The Top Myths About Window Replacement

Unless they’re broken, we don’t think about windows that often. They let in sunlight and heat.  They can let out, or keep in warmth when it is cold, and cool air when it is warm.  Having the right windows can lower utility bills and keep a home and its inhabitants comfortable.  When it is time for window replacement, there are myths that if a homeowner believes, they may end up with the wrong windows or spend too much money.

Window Replacement

As a homeowner, knowing fact from fiction can help you make informed decisions and get the most from the window company that you have hired. Allow us to set the record straight by debunking common replacement window myths.

MYTH: You Can Only Replace Your Windows in the Summer

Unlike bigger projects like roof or siding replacement, window installation can be done at any time of the year, even in the middle of winter. It should be noted that, if you are planning on having your windows replaced during winter, your window contractor should have a process that accounts for minimal leaks.

Our process includes sealing off the rooms one at a time and quickly replacing the windows with a coordinated two-person team.

MYTH: You Can Save Money by Taking the DIY Route

Putting it bluntly, it won’t. This myth probably stems from the perceived savings of foregoing installation labor, buying off-the-shelf windows, and building some of the parts from scratch. Window replacement projects are not just about the upfront costs, however. You have to consider other long-term costs, such as maintenance, repainting, and potential repair costs if there were issues with your installation.

Investing in a full-service contractor may cost a bit more initially, but just the fact that you’re getting top-notch custom replacement windows installed by experts with lengthy warranty coverage can actually save you money in the long run.

MYTH: Window Replacement Takes a Long Time

Are you having second thoughts of getting large picture windows for your home because you don’t want to deal with the disruption of a lengthy home improvement project? Good news: window replacement is actually a quick process that can usually be completed in a day or two.

Window Replacement

MYTH: New Windows Don’t Improve Energy Efficiency That Much

Another common misconception about windows is that they only affect the home’s energy efficiency by a marginal amount. In reality, windows are a huge factor when it comes to keeping regulated indoor air inside; even a single damaged window can cause a huge drop in your home’s energy efficiency, leading to high energy bills.

MYTH: Window Replacement Is Easy

Window replacement requires specialized skills and professional training; it is not something you should DIY. If you want your replacement windows to perform as expected, you need to have them installed by experienced professionals.

Myth:  All Window Frames Are Created Equal

The window frame can affect the overall efficiency of a window in several ways.

  • Aluminum windows are lighter and cheaper, but they conduct heat and are poor insulators;
  • Vinyl frames are the best.  They come with a UV stabilizer that prevents sun damage, and they have good thermal performance ratings.
  • Wood frames are good insulators, and they look great, but
  • If moisture gets in them, they will eventually rot, even cedar and treated lumber;
  • They must be caulked and sealed with gaskets.
  • Corners must be sealed.
  • Wooden frames must be checked often to ensure moisture does not get behind them or in them.

Myth: It Doesn’t Matter Who Installs The Windows

Even triple pained windows, some of the best available windows, will not do their job properly if they are not installed correctly.  A professional window installer understands how much space to leave so the window can be properly shimmed and insulated.

A professional insulator also understands how to make existing trim work, or if it will need to be replaced to get the most value from replacement windows.  The professional window installer can ensure that the window is installed correctly, and they will ensure that the window and the frame are properly insulated.

7 Ideas For An Outdoor Kitchen In Baytown

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a great spot to enjoy beautiful weather, prepare delicious meals for the family, pool parties, and more! What do you want your backyard bliss to look like? If you’ve never had an outdoor kitchen before or are trying to remodel an outdated one, you may not have a clear idea of what you want. For several homes, the kitchen features and layout will ultimately determine how your outdoor kitchen is designed. 

In this article, we will give you some ideas for an outdoor kitchen to add to your wish list. Read on!

MAKE YOUR KITCHEN YOUR OWN

If you’re like almost all homeowners, your outdoor kitchen will become a central hub for parties and family time. A lot of particular features will thus be of particular interest to you. Which of these possible additions or renovations inspires you the most?

