Termites!

You do your best to keep your house in good shape. It has been painted, you’ve updated your windows, and even the small holes in the exterior have been fixed. Yes, your house looks amazing and you are proud of it. How would you feel, then, if you found out that your house was rotting from the inside? What if there are thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions!) of termites feeding off of your house and slowly decaying it while you have no idea whatsoever? Unless you live in Alaska, there’s a good chance that your home could get infested very easily by termites, which cause approximately $5 billion in damages annually. Not even the White House or the Statue of Liberty are safe from termites, as both have undergone treatment to rid themselves of these wood-chewing insects.

While you might have heard about termites your entire life, there’s a good chance that you may have ever actually seen one. Termites are small insects that measure anywhere between a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length. There are over 3,000 different species of termite worldwide. A termite colony can consist of a few hundred or up to millions of termites. A home that is within a half-acre of a termite colony can be at risk of infestation, so it is easy to have an infestation travel from one home to the next throughout a neighborhood. Subterranean termites often tunnel underground and produce swarms of winged reproducing termites that emerge once a colony has matured for a few years. Dampwood termites are attracted to, as their name indicates, wood that is damp. They are attracted to moisture and are typically found in more coastal areas. They, unlike the subterranean termites, never live in the soil, but stay in wood where they feed and lay their eggs. Drywood termites live along the southern border of the United States, as well as in the coastal areas of Florida and California. They, much like the dampwood termites, prefer living within a wooden structure and are not found in the ground.

Termites ruin your house by feeding off of its wood and some other building materials. They can be especially dangerous if you have a pier-and-beam foundation, as it is easily accessible via the soil and a good portion of it is hidden from your day-to-day view, often times leaving damage undetected. Interior walls can be infested for years before a homeowner finds out, causing extensive damage. Termites have even been known to ruin furniture, ranging from book cases to antique dressers. It is for these reasons, that you should do everything you can to ensure that your home is not infested and take immediate action if it is.

As the damage that termites can do to your property can be very serious and expensive to repair, you should periodically check around your house for signs of infestation. During the spring is when most termites swarm to look for new colonies. Swarming is when winged termites fly away from their colonies to establish new ones. You can often find discarded wings or dead insects near your house when swarming has occurred. Winged termites look a bit like winged ants, so they can sometimes be difficult to identify. Hallow or rotted wood is often a spot-on indicator that there is a termite infestation. Often times it will appear that only water damage has occurred near where termites have infested, but given that they are attracted to damp areas, be sure not to right off the possibility that termites are present, as well. Drywood termites often leave pellets that one might mistake for mouse droppings. Look for these pellets along window sills and other wooden areas in your home. If you find hallowed wood or wood that has specs of dirt in it, that is another sign of a termite infestation. Sometimes subterranean termites build tubes out of mud and dirt on exposed areas of your house to travel in. The tubes are about the size of a pencil and made out of mud. If you find any of these indicators, contact a termite specialist immediately, before any additional damage is done to your home.

Protecting Your Pipes During the Winter

While it might be “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for your family, especially the children, the pipes in your house are singing a different tune: “Don’t Let Us Freeze!” Freezing pipes can be inconvenient, dangerous, and very expensive. You see, not only does water stop moving when it’s frozen, it can actually lead to the pipes in your house bursting. Burst pipes will not only take away your hot showers during the cold season, but they will also cripple your holiday shopping budget, as it can be very costly to have them fixed. Obviously, the best way to deal with pipes bursting is to prevent it from happening ahead of time.

Pipes typically burst when there are exposed or uninsulated lengths of pipe on the exterior of your house. While water does expand when frozen, causing bottles or cans of soda to burst in the freezer, this is not what typically causes pipes to burst. Pipes burst due to ice blocking water pressure between the ice and a faucet, typically bursting at a spot where there is little ice to be found! Opening your faucets slightly to allow movement can greatly decrease the chances of pipes freezing or bursting. The cost of increased water usage are dwarfed by the cost of having your pipes replaced. Placing insulation over all over your exposed pipes outdoors is a necessity during the winter, especially if you plan on leaving town.

If you plan on being away from your home for extended periods of time during the winter, there are other things you can do to prevent returning from a trip to a house full of burst pipes. Definitely have a friend or family member on alert to swing by your place and run some faucets during a winter storm. Perhaps the most effective thing you can do is to shut off your main water valve and then turn all your faucets on until no more water comes out. That will empty your pipes of any water that could potentially freeze and cause serious problems while you are out of town. Obviously, this might only be necessary if you live in a climate that freezes for extended periods of time.

Typically pipes freeze when temperatures reach 20°F or below, but it is still wise to have insulation on hand for any time you expect the temperature to fall below freezing. Insulation should be taped around any exposed pipes and you should use an insulated cover over any exposed faucets around your exterior. Unfortunately, some pipes in your outer walls may not be properly insulated, leaving them vulnerable to cold weather. In these cases your best defense is to run water through your faucets to keep it from freezing. You don’t need to open the faucets all the way to have water blast through them to keep them from freezing, just a small amount of flow should suffice.

If you suspect that one of your pipes has burst, contact a plumber immediately! Many more problems will crop up if you have a water leak on your hands, so go ahead and shut off your main water valve, as well. And once again, call a plumber right away.

Cheap and Easy Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few days away? If you’re anything like my family, you haven’t even begun to start decorating the house for the guests that are coming over. Between managing work, coordinating multiple Thanksgiving dinners (thanks a lot, in-laws!), and keeping the kids out of trouble, it can seem like a gigantic burden to get the house looking festive. Well fear not, friends! I will provide you with a few easy and inexpensive ways to make your house looking Thanksgiving-y.

