Windows
Sticking Windows? Some Tips to Help You Unstick Window
It doesn’t matter what season–spring, summer, or fall–you’ll probably want to open your windows at one point or another—if only to provide an emergency egress route. Or maybe to waft out some family member’s huge bathroom explosion. Whatever the case, freely sliding windows are a great thing. But how to open... »
Cut Overlapping Window Film the Easy Way
Window film is the poor man’s version of energy efficient windows. It’s often called heat control window film, and it acts much like this expensive low-E coating that the window companies are always trying to shove down your throat. Except this is a whole lot cheaper. Window film isn’t bad stuff at all. ... »
Why Garden Windows Are Not Energy Efficient
Interested in a garden window? Garden windows are far less energy efficient than conventional windows. Why? First, let’s define what a garden window is. A garden window is essentially a five-sided glass box that protrudes from your house as much as two feet. The reason why garden windows are not very energy efficient is... »
How to Cut an Opening in Basement Walls for Windows
Most basements could always use more light, don’t you agree? So, it’s the fervent wish of many homeowners to punch as many windows in the basement walls as possible. But how do you cut an opening in the basement walls for windows? While this is not a DIY guide for cutting openings in basement walls,... »
Prebuilt Bay Window Kits
Bay windows may look complicated to install, but you don’t necessarily have to build them from scratch. Prefabricated bay window kits are available that supply the roof framing, flashing, seat board, and all other needed elements. There is no need to design your bay window from scratch anymore with prefab bay window units available... »
Do You Need a Building Permit for a Bay Window?
Here’s a question we hear a lot: Do you need a building permit for a bay window? Answer: Possibly, but usually not. Generally, a one-for-one window replacement does not require a building permit. But when you start to increase your house’s “footprint,” building codes begin to apply. True, a bay window does not rest... »
How Important is the New Construction Window Nailing Flange?
Well, it’s pretty important… The nailing flange on a new-construction window is that metal or plastic apron-like piece that extends outward to let you nail the window against the house. Note that replacement windows will not have a nailing flange; only new-construction windows will have this nailing flange. The nailing flange is the thing that really ties... »
A Mullion Post is the Way to Install Two Windows
What’s a mullion post, and we should you care about it? If you have a wide window opening, one obvious way to span this distance is to buy a wide replacement window. But specialty-size replacement windows really drive up the cost of your window project. One way to get around this is to... »
Use Paintable Silicone Caulk for Window Casing
Imprint this in your memory: paintable silicone caulk… Be sure you buy the right kind of caulk for filling gaps around exterior window casing. You’ll want to make sure that the caulk you buy is both silicone and is paintable. Not all silicone caulk is paintable; not all paintable caulk is silicone. Silicone caulk holds up... »
How to Position Windows in a Room
Most people give little thought to how to position windows in a room. When contemplating how to position windows in a room, most people think in terms of the horizontal position of a window in relation with another window. But what about vertical positioning? Most home decorators agree that windows need to be positioned so... »