Bay area furniture has a variety of furniture sets to choose from. They are modern, classic and traditional in style. If you have a home that is ancestral and want to redo the home, this is the best place to buy traditional furniture. This store also offers simple furniture sets that will be good for small but sophisticated apartments.
Bay area furniture makes sure that the customers are delivered with the furniture without any damages. The store also offers to deliver the furniture to customers for free, if they purchase furniture for a certain amount. They allow to customers to place orders online, and accept all major credit cards.
If the customer is not satisfied, they can also call the store and place an order. The team will be more than willing to help customers with what they want. Once the furniture is delivered, they also help with the installation. The delivery will include many areas in and around Bay area.
Customers should make sure that they give the correct correspondence address and numbers, so that it easy for both the company and themselves. The staff in the store is very professional, and will help you and advice you about what furniture you can pick for your home.
Make sure that you do not pick up the furniture in a hurry, and you should spend a considerable amount of time deciding upon the furniture you need to use in your home. This will prevent you from choosing furniture that does not fit the home surroundings. This store will also retain some money, if you want to return furniture.
The store is also unusual because they are not in a hurry to sell you their furniture. They will also take time to help you work on your ideas. The store will also ship new furniture to anywhere in the country, if you are moving and want any specific furniture from the store. They will levy a charge for this that is very reasonable.
An estimate will be given to you when for the shipping, when you buy furniture and ask them to deliver it. The team from the store is always at your service in whatever way you need them. They will be available to answer all your queries about the store and its services.
Bay area furniture also offers a great variety of the furniture in terms of needs. You can furnish your child’s room up to your kitchen without any effort. You will also get all the necessary accessories you need along with the main furniture. You do not have to go to any other store to buy anything that is left out from your list.
You should also think about buying some good coffee tables, and also a work desk for the home, as the store has some very interesting furniture of all kinds. You could also work out a budget and buy furniture over a period of time, if you cannot afford to buy everything at the same time.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Select From the Best Furniture Stores
Furniture stores are not very difficult to select. First you will have to check on the style of your home, before you can buy any furniture. This will help you make some easy decisions about the furniture you have to choose, so that it blends with the architecture of the house.
Next you will have to make a budget for the kind of furniture that you will want to buy. You might be moving into a new house, and you will want new furniture. So accordingly you can plan the budget. You don’t have to buy it all at the same time. You can select the furniture from the store and buy it in over a few months if you must.
Before buying or selecting a furniture store, you can do some research on the Internet, about all the stores in your area. You can then compare prices, and also the services of each store before selecting one. Most of the reputed stores will also have websites that you can browse through.
Good furniture stores will have pictures and catalogues of all the furniture they have. If you want to place an order online, first call and check if the company is genuine. You also need to make sure that the websites are secure, so that your credit card payment is safe, and no identity theft can happen.
If you are choosing a good furniture store, you should also make sure that they have a team to help you with the installation. Some furniture sets will have to be set up with professionals, and thus the precaution. It is also wise to choose a furniture store that is very close to the area you live in.
You will also want to choose a furniture store that has all kinds of furniture. This will allow to make the choices, and also to be able to select from a similar range of style, when it comes to the furniture. See to it that the store is very customer friendly, and gives you all the services that you need.
If you have busy schedules, it does not matter, as most furniture stores are open on all days of the week. In a worst-case scenario, you can also order for the furniture online from a good online furniture store. The Internet has made life easier for all of us, and you only have to order the furniture from the comfort of your home.
Whether it is setting up an office or a home, most furniture shops you select will have all the necessary furniture and also accessories available for you. You will also have to go to a store if you are particularly want to set up your home in a particular style. Some stores will not have the type of furniture you are looking for, so it is best to plan first and then go furniture shopping.
It is also a good idea if you can get the help of a good interior designer, before you start spending money at furniture stores.
Next you will have to make a budget for the kind of furniture that you will want to buy. You might be moving into a new house, and you will want new furniture. So accordingly you can plan the budget. You don’t have to buy it all at the same time. You can select the furniture from the store and buy it in over a few months if you must.
Before buying or selecting a furniture store, you can do some research on the Internet, about all the stores in your area. You can then compare prices, and also the services of each store before selecting one. Most of the reputed stores will also have websites that you can browse through.
