CHOOSING A VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOW CONTRACTORWritten by John Rocco
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star website.If manufacturer is listed on energy star site, you can be sure that U-Value, R-Value, SHGC, and Air infiltration tests have met requirements. So, now you can concentrate on some of functional parts of your window. If you are in market for a single hung or double hung window, ask about mechanism that is used to hold up your window sashes. If they still use old spring and string method (sometimes referred to as block and tackle), or spiral metal balances, you are not getting a high quality window. The constant force balance system is more technologically advanced. It uses a titanium coil that is designed to last longer than you or I. Also, a good quality hung window will have sashes that can tilt in so you can clean glass from inside home. This is a nice feature to have, especially if your windows are on second floor. Just these two items can tell you a lot about quality of window. On horizontal sliders, look at weep holes located on lower fron of window. There will be one on each end. These holes are there to drain out any water that might get inside. On many windows, weep hole is just a punched hole that leads to inside track. Unfortunately, with this type of situation, a strong wind can blow cold air and dirt through those holes, right into home. A better quality window will have a one-way trap door on weep holes. The door stays closed against wind and dust, but if any water gets into inside track, door will open to allow water to escape. Also, check frame corners. A quality window has welded corners. The vinyl corners are welded through a heat and cool process. A lesser grade window will use screws to hold corners together. When you make your appointment for estimate, be sure to request a sample of window be brought to your home so you can visually check these things. A salesman is taught to focus on their product's strong points and avoid weak points, so it's up to you to stay focused yourself, and don't allow yourself to be distracted. "How long has manufacturer been in business?" "What is their warranty?" "Are windows Energy Star rated?" "Are installers licensed and insured?" "What mechanism holds up sashes on hung windows?" "Do they tilt in?" "Are frames welded or screwed together?" "Do horizontal sliders have weep hole covers?" If you get satisfactory answers to these questions, you are on your way to a positive vinyl window experience.John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows
John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows
| | The art of home decorationWritten by Marjan Zemljic
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Beautiful things can be obtained anywhere and for minimum price, if one has a feeling for line and colour, or for either. If lover of beautiful was not born with this art instinct, it may be quickly acquired. A decorator creates or rearranges one room; owner does next, alone, or with assistance, and in a season or two has spread his or her own wings and worked out legitimate schemes, teeming with individuality. One observes, is pleased with results and asks oneself why. This is birth of good taste. Treat your rooms like "still life," see to it that each group, such as a table, sofa, and one or two chairs make a "composition," suggesting comfort as well as beauty. Never have an isolated chair, unless it is placed against wall, as part of decorative scheme.
Marjan Zemljic is owner of http://www.home-decorating-ideas-and-tips.com and author of How to break into the interior design industry. In his book you will find out how you can do exactly that. For more informaion on home decorating ideas visithis website and learn how to create the home of your dreams.
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