Five Steps In Replacing A Bow Window – The General Process

Bow windows give a room an atmosphere of elegance and romance.  It also provides the occupant with a wider view and a brighter room.  It is similar to a bay window in that it extends beyond the wall of the house.  However, instead of the angular arrangement characteristic of bay windows, bow window glass panels are arranged to form a curve or a bow.  A typical window consists of four to five panels.

Like any other man-made structure, normal wear and tear will cause it to deteriorate in time.  Unlike more conventional windows, it is susceptible to gravity and may sag as well.  Usually, how well it is installed and maintained will determine how long it lasts.  There are five steps in replacing a damaged bow window.

We highly recommend that you hire a professional that has much experience with replacing windows, especially because of the size of a typical bow window. This is not an easy task for the do-it-yourselfer and recommend that you allow the professionals like United Home Experts to handle this task as replacement windows has been one of our specialties for over 15 years.

The following is just a example to get an idea on the process of replacing a window.

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Step 1

Before removing the old window, inspect it carefully and determine the main cause of its deterioration.  This will aid the installer institute a preventive measure that will help the new window stay beautiful longer.  After this is determined, measure the frame of the window to be replaced.

Step 2

When removing the old window, first take out the glass panels.  A pry bar will greatly facilitate this step.  Visible fixings and screws should also be removed.  The old frame can be broken up if the job needs to be finished quickly.  Sometimes the new window cannot be installed immediately because of time constraints or the need to allow the repairs to set.  Cover the space with tarpaulin to protect it and the room from the weather until work on the window can be resumed.

Step 3

Inspect the wall around the hole for the window for damage.  Any damage seen should be repaired prior to installing the new window.  If a larger or smaller window is to be used to replace the old one, the hole should be adjusted accordingly.  It is also essential to make sure that the supports for the new window, such as the roof above it and the header, are still viable or in good condition.  This will prevent the window from sagging too early.

Step 4

Different windows are put in place differently.  One of the most common methods is by using screws to secure it in place.  The frame, minus its glass panels, is installed first and then glazed.  Once this is done, the glass panels are then attached to the frame and secured.    The window’s manufacturer will include detailed instructions on how secure the frame and the glass panels.

Step 5

The outer portion of the window is then protected from the weather by proper flashing.  This is material placed around the window to waterproof it.  The exterior finish, such as sidings, is then replaced.  Any gaps in the frame should be caulked to ensure that water does not penetrate to the interior.  If there are spaces left beneath the windowsill, fill these up to increase the room’s energy efficiency.

The Professional Option

Not everyone has the experienced eye needed to spot potential problems during installation.  Faulty installation will cause the window to deteriorate early.  Also, If there are adjustments to be made, such as in the case of choosing a larger or smaller window, the job becomes significantly more difficult than just changing old bow windows with new ones of the same make.

United Home Experts has the experience and the expertise a homeowner may lack.  We can replace an old bow window and make it better and longer lasting than the old one.  Our long line of satisfied customers and successful bow window replacement projects attests to their workmanship.

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Window Replacement Professionals: United Home Experts

Whether installing vinyl, fiberglass or wood windows, United Home Experts are just that: experts in the field. Many companies claim to be an expert in just about everything, but UHE goes a step further by actually providing experts in a specific area. Windows contractors and installers are trained in all areas of window evaluation and installation, making them the best choice for window replacement. For homeowners who live in the Boston area, Rhode Island or Southern New Hampshire, this is the window expert company to choose.

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Many companies claim they offer a free quote. UHE actually does so without harassing homeowners for the sale. The homeowners knows what they want and if they need it done, so UHE works with homeowners to have a happy customer and an updated home with great windows. A simple call results in a free quote, so there are no financial surprises when relying on United Home Experts.

Free Window Comparisons

Perhaps a homeowner isn’t sure of what is best for the house or what they really want. Part of the free quote includes window comparisons. Experts at UHE are more than happy to compare not only pricing but also the advantages and disadvantages of each type of window option. What is right for one home may not be for another. The company’s experts can help sort out the details when comparing windows.

Experts in the Field

It is nice to know that the window contractors at UHE are experts in their field. They have received hours of hands-on training and experience, making them the right choice for any window job, small or large. When hiring window experts from United Home, homeowners get just that: an expert in window replacement, not an expert in some other field. It is nice to know that only the best install windows with this company. Knowing the best is at work eases a homeowner’s mind, so they can worry about more important things like what curtains the new windows need.

