Tag: home renovation

Why Replacement Windows Are a Good Investment

Thelma Smit

Replacement Windows

Your home’s windows do more than allow light and air to enter. They can add value, provide energy efficiency, and protect your home from environmental hazards like lead. Properly installed Easton Replacement Windows are one of the best investments you can make in your home. Let’s explore some of the reasons why.

New replacement windows minimize air leaks and prevent drafts, helping you save money on your energy bills. They also feature insulated frames and Low-E glass that help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Using less energy to heat and cool your home will decrease your monthly utility bills significantly, which can add up to significant savings over time.

New windows are also easier to open and close than older windows, which may become difficult or even impossible to operate over time due to age and wear. In addition, most replacement windows are designed with tilt-in features that make it easy to clean the exterior and interior of your window without having to climb on a ladder.

Whether you choose vinyl, fiberglass or wood, replacement windows are available in a variety of colors and finishes that will coordinate with the style of your home. They can even be customized with different hardware, grille patterns and between-the-glass blinds to enhance the look of your windows.

When choosing replacement windows, be sure to look for ENERGY STAR®-qualified models to ensure you are getting the best possible performance from your new windows. These windows are built with improved insulation, a thermal break and other innovative design features that are proven to reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.

The ENERGY STAR label is one of the most trusted indicators of a windows energy efficiency, and only products that meet specific criteria are awarded this certification. Additionally, working with a professional window installer is the best way to ensure your new windows are properly installed and functioning as they should.

Energy efficient replacement windows can improve your home’s comfort by reducing noise from outside, such as traffic, neighborhood dogs and lawn mowers. They can help you sleep better at night and provide a quiet atmosphere for relaxing and spending quality time with loved ones. This benefit is especially important if your home is located near a busy road or has loud neighbors. Noise reduction can also improve your health by lowering stress levels, which can result in higher productivity throughout the day.

Increased Home Value

Whether you’re considering selling your home in the near future or are just looking for ways to increase its value, new replacement windows can be a great investment. They offer a high return on investment when compared to many other home improvement projects and can help you get a better price for your house when it is time to sell.

Homebuyers will be more interested in your home if it has new windows that look beautiful and are well-maintained. They are also likely to be attracted by the fact that your windows are energy efficient, as this can lower their monthly utility bills. Additionally, if you install ENERGY STAR windows, you may be eligible for rebates or credits from your local power company.

In addition to increasing your home’s energy efficiency, new replacement windows can also add a boost to its curb appeal. They can modernize the exterior of your home and catch the attention of prospective buyers, especially if you choose window styles like sliding aluminum windows or tilt and turn windows that blend functionality with beauty.

New replacement windows can also improve your home’s safety and security. Older windows may have warped frames or damaged glass, which can leave your home vulnerable to intruders. Newer windows are more secure and have a stronger frame than older models. This can make your home safer for you and your family, as well as for any guests that visit.

Replacing your windows is a worthwhile investment, as it can help you get a higher resale value for your house and increase its energy efficiency. It is a good idea to do this project before you decide to sell, so that you can enjoy the benefits while you live there. However, you can still replace your windows if you are thinking of selling in the future – just remember to opt for a durable brand that offers a high return on investment. For example, a brand like Weather Shield has been around for decades and is highly respected by homeowners. That means potential homebuyers will know that you’ve made a sound choice and won’t be as concerned about maintenance or repair costs down the line.

Better Appearance

As you know, your windows play a large role in the appearance of your home. Old, outdated, or ill-fitting windows can give your home a drab look. However, new replacement windows can add beauty to your home and significantly improve its curb appeal. You can choose from many styles, colors and hardware finishes to create a custom look that will compliment your home’s design. In addition, you can upgrade to new double-hung windows that open wide for easy cleaning.

Adding new replacement windows to your home is not only a great way to increase the value of your property, but it will also improve safety and security. The addition of new windows will provide a greater level of protection against intruders and extreme weather conditions. You can even select windows that have multiple locks, which can lower your insurance premiums.

If your window frames are rotting, warping, or no longer fit the opening of your home, it is time to consider replacing them. A deteriorating frame can allow water and wind into the house, causing damage to the interior woodwork, flooring, and furniture. In addition, a window that no longer opens can be dangerous to children and pets.

