How To Choose The Best Windows For A Brick Home
Choosing the right new windows for your brick home, or undertaking single-hung window installation for your home is no easy task.
With all of the options available on the market, you want to choose something that is going to go great with your brick. It comes down to personal taste, but there are certain windows that are going to look better than others and that will compliment the look of a brick home much more effectively. Below are some tips for how to choose the best windows for a brick home.
Casement windows
Casement windows provide that traditional look to the traditional brick home that many other windows can’t. They have hinged sashes that swing outwards, allowing air to flow freely through the entire window opening. They are elegant and provide a great throwback look that accents a brick house nicely.
Slider windows
The slider window is another great traditional window option that allows you to give your home that classic feel. Brick houses, above all, demand a classic feel, especially if you live in a part of the country where many brick homes are historic character homes. You don’t want windows that are ultra modern disrupting the feel of classic brick.
Awning (or hopper) window
Think of this window as a casement window rotated 90 degrees onto its side. It is hinged at the top so that it swings out, allowing you to leave the window open when it rains without worrying about water damage inside your home. This is another great window option for brick houses.
Tilt-turn
If you are thinking about new windows and money is no object, tilt-turn windows are great (though expensive) and add a level of charm and sophistication to a brick house that other windows don’t. They are also a bit more complicated when it comes to single-hung window installation because, as the name suggests, they tilt outwards like a pivot, or a hopper on a door. It, like the hopper window above, does a great job of keeping out the weather, even when the window is open.
Single-hung window installation comes with a learning curve and new windows are hard to choose because of all the variety available. But certain window styles look better on brick than others. If you are thinking about purchasing new windows and installing them yourself, keep the above suggestions in mind, as well as the pros and cons of each, and make sure your windows are doing your beautiful brick home justice.
How to Ensure Your Windows are Secure
Your windows are the gateway to your home.
They keep out the elements, they ensure that the temperature is regulated and they also, very importantly, keep unwanted people out of your home. Break-and-enter is a fairly rare occurrence as far as the general population goes, but depending on where you live, it can be a major risk. If you are worried that your windows may not be as intruder-proof as they could be, regardless of the area you live in, below are some tips to ensure that they are.
Invest in tempered reinforced glass
One of the easiest ways to reinforce glass is to invest in tempered glass. Tempered glass is a lot stronger than traditional glass and more difficult to break. It’s also one of the least expensive reinforcing options for your windows.
Polycarbonate and plexiglas
Plexiglas, also know as acrylic plastic, is about as thick as a traditional window but is generally tested to be around 10 times stronger. Polycarbonate windows can be on the pricier side but are more secure, as well as being more impact resistant than safety glass and stronger than acrylic windows.
Window bars
Having iron bars on the outside of your windows is the best way to upgrade the security of your home without having to make any alterations to your windows. Even if a would-be thief manages to break your windows, there is still no way they are getting through the iron bars. Many people object to iron bars because they feel that they give their home the look of a prison, but depending on where you live and how much you value the added protection, they could make a lot of sense.
Alarm systems
There are a wide range of window alarms on the market today, including window sensor alarms, which detect when a window has been broken and sound an alarm to warn you and your family, as well as smart alarms, which are wireless, easy to set up and can be installed on any window in your home.
Keeping you, your family and your belongings safe should always be your main priority. Whether you live in an area where break-and-enters are a major cause for concern, or would simply like the added peace of mind (especially if you spend ample time out of town and out of your home during the year) your windows need to be fortified.
Keep the above suggestions in mind and choose the window security system that is right for you.
Six Ways To Save Money On Your Utility Bills
If you’re looking at your utility bills and shaking your head at the price, you’re not alone.
Many people are stuck with high utility bills and aren’t sure why. However, there are six smart things you can do to save money.
1. Check your furnace’s filters
Every three months check your furnace’s filters to ensure they’re working efficiently. Faulty filters means your furnace isn’t doing its job and could lead to a high utility bill. You should also have your furnace looked at by a professional every fall because routine maintenance will help keep your utility bill from skyrocketing.
2. Turn everything off properly
When your appliances and gadgets are off but still plugged in, they’re on stand-by and eat up energy. When you’re not using your TV, fans, lamps, coffee makers, etc., make sure they’re unplugged. The easiest way to do this is to unplug what you don’t need before you go to bed. You don’t have to unplug everything, but unless you sleep with lamps and the television on, you should disconnect what you can.
3. Lower your thermostat
By setting your thermostat 3 degrees lower, you can save up to 10% on your utility bills. You may want to invest in a thick sweater for the days the temperature really drops but on regular winter days, you won’t notice a thing.
4. Switch to Energy Star® appliances
If your budget allows it, upgrade your appliances to more energy-efficient models. Energy Star® certified products use less energy than traditional appliances and can save you big bucks in the long run. Sometimes it’s worth it to spend a little now to save a lot later. The provincial government offers incentives to people who want to switch to energy-efficient appliances, so you may qualify for a rebate.
5. New windows
If you can’t upgrade your appliances but are still looking to save on your utility bills, try upgrading your windows.Twenty-five percent of heat loss in homes comes from our windows. Energy-efficient windows with double or triple paned glass, will lower your utility bills considerably.
6. Weatherstripping
Even the smallest drafts and leaks around your doors and windows add up. Think of each draft or leak as the equivalent of leaving a window open all year round causing your utility bills to rise. Instead of living with drafts and leaks, weatherstrip the areas around your doors and windows where air can escape.
If you’re looking to change your windows or doors for more energy efficient products, contact the team at Landmark Home Solutions today!