Satisfied Customers

One sign that a company is doing things rights is returning costumers. Testimonials and reviews show happy homeowners who have called and hired United Home. Homeowners state that the staff was respectable, completed work in a timely fashion, and were knowledgeable about their job. Several homeowners stated that their home was cleaner after the job was completed than it was before.

For windows installed or replaced professionally, contact United Home Experts. They will be happy to provide a free quote and window comparisons, and they can easily perform the job for homes in Boston, Rhode Island or Southern New Hampshire.

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Installing Windows On Your Home

Those that are really looking to take on this project themselves should first get a detailed set of instructions from the window manufacturers. This set of instructions is strictly to get an idea of the process.

United Home Experts is not responsible for any accidents, warranty voids or mishandling. We highly recommend allowing professionals, like ourselves, to replacing your windows. We offer the best warranties and coverage, aside from manufacturers, for replacement windows that are available to homeowners in the New England area. You will notice that even this set of instructions is extensive and is not recommended to homeowners to install on their own.

Installing windows or replacing them is not as easy as it seems.  This is compounded by the fact that windows manufacturers only insure the window itself.  They will replace it if it is proven that the damage stems from a factory defect.  If the problem is caused by faulty installation, the manufacturer’s warranty no longer covers it.  Here is how a typical window is installed and the difficulties one may encounter in the process.

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The first step is to measure the area the window will occupy. This includes the width (top, middle, and bottom) and the height (middle and both sides) of the opening.  A difference of greater than three inches will necessitate placing filler strips to level the sides out. If a mistake is committed in the measurement and the outer edge of the window is more than half an inch shorter than the space it is to occupy, a new window may need to be ordered.

Step 2

Water is the bane of any window.  It tends to exfiltrate through it and into the house, the window material, or the wall that the window is attached to. This will cause a variety of problems depending on the material surrounding the leak. For instance, wood will tend to rot due to the increased moisture. Attaching strips of waterproof self-adhering membrane along possible exfiltration points on the edges will prevent this.

In cases where flashing is needed, proper layering of the material is important.  This will direct water outside when it runs down the wall during the rainy season. The seams should also be kept face down so water does not seep into it.

Step 3

When placing the window into the space provided for it, place its sill on the bottom of the opening. The frame is then tipped carefully until the fins where nails should be placed are firmly against the wall. An assistant may be necessary. His or her job is to note whether the space on each side of the window is equal prior to nailing.  The window is then leveled.

Afterwards, the window is measured again to ensure that it is a square.  This is done by measuring the frame diagonally. Doing this is not really simple. It needs an experienced eye so that the window is not nailed to the wall in a skewed position.

Step 4

The window’s perimeter is then carefully sealed. There may be finishing which goes with the window and which needs to be snapped in. If none is supplied, a metal flashing is put in which overhangs the window. The window is then caulked so it becomes watertight, or even airtight. It is then insulated against drafts. The process depends on the insulation to be used. Mistakes in this part will cause the jamb to bow. This happens when foam is applied too fast when sealing narrow gaps.

Overall

Installing windows is a tedious process. The professionals at United Home Experts have the necessary experience and the meticulous eye in order to do the job correctly and efficiently. Their workmanship is proven by the many satisfied customers they have in the New England area.

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Hire the Best: United Home Experts

Knowing that one’s home has been upgraded gives homeowners a sense of pride. There are many companies that provide home improvement, but United Home Experts (UHE) outshines them all. There are many great reasons why customers in Boston and its surrounding areas should choose United Home Experts as their choice of quality home improvement company.

 

Experienced Staff

Whether hiring a siding contractor, roofing specialist, window installer, or painter, one can be sure that UHE provides experts in that field. Unlike other companies, United trains employees in a specific area so that they become an expert in their chosen field. Although employees are trained in every area, they specialize in one area of work, making them experts in that field.  If a homeowner hires a roofing contractor from United Home Experts, they can be confident that the contractor will be an ace in the roofing business.

Knowledgeable About the Area

Homes in the greater Boston area require specific care. Winters can be harsh on a home’s exteriors and roofing. Living in coastal areas also comes with its own special issues for homes. Having a local company that understands the needs of local homeowners helps get the job done right the first time, with less worry.

Great Prices

A comparison of prices for home repairs and improvements results in varied estimates. The staff at United Home Experts are more than happy to provide an estimate, providing fair and detailed pricing of any improvement to a home. Times are tough, and it’s great to know that some companies offer reasonable prices in these harsh economic times.