Good furniture stores will have pictures and catalogues of all the furniture they have. If you want to place an order online, first call and check if the company is genuine. You also need to make sure that the websites are secure, so that your credit card payment is safe, and no identity theft can happen.
If you are choosing a good furniture store, you should also make sure that they have a team to help you with the installation. Some furniture sets will have to be set up with professionals, and thus the precaution. It is also wise to choose a furniture store that is very close to the area you live in.
You will also want to choose a furniture store that has all kinds of furniture. This will allow to make the choices, and also to be able to select from a similar range of style, when it comes to the furniture. See to it that the store is very customer friendly, and gives you all the services that you need.
If you have busy schedules, it does not matter, as most furniture stores are open on all days of the week. In a worst-case scenario, you can also order for the furniture online from a good online furniture store. The Internet has made life easier for all of us, and you only have to order the furniture from the comfort of your home.
Whether it is setting up an office or a home, most furniture shops you select will have all the necessary furniture and also accessories available for you. You will also have to go to a store if you are particularly want to set up your home in a particular style. Some stores will not have the type of furniture you are looking for, so it is best to plan first and then go furniture shopping.
It is also a good idea if you can get the help of a good interior designer, before you start spending money at furniture stores.
Home Security-Three Fast Steps To Burglar Proof Your Home Today!
Burglaries are on the rise. Home invasions are on the rise. Lock bumping is the latest craze for would be burglars making it so simple to get into your house. The value of your home possessions keeps going up as you get more and more of them.
The Bureau of Justice reports that:
• Nearly one out of six homes was violated by a burglar.
• Three fourths of all crime was property related.
• In nearly 90% of all burglaries, the burglar gained entry into the house or other building.
Property crime occurs every 3 seconds, a home burglary every 15 seconds.
That's the bad news. The enormously good news is that almost any expert in the field will tell you that 90%-that's right:
90% of all burglaries can be prevented.
So what can you do to burglar proof your home?
Let's look at three fast and simple things you can do to make your home more burglar proof.
1. LOCK DOORS AND WINDOWS It doesn't matter if you are HOME OR AWAY get in the habit of locking yourself and your family in. Consider window grates-items that are visible from the exterior of the house will not only act as a deterrent but slow down an intruder should he decide to try to enter.
2. GET SOME SIGNAGE an NRA sticker; "Vicious Guard Dog on Duty"; "These premises protected by...." You get the idea. It is your way of telling potential burglars to stay away from your house.
3. LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE and your yard with motion activated spots.
The "look" of your house is very important to a burglar too. If you take steps to make the residence "unattractive" to a burglar chances are pretty good he will pass your residence and choose someone more vulnerable. Follow these tips and you will be miles ahead of the game by making your home more burglar proof.
The Bureau of Justice reports that:
• Nearly one out of six homes was violated by a burglar.
• Three fourths of all crime was property related.
• In nearly 90% of all burglaries, the burglar gained entry into the house or other building.
Property crime occurs every 3 seconds, a home burglary every 15 seconds.
That's the bad news. The enormously good news is that almost any expert in the field will tell you that 90%-that's right:
90% of all burglaries can be prevented.
So what can you do to burglar proof your home?
Let's look at three fast and simple things you can do to make your home more burglar proof.
1. LOCK DOORS AND WINDOWS It doesn't matter if you are HOME OR AWAY get in the habit of locking yourself and your family in. Consider window grates-items that are visible from the exterior of the house will not only act as a deterrent but slow down an intruder should he decide to try to enter.
2. GET SOME SIGNAGE an NRA sticker; "Vicious Guard Dog on Duty"; "These premises protected by...." You get the idea. It is your way of telling potential burglars to stay away from your house.
3. LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE and your yard with motion activated spots.
The "look" of your house is very important to a burglar too. If you take steps to make the residence "unattractive" to a burglar chances are pretty good he will pass your residence and choose someone more vulnerable. Follow these tips and you will be miles ahead of the game by making your home more burglar proof.
Weather Sensors
Natural disasters can be devastating, claiming lives and destroying homes. Sometimes, bad weather is predictable, and you can secure your family and home before it approaches. Other times, bad weather comes out of nowhere and leaves you very little time to get everyone to safety.
