Tuesday 30 July 2013

How to Make your Front Door Secure

Safety and security are vital to front doors and these factors should not be underestimated when buying or building your home. The main door should be reinforced and protect family members from burglaries as well as withstand weather conditions. A solidly built door is a valuable addition to your home and can incorporate features that ensure protection and wellbeing for you and family for many years.

It is good to assess your front door and see if it needs to be replaced or repaired. There are several ways in which you can decide on the best type of entry door to your home and these considerations are based on material, construction design, hardware features and warranties.

Consider these important factors when you select a front door, and ensure the security of your home and family.


Material
The front door should not only look beautiful but should be constructed to bear the brunt of weather conditions and offer safety. The material should be strong, easy to maintain and clean and should last over the years without being easily damaged. It is important to make sure that your entry door adheres to standards of safety and regulations.

With improved technology, front doors are now available in fiberglass, steel, and other hardy materials which are energy efficient and built to last. The frames that hold the door should be equally durable as the door. Contemporary front door designs include material that are resistant to rot, warping and cracking.

Hardware
The hardware of the front door is all important in ensuring security. Hardware includes:
  • Door chains and peephole viewers
  • Deadbolts and lock set
  • Door knobs and handles
If door chains and peepholes are installed you can speak to and view any unknown visitors in comparative safety. You could add a strike box, reinforcing plates, and change the key to further strengthen the entry door lock. Use a heavy-duty deadbolt set to deter potential burglars. When you change the lockset measure and buy the new locking system so that it fits perfectly onto your front door.

Protection for Weather Conditions
The door to your home should be strong enough to withstand adverse weather conditions without being easily damaged. It is cost effective to select doors that provide insulation made from fiberglass or metal as it saves energy and keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

You can buy top quality doors which have energy efficiency ratings and ensure against air, water, infiltration and forced entry. The doors have wood like appearance, are dent resistant and are sealed for maximum energy efficiency. When you select top quality weather resistant doors there are tax benefits.

Homeowners can buy doors that are insulated with polyurethane foam and triple blade bottom sweep which prevents air and water from entering and which can withstand extreme temperatures. Metal doors are available with magnetic stripping that can hold up against weather conditions.

Additional Entry Door Security
Other methods that can be included to secure your front door are by using:
  • Surveillance cameras which film and record entry of visitors
  • Video door phones through which you or family members could speak to strangers and visitors and decide to deny or permit entry.
 Secure your front door by buying replacement doors of the best quality from Champion windows, You can check Champion Windows Reviews which provide lifetime warranties. Choose top companies that manufacture doors and windows to ensure you get the best quality and installation of your front door and ensure the safety of your home and family.

Monday 22 July 2013

5 Window Options for Your Living Room

The living room is central to your home and no matter the size; windows are an essential part which can add to the ambience, comfort, and style of this important area of your living space. Windows let in light, air, and allow views of the outside. Even when closed, windows can add to the personality and feel good factor of the room if they are beautifully designed and positioned. You can select among a stunning range of window options to decorate and add appeal and utility value to your living room.



Types of Windows
Living room windows are available in a range of designs and materials. They include many features and benefits that can enhance the value of your home and provide comfort and savings on energy consumption. The right choice can brighten your living room and give it a spacious and beautiful appearance.

Picture Windows
This type of windows brings in the outdoors in and is large in size and best for unobstructed views. If your living room has beautiful views of a garden, a large tree, lake or beach these windows are good options. They can be combined with sliding and casement windows to include ventilation since picture windows are usually fixed and include large expanses of glass.

Bay Windows
Bay windows offer functionality and give your living room a more spacious look because they project outward and can be customized according to your choice. They are made up of a central window and 2 side windows which can be opened. You can add a seating arrangement in front of it as well and enhance its look. This type of window is versatile and adds to the natural light in the room.

Casement Windows
This is a popular option for homeowners and is widely used window design. This type of window can be combined with picture or bay windows. They can be hinged on one side and swing out like a door and have a side, bottom or top hung sash and can even have panels on the sides. They are highly energy efficient and ensure good ventilation.

Double Hung Windows
These are the traditional style of windows and can be easy to clean as the upper and lower sashes can be tilted. Contemporary types of double hung windows have insulated glass that won’t fade your furniture and drapes when there is strong sun rays. These windows can hold air conditioner units and are energy efficient.

Shaped Windows
Add a dramatic element to your living room’s interior design with shaped windows. These windows can be customized to fit your living room window style and can include circular, half rounds, arched, or trapezoids among others. The important aspect to remember in these types of windows is to ensure they are sealed well and energy efficient.

Important Points to Consider Before Selection
Windows for your living room should be selected based on the following factors:
  • Design which includes color, material, energy efficient ratings, and shape to match your interior decor
  • Size and number of windows, is based on the size of your room and where you wish to locate the window
  • Budget is important to decide the type of windows that offer value for money based on your selection
  • Find the best installers to install the windows as even the best choice will not give you cost effectiveness and safety if fixed badly
When you select windows based on these points you can be sure that it will ensure that enough sunlight enters the room, it will be properly ventilated, insulated, save on utility bills and energy consumption and add to the beauty of your living room.

If you need to select from among different window types for your living room there are top window supplier companies that manufacture and install quality and energy efficient windows of your choice. These company representatives will guide and assist you in selecting the best window option that matches the construction and interior design of your home. Your living room windows are important and if you select them well it will add lasting value to your home in many ways.You can also check Champion Windows Reviews Here.