Are you looking to spruce your home up this summer? Maybe you want to enhance its curb appeal or make it more inviting for the guests that attend your backyard bar-b-ques. Whatever the reason, it is always fun to give your home a little updated look when the seasons change. From new flowers to new windows, providers of replacement windows in Orange, CA. have these tips to give your home a summer refresh.

Tips for Getting Started

Giving your home a fresh look and feel doesn’t have to be hard. To get started, start from the front yard and work your way in the house and out the backyard. Look for things you can clean up, or old items that need to be replaced. Then, think of items you can add to enhance the space.

Front Yard

Stand on the curb in front of your home and asses what you see. How is your landscaping looking? Could your house use a new paint job? Are there any lightbulbs that need to be replaced? Does your front door need to be washed? Write down everything you see and then take each project and complete it one-at-a -time.

Other than maintenance and projects, some things you can do to make your home look especially bright and summery include:

• Add bright colorful seasonal flowers and plants
• Change any pillows or cushions you may have on your front porch to bright, fun, summer patterns
• Switch out old house numbers for newer more modern and trendy ones
• Place a new bright welcome mat at the front door
• Change (or add) a summer wreath or other décor to your front door

Inside the Home

Once you have your outside front yard assessed, it’s time to move indoors. Notice if there are any projects that need to be done such as repainting or any maintenance. Once those concerns are addressed, its time to “summer up” the interior. This could be things like:

• Adding a new summer table cloth or centerpiece to the dining room table
• Changing any dark, heavy curtains to lighter, sheer style ones
• Switching out throw pillows and adding fun bright summer patterns
• If you have a wax burner or scented candles, choosing light summer scents

Backyard

The last area you want to direct your attention to is the backyard. Walk outside and look around. As with the front yard notice if anything needs to be fixed or replaced. After those projects are complete, make the place a fun summer hang out by:

• Creating a shaded seating area by using an awning, table umbrella, trees, or other shaded canopy
• Adding bright colored flowers into your landscaping
• Setting up an outside kitchen area so you are ready for backyard bar-be-ques
• Installing an outdoor screen for family movie nights under the stars

Replacement Windows

If you want to add just one investment that will give your home a dramatic summer refresh consider adding new replacement windows. Not only will this greatly enhance your home’s appearance from both the front yard and the back, but it will also help your home stay cool and comfortable inside all summer long.

To learn more about the advantages of new replacement windows in Orange, CA. in the summer as well as all the energy efficient options available, give us a call or come by our showroom anytime.

When shopping for new replacement windows in Anaheim, CA. you may realize there are many types of window frames to choose from. Not only does each frame has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but they can come in different colors and finishes. So, how do you know which one to choose? We are going to explore some popular options so that you can better decide which one is best for your window needs.

Aluminum Frames

Aluminum window frames can have a very sleek look. They are simple and often people choose them when they want their home to have a modern, minimal look as well as allow maximum sunlight in.

These aluminum frames are also very durable and tend to last a very long time with minimal care and maintenance. They are also more resistance to mold and rot than their counterparts such as wood frames.

Because of their durability, these window frames do run a little higher in price than some others such as fiberglass or vinyl, but do tend to be a little less expensive than wood frames. They may also not be as energy efficient as other options.

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl window frames are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). You may have seen this material used in other areas such as plumbing products. There are two types of vinyl:

• Pure vinyl– This type is stronger and more durable than recycled vinyl which is reflected in its higher price
• Recycled vinyl- This type is also very strong, but may not last as long as the pure variation. This option tends to be less expensive.

Either way, vinyl frames are very affordable and versatile so you can most likely find exactly what you want with these frames. Also, these frames tend to be very energy efficient and require little to no maintenance. One drawback is that vinyl cannot be painted so the color choices may be limited.

Fiberglass Frames

A less common window frame material (but gaining traction in the recent years) is fiberglass. These frames are great at handling weather and temperature changes because, due to their constriction, can expand and contract. These frames are also very energy efficient, low maintenance, and resistant to mold and rotting.

Some drawbacks to this option are that they cost more than some of the other materials and have fewer color and hardware options available. Also, because fiberglass is a rigid material, it can be difficult to install which means it may take more time to do so.

Wooden Window Frames

Wooden window frames have been used in homes for hundreds of years. They are strong and, with proper care and maintenance, can be long-lasting. While they are strong and can be beautiful, they are susceptible to rot and mold and may not be the best choice for certain climates. They can also be more expensive than other options life fiberglass or vinyl.