  • Pergolas or Patio Covers
  • Dining Area
  • Pizza Oven
  • Counter Space
  • Lighting
  • Cabinet Style
  • Bar

1) PERGOLAS OR PATIO COVERS

While you’re outdoors, a pergola or patio cover is a great way to add functionality and connection to your property. By customizing the structural elements to match the style of your home, your outdoor covering can essentially become an extended living space.

2) DINING AREA

No outdoor kitchen is complete without an outdoor dining area to entertain your family and friends, together with your grilling station. Complete your dining room with matching chair cushions and outdoor lighting for your next party.

3) PIZZA OVEN

Why wait to have pizza delivered when you can cook and do it yourself? Install a stainless steel pizza oven to turn your outdoor kitchen into an exclusive and functional pizzeria.

4) COUNTERTOP

One of the best outdoor kitchen ideas to add to your wish list is the use of your countertop. From the type of counter materials to choosing the right built-in appliances, your countertop is the main part of your cooking space.

5) LIGHTING

You can have a beautiful outdoor kitchen by adding outdoor lights to emphasize your space. Whether it’s a string of lights across your living room space or a light fan over your dining table, outdoor lighting brings life and functionality to your night time parties.

Outdoor Kitchen

6) CABINET STYLE

Whether you’re in a rural or urban area, your cabinet style is one of the important features of your outdoor kitchen. For some homeowners, it’s the main element you remember! Choose your cabinet color, material type, door handle and to give your outdoor kitchen a style all its own.

7) BAR

Do you want your outdoor kitchen to be unique and stylish? Add an attached bar area with coordinating bar stools to make drinks, serve food, and entertain your visitors. For some homeowners, your bar area could even double as a preparation area for grilling!

ENJOY YOUR NEW OUTDOOR SPACE!

Your new outdoor kitchen will be the perfect area to have fun and experiment with new recipes or enjoy parties with all your friends. Paired with a swimming pool, your kitchen might even transform your backyard into the new favorite hangout spot for your social circle! Just find your ideal design and make sure to consult with a professional to make it a reality!

Top 5 Benefits That Make Andersen Windows Stand Out

Andersen Windows
Windows

Whether you’re getting tired and bored of looking at your windows, or you just want to repair the damaged and leaky ones, it’s now high time that replaces them with something durable yet appealing, to say the least. The windows, after all, are among the first fixtures that you and your guests will see as soon as you enter your home. When it comes to design, cost-efficiency, and versatility, nothing beats Andersen windows. So, what makes these windows stand out? 

  • Andersen windows are energy efficient. 

With today’s increasing energy costs, there’s nothing more important than maximizing your energy usage at a relatively productive efficiency level. Fortunately, Andersen windows provide optimum energy efficiency to help you out in this area. With a strong structure that can withstand harsh weather conditions, you can never go wrong with these ones. 

  • Andersen windows have a flexible and sustainable design. 

If you’re looking for a windows design that can be easily customized, you don’t need to look further. With Andersen windows, you get to create and enjoy a look for your home based on your chosen theme and motif. Andersen windows are design-specific to give you the freedom to choose among several colors and styles. You do the finishing touches yourself. For functional yet sleek window solutions for your home windows, the best options are found in the Andersen windows series.

Andersen windows
andersen bronze picture window
  • Andersen windows are extremely durable. 

Windows are fixtures that seem to be easy to maintain, but that’s not the case for some. There are windows that are hard to reach and difficult to clean. Andersen windows only require minimal maintenance. The exterior of the windows doesn’t need to be regularly repainted to make it look immaculate. The windows are dent-resistant and can repel water in case of heavy rains. Andersen windows can withstand even the harshest weather conditions and give you a durable and reliable performance for many years to come. 

  • Andersen windows are beautiful and stylish. 

As always, Andersen windows do not disappoint when it comes to style and appeal. You’re proud of your home and you take pride in the furniture and fixture that goes with it. No matter what theme you have around, Andersen windows will always have something that would suit your liking. From beautiful wood finishes to amazing color options and glass selections, Andersen windows provide you with seamless and stylish integration of the interior and exterior aspects of your home. 

  • Andersen windows are affordable. 

