3 Tips for Choosing a New Front Door

If you’re in the market for a new front door, you’ve come to the right place. Superior Windowland offers a variety of entry doors and years of experience in both installation and sales. Today, there are many options when choosing a new door - from wood to fiberglass, with each material available in a variety of colors and styles. Below are three tips for choosing a new front door.

Which material is right for you? A wood door offers different benefits than a steel door. It’s important to first determine what your priorities are, and then choose a material based on that. For example, according to This Old House, “A steel door is your best bet if security and durability are top priorities.” Not only are they more robust than wood and fiberglass doors, but they’re also easy to repair. Other material options include glass, fiberglass and aluminum.

What’s your home’s aesthetic? Front doors aren’t all about function; it’s also important that your new door “complement and add to the aesthetic of your home,” advises Houzz. The right door will help give your house a facelift. In fact, choosing a door that adds something to your home actually increases its curb appeal and resale value.

How’s your budget? Think about both up-front costs and long-term costs when shopping for a new entry door. “Make sure you are well aware of the energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and life expectancy of the door you are selecting,” recommends Bob Vila. They will all impact how much your new entryway costs you in the long run.

The ultimate choice is up to you, but if you need guidance, Superior Windowland’s expert staff can assist. Allow us to help you find the perfect door for your home remodeling project! Dial (203) 948-7770 for a free estimate. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for more tips.

How to Keep Leaves Out of Your Gutters

While autumn foliage certainly is beautiful, when the leaves finally fall, they can wreak havoc on your home. Leaves, twigs and debris can clog gutters, causing rain water to overflow. Over time, the buildup of water can ruin landscaping, damage your home’s foundation and even lead to basement flooding. With this in mind, let’s discuss how to keep leaves out of your gutters:

Clean them annually. The best way to prevent leaves from clogging up your gutters is to clean them at least once a year and after major storms, advises House Logic. Use a sturdy ladder to access your gutters, and dig out as much as the gunk as you can. Then, use a hose to wash out the remaining grime.

Add a mesh screen. According to SFGate, if you home is located in an area that sees only light rainfall and isn’t surrounded by trees, a installing a mesh screen over the top of your gutters should do the trick. It will filter out the leaves and keep your gutters fully functional.

Install new gutters. Replacing or installing new gutters is a great way to enhance your house’s exterior. Superior Windowland offers a variety of gutter and downspout products, allowing you to select the color, size and design that’s right for you. Superior Windowland can also install new gutters complete with leaf protection.

For more information on gutter installation, sales and replacement, dial (203) 948-7770 and ask to speak with a Superior Specialist! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for more tips.

Taking Care of Your Hardwood Floors

Keeping your hardwood floors immaculate is a difficult task. Scratches and spills are inevitable and will drive most homeowners crazy. However, with these maintenance tips you can keep your floors looking and feeling new!

Dust

Reduce the build-up of dust and dirt on your floors by dusting daily. Use a microfiber towel or vacuum to keep your floors absent of allergy-causing, stubborn dirt and dust. Regular dusting products may not be the best choice.

Choose the correct cleaning formula

According to Lowe's Home Improvement Center there are some ingredients to consider when looking for a hardwood floor cleaner. pH-neutral, non-toxic, and biodegradable are key words to look for when selecting cleaning products.

Never use water

You might damage your floors and cause rot by using water to clean your floors. You can use a damp cloth to wipe up spills, but pouring water directly onto to floor is a no-no.

Floor Mats

Positioning floor mats both inside and outside of the room will help prevent dirt and any water from the bottom of your shoes from coming in contact with your hardwood floors.

Pets

Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to avoid surface scratches, and clean up any hair that has shed.

Deep Cleaning

If you haven’t taken proper care of your flooring in the past you may need to perform a deep cleaning. To do so, use a diluted wood-cleaning product and a sponge or rap mop. Be sure to wipe up any left-over cleaning product.