Great Customer Service

Hundreds of local customers attest to their satisfaction with the service level they have received from United Home Experts. Homeowners comment that customer service is top-notch, work performed is excellent, and that they and their homes are treated with respect. Many homeowners return time and time again to have UHE work on their homes.

Some of the comments left by customers include statements that the work was completed in less time than expected, and that they were pleased with the professionalism of the workers. Also, many state they will use UHE for any future home repairs. Knowing that others rely on and trust United Home makes the job of hunting for a remodeling company that much easier. UHE is a trusted and reliable home improvement company for those living in the Boston and surrounding area.

For any home repair or improvement job, contact UHE for professional and reliable work. Hundreds of other customers are glad they relied on United Home Experts.

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When Remodeling a Home, Consider a Windows Home Improvement Project

Window ReplacementNew replacement windows can become one a home’s most appealing features. New windows provide ventilation, convenience of use, better natural light, and of ease of cleaning not available in older windows. Inefficient windows can waste as much as 30 percent of the dollars spent on heating and cooling a home. These extra dollars are literally going out the window. The cost of the new replacement windows will nearly pay for themselves given the added resale value to the home plus the cost savings of the more energy efficient windows.during (6)-resized-600

This is true of homes in all climactic regions of the country but applies even more to homes in harsh climates such as in the eastern New England states where the energy efficiency of a window’s home improvement project could add up to substantial savings on energy bills.

New England homeowners looking to learn more about their windows home improvement project should turn to the professionals at United Home Experts (unitedhomeexperts.com) for all their window projects needs. These experts are able to give sound advice on the types and styles of windows available as well as install the selected windows.

The following information will help demystify the terms used in window replacement and give the New England homeowner a basis for posing the right questions to the knowledgeable staff at United Home Experts.

IG Units

IG stands for insulated glass and begins as two or three panes of glass bonded together with a chemical sealant to spacer bars. The higher the IG unit value, the higher the quality of the glass.

Low-E

Low-E in glass means a low emittance coating has been applied to the surface of the glass to reduce the U factor (explained below) by lessening the heat flow through the window unit. The Low-E coating goes between the layers of glass panes to block a significant percentage of radiant heat transfer, keeping the interior of the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

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This is a method of insulation that is a result of modern window technological research. The gas used in today’s windows for insulation is either argon or krypton. Either will greatly enhance the energy efficiency of the window. The low conductive gas filled insulation costs more than windows that do not use this technology, but the substantial cost savings on energy bills with windows of this type of insulation should be carefully considered.

U-Factor

The U-Factor measures heat loss through a window and rates the window accordingly. A low rating indicates the window will be more resistant to heat flow and have a higher insulation value.

The U-Factor of a good replacement window depending upon glazing options and the low conductive gas filling insulation option would be between 0.5 and .1.

United Home Experts will be able to offer further advice on the properties of replacement windows and has a wide range of styles and types of windows for the prospective New England home remodeler to choose from. They will also professionally install the windows to the homeowner’s ultimate satisfaction.

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A Quality BBB Contractor (Better Business Bureau) in the Boston Area

The United Home Experts (unitedhomeexperts.com) home remodeling and painting contractors in the eastern New England states have been a Boston Better Business Bureau accredited company since 2001.  Eleven years of accreditation by an entity as prestigious as the BBB is indeed a worthy recommendation for the work they do throughout New England.  This article will concentrate on the painting-contracting segment of United Home Experts.

Painted exteriors of homes in the New England states are plagued with mildew, blistering and chalking.  United Home Experts solves each of these problems in the following manner.

Mildew

Mildew is a fungus that feeds and thrives on painted surfaces.  The fungus is found under eaves and soffits and can be colored grey, black, green or brown.  Since there is no direct sunlight under eaves and soffits, the fungus is encouraged to grow.

The BBB contractor, United Home Experts, will clean the infected area thoroughly with a trisodium sulfate solution or a mixture of bleach and water.  They will then prime the area properly prior to repainting.

Blistering

Blistering is bubbling beneath the paint.  The blisters result from vapor rising during the painting process when sunlight heats up the painted surface.

The solution to blistering is to scrape the paint off the blistered areas.  The surface must be allowed to dry thoroughly and then repainted at a time when there is no direct sunlight.

Chalking

Chalking is the powdery substance on a painted surface.  This is caused by sunlight and may be completely washed away during the rainy season.

