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Month: May 2017

How to Clean Double Hung Windows

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The weather is getting warmer, and you now need to do some sprucing up, and this includes cleaning your double hung windows. You need not be intimidated at the thought of this task — we at Advanced Window Products have prepared a guide to help you get the job done! It’s good to remember that double hung windows have a distinct advantage over other models when it comes time to clean them, because the top and bottom sashes are moveable, meaning that you don’t have to go outside to finish the job.

What You’ll Need

First you’ll want to gather the materials that you will need. This should include:

  • Squeegee
  • Dry cloth
  • Soapy water
  • Light oil, or silicone spray that is dry
  • Mixture of water with a mild detergent
  • Cloth that is free from lint
  • Liquid cleanser
  • Several additional non-abrasive cleaning rags

Open Your Double Hung Windows to Clean Inside and Out

Opening double hung windows can look tricky, but once you know how, you’ll realize how easy it actually is and be a pro in no time! You will want to check your manufacturer’s guide for complete instructions on how to open your double hung windows, but in general, you will want to:

  • Find the mechanism in the center, and turn it counterclockwise to release the lock function.
  • Move the lower window a minimum of 3 inches in the direction of the top window section.
  • Grab hold of both tilt latches, and squeeze them to disengage the holding mechanism.
  • Guide the lower window by its uppermost section, and move it until it is lying horizontal.
  • Once you’ve positioned the window sash away from the frame area, you can maneuver the tilt latches into releasing, as it will not damage the paint using this technique.
  • Move the upper sash in a downward direction by at least 2 inches before squeezing both tilt latches.
  • Move the uppermost sash closer to you in the same fashion as you did with the lower sash.
  • Position the lower sash underneath the upper sash in order to give it support as you are cleaning.

Steps to Clean Double Hung Windows

Before cleaning your windows you’ll want to make sure to remove all interior grilles if they are a feature on your double hung windows. In order to do this, you will need to lift the interior grilles without removing the grille clips, and make sure to move them to a space that isn’t near the glass at the frame’s edge. Once your double hung windows are open and you have removed the interior grilles, you will be able to clean them. Follow these easy steps, and get your windows clean in no time:

1. Use your cleanser to first work on the upper sash area. Use your squeegee to help give you easier access to the top of your window.

2. Clear away debris with your dry cloth.

3. Apply a mixture of water and mild cleanser to the glass, and get rid of residue from cooking, dust, and dirt particles with your soft cloth.

4. You can use the soap water now, making sure to wipe it on the glass in a circular fashion.

5. Use your lint-free rag or your squeegee to clear the glass of the cleanser.

6. Use your light oil or your silicone spray to add moisture to the moving parts of your window. Be sure not to sure harsh cleansers or lubricants, as these can cause damage.

Tip: Avoid cleaning your windows while they are in direct sunlight.

After Your Windows Are Clean

Once your windows are clean, you’ll need to return your lower and upper sashes back into their proper position. To do this you must:

  • Move the upper sash back into its vertical position.Double Hung Windows In Utah
  • Move upper sash about an inch downward before you slide it to the top of its frame.
  • Take the lower sash, and move it until it snaps into its proper place at a vertical angle. Afterward, guide the sash back until it reaches its former position.

After you have returned the lower and upper sashes into the proper position you’ll want to replace your interior grilles. To replace them, put the grille flush with the glass and guide it back into the grille clips for the entire length of the grills, making sure that it doesn’t have a loose fit.

Advanced Windows in Utah Can Provide You With Double Hung Windows

Contact Advanced Window Products today to learn more about double hung windows. You can save money heating your home when you use energy-efficient double hung windows, and you can even be eligible for a tax credit. At Advanced Windows, we have financing options that can help make double hung windows a reality for you, and do not hesitate to ask us about the various coupons or discounts we may be running. Contact Advanced Window Products online, or give us a call at (801) 505-9622 today!

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Vinyl vs. Brick Siding

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Curb appeal is one of the most important features affecting the value of a property. It not only influences property values, it sets the stage for how the home’s interior will be perceived. Probably no one aspect of a home’s exterior affects the look of a home more than the exterior surface chosen to beautify and protect the home. Although there are many surfaces from which to choose for a home’s exterior, we will be comparing two of the most popular, brick and vinyl siding.

Brick vs. Vinyl Siding

When choosing an exterior covering for their home, appearance and strength are important considerations for a homeowner. While most exterior housing surfaces resist weather, vinyl siding and brick both stand out as great choices for long-lasting durability and beauty.

Vinyl Siding Benefits

Vinyl siding requires minimal maintenance, needing only to be hosed off several times a year. It is available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Maintaining its color, vinyl siding provides long lasting beauty without the need to ever lift a paintbrush. It provides an insulating layer to the home’s exterior which reduces heating and cooling costs.

Vinyl siding provides a distinctive home exterior and works well in the design of contemporary homes. Impervious to water, it eliminates the problems of moisture related issues such as rot and decay.

There are additional benefits when a homeowner in Utah uses vertical vinyl siding. It:

  • Provides impressive savings on heating and cooling costs, especially when insulated vinyl is installed.
  • Provides extraordinary sound absorbing benefits using innovation insulation technology.
  • Withstands up to 240 mph hurricane-force winds.
  • Is a great low-maintenance exterior home covering that won’t sag, buckle, or warp?
  • Is extremely durable and is backed by our V.I.P. limited lifetime warranty.