The best part of installing replacement windows is the endless possibilities that are available to you and your budget. Unlike full-frame windows that are designed for new construction, replacement windows are made to fit into existing window openings. These windows are available in a range of standard sizes, and are made from a variety of materials including vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, or wood-clad wood.

You can also choose from a wide array of window styles, including sliding doors, bay and bow windows, casement windows, and picture windows. In addition, you can customize the look of your replacement windows by choosing their color, frame thickness and decorative grids. If you’re interested in replacing your windows, contact a local window expert to discuss your options. They can help you find the best windows to fit your needs, your budget and your home’s unique architecture. They can also explain the importance of proper installation and the critical role it plays in your window’s performance, durability and warranty.

Better Comfort

New replacement windows will help reduce the impact of outside weather on your indoor temperatures. This will not only save you on your energy bills, but it’ll also prevent uncomfortable drafts and hot or cold spots in your home. With advanced insulation and cutting-edge LoE glass, your new windows will keep your home comfortable year-round.

There’s nothing worse than a drafty house in the winter. Old windows can let cool air escape and warm air in, causing your heating costs to skyrocket. New windows will provide a tight seal to prevent this from happening, saving you money in the long run.

The right windows will also be easy to open and close, ensuring your family’s safety and preventing the hassle of fighting with stiff old windows that don’t want to stay up. New windows are easy to clean, too, since many feature a tilt-in design that allows you to quickly wash the exterior from inside your home.

Another benefit of modern windows is their superior sound control. If you live near a busy road or have loud neighbors, new windows will minimize the noise from outside commotion. This can allow you to relax more at home and sleep better at night.

When shopping for replacement windows, it’s important to work with a company that provides quality materials and installation. A reliable installer will ensure the window is properly installed and will not leak or require maintenance for years to come.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing replacement windows, including style, color, material, price, brand, installation tactics and installers. Choosing the right windows for your home will improve its comfort, increase your resale value and boost its curb appeal.

The most important aspect of your choice, however, is the installation process. Working with an installer that is both the manufacturer and the contractor will allow you to receive the best possible prices, options and installation for your home’s specific needs. This will guarantee you’re getting the best performance and lasting beauty from your new windows today and for as long as you own your home.

bathroom tile installation

How To Properly Prepare Your Bathroom Tile Installation

Michael Barela

If your bathroom is looking a little outdated or you just need a decor refresh, putting down new tile can make a big difference. But it’s not an easy job.

Porous tiles absorb water, which means they must be resealed regularly. Slate and limestone are common examples of porous tile materials. Getting a professional service from Milwaukee Bathroom Remodeling can save you time and money.   

bathroom tile installationLaying The Tiles

As with any remodeling project, thorough preparation is critical to a good result. Depending on the state of your existing tile (or other surface you’re tiling over), this may mean patching or removing sections of damaged wall, repairing or replacing drywall, and filling in dents, voids, or valleys. Attempting to retile over loose or uneven existing tiles can cause them to shift or break. It can also prevent the new tile from adhering properly, leading to cracking or peeling.

Once the walls are prepped, it’s time to start laying your new tile. Aim to create a layout that maximizes the number of whole tiles and minimizes any size cuts you’ll need to make later on. You can do this by making a dry-fit, or mock-up, of your tile layout before you commit to applying the adhesive.

To do this, measure the height of one wall and divide it by two to create a center point (call it A). Mark this location along the wall with a pencil or chalk line, then repeat the process with the other perpendicular wall (call it B). Now mark a point where the intersection of these lines crosses on your floor—this will be your starting point for laying tile.

Before you begin tiling, apply a thin coat of thin-set with the notched side of your trowel. Spread the thin set evenly in broad curved strokes. Combing the thin set will create furrows that allow air to escape as the mortar sets, ensuring optimal adhesion.

After the thin-set has set, use a sponge to remove any excess that’s left on the tiles. This will prevent it from drying to a hard, unattractive film that can be difficult or impossible to remove later.

When you’re done, check the surface of each tile for bumps or dents and gently tap them with a mallet to level them. If you find any that aren’t perfectly flat, lightly press on them with a 2 x 4 to even out the surface before grouting. After grouting, wipe away any smears as they occur before they set with a damp sponge.

