The unique Hobbit House we profiled yesterday actually won two awards, one for the best small project and the other for the innovative 'butterfly window' specially designed for the home. The window was based on Tolkien's sketches and writings. It was built out of solid mahogany with custom-designed forged iron hardware. The center hinged sashes are designed to resemble butterfly wings. The American Institute of Architects praised the window with "elegant design with extraordinary detailing" when they presented the award to Archer & Buchanan.
With the rise of the air conditioner, conventional methods of cooling a home have fallen out of favor. But with the cost of electricity going up, more people are reconsidering the old methods. Here's one for you: window awnings. A new study from the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association found awnings can reduce the use of cooling energy by as much as 26 percent in hot climates and 33 percent in cold climates. The study measured seven cities across the climate zones: Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, Phoenix, St. Louis and Sacramento. I'm surprised the greatest savings were found in colder climates like we've got here in Boston. It has me thinking of a good summer project for my home.
Looking for something more modern than vertical blinds to cover your windows? The Solar Panel System from The Shade Store blocks 95 percent of ultraviolet rays—and it looks cool! Available in 4 distinct styles, these innovative panel systems can cover your windows and doors or separate rooms. And the good folks at The Shade Store want to give an exclusive offer just for our readers. Use code "BOBVILA" when ordering and receive free shipping.
I've got to admit that I'm the first to preach about increasing energy efficiency in our homes, but not the first to make it happen. The truth is: I'd love to replace every dated window in my home, but I can't afford it. I know there are tax credits and I'd love to cash in, but new windows are a major ticket item. So, I looked into buying do-it-yourself window film for my huge picture windows. In the summer, my house is like an oven with the heat they bring in. Wintertime means heat loss as the warm air seeps away. There are many options when it comes to film for existing windows...and just as many opinions about it. You can have industrial-grade window films professionally applied to existing glazing. The professional films block up to 99 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, saving furniture and rugs from fading while reducing heat buildup. This results in a huge savings on the cooling bills in the summer and maybe even the heating bills in the winter (it depends on the type of film you get). The 3M web site lists some products that are tax-deductible. Then you need to get an installer. Watch out for the warranty on your windows, though, as film applied can cause a heat buildup within the glass itself, resulting in seal failure. Some sites report that this generally occurs if the film is applied on the inside, so remember to install it on the exterior. The last set of debates centers on the cost of film versus replacement glass. When you calculate the cost of upgrading your UV and low-e protection, consider the tax credits, the longer life of your furnishings, the cost to purchase and the cost to install. If your warranty is voided on the original windows, be sure the window film company picks up the remainder of any warranty items so that you will have full coverage. If they will not, price out the cost of replacement glass with UV and low-e protection. If you're really on a budget and hope to replace the windows ASAP, go to the local home store and get do-it-yourself film. It may discolor down the road, but a season's protection from heat loss and heat buildup may be worth it.
When it comes to childproofing your home, never overlook the danger of window blinds. Since 1991, more than 175 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in drapery and window cords. Although manufacturers have made a concerted effort to make their products safer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) recently announced a recall of about 140,000 window blinds sold exclusively by Lowe's. The pull cord of the blinds is looped and can pose a strangulation hazard. If you purchased Basic Blindz Window Blinds from Lowe's between March 2007 and July 2007, you may be affected. Thankfully no incidents have been reported, but consumers should stop using the blinds immediately and contact Springs Window Fashions at (866) 305-8652 to receive a free retrofit kit. The USCPSC page has a list of serial numbers for the recalled blinds. Also be sure to double check all window blinds and retrofit all pull-cord window treatments made before 2001.
Those of us in hurricane-prone regions are all too aware that June 1 was the official start of hurricane season. Many of us have stocked our disaster supply kits and prepared our family emergency plans. However, a lot of people are still stumped when it comes to boarding up their windows and doors. If you find your home in the path of a hurricane this season and don't have impact-resistant windows and doors or impact-resistant shutters or panels to protect from windborne debris, consider building your own temporary emergency shutters. Fortunately, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes website can help with complete instructions and an easy-to-follow animation. Some steps you can take now, well before your home is threatened. Don't wait, get started by clicking the link below.
The latest in my ongoing addition saga is the windows. It seems to me that putting in a good window is rather straightforward—level and square, protection against water infiltration, and pop it in. Well, I'm learning there may be more to this. We purchased sliding windows for the new addition—more in keeping with the modern design and lets lots of air in. The problem is the concentration of weight where the two sash meet. Instead of being distributed horizontally across the opening, there's a huge weight concentration where they meet and latch, in the middle. Without bracing underneath, the support bows, which makes the sash slip out of alignment and kind of tip sideways a bit. Solution: take off the trim and brace underneath or... install it right the first time!
