Privacy protection

Privacy is obviously important, especially for windows in the front of your home that probably face a street or other public throughway’s. Windows facing more private areas of a fenced yard, on the other hand might not need to provide much in the way of privacy.

Several window treatment designs can provide privacy. Blinds or thick curtains most notably, but privacy can also be attained with use of window frostings or diffusers. These will however obstruct your view of the great outdoors.

Light control

Sunlight and glare needs to be controlled in the bedroom if sleeping comfort is interrupted by light entering through the windows. In a room where sunlight will interfere with TV watching or computer use needs window treatments that are effective in light control too.

Any room with items that can be damaged by the suns UV rays need window treatments that are good at controlling light. Any kind of artwork, antiques, or photographs can benefit from this protection. Even carpeting and hardwood flooring can be damaged by the suns UV rays. Consider this when deciding on a window treatment type for any particular window.

Window tinting can be very effective at blocking UV rays. … Read the rest

When purchasing a good window cleaning chemical or solution it is usually best to purchase products that are ammonia based. Ammonia based products will evaporate quickly and not leave any residue. Concentrated glass cleaners are great for use in climates where the temperature changes, especially if you are using them outdoors. A concentrated glass cleaner can be diluted with the correct amount of water for the amount of moisture in the air and the ambient temperature. Mix in more water for hot and dry climates and less water for cooler moist climates. By using this method you can really cut down on those window streaks.

Another good tool to use when cleaning windows is a window squeegee. Window squeegees don’t leave lint and can quickly remove any cleaning solution from your glass. Window squeegees come in many sizes and styles. For residential window cleaning a disposable window squeegee is the way to go. Disposable window squeegees do a great job and are very economical. When the rubber squeegee blade starts to break down and disintegrate just throw it away, and purchase a new one. Professional window cleaners and janitorial personal are likely to use a professional window squeegee with a … Read the rest

First evaluate the window and the window covering that you’re planning to use. Will the design be installed inside or outside of the window frame? Each design is different for each window application. An inside mount requires a pole or rod which fits within the widow frame. Ideas include a basic traverse rod, ceiling mount rod, a swivel rod, and a tension rod. The outside mount design has no restrictions. Is your window treatment moveable or is it stationary? With the stationary treatment you could try the continental rod or pole with finals. With the moveable treatment the traverse rods work the best. What also influences your decision is whether you will see the hardware or not. If you would like to show off your hardware, a poll with finals will be your most decorative option. If your hardware is to remain unseen, the traverse rod will do the trick – it will allow easy movement of the curtain and tuck below a cornice or valence.

Make sure you plan ahead where the operating controls will be located. Usually you place the control on the side with the best access and least visibility. If you’re operating a cord and wand … Read the rest

How are double glazed windows energy efficient, or at least more energy efficient than a single paned window? Each layer of glass and surrounding air space reradiates and traps some of the heat that passes through thereby increasing the window’s resistance to heat loss, thus they have a higher R-value than single paned windows. Double glazed windows are the best option for areas that require a high insulation value and you do not have to worry about the air in them; in factory-made double glazed windows, the air between the glass sheets is thoroughly dried and the space is sealed airtight, eliminating possible condensation and providing superior insulating properties. This is great for a few reasons. One it means your windows insulate well, but two, it means that if you windows have an air leakage, you will be able to know almost immediately because you will get condensation between the two panes, which will indicate the problem.

It is not common for double glazed windows to have problems, they are usually well made, and the air space between the two panes of glass remains airtight. However, improper installation, or damage to the window can cause the seal to be broken.… Read the rest