Our Ultimate Guide on How to Winterize Your Windows
Winters in the Tri-State area are notoriously cold. Although last year brought milder temperatures and reduced fuel prices, experts are forecasting a remarkably cold winter with exceptionally higher fuel prices. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects this winter to be 13 percent colder than last year. As a homeowner, the costs associated with keeping your home warm are of great importance. By taking strategic measures, including winterizing your windows, you can reduce the cost of heating your home and protecting your home from water getting in through your windows. As you know, the presence of moisture can lead to mold. In fact, experts estimate that winterizing your home can lead to a 30 percent reduction in the cost of heating your home. However, before you start the process of weatherproofing your windows, you should have an energy audit conducted so that you can focus on the areas of your home where you lose the most energy. Continue reading if you would like to learn about how to winterize your windows for your home.
What Is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a home assessment that measures your home’s efficiency. Experts consider your home tight if you are not losing energy due to cracks or drafts in your windows. Most energy audits are not exclusive to windows. In fact, your energy auditor can check your water heater and other aspects of your home to ensure proper insulation. With proper insulation, you will reduce the amount of energy you consume this winter. A reduction in energy consumption will lead to lower heating costs, ultimately. Once your energy audit is over, you can choose to replace damaged windows before winterizing them. As a professional in home improvement, our team at RWC encourages you to replace windows that are 10-years-old or older. Dated windows are more prone to energy loss, which could cost you hundreds of dollars in increased utility bills each year. Our professional window installation includes:
- The delivery of custom-built windows to your door.
- The removal of old windows.
- The installation of energy-efficient windows.
- The insulation of gaps and holes in your window frame.
- Caulking both the interior and exterior seals with high-grade caulk.
- The removal of any debris stemming from the installation of your windows.
As homeowners too, we understand the importance of your window replacement project. At every step of the way, we want to ensure that you get the look and quality you deserve when you choose RWC.
What Are Your Options for Replacement Windows?
There are many types of windows on the market. As a homeowner, it is important to choose a window that meets your aesthetic requirements. It should also meet the functional requirements you have too. The following are the most common window types and ways you can easily weatherize these windows.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are one of the most popular types of windows. For many homeowners, single-hung windows are a cost-effective way to get the look they desire for their homes. These windows are less expensive than other windows. They also come in a wide variety of styles and finishes. One drawback to purchasing these windows is the cleaning process. Single-hung windows must be cleaned on the inside and outside too, which can be challenging for large homes with multiple windows. Single-hung windows are simple to weatherize. You should start by using your choice of weatherstripping, including using felt, spring V-seals, tubular rubber-gasket weatherstripping, or adhesive-backed foam. With the goal of eliminating drafts, you should begin the process of weatherstripping early to reduce your energy costs for the winter.
Double-Hung Windows
Another favorite for homeowners is double-hung windows. Double-hung windows open at the top and the bottom, giving you the ability to ventilate your home with ease. By opening the top portion of the window, you can allow hot air to escape your home while the open bottom window allows cooler air to come in. The ability to open both portions of the window also improves your ability to clean your windows. By tilting a double-hung window inside, you can clean the outside of your window without hassles. Another benefit to purchasing double-hung windows is improved insulation. As a standard, manufacturers equip double-hung windows with features that help prevent drafts. In fact, new double-hung windows come with weatherstripping pre-installed along with the header, seal, sash, and vinyl interlock. Although weatherstripping is included with double-hung windows, you should take measures to weatherize these windows as well. For instance, you can choose to add specialty curtains to keep heat in your home.
Casement and Awning Windows
Casement windows are windows that are attached by hinges. These windows break up the monotony when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. Casement windows are different from awning windows, in that these windows are hinged at the side while awning windows are hinged at the top. Like you, many homeowners like casement and awning windows because these windows do not obstruct your view. Neither of these windows has muntins that inhibit your view of the outside. Muntins are the strips of wood or metal embedded in your windows horizontally and vertically. Another benefit of casement and awning windows is catching breezes at an angle. By opening at an angle, casement and awning windows are capable of capturing side breezes that ventilate your home. Use the following methods to weatherstrip your casement windows: Weatherstripping- Use weatherstripping along the opening of casement windows to minimize drafts. Spray Foam- Prevents energy loss by expanding into the gaps around the frame of your window. Insulated Curtains- You can also add insulated curtains to keep the heat inside your home. The method you use for winterizing your casement and awning windows depends on what aspect of the window you are winterizing. Keep reading to learn what measures are best for movable and immovable components of your windows.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are great options for homeowners. Also, known as bowed windows, bay windows prove to be both aesthetically appealing and functional. These oversized windows give homeowners an expanded view of their lawn while offering some much-needed features like extra seating and storage. Much like other windows, winterizing your bay windows is simple. Although insulated curtains and blinds may detract from the beauty of your bay window, you can still use draft snakes, weatherstripping, and caulking to prevent cold air from entering your bay window this winter.
Specialty and Historic Windows
When you have specialty windows, such as basement windows and skylights, you can use many of the same methods for winterizing your home. However, it is important for you to consider the design and functionality of the window to be effective at winterizing specialty windows. If you have older windows, such as those found in historic homes, winterizing them is especially important. All too often, old windows are drafty and lead to substantially higher energy bills in the winter months. As such, winterizing these windows are essential to reduce costs and maintain a level of comfort you have grown accustomed to in the milder months. The best way to ensure that your historic windows are winterized without being damaged is to use materials that are easily removable. For instance, you should look for adhesives that are milder or purchase caulk that is high-quality so that it will not interfere with the construction of your windows. In addition to those methods, you should use insulated curtains and other methods to protect these windows. If you are not sure, or you do not feel confident about your ability to weatherproof specialty or historic windows, you can always hire a professional to winterize these windows for you.
Understanding Energy-Efficient Windows
There is more to choosing a window than deciding on the style of window you want. In fact, when reducing your heating bill is of the utmost importance to you, then it is essential that you consider all the aspects of getting the most energy-efficient windows. But first, it’s important to understand the benefits of energy-efficient windows.
The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows go beyond reducing the cost of your heating bills. These windows help to keep your home comfortable, including helping your home maintain consistent temperatures throughout the day. They also help you reduce the cost of your HVAC by reducing the load requirements during peak performance each day. With a reduced load capacity, you can purchase smaller systems and keep them longer. Other benefits of purchasing energy-efficient windows include:
- Less condensation on your windows.
- Improved lighting in your home.
- Enhanced views of the outdoors.
Although energy-efficient windows are more of an investment than standard windows, they are worth the investment. With the right approach, you can offset the extra cost of your energy-efficient windows by saving money on your heating bills.
