Save $ When You Replace Your Windows!

If you've decided to replace your old (probably single-pane) windows, you've undoubtedly discovered that there are lots of types of windows available, from style to material. All of them can add beauty and enhance the comfort and warmth of your home, as well as increase your home's value.

Aside from choosing the style that's right for you and matches your home's décor and architecture, and the material that makes the most sense for your climate and budget, the most important factor to take into consideration is energy savings. There are many energy-saving options for windows today, and choosing the right window could really make a difference in your energy bills, year-round.

The R-value measures resistance to heat flow, or heat loss, and is sometimes described as thermal resistance. The R-value is a measure of conductivity. If you're shopping for cooking pans, you want high conductivity – but in windows it's not so desirable, because it means that the heat you're paying for (and sometimes very dearly!) is escaping. Low conductivity, or high resistance, is what the R-value measures.

The R-value was originally created as a way to sell insulation. Generally speaking, a high R-value means the window is better, more insulated, and more energy efficient, because it means it is more resistant to losing heat.

More windows today are rated using the U-Factor, however, which is considered a more accurate measurement of energy efficiency. The R-value is the reverse of the U-factor, or R=1/U. For additional info on replacement windows and climate, refer to this article.

3rd Avenue Windows is your #1 source for window repair and replacement! They have the background and experience to make sure that your home becomes even more magnificent! Choose 3rd Avenue Windows for all your window replacement and repair needs!

Are New Windows on your Holiday Wish List

Replacement windows usually refer to new windows that mount within the frame of the existing window. They are typically made without a structural frame; instead, they rely on the strength of the original window for support.

Replacement windows take the place of existing windows when they have become deteriorated, drafty or non-functional. However, replacing original windows on older houses can cause irreparable harm. In many historic preservation districts, window replacement is only an option of last resort. New replacement windows may greatly decrease energy loss and outside noise, compared to a single-pane window.

The addition of a storm window to a single-pane window can often outperform some replacement units. The majority of newer replacement windows carry the "Energy Star" rating for home efficiency, and may be custom ordered to meet the customers preferences, both functionally, and aesthetically. While most replacement windows are used in residential applications, there are numerous commercial applications as well, such as storefronts, offices, and workshops.

Replacement windows can increase the resale value of newer homes (post-1970). Replacement windows are sometimes less expensive to install than actually replacing the original window. This is primarily due to the compromise in quality, as replacement windows are rarely equal to the integrity of older wood windows, which were commonly constructed of old-growth woods.

Insulated glazing is one feature that helps save energy. The distinguishing feature being a second layer of glass, or a "double-pane." This second pane creates an air pocket, which is the "insulation" referred to in marketing materials. Another benefit is the option of adding "low E" plastic film, which cuts energy costs up to 30% by greatly reducing temperature transference. Other options include triple-glazing (a third pane of glass), higher quality spacers between the panes, which reduce the failure rate that allows "fogging" or condensation to form between the panes, and sealing gases between the panes that have higher insulative qualities than air, such as argon or krypton gases.

Replacement windows constructed of synthetic materials, such as vinyl, composite and fiberglass, may be limited in the types of paints they will accept. However, most synthetic windows are selected by owners who do not plan to repaint their windows. Aluminum-clad and wood replacement windows may be repainted with any type of paint.

3rd Avenue Window Supply is your #1 source for window replacement and repair! They have the knowledge and experience to ensure that you home enhances its aesthetic appeal! Choose 3rd Avenue Window Supply for all your window replacement and repair needs!

Simple Ways to Improve Sales through a Storefront Window

Many stores in New York still rely on the bread and butter sales of window shoppers. Stores like this rely on the attractive appeal of their storefront windows to attract random passerby shoppers looking for something special to buy. But attracting the customer’s attention is not as simple as putting out merchandise and hoping people will go nuts for it. It requires a visually appealing façade that appeals to people’s sense of style and design on a conscious and subconscious level. The following are some tips on ways you can improve your storefront window to attract more customers.

-Clear and clean windows with a modern design are essential for presenting a professional appearance that will attract high class customers. 3^rd Avenue Window Supply has a great selection of store front windows to help your business.

-Use colors that tell a strong story and use bright warm tones. Keep the color scheme simple but appealing. In this case, less is more.

-There are three concepts that work in most storefront window displays: repetitive pieces in a horizontal row, a centered display, and merchandise in a triangular shape.

