Home Window Fix-up - Sash Windows

"When I was your age ..." is a quote you've probably been haunted with thousands of times. "We used to have to walk 5-miles in foot-deep snow just to get to school."

Thanks for the memories, gramps. But we're not talking about the bad old days in this piece. What we're getting at are the hundreds -- if not thousands -- of homeowners who own a slice of history. An old home. One you want to restore. And you want to keep the original parts as close to the unique nature as you can when bringing your windows in a heritage house in Las Vegas up-to-speed.

We're getting at restoring a sash window.

Step One

These old fellows opened and closed using weights. So, first, find the knockout panel on the window. Obviously, they're on the side of the frame. Are you without this knockout panel? The answer is simple: score one with a small, hand held jigsaw.

Step Two

Gotta yank out the trim. Be careful, now. Don't want to destroy them or that will defeat the purpose. Grab a utility knife and score the natural edges. See any screws? Gently remove them. Everything being exposed, it's time to take-out the old sashes. You'll want to begin with the bottom one.

Step Three

Most likely, the frame is a skosh bigger. Take out your tape measure and a square to make sure everything's copacetic. Have some shims in the bullpen just to ensure the whole schmear is level.

Step Four

Old windows have a way of attracting a lot of junk. Stuff like old screws, paint, glazing and caulk. Clean-up the act with a light sanding. Thick crap might require some environmentally-safe stripper. Not necessarily that kind. But, why not, go to the Strip for a nice lady and seek-out a dancer who's into renovation.

Seriously though, we're talking gunk remover.

A word of caution: The old paint may have lead in it. Take all necessary precautions, O.K.?

Now that the hired stripper has done her job, caulk-up the holes, let it dry, enjoy the dance then resand around the area.

Step Five

Pay the stripper, send her on her way and check to see that the panes are in top shape. If they are, time to move on.

Step Six

Make things all pretty-like. Paint or stain should do the trick. Brush it on the interior sash. Now put the new sash rope through the hole and nail it into position. We recommend good ol' cotton because synthetic twines stretch over time.

Sometime you'll have to replace the weights and pulleys. Try to use stainless steel stuff. They'll last practically forever. Nothing wrong? Lube things-up with some WD-40.

Lastly

As you reattach the stops, use Cinderella nails -- ones that are just long enough to penetrate the materials. Thin nails, too. Wouldn't hurt to drill small pilot hole to keep the wood from splitting. Be conservative. No need to plop-in a billion nails.

Time to throw the engine in reverse. That's why it's good to remember how you started so you can reassemble the whole schmear, only backwards. Tip: Top sash and the ropes to begin with, then attach the weights.

Give it a test-run to see it's functionality. Finish by fastening the parting stops, the bottom sash and the interior stops. Attach the trim. That's it. Break-time as you only have a dozen-or-so other windows to go. Maybe take in a show on the main drag and give the woman a big tip who helped you with the project. 

Las Vegas Vinyl Windows

Caution: Science Ahead

Factually, the U.S. Department of Energy has calculated that by putting in some 21st century portals, you can actually suck 50% of the amount of energy you twitter-away every year. Sure, vinyl doesn't grow on trees, but they are extremely "green."

The big thing you want to take into consideration is this egghead term called the "U-factor." It's a metric that lets you know how well windows and doors are able to block the flow of heat or cold. Golden Rule: The lower the U-factor, the better it will be from blocking the great outdoors from invading the comfortable indoors in Las Vegas.

Likewise, look into the center-of-glass U-factor. Basically, the glazing. So, let's get into comparing window frames.

Wood

Classic, pretty, elegant. The big issue is that they age faster than a movie starlet. There is an upside. Heat doesn't transfer from the elements swirling around in the open air. Translated, wood frames will keep the heat-and-cold where it belongs. Another plus with wood is that it's renewable. On the other hand, it's expensive.

Steel

Then you got your steel frames. They'll be around well after the cockroaches take-over the earth. Pretty flexible stuff, too. Good for grand structures, but unless you're planning a stadium, what's the purpose? Insulation-wise, steel frames suck. You'll be forced to double-up by installing a thermal break.

Get it? More money, honey.

Vinyl

Now for the gold standard, vinyl. Great for energy conservation. The newest models are as air-tight as a bug's ear. We're gonna throw another batch of science at you. This one's called "R-values."

What's that? An R-value is a measurement to tell you the how well the insulation is resistant to heat flow. In this category, shoot for the highest number you can find.

That Wallet of Yours

Talk about cost-effective, vinyl beats all others by a mile -- maybe ten -- if you're redoing a whole house or business. As for maintenance: Us lazy folks unite around vinyl. A garden hose spruces 'em up. A word of caution: Don't mix-and-match between the three.

Finally, vinyl windows come in as many colors as the spectrum on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" album. Count 'em. That's a lot of choices.

Selecting the Best Doors and Windows for Your Home

When it comes to choosing the right windows and doors for your home, the process does not have to be complicated. There are four basic steps when selecting the best doors and windows in Las Vegas for your home. 

• Choose the type of window and door you prefer. There are various styles and sizes when it comes to doors and windows. It is important to determine which type you would like to have in your home. You can search for window and door variations to determine which one fits your needs and preferences. The different window types include double hung, casement, awning, gliding, stationary, specialty and bay and bow types. On the other hand, the different door types would include gliding doors, hinged in-swing doors, hinged out-swings doors, transoms and sidelights.


• Next, choose the glass for your door and windows. Once you are able to determine the type of window and door you want to have in your home, the next step would include choosing the glass. The glass on the door and windows will affect energy efficiency of the doors and windows. Not all types of glass will have the same energy efficiency. Thus, it is important to choose the glass wisely.


• Choosing exterior and interior options. When it comes to the exterior and interior designs and styles, there are a lot of options. There is a wide array of colors and trims to match and  contrast to complement the exterior or interior of a home.


• Add style to the windows and doors. The last step would include the selection of additional styles. Styles may include grilles and accessories like insect screens and art glass.


These are the four basic steps in choosing the right doors and windows Las Vegas. If you are building a new home or perhaps doing some renovations, take some time in choosing the right windows and doors and follow these basic steps.