Archive for the ‘Window Company’ Category

No matter what home improvement project you take on, it’s going to cost you money.  But some projects offer a better return on investment than others in terms of increased home value.  What you get back is termed a return on investment, or ROI.  If that’s a priority for you with your home remodeling budget, one of the smartest improvements you can make is to replace your old windows.  Experts estimate that when you choose quality, energy-efficient windows such as those from Andersen, Pella, Jen-Weld, or Marvin, you can expect an 80-90% return.  And when you factor in energy savings and reduced maintenance cost, those windows can actually pay for themselves in less than 10 years.

Today’s well-engineered windows offer better insulating value than older windows, but your savings will depend on what options you choose, such as double- or triple-panes, gas filling, Low-E coatings, etc.  And when you choose a window with a low-maintenance or maintenance-free exterior such as a vinyl, fiberglass, or clad wood, you’re cutting down costs for recaulking, staining, or painting.

To boost your investment, consider some of these energy-efficient options:

• Look for a window that’s EnergyStar rated.  That’s your guarantee that it has been independently tested and certified as energy-efficient.
• Choose double or triple pane glass.  Older windows were made of one pane of glass; that’s why storm windows were needed to reduce the winter chill.  Today’s windows with double or triple panes of glass trap air between the glass sheets, which acts as an insulator.  Window experts recommend that you select triple pane windows as an excellent insulating choice for Minnesota’s harsh winters.
• Gas filling increases the insulating value.  Gases such as argon, krypton, and others are placed between the glass panes to further cut down on heat transference.  These gases provide better insulation than plain air.
• Low-E coatings keep the outside weather where it belongs.  Low-E means “low emissivity,” indicating that the window glass has a low rate of heat transference.  These coatings absorb or reflect heat on both sides of the glass, keeping the warm air out in the summer and keeping it inside where it belongs in the winter.  Some Low-E coatings also have UV filters, which harmful sun rays which can fade carpeting, upholstery, and wood.

If you have questions about which energy-efficient windows might be right for your home, please give us a call.  We provide free estimates for replacement windows and other home improvement projects such as roofing, siding, and kitchen remodeling. 

From “This Old House”

Replacing your windows is one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make.  When you choose quality, energy-efficient windows, they add value to your home as well as save you money on heating and cooling bills.  Your rooms are more comfortable in winter, and your home’s exterior is more attractive.  When it comes to home improvements that deliver a great return on investment, windows make the list of one of the best.  And with federal income tax credits currently available for installation of energy-efficient items such as windows,  this could be one of the best times to do it.

Whether you’ve got new windows or you’re happy with the old ones, here’s an easy DIY project to give them a distinctive, classy finishing touch on the inside.  Window cornices used to be very popular.  In fact, if you tour old homes such as Victorians or historic homes which have been preserved in their original style, you will probably find window cornices in many of them.  They’re a beautiful alternative to valances, and they expand your decorating possibilities because you end up with a shelf above the window to work with.  That same shelf will keep the tops of your curtains or draperies less dusty, and they can also create the illusion of a taller window.

When it comes to difficulty, they are one of the easier projects to take on.  This Old House has an easy instructional post, complete with diagrams and a material list.  In about four hours and with simple tools you can add an elegant touch to any room in your house.  If build-it-yourself projects aren’t up your alley, some home stores sell ready-to-finish cornices that just require some stain or paint and a mounting.  Either way, your windows will take on a whole new look.

If your windows are in such a state that even cornices won’t rescue them, perhaps it’s time to consider replacing them.  Iron River installs replacement windows as a part of its package of interior and exterior home remodeling services. 

Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom and want to give your space a unique look? Today, there are more tiling options available than ever before.

Glass

With many tiles made out of recycled material, this option is both Earth friendly and attractive.  Glass tiles can be used in quite a few different ways and leave an impact that more traditional ceramic can’t. When used as an accent, it gives a room beautiful highlights, and when it’s used on an entire surface, its smooth gleam makes the bathroom feel like a spa.

Available in flat or glossy finishes and in a wide array of colors, glass can fit into any decoration scheme. It’s also versatile enough to be used on walls, floors or back-splashes.

Metal Tiles

Small metal tiling offers a chance to express your creativity by being perfect to design your own patterns with. Ideal for the back-splash, you can achieve many different feels, depending on whether you go with stainless steel, copper or bronze. Extra texture can be added by selecting from many different finishes, including satin and brushed.

Hardwood Porcelain

The look of hardwood has been a favorite for a long time, but because of the moisture in bathrooms, it’s not wise to install it as tiling. Today, manufacturers produce porcelain tiles which look a great deal like hardwood. It’s far easier to care for than real wood, and comes in planks of 2, 3 and 4 inches.

Window Frames

How you use the tile is just as important as the material it’s made out of.  When looking at your bathroom windows, consider framing them with tile. It’s best to use ceramic border or natural stone for your windows. If you’d like a completely unified look, incorporate tile used in other parts of the room as well.

By using any one of these great ideas, you can truly remodel your bathroom into something unique and beautiful.