Considering that the place people will be spending the best part of their Thanksgiving dinner is the dining table, it seems like a good starting point for decorations. Perhaps the easiest decorations to place on your dining table are gourds. Pumpkins, gourds, and acorn squash are all very festive vegetables that are in abundance at any grocery store during the holidays. The pumpkin and acorn squash are both awesome for cooking during the holidays, as well. There is a plethora of recipes online for pies, soups, and other types of dishes prepared using these vegetables. Another fun idea with small pumpkins is to make a card for each one with a different guest’s name on it. Place each pumpkin at the table where you think the corresponding guest will sit. This is an activity you can involve the kids with that is both fun and festive. You can also use candleholders as an elegant way to elevate small pumpkins on the dining table.

            
 If you’re working on a budget like my family, there are many other ways to save money on decorating the table for Thanksgiving. Don’t be afraid to buy chipped or damaged decorations. When staged correctly, no one will notice a small chip. Thrift stores and estate or garage sales are typically the best dumping grounds for old decorations, but one would be surprised at how easy it is to get a discount on damaged merchandise at popular retailers. Most brick and mortar stores don’t really want damaged merchandise floating around their store and will eagerly discount things to get them out of the door. This doesn’t just apply to decorations, either. If you are short on plates or bowls, you can typically use cheaper or slightly chipped pieces and make them look fancy by placing a cloth napkin in the middle. Of course the napkins should match and be seasonably appropriate; also, they won’t look very nice unless you fold them in an appealing manner. Another alternative is to purchase cheap seasonal plating. You’d be surprised at how little you need to pay for plates with fall designs on them.

             
Aside from the kitchen table, there are an abundance of areas in your house that or perfect for cheap decorations. Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins is a good motto for decorating your living areas on Thanksgiving. You can put pumpkins on your bookshelf to use as book stops, on top of your entertainment center, your coffee and end tables, and next to any snack areas you have set up in your home. Acorns are also a very appropriate fall decoration that you can get for free just by going on a walk. If you have children, they will relish in the opportunity to collect as many acorns as they possibly can for your decorations. You can make festive candle holders by placing acorns in mason jars with a candle in the middle. Even just filling up a glass with acorns can look beautiful, just make sure you clean and dry your acorns ahead of time.

            
 The first thing people see when they arrive to your house for Thanksgiving dinner is your front yard. Once again, the pumpkin philosophy of fall decorating applies to your front porch. If you have a wheelbarrow that’s in decent shape, fill it with pumpkins and put it on your porch. You can make a wooden sign with a Thanksgiving greeting and rest it on the pumpkins. Broomstick scarecrows can be fun to make with the kids and hang from the front door. You can use a step ladder to make a multi-tiered decoration with pumpkins and other fall decor to place next to your front door. Fall-themed pillows on a chair can be effective, as can using a basket filled with gourds and pumpkins. As with any decorating project, use your judgment when designing and placing your decorations and never go overboard.

            
Lastly, let’s not forget about the bathroom when it’s time to decorate. Pumpkins and fall scented candles can be placed on the sink and any open shelving in the bathroom. Even the back of the toilet can be used to place decorations or fall-themed air fresheners. Why not use some of those acorn candles we talked about earlier for added atmospheric lighting in the bathroom? Fall-themed Kleenex boxes and towels are always a bonus, although if you’re operating on a budget you might not want to shell out for a new set of towels.

I hope some of these ideas can get you excited about decorating and feeling less overwhelmed with the holiday approaching. Remember, you don’t always have to go all-out with your decorations to make a positive impression on your Thanksgiving guests. Besides, the holiday is about being thankful and being around loved ones… and food!

Christmas Decoration Safety Tips

It’s only been a couple of weeks since you put away all of your Halloween decorations (or perhaps, they’re still hanging up outside) and your neighbors have already begun to hang their Christmas lights. Every day you see a new candy cane pop up in front of someone’s mailbox or the shadows of a Christmas tree silhouetted in another neighbor’s window by the light from their television. You might feel a little anxious about having to dig out all of the Christmas lights, unknotting them, testing them, getting on a ladder to hang them up, nearly breaking your neck in the process, and losing your temper when a strand doesn’t work a la Clark Griswald in Christmas Vacation. But relax, by remembering a few holiday-decorating safety-tips, things should go smoothly.

One of the biggest dangers posed by Christmas lights is that of a frayed or damaged cord. Exposed wires can cause electrical shock or even fires, so be sure you put your eyes on every inch of the cord before you plug it in. While this may seem like a daunting task, it really isn’t if you take things one strand at a time. As you unwind the cord, run it through your hands and check the wiring for tears, as well as ensuring each socket has a light in it (usually the strand won’t work otherwise) with no signs of being burnt out or damaged. After you have checked the strand, plug it in to be sure it turns on. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be to have that strand running along your roof, only to find that it doesn’t work when you’re done placing the lights? I’ve never made this mistake before… Honest!

That brings me to the most obvious tip when hanging lights- make sure they all work before you even start hanging them. If you begin hanging lights and then come across a burnt out strand, you will have to put everything down, head to the store to buy a new set, and then come back only to find another set of lights that isn’t working further down the line. Go ahead and test all of the lights before you start decorating. It’s much easier to have everything ready ahead of time, rather than having to start over, pause, or take shortcuts because you don’t feel like running to get more lights. Also, I recommend getting all the tools you need to hang the lights ahead of time. Try using these or something similar to assist with hanging the lights from your roof or gutter; they are much easier and safer to use than a hammer and nails. The insulated clips are also safer than nails or staples, as they do not become electrified if they somehow breach the insulation of the strand of lights.

There are a few other more obvious things that you should not forget about when hanging Christmas lights. First off, be sure to tape your extension cords or any excess length of cable to the ground to prevent someone from tripping. A broken neck is no way to spend the holidays! If your lights are older, make sure they have fused plugs. This will prevent fire-causing sparks if something short circuits. I also recommend taping the plugs where they connect to prevent moister from getting in. You should also consider elevating the plugs off of the ground in case of ice or snow. It might also be a good idea to make sure that the outlet you are using to plug your lights in is a GFCI, as it will shut off the power to the lights if it detects current flowing through water or a person. The most obvious tip I can give you for decorating safety is to not take risks. Don’t get up on your roof if you’re not 100 percent sure that you can get back down. It is also very important that you have someone help you any time you are using a ladder while placing lights. Absolutely do not ever hang Christmas lights on your roof alone!