Factors to Consider When Assessing Energy-Efficient Windows
Manufacturers can include a variety of measures to make windows more energy-efficient, but even trained eyes can't look at a window and determine whether it reduces your energy consumption or not. Thus, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created national ratings to simplify the process. These ratings are determined by considering each window's U-factor. A U-factor or U-value is the rate at which windows prevent heat from escaping your home. A window with a low U-factor is better at maintaining your inside temperature during the winter months than U-factors that are higher. For instance, the DOE and EPA estimate that some triple-paned windows can have a U-factor of .15, compared to double-paned windows that can register a U-factor of .30 or lower. Another important factor to consider when you are comparing the performance of potential replacement windows is the center-of-glass U-factor. The center-of-glass U-factor is a measure of the efficacy of the glaze on your windows. To simplify your analysis, you should choose a window that has a lower center-of-glass U-factor compared to the U-factor for the whole window. You should also consider the following factors when determining the best replacement windows for your home. Double-paned/triple-paned windows—These are windows that are separated by gas to increase their ability to reduce energy loss within your home. Argon gas-filled panes—Argon gas is denser than air; therefore, the presence of argon gas between window panes improves your window's ability to keep your home warm. Window frames—There are many types of window frames, and each window frame helps you keep cold air out of your home. Your options for window frames include vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or composite window frames. Condensation Resistance—Condensation on your window is preventable. New energy-efficient windows have a condensation rating (CR) based on their ability to resist condensation. The higher the rating, the better your window will perform when your temperature in your home increases while it’s cold outside. Air leakage—Much like your U-factor, air leakage is a measurement that gives you insight into your window's ability to stop air from escaping your residence. You should choose a window that has a low air leakage (AL) rating because it will reduce the amount of heat that leaks out of your home. Within the Northern Zone, you should aim for an AL of less than .30. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient—Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) refers to how much solar energy your window absorbs. During the summer, SHGC can work against your ability to cool your home; however, during winter months, it can help you heat your home. As a resident of New Jersey or the surrounding areas, you should strive to find a window that has a high SHGC, since air conditioning isn’t a significant factor in the summer in New England. Specifically, look for ratings that are between .35 to .60, which will help warm your home in the winter. Although these factors determine how efficient your windows are, it’s easier to consider how energy efficient the window is overall by comparing U-factor ratings.
Consider Your Climate Before Installing Windows
The climate you live in is another important consideration when it comes to choosing windows for your home. The DOE and EPA base their recommendations for windows on your climate. The United States has four different requirements for windows to be considered Energy Star windows, based on the climate. In New Jersey and the surrounding area, the Northern Zone Required Properties are imposed. Based on these factors, you should consider windows that have U-factors of .25 or less to achieve maximum performance from your windows. Although not the best, you can benefit from U-factors that are equal to or less than .30.
Ways to Winterize Windows
After installing new replacement windows using our team at RWC, it makes sense to take every measure to keep your warm air inside. Although new windows are highly energy-efficient, taking extra steps to reduce energy loss is in your best interests. Fortunately, winterizing your windows is a do-it-yourself project. The process is simple, and it will not take a lot of your time compared to other home projects. The following are simple ways you can winterize your windows in a day’s work.
Caulking
Caulking your windows entails placing a sealant around your window seal. Not only does caulking your windows fill the gaps in your window frame, but it also prevents water from getting into your home. When you get your windows professionally installed by our team at RWC, we make sure your windows are properly caulked to prevent airflow and exposure to water. It is important to note, you should only use caulking to fill cracks, joints, and gaps on immovable components of your windows. Applying caulk to components that move will jeopardize your seal and undo all your hard work. Additionally, the size of the gap, joint, or crack you are caulking matters. Never use caulk to fill a gap that is one-quarter-inch wide; otherwise, your caulk may fail.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is the process of placing an appropriate barrier on your windows that will block the flow of air; weatherstripping functions much like caulk. To block gaps in your windows, try weatherstripping. The following are some materials used by professionals to weatherstrip homes.
- Felt
- Spring V-seal
- Tubular rubber-gasket weatherstripping
- Adhesive-backed foam
The method you use to block airflow depends on your preference and the part of your window you are weatherstripping. To maximize the effectiveness of your weatherstripping, you should consider using both caulking and weatherstripping when you winterize your windows. Although weatherstripping is an easy way to block air, not all joints, cracks, and gaps are conducive to this technique. We recommend you use weatherstripping around the sash of your windows and along with other moveable components of your windows. Additionally, it is important that you purchase the appropriate size of weatherstripping materials. Weatherstripping comes in various sizes and thickness; therefore, you should measure the gaps in each window to determine the appropriate weatherstripping to use; one size does not fit all when it comes to weatherstripping your home.
Insulated Curtains
When it comes to your home, it is imperative that it is always becoming. Often, winterizing your home can take away from the overall aesthetics. Fortunately, you can counter this by using insulated curtains and blinds to keep the elements out while improving your home's presentation if you don’t want to use weatherstrips around your windows. Insulated curtains are specialty curtains made with special backing. In general, the backing is constructed using a thick material, such as cotton, linen, or other durable materials. Insulated curtains work much like a blanket on your bed. The lining on the curtains works to keep heat in your home explains the DOE. Ironically, insulated curtains work great year around as well. Manufactured using thick fabrics, insulated curtains work hard to prevent the sunlight from entering your home, which often contributes to higher temperatures indoors during the warmer months. To keep your house cool without overworking your air conditioning system during the summer, invest in insulated curtains during the winter and be ready for the summer months too.
Replace Windows Screens with Panels
Layers often work better when it comes to winterizing, especially when you are winterizing your windows. With multiple layers, you can prevent all wind from entering your home. One layer you can add to help winterize your windows is adding window panels. Essentially, by removing the screens from your windows and replacing them with window panels, they will act as the first line of defense from the elements for your windows. Your window panels will block most of the wind and precipitation during the winter months while your windows block the rest.
Myths About Winterizing Windows
Before you dive into winterizing your windows, it is important to note what measures you should not take. At RWC, we like to educate and inform you to prevent you from wasting your money and your time. The following are some myths you should ignore when it comes to winterizing your windows.
Window Film Insulates Your Windows
Window film is an adhesive many people recommend to their friends and family members when they complain about a draft in their windows. It is essentially shrink wrap. You place it on your windows and apply heat until it takes the form of your window. Shrink wrapping your windows is an ineffective way to block drafts. If the wind is high enough, the shrink wrap will loosen, and you are back at square one.
Winterizing Your Home Does Not Save You Money
Winterizing your home is a great investment to reduce your energy costs. In fact, the DOE estimates that you can save between 5 to 30 percent off the cost of your energy bills. With the average cost of heating a home in New Jersey just under $106 a month, a 30 percent savings on your utility bill can save you a lot of money.
Repairing Instead of Replacing a Window Solves Draft Problems
There are times when you can easily repair a window, but there are times when it makes sense to replace your window; it’s important to know the difference. In many instances, homeowners repair a window because they want to delay getting the window replaced. However, doing this is the equivalent of throwing money down the drain when the window is severely damaged. To determine if your windows need a repair or if it needs replacing, we encourage you to give us a call. With nearly 60 years of industry experience, we are happy to assess your windows and give you an honest answer about the condition of your windows. Beyond window replacement, our team at RWC can help you with all your home improvement needs. From replacement windows to kitchen and bathroom renovations, we specialize in helping you achieve your renovation projects from the beginning to the end. We are the premier home improvement team for residents of New Jersey and the surrounding area. We encourage you to call us today so we can schedule an appointment to assess your home improvement needs.
How To Protect The Front Of Your House 4 Easy Steps
As Halloween approaches, tricks-and-treats, scary pumpkin faces, and all sorts of creepy ghoulies are going to visit your home. Nothing is quite so cute as young children coming to your home to ask for candy, and if you have any decency you'll have some treats available to hand out. Unfortunately, there are also some sinister pranks that are potentially waiting to happen on Halloween.
