3 Useful Tips On Protecting Windows From A Hurricane

When you live in an area where hurricanes are frequent, you might already be familiar with certain safety procedures. According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the windows in your home are among the weakest points. It’s because most windows are not reinforced which means they can only withstand being hit at low speeds. When you take into account the wind speeds in a hurricane, it’s highly likely that you would need window repair after. Here are some tips on how you could lessen, if not prevent, damages to your windows:

Do a visual check after the hurricane to see if you need a window repair or replacement

Window shutters – having some sort of barrier that protects your windows is the most sensible thing that you could really do when a hurricane is on its way. And for that, there are window shutters that could help you out. There are numerous types of window shutters. There are those that roll up or down which are often built from metal. These variants offer better protection than their wooden counterparts. There are also shutters that are made out of wood and would swing like cabinet doors and some that could also be pulled down. Despite the added protection, window shutters do have their limitations. High-impact glass – regular glass won’t be of any help when it comes to hurricanes. In fact, glass shards from a broken window pane would potentially be fatal. On the other hand, high-impact glass offers superior protection against your everyday glass pane. You could choose from a single or double-paned glass. The more layers, the better protection you get. Most of the time, high-impact glass has a layer of plastic film that helps prevent the glass from shattering in case objects are flying at higher speeds than the glass is rated for. If you’re still using traditional glass panes, you might want to consider having an upgrade and get window replacement. Plywood shutters - if you want a non-permanent solution, you could install plywood shutters. Half-inch or an inch thick would be great. Installing thicker plywood shutters would mean better chances of your windows not getting damaged. However, you will need to take measurements of your windows beforehand. This is to make sure that the shutters fit perfectly over your window. You don’t want the plywood shutters to overlap or become too small for your windows. In case you don’t get it right, you might risk damages to your windows. Always consider adding some protection to your windows and have it done right. You could also upgrade and get window replacement in Myrtle Beach to make your home more secure. Also, you will need to have any window repairs, replacement, or upgrades done by professionals. Hiring a window contractor will help you secure your home a lot better. Of course, DIY protection is still an option. However, if you plan to do your own window reinforcements, make sure that you are doing a good job. If you’re not too sure, just hire a window contractor instead.

Call MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures for any concerns regarding doors and windows.

MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-492-4516 info@windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com

http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com/3-tips-protect-windows-from-hurricane/

Double-Pane Windows – A Good Choice For Replacement

If you’ve had your windows for a very long time or simply had them damaged, you should have them replaced sooner than later. Nowadays, windows play a vital role in terms of the energy efficiency of the entire house. Did you know that if you still have an inefficient window you could be losing valuable energy that could have been utilized in heating or cooling your home? That’s how important having a fully functional and insulating window. With that in mind, a double-pane window is basically one of the few things that will give you value for money when you’re going for a window replacement.

Know when it’s time for a window replacement

While you might believe that windows can last permanently, the fact is that there will come a time when they require to be changed. How do you, as a property owner, identify when that time is? If you have any of these problems in your windows such as leaks, spaces in between the windows and sash or if they are hard to either open or close, then window replacement might be your immediate option. One method to understand if you ought to think about replacement windows is if the structure of your windows is significantly altering. If you notice any increase in your energy consumption, it might be a sign of your window’s ineffectiveness. The main concern here is if you feel drafts originating from your windows or they are misted up in between the panes, then you are most likely losing energy through your windows and wasting money. Select the very best window style for your home Windows are one aspect of your home that can be seen both inside and outside. They also need to match both the indoor and outdoor aesthetic appeal of your home. Some options for window ranges consist of bow, double-hung, moving and sash. When you deal with a professional window company, you can produce a customized window size and style. Picking a window replacement in Myrtle Beach that suits your individual design and needs is a sure way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and potentially add to your home’s value. Identify your window’s energy efficiency If you think your regular monthly energy costs are expensive and it's time for window repair or replacement windows, why not choose a window with lower U-value. A lower number means there is less heat you will lose throughout cooler months. For windows that will keep your house cooler throughout the warmer months, pick a window with a low solar heat gain (SHG) number. Thinking about both of these rankings when picking a window can offer year-round energy effectiveness. Benefits of a double-pane window In general, a double-pane window is a lot better than the traditional single-pane variant. First of all, there’s an insulating capacity. A single-paned window doesn’t offer that much insulation at all. During the winter, the heat could easily escape through a single-paned window. On the other hand, a double-pane window is a lot better at preserving heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.

Call MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures for any concerns regarding doors and windows.

MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-492-4516 info@windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com

http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com/double-pane-windows-a-good-choice-for-replacement/

Energy-Saving Windows – Do They Really Work?

