3 DIY Halloween Window & Door Decorations

Halloween is here! If you haven't decorated yet, it's not too late. We've scoured the web and found three DIY (do-it-yourself) Halloween window and door decorations you can make today. They're quick, easy and inexpensive!

1. Hanging Bats

Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

This one is super-simple thanks to a template available at MarthaStewart.com. Print out the template and use it to cut a bat out of thick black paper. Poke holes in either the tail or the head, attach a string, and hang from your porch's ceiling!

2. Jack Skellington Door Decoration

Photo courtesy of Family.Disney.com

In 20 minutes or less, you can make an awesome Jack Skellington door decoration! Disney Family provides the template for this festive piece. Use paper or cardstock to print the template, and cut out all pieces. Punch out holes as indicated, and connect the pieces using small brads. Hang him on the door however you'd like!

3. Ghostly Draperies

Photo courtesy of HGTV

Dress up your windows for Halloween with ghostly draperies. Follow step-by-step instructions from HGTV to add an eerie touch to your home. It takes a little time and patience, but it's very budget-friendly!

Will you make any of these last-minute DIY Halloween decorations? If so, we'd love to see your creations! Share your results with Superior Windowland on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

5 Ways to Tell If You Need a New Roof

We’re well into fall and winter is fast approaching. Is your roof prepared to withstand autumn rainstorms and heavy winter snow? Most people don't pay much attention to their roof, which can lead to costly repairs in the long run. Here are five ways to tell if you need a new roof:

1. Your roof hasn't been replaced in 20 or more years

The average roof's lifespan ranges from 20 to 50 years. That's a pretty wide date range. To be safe, if you haven't replaced your roof in 20 years, have it inspected. It may already be time for a new one.

2. Your shingles show wear and tear

If you're inspecting your roof on your own, SheKnows.com recommends checking for "cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles." Shingles in bad condition are a sure sign of a roof that needs work. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might be able to get away with a repair instead of a full replacement.

3. You've found shingle granules in your gutters

Another sign that you need a new roof is if you've found pieces of shingle in your gutters. This means that your roof is having a hard time holding up during rain, wind and other types of inclement weather. Look for shingle granules when cleaning your gutters.

4. You can see daylight through your roof boards

Peek inside of your attic. If you can see light from the outside coming through your roof boards, you probably need a new roof. It's also important to look for moisture within the insulation, advises Angie's List.


5.  You're tired of looking at it

It might sound paltry in comparison, but if you can't stand the color or style of your roof, then it's time to consider installing a new one. Replacing your roof not only improves your home's curb appeal, but also can up its resale value.

Superior Windowland's crew of roofing contractors are highly trained in both repairs and installation. We provide free estimates for all roofing projects, and are sure to provide superior customer service along every step of the way. Call us at (203) 948-7770 to discuss the best options for your home! 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 Check for Air Leaks in Your Windows

Now is the time to get your home ready for the cold winter ahead. One of the most important things you can do to prepare your house is to seal up leaky windows. First, however, you’ll need to identify problematic windows. Let’s take a look at how to check for air leaks in your windows:

1. Feel for drafts

First you must figure out whether or not air is flowing through your windows when closed.  "A great way to do this is to hold a lit candle close to the window seams," recommends DIYNetwork.com. If the flame flickers or bends, then there could be a draft.

2. Inspect your home for cracks and gaps

Energy.gov suggests looking at the following areas in your home for signs of an air leak:

• Window and door frames
• Baseboards
• Weatherstripping
• Wall- and window-mounted air conditioners
• Attic hatches

3.  Remove old caulking

If old caulking isn't doing its job anymore, apply caulk softener, let it sit for a couple of hours, and then knife it off. It's important to remove as much of the old caulking as possible. Otherwise, the new caulking may not adhere properly.

If you're still not sure if your windows are leaking air, call Superior Windowland now at (203) 948-7770. We'll work with you to determine if it's time to repair or replace your windows. Learn more at our website.

3 Reasons to Avoid DIY Spray foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation offers many benefits, varying from better air quality to energy savings. And with DIY (do-it-yourself) spray foam kits readily available, you might be thinking about updating your home’s insulation on your own. Below are three reasons to avoid DIY spray foam insulation solutions:

They can smell. If not installed correctly, spray foam insulation can cause a strong, fishy smell as a result of off-gassing. In fact, according to CBC News, the scent has driven homeowners out of their houses, “some complaining of difficulty breathing and other health problems.” Superior Windowland uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure proper installation and procedures that will prevent any unpleasant smells.

They can crack. When insulation starts to crack or chip, it stops doing its job. Unfortunately, improperly applied spray foam insulation can fall apart. That’s because the process involves the precise mixing of two chemical compounds. The everyday person just isn’t familiar with the mixing, layering, and temperature specifications!

Removing the insulation is expensive. If you do try to apply your own spray foam insulation and it goes badly, you will have trouble finding a contractor to remove it for an affordable price. Spray foam insulation is super-durable, making it hard to uninstall. CBC News reports that it could cost thousands of dollars.

When it comes to spray foam insulation, avoid DIY approaches. Turn to the experts of Superior Windowland. We’ve successfully installed hundreds of retro, open cell, closed cell and roofing cell projects. As with our other remodeling expertise, we are now considered a leader in the spray foam industry! Dial (203) 948-7770 to learn more. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for more tips.

Is Your Home's Siding Outdated?

