Casement Windows - Maybe Not The Best Choice.

Casement windows look nice to my eye, but when my friend installed them in his home last year I learned a few things. First dissapointment: can't fit an AC unit anywhere. His home is heated with hot water radiators, and although ductless AC units are widely available, it's just not something he considered. Usually a simple window unit in the bedroom is enough. In this situation, casement windows are not the best choice.

Casement windows are also more exposed to the elements than double hung windows.
Because casements open outward, the edges are exposed to sun, rain, snow, and more. The top edge particularly is exposed and gets weatherbeaten fast. Again, it's easy to rush to judgment and promise that you will religiously close your casement windows prior to the rain, think again.

Casement windows have mechanical parts that can break.
Most casement windows have a kind of crank which you turn to open and close the sash. Compared to the easy operation of a double-hung window (slide up, slide down) or a slider window (slide left, slide rigth), a window crank is very complex and prone to breakage.

Buy Windows For Home - In November??

Looks like home sweet home is going to feel a little winter chill this year, since I've missed the boat on buying new windows this year. Sure they are still available, I just don't want my house opened up in this cold rainy weather. But there are some hot deals out there that have almost got me convinced. The worst part about waiting till spring for new windows is that I know I'll end up researching this to death, which means my wife might have a nervous breakdown. I tend to go over board when it comes to finding the best deals. Will there really be any deals on windows in spring?

Window Replacement Increases A Home's Value

According to a recent CBC artical, homeowners get an 80% ROI if they install vinyl windows.
"By replacing your current windows with more efficient vinyl or wood ones, you can save on your utility bills, attract future home buyers and net a nearly 80 per cent (vinyl) or 77 per cent (wood) return on your investment."

View the entire article

My Replacement Windows - Vinyl Or What?

Vinyl windows are getting popular from what I'm reading. In fact, vinyl windows are what I've been finding most companies are selling. Here's what I'm being told over and over about vinyl by the various sales guys:

- Vinyl windows are more energy efficient
- They weather better
- They cost less
- They are low maintenance

But hey, there are some really cheap (and probably low-quality) replacement windows out there, and with such a price difference these products can't all be the same.
I think these promises can only be achieved with a high quality line of vinyl windows. I hate when I realize that if I price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Windows And Doors - My House Is Freezing

I'm going to replace my windows and doors this year. Ok I'm partially motivated by the home reno tax credit thingy, but also because my home is freezing cold in the winter from these drafty windows. My kitchen door has a gap so large there was snow blowing in last year!

If you're like me (new homeowner in toronto) you probably don't have much cash left for anything other than food. And Starbucks - there I said it. Home renovations don't excite me much unless they either reduce my costs, or upgrade the beauty of my little brick box. In my best estimate windows and doors do both. Break open the piggy bank, I'm going shopping.

I've been looking at the cost benifit of certain home improvements and I must say that windows and doors probably rank in the top 3 for reducing costs. Old windows and doors are just leaking money. But also, I live on a busy street (dufferin and bloor, toronto) where street noise is also a factor. I'm also looking to keep noise out while keeping the heat in.