A Way Out In Case of Emergency

Firstly, egress windows are designed to provide an emergency exit from the basement in the event of a fire or other emergency. Egress windows are sometimes called ‘hopper windows’ and we wonder if it is so that in case of emergency residents can ‘hop to safety’? Well, we’re not sure about that but we are sure that in many areas, building codes require egress windows to be installed in basements to provide a safe and accessible means of escape. Generally egress windows add an extra cost to your window budget but the peace of mind safety provided is definitely worth it. By adding an egress window, you can improve the safety of your home and ensure that your family has a safe exit in the event of an emergency.

More Light

In addition to the safety benefits, egress windows can also add natural light and ventilation to your basement. Basements are typically dark and poorly ventilated, which can make them feel damp and musty. Adding an egress window can allow natural light to enter the space, making it feel brighter and more inviting. Additionally, the window can be opened to provide fresh air and improved ventilation, which can help to reduce moisture and improve air quality.

Add Value To Your Home

Another benefit of egress windows is that they can increase the value of your home. Homebuyers are often looking for homes that offer safety, natural light, and improved ventilation, which means that egress windows can be a major selling point. By investing in egress windows, you can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

More Comfort

Finally, egress windows can also help you create a more comfortable and functional living space. By allowing natural light and fresh air into your basement, you can create a more inviting and enjoyable space that your family can use for a variety of activities. Whether you want to use your basement as a playroom, home gym, or additional living space, egress windows can help you create a more comfortable and functional area.

In conclusion, egress windows offer a wide range of benefits that make them an excellent investment for homeowners. From improving safety and air quality to adding value and creating a more functional living space, there are many reasons to consider adding egress windows to your home. If you’re thinking about adding egress windows to your basement, be sure to work with a licensed and experienced contractor who can help you select the right windows and ensure that they are installed safely and securely.

Dan’s Discount Windows and Doors stocks and sells egress windows and we have a few on display. Ask for a demonstration in store.

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ALL YOU NEED ARE SOAP AND WATER 

• Steel doors generally do not require special cleaning products. In fact, all you need to clean your steel entry door is water and diluted dish soap. A soft brush with a telescoping handle will let you reach all the way to the top of the door, then use a garden hose to rinse it clean. You can use any type of dish soap to clean your front door; we recommend using plant-friendly products if the runoff will reach plants in your yard. 

AVOID USING PRESSURE WASHERS 

• Pressure washers are great for cleaning the driveway and other outdoor surfaces, we strongly recommend against using it on your steel door, even at its lowest settings. Most steel doors have nonporous surfaces, which means if you must remove stubborn stains on your steel door, all you need is a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution. Dip a clean cloth on the solution, dab it on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge or soft cloth. 

WATCH OUT FOR CHIPPING, FLAKING, OR BLISTERING 

• Factory-applied coatings protect steel doors against corrosion. Certain conditions may cause damage to this protective layer: impact from windborne debris may cause dings or chips, or excessive heat may cause cracks or blisters. When cleaning your entry door, take care not to force moisture into gaps or cracks to prevent further damage. 

REPLACE THE WEATHERSTRIPPING 

• Weatherstripping seals the gap between frame and door sash and helps prevent air leaks. When cleaning your steel entry door, make it a point to inspect the weatherstripping, and look for cracks or missing sections. Replacement kits can be purchased from most hardware stores, or you can hire an entry door contractor and have it replaced for you. 

CARE OF HARDWARE & HINGES 

• It is important to lubricate locks used in front doors. Special attention is required for locks on the doors in cottages and country houses used at times. Experts recommend using a lubricant aerosol spray: it is more economical and convenient. Apply them periodically, several times a year. Always read the instructions on the label. Consult the supplier of the lock before self-lubricating the latch mechanism. Some manufacturers forbid lubricating locks of premium grades. Always look for such information on the packaging to avoid damage. 

• How to lubricate the door hinges? Slightly lift the door leaf using a special pinch bar. Apply the lubricant to the hinge pin or the hinge itself. Ask a strong tough friend to lift the door if you have no pinch bar. Do not lubricate every inch of the hinge; one dab is quite enough. In the process of normal usage, the lubricant will spread throughout the surface. 

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• Vinyl and glass surfaces should be cleaned using a mild detergent then rinsed with clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth. Do not use any type of harsh or abrasive cleaning substances or abrasive pads and do not use a pressure washer ever to clean windows or doors. 

• To clean screens, simply remove them, hose them off with water and leave them to air dry. Do not use a pressure washer or any cleaning solvents on screens. 

• Drainage channels and sweep holes must be kept clear of dirt, bugs, snow and ice to allow for proper drainage to the outside. 

• Operating hardware generally requires no maintenance or lubrication, but in rare cases or conditions, lubrication may be required. A light silicone lubricant is recommended. Occasionally hardware may fail if it been damaged. In this case, contact your local window dealer for replacement parts. 

Vinyl windows are a popular choice among homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. However, like all windows, they require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and function properly. If you’ve recently installed new vinyl windows in your home, it’s important to know how to clean them properly to ensure they stay looking great for years to come. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks on how to clean new vinyl windows.

