While they may not seem like it, your home’s windows are a vital part of your home. This is because not only do they increase your home’s overall curb appeal but they also improves your home’s ventilation and energy efficiency at the same time. Unfortunately, you may notice that there are times when your vinyl windows are drafty, baffling some homeowners as a result.
When Should You Consider Getting a Skylight?
A skylight can make your home more appealing inside and out. This addition allows more natural light and ventilation into your interior. However, it’s not suitable for every home. There are various things you should consider before having one installed.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Windows
Proper lighting is important in the kitchen, especially when you’re cooking and preparing meals. One way to illuminate your kitchen is by installing windows. Not only can windows make your space brighter but they can also help increase ventilation. However, there are different things you need to consider before getting windows for the heart of your home.
[…] Read MoreHow Often Should You Clean Your Windows?
All components of your home, including doors and windows, require regular cleaning and maintenance. Doing so can protect the glass of your windows from long-term damage and improve your home’s insulation. It means your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard to keep you comfortable, resulting in lower energy costs.
Is It Necessary for All Your Windows to Match?
Windows can affect the overall appearance of your home’s exterior and interior. They also affect your comfort by allowing light and air inside as well as providing protection against weather extremes. When choosing windows, one of the first things you need to consider is style. But do they all need to be the same style?
Find out if all your windows should match from trusted window installers and roofers.
Should All Your Windows Match?
The windows on the front of your home don’t define your choices for all the other sides. Still, many go for a traditional, symmetrical approach, especially when it’s mandated by code. Keep in mind that it’s alright to choose other styles of windows for the other sides of your home. However, you need to make sure that you combine complementing styles and choose the right sizes.
Just like with roofing, you need to make sure that your new windows go well with the other components of your home. When adding new windows to an existing wall, keeping the treatment consistent is key. For instance, modern style windows would definitely stick out when installed in a historic home with a traditional, symmetrical window design.
Other Things to Consider
When choosing windows, you also need to consider comfort. Take note of the direction of the sun and wind. For example, east and west-facing windows can allow harsh sunlight inside a room, especially during spring and fall. This can make it harder for you to watch the television or use your laptop.
If you know the direction where the wind generally blows, you can add more operable windows in that part of your home for added passive ventilation, which can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Turn to Homecraft Inc. for reliable window replacement services. We also offer roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at (302) 798-0302 or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We serve clients in Newark, Wilmington and Middletown, DE.
Color Schemes for Your Craftsman Home
The American Craftsman is an iconic style that has helped shape mid-century architecture. With its carefully designed and functional space, it has become attractive to homeowners. Trusted siding contractor Homecraft Inc. shares more information on the basic design principles of Craftsman homes. We also list a few popular color schemes that are perfect for this type of home.
Basic Craftsman Home Design Principles
The design for Craftsman homes was essentially drawn from the outdoors; its exteriors were often a nod to nature. Overhanging eaves, low-pitched roofs and columns framing the front porch have been staples of even modern Craftsman homes.
High-quality materials were typically used in building Craftsman homes. That’s why these homes often last for several years. However, it’s also important to note that these materials often require more maintenance and care. For instance, Craftsman homes were originally sided with wood, and a few were built with combinations of brick, wood and fieldstone. Today, though, you don’t have to opt for these high-maintenance materials. Vinyl siding, for example, is a great alternative to wood siding. It can mimic the aesthetics of wood while requiring only minimal upkeep.
Color Schemes for American Craftsman Homes
Here are some of the most popular color schemes used in Craftsman homes:
- Moss Green and White – Since moss is not as verdant as the color of grass, this color combination can work perfectly with your landscape design.
- Dark Gray and White – This combination enables the exterior details to pop.
- Navy Blue and White – If you want a modern touch to your Craftsman home, these hues can certainly do the trick.
- Cream and Blue – These colors can help create a beautiful crossover between Craftsman and farmhouse styles.
- Light Blue and Warm Woods – Pairing light hues of blue with warm wood finishes can help you achieve a softer look for your Craftsman home.
Homecraft Inc. is a family-owned business that offers a range of services. Our areas of expertise include siding, windows, roofing and more. Call us at (302) 798-0302 or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We serve customers in Hockessin and Wilmington, DE.
How Can Windows Help You Go Green?
Window replacement offers you an opportunity to improve energy efficiency in your home. However, it’s critical to choose the right type of window in order to maximize this benefit and ensure that your home is working for you.
Homecraft Inc., a trusted provider of windows and entry doors, lists some of the features that you should look for in your new windows.
Low-E Windows
Opt for windows with low-e coatings, which are designed to prevent heat loss in winter and reduce heat during the summer. But for low-e coatings to make a significant impact on your home’s overall energy efficiency, you should select the right low-e coating depending on your climate.
Multiple Panes
Switching from a single-pane window to a double-pane window can reduce your heating costs by 15%. Triple-pane windows can do so much more, but the effect would probably be felt more in colder climates.
Low Conductivity Frames
Much like with doors, you should consider the frames of your windows as well. Aluminum and steel frames are generally known to have poor energy efficiency. Vinyl, fiberglass and wood are often recommended.
Fibrex®
Fibrex is a composite material used in making Andersen® windows. It uses reclaimed wood fiber, so you can be sure about its strength. At the same time, it also has the low-maintenance properties of vinyl, which makes Fibrex an appealing choice for homeowners.
Reduced Need for Artificial Lighting
The more natural light you let inside your home, the less you’ll have to depend on artificial light during the day. Obviously, this means lower energy consumption and better energy efficiency.
Homecraft Inc. is a top-rated window and vinyl siding company. We have been providing quality services since 1981. Rest assured that we have the expertise and skills needed to deliver superior results. Call us at (302) 798-0302 or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We serve customers in Newark, Middletown and Wilmington, DE.