If the chalking is significant, however, it may be because there was too much thinner in the paint mixture, interior paint was used on the exterior of the home, or the surface was not properly sealed before the paint was put on.

If the rain does not wash away the chalky residue, power washing will successfully get rid of it. The professionals at United Home Experts would have avoided this problem altogether by using the correct paint and painting procedures at the onset of the project.

This BBB contractor offers full home remodeling services, from siding to windows to roofing, along with the painting segment of their business.  They are able to answer the homeowners’ questions sincerely and accurately and offer them a large variety of remodeling components in a range of styles, materials, colors and costs.

Add to this the professional advice and workmanship available and it is not difficult to determine how they arrived at and have maintained the coveted Boston BBB accreditation for over a decade.

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New Windows for Residences in 2012

In strict contractor parlance, new windows mean new construction windows as opposed to replacement windows. To homeowners, a new window means a window that is more modern and thus more energy efficient. This will add value to the home as well as provide monthly cost savings on energy utility bills.

The installation of the window is slightly different in new construction versus a window retrofit in an existing home, but the type of window, style, and size can be made to suit any window opening dimensions.during (6)-resized-600

The initial cost of new windows is made up for in the added resale value of the home and the energy cost saving benefits for the life of the windows.

In the harsh climate of the Eastern New England states, it is even more important that a home’s windows are of the latest energy efficient materials and construction, as the windows will reduce both heating and cooling costs in the extreme summer and winter weather conditions of the region while adding much to the curb appeal of the home.

Any New England homeowner would be wise to contact the professional contractors at United Home Experts (UnitedHomeExperts.com). This quality home remodelling firm is well known in the Eastern New England states for their expert advice on window types for each particular style of home and homeowner budget as well as their professional window installation techniques. They can advise the homeowner on the key elements of window replacement as well as windows for homes under construction.

The main features that separate high-quality windows from the lower, less energy efficient windows are:

– NFRC certification. This is a rating by the non-profit organization, the National Fenestration Rating Council. The NFRC is the only independent rating certification system to inform the consumer as to a window’s energy performance. They also certify doors and skylights, which are infamous for their energy-wasting qualities if not manufactured correctly or with the proper materials.

– Tightly fitted stainless steel locking components

– Matching colors of each component

– Window sash and frame joints are heat-welded rather than mechanically fastened and are put together with brackets, caulk, and screws.

Replacing windows of old specifications with those of the latest technologies in design, materials, and manufacturing will add cost savings and a more attractive appearance to the exterior of any home. Homeowners in the harsher eastern seaboard climates will reap even greater energy saving rewards than those in milder regions.

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How to Complete a Window Installation

One of the best ways to update the aesthetic look of a home is by installing new windows. Not only do newer windows help to give the home a more modern look and feel, but it can also greatly improve the overall conservation of energy within the home. For many weekend warriors, the idea of completing the window installation without professional help may seem appealing; for those, this article discusses the basic steps to installing new windows.

First Things First…

For the most part, window openings in homes have already been framed out with wood, so the first step is to make sure that the rough window opening is symmetrical. This is easily done by taking a few side-to-side and top-to-bottom measurements. They should all come out in about the same range in terms of width and length; but if not, adding some tapered filler strips usually does the trick.

Installing the Window for Proper Placement

Once the opening is set and ready, the next step is to add the actual window into the frame opening. This is done by installing the window from the outside in; this way it sits flush to the wall. Either the person installing the window or someone inside the home can also check to make sure the window is level within the window frame opening in the interior.

Inserting the Flashing

A flashing band is used around the perimeter of the window, and this is done by nailing it into place starting on the outside of the window first. In order to make sure that the window stays level and in place, a shim can either be glued into place or tacked in with a trim nail. Once the shims are set into place, the final step can now be taken.

Finishing the Window

With shims in place to steady the window, the last step is to nail the window into place from the outside. Any excess shim can also be trimmed down so that it sits flush with the window itself; a flush-cut saw can make easy work of this step. Insulation is then added to any gaps between the window and the frame; fiberglass insulation works particularly well for keeping air from escaping.

These are the basic steps one would take to install a window. Of course, after reading these instructions, some homeowners may prefer to leave the task to the professionals. United Home Experts can help; the company specializes in window installation and a variety of other home improvement projects for those living in the Eastern New England area.section_landingpage_andersen_windows1-resized-600

Those that are really looking to take on this project themselves should first get a detailed set of instructions from the window manufacturers. This set of instructions is strictly to get an idea of the process. We are not responsible for any accidents, warranty voids or mishandling. We highly recommend allowing professionals, like ourselves, to replacing your windows. We offer the best warranties and coverage, aside from manufacturers, for replacement windows that are available to homeowners in the New England area.