When you are ready for replacement windows in Anaheim, CA, give us a call and let our knowledgeable and helpful staff assist you in deicing which type of window frame material would be best for you home.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It is the place that family gathers for Sunday breakfasts and where friends assemble on game night. It is the place that memories are made by baking cookies and it’s the place you enjoy your favorite hobby of cooking. With the kitchen holding such an important role in your home, you want it to look its best. Providers of replacement windows in Orange, CA. have these tips for the best windows to use in this special space.

Special Considerations

The kitchen is different than many other spaces in your home as it produces heat, smoke, and humidity. Because of these factors, the windows you choose will need to take all of this into consideration and be able to stand up to these elements.

Also, with kitchens having cabinets as well as ovens, microwaves and other appliances and gadgets on the walls, wall space for windows can be lacking. You want to allow sunshine in, but the space is limited to do so.

It is important to keep these things in mind when choosing your kitchen windows. Luckily there are windows and frames that are perfect for all of these considerations.

Window Frame Material

Window frames can be found in a variety of different materials. Each of these materials has its pros and cons and circumstances where they are best used. With a kitchen window, a wood frame is normally not recommended since the moisture and humidity from the kitchen can warp the wood over time. For a kitchen window, it is better to select a vinyl or fiberglass frame as these are both extremely durable.

Types of Windows

There are many types of windows that work perfect in the kitchen. One of these is the casement window. These windows are tall and have a hinge on one side. When opened, the pane of glass opens outward like a door. These can be a nice option where there is nothing outside to obstruct their function such a shrubs or trees.

Another very popular option is the awning type window. This window is also on a hinge, but the hinge is on top so that the window opens up and outward. These windows are typically smaller making them a great choice for over a sink.

A sliding window is also a good choice but can take up a little more room. With a sliding window, the panes of glass (typically two or three) slide either to one side or another. These windows are nice if you have a horizontal space to install a window.

Other Considerations

Whatever window style you choose, you want to make sure you can easily operate it. For example, if you install as sliding window high above your sink, it may be awkward to operate. In this case, perhaps a crank window like an awning style might be better suited.

Also, if you have a window that is positioned directly across from a neighbor’s window and you would like privacy but still allow light to come in, you could add privacy glass. This glass has a pattern and is designed to let sunlight in but to cloud visibility. You often see this used in bathrooms but can be used anywhere in the home you would like added privacy.

If you are ready to enhance the look and function of your kitchen with new replacement windows in Orange, CA., give us a call today.

Are you feeling drafts in your home? Have you noticed your utility bills increasing each month? If so, you may need new replacement windows. When was the last time you really looked and assessed your home windows? Just as with everything else in your home, your windows can deteriorate over time and not perform as well as they should. Luckily, there are tell-tale signs that let you know it is definitely time for new replacement windows in Anaheim, CA.

1. You Feel Drafts

As mentioned, if you are feeling drafts around your windows, it’s time they be replaced. An old or ill-fitting window can have space between the frame and the window allowing these drafts in. You may feel the cold air rushing in in the winter or the dry hot air in the summer, either way it is not helping your heating and cooling system.

When you have the outside air making its way inside, it is much more difficult for your heating and cooling system to keep a consistent inside temperature without running more. This adds up to a higher use of electricity which translates to more money out of pocket. If you notice drafts, its time for new windows.

2. Your Windows Do Not Operate Properly

After time, your older windows may lack the ability to function properly. This could be in the actual raising or lowering of the panes of glass, or when trying to use the latch to lock or unlock the window. A window that doesn’t operate correctly not only is an inconvenience, but it can also pose a safety hazard.

When a latch wont lock, it makes that window an easy point of entry for criminals to enter you home. Conversely, if the latch wont unlock or the window won’t open easily, it can be a big safety risk in the case of a fire or other emergency where you family needs out of the room quickly.

3. You Can Visibly See Damage

One of the most obvious tell-tale signs you need new windows is if you can see visible damage to your window or frame. You may notice that your frame is cracked or decaying as this can happen over time.

Another visible sign of damage would come in the way of seeing condensation between the panes of glass. Although this can happen for several reasons, it can often times be a clear sign you need new windows.

4. Outside Noise is Coming In

While some outside noise will make its way inside, new windows can greatly reduce this noise. If you have single pane windows, consider installing double or triple-pane. Also, new windows that are energy-efficient also help absorb some of the sound waves and keep them from entering into you home.

When you are ready for your new replacement windows in Anaheim, CA., give us a call as we are happy to have an estimator provide you with a consultation to help you choose the right windows for your home and your needs.