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Enhancing the Energy Efficiency of Your French Doors
French doors are definitely a good addition to any home. They are beautiful and stylish, and the glass and muntins that often come with them just add to the elegance and sophistication these doors bring to the home. This type of door also offers excellent functionality. However, French doors are mostly composed of glass, which is a poor insulator. As a result, they can contribute towards boosting your utility costs.

In this post, we’ll discuss the ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your French doors to help you make the most of the elegance it lends to the home, while still saving on utility bills.

Change the Glass or Lites

One of the downsides of glass is that it has poor insulation properties. During summer, heat reflected from the pavement or other materials outside simply pass through the glass and go directly into your home. Inversely, during winter, the heat provided by your fireplace or heaters escapes your home through the glass.

Today, you have the option to choose French doors that have Low-E glass, which is more energy efficient than regular glass. There are several different types:
- Hard Coat Low-E insulated glass
- Soft Coat Low-E insulated glass
- Argon Filled Hard Coat Low-E insulated glass
- Argon Filled Soft Coat Low-E insulated glass
These glass types have different R values. Argon-filled soft coat low-e insulated glass has the highest R rating at 4.35. Soft coat low-e insulated glass comes in second, with an R rating of 3.50. Argon-filled hard coat low-e insulated glass has a value of 2.75, while soft coat low-e insulated glass weighs in with a value of 2.45.

All of these boast much higher R values than regular glass panels. A regular, single-pane glass panel has an R rating of just 0.85.

Change the Weatherstripping

One of the major causes of heat loss is not the door itself, but the cracks between the door and the doorframe. Weatherstrips are devised to seal that space to prevent energy from escaping. However, weatherstrips aren’t all made equal – some have better quality than others. If you want your French doors to have a higher degree of energy efficiency, make sure that you install the best-quality weatherstrips.

Other than installing weatherstrips, a good way to ensure that heat does not escape through your French doors is to seal them with a removable sealant during winter, as you are less likely to swing the doors open during the entire season.

Avoid French Doors Made of Solid Wood

Solid wood doors tend to have poor insulating properties. Energy-efficient French doors are those that are made from engineered wood fiber. These have higher insulating properties, which can be enhanced further by using low-e insulated glass panels with them.

Doors made from engineered wood fibers are not only energy-efficient, they are also environmentally friendly. Wood fibers are waste products, which means that purchasing doors made from this material decreases the amount of trees that need to be cut down.

By enhancing the energy efficiency of your French doors, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and stylishness that they provide while reducing your energy costs significantly. You may need to invest a bit of money to make them more efficient, but you’ll actually be saving more in the end.

About the Author

Lauren Farver is Renewal by Andersen of Oklahoma’s Marketing Manager. While most of her experience focuses on marketing and promotion, she always finds the time to check out what happens in the field. She then shares her home improvement knowledge with clients and consumers through her informative and helpful articles and blog posts.
June 17, 2015
When to Call a Professional: 5 Common Roofing Problems to Watch Out For
When roofing problems pop up, many homeowners put off calling professionals for as long as they can in the hopes of solving problems on their own. There are a number of home maintenance tasks you can take care of your own. Unfortunately, roofing issues usually aren’t on that list.

The issue with roofing problems
is that they worsen over time. Your roof is integral to protecting your home and your family and it deserves the prompt action that professionals can provide. However, they can’t get your roof back into shape without your help. Know when to call a professional by being on the lookout for these common roofing problems.
1. What’s the harm with a little water? Well, a little water seeping through your roof can lead to some serious health and safety risks. Don’t wait for water to actually drip on you before you take action! Call a professional when you see water spots on your walls or ceiling.
1. Missing or damaged shingles. As the elements wear down your shingles, damage will become evident over time. Just one missing shingle can compromise your roof, so have any issues you see addressed as soon as possible.
1. Loose, cracked or worn-out flashing. Metal flashing covers the gaps between roofing material and protrusions in the roof to keep moisture from seeping in. When flashing is loose, cracked or worn out, your chances of acquiring a leak are high. Professionals can make quick work of damaged flashing to keep leaks at bay.
2. Granule loss. Shingles wear out slowly, losing a few granules every time it rains or winds pass. If there are a lot of granules in your downspouts and gutters, take that as a clear sign that your shingles are nearing their end and are in need of professional attention.
1. Storm Damage. Assess your roof for damage every time a storm passes. Roofs are built to last but you’ll get more out of your investment if you catch problems early on.
A Word of Advice: Skip Do-It-Yourself

I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years. I’ve seen what professional work can do, and most of the time, professionals offer quality that far surpasses the best do-it-yourself projects out there. Professionals are professionals for a reason: they have the knowledge, skills and expertise to give you the well-constructed roof that your home deserves. And doesn’t your home deserve the best? Address these common problems early with help from a professional and enjoy years of peace of mind knowing your home is protected well.

