How To Choose The Right Windows For Your Home

So your windows have gotten up there in age, and are now starting to show they no longer function like they did when new. In the summer they don't keep the cool air in, and in the winter they let the warm air out. This draftiness has now worn your patience thin. So you decide to invest in new windows. However, one could have a fairly good idea on what windows they wish to have in terms of looks, but may not know what may work best in terms of function, or energy efficiency.

Windows can be functional, and they can also be stylish, so it is important to understand the different types, and what they do, so you can then make a knowledgeable decision which will best suit your needs. There are windows which slide up and down, some swing in, some swing out, and some even slide. The possibilities are almost endless regarding what you want your windows to do, in function, and in appearance.

Types Of Windows

There are multiple different types of windows. It is, however, crucial that you are properly informed about the different types so you can make an educated decision, suiting you and your home to the best of its ability for years to come.

1. Double Hung- These are fairly neat since they not only have the ability to move up and down at one pane but can do it at both, due to the fact that the panes are separate from each other, thus allowing a large amount of versatility in a wide range of applications.
2. Casement- If you are the person who wishes to be heavily energy efficient, this may be the style of window for you. Casement Windows open in a crank motion and swing out of the home, actually acting as a guide to help direct any fresh air into the home.
3. Awning- These are somewhat similar to the "Casement", style of window discussed previously. These still swing out of the home, much like the Casement Window, but swings vertically, instead of out. They retain the crank style mechanism and can lock into place.
4. Picture & Transom- These are quite possibly one of the more opulent styles of windows. They are commonly characterized by their tall stature, whilst employing a variety of different designs in order to suit your needs. They are often quite large and are best suited in a living room, or something comparable.
5. Sliding- These types of windows are single-handedly providing the largest amount of glass area based on their size. However, they also can slide open, thus their naming. This type of window provides absolute massive airflow into the home.
6. Bay and Bow- These are the type of windows which utilize a singular pane in the middle, and two flanking it at an angle, allowing them to jut in, forming the name earning "bay", shape. These are easy to consider when one is trying to fill a very large opening.

Energy Efficient Windows

We all like spending less, which is why it is a good idea to take energy efficiency into account as a factor when deciding on your next window. When shopping for windows, it is often wise to look out for the "Energy Star", sticker. This means that it is in fact certified by the Energy Star program, which is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Energy. For products to receive this certification they need to meet a certain grade of quality. This includes all the parts and hardware being tight-fitting, and the seals letting minimal air through, sometimes through the use of double panes, which are gas filled in between one pane and the second.

Replace Your Windows With Harris Roofing, Siding, Windows, and Doors

If you have any concerns with your windows, please contact us online or call us at 630-883-5367, and we at Harris Roofing, Siding, Windows, and Doors would be glad to be of service.

3 Ways Your Roof Gets Damaged During The Summer

One of the most important things as a homeowner is to properly maintain your home. If you properly take care of your home, then your home will in return take care of you. With roofing, this is no exception.

1) Heavy Summer Rains - During the hot, sticky summer months, it does not rain often. But when it does, it pours. It is crucial during these times of extreme rainfall that no water is leaking into your home.

- It is always quite possible that during a heavy rain, there is also heavy wind. These combined together can tear shingles off of your roof.

2) Clean your gutters - If the gutters have not been cleaned in a while, it is important to clean them, and do it properly. With clean gutters, this will ensure sufficient and proper flow for water to go from your roof, and to the ground effectively.

- If the gutters do not work effectively, the water will still have to go somewhere. And, with a backed up gutter, it has no option but to soak into the roof it was designed to protect, thus shortening the lifespan of your roof.

3) Moss - This is one of the most active times of the year for moss to grow. So, it is important that if you encounter or see moss growing on your roof that you have it removed, to ensure that the roof stays in it's best shape and not prematurely worn.

Trust Our Experts

Trust our experts to help you when your roof becomes damaged. Whatever your issue is, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about the health of your roof.

Our team at Harris Roofing, Siding, Windows & Doors has been hard at work preparing to open our new location off of Northwest Highway in Barrington, IL. Join us for two days of fun, activities, and food.

OH! Did we forget to mention that there would be hourly drawings for prizes as well.

You could win tickets to go see our World Series Champion Cubs and many other awesome prizes.

9 Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks And How To Identify Them

Let's be honest most homes or buildings will at some point have a leak in the roof, and running for a bucket every time it rains is not the most ideal solution. Not every leak requires a whole roof replacement to fix the issue either. Our team has collected the 9 most common causes of roof leaks to protect your home.

Whether your roof is brand new or 15 years old, you should keep this list at hand. Identifying these problems early can mean the difference between a small repair and a large remodel.

1. You Have Cracked flashing

Identifying the issue: Flashing are thin layers of metal that are installed under the shingles and joints of your roof. These can either be concealed or exposed. Broken flashing usually features large cracks

2. The Vent Booting Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Roof vents look like small domes or pipes sticking out of your roof. They are used primarily to expel moisture from your attic. You can identify if there is a leak by checking for dark spots or musty odors in your roof or attic.

3. The Roof Valleys Arent Sealed Properly

Identifying the issue: A Valley is any point in which two different planes of your roof meet. Since these areas are usually sloped, if they are not sealed properly rainwater can get inside as it runs down the roof. Search for wet spots along the seams of your roof to identify leaks.

4. The Skylights Are Installed Incorrectly

Identifying the issue: Leaks such as this should be super easy to spot. If there is consistently a pool of water or small drips coming from the area surrounding the skylight, there may be a leak. However leaks occurring near the highest point can be a flashing issue rather than a sealing issue.

5. You Have Clogged Gutters

Identifying the issue: Usually you can identify this when water pours over the side of your gutters rather than following its intended path. Another way to identify this is to check your downspouts when it is raining. If there is little to no water being expelled the downspout may be clogged.

6. The Chimney Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Most of the time you can look for signs of wear and tear along the mortar or flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Damaged shingles and dark spots can occur where the chimney is leaking.

7. There Are Broken Or Deteriorating Shingles

Identifying the issue: By regularly looking at your roof for large changes in color and missing shingles you can identify this easily. Often times a broken shingle will appear as a slightly off color or lighter spot on your roof.

8. There Is Buildup On The Roof

Identifying the issue: If there are leaves or other materials blocking valleys and joints in your roof water can pool causing the sealant to deteriorate and cause leaks.

9. There's Condensation In The Attic

Identifying the issue:The space will most likely show signs of mold and mildew. A strong, musty odor coming from the attic is also an indicator that water has made its way inside.

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Spring Has Sprung and Now is the Time to Replace Your Windows

If you're in the Barrington, IL area, you're close to our newest showroom! Now that spring has arrived it is the perfect time to update and replace your old, worn out, and inefficient home windows. With predictions about this summer being very warm, if you upgrade your windows you'll have a leg up on those high bills to keep the home cool.

In addition to helping you save money, upgrading your windows will increase the value of your home so you will not only have lower bills but they will more than pay for themselves in the long run.

For more information follow the links below and we look forward to helping you save money!