The weather doesn't need to be severe to be a bother. Even a simple rainstorm can ruin plans for family fun or make your drive to work more dangerous. You can better prepare yourself for severe weather by installing your own weather sensors. With this advanced technology you can monitor:
•Barometric pressure
•Solar radiation
•Wind speed
•Wind direction
•Humidity
•Temperature
•UV Rays
Different Kinds of Weather Sensors
1.Barometers - use water, air, or mercury to measure atmospheric pressure. Barometers should be kept inside a building where the temperature is relatively constant. A drop in barometric pressure is indicative of a storm.
2.Pyranometers - measure solar radiation and require direct sunlight. They should be positioned out in the open where the sun will beat down on them regularly.
3.Anemometers - measure wind speed and need to be placed where the wind is unobstructed by other objects. Typically, anemometers are mounted a little more than thirty feet off the ground, such as on a roof, and face north.
4.Hygrometers - determine the humidity in the air and are used in conjunction with thermometers. Hygrometers should be arranged near thermometers.
5.Thermometers - measure air temperature and should be positioned four to six feet above ground in a shaded area but away from trees. If you opt to place your thermometer on a building, you should pick a place on a north-facing wall below the eaves to protect it from sun and rain.
6.UV Ray Sensors - monitor the harmful ultra-violet rays projected by the sun. Over exposure to such rays can lead to serious health problems like skin cancer and cataracts. UV ray sensors can be mounted on a wall or inserted into the ground.
Your Personal Meteorologist
Instead of purchasing several different weather sensors and using them separately, you can buy a single device called a personal weather station. Personal weather stations combine all the weather sensors listed above into one multi-featured, accurate environmental monitoring system. Whether installed on your rooftop or ground mounted, personal weather stations provide you with the information necessary to make quick decisions about the safety of loved ones.
Unlike meteorologists or weathermen, weather sensors provide vital and reliable information specific to the weather in your backyard. With weather sensors, you can predict and determine approaching weather to better protect your home and family.
The weather doesn't need to be severe to be a bother. Even a simple rainstorm can ruin plans for family fun or make your drive to work more dangerous. You can better prepare yourself for severe weather by installing your own weather sensors. With this advanced technology you can monitor:
•Barometric pressure
•Solar radiation
•Wind speed
•Wind direction
•Humidity
•Temperature
•UV Rays
Different Kinds of Weather Sensors
1.Barometers - use water, air, or mercury to measure atmospheric pressure. Barometers should be kept inside a building where the temperature is relatively constant. A drop in barometric pressure is indicative of a storm.
2.Pyranometers - measure solar radiation and require direct sunlight. They should be positioned out in the open where the sun will beat down on them regularly.
3.Anemometers - measure wind speed and need to be placed where the wind is unobstructed by other objects. Typically, anemometers are mounted a little more than thirty feet off the ground, such as on a roof, and face north.
4.Hygrometers - determine the humidity in the air and are used in conjunction with thermometers. Hygrometers should be arranged near thermometers.
5.Thermometers - measure air temperature and should be positioned four to six feet above ground in a shaded area but away from trees. If you opt to place your thermometer on a building, you should pick a place on a north-facing wall below the eaves to protect it from sun and rain.
6.UV Ray Sensors - monitor the harmful ultra-violet rays projected by the sun. Over exposure to such rays can lead to serious health problems like skin cancer and cataracts. UV ray sensors can be mounted on a wall or inserted into the ground.
Your Personal Meteorologist
Instead of purchasing several different weather sensors and using them separately, you can buy a single device called a personal weather station. Personal weather stations combine all the weather sensors listed above into one multi-featured, accurate environmental monitoring system. Whether installed on your rooftop or ground mounted, personal weather stations provide you with the information necessary to make quick decisions about the safety of loved ones.
Unlike meteorologists or weathermen, weather sensors provide vital and reliable information specific to the weather in your backyard. With weather sensors, you can predict and determine approaching weather to better protect your home and family.
Home Surveillance
In an unpredictable world, home surveillance is absolutely critical for keeping you and your family safe. A home surveillance system eliminates blind spots to protect the most vulnerable places on your property. For one Houston family, their home surveillance system went beyond just protecting their home and personal safety. After a break-in, they decided to install a home surveillance system. Their surveillance cameras caught a group of teenagers trying to break into a neighbor's house, and the footage was later used to help identify the suspects.
