Our Favorite Summer Window Treatments

Summer is the perfect time to redo your window treatments. Not only is it fun to add a splash of summer to your décor, but some curtains and drapes are designed to let light in without all the heat. After all, your windows are meant to be used, not covered up. Here are a few of our favorite summer window treatments:

White Sheer Curtains

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The great thing about the color white is that it reflects light. White sheer curtains help keep heat out of your house by doing just that – reflecting light and heat. The thin material also lets a good amount of natural light in, so you don’t have to turn heat-producing lamps on during the day.

Bamboo Blinds

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There’s something about bamboo that just screams summer! Bamboo blinds have become increasingly popular, especially for use in rooms that get a lot of sunlight.  That’s because they let some light in while blocking up to 65 percent of heat.

Roman Shades

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Roman shades are less fussy than curtains and warmer looking than blinds. More importantly, they provide privacy as well as protection from the sun. Roman shades are fabric window covering panels that are lined for energy-efficiency. They can be raised and lowered to let in as little or as much light as you’d like.

There are lots of window treatments that will help keep your home cooler this summer. We love these for their efficiency and style! Do you change up your windows’ look for summer? Share your thoughts at our Facebook page!

Window Repair vs. Window Replacement

Whether your windows aren't working the way they used to or you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, it’s time to consider your options. Does your home need new windows or just some repairs?

If you've noticed rotting wood, you might be able to repair your windows instead of replacing them. Rotten frames can allow water and air leaks, so you’ll want to take care of them ASAP. Fixing a rotting window can cost you as little as $25 and as much as $700. It all depends on the severity of the rot.

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Dealing with broken window panes? For vinyl windows, you might as well replace the whole thing. However, if you've got vintage windows and would like to preserve the look, repairing the damage will be worth the price.

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When windows become foggy from condensation, it’s usually due to a broken seal. The experts at Superior Windowland can repair your windows by replacing your panes, preserving your frames and renewing the life of your window.

Perhaps your windows aren't operating smoothly, meaning you've having trouble opening and closing them. This could happen for a number of reasons, but you can usually repair the issue at affordable prices. If replacement parts cannot be found, then you should replace the whole window.

There's nothing worse than drafty windows, but repairing them is easier than you think. We can help you seal gaps and weather strip your windows for less than you thought possible. Sealing the links in your windows can save you up to 20 percent on your energy bills!

With Superior Windowland, repairing and replacing your old windows is easy and inexpensive. Share photos of your updated windows on our Facebook page!

How to Wash Your Windows the Eco-Friendly Way

According to Scientific American, it’s true that many household cleaners contain substances that may be toxic. However, you can still get your windows clean without hurting the environment. Let’s discuss a few eco-friendlier ways to wash your windows:

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1.  The folks at BobVila.com suggest using mild soap, water and a soft sponge on your windows instead of toxic glass cleaning chemicals. It’s the simplest and safest way to clean! Just be sure to rinse and wipe dry to avoid soap stains.

2. Here’s an eco-friendly window cleaner recipe from Oprah.com: Combine three tablespoons of vinegar, 1/3 teaspoon of liquid vegetable soap and two cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray as needed!

3. A similar recipe from LifeHacker advises mixing equal parts of vinegar, water and isopropyl alcohol inside a spray bottle for an eco-friendly glass cleaner. Use it on windows, mirrors and more.

If you’re not interested in concocting your own green glass cleaner, you can find some environmentally-friendly brands in stores. Popular products include:

• Attitude Window & Mirror Eco-Cleaner
• California Rose Garden Glass Cleaner
• Begley's Natural Glass Cleaner
• Better Life I Can See Clearly, Wow! Natural Glass Cleaner
• Citra Clear Natural Glass & Window Cleaner

Find more eco-friendly glass cleaners (with links to purchase) here. Which do you prefer to use on your new windows from Superior Windowland – commercial cleaning supplies or homemade solutions? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tell us at our Facebook page!

5 Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool this Summer

There’s nothing worse than a house that feels like a furnace in the summertime. Your home should provide relief from the outside temperature, not the other way around. Here are five tips for keeping your home cool and comfortable this summer:

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1. Install your air conditioning units on the north side of your house whenever possible. “An AC unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than one in the sun,” advises Good Housekeeping. You can also plant trees to help shade your windows and save energy!