Fun Pranks and Violent Vandalism
Some pranks are just good fun, others are potentially criminal vandalism, most fall somewhere in between. It might just be that your doorbell rings, but nobody is there when you open the front door with your bowl of candy expecting trick-or-treaters. When instead, there's a gift bag on your porch which with further inspection turns out to be filled with dog poo. Disgusting, yes, but you throw it away and wash your hands, with no harm done.
Toilet paper across your yard? Poor choice, especially if you have guests coming for the holiday season, but you know it was with good intentions by which the local teenagers have declared you to be the “cool” adult in the neighborhood.
Spray paint to the front of your house or physical damage to a car in your driveway are criminal acts of vandalism and are a different story. Unfortunately, these are things you need to be aware of and prepared for.
Maintaining Security for Your Home
There are solutions that allow you to celebrate the fun Halloween celebrations while maintaining safety for your home.
- Consider handing out treat or gifts on your driveway instead of at the door. You get to participate in the fun of the evening, and pranksters don't have the tactical advantage or a valid reason to be on your porch. Win-Win!
- Make sure you have plenty of lights on. Nothing deters a thief or criminal quite as much as a brightly lit environment. Without fail, criminals will move on and find an “easier” victim than a well-lit home.
- This goes without saying on a regular basis, but make sure your doors and windows are locked when you aren't actively using them.
- At the end of the evening, put any valuable decorations back inside before going to bed just to be safe.
Safe Windows
Modern windows, although they will lower your power bill with eco-friendly features while maintaining a much nicer look than traditional wood framed, single pane glass, also add security features to your home. An additional locking mechanism makes them impossible to pry open from outside even if you want to have them slightly opened for a fresh breeze of outdoor air. Such features are especially useful during times like Halloween when strangers in costumes are approaching your home. With the windows slightly open, you can hear what's going on outside, yet rest assured nobody can sneak in through them. When you're distracted by kids trick or treating, you can rest assure knowing your home is secure.
Door Security
Doors are often the most overlooked security failure for homes. The layman tends to assume the door is closed and locked, therefore it, must be secure. Unfortunately, the professional thief knows this couldn't be further from the truth. The most secure door ever invented is only as strong as the screws attaching it to your house. Fortunately, modern security features offer longer screws to secure deeply into the wooden framework of the house. If needed for additional security, steel reinforcements can be added to the framework in order to lock the bolts in place and create an essentially impenetrable area with a door that only allows access to the keyholder.
Stay Safe This Halloween
Halloween is a time for great fun as neighbors and friends spend time together dressing up and giving candy out. Unfortunately, some people can and will take advantage of such generosity. Practical safety considerations to protect the front of your home don't have to ruin your enjoyment of the evening. Contact RWC for more information on secure windows and doors.
Transform Your Home With A Fall-Inspired Look
The fall season is a period of transition from summer to winter. Gone are the fast-paced days of summer and the extreme temperatures of winter yet await us. At the onset of fall, Mother Nature brings forth a wealth of earthy colors and cool temperatures that set the stage for a shift in the atmosphere.
The atmospheric shift boasts an array of colorful foliage, crisp, fresh air, and a sense of tranquility outdoors. When you consider all the characteristics of fall, you have the perfect background for a change in your home’s curb appeal.
Fall-Inspired Curb Appeal Tips
Fall is a cozy time of year that evokes a sense of peace. As such, your home’s curb appeal should do the same. To capture the essence of fall in your home decor, employ these five curb appeal tips:
1. Decorate Your Home and Lawn in Fall Colors
Highlight the uniqueness of your home’s structure by decorating your home in various shades of orange, brown, green, and blue.
One of the most important elements to emphasize is your entry door. With the right decor, you’ll welcome guests and family members without saying a word.
If you need a new entry door, consider contacting our team at RWC. We are the go-to source for home improvement in New Jersey.
2. Transform Your Lawn Into a Cornucopia
Fall, which is also known as the season of harvest, is the perfect time for your lawn to embody the sense of abundance and nourishment; make your lawn a cornucopia.
Strategically place an assortment of fall flowers, fruits, vegetables, and leaves around your porch and lawn. Remember, a little goes a long way. Your fall decor shouldn’t be overbearing. Less is more with fall decor.
3. Incorporate Halloween Decor
Beyond being a time of harvest, fall is also a time for ghosts and ghouls. Your home’s curb appeal should incorporate Halloween decor to show your festive spirit. Carved pumpkins with spider webs and other fun decorations will make your theme pop.
4. Illuminate Your Lawn
During fall, the days shorten and the nights grow longer. To ensure your home gets the visibility it deserves, highlight your outdoor decor with solar lights. Place your lights in key areas of your lawn to maximize your curb appeal. Focus on spotlighting the following areas:
- Entry doors
- Flowers
- Halloween decor
- Walkways
The location of your lights should be functional as well. With shorter days, it’s important to use your lights to enhance visibility so children and guests can safely make their way to your door while trick-or-treating or coming to say hi.
5. Maintain Your Lawn
Another important aspect of your curb appeal is lawn maintenance. It’s imperative you rake your leaves regularly during fall. In fact, with an appropriate fall-inspired theme, you can incorporate the gathered leaves into your decor.
The following are more lawn maintenance tips that will help you keep your lawn fresh and inviting.
- Continue to mow your lawn.
- Water your grass.
- Fertilize your grass.
- Aerate your soil.
- Remove weeds.
Keep in mind, the best way to ensure that your lawn reflects the beauty of fall is to maintain a lawn maintenance schedule.
Renew Your Home with Home Improvement Projects
In addition to improving the decor of your home, fall is the perfect time of year to make home improvements. With mild temperatures and a sense of renewal, you can update your entry doors and windows.
The outdoors aren’t the only area of your home that matters. You can bring the tranquility of fall indoors by renovating your kitchen and bathrooms. Transform the look of your interiors and enhance functionality by incorporating the latest in kitchen and bathroom trends, including open floor plans and energy-efficient appliances.
With nearly 60 years of experience, our team at RWC has helped many customers in New Jersey realize their goals of transforming their homes into a true oasis. We encourage you to call us today to make your home the embodiment of your dream home, both indoors and outdoors. See what we can do for you today.
You can read the full story at RWC NJ Transform Your Home With A Fall-Inspired Look
Tile Kitchen Floors For Your NJ Home
Is your kitchen linoleum ragged, or maybe your wooden floors are scuffed and worn out? These are problems that homeowners never encounter with tile kitchen floors.
Why Does Tile Work For Kitchen Floors?
Ease of maintenance is a big plus for homeowners as tile floors are known for their durability and ease of care. Beyond durability, a tile floor in your kitchen needs no special cleaning solutions, are mostly stain resistant, and spills are easily wiped up.
Floor cleaning routines require nothing more than a bucket of water with a mild cleaner added and a sponge mop. When you have tile installed, make sure that it is sealed so the maintenance remains easy and your floors will always look great.
Ease of Repair
Should your tile floor become damaged, you can replace a single tile or a whole row. Once they are laid down, the repair is virtually unnoticeable. Just be sure to give RWC a call to keep your floors looking their best!