Superior Windowland has a relationship with many fine flooring products. Our team will be happy to help you put together the perfect solution for your flooring needs. From design, to product selection, to final installation—we have the expertise to complete your project seamlessly. Give us a call today at (203) 948-7770. Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter!

5 Popular Window Styles

If you’re in the market for a new window or want to update your existing windows, you’ve come to the right place. Superior Windowland is an industry leader and windows, and we offer a variety of designs. With that said, you might be wondering which types of windows are most common. Below are five popular window styles that will help improve your home’s look and efficiency.

Single-Hung

Perhaps the most common type of window is the single-hung. According to BobVila.com, in single-hung (or single sash) windows, he bottom sash can be moved up to allow air to enter a room. The top sash, however, stays in place.

Casement

Here in America, we don’t see casement windows as often as our European counterparts, but they’re still quite popular. MSN Real Estate explains that the casement window was common in the UK prior to the creation of the single-hung window. Casement windows open like a door.

Bay

This Old House describes a bay window as being “composed of three windows joined, or mulled, at the factory to make a single large unit.” While the center window is usually wide, it’s usually surrounded by narrower single-hung or casement windows.

Bow

A bow window, on the other hand, is made up of several casement windows placed side-by-side to form a curve, reports DoItYourself.com. Bow windows offer many of the same features as bay windows, but are less common.

Awning

According to Andersen Windows, awning windows are characterized by a hinged top that allows them to open outward. Furthermore, they’re most often wider than they are tall. These windows will provide extra ventilation because their entire sash opens.

Need help determining which of these five popular window styles is right for your project? Dial (203) 948-7770 to speak with a Superior Windowland professional today! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for tips on windows, doors, roofing and more.

How to Remove Fingerprints from Your Windows

The beauty of your new windows is compromised when they’re covered in fingerprints. What’s worse, fingerprint smudges are especially hard to wipe clean due to the oils in our skin.

photo credit: Genista via photopin cc

Here’s how to remove fingerprints from your windows quickly and easily:

First, it’s important to prep your windows to be cleaned. Windows with heavy dust won’t be as easy to clean. Using a feather duster, wipe away dust, dirt and other buildup. This will allow you to get a closer clean.

After you’ve wiped away the dust on your windows, it’s time to break out the dish soap. While dishwashing liquid is designed to break down the oils we cook with, it also cuts through the grease that lives on our skin. Family Handy Man suggests adding a teaspoon of dish soap to a large bucket of warm water, applying the mixture to your windows with a sponge, and using a squeegee to wipe it clean.

 
Next, run a dishcloth under hot water and wipe down your windows to remove any remaining soap. The hot water will evaporate quickly, reducing the likelihood of water spots. To get your windows dry, wipe down with paper towels.

What other tips do you have for removing fingerprints from windows and other glass products? Share your ideas with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter! And don’t forget to call Superior Windowland at (203) 948-7770 for windows, doors, roofing and more.

How to Select a Siding Color for Your Home

Your home’s siding is a big piece of its overall look. So when it comes time to update your house’s exterior, it’s important to consider your options wisely. Below are three tips for selecting a siding color for your home.

Find a color combination that appeals to you. Most people are attracted to certain color combinations. And we make decisions about color daily, from our outfit choices to the artwork we hang in our homes. The outside of your home is no different! Determining which color combination is the most appealing to you as a first step in selecting a siding color for your home.

Look around your neighborhood. How do your neighbors’ homes look? Take a stroll down your block and take note of color combinations and features that pique your interest. Doing so will not only provide inspiration, but also help you decide how your house’s new look will fit in. Don’t choose colors that will clash with your neighbors’ exteriors!

Pay attention to the sun. Your home’s orientation will impact how much of it receives direct sunlight. If your house does get a lot of sun, lighter color siding will look best. Sunlight enhances bright colors, allowing your home to look even more stunning.

Still not sure which color siding to choose for your home? From wood clapboard and wood shakes, to fiber cement siding, to vinyl siding — there is not a project the experts of Superior Windowland have not done. Call us today at (203) 948-7770 to discuss ideas and options!

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