There are some other, smaller, things that I recommend doing to make your holiday decorating go a little smoother. First off, if you have wooden decorations, wear gloves when carrying them out of your garage and placing them. Sometimes they can be full of splinters around the edges. Always use care when going in and out of your attic if this is where you store your decorations. Every year it seems like I hear about someone in my family or one of our friends falling through the attic while trying to retrieve something. Also, use care when bringing stuff down from the attic. Don’t take shortcuts by pulling down multiple items at a time, just take it slowly and no one will get hurt. When taking down your decorations (yes, the holidays leave us as quickly as they arrive), take care to do it in an organized fashion. You are only making your next holiday season that much more difficult by rushing the cleanup process. Label all of your boxes and wrap up all of your cords neatly. Save all of the clips you used, they will come in handy when the holidays show up again in 10 or 11 months.

So there, take a deep breath, relax, put on a warm coat and go make your house look awesome!

How to Prepare for a Home Exterior Renovation - Part 2

Last week we discussed some ways that you could better prepare for an exterior renovation, such as understanding your neighborhood and budgeting; this week, we will continue with a couple of more tips.

Make Sure You Are Doing Things in Code

About 9 or 10 years ago, one of my neighbors tore apart his garage and was remodeling it to become another wing to his house. His parents had moved in with his family and he was looking to make his house more spacious by adding another bedroom and bathroom. Many days into his project, a code compliance officer showed up to let him know that his project was not up to code and that he did not have any of the permits that the city required for the type of remodel he was doing. Not only did my neighbor have to scramble to get these permits to prevent receiving a large fine, but he had to completely redo the wiring for all of the electrical outlets he was installing. Perhaps the worst part of his predicament was that he could have easily prevented it by talking to a home inspector about how to stay in code and by doing some basic research about what work the city requires a permit for. Always know what you are getting into with home exterior renovation, especially when it comes to code and permit issues. Nothing is worse than having to redo some of your hard work and face a fine from code compliance. Obviously the easiest way to avoid these problems is by hiring a professional that is well-versed in municipal building regulations.

Grill Your Contractor

If you are using a professional for you remodel, which I would almost always recommend doing, be sure you are using someone that is qualified. While it can be tempting to hire someone off of Craigslist for $50, for bigger jobs I would definitely recommend a contractor that has real credentials. Be sure you ask about their history, if they can provide you with referrals, and if they are licensed to do the work you are asking them to do (if applicable). Understand that not every contractor is out to take all of your money in exchange for a poor job done, but there are companies out there that prey on ill-informed clients. Typically the best way to find a good contractor for your remodel is by asking your friends who they used and how happy they were with the job. There are also resources, such as the BBB and Angie’s List that can assist you in finding out more about potential contractors. Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor as many questions as you feel you need the answer to, as exterior remodeling can be a pricey affair and it would be shameful if you had a job completed in a way you were not happy with because you didn’t want to “bug” the contractor. You are their boss when they are working for you, so don’t be afraid to ask them as many questions about the job they are doing or their work history as you feel necessary.

How to Prepare For a Home Exterior Renovation - Part 1

Your house is how you represent yourself to your neighbors. A dilapidated and rotting house, or even one with just chipped paint and an unmowed lawn might give the people around you the wrong idea. Sure, we all get busy and let things slip through our fingers, but that is a fact that people don’t often consider when they look at your home. A damaged exterior doesn't just present a negative cosmetic effect on your home, but can also be the source of other bad things such as leaks (water or energy), pests, and falling property value. It is for these reasons, or perhaps others, that you might have found yourself seriously considering an exterior renovation to your property, whether it be just new siding and paint, or an entire exterior home makeover. Regardless of what type of project you’re planning, be sure to approach it in a practical manner by following some of the following tips:

Understand Your Neighborhood

Make sure that you understand the neighborhood that you live in. You can create an eyesore for years to come by making a number of mistakes- from overbuilding to picking the wrong paint color. While you always want your house to stand out, it should be because it looks exceptional, not because it looks out of place. If you live in a neighborhood that was primarily built with a modern aesthetic, don’t turn your house into a Victorian mansion or Southern plantation. Also keep in mind that people that would want to buy a house that is considerably bigger or fancier than what’s typically found in your neighborhood most likely aren’t shopping for houses in your neighborhood. This is also something that you should remember for interior renovations, as well. If you are unsure about the direction you are going with your renovation or remodel, don’t hesitate to talk to your neighbors, a realtor, or just take a drive around the neighborhood for ideas. Your contractor should be able to help you out with any decisions you’re unsure of as they’ve probably installed siding or redone a roof in your neighborhood (or at least a similar one) in the past. Don’t be afraid to listen to other’s input for your choices, especially if they work in the field.

Don’t Under Budget Your Renovation

Nothing can be worse than embarking on a cruise that only gets you halfway to your destination. To prevent an unfinished or shoddy remodel, be sure you can afford what it is that you want. While you can certainly juggle estimates and mix-and-match paints and parts, don’t end up with something that looks bad or unfinished. If you cannot afford the renovation that you want, give it some time. As long as your structure is not failing or costing you an absurd amount of money that a quick fix wouldn’t take care of, there’s no need to rush into something that won’t benefit your family in the long term. It is also important that you have clear quotes on all parts and labor from your contractors before you let any work begin. If for some reason you cannot afford the work being performed, you could damage your credit or end up with an angry contractor on your hands. Remember, a contractor has to go buy materials and find laborers for the job he is performing- both of which costs a lot of time and money. Not only is it bad for your credit to start a job you cannot afford, it’s bad karma as well. Also, don’t think that the job will necessarily end up being cheaper if you do it yourself. The price you’ll pay for the correct tools, materials, and possible code violations may surprise you (not to mention if you have to pay a contractor to come out and fix some of the mistakes you made).

