• Why are you replacing your windows?

Do you have condensation on the inside of your glass when it gets cold outside?

This is caused by high humidity in the house and not from the windows themselves. When replacing your windows you should also install an air exchanger or adjust your current air changer to take the humidity out of the air. Just replacing the windows will not alleviate the problem.

If you don’t want to install an air exchanger, you should consider windows with a vinyl, fiberglass, or composite interior. This way the condensation won’t damage the windows. You still may need to wipe them dry when it gets cold outside.

Triple glazing is also something to consider. It will cut down on the condensation, but not eliminate it.

If you want the beauty of a stained or painted wood interior, you will need an air exchanger. Read more

 

Starting the process of a building project can be very exciting and confusing at the same time. I always get asked where do I begin? What do I need to get started?  Well, the first step is the design and planning of your building project. Whether it’s a garage, deck, remodel, or new home. You will want to get your ideas on paper, so when you start getting bids everyone is on the same page.  Most builders will want to see a scaled drawing. They can start getting bids if they can measure the plans.

When getting started planning your building project, you will want to gather ideas. The internet is a great start. With all the sites out there to choose from there are many ideas available. If you’re not finding what you are looking for, meeting with a Designer/Draftsperson is a great way to get ideas or you may just want to grab some graft paper and sketch something up. All of these are good starting points.

Once you have gathered ideas it’s time to bring your vision to life. Sit down with a Design Professional. Bring all your ideas, pictures, sketches, and notes. They say “a picture is worth a thousand words” and it’s true when it comes to designing a project.

When choosing a Design Professional look for someone with experience. There are many things that need to be considered when designing a building project, especially with new homes and remodels. Finding someone who has knowledge of construction and space planning is crucial. Anyone can make a house look good on paper, but it is structurally sound?  Are the spaces adequate for how you want to use them?

Do not rush! This is a big deal and in most cases the biggest investment you will make. I’ve seen many times people who are in a hurry, rush through the design process and something gets overlooked. You don’t want to be standing in your new home asking yourself why didn’t I think this through. Take your time and ask questions.

Remember this your project, do what you want as you will be the one living in it. People may say “well I wouldn’t do that” and there are some things you probably shouldn’t do, but again this your project. If there is something that is important to you be sure to mention it to your designer so they can work it in to you project.

A good set of plans will save you headaches down the road!

Design Center

ABOUT CONDENSATION

During cold winters, there is a great temperature difference between the inside of a house and the weather outside.  When the temperature drops outdoors, the glass on you windows and doors tends to have lower temperatures than other surfaces in your house, and is the first place that you’ll notice condensation in your home.  This is not due to any defect in your window or door; it’s simply a sign of thea high humidity in your home.  Warmer air is capable of holding much more moisture than cooler air.  When the temperature reaches its dew point, the moisture condenses, attaching to the nearest cool surface.  The first surfaces where you’ll notice this happening is the glass on windows and doors.  Condensation is an unsightly problem.  The last thing you want on your windows is a fog blocking the view.  But the problem goes deeper than that—if condensation is a chronic occurrence in your home; chances are it is accumulating on other harder to see surfaces such as wall and roof cavities.  If left uncontrolled, excess moisture can have serious consequences, including:

• Mold or mildew
• Wood rot and warping
• Roof ice build-up
• Damp, ineffective insulation
• Discolored, blistered or bubbling pain
• Damaging moisture inside walls and attic

Read more