Versatility of Material
Tile floors come in many kinds of materials including:
- Vinyl
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Stone (Quarry)
Why You Should Tile Your Kitchen Floor
There is not a real estate pro around who can deny that a tile kitchen floor is a sound investment as it increases your home value. Other reasons you should tile your floor include:
- If you have your kitchen heated by radiant heat, tile is a sound choice as it more evenly distributes heat in the room
- Hard tile floors are non-toxic, just make sure your installer uses a non-toxic grout so that your tile floors stay non-toxic
- Tile floors are pet-friendly, both safe and the messes they make around their feeding area or if they have an accident are easily and quickly clean up
- Tile floors do not absorb odors or bacteria
Choosing the Right Tile Material
Smart homeowners do their research before setting out to select their tile choice. Here are some things to consider before you choose.
Quarry stone, such as granite or marble are the most expensive tile for flooring there is, but ceramic and porcelain tiles have all the features of natural stone at a far more affordable price.
Some people use less expensive flooring material with a natural stone backsplash and/or countertops.Conversely, some homeowners may choose to use leftover tile as a bathroom backsplash.
Most of the time, those that choose natural stone only use a single matching color for their kitchen flooring. Natural stone is elegant and understated. On the other hand, ceramic and porcelain come in endless colors and patterns.
Adventurous homeowners may even mix and match tiles – only your imagination limits what can be done with a tile floor from the perspective of design.
If your kitchen is on the small side, use large square tile that tend to open up a small space. For larger kitchens tile size doesn’t make much difference.
The hardness of porcelain flooring is subject to rating by Porcelain Enamel Institute. Choose a rating of Class 3 or Class 4 for kitchen use.
Water resistance is a very important feature for a kitchen floor. If your kitchen is moisture-prone, choose an unglazed tile with a maximum absorption rate of 0.5%. For glazed tiles choose a tile with a maximum rate of 0.3%.When wet, tile floors may become slippery. If this a concern for your home, check out tile flooring that is textured.
For the best selection of tile in the Caldwell, New Jersey area contact the professionals at RWC. At RWC we have an outstanding selection of kitchen flooring of all types. Our installers are experienced tile technicians that will complete your flooring on time, on a budget, and most importantly correctly.
Call us at 973-227-7123 or contact us now to request a quote.
Stop Drafty Windows and Drafty Doors To Save on Your Utility Bill
Windows and doors are an opportunity to help make a home beautiful with great designs and features - some homes even have stained glass accents on their door or windows. But, windows and doors also play a vital role in keeping the interior of your home of your enjoyable.
Here is how they do this:
-
Lit by natural light
-
Protect the family living in the home from bad weather
-
Provide a level of security for those living inside
-
Adds design opportunities for home interior decorating
-
Is a focal point for the exterior appearance
When windows and doors are in good working order they prevent drafts from occurring. As they age and lack of maintenance can make both windows and doors a silent thief of your heated or cooled air. Windows can also wear out, especially when exposed to rainy or snowy weather which may cause casings made of wood to rot. Drafts are costly according to the United States Department of Energy the likely energy savings homeowners will gain is between 5% and 30% when drafts are fixed. Some window drafts are easy fixes, but there are serious problems that may call for window replacement.
How to Identify the Cause of Drafts & Repair Them
Stopping drafts give you two benefits immediately:
-
Makes your home more comfortable
-
Lowers your utility bill
Causes and Repairs of Drafts
On the outside of your home inspect your doors and windows. Look for gaps around windows and doors. Check for cracks in the caulking around windows and if they show up you need to have them repaired too.
Sometimes, there is a defect in your windows and doors that can cause drafts too. To stop a draft, try closing and locking a window. Do this carefully, sometimes a window looks shut when it actually isn’t. If your window won’t lock, open and close it as far as you can. This is done so you can assess if the window is on its track. If that doesn’t solve the problem call RWC and have a professional window and door specialist come out to make the repair.
Should You Have Your Windows and Doors Replaced?
Window and door replacement is not cheap, but the gains in home enjoyment and warding off damage to your home makes replacement worthwhile. Also, new windows will add to your home’s value.
The following are signs that your windows need to be replaced:
-
Drafts of warm air in summer and cold air in winter - Try the feather test. If you hold a feather next to the edge of the window and it moves, you have drafts that are driving up your heating and cooling budget.
-
Foggy windows - Single pane windows are especially prone to this. They do not stop the transference of warm and cool air. When the inside cool air meets outside warm air, or vice versa, condensation will build up. This is a sign of inefficiency that gets expensive over time.
-
Hard to open or close windows - Opening and closing your windows shouldn’t be difficult. A properly hung window will open and close with ease. Old wooden windows can warp over time with the swelling and contraction of the wood with the weather changes.
-
Hard to clean windows - If you avoid cleaning your windows because they are hard to clean, or because doing so would require a ladder on the outside of your home, you may want to consider replacement windows. Modern replacement windows are easy to clean and are treated to attract less dirt on the outside.
-
Replacement parts are hard to find (or non-existent) - If you are unable to get replacement parts for your windows, this is a definite sign that it’s time to upgrade to new replacement windows.
-
Chipping, water stains, deterioration, and wood rot - Once windows have reach this stage, it is very difficult to simply repair. The window needs to be taken out and replaced.
-
Mismatched windows - If your windows don’t match the aesthetic of the house or even each other, it’s time to contemplate replacing them. New windows will upgrade the look of your house and bring much-needed energy efficiency.
For more information on wheither you need to replace your windows and doors we are your go-to window and door contractor in New Jersey. Call today, our number is 973-227-7123 or contact us online.
You can read the full story at RWC NJ Stop Drafty Windows and Drafty Doors To Save on Your Utility Bill
The Ultimate Guide to Beautiful, Rugged & Rough Tile Flooring
Quick Summary
The ultimate guide to tile discusses everything involved in your decision to renovate a room in your house with tile flooring versus keeping the floor you already have. Perhaps you simply want a different look. Maybe you want to update your kitchen or bathroom with something more modern. Maybe your old flooring is wearing out and you want something that lasts a long time.
If you’re considering tile for your next home improvement project, look no further than this ultimate guide to tile to get you started.
Quick Links
INTRODUCTION - TILE: ROUGH, RUGGED AND BEAUTIFUL
ADD SOME COLOR TO YOUR PALLETTE
NO COLOR DOESN’T MEAN LACK OF BEAUTY
MAINTAINING EVERY TYPE OF TILE
CONCLUSION - HOW RWC WORKS WELL WITH TILE
Introduction: Beautiful, Rugged and Rough Tile Flooring
Tile is a beautiful way to add a touch of class to your home. Tile can brighten a room, make it cozier and completely change the feel of your kitchen or bathroom. There’s no more drab paneling, no more splits in the linoleum, and no more hard scrubbing just to get up one stubborn spot. Modern tile can take years and years of wear without dulling its appearance. Rugged beauty aside, the reasons for a professional tile installation are endless.
Practical Reasons to Install Tile
There are many practical reasons to install tile flooring. Tile lasts for many years, and manufacturers usually have a warranty that lasts decades based on normal use. Tile is relatively low-maintenance compared to other floor types. Wood floors may need occasional coats of floor wax, plus you have to watch out for scratches, nicks and dings. Linoleum or thin vinyl rolls require floor cleaning at least once per week to maintain. That can get cumbersome if you have mobility issues or if you’re too busy in any given week.