Every homeowner would want a beautiful home. However, there’s that notion that in order to get a gorgeous house interior, you need to have a sizable budget. That isn’t the case with Andersen windows, though. Despite its appealing nature, these windows are actually budget-friendly since you get to customize the design based on your needs, theme, and pricing. 

If you think it’s time to make a wonderful change in your home, start with your windows. A home refurbishing project that includes the windows is actually one of the most rewarding and flexible projects you’ll get to enjoy for years. With Andersen windows as your choice, everything will be perfect. 

Screened in Porch

Screened in Porch

Have you considered adding a beautiful porch screen built at your home in Houston, TX to transform your backyard and upgrade your home?  Are you interested in creating a screened in porch, because the mosquitoes are eating you up during the summer keeping you indoors? There are so many reasons people decide they want a Screened In Porch.  With so many benefits of owning one, it’s easy to see why. A reputable patio company like Houston Screen Room can create a quality screened porch that turns your outdoor living area into an ideal place for cookouts, parties and total relaxation without being covered in chemicals to deter mosquitoes. You’ll be able to take part in your fun outdoor activities without having to worry about irritating mosquitoes and intense UV rays getting in the way of an otherwise enjoyable time. If that doesn’t sound amazing, I don’t know what does!  

When you employ an experienced company to install your screened porch, you will get a package that has been designed with your needs mind. These companies may include structures that have insulated roof panels that make the enclosed space 15-20 degrees cooler on warm days, meaning spending time outside during the summer is more convenient and comfortable.  That’s a great reason to have this type of patio installed. What a great way to enjoy the view of your backyard.

Benefits of Screened In Porch

Screen Porches Make Spending Time Outdoors Much More Enjoyable 

Do you wish you had a way to relax outside more comfortably? If so, patio space with a screened in porch could be the ideal solution for you. Our screen porches create the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor living–allowing you to enjoy a fresh breeze flowing through while also shielding you from certain nuisances that could otherwise ruin your time spent outdoors. With a screen room, you are able to shield yourself from pesky bugs.  Without a screen room, these pests will make you want to get back indoors quicker instead of being harassed by mosquitoes or other insects buzzing about, giving you grief. Thankfully, screen porches are made with high-grade fiberglass screens that will block all kinds of annoying bugs allowing you to hang out in peace in your screen house.

Gain Relief from the Heat 

Sometimes it might be nice to spend time outside on a warm day, but there’s also a point where it’s just too humid to want to sit outside. In these cases, you’ll be glad to know those screen porches are built with high-performance thermal roofs that keep the enclosed space considerably cooler. This way, you can use your screen room more easily during the otherwise slumbering summer months.

Which kind of screen room do you want to use for your home?

Rather than install some kind of one-size-fits-all enclosure, patio companies like Houston Screen Room will create a patio or screened in porch that meets your personal tastes and practical needs. These patio companies will lead you through the various colors and textures of the screen room that provide you the ability to make it yours.  You’ll also have the opportunity to decide between a full-screen enclosure that would improve your vision, and a kick-plate enclosure that would do better to keep out gravel, grass clippings, and other clutter for your patio screen. Nevertheless, no matter which of our screen porches you pick, you will have the option of completely enclosing the structure in the future, transforming it into an enclosed screen sunroom if you ever decide that you want complete protection from outside elements.

There are so many benefits to enclosing your patio with a screen that it just makes sense.  When you are ready to pull the trigger on this, take the time to find a reputable company to install your screen room.  

La Porte Electrician Electrical Panel Advice

La Porte Electrician

Licensed electricians take care of your home when you need them to supply extra energy to your newly installed appliances that are not currently supported by your old electrical panel.  A few questions we like to start out asking to understand the possible need of a new panel is -What’s the breaker panel? And do I need an update to my electrical panel?

To learn about the power of your new breaker stand, look inside. There will be a sticker, typically on the door, that lists the maximum voltage, current and power dissipation capacity for the panel and busses. Most of the breaker boxes are 100, 150 or 200 amps. The average home typically requires 200 amp panels to completely run all your equipment and satisfy your electrical needs.

