What to Do If There's Ice in Your Windows

Winter is near, and chances are you've had to fire up your home's heating system more than once already. In some homes, doing so causes condensation to form on the inside of windows. If the condensation remains well into winter, you've got a problem on your hands -- it could cause ice to form. Here's what to do if there's ice in your windows:

Many of the things we do on an everyday basis add moisture to our home's air. Between showering and cooking and everything in between, the American Society of Home Inspectors reports that we add more than 2 1/2 gallons of moisture into the air each day. Being aware of how much moisture you're creating is the first step in decreasing the humidity level of your home.

Take the following steps to limit other sources of moisture:

• Reduce humidity where it starts -- often in your basement or crawl space
• Look for drainage problems with your gutters
• Turn off your furnace's built-in humidifier 
• Run your clothes dryer vent outdoors
• Avoid air-drying wet laundry inside
• Repair plumbing leaks
• Limit the amount of houseplants you own
• Keep firewood outdoors
• Add ventilation

If you've still got ice in your windows, it may be time to replace them. Superior Windowland offers a wide variety of windows. Whether you are looking for a fine piece of furniture or a highly energy-efficient window, we have it! If for some reason we don't, we can always obtain them for your project.

To learn more, dial (203) 948-7770 today. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and follow us on Google+ for more tips!

Can My Roof Withstand Heavy Snow?

It's difficult not to start dreading winter when right now the people of Buffalo are digging themselves out of what seems like an endless snowstorm. After all, it's only a matter of time before snowfall heads our way. As we hear more and more stories of people's homes being destroyed by more than 5 feet of snow, you might be asking yourself, "Can my roof withstand heavy snow?" Here's what you need to know.

According to AccuWeather.com, a cubic foot of packed snow could weigh up to 20 pounds. If you're worried about whether or not your roof can withstand heavy snow, keep an eye out for the following:

• A sagging roof
• Extreme roof leaking
• Cracks in your walls
• Creaking noises

If you notice any of the above, contact Superior Windowland as soon as possible at (203) 948-7770. Our crew of roofing contractors is highly trained and will be able to spot potential problems.

If your roof looks like it might not be able to withstand heavy snow, we'll provide a free estimate along with superior customer service every step of the way. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and follow us on Google+ for more tips!

How to Prevent Ice Dams from Forming in Your Gutters

It’s freezing out there – literally! Temperatures here in Connecticut have begun to dip below 32 degrees, meaning that your home’s gutters could be at risk for ice dams. According to This Old House, “Dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house.” This is obviously not something you want for your home!

 

With that said, here’s how to prevent ice dams from forming in your gutters:

Control heat loss. When heat escapes through your roof, it melts any snow that may be present, thereby leading to ice dams in your gutters. Make sure that your attic is properly insulated and is equipped with ventilation. This will ensure that the temperature of your roof matches that of the outdoors. Learn about Superior Windowland’s spray foam insulation here.

Invest in deicing cables. HouseLogic.com recommends installing electrically-heated deicing cables along your roof’s eave lines. Doing so will help stymie the freezing process. However, some argue that the heat cables aren’t worth the cost.

Remove ice dams as they form. If your gutters are already inflicted with ice dams, you’re likely looking for a quick fix. Using a roof rake, pointing a box fan at the roof, and applying a calcium chloride ice melter are some of the most common practices of ice dam removal.

If your roof suffers damage this winter due to snow, ice, wind or anything else, don’t hesitate to call Superior Windowland at (203) 948-7770. Our crew of roofing contractors is highly trained in both repairs and installation. We do everything we can to make sure your roof stands up to the most extreme climates, such as snow storms and hurricanes.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and follow us on Google+ for more tips!

How to Prepare Your Windows for Winter

We’re well into autumn, and winter is just around the corner. Even if you’re ready for cold weather, your windows may not be. From checking for drafts to inspecting windows for cracks, let’s take a look at how to prepare your windows for winter.

The experts of BobVila.com suggest checking your windows for:

Worn out weather-stripping

When the weather stripping on your windows starts falling apart, cold outside air can find its way in. This should be replaced before winter to prevent heat loss! Refer to this guide from House Logic for tips on replacing weather stripping.

Rotting or decaying window frames

If your wooden window frames show signs of decay, it’s likely time for a repair or replacement. This will not only help keep your home warm this winter, but will also help maintain structural integrity.

Drafts

Feeling for drafts will help you identify where heat could be escaping from your house. Look back at this blog post if you’re not sure how to identify where drafts are coming from. Caulking both the inside and outside of drafty windows prevent heat from leaving your home.

Cracks, chips and breaks in the glass

These need to be replaced as soon as possible. Frigid winter temperatures could further exacerbate any fractures that already exist.

If you require any repairs or replacements, contact Superior Windowland immediately! We’ll make sure your windows are prepared to keep you and your family warm this winter. Dial (203) 948-7770 today. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your circles on Google+ for more tips!

5 Window Safety Tips

According to SafeKids.org, 127 children in the U.S. died in 2010 from fall-related injuries. Many of these fatalities were due to children falling out of windows in their homes. There are precautions you can take to avoid falls in your home. Let’s take a look at five window safety tips, which can help make your house a safer place:

1. Install window guards. According to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, window guards can prevent falls. On the other hand, screens alone cannot. Window guards are made up of bars that are no more than 4 inches apart. This prevents children from getting in between the bars and falling out of a window.

2. Open windows from the top. Some windows can be opened from both the top and the bottom. Try to get into the habit of opening your windows from the top, which can help prevent accidental falls. When not using your windows, always keep them locked.

3. Move furniture away from windows. When young children start crawling and climbing, tragedy can happen in an instant. Keep furniture like cribs and chairs away from windows so that toddlers do not have access.

4. Come up with an escape plan. If your child doesn’t know what to do in case of an emergency, he or she may go straight to the windows. That’s one reason why coming up with an emergency escape plan is so important.

5. Install stops. Window guards aren’t made for all windows. For example, emergency escape windows cannot be covered by window guards. Installing window stops ensures that a window cannot be opened more than 4 inches.

Old windows can pose a safety risk as well. If you think your windows need updating, call the experts of Superior Windowland today 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.