Tile usually just needs vacuuming or dusting and that’s it. There are no waxes to prevent buildup or any special chemicals to enhance the shine of the floor. All you have is the beauty of the tile and a once-a-week vacuuming or sweeping for maintenance. You can literally stand back and admire the tile flooring without worrying about how to maintain it.
You have many practical, daily reasons to invest in high-quality tile for your kitchen or bathroom floor. However, tile can enhance your home in creative ways that you might not expect.
Other Reasons for Tile
Investing in beautiful tile increases the resale value of your home if you decide to sell, refinance or take out a second mortgage. Keep copious amounts of notes and official documents during the install so you know precisely how much it cost. If you decide to sell, a real estate agent can take into account your investment and raise the price of the home based on the money you spent, plus the appraised value of the improvement. Do the math to find out how floor tile can increase your home’s value depending on where you live.
Floor tile is nontoxic, so long as installers use nontoxic grout. You don’t have to worry about allergies you get from carpeting chemicals. Some types of tile are made from all-natural stone materials, so you have the beauty of Mother Nature right in your own home.
Where Do Tiles Go?
Tiles typically go on floors, but they can also go on the walls. Flooring tile works best in areas that may get wet, such as a kitchen, bathroom or even a patio. A few downsides are that tile can be cold because it has no insulating properties, and that tile reflects noise in a room rather than absorbing it. You might find yourself walking in house slippers on a cold day or talking softly so your voice doesn’t carry.
Tile patterns and colors on the floor may differ from that of the walls, depending on the effect you’re looking for in the room. Tile protects the floor underneath from water damage, especially in bathrooms. Tile creates gorgeous patterns in showers that look great and keep the wall behind the tiles waterproof and safe from mold, mildew and rotting.
On an outdoor patio, tile creates a sturdy surface over the layer of dirt or wood underneath. The grout forms a waterproof seal so water can run off of the exterior patio easily in the rain, thereby preventing any standing water and water damage that plagues outdoor areas made of wood. A simple sweep of a broom keeps dirt, debris and leaves off your tile patio.
How Much Does Tile Cost?
The cost of installed tile depends on two main factors: materials and size. Some materials may cost more than others, depending on how installers obtain the tile. A larger project that covers more square footage costs more than a project with less. A kitchen floor may cost less than an entire bathroom remodel. You also have to factor in the purchase of any new appliances, hardware or plumbing updates that go along with your tile installation.
No matter what you decide, there are many types of tile from which to choose.
Chapter 2: Types of Tile
Tile comes in many forms, shapes and sizes. Larger pieces of tile might be easier to install, and, therefore, your labor costs decrease. Smaller pieces might take longer to put down.
Popular types of tile include:
- Porcelain
- Mosaic
- Vinyl
- Travertine
- Natural Stone
- Slate
- Ceramic
- Marble
Take a look at each type and see which one may work best for your newly installed tile floor.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile. These usually come in squares between 2 and 6 inches wide. Porcelain is a very tough material, and it’s popular with homeowners because of the limitless color choices that come from manufacturers.
Mosaic
Mosaic tiles form patterns from smaller pieces. Mosaic tiles can be made from pebbles, small stones and colorful pieces of varying sizes. Because most pieces are less than 1 inch wide, mosaic patterns work best for smaller rooms and smaller projects. Mosaics can fit together as squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons, octagons or any combination of those shapes. Mosaic tiles form a unique pattern found nowhere else, so this type of flooring makes your bathroom or kitchen one-of-a-kind.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are very heavy and work well in basements. Vinyl comes in all kinds of colors and patterns, including types that look like natural wood. Vinyl tiles might be easier to install because they are rectangular.
Travertine
Travertine is a natural stone type of tile floor that comes in huge squares. This style is popular in the American Southwest and Southeast, where the climate is warmer. This tile is very heavy, and it should only go on a ground-level floor. These tiles look great in a living room or hearth room. You might see these types of tiles in hotel lobbies or office buildings as you walk in the front entrance.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles are squares or rectangles made from cobbled-together stones and pebbles. Unlike mosaics, these tiles are larger and easier to install because they arrive from the manufacturer as bigger pieces.
Slate
Slate is a type of rock hardened by nature. The tiles look like they have natural edges, rifts and valleys along the top edge of each piece. Slate normally looks gray or black, and it comes in squares. Slate is fantastic for entryways and porches because the natural crevices resist slippage.
Ceramic
Ceramic comes in many decorative forms, and it’s very popular with homeowners for its durability, color choices and its cost. Ceramic tiles are usually square and several inches in length.
Marble
Just like countertops, all-natural marble floors can be very expensive and very heavy. Marble might be hard to match, but the beauty of the reflective, polished surface is unmatched in any other type of tile. Marble floors also have higher maintenance compared to other types. The marble must be sealed by a professional, and you have to clean up spills immediately because liquids may stain the porous material. The colors and patterns of marble can form a truly special floor that everyone notices.
Chapter 3: Add Some Color to Your Palette
Tile, whether it comes from natural sources or a kiln at a factory, comes in all kinds of vibrant colors. All-color tiles leave your entire design with a colored pattern and very little white. An entire floor might be shades of brown, blue, red, black, green or whatever colors you prefer. You can create a pattern all of one color, or you can have complementary colors as well.
Color Schemes
Why choose colors? They brighten a room. They change the feel of the decor. Yellow reminds you of sunshine, particularly if you’re in a bathroom without a large window. Blue might seem soothing and relaxing as the ocean. Green brings a touch of outdoors with the color of leaves and grass in the early summertime. The choices are endless, and you don’t have to go monochromatic thanks to how colors work together.
The Color Wheel
Decorators and designers use the color wheel to determine which colors go well together. When you look at a color wheel, hues on opposite sides complement each other. Similar hues, such as all of the greens, blues, browns or reds, tend to complement each other as well.
Analogous colors, or ones close to each other on the wheel, have similar shades. For example, yellow-green, yellow-orange and yellow all go with each other because yellow brightens those shades. On the other hand, complementary colors create differences at the opposite side of the wheel.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors create contrast without clashing. Green and purple are on opposite ends of the color wheel. Light green might complement a dark shade of purple due to one common color: blue. Purple contains blue and red mixed together, whereas green has yellow and blue. Remember, every color of paint comes from just three primary colors: red, yellow and blue. Every other color comes from those shades.
The overall color scheme of your floor tiles can also take into account the decorating in the rest of your house, the furniture within a room, or the style of your house. If you have a Victorian house, you might choose an exotic mosaic or natural stone as opposed to slate or travertine. If you have wood-stained trim or dark wooden cabinets in your kitchen, then you might consider shades of brown, tan or white for your floor. Just because a room already has color, that doesn’t mean floor tiles have to include a particular color pattern.
Chapter 4: When You Want Some Color
All-color tiles contain shades or hues of one color. Partial-color tiles expand your decorating choices by subtracting color from the pattern within the tile.
What Is Partial Color?
Partial-color tiles balance a particular hue with white. A good example comes from marbled tiles that have white with brown. Although brown or earthy tones are popular choices for partial-color tiles, you can find these styles in just about any shade. The white in the tiles brightens the room while adding a little bit of color that’s pleasing to the eyes.