Author Bio:

Terry Klara is the President and Founder of DryTech Roofing, a roofing company based in Aberdeen, MD. He has extensive experience in construction industry, working with countless clients in his home state and in the Washington, DC, area. Terry’s exceptional problem-solving and project management skills have helped him enjoy a high degree of success. Terry also writes from time to time, sharing his expertise and experiences on the company blog.
June 17, 2015
6 Ways to Display Your Personality in Your Home Decor

Your home has it all, but it still feels incomplete or even boring. Maybe it lacks the most essential thing – your personal style. In their desire to create a perfectly designed place, many people forget about the “you” element. The result is a place that has nothing to do with you or your lifestyle. So what can you do to make your home look less like a catalogue page and more like you?

Are you traditional? Do you like to keep the details to the bare minimum? Do you get excited by the thought of the whimsical French cottage interior? Or you are more drawn to the sophisticated and modern appearance? Are you confused already? Finding your decor style should not result in existential crisis. You just need to be more conscious about your preferences. Observe what you like and the things you go for. Have a peek into your wardrobe. It will quickly give you an idea what colours and fabrics you love.

Determine Your Personal Style Influence
Where do you get your inspiration from? What triggers your imagination? Again look at your clothes. Your inclination towards preppy classics may suggest that you like more tailored conventional upholstered furniture. On the other hand, your love for the boho layered pieces may also mean that you like eclectic and colourful designs.

Consider Your Lifestyle
Don’t forget that you are aiming towards both practicality and aesthetics, especially when it comes to items that you will use on a daily basis. For example, getting furniture that looks great, but is uncomfortable as hell. When decorating a room, take into account its purpose and act according to it. Be honest about your lifestyle. For example, if you are not into domestic cleaning, don’t fill your home with many details. Keep it easy to maintain. Don’t get pieces that represent your dream life, but things that reflect your current needs.

Search for Hidden Treasures
You don’t need to visit the decor stores. You probably have all that you need to translate your personality in your home. Dedicate your afternoon and go through your belongings. You can use this time for cleaning and de – cluttering. Old photos, items you brought from trips, posters and collectables make great accessories. You can integrate them by mixing and matching different details or using them to layer your decor.

Put Hobbies and Collectables on Show
Do you have a collection of gorgeous vintage items? Maybe you are crafty and like to make your own art? These items make a unique addition to the decor. If you are proud of your work, then why not display it.

Think of It As a Long –Term Process
You need to be prepared that successful home decor will not happen in a day. Don’t forget about the basic maintenance and house cleaning. It is just as important as the decoration process. A place is never truly “finished.” You will constantly polishing and adding new things. The same applies to your designing skills. No one is born with good taste. Give yourself time to develop and embrace your personal style, to experiment and try new things. Build your knowledge base and gradually develop your skills. For more cleaning ideas: Chiswick house and carpet cleaners.

June 17, 2015
Benefits of Buying Furniture Online in Dublin

Online marketing has created a special space, where people can now find almost everything they need on the internet market. The internet market includes such commodities as furniture items, larger and bigger in size yet sold and purchased on the online market. In Dublin, people find many online and furniture stores dealing with exclusive designs of furniture accessories and products. Some of the available products in the online furniture stores include: sofa sets, chairs, tables, vanities, dividers among many other items needed for furnishing the house to give it a unique and attractive appearance.

There are many underlying benefits of buying furniture online in Dublin. Some of these advantages include:

Easy to purchase the furniture:

Shopping for new furniture may turn out to be a stressing experience. Trawling around furniture shops all day and getting a promise of delivery date months in future is not a good encounter. The easiness in buying furniture online is one of the benefits of buying furniture online in Dublin. It is convenient in such a way that a client does not need to wait long queues to deal with annoying salespeople. The client is able to buy all the furniture he needs while sitting miles away in his home without any hassle. He is able to shop online, place an order of the selected items which are then delivered within a short time span.

