If you’re looking to decrease your home’s monthly energy bill throughout the season, you’re probably thinking about using your air conditioning system less and opening your windows more. While this allows more natural ventilation through your home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, you can’t rely on this alone if you want to see a noticeable decrease in your energy bill. There are other effective ways to save energy using your custom windows, and that’s by harnessing the power of natural daylight.
[Read more…]The Different Kinds of Damage Your Window Can Sustain
Nowadays, most windows are manufactured to withstand whatever the elements can throw at it. That way, they can last for a significant amount of time and improve your home’s energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal and ventilation while they’re at it. However, double-hung and bay windows do have their limit and as time goes by, they can eventually sustain damage from storms. As the homeowner, it’s your responsibility to learn what kinds of damage that your window can sustain.
In this article, the window installation pros of Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville discuss the different kinds of storm damage your window can sustain.
[Read more…]How to Match Your Windows and Doors to Your Home Style
When homeowners install new casement or sliding windows in their Oak Ridge homes, one question that often plagues them is should their windows match their patio door? According to experts, while you’re more than free to do this, it’s not actually necessary. In fact, matching your windows and patio doors shouldn’t be your focus; instead, your focus should be on trying to match your doors and windows to your home’s style. But how?
Here’s how you can match your windows and doors to your home’s architectural style.
[Read more…]7 Ways to Customize Your Bay Window for Your Knoxville Home
Bay windows are both charming and functional. For one, their basic structure provides for stunning panoramic views while letting sunlight fill your interior. On their own, they lend unique architectural interest, instantly increasing your home’s curb appeal with their impressive appearance. Today’s bay windows, in fact, can easily be mixed and matched with any type of architectural design through either custom frames and trim or a combination of window styles like casement or sliding windows.
Screws and Hinges: Tips on Maintaining Casement Windows
A favorite among homeowners for its design flexibility and classic appeal, casement windows also provide expansive views. It’s important to remember, however, that no matter how visually appealing a window is, it‘s of little use to you if it can’t do its primary task—providing ventilation for your home. And for it to do that, it needs to be able to open and close properly.
To ensure your casement windows will remain functional and visually appealing, you need to do a bit of maintenance work from time to time. Renewal by Andersen® of Oklahoma shares some tips below.
Avoid Using Paint on Wooden Windows
If you have wooden casement windows and want to customize their color and finish, use a shellac-based primer instead of paint; paint can cause window panels to stick to each other.
If, however, paint was already applied to the windows and the panels have become stuck, don’t try to force them open; any damage incurred this way may void your warranty. Instead, call a contractor.
It would also be worth considering ordering custom windows from manufacturers. Some companies, like Renewal by Andersen, give their customers the option of designing their own windows and manufacture them according to their specifications. That way, you can customize your windows without running the risk of damaging them.
Tighten Loose Screws
Loose screws on the hinges may make it hard for you to close the windows properly. Tightening them should fix the problem.
Lubricate the Crank Mechanism
Hinges, alongside the window’s crank mechanism, may get rusty over time. To prevent rust build-up, lubricate the two from time to time.
To make the task easier, we recommend using lithium grease in a tube with a long nozzle that will allow you to target the rusty parts. After applying grease, don’t open the windows just yet; let it seep into the hinges first and then close and own open windows to distribute the lubricant evenly.
However, if you’re experiencing too many issues with your casement windows despite frequently maintaining it, it may be time for a window replacement.
Renewal by Andersen of Oklahoma offers a wide variety of premium windows, from casement windows to picture windows. To get an estimate, call us at (405) 212-5936 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK.
