How to Care for Your Siding in the Winter

It's important to maintain your home's siding year-round. But it's been a cold, snowy winter here in the Northeast, and you're probably not thrilled by the idea of going outdoors to clean your house's exterior.

However, these harsh weather conditions are exactly what makes cleaning so important. Let's discuss how to care for your siding in the winter:

1. Clean vinyl siding with vinegar and water

Combine one part vinegar with three parts water for an effective siding cleaning solution. Use a long, bristled brush to scrub the siding. Expert tip: Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid streaks.

2. Use a power washer

If you'd rather get the job done quickly (and who wouldn't?), then rent a power washer. However, before you start spraying, refer to your manufacturer's manual for recommended pressure strength. Otherwise, you could damage your siding.

3. Check for mold

Because temperatures fluctuate throughout the winter, snow and ice tend to melt and refreeze. This creates an ideal condition for mold growth. If you notice mold growing in, around or underneath your siding, give Superior Windowland a call and ask to speak with one of our skilled technicians.

To get in touch, dial  (203) 948-7770 or visit us on the web! You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Updating Old Windows

If you own an old or historic home, then you know all too well that it's both a blessing and a curse. You've fallen in love with its personality and features, but have trouble with maintenance and home improvement projects. Deciding whether or not to replace your home's windows is especially challenging. That's why we at Superior Windowland have outlined the pros and cons of updating old windows:

Pros

One of the biggest reasons owners of old homes choose to update their windows is for energy savings. We've come a long way in terms of window technology, and it shows. Superior Windowland offers energy-efficient products that will help keep your home comfortable year-round.

Updating a historic home's windows will also help keep it cleaner. You can expect less dust, dirt and pollen to enter through the cracks. This is especially important for allergy sufferers.

If you choose to upgrade to Energy Star windows, you can also receive deductions on your tax return. Speak with a Superior Windowland expert to ensure you choose new windows that qualify.

Cons

If you're considering replacing your old home's windows, your number one priority is likely maintaining a style. This can be difficult with modern windows. However, you can rest assured that there is not a project we have not seen or cannot figure out. Superior Windowland will fit your needs and budget!

At the end of the day, the pros of updating your old windows outweigh the cons. If you're very concerned about altering the look of your house, turn to Superior Windowland. We can help you select the perfect type of windows for the job. Dial (203) 948-7770 to get in touch, and don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more tips.

How to Repurpose Old Windows as Home Decor

If you've recently replaced your home's windows, you may be wondering what to do with your old ones. Don't just throw them out. Put on your DIY hat and upcycle them instead! Let's discuss how to repurpose old windows as home decor:

1. Picture frames

Whether your old windows are single-pane or multi-pane, they can be reused as picture frames! According to Bob Vila, "A window’s strong frame is designed to keep heavy glass in place, it works equally well to help you display family photos, art, or little bits and baubles." Here's one great example, courtesy of Talia Christine.

Photo: Talia Christine

2. Cork boards

Need a new way to display memos and notes? Transform your old windows into awesome cork boards! Blogger Mom 4 Real offers step by step directions here. What better way to be more organized and be more crafty?

Photo: Mom 4 Real

3. Room dividers

If you're looking for a beautiful way to divide a room without losing natural light, this one's for you. Here, hung windows are used to separate a space at Le Créme Spa in San Francisco. You can easily create the same look for your home! Thanks to POPSUGAR for sharing this tip and photo.

Photo: POPSUGAR

Instead of sending your old windows to a landfill, repurpose them as home decor. It's simple and affordable! Don't forget to like Superior Windowland on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Google+ for more tips.

Windows 101

Your home's windows can greatly influence its overall appearance, both inside and outside. They also impact your home in terms of functionality and energy-efficiency. Before you begin shopping around for new windows, it's important to have a basic understanding of how windows work.

Windows 101

Style

A significant consideration when updating your home's windows is how the finished product will look. Decide upon a style for your home, and look for windows that will complement your house's current architectural features. The experts of Superior Windowland can help you select windows that match your house's current look and feel.

Energy-Efficiency

Installing new windows can also make your house more energy-efficient. The OKNA Insul-Tec is our most popular choice for window replacement because it combines excellent craftsmanship with a traditional look and feel. Superior Windowland offers a variety of options to make your home energy-efficient while enhancing its beauty!

Utility

You wouldn't buy a new outfit without trying it on, right? Well, the same goes for your windows. Test out different windows at our showroom to understand their various functions. Here are some sample questions worth pondering:

• Does it open in or out?
• Will everyone in your family be able to reach the handle(s)?
• Is it pet-friendly?
• Will it provide relief in the summer?
• Can you seal it up in the winter?

Care

A new window -- as with most updates to your home -- will require regular maintenance throughout its lifespan. Speak with a Superior Windowland technician about how to care for your windows after installation. Certain types of windows will need to be tended to more often.

Now that you've read through our Windows 101 guide, you may have some additional questions. Please feel free to give Superior Windowland a call at (203) 948-7770. We'll help you select the perfect type of windows for the job. Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Google+ for more tips!

5 DIY Valentine's Day Window Decorations

Valentine's Day is this Saturday! It's not too late to do a little decorating, and your windows make the perfect display case for cupid-themed decor. Below we take a look at five DIY (do it yourself) Valentine's Day window decorations:

1. Hanging paper hearts

Add a little love to your windows with these delightful hanging paper hearts.  All you need is construction paper, scissors, ribbon and a stapler! Instructions available over at My Little Gems.

2. Yarn hearts

These yarn hearts can be displayed similarly to the paper hearts we discussed above. They make great window decorations because the yarn creates interesting-to-look-at patterns. Homedit also recommends handing them out as Valentines for your friends!

3. Valentine's Day wreath

The Thriftress recommends hanging this decoration on a door, but it would look great in a window too. We love it because it's made from -- wait for it -- paper towel tubes! Save up just two rolls to make this fun piece.

4. Curly Valentine's Day garland

Who says garland's only appropriate for Christmas? Check out how Apartment Therapy made it 100 percent relevant for Valentine's Day. Click the link for directions.


5. Love tree

Have an empty bay window just begging to be decorated? Makezine's got you covered. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to create heart ornaments for indoor plants and trees.

What other DIY Valentine's Day window decorations have you made? Share your ideas with Superior Windowland on Facebook, Twitter and Google+! And if you're getting ready to update your home's windows, give us a call at  (203) 948-7770.

How to Connect with Superior Windowland on Social Media

Superior Windowland delivers an unparalleled level of customer service. Whether you need a broken window repaired or new siding for your entire house, you can count on us for complete satisfaction.

Our goal is to help make your project picture perfect, and we offer support during every phase of the process. To that end, we've made ourselves available on social media.

That's right, we've made getting in touch with Superior Windowland even easier. Like us on Facebook for tips, news and much more. Follow us on Twitter @SWindowland to stay on top of updates and specials. Are you a Google+ user? If so, follow Superior Windowland and leave us a review!

Last but certainly not least, we'd love for you to subscribe to Superior Windowland on YouTube. Please let us know what you think of our animated video!

To connect with Superior Windowland on social media, simply click the links above. Doing so will keep you in the loop with our updates and news. Visit Superior Windowland online or call us at (203) 948-7770 for more information about our business.