, Envirostar beats this by a factor of 20! Most window sold today actually have a better rating than .30 ... the average window is rated at .20 cubic feet per minute. That may not sound like much, but if you think of a balloon being about one cubic foot in volume, a window rated at .20 cfm would fill a balloon up with air in 5 minutes. Thats 12 balloons every hour. Thats 288 baloons a day! That is a lot of cold air to reheat in the winter, or to cool in the summer. Envirostar is rated at .01 cfm, which means it is 20 times better at keeping air infiltration from costing you money. Another way to look at it is that the average window will leak the same amount of air in one year as an Envirostar window will leak in 20 YEARS! Why not find out how Envirostar windows can vastly improve your living comfort and save you enough to pay for themselves? Just click on the link below to get a no obligation energy inspection of your home.
Posted by john herman on Tue, Jul 19, 2011
Chet has been enjoying Thermal Sash vinyl replacement windows in his Hatfield Pennsylvania home since 1986. In this short interview he explains how Thermal Sash Windows have performed in both appearance and durability for over 25 years. He was so pleased with the performance that he is now converting two windows into a bay window, and installing a Garden Window in the kitchen. When looking for replacement windows, it is wise to install a quality product from a reputable company. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time, the efforts you make in the selection of a quality window will pay off handsomely in the coming years.
Posted by john herman on Wed, Aug 11, 2010
Double Pane windows are manufactured with special coatings to enhance their thermal performance. The choice of coating and style would determine the quantity of heat and light that could enter the window. When deciding on the type of glass coating that will save you the most energy, the heating zone you live in must be considered.
STYLES:
- Aluminum Window Frames.
- Economical , long-lasting and strong
- Can be easily squeezed into the varied shapes needed for window parts.
- Biggest disadvantage is the amount of heat lost through the aluminium frame, making houses with these windows less environmentally friendly and more expensive to heat.
- Frames tend to lose eat easily and absorb cold breeze making it inappropriate to use in places with cold climates.
- Wood-framed Windows.
- Offers aesthetic and traditional appeals
- Have lower U-factors compared with aluminum window frames (ie let less heat in or out)
- Well-built and well-maintained wood windows can have very long life
- However, these windows need regular treatment with paint or wood preservative to maximise their useable life.
- Vinyl Window Frames.
- Do not require painting.
- High-quality insulating value.
- Moisture resistant.
- Do not need permanent maintenance.
- Thermal performance is almost the same with wood-framed windows.
- Now available in many colors, some of which resemble wood.
- Fiberglass.
- Dimensionally stable
- Thermal performance is better than vinyl and wood
- Are commonly used with high performance glazings
- don’t consumer too much space with its smaller cross-sectional shapes
- Preferred in industrial environments.
- Insulated Vinyl
- Almost have the same characteristics with standard vinyl frames
- Have more superior thermal performance than standard vinyl and wood frames
- As with fiberglass, these frames are commonly used with high performance glazings
- Hybrid/Composite Window Frames
- Hybrid
- Comprise two or more frame materials
- Are created to reduce exterior maintenance needs .
- Vinyl-Wood windows are created so households can choose the kind of appearance they want .
- Composite
- Superbly stable
- The same or even more improved thermal properties than conventional wood
- Enhanced moisture and decay resistant properties
- Can be painted much like wood
COATINGS:
- Clear Glass.
- Allows for the passage of high visible light
- Helps gain and maintain heat within the home
- Bronze/Gray Tinted Glass.
- Reduces solar gain which yields less heat absorption into the home
- Transmission of light is controlled .
- High Performance Tinted Glass.
- Usually light Green and Blue in color
- Acquires solar energy more than bronze/tint
- Transmits more light into the home
- Low Emittance Coating.
- Translucent coatings.
- It can regulate the amount of solar gain from low, moderate to high .