Designing a Partial-Color Floor
A partial-color floor has an extra design step. Rather than go with monochromatic tiles that can go anywhere on the floor or walls, partial-color floor tiles need to follow a certain pattern. Installers try to match the sides of each tile so the pattern looks aesthetically pleasing. This is especially true with natural stone, marble or slate tiles. Partial-color tiles usually have neutral tones that complement a wide range of decorating styles. You still have a third design choice that doesn’t use color at all.
Chapter 5: Lack of Color Doesn’t Mean a Lack of Beauty
Tiles can still be beautiful without any colors whatsoever. Minimal colors tend to rely on patterns to create gorgeous designs. Minimal colors in the tile can mean a few things.
What Does Minimal Color Mean?
Minimal color means you get very few, if any, color variations from one tile to the next. It could also mean you have all-white tiles, or shades of neutral tones throughout your room.
Neutral Tones
Neutral tones can be white, gray, ivory and black. These colors go with any other colors, hence the designation of “neutral.” Minimal colors and neutral colors serve as a blank slate for the rest of the room’s decorating scheme, whether you want to have a huge sink, cherry-colored cabinets or stainless steel kitchen appliances. When you have minimal colors, you might consider placing more tiles in more places.
Chapter 6: Tile, Tile Everywhere
Tile offers a great way to re-do a floor or even an entire room. Why would you want to tile your walls and your floors? You have a few reasons as to why tile looks good on more than just the floor.
Why Tile on Floors and Walls?
Tile has insulating properties. It keeps hot or cold in the room where the tile sets. Therefore, it prevents any heat or cold from seeping into the walls and getting into the room with the tile. If you take a hot, steaming shower, the tiles may stay a bit warmer afterward. Tiling the walls means you have easy maintenance, just like you do for the floor. All you need is to dust every once in a while.
When you run the heat, the floor near the vent stays warmer for a longer period of time, so you get a little bit of radiant heat. You can even save on your heating bills by purchasing an under-floor radiant heat unit that keeps your tiles warm in the winter. This type of heating system uses less energy than a furnace, and you can turn the heater off and on as needed.
Why Tile in Multiple Rooms?
Tiling multiple rooms in the house has several benefits. Rooms adjacent to the tiled walls remain quieter because tiles reflect sound. Not only does your tiled room have better sound quality, but it keeps sound out from other rooms as well.
Decorating Motifs
Tiling more than one room creates a decorating style for your home. The master bathroom might have flowery patterns, while the child’s bathroom could have green and blue for an ocean scene. You can have mosaics in every room with tile, and each mosaic can form a pattern that means something to your family. The design possibilities are endless when you add more tiles to more places.
Chapter 7: Maintaining Every Type of Tile
Maintaining your tile floor depends on the materials in your floor or wall. Regular, ordinary maintenance isn’t that big of a deal. Every once in awhile, you might consider going the extra mile to bring out the shine and beauty of your floor.
Types of Tile Maintenance
When you maintain your tile properly, you can keep the same-as-new look for decades. Because tile is made of hard, stone-like materials, it can last for 25 to 50 years. Some manufacturers even have warranties on the workmanship, but not if you drop something on the tile and crack it.
Basic tile maintenance for everyday floors and walls starts with cleaning the floors every week. Sweep or vacuum the floors so they don’t get dull from layers of dust, grit or lint. When your floor needs a little extra care, you can use liquids for cleaning, but be very careful with this.
Cleaning
Instead of a sponge mop for floors, use a rag or a chamois mop. Change the water every so often because dirty water dulls the shine of the tiles by leaving a film. Use mild dish soap rather than floor cleaners you find in the store. Tile floors generally don’t need waxes whatsoever.
For walls, especially in the bathroom, clean any stains you see as soon as possible. This is especially true in bathtubs or showers where soap scum can build up over time. Wipe down the walls of the shower and/or tub once a week to prevent any buildup in those areas.
Natural stone might be harder to clean compared to manufactured ceramic or porcelain tiles simply because natural materials absorb water. Clean marble, slate, pebbles and stone with extra care, and dry up any water as soon as possible so it doesn’t leave any stains or watermarks.
Stains
Stains are tricky to handle. Use a non-abrasive cleanser, such as a dish soap or a tub/tile cleaner, in a non-conspicuous area to make sure your floor maintains its color before you tackle a stain on the floor with a cloth. If you don’t want to use any cleansers at all, a baking soda paste works wonders, especially on white tiles. Try hydrogen peroxide for blood, coffee, tea or juice stains.
Just like cleaning, natural stone tiles are harder to keep stain-free because they absorb more liquids. No matter what kind of tile you have, clean stains as soon as possible.
Cracks
Cracks can form on any tile, usually because something has fallen on it. How you deal with cracks depends on what you have. Professionals can fix hairline cracks in tiles by trying to match the original color. If tiles have patterns in them, the cracks may be harder to match with the color scheme. Installers can replace chipped tiles by replacing the damaged one.
Consider felt feet on your bar stools, kitchen chairs or any other furniture that sits on the tile. This may prevent damage to the tile and to the furniture if a leg or a corner abruptly strikes the tile. You can always put a small throw rug down to protect the tile or cover up a crack. Despite the drawbacks and possible cracks, floor tiles are still the way to go for beautiful kitchens and bathrooms.
Chapter 8: Preparing Your Home for Tile
Before an installation happens, a contractor comes out to plan the layout and design of the floor. He will explain what goes on when he arrives with the materials, how long the project should take, and what homeowners should expect.
How a Contractor Prepares Your Floor
The first thing a contractor does is remove the old flooring to get to the subfloor. The subfloor is the support mechanism that holds the flooring in place. A subfloor can be plywood, boards or planks, depending on your type of floor.
Before he lays down the tile, the contractor secures backer board to the subfloor. Backer board creates an even surface for the ground and tiles. Otherwise, your floor may see some uneven areas as tiles dip up and down. Once the backerboard is sealed and ready to go, the installer places the tiles.
What You Can Do to Get Ready
As a homeowner, the installer may tell you what you must do before he comes to work on the project. Here are some things you should do ahead of time:
- Move any furniture out of the way
- In a bathroom, turn off the water supply to the sink and tub/shower before moving the sink
- In the kitchen, move the kitchen island, if you can.
- You shouldn’t have to move your kitchen cabinets
- Later on, if you get new cabinets, consider tiling underneath them
- Make sure the room is well-lit, or the contractor might bring some work lights
Now that you know what it takes to get some floor tiles installed in your home, it’s time to get the process started.
Chapter 9: Conclusion--How RWC Works Well with Tile
A licensed and experienced contractor or installer that knows how to install tile floors in the kitchen, bathroom and any other room you want is the way to go when you want the job done right the first time. If you have an idea of what you want, or you need help with every step of the process, RWC can help. Our experts point out the latest styles, pros and cons of various types of tile, color schemes, maintenance tips and what our techs do once they are in your home. We’ll know and recommend the best type of tile for your kitchen or bathroom floor after hearing your ideas and wants for your soon-to-be renovated space!
Just like any other large home improvement project, the first step is planning.
Design Consultation
The experts at RWC make an appointment with you to examine exactly what you want and how to accomplish it. We go over the look of the room and show you what it might look like once it’s done. Then we work up the details in our office before proceeding to the next step.
