From the Floors Up

Six Signs It Is Time Replace Your Window Treatments

By Leave a Comment

When was the last time that you really took a close look at your window coverings? You will find that after some years, blinds, shades, and other types of window treatments start to become worn. Many homeowners switch out their window treatment after 7-10 years. If you cannot even remember the last time that you have upgraded your window solutions, you should inspect them for wear and tear. When window treatment becomes damage, they do not perform their primary function. Here are some signs that it is time to replace your window treatments:

Difficult to Operate

Are you finding that it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise or close your blinds? Over time the lifting mechanisms on blinds become damaged when the blinds stretch out and get too wide for the mechanism to support. When it becomes nearly impossible to operate your blinds, you can expect them to fall off of the window eventually. It is best to replace them as soon as possible.

Bent Slats

Exposure to heat and humidity over a prolonged period of time can cause the slats to warp and bend. It may even cause the slats to take on a wavy form. When your slats start to take on such an appearance, you should replace them as soon as possible because it sticks out like a sore thumb and will decrease the aesthetic value of your home.

Broken Slats

If you live in a home with children and pets, you can also expect your blinds to get bent out of shape eventually or even broken. In high traffic areas, your curtains and shades may even experience rips or tears. If this is in the case, you want to consider more durable window solutions.

Discolored Slats

So the slats are not looking as pearly white as they once did. If you have noticed that your blinds have a yellowish tint that it is impossible to get all the way clean, then it is definitely time for some new ones.

Not Meeting Your Needs

If your window coverings are no longer blocking out the sunlight or giving you the privacy you need, that means it is time to upgrade to something more functional.

Kid-Friendly

Blinds with long cords are a safety hazard for small children. If your window treatments are not safe for the children in your home, then you will have to upgrade to updated coverings with safety features.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Be sure to subscribe for more design tips and tricks.

Is the Condensation on My Home Windows Bad?

By Leave a Comment

You may have noticed as the weather gets cooler, your windows may begin to form condensation on them. This condensation is water collecting on your cold windows when humid air comes in contact with it. Yet, is this to be a concern? This is everything you need to know about the condensation on your windows in your home:

Condensation on the Interior of Your Windows

Humidity is good for us. We breathe easier in humid environments, and it is better for our skins. So, when you put the heat on in the winter, you may not be looking for a dry, sauna heat feels. However, when it is frigid temperatures outside, the humid air comes in contact with our windows and creates condensation. This condensation is not bad for your windows, yet as the water collects, it can run onto the molding and frames around our windows. If your molding or frames are made out of wood, this can be very detrimental. Wood does not do well when exposed to water. This can cause the molding to expand and contract and eventually crack. Your best source of action is to get a dehumidifier in your home to bring down the humidity.

Condensation on the Exterior of Your Windows

When the dew point temperature reaches outside air temperatures, condensation will occur. The humid air can only hold so much moisture. Eventually, this moist air will form water droplets on your windows. More efficient windows will actually have this occur more frequently. This is because inside temperatures are not reaching the outside of the window pains. Your windows are functioning properly if this occurs.

What You Need to Do

If your home is collecting moisture from the humidity on the vinyl siding or other areas on the exterior of your home yet not on your windows, this is when there is a problem. Your windows are letting out too much heat and may need to be upgraded. While windows can be a substantial investment, they can save you money in the long run when heating your home.

In essence, condensation is natural and is not something to worry about having. It may limit visibility, but it does mean your windows are functioning properly. Make sure you note if your windows are not gathering condensation during the cooler months. This could be an indicator that it is time to upgrade your windows.

Different Window Options for Your Home

By Leave a Comment

Every window on our home serves a purpose. They let in the outside light while opening up your atmosphere. They can also be used to let in fresh air from outdoors. Additionally, quality windows can be necessary for keeping your home insulated. If you are looking to replace your outdated windows, you have many options to consider. There are several great window options available today, but here are four options you may want to consider for your own home:

Transom

Transom windows are usually used for trim. They allow light to enter the home but do not open. These are more ornamental for the exterior of the home than used to ventilate your property. However, they do allow light to enter and can be installed over doorways.

Slider Windows

Slider windows are installed on a track. They can slide horizontally across a track and are often used in many Modern home designs. In most cases, they can be opened from both sides, allowing the window to be in the middle while air wraps around both sides, ventilating the home.

Awning

Awning windows have a hinge that allows them to open outwards. These will not take up space in your interior and can help direct wind into the home. This ventilation option is excellent, even on rainy days. Opening from the top makes an awning effect, which will also prevent rain or snow from coming into the house.

Double-Hung Windows

These window frames hold two windows: one on the top of the frame and one on the bottom. The frame allows these windows to travel vertically up on down along the rails. This is great because you can open your window from the top or from the bottom. This will also prevent the windows from protruding into the room like some windows do.

When looking for the right windows for your home, consider all the options. Some windows may be a better choice for your house needs. You may even consider different options for different areas of your home. Just be sure to do your research before committing to any one type of window.

The Drama Of Stone

By Leave a Comment

When you’re gathering ideas for your home, take advantage of local restaurants and hotel lobbies for a chance to see different flooring and colors in person. Often new restaurants and other retail outlets will use the newest surfaces and combinations, and it’s nice to see their choices.

This restaurant really illustrates the drama a stone floor can provide. Although the pattern is simple squares, the variety of color and tone offered makes the floor a highlight in the space.

Do you have a large open format home? Rather than dealing with flooring transitions that can limit your décor options, consider making one flooring choice with enough personality to keep your home interesting for the entire living area.

Every type of stone has some differences, but some tone shifts are more dramatic than others. Talk to one of our salespeople to get a good idea of how much each type of stone varies from one square to another. For example, slate has dramatic shifts in color and texture, but most marble is pretty consistent.

With this mid-tone stone, you can go light or dark with your furniture and window coverings. This would also work with rich colors or metallics. One thing is certain; a floor like this will add drama and interest throughout your home.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

Recent Comments

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive new post notifications via email.