Advantages of Home Surveillance Systems
You might feel safe in your home because you already have a burglar alarm. While simple alarms are a good way to protect your home and family, home surveillance systems can do so much more.
1. Unlike an alarm, a complete home surveillance system is nearly impossible to disarm.
2. Alarms sound during or after a break-in, but a home surveillance system alerts you as soon as it detects unauthorized motion to prevent break-ins.
3. Video surveillance of your property will help identify and apprehend guilty parties.
Home Surveillance Technology
In as little as 15 minutes, you and your family can enjoy the security of a home surveillance system. Your system could include:
• Night vision recording - Even in complete darkness, your cameras record viewable footage. So whether it's a sunny morning or a stormy night, your house will be secure.
• Automatic recycling storage - Your system automatically records over the oldest footage for efficient video storage.
• Email or cell phone motion alerts - When your home surveillance system detects motion on your property, it sends you a message via phone or computer so you are constantly aware of the safety of your home.
• Motion detector recording - You conserve hard drive space by recording only when something is happening. This allows you to record more on a smaller sized hard drive and eliminates the old-fashioned notion of searching through hours of footage to find a few minutes of action.
• Remote viewing of security footage - Using a broadband Internet connection, you can monitor your home in real time even on vacation. Relax and enjoy your time away from home with the peace of mind that comes with being able to watch live or recorded video surveillance footage from your PC, laptop, or PDA.
Protect What Matters Most
Instead of trying to secure every aspect of your house separately, you can implement a comprehensive home security plan that guards your entire property at once. Home surveillance systems make it easy and affordable to get involved in the protection of your family and home. Nothing is more important than protecting the ones you love. Through home surveillance you can keep a watchful eye on the things that matter most to you, no matter where you are.
Advantages of Home Surveillance Systems
You might feel safe in your home because you already have a burglar alarm. While simple alarms are a good way to protect your home and family, home surveillance systems can do so much more.
1. Unlike an alarm, a complete home surveillance system is nearly impossible to disarm.
2. Alarms sound during or after a break-in, but a home surveillance system alerts you as soon as it detects unauthorized motion to prevent break-ins.
3. Video surveillance of your property will help identify and apprehend guilty parties.
Home Surveillance Technology
In as little as 15 minutes, you and your family can enjoy the security of a home surveillance system. Your system could include:
• Night vision recording - Even in complete darkness, your cameras record viewable footage. So whether it's a sunny morning or a stormy night, your house will be secure.
• Automatic recycling storage - Your system automatically records over the oldest footage for efficient video storage.
• Email or cell phone motion alerts - When your home surveillance system detects motion on your property, it sends you a message via phone or computer so you are constantly aware of the safety of your home.
• Motion detector recording - You conserve hard drive space by recording only when something is happening. This allows you to record more on a smaller sized hard drive and eliminates the old-fashioned notion of searching through hours of footage to find a few minutes of action.
• Remote viewing of security footage - Using a broadband Internet connection, you can monitor your home in real time even on vacation. Relax and enjoy your time away from home with the peace of mind that comes with being able to watch live or recorded video surveillance footage from your PC, laptop, or PDA.
Protect What Matters Most
Instead of trying to secure every aspect of your house separately, you can implement a comprehensive home security plan that guards your entire property at once. Home surveillance systems make it easy and affordable to get involved in the protection of your family and home. Nothing is more important than protecting the ones you love. Through home surveillance you can keep a watchful eye on the things that matter most to you, no matter where you are.
Lock Bumping. Securing Doors And Windows In The Face Of Clever Criminals
Security expert Marc Weber Tobias is worried about your front door . . . and your back door, your side door, your windows, and your garage door. His expertise focuses on securing doors and windows, and he knows about the most common threats to that security. One common security threat that has been on the rise since its discovery by locksmiths in Denmark in the 1970s is "lock bumping." As Tobias can tell you, securing doors and windows - and ultimately, your loved ones and valuables - takes more than the basic lock these days.
What is a "Bump" Key?
A "bump" key works by tricking the tumblers in a pin lock to fall into the correct place for just an instant, but long enough for someone to turn the key and unlock the door. A basic key, a sturdy file, a little pressure, and a gentle "bump" against the key is enough to knock the pin tumblers into place and pop a lock open.