Proposal
RWC staffers come back to you with a proposal in hand that documents precisely what happens and how much it will cost. Every detail is included in the proposal, so read it over carefully and contact us with any questions. It’s your home and your investment, so we work for you. Tell us what you need and we’ll deliver on a high-quality project.
Comprehensive Services
RWC completes the entire project from start to finish, and all you have to do is prepare your room for the job. We take out the old flooring, prepare the subfloor and then install the tile. We give you tips on how to care for it and value service after the sale.
If you ever have any questions, talk to your project lead. They will guide you through every step of the way. We want you to be confident in your home improvement project, and it’s our job to instill trust with our customers.
Let us be your tile flooring company. We have more than 55 years of experience in home improvement, and we’re ready to serve you in the best possible way. Contact us today for a free consultation and a price quote.
Project Spotlight Featuring Facelift for Crown View Manor in West Orange, NJ
Here at RWC, we value being able to get for our clients top-quality materials and workmanship with the convenience of one-stop shopping. We want to be that stop when it comes to your windows, doors and remodeling projects. We offer materials suitable for your upcoming residential and commercial projects. It can be pretty frustrating to rely on several vendors and contractors when it comes to getting the materials and professionals to work on your projects. Let our family-owned company take the frustration out of the equation for you.
RWC has been providing customers with great service since we opened in 1959. The difference in what we provide is that we honestly listen to what our clients are trying to accomplish with their projects, whether they want to give a building a cosmetic facelift to increase curb appeal or create an entirely new space. We then work with you by taking your ideas, needs and wants for a project, and by helping you work through your options based on your particular budget. The services that we offer for commercial and residential projects include windows, doors, decorative glass and pre-finishing, along with kitchen and bathroom remodels.
One of our most recent commercial projects is a true gem in our portfolio as we helped with a facelift of a large apartment building, the Crown View Manor in West Orange, NJ.
Crown View Manor in West Orange, NJ
The project at Crown View Manor in West Orange, NJ involved removing the old doors and windows and replacing them with high-quality French doors and Palladian windows.
This large-scale replacement project provided a necessary upgrade to the building facade. These beautiful new windows and French doors provide the apartment building itself with a new look that will attract more tenants through the modernized look. These new upgrades not only look amazing, but offer functionality that is often not available with older windows and doors. Installing new windows and doors on the units provides savings when it comes to the energy bills for heating and cooling, whether your complex pays the utility bills or has the renters pay them.
You may not think that a family-owned business like ours is able to tackle such as large project, but our company is able to go toe-to-toe with the larger companies due to our excellent experience and contacts in the field thanks to our many years in business. Our attention to detail and skilled experts were perfect for such a large apartment building in West Orange, NJ.
Bathroom Renovations
New windows and doors aren’t the only way to revitalize a way that a building looks when it comes to attracting potential tenants. Our bathroom renovations can change the whole look of a rental unit. Old bathrooms can look outdated and turn off potential tenant from renting while a new-looking bathroom has a lot to say. Most bathroom remodels include energy efficient fixtures, and that can be a huge selling point when it comes to signing a lease for some renters, especially if they are in charge of paying the utility bill.
A new bathroom also represents the reputation of the rental company. Residents want a company that takes pride in their buildings. This tells your tenants that you care about their comfort and well-being while they are residents in the buildings you own. A new bathroom shows that issues and potential problems are taken care of in a timely fashion.
You can instill this sense of pride thanks to our bath renovation services. We are able to help you with new tiling, tubs, showers, sink units, fixtures and more to get the bathrooms up to snuff. We can go through your budget, and help you find the pieces that will look great together in the unit while staying within your budget.
RWC Process
Our process makes it simple and easy to get started on your upcoming project. You start with an initial design consultation when we go over your needs and wants for your project. A basic budget is discussed, and we start the brainstorming process of how we can accomplish what you’re looking for with a project. The second step is where we present you with our proposal that took in all of the information that we gathered during the design consultation. Then we get your approval on the project, and complete the paperwork. After that, we start working hard on getting your project completed on time and at the agreed upon budget.
Contact us today on how we can make that special difference in your upcoming project. We welcome commercial and residential projects of all sizes. Feel free to drop us a line about coming into our showroom for a free consultation or asking about how we can help you tackle your upcoming commercial or residential project.
Here’s Why You Need New Commercial Entry Doors
Doors in your building should be form-fitting, sturdy, secure and well-made. Your building, especially if it’s your commercial business, is a vital part of your everyday operations, whether you rent the place to tenants, own a retail shop or house a factory. This is why you need professional installers to handle your commercial door needs.
Read on to discover how new commercial doors can save you money and bring you peace of mind.
Security
Physical security is a major concern for your business or commercial property. A sturdy commercial entry door for the front and back entrance, with a deadbolt or other security locks, represents the first line of defense against unauthorized entry, burglars and wayward people who wander inside. Don’t leave a security breach to chance, and have a professional install a commercial door.
Further, commercial interior doors keep your products safe and secure, even on the inside. Locked doors keep unauthorized personnel out. Sturdy doors also soundproof rooms so staffers can talk in private. Security isn’t the only reason to have a professional install new or replacement commercial doors.
Insects and Weather
Commercial exterior doors need to have the proper locks and seals on them to keep out drafts, weather and insects. All of these intrusions can cost your company money. If your doors let bugs or pests inside, you must spend more money on pest control measures. Drafts that come in through gaps between the door and door jam make your climate control system work harder to maintain a certain temperature, whether it’s in the winter or summer.
A single investment in modern commercial doors saves money over the long-term use of the building because you spray for insects less and your utility bill is lower each month. Lowering your overhead means you can focus on making more profit from your building. There are many types of commercial doors that can mitigate these issues.
Types of Commercial Doors
Exterior doors are usually made of solid steel, whereas interior doors are hollow. Steel doors on the inside of you commercial building provided added security, soundproofing and climate-control measures.
Cargo doors that roll away provide safety and security among entrances for a loading dock or vehicle storage area. These doors often have remote controls that let you lock them from the inside, and you have a deadbolt key that can lock them down from the outside. Cargo doors commonly roll overhead so they are out of the way when vehicles come into the facility. These doors have bumpers around them to seal the outside while letting cargo vehicles safely sit against the back of the building.
Glass doors provide partitions on the inside of your building so you maintain visibility between sections of your plant, conference room or executive areas. They provide a nice touch with a bit of privacy.
Why a Professional Installation
Professionals can install exterior commercial doors at any time of year, although cooler months during spring and fall are the best. When the weather is cooler, there are fewer insects that get into your building while installers replace your original doors with newer ones. Temperatures shouldn’t be too hot or too cold during your installation because those temperatures may affect the wood that goes around the doors by expanding or contracting the fibers.
Installers know how to seal exterior doors so the elements don’t infiltrate your building. Professional installers maintain high standards and know how doors fit into your building’s overall structure. Pros can fit together the handles, hinges, parts, bumpers and frame properly throughout an installation. A professional contractor knows what accessories to put on a door, such as keyless entry, chains, automatic openers, sensors and card swipe machinery.
Whether you need to replace or repair a door, a newer custom model door starts paying for itself right away. A professional installation adds value to your investment. An installer can return to the work site if he or she needs to make unique adjustments later.