Next time I will discuss some more things you should watch out for when preparing for an exterior renovation, so please check back soon!

Bad Exterior Painting Decisions (And How To Avoid Them)!

The exterior of your house can be viewed as its skin. Not only does it protect you from the elements outdoors and trap the cool air in during the summer, but it also serves as the single most important cosmetic feature of your dwelling. As time goes by, you may find that your house's skin is not looking so great: it's chipped in spots and faded in others. Some areas of your exterior may be very difficult to clean, as it seems like dirt has just found a permanent home within it. Perhaps that shade of pastel pink that seemed like an awesome idea in 1986 isn’t so appealing anymore. Regardless of your reasoning, you may feel the need to paint your home's exterior.

Painting an exterior is much more complicated than painting a room. First off, there are many things to consider, such as what type of siding you have, what type of colors work well in your neighborhood, the climate of the area that you live in, and many others. Then there's the actual painting of the house, which might seem like an easy task in your head, but upon starting the job you may feel like you've ordered more food than you can stomach. It is for these reasons that we've put together a list of things you should avoid when you approach the painting of your home's exterior.

Choosing the wrong type of paint

As technology continues to advance in computers, cell phones, tablets, etc., it also continues to advance in the field of paint. There are many options available when choosing which paint to use, so consider a few things when choosing it such as its resistance to fading, mold and mildew, and ultra-violet radiation. You should also research how easy the paint is to work with. You may also do your part to be environmentally friends by choosing a paint that is low-VOC and eco-friendly. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, be sure that the paint has a high durability that will keep it looking good for many years regardless of what type of climate you live in.

Choosing the wrong color

You may think that you are a home-renovation fashionista, but more than likely you should still run your color choices by others to be sure you aren’t making a horrible decision that you’ll regret for years-to-come. Talk to professionals, particularly contractors, architects, and realtors to determine which color choices best match your style of house and neighborhood. A bad color choice will leave your home looking tacky until you can afford to paint it again or you’re lucky enough for the color you picked to come into style (it probably won’t).

Bad preparation

Did you know that a thunderstorm can completely undue an entire day’s worth exterior painting work? Do yourself a favor and double check the forecast before you drag your ladder out of the garage- it will save you time, money, and a broken heart. Also, closely inspect the exterior of your home before you begin painting. Be sure you remove every fixture (mailboxes, house numbers, etc.) and cover all of your nearby plants to prevent them from being painted. Don’t forget to put painter’s tape around your windows and other areas that you don’t want the paint to leak on. I would also recommend moving any vehicles away from the house, as sometimes wind can blow bits of paint away from the area that you are working on. Failure to do these things can lead to damaging your property or at least making your painting endeavor more stressful than it needs to be.

Doing a poor job

One of the most important rules of home renovation is to never be impatient. Take things slowly. Watch videos on YouTube that teach proper painting techniques. When you purchase your brushes or paint, be sure to ask the professional if you are buying the correct materials. Always know when you should be using a brush and when you should be using a roller. If you know that you’ve made a mistake, fix it as soon as possible. Don’t leave it for later, as you will probably be tired and make an excuse to just leave the eyesore as is.

Not knowing when to get professional help

Never take on a job that is bigger than what you can handle. It is a waste of materials, time, and money to start a job only to abandon it. Painting the exterior of your home is a long and laborious process. If you don’t have the time, patience, or expertise to take on a project this big, or if your house is large and has a lot of complicated angles, etc. than you should probably hire a professional. There is no reason to throw out your back and drain your bank account only to have a half-painted exterior. Really think about what you are about to take on and get at least a few professional quotes before you dig the overalls out of your dresser drawer.

By carefully planning and doing a small amount of research, you can save yourself a lot of time and money and come out with an awesome, newly-painted exterior that you can be proud of. 

Updating Old Windows

If you have a sunroom or indoor patio built onto your home, you probably have incorporated quite a few windows into its structure. Aside from the siding of your house, windows probably make the most drastic impact on how your home is viewed by others. Typically, a house in constructed with windows that match the house's design and compliment its appearance. However, times change and so do houses. Over the years, you might have replaced the siding on your home, changed the style of paint, or made other renovations that have altered to overall "feel" of your exterior. In these cases, as well as a few others, you should consider choosing new windows for you home.

If your home is in a historical district, you may not be allowed to alter the size or overall appearance of your windows. However, older windows tend to leak air, not shut correctly, or be made out of energy inefficient types of glass. While you may not be allowed to change the overall appearance of your window to alter its historic integrity, you may be able to update the window to make it more friendly to your family, and your energy bills. By readjusting the frames the window sits in and updating its sash, as well as changing the type of window your are installing, you can save on energy bills while preserving the historic look and feel of the window. This will make both you and your neighborhood association happy.

A home that is not restricted by some of the more strict guidelines in a historical area has many more options when it comes to replacing windows. For example, you may actually move the location of your windows on your exterior or change the shape and/or size of the windows themselves. It is in these cases that you should consult a specialist to decide what types of windows best fit your exterior. It is also important that you make us of a professional when modifying the exterior of your house to prevent serious damage to your home. 

Updating your exterior is not the only reason to replace your windows. As seen in this previous blog entry, there is a vast amount of options when picking which kind of window to use in order to help keep your energy costs low. You would be surpised by how much energy you save just by being able to lock your windows and have them able to shut tightly. So whether it's for a cosmetic reason or just to replace the glass, there are many reasons to update your old windows, all of which are beneficial to both the appearance and energy costs of your home.