There’s a lot of information on the internet about energy-saving windows and how they benefit the homeowner. However, is there any truth to all of this or is it just a marketing gimmick that manufacturers use to sell their products? Should you go for the energy-efficient branding when you are about to get a window replacement? This is one question that this article will be answering. Read through the rest of the article to know more about energy-saving windows.

Energy-saving technology is actually good when getting a window replacement

Before we go any further into the benefits of these types of windows that claim to be energy-efficient, let’s take a look at how they actually work. There are different technologies being used to make these kinds of windows. However, they all revolve around the same principle which is basically keeping warm or cold air inside the home when needed. In general, it’s all about insulation. Windows have been known to seep out warm air during winter and cool air in the summer. Windows may also allow the sun’s ray in which could disrupt the internal temperature of the house. With today’s technology, it’s a lot easier to get a window replacement in Myrtle Beach. Now that we’ve gotten the basics of energy-saving windows out of the way, let’s focus on their overall efficiency. Do energy-saving windows really work? In general, these types of windows will work. However, there’s a huge price difference when compared to the traditional windows that you know. Traditional windows may offer some sort of energy savings but it’s not that significant that you could see a huge change in your energy bill. However, traditional windows still are useful. If you’re prepared to spend a significant amount of money on a new kind of window that promises energy-efficiency, it’s not too bad of a deal. The only real hump on the road is the price. Energy-saving windows cost more than it would get your normal window. Will the benefits outweigh the cost? If you’re looking for window repair, just get your old window done and don’t buy a new one just yet unless you’re prepared financially. Replacing an old window with a new energy-efficient one is rather expensive. if you’re after ease and comfort inside your home, the cost of these type of windows would not really matter. Generally, energy-efficient windows offer a lot of benefits in terms of insulation. Windows are known to lose a lot of energy. Traditional windows make HVAC systems work harder to control the temperature inside the house. This generally results in a spike in the energy bill. On the other hand, energy-efficient windows will save you money in the long run. The only real downside to buying these kinds of windows is the upfront price. It’s a bit on the expensive side but if you could manage to go beyond that, energy-efficient windows are worth every penny.

In need of a window replacement or upgrade? Call MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures today!

MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-492-4516 info@windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com

http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com/energy-saving-windows-do-they-work/

Tips To Protect Your Windows From A Hurricane

A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency discovered that windows are one of the four weak links in a house when it comes to hurricanes. Adding masking tapes to your windows provides minimal benefits only, according to professionals. The biggest threat is from flying objects and as expected, tapes won’t be able to protect your windows. It doesn’t matter what brand it is, it won’t be able to protect your windows from the items that would be hurled by the high winds into it during a storm. The tape may be able to stop the windows from shattering completely but when a home is compromised during a hurricane, the rain and the winds could lead to severe damage which would lead to window repair or replacement. Think about these three methods to safeguard your windows before the next storm happens. Window Shutters There are two kinds of shutters that are made to roll down over every window and offer an effective barrier from the wind as well as wind-driven debris during a storm. One kind of shutters could be operated using a hand crank inside the house while the shutters are also available that lock into place when a button is pressed inside the house. Just like other hurricane mitigation projects, you need to consult your insurance company to find out if you qualify for a deduction on the homeowner's insurance in case you need a window replacement. High Impact Glass A typical pane of glass does not provide much protection from flying debris during a storm. If you have high impact glass, you could select a single or double glazed glass option that may strengthen your windows. Having two panes of tempered glass and protected by a plastic film as well, you will have higher chances of your windows surviving a storm. The high impact glass looks just like your current windows, from their aesthetics and it may even help you qualify for an insurance discount. Plywood Shutters Getting plywood shutters over all of your home’s windows could offer great protection from a storm. The issue is that if you wait for the storm, thousands of other homeowners will scramble as they go to home supply stores. When they do, plywood will be hard to find. Hire a professional who will measure out the plywood before the storm comes. It is recommended to pick out at least ¼ inch or ½ inch plywood and also to make sure that the wood is measured for the installation of the home’s walls, compared to the window frames. Durable anchors could be preinstalled so that all you need to do is install into the walls so that what’s left for you to do is attach the pre-cut plywood when a storm is approaching. Keep in mind that when you choose this option to safeguard your windows, your house will be very dark when the power is out after a hurricane. However, when the plywood is secured into anchors, it could be relatively easy to remove after the hurricane. In the instance of a strong hurricane, you should get a window replacement in Myrtle Beach or install safeguards to ensure that there is minimal damage.

Call MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures for any concerns regarding doors and windows.

MBHS Windows, Doors & Enclosures Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-492-4516 info@windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com

http://windowsdoorsmyrtlebeach.com/tips-protect-windows-from-hurricane/