How to clean your windows (the right way)

Posted by moralesdesign on

After having your windows for a while, you may start to notice that they don’t look as shiny and bright as they did before. They may even include a few dead bugs now…

Do not fret, though! We have listed out our favorite solutions below for cleaning your glass and window frames!

For Window Glass

Our favorite way to clean glass is, by far, using the Sprayaway glass cleaner. It is a great choice because it leaves glass looking extremely clean, but is also environmentally conscious. This glass cleaner has no CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), which are harmful to our environment, especially our ozone layer. The cans it comes in are 100% recyclable and are also made with 33% recycled steel. This glass cleaner is definitely the best choice for anyone in a rush, since it sprays on quickly and is cleaned up quickly. We use this product for all of our glass cleaning needs.

Now, if you’re thinking about going for a more homemade/cheaper route, we have something for you too!

This solution will solve all of your window glass cleaning needs without having to buy anything! All you need are the following things:

  • A bucket (doesn’t HAVE to be a bucket, it can be anything that you can mix the ingredients in)
  • 2 cups of water
  • ½ of a tablespoon of dish detergent
  • A sponge

Yup! That’s all! After you’ve rounded up these items, mix the water and dish detergent in the bucket, grab your sponge, and get cleaning!

If you’ve read this far and still haven’t found something that works for you because you’d like to go the au naturel way, here’s your solution.

Grab:

  • ⅔ of a cup of white vinegar
  • 1 ⅓ of a cup of distilled water
  • 5 drops of Lemon or Lavender essential oil
  • A spray bottle
  • Some newspaper or a microfiber cloth

So, you mix up all of your ingredients in the spray bottle, shake it up, spray on your windows, clean it up with the newspaper or microfiber cloth and there you go!

TIP: Clean your windows on a cloudy day or in the evening. Exposure to the sun may make the solutions dry faster and leave streaks behind.

For Window Frames

Vinyl and Aluminum:

  • Wash down the frames using a hose (for the outside) and a wet cloth (for the inside)
  • Mix up 2 cups of water with ½ a tablespoon of detergent
  • Dip a sponge into the solution and clean the frames with that sponge
  • Rinse it off with more water
  • Clean it all up with a dry cloth

NOTE: You can also use an aluminum cleaner for the aluminum frame

Wood (black mildew):

  • Get a capful of laundry detergent, ¼ of a cup of bleach and warm water. Pour it in a bucket and mix it up. After you’re done mixing, pour some in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the mixture on the mildewy areas. Grab a sponge and scrub those areas.
  • Fill a spray bottle with bleach and spray it on those areas. It will kill the rest of the mildew.
  • Grab some soap and water, some rags and clean those areas up.
  • Grab a dry cloth and dry the frame completely.

NOTE: After cleaning, you can apply a coat of antifungal paint to prevent any more mildew to grow

So, there you go! Now, off to clean!

How to Measure Windows

Posted by moralesdesign on

Whether you’re replacing your windows yourself or you’re just interested in learning about windows, this article will help you out in the most important thing about window replacement: the measurements.

Getting accurate measurements ensures that you get the best product for your home.

Here is how to measure your windows:
For the width:

  • Measure the inside jamb of the window from the left to the right with a tape measure
  • Jamb: the inside frame piece that doesn’t move. Don’t confuse it with the decorative trim!
  • Measure the bottom, middle and top of the window.

For the height:

  • Measure from the head of the window to the window sill using a tape measure.
  • Measure the right, middle and lefts sides

Things to remember:

ALWAYS record the smallest measurement. This will make sure that the window fits.

Accuracy is VERY important in order to get windows that actually fit

Measure from inside your house

Now you can measure your own window! After you do this, you can order your window to begin your project!

Best Value Glass is not responsible for inaccurate measurements acquired by using this guide.

If you need help, please call (619)449-2429.

Window Installation: Should I Do It Myself?

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If you’re replacing your windows, you may be wondering whether or not to install them yourself. We can help you decide!

Note: It is recommended that you have previous window installation or construction experience prior to attempting window replacement yourself. It is also important to acknowledge the amount and location of the windows you want to replace.

Sometimes, it feels like a good idea to do things ourselves because of simple perks, such as the price or time needs. So, here are a few pros and cons regarding installing windows and doors by yourself or hiring a professional company to do so.

PROS:

  • You can save money on the installation
  • It can be done at your specific time

CONS:

  • You may measure wrong and get the wrong size window
  • You may lose the warranty placed by the manufacturers on the window(s)
  • There’s bigger risk for improper installation
  • It may take up too much of your time

If you do decide to hire a professional company to do your installation, here are some pros:

  • They have more experience
  • They are required to be certified, meaning that they are sure to do a good job
  • You can replace more than just one window and in any place of the house
  • They can advise you in colors, kinds and brands

The TL;DR Version: There are many pro and cons to each side, but it’s really up to your skill and enthusiasm when it comes to construction. If you enjoy construction and weekend project, doing it yourself may be your best choice. On the other hand, if it’s a bigger project or you don’t have much experience in construction, hiring someone to do it May be your best choice.

Tempered Glass: What is it?

Posted by moralesdesign on

You’ve probably heard the term tempered glass before, especially when talking about cell phones. But, cell phone screen protectors is not the only use for tempered glass. A lot of the glass around you is tempered.

So, what is tempering?

Tempering makes glass much stronger than it would be without tempering.

What happens is that after the glasses made, it is put through a treatment that applies pressure to the outside surface while leaving the inside free to move. It is heated, then rapidly cooled to achieve this effect. This causes compression on the outside and tension on the inside.

This mixture of forces allows the glass to become stronger. Even if it IS broken, it will shatter into tiny little pieces that are less harmful than the other option: big glass shards.

These qualities generally make it safer. This is why you will find it on phone screens, screen protectors, shower enclosures, doors, and even storefronts. We always recommend that our customers use tempered glass, but it is a little more expensive than using regular glass. In parts of the home, though, we are required to use tempered glass. For example, if a window is too close to the ground or next to a door. Other more obvious places would be the shower enclosure or bathroom.

The TL;DR Version: Tempered glass is made by applying compression to the outside of the glass and allow tension to build-up on the inside of the glass. This makes it for it be stronger, safer and, unfortunately, more expensive.

Perfect timing, Perfect windows

Posted by moralesdesign on

Perfect timing, Perfect windows

If you’re thinking of replacing your windows, you have probably wondered when to do it. Many people would think that the Spring and Summer months are best, as opposed to the Fall and Winter months. But, in actuality, any time of the year is fine, although the Summer and Fall months, are best suited for window and door replacement in Southern California.

Generally, there’s no need to worry about your home being exposed for too long since our team works with one window at a time.

Benefits of replacing your windows during the Summer and Fall months

Although the summer months are usually the busiest for window installation companies, those months are the best because of the lack of strong rain and wind. This allows for caulking to harden efficiently, providing the tightest seal possible. The Fall months are similar, although there is a higher risk for wind. Keep in mind though, that these are the busiest times, meaning that your project may take longer to be completed. This is also an ideal time to upgrade single paned windows to double paned windows if you want to keep the cold out during the later Fall months and Winter months.

Benefits of replacing your windows during the Winter and Spring months

Although the perks of replacing your windows during the Summer and Fall months may catch your eye, there are also perks for the Winter and Spring months. These months are less busy, which means that your project will take a shorter amount of time than it would take at any other time of the year. Upgrading your windows from single paned to dual paned is also a wise decision during this time, since the heat will be kept out during the Summer months.

Ultimately, the time of year that you replace your windows isn’t very important, just keep the tips above in mind when deciding.

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