"Any pin tumbler lock that utilizes two or more moving pins within each chamber is at risk. Door locks, post office locks, file cabinet locks, access control override locks, and padlocks. All of them can be bumped if you have the key that will fit the keyway and has been properly cut . . . Are there exceptions? Yes. Can every conventional lock be bumped open? No, but statistically, a very high percentage can," says Tobias in his online column "The Lockdown."
Not only can a criminal easily get inside, but you may run into insurance troubles if there is no sign of forced entry. A "bump key" leaves no marks or scratches. It looks as though someone had a key to unlock the door. They did, technically, have a key - a "universal" key.
What can you do to ensure that you are properly securing doors and windows? You can install advanced, contemporary lock technology that has addressed the "bump" key threat and made it irrelevant.
Securing Doors and Windows Against Bump Keys and Other Tricks
Fortunately, since the "bump" trick was developed over 30 years ago, security companies have had time to come up with answers to the threat. If you have locks built before 2005, you might want to consider having them replaced with these more secure models:
• Medco - In 2005, Medco introduced its response to the bump key problem by adding an innovation to the design of all of their locks. A piece known as the M3, included in all their models, is an additional pin that is not controlled by the grooves of the key, like a traditional pin, but by the forward motion of the key. A simple bump cannot cheat the M3 into unlocking position. The added level of security within the lock itself helps in securing doors and windows.
• Schlage -The Schlage Primus model increases the complexity of a lock's inner workings by adding a second set of pins along the side of the key that must also be properly manipulated to unlock the door.
Additionally, electronic locks, magnetic locks, and locks using rotating disks are not vulnerable to this "bump" attack.
Extra Protection When Securing Doors and Windows
When you are at home, it's a good idea to activate that second line of lock defense - the hidden deadbolt, which has no external keyhole. Even if someone bumps their way through the first lock, the hidden deadbolt will stop them long enough to make them give up. A criminal who wants the ease of a bump entry will probably not resort to crowbars and kicking once their bump attempt is blocked by a second lock.
Remarks Tobias: "Yes, locks do matter in protecting a residence. Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity. If the locks prevent bumping and that is the chosen method of attack, then the burglary may not occur."
What is a "Bump" Key?
A "bump" key works by tricking the tumblers in a pin lock to fall into the correct place for just an instant, but long enough for someone to turn the key and unlock the door. A basic key, a sturdy file, a little pressure, and a gentle "bump" against the key is enough to knock the pin tumblers into place and pop a lock open.
"Any pin tumbler lock that utilizes two or more moving pins within each chamber is at risk. Door locks, post office locks, file cabinet locks, access control override locks, and padlocks. All of them can be bumped if you have the key that will fit the keyway and has been properly cut . . . Are there exceptions? Yes. Can every conventional lock be bumped open? No, but statistically, a very high percentage can," says Tobias in his online column "The Lockdown."
Not only can a criminal easily get inside, but you may run into insurance troubles if there is no sign of forced entry. A "bump key" leaves no marks or scratches. It looks as though someone had a key to unlock the door. They did, technically, have a key - a "universal" key.
What can you do to ensure that you are properly securing doors and windows? You can install advanced, contemporary lock technology that has addressed the "bump" key threat and made it irrelevant.
Securing Doors and Windows Against Bump Keys and Other Tricks
Fortunately, since the "bump" trick was developed over 30 years ago, security companies have had time to come up with answers to the threat. If you have locks built before 2005, you might want to consider having them replaced with these more secure models:
• Medco - In 2005, Medco introduced its response to the bump key problem by adding an innovation to the design of all of their locks. A piece known as the M3, included in all their models, is an additional pin that is not controlled by the grooves of the key, like a traditional pin, but by the forward motion of the key. A simple bump cannot cheat the M3 into unlocking position. The added level of security within the lock itself helps in securing doors and windows.
• Schlage -The Schlage Primus model increases the complexity of a lock's inner workings by adding a second set of pins along the side of the key that must also be properly manipulated to unlock the door.
Additionally, electronic locks, magnetic locks, and locks using rotating disks are not vulnerable to this "bump" attack.
Extra Protection When Securing Doors and Windows
When you are at home, it's a good idea to activate that second line of lock defense - the hidden deadbolt, which has no external keyhole. Even if someone bumps their way through the first lock, the hidden deadbolt will stop them long enough to make them give up. A criminal who wants the ease of a bump entry will probably not resort to crowbars and kicking once their bump attempt is blocked by a second lock.