Did you know that an outdated exterior can decrease the value of your home? Whether you’re thinking about selling your house or are just thinking of ways to up its curb appeal, you may want to consider new siding. First, ask yourself whether or not your home’s siding is outdated.

Siding trends are constantly changing, just like they do in fashion. If your siding is outdated, chances are you’re not making the impression you want to be making. Does your home look tired? Is its aesthetic stuck in a different decade? If so, new siding from Superior Windowland can make all the difference.

Here’s what to look for when asking yourself whether or not your house’s siding is outdated:

• Color – bright and flashy siding is out, darker shades are in
• Texture – trendsetters are using a mix of materials to form a unique texture and look
• Energy efficiency – your siding covers a huge part of your home, and certain designs can save you money on cooling and heating

Superior Windowland's staff has sold and installed all types of siding. Our siding installation technicians are factory-trained, and have hands on experience with every type. We can help you achieve the following benefits:

• Durable climate protection for your home
• Low maintenance
• Enhanced curb appeal
• Increased home value
• Reduced energy costs with insulated siding

Call Superior Windowland today at (203) 948-7770 to discuss options. From wood clapboard and wood shakes, to fiber cement siding, to vinyl siding — there is not a project we have not done. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for more tips.

3 Natural Ways to Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can be tricky to clean. Commercial cleaners with heavy chemicals or wax can cause unsightly buildup, reports the Huffington Post. Harsh chemicals can also damage the wood, causing it to swell and become uneven over time. For these and other reasons, you might want to consider nontoxic cleaning solutions. Below are three natural ways to clean your hardwood floors.

1. Vinegar

According to CleanMama.net, mopping and/or scrubbing your hardwood floors with a mixture of ½ cup of white vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water is a great cleaning technique. Worried about the scent? Add a few drops of essential oil to eliminate the “pickle smell.”

2. Lemon and olive oil

Hearts.com recommends combining ½ cup of lemon juice, ¾ cup of olive oil and 1 gallon of warm water for an effective wood cleaning solution. Using a mop, apply the mixture to your hardwood floors. Be sure not to apply too much water, however, which can warp the wood.

3. Tea

Can black tea really be good for your hardwood floors? RuralSpin.com argues that it’s easy, cheap and effective:

Simply brew 3 tea bags with four cups or so of boiling water. Let it sit to cool a bit, then use a funnel to transfer it to a spray bottle. It’s ready to use. Spray it on your floor enough to see a sheen of wetness, but don’t overdo it; too much moisture takes too long to dry and can warp your wood through time. After you spray it, wipe or mop to remove dirt. I use wash cloths that I attach to a Swiffer sweeper. Or I get on my hands-and-knees and clean the floors old-school. Rinsing isn’t required.

Not only does tea smell much better than vinegar, but it also helps deepen and enhance your hardwood floor’s natural color. Would you try it?

If your hardwood floors are too far gone to clean, contact Superior Windowland and ask about our flooring products. Our team will be happy to help you put together the perfect solution for your hardwood flooring needs. 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 Choose the Perfect Curtains for Any Window

You’ve just upgraded your home’s windows to let in more light, conserve energy and add to your home’s curb appeal. Congratulations! But the work’s not over – now it’s time to make a decision about window treatments.

With so many options to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve written this guide on how to choose the perfect curtains for any window. Consider the following points and you’ll have it figured out in no time:

Function is of utmost importance

Sure, you want your curtains to be beautiful and complement your home’s décor. But first and foremost, you must decide how you will use your treatments. For example, “If you want treatments that provide privacy or total darkness, you need lined curtains,” advises RealSimple.com. On the other hand, if you’re happy with some light coming through, unlined curtains are your best bet.

Pay attention to fabric

Lana Lawrence, vice president of Anthony Lawrence-Belfair curtain fabricators, recommends testing out fabrics by holding them up to a window. "Pleat it like an accordion at the top and let it drape," she told Elle Decor. "If it starts to flare like a piece of crinoline, then it's not going to fall nicely on the window." Be sure to work with a sample of at least 2 yards in order to get an accurate assessment.

Choose a style that works

It’s important to find patterns and colors that “either complement those already in your room, or accent them,” suggests Pier 1. Don’t choose your window treatments based solely upon what’s popular or trending. Otherwise, you could end up with curtains that don’t match your home’s style whatsoever!

What other tips do you have for choosing the perfect curtains? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

How to Prepare Your Windows for Fall

It’s officially fall, and we’re bracing for a cold several months in New England. Now’s the time to get your home ready for the year’s frost! We’ve rounded up the best tips from across the web on how to prepare your windows for fall:

The experts at BobVila.com recommend checking the weather stripping around all of your windows for leaks. Replacing worn out weather stripping will help prevent heat loss. If you can’t tell just by looking at your windows, feel for drafts.

You should also replace the window screens in your home with storm windows in preparation for severe fall and winter weather.

Notice signs of rot or decay in your window frames? See cracks or chips in your glass? Damaged windows should be replaced in order to maintain the structural integrity of your home. Superior Windowland can help – learn about our window installation, sales and replacement services here.

If your home tends to look dreary during the dark winter months, you might want to rethink your windows. According to Better Homes and Gardens, “Some great opportunities for adding windows could include a new door with an inset window, or replace a standard slider with tall French sliding doors.”

Freshome.com suggests hanging heavy drapery over any windows that are super drafty. This should help block some of the air from entering your home.

For more ideas on how to prepare your windows for fall, call Superior Windowland at (203) 948-7770! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for more tips.