Posted by john herman on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
With the many vinyl shutters on offer these days, creating a modern look for your home is easy. Being equipped with the benefits of vinyl shutters will assist you when searching for those that meet your requirements.
There are still a fair share of individuals who think that vinyl shutters are for non-fashion conscious people. It is therefore quite understandable that they aren’t too eager to use them. However, the fact is that these appealing window treatment products provide you with an array of design options for both the interior and exterior of your home.
BENEFITS OF VINYL SHUTTERS
1. Substantially Enduring
Vinyl shutters can keep up with the changes in seasonal weather. They handle inclement weather making them even more resilient when measured against other forms of shutters. In contrast to wooden shutters that in time get damaged and rot, vinyl shutters don’t peel, crack or fade as quickly, specially when exposed to adverse weather.
These variations of indoor or outdoor shutters can in addition resist humidity. When exposed to humidity they don’t become deformed or puff up as wooden shutters do. This makes them even more amazing, especially when used outdoors, like in spa or swimming pool areas.
2. Easy to Maintain
Keeping your vinyl shutters orderly is an easy task. With a small amount of effort you can preserve their good shape by simply wiping down the blinds with a well wrung out cloth to alleviate them from dust and marks that could build up over the course of time. Attending to this regularly will have your shutters appearing as good as new for a very long time.
3. A number of Designs and Colors
You can select from several different colors and designs available for your vinyl shutters. Pick neutral colors to blend and tone with your home furnishings, or give thought to those with a wood grain look that cannot be affected easily by sun or rain. White is the prime and most admired color as it merges well with nearly everything. They look magnificent in bedrooms or kitchens and are also a wonderful choice for your outdoor designs.
The various vinyl shutter designs lets your creativity to go wild. For example, a bamboo design works beautifully when installed inside your home, giving it a natural tone. They can also work impeccably on the veranda or French doors and can spectacularly modify the guise of any space in your home.
4. Budget Friendly
Vinyl shutters are much cheaper than wooden shutters. You can choose from amongst an extensive array of choices that are equally attractive at prices you can afford.
The times of dreary shutters died a long time ago. The stunning variety of vinyl shutters available in the market nowadays provides a fresh, modern look to your home, adding style and beauty to your design. They are a great solution for your home improvement dilemmas, especially if working on a tight budget, giving your home a completely different look and feel.
Posted by john herman on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Give your home a fresh and modern look by painting your old vinyl shutters. It’s cheap and fun too. Following these 5 tips will assist you in successfully transforming your home, allowing you to enjoy its revived appeal in no time.
Are you tired of looking at the same furnishings in your home? Over time you get fed up with looking at the same livingroom furniture, the same curtains and the same coffee table. Maybe, you’re ready for a new look! Why not give your home an invigorated makeover? Begin by painting your vinyl shutters to modernize and brighten them up.
You might be contemplating removing your old indoor or outdoor shutters and replacing them with new ones. Reconsider this. Your indoor or outdoor shutters can basically be painted with modern colors of your preference to give them a totally new facade. It’s like purchasing brand new shutters at economical prices!
STEPS TO PAINTING YOUR VINYL SHUTTERS
Ideally you should paint your vinyl shutters in a cool place. The paint may dry to rapidly if you expose them to direct sunlight, hindering its ability to stick well to the vinyl face.
Use these clear-cut step by step tips to guarantee success when painting your vinyl shutters:
1. Take Down Your Indoor or Outdoor Shutters
Most shutters are mounted on clips that make it easier to detach. If the shutter is put up with screws then just allocate the screws in between the slats to remove the shutter.
2. Clean Your Vinyl Shutters
It is crucial to wash the shutters properly, as this allows the paint to spread evenly. Use soap, cleaning brushes and sponges to remove the dirt and marks. Thereafter wash them off with water and wait for them to dry out completely.
3. Select the Correct Sort of Paint
Mixed acrylic and urethane resins are paints that work well for vinyl shutters. Urethane resins have a sticky attribute that allows it to stick to any type of surface, making it a great alternative to use for your painting task.