If you answered yes to our questions above, or consider that your current panel does not meet modern home electricity standards, you can agree that it is time for an upgrade.

So, How do you upgrade your electrical panel: should you do it yourself?  If you’re in the East Houston Area you should probably call a La Porte Electrician. Depending on the local and state laws, certain homeowners can obtain a permit and do this on their own. In the vast majority of cases, you’ll want to contact a reputable electrician like Bay Area Electrical to carry out this potentially dangerous and entangled job. In reality, certain cities require a certified master electrician to do this kind of work.

What are some of the reasons why you should leave this job to a pro? Note, when you’re working on the plug, you can remove the electricity from that field. However, this is not the case with the electrical panel. Even when you turn down the main breaker, the lugs also bear live energy. You should leave this type of job to a pro.  The two top lugs of the meter are where the power lines are connected, which means that there is a high voltage at a lethal level coming into the service panel. If you come into contact with it, either directly or indirectly, you may be seriously injured or killed.

How to update the electrical panel 

Even if you upgrade the electrical panel on your own, it will not raise the power supply to your house on its own. A professional electrician will inform you that you will also need to install new cables and an electricity meter in addition to a new breaker box. You’ll also want to focus on an authority to tell you more about local codes and make sure the update complies with the new regulations.

The main parts of your breaker panel are the central breaker, the circuit breaker and the so-called bus bars. What does each of them do?  

La Porte Electrician

Main Breaker 

This large circuit breaker protects your circuit breakers from being overburdened by limiting the amount of electricity that is fed into each circuit breaker. The key breaker always sets the amperage limits of your breaker line.

Circuit Breakers 

Many homeowners are familiar with these parts, which are what “trips” when there’s a power surge to some part of your home. Every breaker has an on / off switch that controls the amount of electricity that goes to each circuit.

Bus Bars 

These components bring power from your electrical meter to your individual circuits with two dark, thick wires.

Neutral Bus Bars 

Your neutral bar connects to the neutral wire of the main circuit and brings electricity back to your panel after delivering the required power to all parts of your home. In some areas, your neutral bar is connected to the main ground wire.

Grounding Bus Bars 

All the grounding wires are connected together at the ground bar, which also leads to the grounding resistor, which goes underground.

When it comes down to needing a new panel installation, it’s best to contact a La Porte Electrician to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.  

Websites For Contractors

Websites For Contractors

Construction Website Building Tips

This segment describes the process do everything correctly the first time. You’ll find a lot of hints, illustrations, links to resources and services, which instruct you how to construct your own Websites For Contractors step by step. Creating an Internet site – Planning your Website Content is the first phase of building a site. Discover the niche for your web site, find search phrases and choose the website concept for you to create your concept ever more rewarding by using and assessing the contest. Build a web site structure that’s optimal from the viewpoint of both human visitors and internet search engine spiders. Search Engine Optimization – internet search engine optimization of your site content. 

The way to build an internet site with all the pages acting like extremely ranked doorways. Principles to write the entire body copy and meta tags of your own pages to attain high ranking. The way crawlers when they visit your website, what to do. Web Design – How to construct your own website that doesn’t seem like a beginner designed it. Tips about webpage design. The fundamentals of webpage backgrounds, useful tricks, examples. Using fonts on your Webpages. The methods of web site navigation. HTML Codes – The most strong and flexible tool for building top quality Webpages. The fundamentals Of HTML, brief descriptions and samples of HTML tags. 

Websites For Contractors

HTML validators for making your Webpages faultless and standards-compliant. Web Pictures – The graphics tools, usable by the newcomer, but packed with lots of end features for the expert. Main Web graphics formats. Tips and techniques for creating optimized images for your pages. Creating banner ads from scratch or by using banner generators that are free. Domain Names – Selecting a website domain name is probably the most crucial step in the whole process of website-building. Tips for choosing helpful links, domains, and solutions. Details and tips about how to register domain names. Internet Hosting – Features and details you ought to know about to select the web hosting. 

How much does free website hosting cost you? A cost-effective solution for hosting multiple websites. Using FTP software to upload files to your Web host. Online Web site Builders – Online programs for creating free web sites and profitable Web businesses. Comparison and reviews of the most famous web site builders. The way to build an internet site for free even when knowing nothing about HTML, FTP and such. Building your very own web site is becoming easier and cheaper.

