Superior Windows in Scarborough, Markham, Durham & Richmond Hill

Which Windows are Best for Your Home?

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window-typesChoosing the right type of windows for your home is an important decision for homeowners. There are various window types that are ideal for each situation. What are some of the more popular styles? What are some of the materials and brands used today? How can you increase energy efficiency while reducing overall cost? Find out more with the professional tips below.

Wood or Vinyl Windows?

One of the first decisions you will need to make is what type of material do you need? Window types come in many different materials like traditional wood, vinyl, and even fiberglass. There are many benefits of vinyl windows over wood. Wood is more susceptible to drafts, moisture, and nature, although this can be minimized by the right finishing. Older homes may have outdated wood windows that do not have the latest Energy Star technology. Wood can crack and is affected by the weather.

Vinyl windows are made out of PVC plastic. Originally they came in white, but now there are a variety of colors available. They are both affordable and durable, lasting about twenty years. Wood windows last longer, but vinyl windows require little maintenance and repair. Many brands have Energy Star efficiency, saving you considerably over time if you replace drafty windows.

Popular Window Styles

There are several styles of windows. Speak with an experienced contractor about which style is best for your house. Choose the type of window based on your home’s aesthetic and practical needs.

  1. Double-Hung: Two sashes slide up and down
  2. Single-Hung: Only the bottom part movies
  3. Casement and Awning: Open outward
  4. Picture: Usually large stationary window that allows light and a beautiful outside view
  5. Slider: Slides horizontally
  6. Bay (Bow): Expands the amount of room by protruding out from house exterior

Single Pane vs. Double Pane

One of the best ways to increase the safety and energy efficiency of your home is to replace single pane windows with double pane windows. While there are other options, like triple pane windows, in general, a double pane window will provide you with the energy efficiency and protection that you need. Find the right type of windows for your home. Speak with a professional today.

Does Replacing Windows Save Energy?

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new-home-windowsHomeowners can increase energy efficiency and save money by replacing their windows. Why? New home windows can prevent unwanted drafts, provide extra insulation, and reduce heating costs. What are some of the ways that windows can increase the value of your home?

Saving Energy

Vinyl windows are a durable option that will save energy because of minimal leaks and increased durability unlike traditional wood, aluminum, or even fiberglass. Energy Star rated new home windows have been certified to increase energy efficiency and lower energy costs. There can be hundreds of dollars of real savings when single pane windows are replaced with Energy Star windows. Even simply repairing older windows to make them more energy efficient can save some money, although replacing with Energy Star products is a much better option for the long-term.

Window Insulation

Besides replacing leaky and drafty windows, adding extra window insulation is another way to reducing leaks and save on costs. Inspect your home for any drafts from windows, doors, cracks, or heating and cooling ducts. However, if you find that there is excess moisture entering your home, window replacement is necessary for your health and safety. Mold growth is a dangerous reality that can cost home value and health. Caulk and plug additional leaks. Storm windows provide additional protection.

New Technology

Many homeowners purchase older homes with traditional wood frames and drafty windows. Gradually replace worn windows with newer energy efficient windows. You will have better insulation and a design that will save money and reduce energy expenses. Airflow is eliminated with newer window models. Unless the windows are open, air should not pass through your window. Homes with low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) windows keep homes cooler in warm weather. Those in cold weather should look for an SHGC over 0.35.

Replace older drafty windows with new energy efficient vinyl windows to save money on energy costs and keep your home insulated and safe.

Find the Right Window Coverings

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blinds-for-housesWhat type of window coverings are perfect for your home? Are you looking to make your home a little cozier? Maybe too much sunlight is coming into the kid’s bedroom or you want to make your entertainment room pitch dark for movie night. Whether finding the right blinds for houses, the most stylish curtains or adding shades, choosing the right type of window coverings for your home can be a daunting task.

Blinds

Blinds offer unique versatility. They come in a variety of finishes, materials, and styles. Choose from leather, vinyl, wood, or aluminum. These blinds for houses come in any style for any type of home décor. Have a nautical theme? Choose beautiful navy blue blinds. Maybe your beach style home needs some beautiful wooden blinds to match the furniture. Brightly colored blinds in your child’s room can bring in joy and sunshine literally.

Choosing Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes provide two essential functions in the home: they provide style and control lighting and temperature. Homeowners in extreme climates can use curtains and drapes to keep the heat in during cold winters and the heat out during hot summers. Want to let the light shine in? Then choose white or light-colored coverings. They allow sunlight to pass in the room but keep out some of the heat. Choose dark colors to keep out sunlight and maintain a dark and cozy atmosphere in the bedroom. Special fabrics will keep your home warmer during harsh winters. Speak with a design professional about the incredible options available for your home.

Shades and Shutters

Add unique style to your windows with the addition of shades or shutters. These block out the light and add special privacy to your home. Solar shades reduce the harmful UV rays coming through the windows. Many shades are easy to clean, unlike blinds or curtains. Cellular shades bring extra efficiency to your home with their unique design.