Remarks Tobias: "Yes, locks do matter in protecting a residence. Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity. If the locks prevent bumping and that is the chosen method of attack, then the burglary may not occur."
Frequently Asked Questions About Windows
Frequently Asked Window Questions
How often should residential windows be replaced?
Homeowners with windows over 25 years old should consider replacing them, both to gain the best energy efficiencies and to protect the “envelope” of the house. A home is an ideal candidate for a window replacement if its windows are sealed or painted shut, experiences ice buildup or a frosty glaze during the winter, gets fogged with condensation or has drafts that come through the windows.
Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?
It’s true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows.
These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
Will new windows eliminate condensation?
Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that’s something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality vinyl windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they’re much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
What makes a window or door energy efficient?
Numerous factors, including how the frame and sashes are engineered and built, the type of glass used (single-, double- or triple-pane), the weather-stripping, the type of low-emissivity coating on the glass and the presence of argon or krypton gas.
What is ENERGY STAR®—and what does it have to do with windows and doors?
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government program—administered by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers—that’s designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. The program covers many different types of products. Windows and doors can only carry the ENERGY STAR label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.
What is the NFRC and what should I know about it?
NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Rating Council. It’s a program established by the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers compare window products and options. Window manufacturers participating in the program are required to label every window to its specific thermal performance level. Customers are then ensured that the products they select meet the requirements for their application. Participation in the NFRC program is voluntary. Not all manufacturers participate because it requires outside third party inspection and extensive product testing.
What does Low E stand for?
Low E is a non-visible, microscopic layer of silver coating added to glass for greater energy efficiency and increased comfort. Low E stands for “low emissivity”, which is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. By reflecting part of the light spectrum (the part that transmits heat), we reduce a window’s U-Value and increase its R-Value.
What do U-values and R-values really mean?
U-Values represent the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, roof or other surface. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient a material is. R-Values are the direct opposite. These measure an object’s resistance to heat flow. The higher a material’s R-Value, the lower its U-Value, and the less energy it will lose. An R-Value depends on the number of layers of glass in a window, what type of gas is between those layers, and whether one or more of those layers of glazing have been treated with a Low E coating.
Can windows keep out UV radiation that fades carpeting, furniture, draperies and upholstery?
Using a low-emissivity glass in your new windows or doors will filter more than 50 percent of the damaging UV light. The absolute most effective glass for this purpose, however, is laminated insulating glass. It features a polyvinyl butyral inner layer and a low-emissivity coating that filters more than 99 percent of UV radiation that fades interior furnishings.
Can windows and doors reduce outside noise?
All windows and doors reduce noise to some degree. The best solution, however, is to use a laminated, insulating glass system in windows and doors. It provides as much as a 100 percent improvement in sound deadening over other glass types.
What are some common styles of windows on the market today?
Depending on region and personal style, single-hung, double hung, casement, awning, slide-by, bay and bow windows are the most frequently used. A number of other style windows are frequently employed as accent windows.
What is an awning window?
An awning window is hinged at the top and swings out at the bottom to open, operated by a cranking mechanism.
What is a bay window?
A bay window is a series of usually three windows assembled in a polygon shape that projects outward from the side of a house.
How does this differ from a bow window?
Bow windows are very similar to bays, in that they also project from the side of a house. However, they are usually
composed of a series of five window units assembled in an arc, rather than a polygon.
What is a casement window?
A casement window is a window unit hinged at the side that swings outward, operated by a cranking mechanism.
What is a gas-filled window?
Modern window technology permits an inert gas, usually argon, to be sealed between the panes of glass in a window instead of air. The gas is a far better insulator that just air, thus further increasing the thermal value of a window.
What is insulated glass?
Technically, there are two or more panes of glass separated by insulation at the edges and air in the center to provide greater thermal efficiency to a window.
How do I know what type of glazing is right for a window?
Different climates and styles of homes require different glazing options to maximize their energy efficiency. Some glazing options can also help reduce outdoor traffic noise from entering the home. Options range from single glazed glass, as in historic homes (minimal insulating value), up to R10, which features dual-sealed, triple-insulated glass with two Low E surfaces and two krypton/argon gas-filled insulated airspaces for maxi¬mum efficiency.