Raised Garden Beds & Landscapes

Landscapes

When you have dogs or small children that like to eat or pull out the plants in your lawn, it may be time to consider creating a raised garden bed.  This way dogs and kiddos can’t kill your newly created landscape. A raised garden bed is simple to do and a great way to get into landscaping. This would also be an excellent option for small spaces like townhomes or homeowners wanting to do landscaping in a small backyard.  However, even homeowners with large lots can appreciate a raised garden bed. It creates an organized and neat garden. Great way to display plants and crops. You can be as fancy in your garden beds as you want to get. You can consult with a few landscaping companies if you want it to be perfect.  I find as well to do my own research, plan out my landscapes, and then get to work.  

Gardening in a Container

Gardening Containers are the best-raised garden beds for all needs even for apartment residents and condo owners. If you use multiple containers, you can create a diverse compilation of plants.  I like to look for hanging planters or trellises to increase the space. If you have a larger space, then large containers can be added to your landscape to add more texture and increase space, making the area even more productive.

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

If you want a larger container than the ones you already bought, you can combine the garden bed or build your own raised bed in a few steps.  

Landscapes
  1. Location.
    Choose a sunny location with enough room.  Also, be sure it is accessible from all sides to ensure ease of landscaping and maintenance.  This makes it also very convenient for watering. 
  2. Materials.
    Wood materials are the most common options people tend to make their raised garden beds out of.  However, you may want to choose Bricks, concrete blocks or paving stones layered up to make a more elegant garden bed.
  3. Garden Bed Border.
    It’s best to use string or spray paint to outline where the bed will be in the yard. Rectangle-shaped garden beds are the most popular, but you can create square, circular, or any shape that you want.  
  4. Remove Sod. It is best to remove any sod away from the bed.  I would suggest tilling the soil under the sod to help kill weeds.  
  5. Weed barrier fabric.
    It is best to line the bed with weed barrier fabric or a layer of cardboard or newspapers to reduce weeds and make the garden easier to maintain.
  6. Create a Raised Garden Bed.
    It is important to be sure the sides of the bed are at least 8-12 inches taller than the surrounding area to provide adequate space for your garden to grow.
  7. Soil Time.
    Fill your newly constructed raised garden with soil. You can find the best soil will be blended with compost or other organic matter to provide superior nutrition to young plants.  It is best to fill within 1-2 inches of the top of the frame. 
  8. Create your Oasis!
    It is time to add the plants or crops you desire.  You can add Stakes, poles, cages or other supports.
  9. Irrigation.
    Water your new garden!
  10. Mulch
    Finally, add a layer of mulch to protect newly planted seeds and prevent weeds from coming in. 

This post was brought to you by one of our sponsors:

  • Tacoma Landscapings
  • 6610 52nd Ave Ct, Tacoma, WA 98467
  • (253) 331-2497

How to Choose Landscaping Companies

Landscaping Companies

An ordinary-looking house can be completely transformed by a beautifully designed lawn. A quality landscaping job will enhance your living space outdoors and increase your home’s value. A beautiful landscape has many benefits, but how do you make sure you get that beauty?

It can be difficult to find the right landscaping company for the job. Yes, with the huge selection of Landscaping Companies in Tacoma, Washington, and surrounding communities, it likely seems a little intimidating.  So, How do you choose your home’s best landscape contractor? Knowing your yard and your house are in good hands, obey these five tips and rest comfortably.

How to Decide?

Do your homework 

Study and compare your local landscaper choices. Landscapers offering incredibly low rates should throw red flags because you usually get what you’re paying for. Look for companies with expertise in a variety of services that can provide good feedback from past customers with the same needs as you. Check reviews on Google, websites, blogs, accounts on social media, and other review sites such as Yelp or NextDoor.

Know What You Want

Make sure you have a clear picture of what you are looking for and be sure to express the image to your prospective contractors in the environment to see how they react to your vision.  Put it on paper with all your desires and needs. That way you don’t forget a detail. Compare this list with each contractor’s products and experiences to ensure they fit your project.