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2. Replace your windows with Superior Windowland's OKNA Insul-Tec products. These energy-efficient windows are manufactured to keep heat outside the home in the summertime. This will not only reduce solar heat gain, but also help reduce cooling costs!

3. Turn your lights off, especially if you haven’t yet upgraded to compact fluorescents and LEDs. According to the Huffington Post, “incandescent light bulbs can produce as much heat as they do light.” Yikes!

4. Install heavy drapes on your windows. Forbes reports that “Hanging heavy drapes in front of windows will help keep the house cool by not letting the glaring sun warm up the house.” Doing so will help make your house an oasis in the hot summer months.

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5. Use a ceiling fan to get the most out of your air conditioning. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests using ceiling fans in order to create a wind chill effect. “If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort,” the department states. How cool is that?

What other tips do you have for cooling your home in warm weather? Share your thoughts on our Google+ page.

If your house isn't as cool as you think it should be, contact the experts at Superior Windowland by dialing (203) 948-7770. We’ll help determine whether or not your windows need to be upgraded during a free, at-home consultation.

How to Clean Your Home's Windows like a Pro

Let’s face it – nobody likes cleaning their home’s windows. It can be difficult and is certainly time consuming. But washing your windows at least twice a year can keep your windows looking brand new.

"Gordijnen aan venster" by Nieuw / CC BY-SA 3.0

Before we get into how to clean your windows like a pro, let’s discuss what not to do:

Don’t use paper towels and elbow grease

Rubbing your windows too much can make the glass static, which will attract more dust and dirt. It defeats the purpose!

Don’t clean your windows in the sun

"Sun Star Bright Light Sky Sunlight Cloudless" by OpenClips / CC0 1.0

Washing your windows in direct sunlight can cause them to dry too quickly, making water spots and smears more likely.

Don’t clean screens on the window

To wash your screens, remove them first and then clean them outdoors. This way you can be as thorough as possible without making a mess inside.

Now that we’ve got what not to do out of the way, it’s time to discuss how you should clean your home’s windows. These tips are from the pros:

Do create your own cleaning solution

"Afwasmiddel Una Aldi" by Onderwijsgek / CC BY-SA 3.0

There’s no need to buy fancy shmancy window cleaning solution. The best way to wash your windows is by adding a squirt of dishwashing liquid to a pail of warm water. Try to avoid making it too sudsy, though.

Do wipe clean with a squeegee

According to Reader’s Digest, washing your windows with a squeegee will prevent streaks and keep your windows sparkling. The best squeegees have a smooth, soft rubber edge that won’t smudge.

Do dry remaining drips

"Water Drops" by Steve Beger / CC BY-SA 2.0 

After you’ve squeegeed, dry remaining water and suds with a damp chamois cloth, advises This Old House. It’ll soak up the moisture without leaving streaks.

What do you think about these tips? Do the pros have it right? Sound off on our Facebook page! Remember to choose Superior Windowland for all of your home improvement projects.

When to Replace Your Home's Windows

Considering updating your windows, but unsure whether or not it's necessary? Some windows can be repaired and don’t need to be changed altogether. But if you've noticed any of the following in your home, it’s likely time to consider an update – especially if your home is more than 15 years old.

The biggest warning sign that it’s time to update your windows is if they won’t open or close properly. According to Yahoo! Homes, this is especially true for older homes with double and single hung windows. If the balance fails, your window will have trouble staying up, which could be hazardous.

Another sign that your old window might need to be replaced is if you notice condensation on the inside of the glass. Fog between the panels usually indicates that the seal has failed, allowing moisture to enter the space. This is most common in double- or triple-paned windows.

"Condensation Sensation!" by Erin Perry /  CC BY-SA 2.0

Have you noticed fading in your furniture, carpets and drapes? If so, it could mean that your windows are allowing too many ultraviolet rays to enter your home, advises Andersen Windows: “Upgrading your windows to more energy efficient products can potentially reduce fading and extend the life of your personal and household items.”