How do I decide between single-, double-, or triple-glazed windows?
Single-glazing is a single pane of glass and is best used in garages and tool sheds—buildings that don’t need to be extremely energy efficient. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with either air or a safe, colorless and odorless gas tightly sealed between the panes. When its glass is treated with Low E coating, the window can achieve a value of R5 at the center point of the glass. The most energy efficient window is a triple-glazed window. Gases are sealed between three panes of glass and Low E coatings are applied on two of the panes. This can bring the energy efficiency up to a value of R10 at the center point of the glass.
Does argon or krypton gas between glass panes really make a difference in energy efficiency?
For air to insulate well, it needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Both argon and krypton are heavier than air—so they’re less prone to convection or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer a higher level of insulation. Both argon and krypton are found naturally in the air you breathe and are completely harmless.
What are jambs?
Jambs are framing members used to support the window in the wall. Those framing members on the side are, logically enough, called side jambs. The framing member at the top is a head jamb. There are no jambs at the bottom. This framing member is referred to as a sill.
What are mullions?
Mullions are vertical members between window units. They are sometimes confused with mountings, which are secondary framing members that hold multiple panes of glass in the sash. Other parts of the sash include stiles (the outside vertical members) and rails (the top and bottom horizontal members).
How important is weather-stripping?
Very. Weather-stripping is important because it provides the barrier against air and water in windows and doors. It is the only element of operating windows or doors that make them reasonably air tight. High-quality weather-stripping that’s applied and compressed properly really does improve the insulating performance of windows.
What is an impact-resistant glass window?
Impact-resistant glass has strong laminated glass interlayers. When combined with an exceptionally strong win¬dow frame, this type of window provides homeowners with greater security and protection from storms, flying debris and even the occasional stray golf ball. When struck by something hard and forceful, like a tree branch or softball, the glass resists shattering. In the rare event that an object impacts the glass, the pane may shatter, but it remains held within the frame. This greatly reduces the risk of flying glass, water or debris penetrating into the home.
Who should have impact-resistant glass in their homes?
Homeowners living in coastal areas prone to strong winds and storms, or who live directly on a golf course or in an area where vigorous sports activities take place, should consider impact-resistant glass in their homes. Other homeowners might be interested in the sound reduction and security benefits which impact-resistant glass provides.
How often should residential windows be replaced?
Homeowners with windows over 25 years old should consider replacing them, both to gain the best energy efficiencies and to protect the “envelope” of the house. A home is an ideal candidate for a window replacement if its windows are sealed or painted shut, experiences ice buildup or a frosty glaze during the winter, gets fogged with condensation or has drafts that come through the windows.
Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?
It’s true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows.
These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
Will new windows eliminate condensation?
Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that’s something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality vinyl windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they’re much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
What makes a window or door energy efficient?
Numerous factors, including how the frame and sashes are engineered and built, the type of glass used (single-, double- or triple-pane), the weather-stripping, the type of low-emissivity coating on the glass and the presence of argon or krypton gas.
What is ENERGY STAR®—and what does it have to do with windows and doors?
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government program—administered by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers—that’s designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. The program covers many different types of products. Windows and doors can only carry the ENERGY STAR label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.
What is the NFRC and what should I know about it?
NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Rating Council. It’s a program established by the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers compare window products and options. Window manufacturers participating in the program are required to label every window to its specific thermal performance level. Customers are then ensured that the products they select meet the requirements for their application. Participation in the NFRC program is voluntary. Not all manufacturers participate because it requires outside third party inspection and extensive product testing.
What does Low E stand for?
Low E is a non-visible, microscopic layer of silver coating added to glass for greater energy efficiency and increased comfort. Low E stands for “low emissivity”, which is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. By reflecting part of the light spectrum (the part that transmits heat), we reduce a window’s U-Value and increase its R-Value.
What do U-values and R-values really mean?
U-Values represent the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, roof or other surface. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient a material is. R-Values are the direct opposite. These measure an object’s resistance to heat flow. The higher a material’s R-Value, the lower its U-Value, and the less energy it will lose. An R-Value depends on the number of layers of glass in a window, what type of gas is between those layers, and whether one or more of those layers of glazing have been treated with a Low E coating.
Can windows keep out UV radiation that fades carpeting, furniture, draperies and upholstery?