Fun In the Sunroom

One would be surprised at the amount of fun and enjoyment that can be had in the sunroom of a house. The sunroom provides one with the atmosphere and beauty of the outdoors, as well as the privacy and comfort of being indoors. It is for these reasons that you should never take your sunroom for granted. The following is a guide on how to make your sunroom a much more enjoyable place for you and your family to spend time.

First of all, don't use your sunroom for clutter or to store excess items. If you're using your sunroom as a storage space, you are basically turning it into a garage or storage shed. When was the last time you had a great deal of fun in your storage shed? By discarding or moving clutter out of your sunroom, you are taking a great step to enhancing its value as a living space.

Did you know that you are allowed to decorate your sunroom? A sunroom isn't just a place you pass through to go outside, it can be decorated and enhanced with furniture or art. Find a good theme or some cohesive artwork for your sunroom. Why not add a few nicer pieces of furniture? I also don't hesitate to recommend a table to be used for playing cards or board games in the sunroom, although some people will opt for a more open space with comfortable seating.

Tired of having kids running around your living room all the time? A sunroom can even be converted into a secondary play room for children. You can outfit it with toy storage bins, a small table for coloring, or even a TV with a couple of bean bag chairs. With a small amount of effort, you can create the perfect hangout for your kids. Also, where else would they rather hang out and watch a movie during a thunderstorm?

Finally, sunrooms are the perfect hangout room for game nights. In the age of Facebook and other forms of social media, we must not forget that it important to have real human contact with our friends and family members in a non-work environment. Socializing is important for humans and the sunroom provides an awesome place to hang out, play boardgames, or just kick back and talk. Committing yourself to more direct contact with your friends and family will make you a happier person, and what better way to do it than in the fun and beautiful atmosphere a sunroom can provide?

If you do not currently have a sunroom and would like to look into having one put in, please don't hesitate to contact us at Patio Systems, Inc.: (302) 644-6540 or (866) 644-6540

Patio Enclosure: Bring The Outdoors In!

We all love spending time in our backyards: barbecuing on the porch, sitting around the fire pit, or maybe just watching the sunset. Although we treasure it in the summer, during the winter our backyards are often neglected and forgotten about. You spent all that money on decks, porches, pools, and spas but can't even enjoy them half the time. Or can you? How do you make the back of your house more accessible year round? The solution may rest in a simple investment: a new patio enclosure.

An Open and Shut Casing
Patio enclosures can come in many different shapes and styles, but the best part about them is their versatility. Instead of leaving your porch or deck exposed to the elements, by building a frame around it you now have a little shelter from the storm and sun. But this doesn't mean you're sacrificing the feeling of the outdoors either. During the summer it can act as a screened-in porch, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without getting eaten alive by bugs. During thunderstorms you can watch the rain while still staying dry. And on hot nights, you can move the family "outside" to get some sleep in a naturally ventilated room. But patio enclosures come with the option to close. In the winter all you have to do is shut the windows and you now have a climate controlled sanctuary that can act as any other room in the house, with a great year-round view of the outdoors.

Total Climate Control
To make it more energy efficient, there are a few simple things you should consider as you erect your patio enclosure. Since you're encased in glass a lot of the time, you don't want your porch to have a greenhouse effect. Make sure you invest in some kind of window glazing or shade screens to stop the sun from heating up the house and raising your energy bills. Also, think about installing a doorway into this room so it can be shut off from the rest of the house if necessary. Also, you may want to put in a fireplace or stove so that during the winter you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere while watching the snow fall. This addition is supposed to allow you to use your deck during all seasons but if it's not inviting and welcoming, you'll never end up using it, so make sure you design it in such a way as to make it comfortable and alluring all year round.



Read more: http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Patio-Enclosure-Bringing-the-Outdoors-Inside.14651.html#ixzz2eRkZXHJI

Could an Awning be Exactly what your Home or Business Needs??

Not sure about adding an awning to your home or business? Here are just a few reasons an awning could really be what your house or commercial establishment needs and some tips on how to choose the right one for you!


* It protects the window frames from the rain, sun and snow. Most window frames and windowpanes are made of wood. We all know how wood responds to environmental changes. Even with sufficient wood coating and polish, wood deteriorates faster when exposed to the harshness of the weather conditions.

* Your house may have a porch or a patio and you have some furniture there, where you relax as you read a book or have a cup of coffee with your friends. Such furniture, regardless of the material, wears out faster when exposed to the sun and rain.

* When it's raining, you normally keep your windows shut, blocking fresh air from coming in through the windows. If your house has awnings, during rain showers, you can keep your windows open and still prevent rainwater from getting in.

* When you are watching TV or using the computer, you usually have the windows shut, or the curtains or blinds down to reduce the glare. If awnings were fitted, you wouldn't need to block natural light from the rest of the room since the awnings will reduce the glare on the monitors positioned near the windows.

* A major effect of having awnings, according to a study, is that it can reduce summer heat increase by 65% for windows facing south, and 77% for windows facing east and west.

So if you are now convinced that you would like your house or your building to have awnings, don't just go out there and get one. There are things that you need to consider.

* Material

The most commonly used materials for awnings are outdoor fabric and aluminum. Those made of outdoor fabric come in a variety of color and shapes; however, these require more maintenance than aluminum ones.

Those made of aluminum are sturdy and require less maintenance. These awnings, however, have limited design and color options.

* Angle

It is recommended that for windows facing east or west, the size of the drop should be 65-75% for the best efficiency. For a window facing south, the drop can just be 45-60% since less coverage is needed, as the sun has a higher angle from this direction.

* Side panels

Side panels may alter the architectural feel of the awnings. Side panels are also beneficial in adding coverage in a different direction.

* Stationary, Retractable or Freestanding

Roll-up and retractable awnings allow you to permit the sun to shine into the house during winter.

Retractable awnings are also good for patios or decks. These awnings have a mechanism that allows it to be extended as far as necessary. 

Retractable awnings can also have motors and switches for ease in retraction. Some also have sun and wind sensors to automate the retraction.