Why RWC
RWC in New Jersey has the tools and the talents to complete your commercial door installation in NJ professionally, properly and efficiently. Once you consult with us, we take you through every step of the process. Once you place your order, we keep the doors at our place until they’re ready to be installed. We can color match some types doors during the design and consultation process.
We won’t do anything that you don’t expect. Once our team leader arrives on site to oversee the project, he or she can explain exactly what’s going on and why. Leave the hard work to us so you can return to running your business in the best way you know how.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation.
Project Spotlight: Bathroom Renovation in Montvale, NJ
At RWC, we pride ourselves on jobs well done. We meticulously guide you, the homeowner, through every step of a home renovation, whether you want a little touch-up in one room or a complete remodel of the entire interior. No project is too big or too small for our experts here at RWC.
This beautiful home received a simple, contemporary facelift thanks to a new front door from RWC. We took out the old door, replaced it with a gorgeous, mahogany-colored fiberglass model and installed a new doorbell. This made the home more efficient and elegant at the same time.
We can do the same for your home. Here’s an in-depth look at a complete bathroom remodel we recently completed in Montvale, New Jersey. Our staff discussed options with the homeowner, drew up detailed plans and then added a room full of class to this little corner of the house.
Visually Appealing Tiles
The original bathroom contained all-white tiles with dark grout in between. The tiles were on the floor, along the walls and in the shower. They created a monotone throughout the space, and the huge mirror above the sink provided a ton of bright light for everyone to see. Although these white tiles brightened the room, they really didn’t match the look of the rest of this house in Montvale, New Jersey.
We went in and removed the old tiles from the floor and the walls. We also removed the huge mirror on the wall, so more visually appealing tiles could show off the beauty of the design. Darker tiles went on the floor to give the appearance of stained wood, while we installed a brick-like pattern in the shower itself. Meanwhile, the walls have a lighter tan color with a stripe of narrow tiles at eye level.
The entire look remains complementary with earth tones while varying the tiles to create an eye-catching design. The lighter brown tiles on the wall keep some of the brightness of the original room while matching the floor. Entirely new tiles were just one aspect of this complete bathroom remodel in Montvale, New Jersey.
New Vanity
After we laid down the new tile on the floors and walls, we replaced the old sink vanity with updated fixtures, cabinets and a countertop. The countertop has a marbled look that matches the floor and wall tiles. The cabinets remain a neutral white color to maintain some of the brightness of the original look.
The new cabinets underneath the sink give the homeowners better storage solutions with a swinging door on the left with drawers to the right. The previous cabinets had one larger space without much organization and two swinging doors. Storage was another aspect we designed into the new look of the room.
Better Storage
The old room had a shelf above the toilet as an extension of the sink. This made the room look confined and cluttered. We simply removed this thanks to the added options of the drawers under the sink.
We replaced the old corner shelves in the shower with a recessed spot for easier access to soap, shampoo and other necessities while showering. The recessed storage spot is deeper than the narrow corner shelves we took out of the old design. This makes the shower safer so no one is reaching far into one corner for stuff while the water runs.
Water Hardware
The sink hardware is easier to use and provides better temperature control for hand washing, shaving and tooth brushing. The shower hardware includes a larger shower head and a place to hang a mirror or accessory just above the water controls.The shower head sits on an assembly that could also serve as a handrail to hold onto during a shower.
Other Improvements
We replaced the shower doors with more ergonomic ones that have easy-to-grab handles. The handles also double as a handy place to hang washcloths and towels. One handle faces outward towards the rest of the bathroom, while the other faces inwards.
How RWC Can Help You
Much like this bathroom remodel in Montvale, New Jersey, we at RWC can take you through the entire remodel process from start to finish. We take a look at what you have in place and help suggest improvements to go along with the look you want to achieve. No matter how big or small your project is, we are there every step of the way to show you exactly what we’ll do, why we do it and what the final product should look like when we finish. We’re up front about costs and budgets, and we promise to deliver a project that exceeds your expectations.
Contact us today to start talking and dreaming about your new room. Then leave the hard parts to us.
Window Installation and Renovation in New Jersey
Introduction
Windows are important to the infrastructure of a house, and they give the house a certain style. If you’re building a home or looking to upgrade your windows, you need a professional company to ensure the windows go on your house properly. There is a lot to consider when it comes to window installation. The professionals at RWC know everything there is to know about windows. Pests, air and the weather can all affect the way a window will fit. Consider some of these factors if you’re thinking about renovating or installing new windows.
Window Installation
Window installation typically focuses on the style of the house. Find the right windows for your house to let enough sunlight inside and provide an excellent view of your yard. Installing new windows can generate appeal to the property and helping elevate your home’s value. Homeowners are wise to consider new windows on a home.
The cost of installing windows might get expensive, but the cost doesn’t always reflect the quality of the window. If you’re planning on saving time and money, you can still get a quality window for a fraction of the price of name brand windows. When you have windows professionally installed, it saves time and money. If your house is 25 years old or older, it’s a good idea to start looking into new windows as a general rule. You soon start to see your money go into your savings account rather than your electric bill.
There are many different window types available. Therefore, it can be overwhelming as you search for the right windows for your home. Examine colorful, stained glass windows, or just a bay window for the patio, we can give you any information you need as you check out what options lay before you. We’re here to help you make the right decision for you and your home before any installation takes place
If you feel like your home needs new windows, there are some tell-tale signs to help you make that decision. Whether it’s a broken window or rising electric bills, these small details can give you an idea of how well your windows work. Drafts coming from the windows means it’s time to replace them.
Why You Should Call Us
There are many reasons why calling a professional window installer is a good idea. Our expertise and work can save you a lot of time and money. We know how the windows should fit in any home, and we know how to properly install them with the proper tools. Homeowners should leave important items, such as fittings and seals, with a professional installer to ensure the window stays in place and prevents any drafts.
There are other things they know, including:
- Air gaps and places where air can flow. This can result in a higher heating or electric bill, depending on the year. Sealing those gaps can result in money being saved.
- Insects and bugs. Insects have a way of getting into homes. Sealing the air gaps doesn’t give them an opportunity to get inside the house.
- Weather and temperatures. The environment can be harsh on windows. There are many different types of windows made to handle various weather conditions. If you live on the coast, you will need a different window than someone who lives inland.
When is the Best Time of Year to Install a Window?
In truth, windows can be installed at any time of year. There are problems with trying to install during the colder months, including the caulk not setting properly. Moisture can be also a problem with the installation process. These adverse conditions don’t mean an installation can’t be done. However, spring and summer months are the ideal times to have professionals install windows.
If you’re unsure about when would be a good time to have a professional company come to your home, you can always call us for an estimate. Your time and money need to work for you, so you need to make sure windows are worth your investment. RWC can come and assess your situation at any time of year, even if you don’t plan on installing the windows for several months.
Conclusion
As you start to consider replacing your windows, call the professionals at RWC Windows. We are more than happy to work with you. We can offer advice and give you an estimate that fits your budget. Whether you’re looking at weatherproofing your windows or installing a new stained glass window on the porch, we have plenty of choices. We have been in business since 1959, making us one of the most knowledgeable installation companies in New Jersey. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at: (973) 227-7123, or visit our website.