Search engine visitors - click here to access entire "$ensible Home" web site

Window Improvement Topics

Click on the column headlines below to read the entire unedited columns and view the related illustrations. Most of my columns that you read in your newspaper or magazine have been edited due to space constraints.

Homeowner Benefits? - These are the potential benefits that a typical homeowner will realize by following the tips or by installing the home-related products that are discussed in this column.

413 - Self-cleaning or decorative window glass is efficient, attractive
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of 14 manufacturers of self-cleaning glass and complete windows with decorative glass listing window styles, frame materials/colors, decorative glass options offered by each, many illustrations of glass options, features, and descriptions of how self-cleaning glass works.
Homeowner Benefits: Increased security and privacy, lower utility bills, protection from storms

497 - Designer glass/plastic block windows are secure and attractive
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of nine manufacturers of standard and designer glass/plastic block, other security windows and glass block installation systems listing sizes, colors, patterns, features, prices, several illustrations throughout and illustrated do-it-yourself instructions for a silicone system and for a mortar system.
Homeowner Benefits:High security windows, attractive bathroom/shower surrounds, efficiency

498 - Do-it-yourself tilt-in sash kits make windows just like new
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of 11 tilt-in sash replacement and channel kit manufacturers listing frame materials, colors, glass options, features, gneral painting and staining instructions, illustrated installation instructions for window fix replacement channels and two different replacement sash kits and suggestions on how to measure for sash replacement kits.
Homeowner Benefits: Easy to clean, less condensation, lower utility, less outdoor noise.

563 - Attractive, reusable rigid storm window kits are simple to install
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of 10 interior storm windows and kits, frame materials (vinyl, PVC pipe/foam, aluminum, polypropylene), attachment methods (magnetic, clips, compression, hook and loop, plastic channel, steel spring system), glazing options (acrylic, plastic film, glass), frame colors, features, installation instructions for several different types of kits and specifications.
Homeowner Benefits: Low-cost alternative to new windows, reduce sweating

617 - Window film improves comfort, blocks fading, saves energy year-round
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of do-it-yourself and professional window film manufacturers (34 films) listing colors, properties (total solar transmittance, total solar reflectance, total solar absorption, visible light transmittance, ultraviolet rejected, U-factor, shading coefficient, emissivity, total solar energy rejected), prices, definitions/technical terms of the properties and installation instructions.
Homeowner Benefits: Reduce summer heat, winter heating bills and furniture fading, safer around children

624 - Build efficient, attractive exterior storm windows yourself
Update Bulletin Description - There is no Update Bulletin with this column.
Homeowner Benefits: Save energy, reduce window sweating, reduce furniture fading

736 - Window awnings are attractive, block heat, save furniture
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of adjustable and fixed window and door awning kits (canopies, small and large adjustable awnings, adjustable vertical awnings), widths, projections, fabrics, features, suggestions on measuring for an awning, recommended cleaning of acrylic awnings, benefits of a fabric awning, explanation of how awnings save energy, prices and illustrations.
Homeowner Benefits: Reduce heat and fading, protection during storms, privacy

813 - Retractable screen kits (doors/windows) are attractive, convenient
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of 12 add-on retractable door/window screening kit and special screening (heat/sun control, pet-resistant, etc.) manufacturers showing types, door sizes, colors, features, prices, and descriptive illustrations showing components of retractable screen kits, add-on porch and garage door screening kits.
Homeowner Benefits: add screening to door for ventilation, more durable screening, reduce heat in summer

843 - Build an indoor combo shutter and bookcase
Update Bulletin Description - Do-it-yourself instructions, illustrations and required materials list for making a combination window shutter/bookcase, simple insulated shutters and three different designs of exterior storm windows.
Homeowner Benefits: Attractive addition, add storage space, lower utility bills, privacy

883 - Rolling window/patio door shutters for security, privacy, efficiency
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of 14 rolling shutters showing material option, types of insulation used, colors available, width ranges for the slats offered, opening and closing options, types of automatic controls, representative prices and illustrations of many models and styles.
Homeowner Benefits: Increased security and privacy, lower utility bills, protection from storms

889 - Retractable patio/deck awnings block sun, rain and are easy to install
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of nine manufacturers of various retractable awning designs (lateral arm, track, freestanding, screened sides) listing maximum widths, projection distance from wall, features, prices, typical installation instructions, and an awning fabric (12 fabrics) selector guide.
Homeowner Benefits: Reduce summer heat through windows, use patio or deck in rain

970 - Reuse removable window film/shades each summer to block heat
Update Bulletin Description - Buyer's guide of 12 static-cling window film (plus a small sample), sun-control shades/screens, and window well liner manufacturers listing sizes, visible light light transmitted, total UV rejection, shading coefficient, colors available, descriptions, installation instructions for static cling vinyl window film, illustrations and descriptions of several products.
Homeowner Benefits: Reduce summer heat, reduce carpet and furniture fading