Retractable awnings are not for heavy rains, high winds and snow, though. So make sure these are properly protected from such weather conditions.

Freestanding awnings may also be used for patios, decks or terraces. Business establishments, as these also double as an advertisement, usually use these.

* Size

Small awnings are used for their decorative effect. If you would like to maximize the protective function of awnings, choose the bigger ones.

* Style

The most popular styles are traditional with closed sides, traditional with open sides, dome style, double bar standard, waterfall, quarter barrel, gable walkway and semi-circular entrance.

To check the most applicable style for your house design and the direction of your windows, consult an architect.

* Color

Apart from considering what color goes well with your house or establishment, if possible, choose a light-colored awning since it does not only block direct sunlight light other awnings, but this also reflects sunlight. By doing so, it lessens the amount of heat that comes in.

Also to minimize the heat that comes into the house, make sure that there is a gap between the side of the house and the top of the awning to prevent the heat on the awning to be transferred to the house.

If you still have questions or are convinced you NEED an awning for your  home or business, give us a call today. 866-644-6540



For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/32706/home_improvement/how_to_choose_awnings_for_your_home_or_business.html

Smart Windows are the Window of the Future!

WINDOWS OF THE FUTURE

New technologies are producing increasingly energy efficient windows. Already on the market are "super-windows," boasting triple layer designs, with two low-E coatings and spaces filled with mixtures of argon or krypton gases.

A new generation of windows, however, is being called "smart windows" because they adapt to changing conditions.

A few "smart windows" are already commercially available, and others are being developed in research labs. These windows change properties -- like their shading coefficients and visible transmittances -- in response to either an electric charge or an environmental signal such as a change in light level.

Depending on the mechanism that initiates the change in the window, these "switchable glazings" fall into four categories: electrochromic, liquid crystal, thermochromic, and photochromic.

Electrochromic Windows

Flip a switch and an electrochromic window can change from clear to fully darkened or any level of tint in-between.

The technology has been suggested for cars, where with a touch of a switch the driver can tint the mirror or sunroof. In buildings, the changeable windows allow for privacy, to cut down glare, and to ward off increases in solar heat.

The action of an electric field signals the change in the window's optical and thermal properties. Once the field is reversed, the process is also reversed. The windows operate on a very low voltage -- one to three volts -- and only use energy to change their condition, not to maintain any particular state.

To make an electrochromic window, a thin, multi-layer assembly is sandwiched between traditional pieces of glass. The two outside layers of the assembly are transparent electronic conductors. Next is a counter-electrode layer and an electrochromic layer, with an ion conductor layer in-between. When a low voltage is applied across the conductors, moving ions from the counter-electrode to the electrochromic layer cause the assembly to change color. Reversing the voltage moves ions from the electrochromic layer back to the counter-electrode layer, restoring the device to its previous clear state. The glass may be programmed to absorb only part of the light spectrum, such as solar infrared.

Early research indicates that the technology can save substantial amounts of energy in buildings, and electrochromic glazings may eventually replace traditional solar control technology such as tints, reflective films and shading devices.

Liquid Crystal Windows

The first commercially available "smart window," liquid crystal windows are used for privacy control. They do not provide energy savings.

In this window's normal "off" condition, the glazing is a translucent milky white. When an electric current is applied, however, it turns slightly hazy clear. The switch between the two states is nearly instantaneous.

The technology works this way: two layers of film enclose a layer of tiny liquid crystals. This assembly is laminated between two pieces of heat-treated glass. Both faces of the film are covered with a transparent, electrically conductive metal coating. These conductive coatings are wired to a power supply.

When the power is off, the liquid crystals are randomly scattered. Light entering the glazing does not have a clear path out, and the window is a translucent milky white. When an electric current is applied between the two conductive coatings, the liquid crystals align neatly and you can see through the window.

Other than the diffusion of light, the optical properties of the two states are nearly identical -- the window lets in nearly the same amount of light and solar heat whether it's on or off. Because there is little change in performance properties and because it requires constant energy to maintain its clear state, this liquid crystal window provides no energy saving benefits.

Thermochromic Windows

As the prefix thermo- implies, heat causes thermochromic windows to alter their properties. In response to changes in the ambient temperature, clear thermochromic glazings become diffused.

Several thermochromic technologies are being explored, but gel-based coatings seem to be the most promising. "Cloud Gel, " a product now on the market, is a thin plastic film that can be incorporated into almost any window assembly. The response temperatures of "Cloud Gel" can be adjusted depending on need and location.

In addition to automatically changing from clear to diffused in response to heat, the glazings also turn white and reflective, reducing the transmission of solar heat. That can reduce air conditioning costs significantly when it's hot outside. Because you can no longer see through the window once it loses its transparency, this glazing is probably best suited for skylights rather than view windows.

Photochromic Windows

Still in the development stage, photochromic windows respond to changes in light, much like sunglasses that darken when you move from a dim light to a bright one.

While this type of technology may seem like a good idea, it has its drawbacks for saving energy. Photochromic windows work well to reduce glare from the sun, but they don't control heat gain. That's because the amount of light that strikes a window doesn't necessarily correspond to the amount of solar heat it absorbs. Because the sun is lower in the sky during the winter months, for example, its rays may strike a window more intensely in the cold season than in the summer, when the sun is higher in the sky. In this case, a photochromic window would darken more in the winter than in the summer, although winter is the time when solar heat would be beneficial.

Another problem is that, while this technology works fine on small, eyeglass-sized pieces of glass, it has yet do be done successfully on a large-scale, commercial level for window-sized pieces.

Despite some problems, "smart windows" hold the promise of reducing energy demand and cutting air conditioning and heating loads in the future. They offer the next major step in windows that are increasingly sophisticated and energy efficient.

For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/windows/windows_future.html

Tips on Picking a Gazebo Design

Gazebos have been an integral part of garden designs and apart of patio enclosures since ages. The royal gardens were particularly known for their shocking gazebos, where the kings & queens spent free time. Since then, a lot has changed in the garden designs, but gazebos still stand strong ( though with a makeover look ).