Preparing The Surface

It’s important to properly prepare the surface of the wall before beginning a new tile installation. If the wall is a new construction, this means removing any existing tiles and plastering the area. It’s also a good idea to lay a backer board on walls that will be covered with tile as this makes them thicker and stronger. If the wall is older, you will need to sand it to make it smooth enough for adhesive to bond with. This can be done with either a sanding block or a grinding disc, but you should act with caution as old tiles may contain hollow spaces. These areas are easy to spot by knocking on the wall and listening for a hollow sound. If you don’t spot these and install a new tile over them, they will likely collapse in the future.

It is never a good idea to tile over wallpaper as the finish is too smooth and shiny for adhesion to take hold. If you have existing wallpaper, remove it using the strip and sand method before applying an acrylic primer which will act as a seal on gypsum plasters and screeds before adding cement-based adhesives. It is also important to make sure that the substrate you are tiling is suitable for tiles, so always test them on a small area before beginning your tiling project.

Before you begin tiling, mark a line halfway between the floor and the top of the wall using a bubble level. This helps keep your first row of tiles straight and simplifies the rest of your tiling job. Once you’ve finished marking the area, use a tape measure to find the center of the room and dry-fit your tiles (with spacers) to check that they look straight.

A rubber grout flat is a handy tool to have as it allows you to fill in any gaps and divots between your tiles. It can also be used to clean up any excess mortar and help spread the tile adhesive evenly. Lastly, don’t forget to wear safety goggles and gloves when working with the abrasive materials involved in this type of project.

Adhesive

Using the right tile adhesive is vital for a wall-tile project. There are several different types to choose from, but all have similar characteristics. They are generally mildew-proof and formulated for use in areas where moisture is a factor.

One of the most common is the standard thin-set. It is made from a mix of cement, sand, and water retention agents. It is a good choice for walls because it locks out moisture, and it has the added benefit of being able to patch up minor surface problems such as cracks or holes. However, it is not as flexible or durable as epoxy mortar and is best suited for projects that will not involve much movement.

A modified version of the standard thin-set is available that contains liquid latex polymers, which improves its strength and flexibility and makes it suitable for areas where moisture is a factor. The latex additive also helps to extend the life of the tiles. It is important to note that if you are planning on installing a latex-modified thinset, it will need to be mixed with the standard version of the product for the best results.

Once the thin set is mixed, it is ready to be applied to the wall. The recommended method is to work in a small area to start with (beginners should stick to an area no bigger than a meter squared). Once the first area is covered, apply the tiles and ensure they are all fully adhered to.

Continue to work in small sections until the whole area is completed. It is advisable to leave any tiles that need trimming or cutting until the end of the job so you can do them with ease without having to lift and re-position other tiles.

As you complete each section, use a plastic spacer to maintain uniform spacing between tiles. It is also a good idea to install only full-width tiles, rather than trimmed ones, as this will make the final grout lines look more professional and neat.

Before applying the grout, it is a good idea to give the tiles a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residual debris. This will help the grout to stick and prevent it from discoloring over time.

Grouting

Grout is the mixture that fills in the gaps between your tiles after they’re set. It helps keep dirt and debris from getting in between the tiles, and it adds rigidity and strength to the finished surface. There are many different types of grout available, and it’s important to choose the right one for your project. Grouts come in powdered form and are mixed with water to create a thick paste. They can be non-sanded (which is usually recommended for joints less than 1/8” wide) or sanded. Grouts also come in a variety of colors, which can either match or contrast with your chosen tile.

When you’re ready to begin grouting, remove all the tile spacers from your wall or floor. Mix your grout and scoop a trowel full onto the surface. Start at the outside edge of your wall and work toward the center. This will help ensure that you’ll have complete rows of tiles when you’re done. Continue to spread the grout over a 5- to 10-square-foot area, using the float held at a 45-degree angle to force the grout into the joints.

As you go, make sure to rinse the float often in a bucket of clean water. If the float becomes dirty, it can cause uneven grout coverage and it may be difficult to remove from your tiles. When the first section of grout is fully pressed into the gaps, use your sponge to wipe off any excess. Rinse and reload your sponge frequently, as well.

Once you’ve wiped off the excess, let the grout sit for about 15 minutes or until it starts to harden slightly. Once it has, use your sponge again to smooth out the joints, ensuring that there’s an even and consistent depth between each tile. Continue to swipe the tile surface, rinsing and changing your sponge as needed to avoid creating a clog.

Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours before you apply a sealer to prevent discoloration or to protect the surface from moisture damage. When you’re satisfied that the grout is sufficiently hard, apply a layer of sealer with a clean sponge.