4. Pick Your Ideal Hue of Paint
Deciding on which color to apply is relatively simple. Dark shades are idyllic for shutters that are currently dark in color and light shades for light colored shutters. Do not try to modify the color from a light shade to a darker one, as vinyl has the inclination to absorb a lot of heat which may possibly deform the shape of the vinyl shutters.
5. Get Ready to Paint the Vinyl Shutters
Put the vinyl shutter in a frame or sawhorse so it doesn’t get shifted around or knocked. Apply the paint sparingly and evenly using a spray painting gun. To paint the slat cavity, hold the painting gun at a 45 degree angle, and then start spraying. If you wish, you can also use a small brush, but just make sure to paint all areas including the sides of the slat and the edges of the shutters. After numerous layers, apply a transparent varnish to the shutters as a final touch and for protection.
That is it. You are ready to hang your rejuvenated indoor or outdoor shutters.
Without having to spend a lot of money, you can transform the look and atmosphere of your home by giving your exterior or interior a fresh look. Create a fresh new style in your home by painting your old vinyl shutters. It’s the ideal way to modernize any home, with very little effort.
Posted by john herman on Fri, Jul 02, 2010
Would you like to upgrade your home without going into debt ? Try giving it a new coat of paint. It is one of the best investments you can make via do it yourself projects for your home .
Painting your house does not take as much time as you may think, but it does require some preparation. According to East Coast Painters, the better prepared you are, the better you will enjoy the finished product. Here is a brief overview of the items you will need in order to properly prepare for your painting job.
You will need drop sheets, and more than one. Old sheets work swell, or you can buy these types of items at a local home improvement store.
You will also need emery paper, scrapers, wire brushes, spackle and a putty knife. You will want to get rid of old and/or peeling paint before applying a fresh coat so that it sticks. For outside paint jobs, you may want to consider renting a power washer to do the job.
Masking tape is another must have item. You will want to tape off sensitive areas, around windows, borders if you have two colors that meet at any level, etc. Masking tape works wonders, use it!
Primer is the final item we will cover in dealing with your painting preparations. Typically you will spot primer your home, meaning you will primer only bare spots with metal or wood, etc. showing. For the best caliber paint job, however, you should completely primer the area you are going to paint.
WIth correct preparation, you can also have a great paint job done yourself ! Follow these easy guidelines to get prepared, then choose high quality paint, good brushes and spend the time to make your home look great!
Posted by john herman on Fri, Jul 02, 2010
If washing your glass windows is part of your spring maintenance routine, consider expanding the ritual this year. We have tips to make your windows sparkle and to take your yearly maintenance one step further! Instead of just wiping down your windows, following these proper yearly maintenance guidelines will add years to the life of your new windows.
Washing Windows
All you need to make your windows sparkle like never before is dish detergent, a squeegee, an old towel, a vacuum cleaner, paper towels, a non-linting microfiber cloth and a spray bottle. Pick a cloudy day to wash your windows, as sunlight will make them dry too quickly and can leave streaks. You do not need a specialty cleaner to make your windows sparkly and clean. A couple of drops of mild dish detergent mixed with warm water will work perfectly . Dish detergent is the perfect window cleaner because it is made to cut the grease that has built up on your window over time . An added bonus to using mild detergent to clean your windows is the fact that the detergent does not contain any harsh chemical gasses that would be released into the atmosphere or even into your home . Put your homemade solution into a spray bottle and you are good to go!
Tilt in your windows for easy cleaning. Spray one side of the widow with your cleaning mixture and wash it with a microfiber cloth. After washing, wipe the window down with a squeegee. Keep the squeegee clean between strokes by wiping it off with a towel. Try to alternate the direction of your strokes to reduce streaking . Use the same process on the inside of the window – spray, wash, squeegee and repeat.
