home remodeling

Characteristics of Quality Windows

Is it time to replace your windows at home? When it comes to new windows, you have a wide range of options on the market, and it may be difficult to decide. Window style and frame color are not the only factors you should consider when looking for new quality windows.

Certain characteristics must be assessed since they influence how you use your windows regularly. Continue reading to learn more about the features of quality windows.

Quality Windows Should Be Energy Efficient

One of the main characteristics of quality windows is energy efficiency. Windows that are energy-efficient not only make your home more comfortable, but they can also help you save money on utility bills. Buying energy-efficient windows also helps in the reduction of carbon footprint by cutting down energy usage. This can be your contribution to help protec our environment.

Energy-efficient windows are high quality because they’re also built to provide better insulation than standard windows. They prevent heated or cooled air from escaping your home as well.

Quality Windows Are Made of Durable Hardware

The hardware is one of the most important components of a window. It includes all the materials and non-metal parts that allow a window to open, close, and remain properly shut. That’s why the second characteristic of a quality window is having durable hardware.

Quality windows are made of high-grade hardware to ensure durability and longevity. Some of the most common hardware of windows are PVC and fiberglass. PVC windows have a particularly long service life. They stand out for their distortion resistance and high level of functionality. PVC windows can last for up to 50 years.

Fiberglass is also durable hardware that’s difficult to damage during a construction accident or severe weather event. It is made of glass fibers that are resistant to scratching and denting, which are common to other window materials.

Quality Windows Should Be Easy To Operate

The third characteristic of a quality window is ease of use. A quality window should open and close easily, with no special physical effort on your part. Due to seasonal temperature changes, window frames can expand and contract, making them difficult to open and close over time. For this reason, look for quality windows that can withstand these effects and still be easy to use after several years.

When looking for a new window, don’t be afraid to experiment with the display items. Do they appear to withstand heavy use? Does the window latch close without much effort?

It is important to have a window that is easy to operate, especially during emergencies. Your window can serve as an emergency exit. You do not want a window that is hard to open because it will be difficult to use in the event of a fire or other emergency.

You also do not want the window to be so loose in its frame that it will not remain in an open position, as this could cause serious injury. A window that is easy to use will help keep you safe during unexpected events.

Purchase Quality Windows From Us

Windows are essential for allowing in natural light and tying the aesthetic of your home together. They are significant investments, so consider every single detail when planning to replace your windows at home. Be sure that you are looking into the characteristics of high-quality windows before purchasing a new one. Call Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI to buy quality windows for your home.

The Best Windows for Cold Climates

One of the best ways to stay warm and cozy during wintertime is by investing in the right windows. Even if you have a perfectly functioning HVAC system, the wrong window type could force your equipment to work harder to keep the temperature in your home at optimal levels. This will leave you with high energy bills.

When choosing the best windows for cold climates, you need to consider several factors to keep your home comfortable. Here are some characteristics that are perfect for homes in areas like Viroqua, WI:

The Best Windows for Cold Climates

Windows With Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, or Composite Frames

An excellent place to start when choosing windows is the frame material. Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite are great at maintaining optimal temperatures all year round. Wood with vinyl cladding is also ideal because wood holds heat best while the vinyl protects the wood.

Windows With a Low U-Factor

To make sure your windows effectively prevent heat loss, look for ones with a low U-factor or insulation value. This determines how well a window stops heat from escaping or entering your home. For the best insulation, look for the lowest possible rating. You can also check the U-factor requirement applicable in your area.

Windows With Multiple Glass Panes

If you’re looking for ways to better protect your home from the cold, you should opt for windows with more than one glass pane. Double- or triple-pane windows are suitable because they hold heat well enough to keep your abode warm and comfortable. These windows can also be insulated with gas in-feels like krypton and argon, which slow down heat transfer.

Windows With a High SHGC Rating

Select windows with a relatively high SHGC or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating. This measures how well they block heat from the sun. The rating ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 allowing no solar heat and 1 permitting maximum solar heat. A higher SHGC rating will help provide your home with natural heat even during winter.

