Wednesday, April 27, 2016

When to Replace Your Windows Vancouver BC


When to Replace Your Windows in 2016


Do you have “window replacement” on your home improvement to-do list for 2016? You might be wondering, precisely when is the best time to have your windows replaced? Rest assured that, when you hire professionals for the job, you can install windows any time during 2016! After all, professionals complete one window at a time—each taking about 30 minutes to complete—which means you leave only small sections of your home exposed to the elements at a time. Consider the benefits of installing windows in each season of 2016 to help you schedule the installation at the right time for you and your family.



Replacing Windows in the Winter

The benefit to having your windows installed in the winter is that it’s the slow season for window replacements. You may be able to find a good deal and schedule the installation date sooner rather than later. Plus, rescheduling should be pretty easy, since installers’ schedules tend to stay fairly open this time of year.

Replacing Windows in the Spring

Once spring arrives, you should have plenty of beautiful days to choose from to have your windows installed.
new windows for remodel
Just be aware that demand for installers starts to increase as the weather warms up in the spring. You may need to schedule your installation a few weeks out to accommodate your installer’s busy schedule.

Replacing Windows in the Summer

Summer continues the busy season for window installation. Heat and humidity can present some interesting challenges for window installers, but years of experience and know how helps ensure the job is completed without a hitch. If you choose to have your windows installed in the summer, just be aware of the bugs that could enter your home during the process. Keep that fly swatter handy for a couple of days after your windows are installed until all signs of insect intruders have been eliminated.

Replacing Windows in the Fall

Fall is the end of the busy season for window installers, so it could be a great time to take advantage of more flexible installation dates if you couldn’t fit in a time during the hectic summer.
weather shield windows home
Fall is also a good time to button up your home just in time for cooler weather. After all, leaky windows are most noticeable in the winter when cold drafts make you uncomfortable and hike up your heating bill. You’ll appreciate your new windows from day one when you have them installed in the fall.

The Final Verdict

The good news is no matter what time of year you decide to install new windows, House Smart Home Improvements can get the job done. The ultimate goal is to always complete window replacements with durability, quality and energy efficiency in mind.
When you’re ready to hire a professional window installer to replace your windows in 2016, please contact House Smart Home Improvements for a free consultation. 604-585-2020

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 604-585-2020


House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When it’s time to replace your windows,  doors or energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    



Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.



 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

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Friday, April 8, 2016

Vinyl Siding or Hardie Siding - House Smart Home Improvements



Vinyl Siding
Introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to aluminum siding, vinyl siding has since become quite popular. Made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, it is an extremely long lasting and durable material that can be made to match the style of most homes. In the U.S., vinyl exterior siding can be found on twice as many homes as any other siding material.







 Fiber Cement Board
Cement board siding in its current form was introduced by James Hardie in the 1980s, hence the name "Hardie Board." Like vinyl, it is also extremely hard wearing and durable, but it is much heavier to work with. A vinyl siding installer will need special training before being able to install Hardie Board, but many homeowners prefer its authentic designer look. Both types of siding have their place and, depending on the homeowner's priorities, may have benefits over the other.


Durability
Cement board siding has a definite edge in durability. This product will typically come with a 30 to 50 year warranty. It is much less susceptible to weather damage and will withstand the impact of wind-blown debris much better too. Cement board doesn't change much over time. It doesn't become brittle or lose strength. It remains one of the more dependable home solutions for siding options on the market today.

Vinyl is less durable than cement board. It will need replacing much earlier too. It also becomes brittle after long exposure to a hot sun, making it less suitable for a hot climate. When it becomes more brittle, it is much more easily damaged, and then even a heavy hail storm can cause damage to the siding. Wind-blown debris will definitely pose a potential hazard to a vinyl siding that has been up for some time and become brittle. Vinyl siding will typically come with a 25 year warranty.

Energy efficiency
Since vinyl siding came onto the scene in the 1960s, energy efficiency has become much more important to the average homeowner, but so has "green building." While cement board is hardly considered energy-efficient it is a much more eco-friendly product than vinyl. Fiber cement board has poor insulating qualities, but few people rely on their siding product to provide insulation on its own. The "R-value" of cement board, or measure of insulating qualities, is around R-0.50, which is very low when one considers that fiberglass matting has an R-value of R-19.
On its own, vinyl siding is no better than cement board, however it is now possible to buy vinyl with built-in insulation. This insulated variety makes vinyl a stronger and more rigid material to work with. Its popularity has also made it possible to produce the material in a wider variety of colors.

Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, vinyl definitely has the advantage. It never needs painting, and in fact, cannot be painted. Cleaning can be performed through simply washing down with a garden hose. One drawback is that you are stuck with the color you buy for the lifetime of the product. This is unlikely to be a problem for most people, however. Additionally, vinyl will never rot or disintegrate.
Cement board needs painting every five to ten years, or so. This has the advantage that you can change the color of your house at this time if you choose to. Because cement board contains wood fibers, it can degrade over time if it is not installed properly, or not properly cared for through regular painting and caulking.

Cost
Vinyl is certainly the less expensive of the two materials, which is probably why it is the more popular. Vinyl prices vary, but should be at least 10% lower than cement board. However, cement board is generally recognized as having the greater overall quality, and is usually chosen with the long-term view.

Installation
Vinyl is usually the easier of the two materials to work with and install on a building. Cement board is heavy and it requires at least two men to handle a board. Cutting cement board is also more difficult. It releases a toxic dust when sawn, and should be cut with special cutters. Vinyl, on the other hand, is very easy to work with.
Both vinyl and cement board have their advantages and disadvantages as a siding material. Both offer special benefits that the other lacks, so it really in many ways comes down to personal choice.

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 604-585-2020


House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When it’s time to replace your windows,  doors or energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    



Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.


 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

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Friday, April 1, 2016

Ready for Spring? 7 Small Household Tasks Make Big Impact



1) CHANGE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BULBS

BC Hydro says that if the average household replaced all its incandescent bulbs with CFLs, it would save 830 kWh a year, which comes to around $60. BC Hydro's CFL Fact Sheet says that replacing one incandescent bulb with a CFL will save $52 in electricity over the life of the bulb. BC Hydro says that 80% of British Columbians are already realizing 600 gigawatt hours of electricity savings per year, the equivalent energy consumption of more than 50,000 homes.



2) PRUNE AND MULTCH


Prune dead branches, trim back overgrown shrubbery and remove any obstructive plantings. Spread musch or bark around trees, shrubs, and flowers for a weed-free, well kept look.













3) CLEAR GUTTERS


This can save you a lot of money on repair costs. Inspect your downspouts and gutters just before the spring rains start to be sure they are clear of leaves, tree limbs and other debris that might cause problems later on. Clogging usually occurs at the elbow in a drainage system, where the downspout connects to the gutter. Since this elbow is relatively easy to remove, take it off and inspect for clogging.

4) BLOW OUT PILOT LIGHTS IN GAS FIREPLACES


This is a spring cleaning tip that will save you money! By blowing our the pilot lights in your gas fireplaces, you'll be saving money on your gas/electricity bills! My husband and I noticed a big difference in our bill amounts after we blew out the pilot lights. Plus,even if you aren't using the fireplace the pilot light still puts off a bit of heat, so save yourself some money and A/C by just blowing them out! They are easy to re-light in winter when you need them.






5) POWERWASH YOUR HOUSE, DECK AND DRIVEWAY


Winter can leave a lot of your home covered in gunk. Dirt, debris, mold, moss and who knows what else always seems to adhere itself to your deck, driveway, the outside of your gutters and even the siding of your house. Rent a powerwasher on a nice day and go to town on any place that could use a good wash down. The results will be stunning and an instant face lift! Take this time to wash your cars, too. Might as well!





6) PLANT FLOWERS AND SEASONALLY APPROPRIATE VEGETABLES AND HERBS


One of my favorite things about getting your home ready for spring is all of the beautiful flowers and foliage! Plant some seeds or store-bought blooms in pots inside and out or in flowerbeds for an instantly cheery look. If you love fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs, consider sowing some in planter boxes in your garden! Check the web for when to plant what and by the end of summer you'll be eating your very own homegrown salads!



7) GIVE YOUR DOOR SOME LOVE


Restore the luster of your door by polishing the hinges and knobs with polish. Paint or stain the door with a color that stands out, yet also compliments the trim and the siding. Put out a clean, new welcome mat - and make sure the doorbell works.
Need new house windows or doors? Give our professionals a call today. We serve Vancouver and all of the lower mainland, BC. 604-585-2020








Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 604-585-2020


House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When it’s time to replace your windows,  doors or energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    



Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.


 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Home Windows Replacements Vancouver BC Blog



4 Important Considerations when Thinking about Replacing your House Windows

1. Evaluate if it's time for replacement windows


How do you know when it is time to replace your windows?
Do your windows leak? Are there gaps between the window and sash or the sash and frame? Are they difficult to open or close? Have you noticed your energy bills going up, but not your energy rate? Do your windows feel exceptionally drafty? Is there condensation or mold between the panes of glass in your windows?If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you are paying far more for heating in your home than you need to. It is time to consider your energy efficient window options, like vinyl windows replacements from House Smart Home Improvements.