A gazebo brings you the exhilaration of getting welcomed with nature from all sides, while you sit and get a room-like comfort in the outdoor.

Gazebos come in numerous shapes, designs and sizes. The gazebo material also varies widely. With such a massive number of options to choose from, selecting the most suited one can be a large amount of exercise. Nonetheless knowing about some basic things can turn out to be of good help.

You need to have a fair enough notion of the space available in your garden for setting up a gazebo. Whether the available space allows you to set up the size you are planning for or not- is a vital point to think about.

Another decision that has to be taken is regarding the gazebo material. Markets give you a multitude of materials to choose from – red cedar, pinewood, redwood, bamboo , metals such as wrought iron, steel for example. Be sure to pick the one that goes well with the weather conditions of the location where gazebo is to be set up. Unless you’re looking for a strong gazebo which can stand for around 20-30 years, avoid going for permanent materials like concrete.

Coming to shapes and designs, one the option is going for classic shapes with 4, 6, eight or even 12 sides. You’ll also consider shapes such as square or round. You are presented with several interesting and innovative shapes in the market these days. Square shaped gazebos come in 3 well-liked designs – Montpellier, Japanese and French.

Montpellier gazebo could be a good choice for a pool side setup in the garden. The Japanese design could be chosen in case of huge garden spaces. French design does not demand much space and so can be easily homed in smaller gardens, keeping the look easy yet sweet.

Leading edge folding designs are also among the choices now. Relying upon your need, you can go for portable and compressable gazebos. Netting can also be included as a side of design. Choose whether you would need your gazebo to be covered with net or not, while finalizing on the look. If bugs often make their presence felt in your garden, it’s better to go for a netted gazebo.

Always bear in mind that the best gazebo and any covered patio idea is one which suits your pocket best! If your position allows, go for the best possible option available. But in case budget is an inhibition, it’s miles better that you build your own gazebo. This would not only protect you from spending heavily, but would also give you the opportunity to design a gazebo with your own creativity.

For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://patiodieas.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/how-to-pick-a-gazebo-design/

People are choosing sunroom additions now more than ever. Read here to see which design fits you!

Sunroom Designs

Is there anything that brightens up a home, and lets you enjoy the outdoors year round, like a sunroom? People are choosing to add sunrooms to their homes more so now than ever. The addition of a sunroom allows natural sunlight to come into your home, regardless of the season. They are a perfect way to enjoy the scenery of your back yard, while avoiding the heat and bugs of the summer, the cold chill of the winter, the wet rain in the fall or the allergy season in spring.

There are many fabulous sunroom designs to choose from. In fact, the choices are such that you can find a room in almost any shape and dimension. Therefore, your new sunroom will easily fit into any space you choose, cleverly blending in with the rest of your home.

One of the most popular sunroom designs is the studio sunroom. People like this design because it easily adapts to complex or simple home styles, offering a natural extension to most existing roof designs. The studio is one open room, with a flat roof design.

Another favorite is the cathedral design. This style adds height and appeal to the sunroom, while offering a stunning vaulted ceiling for increased spacing and design features, such as front trapezoid transoms.

The California sunroom offers a unique design. With this sunroom, the roof is at an angle with one side peaking higher than the other side, thus allowing additional light to enter.

For all out exposure to the outdoors, the Solarium is the way to go. With the solarium, total sunlight is allowed in. The roof has curved eaves, and is totally transparent (windows on top), thus allowing for full sun as well as beautiful star filled night views.

When considering a sunroom for your remodeling project, choose the style that best matches your current home and roof design. Then choose how you wish to use your sunroom, since the use may indicate which style may fit best. For example, many use sunrooms as a family room, with couches and televisions. Others use them as an enclosure for a hot tub or pool table. Still others will use them as a studio with an art easel, or a comfortable chair for reading, or simply having a comfortable couch and soft music playing. Because this room is so full of light year round, it is the perfect place for live plants to thrive. Whatever your interests, the addition of a sunroom is one that will always be useful to any family situation. Work with an experienced sunroom contractor to help you make your decisions and construct your sunroom with expertise, giving your home years of outdoor comfort, indoors

For more information on this topic, visit the source of the article at http://www.homeimprovementcorner.com/sunroom_designs.php

Do Your Windows Need Some Sprucing Up? Here Are Some Window Treatment Ideas!

Shades and drapes

Shades make for a fresh-looking companion to drapes. Roman shades offer a second layer of color or pattern. With any drapes, hanging the rod higher than the top of the window makes for longer drapery, creating additional height in the room.

Café curtains

This room's most striking feature is the window treatments, which run along three walls and extend all the way to the floor. Hung from a continuous iron rail, the sunny, yellow-checked drapery is an inventive cross between café curtains and wainscoting. Not only does it make for a unique look, but the horizontality of this treatment balances out the height of the room.

Loose roman shades

A loose roman shade makes these French doors feel more window-like and adds another note of softness to the cozily upholstered room.

Café blinds

Café curtains aren't the only way to leave the upper reaches of windows open; blinds—such as these in bamboo—can also be hung lower in the frame. This works best with blinds that have a plain upper edge rather than a flap or valence built in.

Roller shades

Roman shades come in a variety of styles and can be fashioned from any fabric to complement any room. Here basic roman shades help maintain the sleek lines of a chic, modern bedroom.

Patterned sheers

Floor-to-ceiling sheers, patterned with chenille dots, filter the sunlight ; the light, in turn, makes an art piece of the drapes.

Billowing curtains

The dining room's focal point is not the chandelier, as is often the case, but the window treatment. Ivory over a charcoal stripe, with a charcoal ribbon dividing the two, the curtains are so heavily gathered that they resemble a billowing gown.