Speak with a design professional about the best window coverings for your home. Whether you choose blinds or shutters, shades or curtains, you are guaranteed to find the most stylish covering to fit your personal style.

 

6 Home Storage Tips Every Mom Needs to Know

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walk-in-closetsCraving space in your busy family home? Whether your home is full of young preschoolers and toddlers, busy teens, or grown children getting ready for college, every mom needs to find the best home storage solutions. Walk in closets, double duty furniture, and built-in storage, are just a few tips to help you expand your space and minimize clutter. Read on for our professional storage tips, perfect for every mom!

Customized Storage

It doesn’t matter if you are planning on moving to a new house, own a condo, or are trying to make the most of a home that you have lived in for decades. Creating customized walk in closets is one of the best ways to fully organize your home. You can design the closet to fit almost any space, creating easy convenience for shoes and socks, clothing, toys, and accessories.

Enjoy shelving that meets your needs, light fixtures, and mirrors that really open a space up, and hidden drawers for storing valuables. Space is more than storage. Use it as a dressing room or vanity, or even as a place to store valuables and your safe.

Spacious Windows

Tired of your home looking cramped and dark? One way to help open up your space is with new windows. Opt for beautiful spacious windows, especially if you have a beautiful vista outside. Even if you live in an urban environment, adding windows will bring in the light. This makes more of your home functional, not to mention a little bit cheerier. Contact a window replacement specialist about how you can use lighting and new windows to help brighten your home.

Double Duty Furniture

Urban dwellers already know the value of double-duty furniture – pieces that often have hidden storage and are multifunctional. For example, coffee tables that can store books and toys, ottomans that open up to hide photo albums or built-in drawers in your bed frame.

Built-In Storage

If you are looking for a home, look for homes that have built-in bookshelves in the walls. Popular in older homes, these walls are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. If you don’t have a home with built-in bookshelves, you can add standalone units instead of display and storage. Speak with a professional about finding places to hide modular storage units in your home.

The Kitchen

Let’s not forget the importance of hidden storage in your kitchen. Add pull-out shelving, shelf inserts, and extra hooks to hang small pots and pans. Be creative with your space, and use wood accordion walls to hang potholders and small kitchen items.

Make the Most of Your Space

Most of us have a room, attic, closet, or basement that is underused. Maybe you need to clear out the basement of bins of old clothes and toys that your children have outgrown. Or maybe there is a closet in the living room that would serve better for storing your photography equipment instead of rarely worn sweaters. Be creative and scour your place for space like you are looking for hidden treasure. You may be surprised at what you find!

How Can I Prepare My House for Replacement Windows?

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window-glass-repairInstalling new replacement windows in your home is a way to improve your home’s curb appeal and provide extra insulation and energy efficiency to your home. Window glass repair is a relatively simple process. There are several steps you can take to prepare your home for replacement window installation.

Easy Access

One of the first steps that you need to take when preparing for window installation is providing the installers a cleared path to the window. Window glass repair involves moving large sheets of glass and other dangerous materials. It is important that the pathway is clear of debris and that the installers can access the room easily. Prevent accidents by moving aside furniture and any objects that are blocking doorways and stairs.

Window Dressing

Remove any curtains and window dressing you may have. As a safety precaution, you might want to remove an additional furniture, picture frames, and breakable items near the window. This will prevent unwanted accidents during final installation.

Dust and Dirt

Cover your furniture and floors with plastic coverings to prevent dirt and paint from getting on your belongings. Sometimes installation involves painting and sanding. The dust and dirt can damage walls, floors, and furniture. Take the time to speak with installers about what you should do to prepare for the installation. You may need to arrange for your family to spend the day outside the home if you are having multiple windows replaced in a single day.

Access, Pets, and Children

Be sure that you allow the installers to access your home inside and out. You can speak with your installers about what time they need to come in. Set up a schedule that works for you. Make sure that someone is present during the installation. If you have children or pets, plan to have them outside the home with a caregiver during the installation. You can kennel your dogs and keep them out of the way of the installers. Pets and children may become frightened during installation. Keep this in mind. Installing replacement windows can be simple. Prepare your home for installation with these professional tips.

4 Common Misconceptions About Window Replacements

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window-replacementsWhen it is time for purchasing window replacements, it is easy to fall for some window myths. While some may have a basis in fact, the reality is that there are many misconceptions about new windows. Let’s take a moment to explain and debunk the more popular window replacement myths.

Never Replace Windows in the Winter?

While it may seem common sense that replacing windows in the winter is a bad move, the reality is that window replacements can be done at any time of the year. Windows can be replaced during the warmer summer months or the cold winter months. While precipitation can be an issue, you can find ways to lessen the effects of winter on your home. Many of these are easily dealt with by a professional installation. Your installer will work efficiently with his or her team to ensure your home is protected from the harsh winter.