Use your homemade spray to clean the window sill as well, it is likely pretty dirty. Clean the spray and dirt up with a few paper towels or the microfiber cloth.
Looking for Damage
Now that the windows are clean, look for damage. Often, we think of window damage as a break by a baseball or other glass shattering incident . In fact, there are several other ways windows can be damaged subtly. Some of these subtle problems include water damage from faulty roofing or gutters, poor interior ventilation, stress fractures from ice, and a shifting foundation that warps the window openings. This damage develops over time, which makes it easy to miss. These small problems will compound to create excessive damage which will force you to purchase an entire home’s worth of replacement windows. Regularly checking your windows for damage and then purchasing new ones in smaller quantities will be easier on your wallet.
Checking Hardware and Treatments
When you are sure the windows are securely back in place, it is time to look at your window hardware. Both hinged and sliding windows are susceptible to damage which will keep them from staying open or closed. If you are having a problem with keeping windows open, it’s time to call the experts – don’t prop open the window with a stick! This will further damage the window casing and will be more costly in the end. In most cases, these are quick and relatively inexpensive fixes.
By now, your windows should be clean, damage-free and open. That means it’s time to kick back with a glass of lemonade and enjoy a summer of sparkly windows!
Posted by john herman on Wed, May 05, 2010
Regardless of whether you are considering replacing windows, front or rear doorways, balcony entry doors, or perhaps a full conservatory there are definite aspects you should give consideration to before buying. At all times make sure home windows and doors are secure and safe, strong and dependable, and energy-efficient. It’s also sensible to make sure that you can also enjoy the appearance and style of system you want.
Through combining all of these fundamentals you can purchase double glazing which are perfect for any kind of scenario or use and can be added to any place or any property so you can improve its looks and its valuation.
A Rated For Efficient Energy Use
Energy efficiency and the effects which people have on the natural environment has grown into an important part of day-to-day lifestyle. All of us are encouraged to recycle, apply environment friendly electrical power, reduce the use of energy, and decrease our own carbon footprint and one impressive means of attaining this is to utilize energy efficient products for our residence including A rated replacement double glazing.
Warmth can easily be lost as a result of entrance doors and windows in cases where they are not energy efficient and this suggests that we utilize a lot more electrical energy or gas to heat the property. A rated energy efficient windows stops this from taking place, consequently decreasing some of our home heating expenses along with reducing our own effect on the natural world.
Toughness And Security
PVC or vinyl windows provide a number of different purposes in a house. They will permit natural light into rooms as well as giving a means of ventilation. Having said that, inferior or weak windows and doors can likewise offer burglars along with home intruders with a hassle-free means to get entry to the building.
Making use of a very good quality upvc widows supplier can help ensure that burglars are not able to gain access so you can guard your property or home along with your loved ones. In addition to the quality of the double glazing take into account the locks and closing components that are used for the replacement double glazing.
Sturdy And Long-lasting
Another critical aspect of doors and windows is that they are used to stop the outdoors from getting in except if we desire it to. They are likewise subject to the very same climatic conditions as all of us would end up being without having them.
Doors and windows are usually chosen above wood for many factors, such as the actuality that they will not discolor or become damaged by wind, rainwater, and the sun as quickly as wooden products would. Composite materials likewise present these types of advantages whilst being readily available in a larger selection of colors and styles.
Other Factors To Think Of
All these are only a few of the more important components to contemplate when selecting upvc widows, no matter if you are considering new doors, house windows, or maybe a brand-new conservatory.
Shop around and seek information, online sites will save you lots of time and trouble by simply reading the advice and suggestions about selecting the right home windows.
Also take into account the range of colors and variations in terms of the frame and the glazing itself. A large number of windows incorporate plain glazing which provides the very best possible level of light through but for more private options you can include patterned or privacy glass and if you need greater decoration for any specific setting then you can add a segment of glazing of which feature a attractive style or motif.