Brick

Brick can provide your home with a rustic appearance whose beauty will last for decades. That beauty, however, comes at a higher price. Although both brick and vinyl siding can increase the beauty and value of your home, they are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum. Additionally, brick’s labor-intensive installation process translates to a higher installation cost.

Advantages of choosing brick include:

  • Low maintenance. Once installed, a brick exterior can last a very long time.
  • When combined with insulation, it is a good thermal insulator that reduces energy costs.
  • When combined with insulation, it is an effective noise barrier keeping noise out of your home.
  • Its resistance to termites, fire and weather often results in lowered insurance rates.
  • Made from clay and shale, two of the earth’s most abundant materials, brick is eco-friendly.

Although brick is extremely durable and considered a permanent siding option, it can deteriorate, especially at the joints. Other limitations and problems to consider when choosing brick include:

  • It’s limited color options and variations.
  • Due to brick’s porous nature, problems with drainage and mold may arise.
  • Brick’s effects on global warming are three times greater than vinyl siding.
  • If damaged, brick is labor intensive and costly to repair.

Choose Advanced Window Products

If you choose vinyl siding to protect and beautify your home, Advanced Window Products is here for all your vinyl siding installation needs. Advanced Window Products also:

At Advanced Window Products, we provide high-quality installations in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Contact Advanced Window Products online, or call us at 801-505-9622 to find out how we can help you beautify and protect your home with vinyl siding. Call to get a free quote today!

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Vinyl or Stucco?

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Giving strong thought to what kind of siding you want for your home is a big decision since it will last you years and, of course, it can’t be easily redone. Your choice of siding will represent a personality for your home as well as protect against the harsh elements of your environment. Choosing the wrong type for your area could even decrease the value of your home. On the flip side, siding done right can add beauty to a home and drive up its market value. Depending on where you live, both vinyl and stucco could both be an option, but usually, there’s a deciding factor that will push you one way. Keep reading to find out if vinyl or stucco siding is best for you.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is typically the more affordable type of siding. Vinyl is best-suited in warmer, humid climates, but is also used the most in the U.S. in just about every region except the southwest.

Characteristics of Vinyl Siding

  • Appearance – Vinyl siding is available in a very wide array of colors and designs, making customizing your house much more possible.
  • Weather Resistance – Vinyl does OK against heavy winds, poorly against heavy hail and poorly against fire and very hot temperatures. However, it holds up great in humid climates.
  • Repair, Maintenance and Installation – Vinyl siding is easily repaired when damaged, very easily cleaned and easily installed. A major storm is the main concern when it comes to vinyl durability.
  • Insulation Rating – Vinyl siding can be bought with or without foam insulation. Foam-insulated vinyl is recommended for those who live in cold-winter climates because the house is able to retain more heat during winter. It’s also great for summer because the insulation keeps the hot air from penetrating the home.
  • Durability – Vinyl generally has a lifespan of 20-30 years, but it may get damaged and need repair from heavy storms and winds.

Reasons to get vinyl siding include affordability, resistance to humidity and the option for extra insulation for cold climates.

Stucco

Stucco is a great option for people who live in the southwest region of the United States. Stucco itself is not expensive, but it generally takes longer to install, resulting in higher labor costs. Stucco can be painted on in different colors and textures to match the vibe of your area.

Characteristics of Stucco

  • Appearance – Stucco has more of a clean, smooth texture compared to the pattern type of siding provided by vinyl. Some stucco can be more rough in texture, which is popular in desert states.
  • Weather Resistance – Stucco does well in all types of weather, except for extreme cold and extreme humidity. In that type of climate, you would be better off with siding that provides extra insulation. Stucco stands up great in windy conditions. but may need minor patch jobs for small cracks and nicks.
  • Durability – Stucco is quite durable since it is painted on and cannot be ripped off by storms like vinyl. However, it can become stained over time and need to be repainted due to weather and extreme amounts of sun. Stucco can last 50+ years if holes and blemishes are patched up regularly.
  • Installation – Installation is a little more tedious because instead of just attaching a wide panel, you have to paint every inch of the outside of the house.
  • Insulation Rating – Stucco hardens to create a strong shield around your home that protects against the elements and helps to seal in both heat and cool air, depending on the season.

Reasons to invest in stucco siding include the simplicity of maintenance and long-lasting durability. It also requires less energy to keep the air warmer or cooler inside, which is especially useful for the extremely hot months that occur in southwest summers.

Conclusion

Vinyl is a great, affordable option for those who live in cold-winter and high-humidity climates. Extra insulation is a benefit that stucco cannot provide. On the other hand, stucco is much more suitable for those who live in hot, dry climates typically seen in the southwest. The maintenance is also much easier and can be done by the homeowner.

Choose Advanced Window Products for your Vinyl Siding Needs

Advanced Windows Products has been providing high-quality work in Utah for years, and we would love to help you fall in love with your home. Our siding is affordable and our service is top-notch, providing you great value for your money. We have excellent financing options as well! No money down, and 0% interest for 60 months!  Contact Advanced Windows Products now and tell us about your siding needs, and we will lay out your best options. Call us at 801-505-9622, or get an appointment for a free bid by filling out our online form. Advanced Window Products is a one-stop shop for all of your new house and renovation needs as we also specialize in window installation, doors and composite wood siding.

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