Before we dive into the cleaning process, it’s important to note that vinyl windows should be cleaned regularly, ideally once every three months. This will help prevent dirt and grime buildup, which can make cleaning more difficult in the long run.

Step 1: Gather Supplies To clean your vinyl windows, you’ll need a few supplies:

• Soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth
• Mild soap or detergent
• Bucket of warm water
• Squeegee or clean, lint-free cloth

Step 2: Remove Dust and Debris

Before you start cleaning your vinyl windows, it’s important to remove any loose dust and debris. Use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris on the frame and sash.

Step 3: Wash the Windows

Once you’ve removed any loose debris, it’s time to start washing the windows. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Dip your soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the window frame and sash.

Be careful not to use too much pressure when scrubbing, as this can damage the vinyl. Instead, use a gentle, circular motion to remove any dirt or grime. If you’re cleaning a larger window, it may be helpful to work in sections to prevent the soapy water from drying before you can rinse it off.

Step 4: Rinse the Windows

After you’ve washed the window frame and sash, it’s time to rinse away the soapy water. Fill a clean bucket with plain warm water and use a clean cloth or sponge to rinse away the soap. Again, it’s best to work in sections to prevent the water from drying before you can rinse it off.

Step 5: Dry the Windows

Finally, it’s time to dry the windows. You can use a squeegee or a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any excess water from the window surface. Be sure to work from the top of the window down to prevent drips and streaks.

If you’re using a squeegee, start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee down in a straight line, wiping the blade clean between each pass. If you’re using a cloth, start at the top of the window and work your way down, using a circular motion to remove any remaining water.

Step 6: Polish the Windows If you want to give your vinyl windows a little extra shine, you can polish them using a specialized vinyl cleaner or polish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid using any abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the vinyl.

In conclusion, cleaning new vinyl windows is a simple process that can help keep them looking great for years to come. With the right supplies and a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily remove dirt, grime, and other debris from your windows, leaving them sparkling clean and looking like new. So, make sure to clean your windows regularly to ensure they stay in great condition and provide you with years of energy-efficient, low-maintenance performance.

If you’d like more tips on how to clean your new vinyl windows please contact us or visit Dan’s Discount Windows and Doors. Our trained professional window and door experts are knowledgeable and helpful.

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Note: Door measurements should always read width by height.

• Take a picture of the door and print it out, or draw a rough diagram from the exterior view. Appropriately indicate the hinges and handle/knob and you will know which way it hangs.
• Label it a right- or left-hand door and in-swing or out-swing just to be safe.
• Use the printed diagram to write the appropriate measurements – Now you can take a measurement of the width, height, and thickness, or edge, of the door. Make sure you do not include any other features, like weather stripping or the door sweep. ONLY measure the door slab. Write down the exact measurements and, in parentheses, round them up to the nearest inch.
• Measure the width of the door jamb. Again, do not measure any of the trim materials. When you face the jamb, you will take the measurement from the back of the interior trim piece to the back of the exterior trim piece.
• To be on the safe side, it’s worth measuring the height and width of the framed door space – not including any trim materials.
• Now you’re an expert in how to measure a door for replacement. Your accurate measuring techniques will help you and the customer service representative to choose a door that will fit perfectly the first time you install it.

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Note: It is important to understand which measurements to take. Read the following instructions and have a tape measure handy to learn how to measure a window for any purpose. Remember your measurements should always read width by height. 

• Measure the width at three points. 

• Use a tape measure to measure the width of the window opening at the base, middle, and top. Write down the smallest of these measurements as the width. Be sure to measure from the surface of the jambs or frame, not from the short extensions that hold the window in place. 

• Account for the lining around the window if present. 

• Your window may be surrounded by a plastic jamb liner that slots around its vertical sides. This will be removed before the replacement window is installed, so measure its width and add it to the width of the window opening. If you cannot access the liner’s width to measure, make note to discuss this when you visit your local window dealer. 

• Measure the height at three points. 

• From the window sill surface closest to the window itself, measure the height to the top of the window opening. Do this at the left, center, and right edges, and write down the smallest measurement as the height. 

• Measure the depth of the window. 

• Measure the depth between the two stops that extend in front of the window frame. Try to measure at the shortest point, but it is not vital that you measure in three places as you did the width and height. 

• Check whether the window opening is rectangular. 

• Measure the window opening from the top left corner to the bottom right corner and write it down. Measure the distance from the opposite corners (top right to bottom left) and compare with the first measurement. If these lengths are not equal, your window opening is not square or rectangular. In this scenario, you or your contractor may need to use shims to level up the window properly. 

• Be clear about where you measured when ordering windows. 

• Some manufacturers of replacement windows, storm windows, or exterior shutters may request that you order items slightly narrower than the size of your opening to make sure they fit. You may follow that manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the size by the appropriate amount or give them the exact dimensions of your window opening. The important point to remember is to be absolutely clear which method you are using, since if both you and the manufacturer narrow the window size, it may not fit at all. 

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