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Brought to you by Marvin Failing windows and doors will not only make your favorite spaces less comfortable, they may also have a negative effect on your health. Here's how to know when it's time for replacement. As time goes by, the performance of your windows and doors will diminish. Weather-stripping gets damaged, seals fail, components get brittle and break. How do you know when it’s time to replace them? There are some obvious signs like cracked glass, drafty rooms, or that they’re hard to open and close, but some signs are more subtle. This handy guide will help you ...

Content taken from Webinar with Ann Edminster (Zero-energy/emissions consultant, educator, author). The zero net energy (ZNE) home development movement began in the ‘70s and ‘80s out of the wake of the energy crises in the U.S. The movement was based on work by the Rocky Mountain Institute and Amory Lovins.  A Habitat for Humanity chapter in the metro Denver area developed the first home documented to operate at zero net energy in 2006. This year, 2021, marks the 15th year that formal ZNE building techniques are being used to achieve this ambitious goal. As of mid-2019, there were about 22,000 documented ZNE homes ...

Interview with Maria Danielides, Principal at Maro Designs Housing introspection. Ordinarily, these two terms would not be used in the same, single phrase. And yet, this appears to be what architects have encountered with a shift of homeowner perspectives over the last year. Maria Danielides, Principal at Maro Designs, helped shed some light on the current mindset of residential clientele around the San Francisco Bay Area and how it is impacting the rest of the country in an interview with Alex Tran; an architectural sales consultant for BMD in the Millwork division, representing Marvin in northern California. In her interview, ...

with Ann Edminster - Zero-energy/emissions consultant, educator, author What is ZNE and What Are the Benefits?  ZNE, or Zero Net Energy, is a construction movement centered around optimizing the efficiency of a home, so that the owner’s energy demand is met, typically on-site. As the movement grows, it is sometimes referred to as Zero Net Electricity, or Zero Net Emissions, but it typically revolves around the same ideas.  Both energy consumption and production are factored into the equation with ZNE homes.  While the target is to come as close as possible to neutralizing energy consumption, ZNE isn’t always 100 percent ...

Brought to you by Marvin When purchasing a window, most homeowners think about the type of operation they want—casement, double hung, glider, etc. They also consider the color and maybe even how a window’s aesthetics complement the architectural style of their home. But often, very little consideration is given to the glass itself. Many people don’t even know they have an option of choosing one type of glass over another. Here is a helpful guide about the performance of glass, glass types, and the various glass options. Whether building a new home, remodeling, or considering replacement windows, this article will ...

The use of a large scenic doors is a rising trend, especially in affluent homes with sufficient square footage. These doors can flood the living space with large amounts of natural light, providing an uplifting experience while spending time in the kitchen and living areas. The natural light generated from scenic doors increases the value of the home, and even provides additional health benefits to the homeowner. Scenic doors provide an environment with the feel of no walls, and no boundaries. All that separates homeowner from the outdoors is a simple layer of glass, and when it’s open the home ...

Have You Been Installing Windows The Right Way? Brought to you by Marvin We explain the different types of nailing fins and clarify some common misconceptions as to what their real purpose is. You will also learn nail fin window installation tips to help you avoid common window installation mistakes. What Are Nailing Fins? Nailing fins, sometimes called mounting flanges, are the thin strips installed on the exterior sides of a window. Unlike a “front flange” which is a decorative trim piece, a nailing fin is usually set back from the outer edge of the window frame and has fastener ...

Updating your property with a front door style that complements your home’s exterior is a quick way to increase curb appeal, add value to your home, and even update the security of your home. This article will review common front door styles used in remodeling and construction today. From wood, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, and glass, we’ll review the pros and cons of each style and clue you in on what you need to know before you purchase. Front Door StylesThis article will review common front door styles used in remodeling and construction today. From wood, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, and glass, ...

Extending the view in the kitchen - one of the home’s most popular rooms. Brought to you by Marvin Whether your style is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, a kitchen tends to be the heart of the home. Often a central spot where family and friends gather to socialize and celebrate, your kitchen deserves a view as spectacular as the festivities it hosts. If you are building a new home or remodeling a kitchen, here are 10 covet-worthy kitchen ideas that Marvin rounded up. All these styles differ, but all have one thing in common—window views to swoon over while you’re ...

10 Most Common Window Installation Mistakes Avoid these mistakes and prevent expensive callbacks. Brought to you by Marvin If you want to end up with an energy efficient, smooth operating, and long-lasting window, every step of the installation process needs to be executed with the greatest attention to detail. Here are some of the most common installation mistakes and some useful tips that will help you avoid them. Wrong size rough openingThe rough opening requirements for a 2-x 3-foot, window will vary depending on the manufacturer and the style of the window. A window can be built to fit almost ...

w design rules are that there are no rules, even when it comes to painting your window sash and frame in contrasting colors. Whether you’re going through the window replacement process, remodeling your home or building anew, there are endless options when it comes to how to paint, stain or finish the items in your home. Though you might assume that a monochromatic scheme is the accepted practice for windows and window trim, experimenting with starker contrasts might open up new possibilities. With the resurgence of industrial-chic aesthetic and black steel factory windows, many are seeking thin, clean lines and ...

Windows can crank, lift, glide, tilt and turn, move up, down and sideways. For homeowners who need to replace windows in their home, it can seem that options for the look and functionality to replace your old windows are endless. The type of product you choose and how it operates will help you determine the ideal function and look of the windows for your project, so it is important to understand terminology your contractor or building professional might use to describe the options available to you. Before you begin exploring materials, colors and hardware options, get familiar with five of ...

Windows offer up a practical and, depending on the size of the project, budget-friendly way to add attractiveness and extra light to your bathroom. See several window ideas that'll expose your bathroom to light without exposing you. Are you ready to install new windows in your bathroom? Contact a pro today and get up to four free quotes from window contractors in your area. GLASS BLOCK WINDOWS Installing glass block windows in your bathroom is a popular solution because they not only add light, but also security, privacy and style. WINDOW FILM Window film is a simple, inexpensive and aesthetically ...

We may have year-round pool weather here, but building your dream pool might leave you underwater - they're usually home reno money pits. Instead, here are the best fix-ups that almost always increase your home's value. You might miss this focal point since, well, it's hiding in plain sight. Front Door A replacement door, or fresh coat of paint on it and new hardware can really refresh the overall vibe of your home. New Paint A new coat of paint is like a facelift for your house, changing the appearance from meh to mmmm-hmmm. For reference: Wood should be re-painted ...

Our second installment of window tips in partnership with the experts at FineHomebuilding tackles the list of popular window materials, and the pros and cons of using them in your next project. Planning a new build, remodel or a window replacement project can be overwhelming, especially when there are many variations of window and door materials to choose from - and a lot of information to sift through in order to identify the material that best suits your needs. The most popular frame materials for windows and doors are vinyl, rolled or extruded aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and wood clad with ...