Landscaping Companies
Landscaping Companies

Be Open-Minded

Keep your options open to a range of contractors. They vary according to size, price, area of service, and specialties. Landscape firms can also be named lawn care firms, landscape design, or maintenance firms for landscaping. Be sure to include in your searches all these types of companies to include NW Landscape Management.

Regardless of what they call themselves, make sure that only skilled professionals are considered. Keep these things in mind when deciding whether a firm is reputable: the length of time the company has been in operation, reviews, and years of experience.  Any negative reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a red flag and probably should avoid that Landscaping Company.

Ask Around 

There’s a reason why sites like NextDoor and Angie’s list have become so popular, as nothing is more trustworthy than past clients ‘ opinions. Speak to your community’s friends, relatives, neighbors, and others. When you find a negative review, dig deeper to figure out what caused the bad experience.

A landscaping contractor can have all the skills in the world, but if they can’t talk to you and understand your needs, you’re going to be in for a long and frustrating adventure.

Qualities to Look For?

  • Good communication skills 
  • Patience and understanding of your needs 
  • Able and willing to work with you and your ideas 
  • Creativity 

Choosing the right landscaping contractor in Tacoma, Washington can be hard enough with the number of contractors, take your time to choose the right one.  It is crucial to your project’s success. Finding the right contractor will make the experience run smooth and stress-free, with the skills and expertise needed to make the ideas a reality.



Houston Stamped Concrete

Houston Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is patterned and/or textured or embossed concrete that resembles brick, slate, flagstone, rock, tile, wood, and other designs or textures.  This type of home makeover adds to the value of your home. For patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior walls, stamped concrete is widely used. Stamped concrete’s ability to mimic other building materials makes stamped concrete a less costly alternative to using other traditional materials like stone, slate, and brick.

For stamped concrete, there are three procedures that distinguish it from other concrete procedures; applying a base color, adding an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. All three techniques provide color and form identical to natural construction material for stamped concrete. It is also longer-lasting than paved concrete and still looks like it.  The design represents the natural construction material’s form. The pattern is created by printing the concrete shortly after a “concrete stamp” has been poured. Many modern concrete stamps were made of polyurethane, but old stamps of the type “cookie-cutter” are made of different metals. There was no capacity for the old style stamps to shape natural stone texture.

Stamped Concrete

Concrete stamping is the process that renders the pattern in the stamped concrete using concrete stamps. Once the color release has been applied, concrete stamps are placed on the concrete. To retain the pattern in the stamped cement, the concrete stamps are forced into the concrete and then removed.

Concrete stamping is made in most cases to look like normal building products like flagstone, concrete, natural stone, or other similar type looks.  This is where you can get creative to make an expression for your home. You can find lots of ideas on Houston Stamped Concrete.

All about the Base

Adding base color The primary color used in stamped concrete is the base color. To represent the color of the natural building material, the base color is chosen. By applying a color hardener to the concrete, the base color is formed. Color hardener is a pigment of powder used for concrete dyeing.

One of two methods can be used to add the paint hardener; integral color or cast-on color. Integral color is the process where the base color is colored throughout the concrete volume. When applying the color hardener to the concrete truck, the entire volume of concrete is painted, causing all the concrete in the truck to be colored. Cast-on paint is the process in which the base color is painted on the concrete surface. The concrete surface is painted by spreading the hardener on the wet concrete surface and floating the dust into the liquid concrete’s top layer.

Houston Stamped Concrete
Cozy patio area with settees and table, decorated with flower pot

There are many ways in which concrete can be colored; paint hardener, component liquid or dust, acid stains to name a few. The method of integrally coloring the concrete provides the benefit of coloring the entire volume; however, as with the use of paint hardener, the strength of the surface is not improved. Another popular way to color concrete is the dry-shake color hardener. So soon as it is first floating, you distribute the hardener on the concrete. You float and trowel it in after letting the bleed liquid soak in the hardener. This method covers only about 3/16 of an inch of surface, but it gives a longer wear life to the concrete surface.