Cost effective:

A client looking for specific furniture may have no choice but go from one place to another in search for the furniture. This will in turn cost him more money since he will have to travel to different places until he finds what he is looking for. On the other hand shopping online will eliminate all such costs. This is because travel expenses will be eliminated as the clients will not have to visit different stores looking for what he wants. Online shopping has also become a great way of saving money especially for people on a tight budget.

Variety of products:

This is also one of the main benefits of buying furniture online in Dublin. Online furniture shops offer the best and a wide range of variety of products displayed in various brands. As a result, all people can get fashionable, latest, and trendy products. Clients get the opportunity to browse the various collections on the website, compare the items and choose what they want.

Free shipment services:

This is among the major benefits of buying furniture online in Dublin. After the clients orders the furniture items whether it is full set for his house, the online store offers him free shipment for his furniture. This further lowers the price on the whole procurement process. The online stores are responsible for safe delivery of valuable products as provided in their terms and conditions.

Customer service:

Online furniture stores in Dublin provide 24/7 customers service. The clients can get the answers to their queries at anytime. The clients can opt for a live chat option or call the customer representative to get the appropriate solution.

Access to discounts:

For a client looking forward to saving money, shopping for furniture online is the way to go. Online furniture stores do not need the physical brick and mortar store. Since they do not need to rent commercial spaces, they have lower operating costs thus they are able to offer their clients bigger discounts.

Following the many benefits of procuring furniture online, people no longer see the need to leave their houses, yet they can access the best quality and service right in the comfort of their house. Make sure to pop into the online store of a renowned furniture dealer such as CP Furniture Sales where authenticity and quality are guaranteed.

June 17, 2015
Latest Curtain Designs to Give Your Living Room a New Look

The curtain is often chosen after a room has been freshly decorated. However, a curtain should really be the first thing chosen. It is essential to balancing the colour and creating a warm yet homely feeling. If you choose to decorate first it is quite possible you will not find the right color to match your room and your curtains will look out of place. A curtain can be purchased off the shelf or can be made to measure. It can be made from many different fabrics and can be any length you require.

The following tips should help you choose the best curtains for your room:

Pay more attention to color and material type

A heavy curtain will fall nicely into the pattern you require but if they are too heavy they may not fold well. The opposite can be said for a light curtain. The lighter the material the more light which will be allowed into the room and this can make a difference to the ambience. The way a curtain drapes is an essential part of its design and you should always take a large sample piece to try at home. Bright colors can also be an issue if your room receives a large amount of sunlight. This will fade the fabric and quickly make your curtains look tired.

Length and lining

A curtain which is hung above the window will make the room look taller. You will also need to decide how long you wish the curtains to be. There is no right or wrong to this part; it is simply a case of which will look best in your room.

Off the shelf or customized – which of these option would you go for?

There are several elements to consider when deciding the best curtain to go for. Ones which are off the shelf will be cheaper and will be available immediately. Those which are made to order can be made to your exact specifications and will probably be unique. However they are not a good option if you need your curtains quickly. Having decided the size, color and length you will now need to consider which style is most appropriate for your room:

Classic

Classic curtains usually involve light tulle and a heavy draping. They tend to be a similar color to their surroundings and look as though they are merged with the window. They act to frame the window and look as though all the pieces are made as one.

Modern

This style is probably the most common in houses everywhere. They are usually made in bright colors and have bold print patterns. Care must be taken when choosing these that they will fit with the rest of the room; it is very easy for them to clash with the existing decor.

English style

These are fixed at the top and the sides and are usually made of a thick, heavy fabric. They may be displayed in opposing colors or with a ruffle effect coming down the wall. The mixture should make the room feel cheerful and bright.

French Style

French-inspired curtains would not look out of place in the home of a King or Queen. They are made from heavy, high quality fabric with a series of ruffles coming down the window line. They tend to be paler colors and need to be complemented with traditional French furniture.