2. Choose the type of windows you want


Types of WindowsWindows are one part of your home that can be seen from both the inside and outside. Therefore, they should complement the exterior architecture of your home as well as your interior décor. Some choices for window varieties include: double-hung, bay, bow, sliding and casement.
Choosing replacement windows that compliment your home is a great way to improve curb appeal and possibly add value to your home.

3. Choose Energy Star Vinyl Windows


Up to 70 percent of energy is lost through windows or doors, and 90 percent of that heat escapes through glass. If you feel your monthly utility bills are too high and it’s time for replacement windows, choose Energy Star Vinyl Windows. The Energy Star label ensures that you are getting the most energy efficient windows on the market today. Replacing old windows with Energy Star qualified windows drastically lowers household energy bills. They are an excellent long-term investment in comfort and value for your family and your home. 

4) Energy Star Windows are Low-E Windows

Since heat easily passes through clear glass, one way to reduce heat loss through the glass is to coat the window with a very thin, transparent layer.  This low-emissivity coating, called Low-E, reduces the amount of radiant heat and ultraviolet rays that pass through the window, resulting in a reduction in sun damage and fading to objects, and energy economy.  This Low-E coating is usually applied on the surface of one of the panes nearest the trapped air space.
replace windows vancouver bcA window coated with Low-E has the approximately the same insulating value as an uncoated triple glazed window; Low-E improves the value from R-2 to R-3 to R-4 depending on the coating type.
Low-E coatings are available in two types: northern or hard-coat, which maximizes solar heat gains and reduces heat loss at night, or southern or soft-coat, which reduces solar heat gain and heat loss at night.  House Smart Home Improvements is professionally qualified to assess and determine which type of Low-E window is best for your home.
Advantages
Low-E windows will return on their investment in a reasonably short period of time, as well as provide a reduction in energy bills for years.  There is increased personal comfort near windows, a reduction in the furniture and window treatment fading, and in mildew and deterioration of the window frame.

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 604-585-2020


House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When it’s time to replace your windows,  doors or energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    



Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.


 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Carbon Footprints Shrink with Vinyl Windows by Energy Star


posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Installing Energy-Star Vinyl House Windows can Significantly decrease your Carbon Footprint


What is a Carbon Footprint?

Your personal carbon footprint measures the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by your activities. It includes CO2 emissions from such things as driving your car or flying in a plane, the manufacture and distribution of the products you buy, and turning on the lights in your home. A carbon footprint is usually measured in pounds or tons of CO2per year.
Home energy use accounts for about one-quarter of your carbon footprint, but this can vary depending on the kinds of energy sources available to power your home. ENERGY STAR calculates carbon savings for ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights based on the mix of fuels in a region and the estimated energy use for a typical home.

Save Money — and More. Choose ENERGY STAR Certified Products.

Installing ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows, doors, and skylights lowers energy bills and saves you money. With more efficient windows, you also use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
By having  ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows, doors, and skylights installed by professionals like House Smart Home Improvements, you can shrink energy bills — and carbon footprints — by an average of 12 percent nationwide, compared to non-certified products.
But  ENERGY STAR products do more than just lower energy bills — they deliver comfort that other products just can’t match.

PROTECTION FROM WINTER CHILLS

On cold winter nights, do you avoid seats near the window? The cold, inside surface of an inefficient window pulls heat away from your body, so you can feel chilly in a sweater with the thermostat at 70 degrees. With ENERGY STAR certified windows, the interior glass stays warmer, so you can enjoy your window seat even when the temperature outside dips well below freezing. Put an end to cold drafts and overheated spaces. ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows, doors, and skylights keep your home’s temperature consistently comfortable. Even your loveseat right by the window can be cozy with ENERGY STAR.

SHIELDING FROM SUMMER HEAT

Do some of your rooms feel like a sauna in the summer? A standard double-pane window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun’s heat into your home. With ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows you can stay cool all summer long. Most ENERGY STAR certified windows reduce the “heat gain” into your home more than typical windows do, without reducing the visible light. You get the light you need without the uncomfortable heat.

Protect Your Valuables

Drapes, wood floors, a favorite photograph: all these things can fade or discolor after repeated exposure to direct sunlight. Whether their value is monetary or sentimental, you want to protect your belongings from fading and discoloring.
ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows have coatings that keep out the summer heat and act like sunscreen for your house, protecting your valuables from harmful, fading ultraviolet light without noticeably reducing visible light. These special coatings reduce fading by up to 75 percent.

source: https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_skylights/benefits

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 604-585-2020


House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When it’s time to replace your windows,  doors or energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    



Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.


 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

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