What About Energy Efficiency?

Did you know that over sixty percent of heat loss in your home is lost through your doors and windows? A lack of a good seal can allow heat or cold air to pass through. This causes higher energy bills for the average consumer. Believe it or not, you can make a big difference in your energy efficiency by purchasing the right type of windows. For example, the Low-E windows will help reduce drafts. Almost all of the heat loss happens through the window glass.

Is Wood Really Better?

Today most homeowners opt for vinyl windows even though wooden windows have been the mainstay for centuries. Why? The biggest problem with wood windows is that wood is affected by humidity, water, and the elements. Over time the wooden frame will swell, warp, crack, and even grow unsightly mold! Vinyl replacement windows do not have any of these issues. If you really want the natural look of wood, there are some finishes that imitate the beauty of wood.

New or Replacement?

Many homeowners don’t realize that new window installation and installing replacement windows are nearly identical processes. The biggest difference between new windows versus installing replacement windows involves whether it is a full frame replacement or not. The materials also matter, especially if the new windows are a different material than the older ones.

Now that you know the truth behind window replacement, install your windows with the knowledge that you need for a successful window replacement installation.

How to Buy New Windows on a Tight Budget

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new-windowsMany homeowners on a tight budget wonder whether or not they should purchase new windows. Are they worth the cost? What are the benefits of replacing windows? And how can you save money when purchasing them?

A Long-term Investment

Unlike some renovations like installing a pool or repainting the garage, installing new windows actually adds significant value to your home. There are additional benefits like providing more energy efficiency and increase the overall curb appeal of the home. Most homeowners will recoup the overall window installation costs. Window installation can be considered an investment in your home.

A Good Value

The overall cost of the windows really depends on the type that you decide to purchase. Double-hung windows, single-hung windows, and casement windows are all affordable options. Additionally, a fixed window (which does not have moving panels) cost less than operable windows. You can have a combination of fixed and operable windows to maximize ventilation and minimize cost.

Large vs. Small Windows

Surprisingly enough, purchasing multiple smaller windows does not always save more money than buying a few larger windows. Why? Well, a smaller window sometimes requires just as much manufacturing and materials as a large window, and sometimes more! Price the cost of purchasing large luxurious windows against the cost of smaller windows. You may be surprised at how much money you will save!

Extra Features

While extra features like laminate exterior glass and company-supplied hardware may not be necessary when replacing windows. These add-ons can add to the overall cost. Does that mean that you don’t need any extras? No, just make sure that you are adding on features that will add to the overall value and comfort that new windows bring. Stay with something simple, like simple double-hung windows, sliders, and casement windows. Avoid accents like hexagons and bays that can cost you heavily.

Negotiation

And finally, the easiest way to cut back on cost is to have an honest conversation about price with your contractor. Even authorized window dealers may negotiate the price to keep a customer. Discuss ways to enjoy high value for an affordable budget-friendly rate.

Why Vinylbilt Windows are Ideal for Your Home

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vinylbilt-windowsSearching for high-quality windows that will provide style and functionality for your home? Look no further than elegant Vinylbilt Windows. These versatile windows provide almost limitless design options to enhance the overall look of your home. What are some of the key reasons that these are ideal for your residence?

Functionality and Beauty

Every homeowner wants to choose features that bring up the curbside appeal of a home while also increasing its functionality. Low maintenance may also be a requirement. Vinylbilt Windows option a wide range of designs that accommodate every home. Options include everything from the single hung vinyl window which opens up and down to exquisite custom made bay windows.

Vinyl slider designs have an easy-to-open gliding function that is often easier than traditional lifting or cranking. Awning and greenhouse windows are ideal for space-saving outdoor patios and spaces. Some windows have shelving options or can be combined with door systems for better functionality. Speak with your design professional about the window options that are ideal for your home.

A Style for Every Home

Choosing the right Vinylbilt Window for your home is easy. With an expansive range of custom and factory options, you can find the type of window that is right for your residence. For a stylish elegant look, install camber casement windows. Their unique curves are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Custom options are available for every customer. This can include specialized custom shapes for a distinct geometric look or beautiful accent windows. Beautiful feature windows are ideal for patios.

Practical homeowners can choose from a variety of low maintenance windows like the double hung window or awning. Fixed options let in light when ventilation is not a requirement. Some homeowners love the distinct look that a bay window gives to a home. Other options include bow windows, which protrude from the home. Enjoy a unique style for both the interior and exterior.

Customize to Perfection

These high-performance windows can be customized to fit your home’s needs and tastes. A wide variety of geometric and functional design options are available. Versatility is key. Whether you are looking for maximizing curb appeal, creating a more energy-efficient home, or increasing the practical functionality of your residence, you will find that Vinylbilt can provide the product that you need.

Contact your Vinylbilt authorized dealer in your area. Enjoy innovation, efficiency, and excellence with your next window installation.