Austrian style

Austrian-styled curtains are a very graceful style which is designed to let a fair amount of light through, even when closed. They are a comfortable curtain and ensure any living room will feel warm and bright.

Japanese

The Japanese use partitions, panels and screens to shield their windows. They always look neat and clean and are blended into the room to create simply lines. This means that they can be purchased in a wide range of colors and will fit almost any room.

Give your room a complete makeover and invest in new curtains. There are a wealth of styles available – classic, modern, Austrian, Japanese, French, etc. – at different price ranges. Choose your preferred material and pattern, and have your curtains customized to match your décor perfectly. Whatever you do, just make sure to use your imagination to help transform your home into a natural oasis.

By Peter Smith and VanessaArbuthnott.co.uk!

June 17, 2015
Shower, Bathtub or Both?
Buying a new home or renovating an existing one involves some tough decision-making. Among the many seemingly minute things you’ll have to decide on is whether it would be better to have a bathroom with a bathtub, a shower or a combination of both. Here are some of the reasons why you should give this aspect of your home some deep thought.
- Accessibility can be a major factor when choosing between a bathroom with a bathtub or a shower. This is especially true if you’ve got elderly residents or persons with disabilities to consider, in which case you may also need to think about the advantages of walk-in tubs or roll-in showers.
- Available space will play a huge role when making this decision.
- When it comes to bathrooms, you’ll need to consider the wants and needs of the entire family.
- Every part of a home contributes to the overall resale value of the property.
So, how do you decide whether you need a bathtub or shower? Here are some points you should consider.

Property Value

When you are buying a new home or just about to start renovating one, thinking about the resale value of the property may not be one of the first things that comes to mind. However, it should be. According to the National Association of Home Builders, bathrooms are one of the most popular home remodeling projects. It’s easy to understand why, when you take into consideration the results of their survey that indicates that 51% of potential buyers didn’t want homes without a bathtub. If you’re concerned about the resale value of your home, you might want to consider adding that bathtub.

Preferences

Bathtubs and showers have their own sets of benefits and advantages. For some people, taking a bath takes too much time, while others love soaking and relaxing in a warm soothing tub, especially after a tiring day. Of course, there are those who are always on the run and, being pressed for time, usually prefer a quick shower.

It’s a little easier if you only need to consider your own requirements; if you’re married with children, or if you plan to start having a family, however, you’ll need to think about what your spouse and children may require, too. Most young kids enjoy playing in the bathtub, while your husband or wife might appreciate getting to spend a relaxing evening in a therapeutic bubble bath.

Accessibility

Some people have difficulty getting in and out of a bathtub, especially seniors and those with physical limitations. If you have elderly family members in your home, installing a bathtub may not be the best idea, unless you consider getting a walk-in tub, which combines a shower and bath while still offering safety and comfort.

Available Space

If space is extremely limited, installing a tub may be out of the question. However, you can probably still make room for at least a half bath. Bathtub and shower combinations are still popular these days, and could be a better option if you want a little bit of both.

Choosing between a bathtub and a shower may require more thought than you realized, but if you take all of the factors above into consideration, you’re sure to make the right decision.

About the Author

Dawn Dewey is Dreamstyle Remodeling’s marketing director. In addition to spearheading the company’s marketing and promotion endeavors, Dewey also loves writing about home improvement topics, aiming to help homeowners get a better idea about projects and applications that can help them improve their lives and their home’s value.
June 16, 2015
CONVERT YOUR BACKYARD INTO A PARADISE RESORT

We have all been waiting way too long for this moment to come, but the summer is finally here and now the least we can do to welcome it is to do it with style. So, after lots of dark, rainy and chilly days, we’ve got the opportunity to toss away our heavy jackets and winter clothes, jump into comfortable T-shirts and shorts, and start transforming our backyard into a beautiful oasis where we can spend wonderful summer nights barbecuing, hanging out with friends or just relaxing on our own. If you recognized yourself and your feelings in the previous sentences, keep reading this article and learn many useful tips that will help you convert your backyard into a paradise resort, where you can enjoy the summer to the fullest.

Where to start?

No matter how big your backyard actually is, you can easily redesign it and make it a real piece of heaven by spicing up some stuff and buying a thing or two. For example, you should start with lighting, since it truly is able to change the whole perspective of your outdoor space and give it some sort of a unique, indescribable spirit everyone will adore. In order to create an inviting space, you ought to get some interesting lighting devices, such as torches or mason jars with candles, since this will give your backyard a tropical, yet romantic appearance.