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Combining And Matching Colors For Your Massachusetts Home

Discussing with the house painters what color combinations to use in various areas of the house is no easy task.  The number of possibilities is quite daunting that many feel at a loss.  They often wonder where they should start, what works, and whether the completed project will be something they will like.

There are three traditional ways of combining and matching color that has remained effective even in this modern era.  These are monochromatic, analogous, and complementary.  For the latter two, a color wheel is needed.  Aside from these, there is a new way to choose paint color combinations by using fabric one likes as inspiration.

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A monochromatic combination utilizes two or three colors that are different shades of the same hue.  This means that a bold shade of green is combined with a lighter shade of the same color to achieve the monochromatic effect.  This combination gives the room a well-coordinated look and is a favorite among interior designers because of its polished feel.  It is also a nice choice if one is partial to a particular color.

Analogous Combinations

An analogous combination makes use of hues that are found side by side on the color wheel.  These colors are close enough that they create a certain balance between them.  A good example of this is painting one wall gray-green sage and the adjacent wall deep royal blue.  These colors produce a cool ambiance as well as a balanced feel to their pairing.  Analogous combinations that involve colors with red pigments produce a warm atmosphere.

Complementary Combinations

Utilizing hues on opposite sides of the color wheel is how one produces a complementary combination.  Examples of such pairings are yellow and violet, orange and blue, and red and green.  The contrast makes each hue appear more pure as a color.  Instead of clashing, these complementary colors highlight each other and make each other more vibrant.

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A novel way to achieve a more “unique” color combination is to base it on fabrics.  Fabrics that combine more than one hue are already color coordinated.  For instance, upholstery with a rustic color combination can produce the same effect when applied to a room.  What is important when choosing a fabric to use as inspiration is the sentiment it evokes from a person.  This will produce a paint scheme that has a unique and personal connection to those who live in the house.

Conversing With The Experts

Those in the Massachusetts area can contact United Home Experts to talk about their color combination options.  Their expert house painters can explain how well a possible combination will go with the room’s function, the furniture and fabrics that may be found in the room, and the overall impression desired by the client.  They are also excellent at making imagination reality when it comes to paint and its myriad of color combinations.

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What is Cement Board Siding?

Homeowners want the best for their houses, including the perfect siding option. The right siding adds to a home’s market value and helps in keeping upkeep to a minimum. A great choice but often-overlooked siding material is cement board.

What is Cement Siding?

This type of siding is made of cement, sand, fly ash and cellulose fibers. The fibers, made of wood, help to hold the siding materials together. This is the only type of house siding that contains cement material.

Types of Cement Siding

Cement boards are sold in mostly horizontal boards, however cement board sheets can be purchased for a varying siding look. Board sheets are often used for commercial purposes. Another option is shingles, however they are more difficult to apply.  Lap siding proves to be the most popular type, with boards measuring from 5 to 12 inches, creating an overlapping effect. If looking for the most highly recommended siding, fiber cement is the best option due to the pressure process used in making it. Cement sidings are sold in varying thicknesses, with the thinner having a rougher edge, but being easier to apply due to less weight. Most manufacturers sell the boards in as many as 22 various colors.

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With different types and varying colors, cement siding provides variety for a homeowner. Due to its cement content, fire tests prove this type of siding to be the most fire-resistant. Although any material will burn, this type of siding is slow burning and allows a home’s residents time to put the fire out to get out safely. Cement siding also offers some of the best bug resistance, thus reducing the cost for expensive home exterminators for outside pests. This type of siding resembles wood, so those wanting a wood finish might prefer cement siding. Another benefit of this type of siding option is the fact that it can be painted. If 22 colors are not enough, homeowners have the option of painting the siding. Due to its thickness, cement is long-lasting and sturdy.

Cons

Many people find this type of siding difficult to apply. It is heavier than most, often requiring 2 people to place the siding. If not handled properly, pieces of the cement siding may break off. This siding costs more than most siding to apply, so may not be a wise option for those on a budget. If the siding is applied professionally, homeowners might find it to cost more due to the difficulty of application.

To see how much siding costs to install on your home, check out SidingMagazine.com’s Siding Calculator to get rough estimates online.

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