Windows With a Low Air Infiltration Rate

When air leaks around the frame, the temperature in your home will decrease. This will force your heater to compensate. To avoid that, the best windows to get are ones with an air infiltration rate of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.

Windows With a Low-E Coating

If you want to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light passing through your windows without compromising visible light, choose panes with low-E coatings. These coatings are thinner than human hair and can conduct heat back into your home. They are also known to improve the thermal efficiency of a window.

Find the Perfect Windows for Your Home

If you’re looking for quality windows that suit your needs and style preferences, we can help you at Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI. We offer quality products from the most popular name brands and provide superior service that has been trusted since 1894. Call us today to get free quotes and estimates. We will be glad to help you!

Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Refurbish Old Doors

If your beloved front, back, or side door is starting to look worse for wear, then it’s time to break out your tools and get to work. By refurbishing your old door, you can bring it back to life and highlight everything you love about it. You will only need a little bit of know-how and a whole lot of gumption to get this project done right. So, if you’re ready to tackle this project, just follow these steps to refurbish your old door.

Get All Your Tools and Supplies

To refurbish old doors and make them look like new again, you will need:

Flathead and Philips screwdrivers
Sawhorses
Drop cloths
Painter’s tape
Newspaper
Wood filler
Power sander
Tack Cloth
Sanding block
120 to 240-grit sandpaper
Rags
Paintbrush
Wood stain
Clear varnish
Safety goggles
Dust mask

Once you have these items in hand, you can continue through the following steps. Remember to always wear your safety goggles and dust mask while sanding and staining.

Take Off the Doorknob, Hinges, and Other Hardware

Using your screwdriver set, take the door out of the frame. Then, take it to your work area and place it across your sawhorses that are sitting over a drop cloth. Remove the doorknob, hinges, and all the other hardware. If the door has a window, tape it off with painter’s tape and newspaper.

Sand to Remove the Old Finish

You must remove the old finish in full to restore the look of your door. To do so, start by putting 120-grit sandpaper on your power sander. Sand off the finish on all the flat surfaces on both sides while being careful to avoid rounding out any edges. Then, sand by hand around all the intricate details in the door using the same grit sandpaper. When sanding, use tack cloth to help pick up particles of dust to achieve a smoother look.

Fill in All Imperfections and Sand Smooth

With the old stain removed, closely examine the door for imperfections. If you find any, fill them in with wood filler and let it dry as directed on the container. Then, come back with 240 grit sandpaper on your power sander and by hand to smooth out the entire door on both sides.

Apply the Stain to the Surface

After your door is smooth to the touch, you can start applying the stain using your paintbrush. Work in small sections, saturating the wood with stain, and then wiping away the excess with a rag. Let the stain dry overnight and put on another coat if you want a darker finish. If you want a shinier finish, apply a coat or two of clear varnish after the stain dries.

Reinstall the Hardware

Let the stain cure overnight once again. Then, grab your old hardware or any updated pieces you want to install and put them in place using your hand tools. If you’re using the old hardware, you may need to oil the hinges or doorknob to improve their function.

Put Your Door Back Up

With all the hardware installed, you can put your door back up in its rightful place in your home. Then, be sure to step back and admire your hard work.

Although refurbishing doors is well worth the time and effort, you can skip all the trouble by getting a new door with help from our team at Nuzum Building Supply. We can help you find a door that complements your home design and exceeds all your expectations. So, give us a call today at 608-637-2116 to get started.

How to Improve Your Kitchen

Planning an upgrade or new kitchen from scratch can be a tough and stressful process.

If you do not know where to start, first do your research on your kitchen preferences and contact the building design professionals here at Nuzum!

Working with professionals will help you choose the right cabinet colors, cabinet hardware and cabinet layout. You want to ensure that your cabinets are beautiful, compliment your space, and are designed with a purpose so that all your belongings fit neatly. Knowing how many items you need to store will also be a big help in deciding how much storage space your kitchen needs.