Also, if you like the idea of creating a tropical look-alike environment, there are many other things you can do to create it. For instance, you could get tropical plants, such as hibiscus, day lilies or some trees that can be found in the Caribbean, because they can survive in your backyard, as well, believe it or not. This will also provide you with shades and you could spend time over there even during the scorching weather.

Another amazing idea is to get a grill, a charcoal one, of course, because it gives a rustic and natural look to backyards, therefore they are extremely stylish. Some would say that this is a must, too, since there is no person who would refuse to come over for a night party that includes a barbecue.

The most important part:

One thing is crucial when renovating your backyard and you simply can’t create a stunning atmosphere without it. Yes, we are talking about a plunge pool. In addition to all the things mentioned above and relaxing seating options, such as outdoor cushions or hammocks, which you will get for sure, having a pool in the center of your backyard is essential. The size of the swimming pool is not that important, it is important that it exists, even in a rather modest form. You could go for a simple design with straight lines or go beyond rectangular shapes and get a circular, semi-circular or any pool with curves. The latter option is much more appealing and people find them much more attractive, but rest assured that no one would complain over a classic rectangular pool.

If you manage to get all of these things, you will undoubtedly create a favorite exotic place everyone would love visiting, so do not get surprised if your friends do not want to go to the seaside this year, but decide to spend a lot of time in your backyard instead.

Author Bio:

This article was provided by Zoe Clark, a house decorator enthusiast from Australia. Zoe’s biggest desire is to help families connect with their outdoor spaces by creating backyard design they will love. You can follow her on Twitter.

June 16, 2015
Roof Replacement on a Shoestring Budget: The Smart Homeowner’s Guide

No one ever plans for a roof replacement, but you should. Wear and tear will eventually get to your roof so you have to be ready for when it’s time to call a roofing contractor. It’s important to consider your roofing options to guarantee that your new roof will be better than the last, but you should pay more attention towards ensuring that you’re financially ready to get a replacement. Fortunately, it’s possible to work with a budget. Here we share the crucial steps you have to take to do just that:

Step One: Determine how much you can spend

Take note: it’s how much you CAN spend, not how much you WANT to spend. It’s important to be realistic when figuring out your budget because this will give you a more accurate picture of what you have to work with. You can still make changes along the way but it’s necessary to come up with an honest figure at the beginning when assessing your financial capabilities.

Step Two: Figure out your budget amount

After assessing what you can spend, you can now move on to figuring out a budget amount for your roof replacement. To do this, you’ll have to talk to a local contractor. Request a quote to come up with a definite number for your budget. The 2015 Cost vs. Value Report released by Remodeling magazine puts the typical roof replacement at anywhere between $19,000 to $36,000. However, keep in mind that costs vary depending on how large your roof is, the type of material you will be using, the slope of your roof, and other factors. It is a good idea to add around 10 to 15% to your estimated budget amount to make room for price inflation and other emergency expenses along the way.

Step Three: Assess how much you have to save over time

Roofs are rated to last for a specific number of years depending on the material. Asphalt shingles, for instance, can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. If you have an asphalt shingle roof then and you’ve already enjoyed a decade with it, you’re looking at having a few years to save to meet your roof replacement budget. Say, you have five years until you get a roof replacement and your estimated roofing budget is $20,000. You’ll need to save $333 every month for five years to pool together your budget.

When Emergencies Strike: Financing a Roof Replacement

Budgeting for a roof replacement can easily go down the drain when emergencies strike. Don’t fret. Even when you didn’t have the time to save up for a new roof, you can still take advantage of some financing options. But while your first reaction may be to contact your bank for a loan (many have attractive offers for homeowners), your local roofing contractor might be offering something you can more easily work with. As such, don’t hesitate to talk to a local contractor about financing schemes they might have available.

Author Bio:

Matthew Housh has been with Arry’s Roofing, the “Platinum Roofing Company” of the Tampa Bay Area, for years, proudly offering roofing services homeowners can truly rely on. See his enthusiasm for roofing and passion for writing come together through the company blog!

June 16, 2015