You should also replace any windows that are leaky. Obviously you don’t want the outside weather to enter your home. But, perhaps more importantly, “Inefficient windows can leak, allowing water to come into your house both in front of and behind the walls—a leading cause of mold and mildew in homes,” warns Andersen Windows.

There are many other reasons you might want to replace your home’s windows as well. If they’re drafty, difficult to lock, or if your energy costs are higher than you’d like, updating is a good idea. Call Superior Windowland at (203) 948-7770 for a free, in-home consultation regarding your windows.

Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more home improvement tips!

Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows

Whether you’re designing a new home or remodeling your current house, you might be thinking about installing a bay window or bow window. While they look similar, they do have their differences. Let’s take a look at how these windows differ.

A bay window has a fixed center window joined together with venting windows on either side. On the other hand, a bow window is made up of four or more windows joined together to form an elegant curve. The windows can be fixed, venting, or a combination of the two.

"Stained Glass Bay Window Sundial (3)" by John Carmichael / CC BY 2.0

"Groothaert Boulevard De Smet de Nayer bow-window" by Michel Detry / CC BY-SA 3.0

How do you choose between these two styles? There are many factors that need to be considered.

First, you must determine whether or not you need building consent. According to DoItYourself.com, “If your house is close to the street then you will need to check how far the window is permitted to project from the building without causing a problem.” Bay windows usually protrude further than a bow window because they are generally installed at 90, 135 or 150 degree angles. So if your home is positioned close to the curb, a bow window might be your best option.

Both bay windows and bow windows are great for adding a bit of floor space to your home. This space can be used to display furniture, artwork or even boxed window seats.

Bow windows will allow more sunlight into your room because they have more panes of glass and less paneling than bay windows.

As mentioned above, a bow window can feature any combination of fixed and venting windows, whereas bay windows do not offer that flexibility. If you’re looking for added ventilation, bow windows might be the right choice for you. However, if you do choose to create a bow window out of several venting windows, note that it will be more expensive to install the opening mechanisms.

Still not sure which window is right for your next project? Call Superior Windowland at (203) 948-7770 or reach out to us on Facebook today. Our expert staff members are ready to help you determine whether a bay window or a bow window is ideal for your home.

What Services Does Superior Windowland LLC Provide?

Superior Windowland is an industry leader in windows, doors, spray foam insulation, and more. We’ve got years of experience and training under our belt, so you can rest assured that our factory-trained crew will handle your project properly and professionally. If you’re looking to upgrade your home, read on to learn more about our services.

Windows

As our business name implies, we specialize in installing all types of windows. We’re familiar with every type of window, from its features to how to install it. We’ve seen it all! Some of the windows Superior Windowland offers include:

• Double-Hung Windows
• Single-Hung Windows
• Awning Windows
• Fixed Windows
• Sliding Windows
• Casement Windows
• Bay Windows
• Bow Windows
• Tilt and Turn Windows

Not sure which type of window is right for your home? We’re happy to help you select the ideal product for the job from top brands like Andersen, Jeld-Wen, OKNA and Interstate. Superior Windowland can even repair your broken windows! 

Roofing

Superior Windowland’s crew of roofing contractors is amply trained in repairs and installation. We’re happy to provide you with a free estimate for your roofing project. And, as with all of our services, we promise to provide superior customer service every step of the way.

We offer a variety of roofing materials, each of which has its own pros and cons. They include asphalt, wood, tile, slate, metal and copper. If you’re not sure which option is best for your home, our experts are ready to help you decide. Our brands include Timberline, TruDefinition Duration and CertainTeed

Siding

We at Superior Windowland sell and install all types of siding. From wood clapboard and wood shakes to fiber cement and vinyl siding — there is not a project we have not done. We use only the best brands to install your siding, like CertainTeed and James Hardie. Call us to discuss the best option for your home.

Doors

Your home’s front door is one of the most visible and important components to its overall look. You can count on our experienced staff to help you choose a door that will not only enhance the beauty, but also the efficiency of your home. Our door brands include Therma-Tru and Interstate, both of which are known for their excellence.

We’re also experts in spray foam insulation, gutters, hardwood flooring and so much more. So whether you want to make a small change to your home or completely renovate it, choose Superior Windowland. We serve areas in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Share your remodeling project with us on Facebook or Twitter today. We love seeing your photos!