Using a low-emissivity glass in your new windows or doors will filter more than 50 percent of the damaging UV light. The absolute most effective glass for this purpose, however, is laminated insulating glass. It features a polyvinyl butyral inner layer and a low-emissivity coating that filters more than 99 percent of UV radiation that fades interior furnishings.
Can windows and doors reduce outside noise?
All windows and doors reduce noise to some degree. The best solution, however, is to use a laminated, insulating glass system in windows and doors. It provides as much as a 100 percent improvement in sound deadening over other glass types.
What are some common styles of windows on the market today?
Depending on region and personal style, single-hung, double hung, casement, awning, slide-by, bay and bow windows are the most frequently used. A number of other style windows are frequently employed as accent windows.
What is an awning window?
An awning window is hinged at the top and swings out at the bottom to open, operated by a cranking mechanism.
What is a bay window?
A bay window is a series of usually three windows assembled in a polygon shape that projects outward from the side of a house.
How does this differ from a bow window?
Bow windows are very similar to bays, in that they also project from the side of a house. However, they are usually
composed of a series of five window units assembled in an arc, rather than a polygon.
What is a casement window?
A casement window is a window unit hinged at the side that swings outward, operated by a cranking mechanism.
What is a gas-filled window?
Modern window technology permits an inert gas, usually argon, to be sealed between the panes of glass in a window instead of air. The gas is a far better insulator that just air, thus further increasing the thermal value of a window.
What is insulated glass?
Technically, there are two or more panes of glass separated by insulation at the edges and air in the center to provide greater thermal efficiency to a window.
How do I know what type of glazing is right for a window?
Different climates and styles of homes require different glazing options to maximize their energy efficiency. Some glazing options can also help reduce outdoor traffic noise from entering the home. Options range from single glazed glass, as in historic homes (minimal insulating value), up to R10, which features dual-sealed, triple-insulated glass with two Low E surfaces and two krypton/argon gas-filled insulated airspaces for maxi¬mum efficiency.
How do I decide between single-, double-, or triple-glazed windows?
Single-glazing is a single pane of glass and is best used in garages and tool sheds—buildings that don’t need to be extremely energy efficient. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with either air or a safe, colorless and odorless gas tightly sealed between the panes. When its glass is treated with Low E coating, the window can achieve a value of R5 at the center point of the glass. The most energy efficient window is a triple-glazed window. Gases are sealed between three panes of glass and Low E coatings are applied on two of the panes. This can bring the energy efficiency up to a value of R10 at the center point of the glass.
Does argon or krypton gas between glass panes really make a difference in energy efficiency?
For air to insulate well, it needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Both argon and krypton are heavier than air—so they’re less prone to convection or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer a higher level of insulation. Both argon and krypton are found naturally in the air you breathe and are completely harmless.
What are jambs?
Jambs are framing members used to support the window in the wall. Those framing members on the side are, logically enough, called side jambs. The framing member at the top is a head jamb. There are no jambs at the bottom. This framing member is referred to as a sill.
What are mullions?
Mullions are vertical members between window units. They are sometimes confused with mountings, which are secondary framing members that hold multiple panes of glass in the sash. Other parts of the sash include stiles (the outside vertical members) and rails (the top and bottom horizontal members).
How important is weather-stripping?
Very. Weather-stripping is important because it provides the barrier against air and water in windows and doors. It is the only element of operating windows or doors that make them reasonably air tight. High-quality weather-stripping that’s applied and compressed properly really does improve the insulating performance of windows.
What is an impact-resistant glass window?
Impact-resistant glass has strong laminated glass interlayers. When combined with an exceptionally strong win¬dow frame, this type of window provides homeowners with greater security and protection from storms, flying debris and even the occasional stray golf ball. When struck by something hard and forceful, like a tree branch or softball, the glass resists shattering. In the rare event that an object impacts the glass, the pane may shatter, but it remains held within the frame. This greatly reduces the risk of flying glass, water or debris penetrating into the home.
Who should have impact-resistant glass in their homes?
Homeowners living in coastal areas prone to strong winds and storms, or who live directly on a golf course or in an area where vigorous sports activities take place, should consider impact-resistant glass in their homes. Other homeowners might be interested in the sound reduction and security benefits which impact-resistant glass provides.
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