-Movement is great at attracting attention. Billowing fabric, trains, animatronics and any moving pieces will grab the customer’s attention and have them wanting to come in your store.

The Ideal Window Style for Your Home

The style and type of windows for any home should be an important consideration during planning and construction. The perfect window is never a last moment consideration. Both the interior and exterior designers should work together to supply the appropriate window model. This process may seem to be complicated, but there are plenty of window suppliers who can expertly determine what the best window type and design is for your home.

A window’s main purpose is to illuminate an interior space, be it a room or hallway, and to create the illusion of more open space. The window also allows people inside the home to get a glance of the world outside. Overall however, the aesthetic value of a window can eclipse its functional value.

The perfect window contributes substantially to the overall visual improvement of any home. It’s unfortunate that such a crucial component of any home is usually picked at the last minute. This trend can cause the home owner to pick a poor design that does nothing to help improve the visual style and flare of a new or older home that’s being remodeled.

The ideal window should provide proper insulation and protection from the elements along with having a great visual appeal. Rain, snow and other forms of precipitation are all elements that may cause malfunction to vulnerable windows. Correctly drained widows are an essential requirement for climates with lots of precipitation. 3^rd Avenue Window Supply has lots of options to fit all of your home windows needs, both aesthetic and functional.

Types of Glass for New York City Homes

There are a wide variety of residential glass types available for new windows or window repair. The type of glass you choose will depend on what kind of functionality you need and the type of look you are going for. Whether you are looking for safety, cleanliness, insulation or design, there is a glass type for your New York City windows that will do the job perfectly. Take a look at some of glass we have to offer:

Insulated Glass −When multiple glass panes or "lites" are assembled into units, they are commonly referred to as insulated glass, double glazing. This glass is great for increased heat insulations and dampening noise.

Custom Made Stain Glass − Custom made stain glass, insulated in between two pieces of 1/4 clear glass installed into a sliding window. Create unique designs or colors that fit the appearance you are looking for in your home.

Self-Cleaning Glass −Self-Cleaning Glass lets you simply rinse away most dirt with a hose, or let the rain do all the work for you. These are great for hard to reach places that are not easily cleaned by hand.

Tempered Safety Glass −On impact, glass will break into little pieces, not pointy, dangerous shards. This is great for doors or windows that see a lot of action and may be around small children.

Sound Reducing Glass −Two pieces of laminated glass that are insulated to help reduce sound transmission 50−70%. Great for studios or media rooms that need to insulate sound from the outside and inside.

There are lots of other glasses to choose from as well!

Why You Need a Wrought Iron Gate

Iron gates are not just for intimidating would be burglars and keeping out trespassers, they can be a great aesthetic addition to the exterior of a home. The reason that iron gates are so popular is because of their durability, strength and presence. Iron gates can be seen on properties throughout the world and are featured everywhere from royal palaces to common New York homes. They can be used for protection on windows, around pools to protect small children and around entire homes to protect a property. They can also be used to create a perimeter around a home that insulates it from undesirables, which enhances privacy.

Ornamental iron gates and fencing provide a more elegant look that provides an aesthetic enhancement to the property as well as being a barrier for security. These gates can take on a classic gothic look or a more modern appearance. These gates can be used at the entrance of driveways or walkways and will give the home that uses them a unique appearance. These entrance gates can be operated manually or electronically.

Window Preparation for Winter

Fall is here and the temperatures are already starting to drop. If you notice that your windows seem a bit drafty it may be a good time to do some simple preparation by increasing the insulation in your home. This can be accomplished in a few ways. You can, of course, always purchase new windows and have them installed before winter, but this isn’t necessarily a viable option if money is tight, which is more than common in this bad economy.

Another cheaper option involves using a caulk gun and “weatherstripping caulk sealant” or temporary caulking to seal up cracks between the window frame and glass. Weatherstripping sealant is designed to stick in place just as well as normal caulk but can be peeled away when it is no longer needed. It is inexpensive and comes in a clear color so that it blends in seamlessly and doesn’t create an eye sore. It can also be stripped away without removing paint or damaging any surfaces.

There are also several lightweight disposable storm window systems on the market that are effective in keeping out cold drafts and increasing insulation in the window. The kits come with double-stick tape which is applied to the trim casing around the window. Lightweight plastic sheeting is then pressed onto the tape where it is blown with a hair dryer in order to shrink the plastic and remove the wrinkles. Like caulking, this is a system you should use after you are sure that you won’t be opening the windows for a while.