Bamboo blinds

Bamboo blinds are paired perfectly with a palm print in marine blue in this boy's room. Bamboo blinds provide texture to any room and allow for the greatest control of light and privacy.

Casual café curtains

Café curtains are a good solution where full-length curtains are either impossible or impractical, or where the upper part of the window—and the view—are especially appealing. This extra-short version consists of a single panel of fabric, with the rod threaded through a series of grommets.

Valence and café curtains

This little girl's room is decorated the way little girls like to dress—in a riot of colors and patterns. The polka dot valence has a beaded fringe detail, and the café curtains feature pinks, greens, and yellows in a fun floral print.

Ruffled valence

Classic window-length curtains, with a ruffled valance, are perfectly suited to this sunny laundry room. The combination makes the room feel as if it's straight out of the 1950s.


For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/window-treatment-ideas-curtains-drapes-valences-and-blinds-00418000072537/page14.html

The Scoop On Solar Screens

How Solar Screens Work
Solar screens replace conventional window screens and like the conventional kind, they don't block out the view and they allow air to come in the room. Unlike conventional screens, they block out the sun's harmful rays. Most solar screens keep out 80 to 90 percent of the sun's heat. Solar screens also come in a variety of colors and can be pet-proofed for patio doors and windows.

Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits to having solar screens. They protect people from the sun's energy and shield eyes from its harmful glare. Moreover, they help keep homes cool. These shades also block out ultraviolet rays.

Economic Benefits
Solar screens also help homeowners save money. Though traditionally more expensive than traditional blinds or shades, these pay for themselves with the money they save the homeowner on electric bills. By keeping homes cooler, people save money by not having to use their air conditioning systems or fans as often, thus reducing energy costs. In the winter, they keep houses warmer so homeowners don't have to set their heating systems as high.

Other Money-Saving Benefits
Along with helping people save on energy bills, solar screens also help people save money on having to replace furniture. By blocking the sun's rays, the screens keep furniture from fading. Solar screen companies suggest people install these screens in rooms people use the most and in rooms with valuable furniture.

Additional Benefits
These screens can be custom-fit for any window or door. In addition to all the benefits noted, these screens also keep insects out and, depending on the color, provide increased privacy.



Read more: Solar Screen Benefits | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5118106_solar-screen-benefits.html#ixzz2N9atWmp6

How Window Awnings Help You Save Energy

A hundred years ago, window awnings were common on hotels, office buildings, and the grandest of houses, for a very good reason: they shaded the window and kept the heat of the sun out. There is nothing complicated about window awnings; the principle is really quite simple – shade keeps things cooler.

The energy savings from using window awnings are significant. And today most awnings are retractable, which means you can allow the sun in during the winter months when you welcome the sun’s warmth in your home.

Retractable window Awnings save energy by reducing direct solar heat gain through windows. Heat gain through windows and sliding glass doors is the primary reason your home gets so hot in the summer. You can reduce your need for air conditioning if you install window awnings to block the sun coming in through the glass in your home. Your house is simply cooler without the sunlight pouring in – some sources say that your house will be anywhere from 8 to 15 degrees cooler.

According to James Dulley, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist who writes about ways to save energy, “Awnings are very effective for blocking the sun’s heat from coming in through your windows and doors. Not only will your air-conditioning costs be lower, but your carpeting, drapes and furniture will fade less.”

The strongest rays of the day occur between 10 AM and 4 PM. As more people use awnings, the overall energy use of a community is decreased. This saves the utility companies money; which in turn means savings for consumers.

Window awnings fell out of favor when the preferred method of dealing with too much solar energy became the application of electrical energy through air conditioning. But what about today, when air conditioning is costly and long lasting mechanical awnings are available? The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association funded a study covering cities such as Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, and Phoenix. It found that window awnings can reduce household cooling energy by as much as 26 percent in hot climates, and 33 percent in cold climates.

Awnings used to be high-maintenance item, according to Andy Stone, president of Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company in Souderton PA, where Aristocrat Retractable Window Awnings are made. “It probably took quite a few workers to put them up every spring on some of the bigger installations. But with the lateral arm retractable awnings manufactured today, there are no removal or storage costs. The awning retracts up flat against the house, and there are no unsightly poles to look at.”




Visit the source of this article at http://www.aristocratawnings.com/blog/home-energy-savings/how-do-window-awnings-help-you-save-energy/212/

Storing Your Awnings For Winter

Awning Storage

Proper awning storage is just as important as regular cleaning and maintenance.

• To maximize the life of your awnings, consider removing them in the winter, particularly if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow.
• Before storing your awnings, be sure to clean them thoroughly. Any dirt left on them will encourage mildew growth.
• Store your awnings in a dry location to further protect them from mildew.

With regular care and maintenance, your awnings will serve you for many years, and it's easy to make awning care a regular part of your yearly home care schedule. Develop a maintenance schedule that you can handle, then sit back and enjoy your awnings.

Here are instructions on how to clean your awning before storage.

Cleaning Your Awnings

Awning care starts with regular cleanings.

• Treat stains as soon as possible. Dirt, bird droppings and any other stains that appear on your awnings will be easier to clean if you treat them right away.
• Regularly brush dirt and debris off of your awnings. This can be accomplished with a stiff brush or a broom.
• Wash your awnings anytime you notice a buildup of dirt. If left in place, this dirt can lead to mildew.
• When washing your awnings use only water, mild soap and a brush. If your awnings came with a manual, consult it to see if they recommend a particular cleaning solution.
• Use only cold or lukewarm water to clean your awnings. Air dry your awnings after washing; heat may cause awnings to shrink.
• For easy cleaning, leave your awnings on their frames. After a vigorous cleaning, you may need to treat them with fabric guard. Consult your owner's manual to see what product is recommended.
• In between deep cleanings, it's a good idea to periodically rinse awnings with clear water.
• If you live in a warm, humid environment, you'll need to clean your awnings more frequently. Develop a cleaning schedule based on the requirements of your locale.