Follow these simple steps to improving your kitchen:

Call and set up an appointment for an in-home design so that the designer, as well as carpenters and contractors can inspect the area, discuss your vision, and take measurements!
Design the layout of the kitchen by choosing the proper shape for your needs. Whether you have a large family, a large business, a small family or a small business, each kitchen needs to be tailored to fit your needs so that you enjoy your kitchen and it helps make your life easier!
Create a path by discovering and discussing how your family or business moves throughout the kitchen. In which order do you like to move from the refrigerator, to the sink, to the oven, and back to the island counter top to prepare a meal?
Decide your kitchen shape. Would you benefit from an L-shaped kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen, a kitchen on a single wall, or a G-shaped kitchen? Remember to think about the outer area to have to work with and around!

Each kitchen layout creates the perfect floor plan for your unique space and needs. Efficiency can be achieved by well thought-out plans. Enhancing the space with proper cabinetry will create wonderful storage for all belongings and the right floor plan will ensure no more traffic jams!

You can still enhance your kitchen without making major remodeling improvements. Repainting your cabinets and your cabinet hardware can really change the look of your kitchen. Work within your needs and your budget to give yourself a functioning dream kitchen!

Home Improvement Projects for Beginners

Jump in, get your hands dirty and have some fun with easy home improvement projects. We all start somewhere. You are never too old or too young to learn simple projects to better your home. Whether it is an upgrade or a fix, improving your home is always a good idea! Use your free time and these easy tips to build your skills and boost your confidence when it comes to home improvement!

Paint a room

If you want a fast and economical way to achieve impressive and immediate change to your room’s look and feel, a new coat of paint is your best friend. Whether you are freshening up a guest room or touching up a dry wall patch, painting is the final touch that makes your room feel complete. If you don’t like the finished project, no worries, just paint over it until you find what you like. Many paint stores will give you a sample can of paint to use on a portion of your project to make sure you get the right color on the first coat. Invest in a roller and pan, trim brush and clean up equipment to make the process go much smoother. While it can get messy, painting a room is something the whole family can enjoy doing together!

Install a fire pit

Create your family’s favorite outdoor gathering spot perfect for bonfires and smores by building a fire pit. This introduction to basic concrete work is the perfect project to really bring out your building skills. Evolve your skills into patio, tuck pointing, retaining walls and lots of other DIY home improvement projects! Masonry tools are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Use a trowel and tuck-pointer to make your fire pit and any future project easier and faster to complete.

Replacing cabinet pulls or knobs

Upgrading your cabinets and replacing the pulls or knobs is a quick and easy way to improve your kitchen without breaking the bank. It can be as easy as unscrewing the old and attaching the new piece. Don’t underestimate the look of new hardware on your cabinets and drawers. You can tie the entire kitchen or room together with knobs and pulls that match your style. Some complications can arise when using washers or a pull that is rusted onto a screw. It is very difficult to unscrew them with just a screwdriver; you need a power tool. Having a cordless drill is an essential tool for your DIY toolkit! Replacing your cabinet knobs and pulls to match the rest of the room will really complete your space.

Replacing a torn window screen

Whether it happened from a fallen branch, a pair of eager paws, or just simple wear and tear, most window screens are easy to fix. Repair the patch or replace the whole screen to prevent insects from entering your home and making your windows look more attractive. Window materials are inexpensive. A roll of screening and rubber spline to hold the screen in place are easy to find in your local home improvement store. Use a spline roller to make the project go smoother and decrease the risk of damage from installation!

The Barn Wood Phenomenon

barnwood

Cabins, rustic living, wood interiors: the trend of creating a living space that makes you feel “far away” but in your own home is growing and barn wood is something we are seeing a lot of folks as for. We now carry barn wood that looks reclaimed and rustic but is new and will make your house look wonderful!

Continue reading “The Barn Wood Phenomenon”