Window Replacement

I Can See Clearly Now ..... it's a song, it's a window, it's glass cleaner!*

*[all of the above]

The window industry is one place where advances and innovation in materials and style have come a long way and all for the better.  From the rattling, wood or aluminum frame, squiggly glass windows of yesteryear to today's upscale, vinyl wrapped, well-sealed, plain or uniquely-styled, clear glass replacements, windows provide protection and natural daylight to improve and enhance your safety and well-being.  When you factor in energy efficiency, insurance cost reduction, expert installation and property value increase, well, you have a win-win kind of deal.

If you have ever scraped, sanded, primed and painted wood window frames every few years, you will appreciate forever the simple ease of washing window frames with a sponge or hose.  The white vinyl wrap is as attractive from the curb as from the inside of your home, and the screen/storm combinations are a dream -- especially for oldsters who recall changing out screens and storms twice a year up in New York or New England or Michigan.

Replacement windows come in all sizes and styles and have many advantages for the investment:

• Easy to clean
• Double-hung open in for easy cleaning from the inside
• Filter harmful UV rays
• Crisp white trim goes with any house style and some offer colors
• Slim frames maximize window space
• Superior glass
• High insulating qualities
• Reduce heating and A/C expense
• Smooth and simple to open and close

Among the reasons to replace your windows is age of the home, condition of current windows, if they leak (letting in water or air), as well as to upgrade with new siding, reduce energy expenses, expand current window sizes, add a window and match windows with new doors.  Many replacement window companies also craft exterior doors in different styles.  Professionals in window replacement can advise you on the type of glass you need, as tempered glass is required for some windows and doors in Florida due to hurricanes and high winds with storms.  

Replacement windows can be a do-it-yourself project for the highly skilled, highly motivated homeowner on a budget.  You can do one side of your house per year, for example. Practice on the back first, and be sure to line up a Tampa area rental dumpster from Bin There Dump That for all the materials you will remove from the window space.  The last thing you need is more time to go to the dump and incur landfill fees along the way.  The Energy Star designation on windows may qualify for a tax deduction.  The University of Florida, IFAS Extension, has published an informative, 2-page report on Window Systems .

                       

Homemade glass cleaner ~

• 1 gallon water
• 1 tsp Dawn or 4 Tbl. lemon juice
• 1 pint rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia

 Or:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar