Have you ever lost your keys and tried to break into your own house? It’s a bummer, for sure, but it can also get you thinking. If you’re able to break into your house, chances are someone else will also be able to. 

Out of all of the points of entry into your home, basement windows are the most vulnerable. 

Think about it. Odds are your master bedroom is up on the second floor— too far away to hear the noise of a break-in. Basement windows often face into the backyard, away from flood lights or security cameras. There’s not even much of a chance for a passing motorist to witness the break-in. 

Basements can be an afterthought for homeowners— it’s just the spot for boxes, the washing machine, and that extra beer fridge.  However, There’s a few things you can do to tighten up the security, and give you peace of mind. 

Here are our top eight tips to make burglars walk right on past your home.

Get covers installed on your basement windows

If your basement windows look up a little shaft, then window well covers will keep intruders away. They also keep rain and snow away from the windows, so bonus on this one. 

Make it seem lively down there

It’s simple. Pick up an inexpensive timer at the home improvement store.  Program a light, or even an old clock radio, to create a sense that there might be someone down there. If you’re already using a home smart speaker system, you can even program that to keep your basement lively. 

Slap a security sticker on your basement windows

Maybe your security company gave you a little yard sign to put in the bushes. Those signs are hard to see in the dark! Get a sticker. It’s a visual reminder (right at the most opportune moment!) that this break-in will not go well. 

Install flood lights in the backyard

So many homeowners point their floodlights at the driveway—as if an intruder is going to be making a polite housecall. Install them on the backside of the house, and catch them coming from your most vulnerable angle. 

Make it tough to see inside

If a burglar can’t look in to see your stuff, they’re less likely to take the risk of breaking in. Depending on the style of your windows, this may mean hanging blinds or curtains that you keep closed. For smaller windows, consider installing frosted glass the next time you upgrade your home windows. 

Get some plant life

This may sound like a tactic straight out of a little kid’s home security plan, but what about planting some thorny bushes right in front of your basement window?  You don’t want to create a place for a burglar to hide, but a well-placed, unfriendly bush planted snugly up against the house can keep your home safer. 

Use shatter proof window glass

When you upgrade your home windows, you get to choose lots of options about the type of glass. Get a good strong shatterproof glass, and you not only keep yourself safe from a break-in, but you help out with the energy efficiency of your home. 

Buy the best basement windows out there

It can be tempting to invest the most money in your front-facing windows, but don’t skimp on your basement! Good proper basement windows with tight locking seals will keep you safe. Older sliding glass doors frequently have worn out locking mechanisms. It’s probably time to upgrade. 

For smaller windows, like awning windows or vent windows, new windows come with a tight seal that not only saves on energy bills, but makes these windows nearly impossible to pry open with a crowbar.  

Add Peace of Mind with Basement Windows

Don’t let your basement be an afterthought. When it’s time to upgrade your basement windows, Window Nation can make sure your home is secured with the best windows on the market. 

Our installation experts are factory trained, and all our windows are protected by a lifetime warranty. They bring an attention to detail to every step of the process, ensuring your home is safe and secure.

Do you love to gather lots of pictures of dream houses and décor? Scroll through those pictures and see if there are a few with black windows. These images are some of the most pinned pictures out there right now. 

The look is definitely current. 

However, It can be hard to know when you are looking at a big project like window replacement if this is a look that will date quickly, or if it’s one to sign on to. Are you going to fall out of love quickly? Or will it give your home a major glow-up? 

Let’s dig a little deeper and see if this is a trend for you. 

First off, is trend even the right word? If you dig into history, black steel windows were used all the way back into the 1800s —you’d see them used in factories and warehouses. 

The interest in revitalizing these spaces into loft apartments has brought this look back into our consciousness—and it’s really taken off in a big way.  These windows are now made with energy efficient materials and many modern replacement window projects can take advantage of this timeless look. 

Have you considered the style of your home?

Black vinyl windows play well with lots of different styles of architecture.

If you find yourself drawn to the modern farmhouse look — zoom in and notice how many of these homes feature the cool lines and bold contrast of black windows. There’s a timelessness to the look that traditional homes can tap right into. 

If your house is rocking the loft modern aesthetic, then this look is very easy to pull off. This is where it came from, after all. Black vinyl windows look great next to raw brick walls, high ceilings and exposed ductwork. 

Some of the more angular contemporary architecture also is an easy pairing with this look. It gives your house a gallery-like feel, and helps you blur the boundaries between indoors and out. 

It’s a style with lots of design flex. 

Do you like that high contrast look?

There’s nothing like the crispness of brand new black vinyl windows installed against a white wall. The statement they make — just with that high visual contrast of white on black — will do a lot of the decorating for you. The bold contrast can act like a picture frame drawing your eye to the outdoors. 

Some decorators will tell you that if your house features lots of earth tones, black windows will drag down and muddy the look of your interiors. But there are decorators out there that are savvy enough to break this rule, and make black windows work with a more subdued palate. 

How do I imagine covering Black Vinyl windows? 

If you don’t have privacy concerns and want to forgo the headache of window treatments— you’ll be very happy here. 

Black windows work perfectly well all by themselves. Just get out of their way and let them pack their visual punch.  Big beautiful windows on the back of the house or large windows over the kitchen sink are natural choices for uncovered black windows. 

If your house faces a busy street, or you’d just like to be able to control the sun, you can still play. While Black windows do not lend themselves to blinds, roman shades are a popular pairing with this look. Curtains hung wide of the window can also break things up nicely. 

Many of these frequently pinned pictures of black windows are at dusk, when the warm lights of the inside of the house contrast beautifully with the twilight. During the day however, black windows on a light colored home can look like a series of big black holes. For the sake of curb appeal, a roman shade adds nice depth.   

Timely or Timeless?

Just like the little black dress is a wardrobe workhorse. Black vinyl replacement windows are a chic, timeless choice. Window Nation has a great computer program that will help you visualize how these modern replacement windows will work in your home. The program lets you upload pictures of your home and see just what kind of impact black windows will have. 

They’re a fresh and classic look to consider.

Replacing old windows will freshen up your home’s appearance while curbing energy use and enhancing home value. After all, the first thing that people see when they see your home (outside of your Pittsburgh parking chair) is your home’s exterior. Composite replacement windows have been gaining traction in recent years, so how do they compare to energy-efficient vinyl windows in Pittsburgh?

What are Composite Windows?

Composite windows are newer than vinyl windows, which have been around for decades. These windows are made from a blend of materials similar to what your car’s bumper is made of. including resin and fiberglass. And the window frame, much like a car bumper and the Steelers’ defense is flexible yet strong.

While you can usually tell a vinyl window by its appearance, composite windows look more like wood windows. This may be beneficial if you have a historic home that would look strange with modern windows. But don’t start submitting your home to any of the Carnegie Museums yet, because even modern homes can enjoy the rustic look of composite windows. While they mimic the look of wood, they do not come with the maintenance of a wood window, which means no more scraping or painting to keep windows looking sharp.

Composite replacement window prices in Pittsburgh vary by the features selected, including window color and type of glass. In general, the prices for these windows fall between wood and vinyl. This often makes them a happy medium for Pennsylvanian homeowners who want wood windows, but cannot afford them or do not want to maintain them.

Features of Vinyl vs. Composite Windows

With vinyl vs composite windows, because unlike Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, there are more similarities than differences.

Maintenance

Both types of windows are low maintenance. Even in the high weather variances in the City of Champions, they need no painting, staining, or scraping and they are impervious to rot. Both may require periodic lubrication and cleaning to operate smoothly and look their best.

Variety

Vinyl and composite windows come in an array of colors, which means that most homeowners will be able to find the black and yellow scheme that matches their home’s style and color palette. And of course any other colors you might want to have.

Energy Efficiency

Composite windows offer a high degree of energy efficiency, as do vinyl windows. With both types of windows, homeowners have options to enhance energy efficiency. Taking a page right out of the Carnegie Science Center’s book, the low-e coating blocks solar heat gain to keep the home temperature steady with lower energy consumption. Triple-pane glass provides superior comfort over old single-pane windows.

You can recycle composite windows towards the end of their life span like the leftover fries you put on a Pittsburgh salad, a benefit that may appeal to eco-conscious homeowners.

Vinyl vs Composite Windows Cost

Vinyl windows cost less than composite windows and offer a high amount of energy efficiency, thanks to the naturally insulating properties of the PVC, the type of plastic used to create vinyl windows. Vinyl windows can be created in nearly any shape or size you like, which means they are a good choice for most applications.

Vinyl vs Composite Windows Durability

While you shouldn’t plan for extensive maintenance for either composite or vinyl windows, both could become dinged by hail. Vinyl windows can sometimes warp when exposed to high heat, which means that composite may be a better choice for hot climates. For temperate climates with occasional heat waves, you can safely choose vinyl or composite. So with the hot summers and cold winters, you can take your pick of the window you prefer in the Steel City.

While they may have a lower price point than other windows, vinyl windows are hardly low-quality. They typically last 30 years before they need to be replaced, and they won’t rust the way aluminum or Pittsburgh steel windows will.

There are plenty of styles of both composite and vinyl windows for “yinz” to choose from. But instead of walking down to the Strip District like you’re used to for most other things, start your search for replacement windows by browsing top styles from bay to double-hung to casement. Reach out to get a free quote for window replacement in Pittsburgh from the pros at Window Nation.

When you are deciding to upgrade your home with replacement windows in Columbus, there is a lot to consider. The various window styles available can be overwhelming to most consumers.

There are single, double, and triple-pane windows available.  

While they are all equally great for seeing the perpetual overcast sunlight in Ohio, there are quite a few key differences. 

Double and triple-paned windows feature two or three panes of glass, separated by a layer of gas. At Window Nation, we use argon gas which is not toxic (unlike Michigan fans). When captured between panes, argon gas improves thermal insulation, which improves energy efficiency by slowing the transfer of heat through the window into your home or out of your home. Though, in Columbus, there probably isn’t too much heat transferring into your home.

For a typical home in Columbus, 40% of the annual energy budget goes toward heating and cooling costs, and replacing the windows in your home is a great way to keep more of that money in your pocket. 

Window technologies have come a long way, and having windows that make a good seal is just as important as getting modern ENERGY STAR efficiency. 

Since energy efficiency is such an important fact to consider when getting replacement windows, we are often asked, “How much better are triple pane windows than double pane windows at saving money on energy bills?” 

This is an important question to address. But there are a few other things to consider when deciding between double and triple-paned windows. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Double Pane Windows: BEST VALUE 

You can head over to North Market and grab all the buckeyes you want with the money you save, because double pane windows are the best bang for your buck. This is why it is the number one window choice in the entire country. When you upgrade your current windows to double pane windows the difference will be as obvious as the Cavs with and without LeBron.

If budget is a factor, it makes sense to go with double pane windows for the best deal upfront. A standard double pane window with argon gas is going to reflect 90% of the energy and only let 10% through. That means on the rare occasion of a sunny day in Ohio, 90% of the heat from the sun is going to stay outside, and only 10% is going to get in. On a cold winter day, 90% of the heat from your furnace is going to stay inside your home, and only 10% is going to leak out.  

Do you want to savor all the natural light you can get here? When you have two panes of glass instead of three, you’re going to have fewer coatings for the sun to get through. That means double-pane windows will allow more light into your home. It is a subtle difference, but one to consider.

Triple Pane Windows : MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT 

If comfort is your biggest concern, triple pane windows will be the best option. Triple pane windows are within a degree or two of the wall temperatures at any given time.  

A typical triple-pane window will reflect 97% of energy and only allow 3% to pass through. These are the optimal choice for energy efficiency; let your heating system take a bit of a break. 

Some of our customers are also looking for a reduction in noise. The extra pane of glass makes this window option the number one choice for keeping noise out. Living in Columbus, you’re bound to have noisy neighbors, and triple-pane windows will make all the difference.

Triple pane glass will also provide extra security. The glass we use has the same technology used in windshield design and can withstand up to 30 swings from a Progressive Field baseball bat.

What’s the Verdict?

The good news is that, no matter what, double pane or triple pane windows will have an immediate benefit on your energy bills. 

If you’re ready for a quality of life upgrade, grab some Skyline Chili, then reach out to us today to schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate. We’ll send a knowledgeable technician to your home to help you figure out what window options will work best for your Columbus home.  

Only you can decide what matters most to you. We can give you the vital information you need to make the best decision.

There’s nothing like the first day of spring in Hartford. It’s no secret the Connecticut winters are harsh. We certainly earn our springtime in Hartford, and we like to enjoy it as much as possible. This winter has been particularly challenging, and you might feel the urge to make upgrades to your home. Now that the temperatures are starting to warm up, it might be time to consider a home improvement project.

A spring refresh is going to feel especially good this year, and replacement windows and doors from Window Nation are an upgrade you’ll enjoy year-round. There’s no better way to enjoy a warm spring day in Connecticut than opening your windows! Get a head start on your spring home improvement projects by upgrading your existing windows and doors with modern replacements from Window Nation. Our home improvement experts explain why you need to upgrade your windows and doors before summer.

Open the Doors

First step: Take a walk down your driveway and look up at your house. That grass won’t need cutting for a few weeks still, and you could always get a new doormat. Have you thought about getting a new entry door? 

Your front door greets the world. Upgrading to a new fiberglass or steel door gives your home an infusion of curb appeal, and a secret boost of energy efficiency. Doors from Window Nation feature a multi-point locking system – so they are definitely secure. You know, should you ever decide to lock up and leave your house for a few hours…

In Spring, we start spending more time out in the backyard. Upgrading your back doors is a smart way to blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Think about getting French doors installed that open your home out to the garden. French doors let in natural light, and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the weather. 

If you have one of those sticky (and dated) sliding glass doors, there have been improvements in this area you might want to consider. Window Nation can install a new sliding door that features an anodized track – which won’t gum up and are much easier to clean than the old-school models. 

Add Curb Appeal with Replacement Windows

We’ve all been in that Zoom meeting where one person is backlit, the other is huddled in a closet, and everyone else is playing with their new ring light. Maybe (just maybe) the simpler solution is to finally take on that window upgrade. 

If you have rooms that are boxy and dark, a well-placed replacement windows makes a big impact. Our exterior design consultants can help you strategize what works well for your home, take precise measurements, and give you a customized look.

Double or triple pane glass will increase your home’s energy efficiency, keep the UV rays out, and make sure you look gorgeous on those work calls. It’s one less thing to worry about getting right in your new home office or homeschooling set up. 

Yankee thrift is real, and saving money on your energy bills will be a welcome benefit to this upgrade. You could also see big savings when it comes time to sell your home: the return on investment for replacement windows is over 70%!

Want More Home Improvement Inspiration?

When you’re upgrading your home, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the options. Window Nation has a virtual home show online where you can play around with different looks. You just upload photos of your home, and the home improvement visualizer will show you how new elements like windows, doors, and siding will work together. If you’re ready to start your home improvement project, schedule your in-home or virtual estimate now!

Anytime something needs fixing around the house, do you close your eyes, cross your fingers and wait for the quotes to come in? Quotes can differ wildly from one another, and even if they’re the same, this is a big investment!

Let’s take a breath, walk though what goes into this project, and break down the cost.

A Window Isn’t Just a Window

Clearly we have to consider the windows themselves. Literally, clearly. We usually gaze lovingly through our windows, let’s gaze lovingly at these windows. 

Every pretty little part of that window impacts the cost. 

If you came to this project for the energy efficiency, you’re probably excited to get double- or triple-paned glass. The space between the glass lowers heat transfer, especially if it’s filled with argon gas. This comes with a price, and it’s a “pay now, save later” investment. 

You may also decide that you want that glass coated with heat-absorbing tints or low-emissivity coating. There are glass options that can help reduce street noises, and even ones that can decrease the likelihood of a baseball flying through your picture-perfect window. You have options.

The materials surrounding the glass are another consideration. Your most economical choice is a vinyl window. It’s a choice you can feel good about. If you want to go all in, you’ll pay a bit more for all wood windows. They look so pretty — and beauty comes at a price. 

Did your old windows open from the bottom? A double-hung window will also open from the top, letting in cool cross breezes, but also letting out a bit more cash upfront. Any of your more unusual window openings, like casement windows, can also raise costs. 

Established brands can bring you peace of mind and dependable warranties. You get what you pay for, after all. Window replacement isn’t the type of job where you can slowly upgrade over time — you make your decisions right at the top, and then enjoy them for the next twenty years plus. 

Let’s Not Belabor the Labor 

Deciding on these windows is your kid-in-a-candy-store moment. Now, let’s talk about labor… getting those babies installed. Labor can be as much as 50% of your cost, as any itemized bid will tell you. 

You do not want to play around here. 

It’s a good idea to hire a company that focuses only on window installation. There are lots of little jobs that need doing around the house, but calling your jack-of-all-trades repair guy for this one isn’t a good call. 

Improper Installation (or trying to tackle this yourself!) can result in drafty windows, building code violations, and may void your manufacturer’s warranty. If your installation results in water leakage you could also be looking at structural damage to your home. 

Pay once for labor, and get it done right. 

Professional Installers are trained to take detailed measurements of your window- even down to 3 millimeters. Your window is then custom-made, which promises a nice snug reliable fit. 

Window Nation crews are factory trained, and they bring an average of fifteen years experience to the job. You may be hiring them just for a few hours, but they are bringing along years of experience and attention to detail. 

Using a reputable company means that not just any random person is walking into your home. These are screened professionals.

Like a good houseguest, the team from Window Nation is going to leave your house as clean as they found it. They lay down drop cloth while they work, are efficient, and clean up after themselves. You can see how much pride they take in their work when they polish up and wipe down all the fingerprints on your new windows. 

The Math Checks Out

Getting your windows replaced is a big project, but the return on investment can be as much as 70%. Any contractor worth their salt will talk you through their quote- and you can ask for that. Once you get the good word of mouth on your window installation team, you can go into this project with your eyes open. 

The dining room has been painted a jazzy color, those new lighting fixtures were a find, and now there’s just one last thing sitting on that to-do list. 

Windows. They need some love too. 

This one can be overwhelming. There are a lot of choices and the technology keeps advancing.  It’s a big investment and you’ll be living with these windows for twenty years or more!

While it’s not as easy as buying a new throw pillow at Southpark Mall, you don’t need to feel intimidated. Here are the options…

New Construction or Replacement Windows?

They sound like the same thing, right? Replacement windows are new windows… but new windows replace the old ones. 

Don’t tie yourself in knots. 

New construction windows are what you pick when you want to add a window or change its shape or size. You can change the entire look of your house and get more natural light. 

New construction windows mean hiring a contractor to work on the surrounding carpentry, and help you get the look right. You’ll need to budget a bit more for the cost of labor. 

When you go with replacement windows, you just swap in new windows. If your existing frames are in decent shape and you like the look of your house, this might be the way to go.

What style do you want? 

Double hung windows open from the top and bottom. It’s a great way to get cross ventilation on those North Carolina spring days — the crepe myrtle is blooming, the birds are singing, and you want to wait to turn on the A/C. If you have kids, these are a smart choice for the second floor. You can get a breeze, and not worry about the kids pushing the screens out and falling. 

Casement windows have one large sash that opens vertically like a door would open. They are controlled by a hinge mechanism — think of how you wind open an old-school car window. 

Slider Windows are exactly what they sound like — they just slide on a track. Picture how the takeout window at Cook-out opens when they hand you a milkshake or Cheerwine.

Bay Windows have a lovely curb appeal. The three dimensional shape is an upgrade that’ll give you great light and show off the views of your property. Bow Windows have a similar feel, but they soften the curve of the bay shape.

How about frame and sash material? 

This doesn’t refer to your silky beauty queen sash–this is about the material surrounding the glass. Vinyl windows are popular and can be made to match any style home. They offer great insulation, and are a piece of cake to keep clean. 

If you want to get fancy, wood windows have that southern historic feel and come with a slightly higher sticker price. If you decide to go with wood, you’re committing to periodically painting or staining to protect them from moisture. 

Since both options give you energy efficiency, your frame and sash material may just come down to a beauty queen contest after all. 

And glass?

If your house still has its original windows, you might have single pane windows. This style is builder-grade and the least expensive. Unfortunately, they are also the least energy efficient. Consider installing double pane or triple pane windows for the efficiency boost. 

The space between the glass lowers heat transfer, especially with the argon gas they pump between layers. It’ll keep you cooler than sweet tea — especially with low-emissivity coating. Low-E coating is like an invisible layer of sunscreen – it blocks out UV light. You can enjoy the sun and not get baked. 

If your front yard hosts amateur Tar Heel football games, maybe you want to opt for impact resistant glass and save yourself a repair. And if your home is near a bar where they watch the game, well, we also have a glass that can help you cut down on noise. 

Next steps

Like most home improvements, you’re going to get what you pay for. Knowing what you want is just the first step. Make sure you choose a reputable brand of windows, with warranties to back them up. We take pride in our homes here in Charlotte, and if you ask around, most Charlotteans will tell you that Window Nation is your best bet. 

WINDOW NATION EXPANDS ITS NEW ENGLAND FOOTPRINT DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND

More people working and sheltering at home has significantly impacted the home improvement industry.

HARTFORD (March 1, 2021) – Home improvement has surged as Americans have been forced to use their homes more – and in likely new ways. Home improvement is also getting a boost from a booming real estate market, causing a lot of people to make needed updates, investments and improvements in order to sell. Both trends are evident in the New England area, and the driving force behind Window Nation, the 5th largest window replacement company in the U.S., to open its second location in the New England area in Hartford (1070 North Farm Rd., Unit 1 in Willingford), adding both new jobs and in-demand home solutions to the area. The company will service the Hartford/New Haven areas as well as southwestern Massachusetts.

According to a recent study out of Harvard, economists who study consumers have noted how, during the pandemic, households are shifting their spending patterns: less for travel and vacations, concerts, shows, eating out, entertaining, and commuting, and more for housing. Additionally, the pandemic has pushed more millennials into homeownership and home improvement projects.

“We’re of course excited by the increase our industry is having across the board, especially because it means we were able to keep our team employed, but we’re still very much in the middle of a pandemic and have had to adjust our approach so that our customers, as well as our employees, are always safe,” explained Harley Magden, CEO of Window Nation, a company he started with his brother, Aaron, 15 years ago. “This means offering virtual visits and estimates as options, contactless installations and with so many in-person home shows cancelled, we launched a virtual one online to help people with the process and home-centric projects in general.”

Window Nation’s continued growth in the New England area is based on these factors, plus the city’s booming housing market where experts at RE/MAX site the Hartford area as having the third highest home sales in the nation. According to a recent study by the realtor, sales in the Hartford metro area blew past the national increase of 21.1% compared with a year earlier.

The Hartford showroom will sell replacement windows to fit every style, as well as budget, and will have experts on hand to walk customers through the home renovation process, including vinyl options, colors, sizes, styles and more. Customers are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to visiting the showroom. The Window Nation team is following strict CDC guidelines including social distancing, enhanced cleaning practices, protective equipment and screenings for every appointment.

In an effort to ensure the safety of all customers, employees and their families amid COVID-19, the company is also offering residents the option to receive a virtual consultation and estimate via video conferencing. Homeowners can upload photos to receive precise measurements, and installs are completed outside with minimal disruption. Depending on a customer’s individual preferences, needs and circumstances, Window Nation experts are still available to provide in- home consultations and education, while strictly adhering to CDC safety and sanitation guidelines.

The Magden brothers, who literally grew up in the window business, started the company in 2006 and now operate in 15 markets across the country. The company provides an unsurpassed selection of premium windows, doors and siding installed by highly skilled, licensed professionals. The company has replaced over 1 million windows in Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Kansas City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Hartford, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Columbus, Cincinnati and northeast Ohio. Learn more here.

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Vinyl windows are supposed to be low maintenance, but with the unpredictable weather of Boston, MA, they could use a good cleaning every now and then. 

A combination of the slush from the high volume of snow, and the dirt that just seems to get everywhere, can leave your Boston windows streaked with grime and debris. Admittedly, the last thing you want to do when the weather is decent for the next two minutes is to go outside and clean your windows. 

But it’s as easy as the Sox getting into the World Series (this century, at least), and it really pays off in the long run. Here are some of our best tips for how to clean vinyl window frames and keep them looking as clean as our parks in the Emerald Necklace.

Exterior Vinyl Window Cleaning Tips

Cleaning the outside of vinyl window frames is sure to add curb appeal, and impress the people stuck in the Boston traffic outside of your house. Create a simple cleaning solution by mixing 1-1/2 cups of distilled white vinegar with one gallon of warm water (pro tip: Add the juice of half a lemon to this to mask the vinegar odor) or mix a teaspoon of mild soap in a gallon of warm water. 

Rinse the outside of the windows with water to dislodge the metric ton of Massachusetts dirt just sitting around the edges.

Once the windows have been rinsed, apply the cleaning solution to the glass and frames. Use a soft sponge or a lint-free cloth to clean the vinyl windows. 

If you’re using a soapy solution, rinse the windows again to prevent soap scum from drying on them, then use a lint-free cloth to dry the windows. If you’ve chosen the vinegar solution, dry the windows with a cloth to enjoy new-looking windows that will finally take your home off of the waiting list for historical sites to put on Freedom Trail. 

Now you can go back inside before it starts snowing again in the middle of October.

How to Clean the Inside of Vinyl Windows

You don’t need to be in shape for the Boston marathon to clean the inside either. Here as well, you’ll want to remove all dirt and debris from the frame, tracks, and screen before you deep clean those windows. 

Your vacuum comes in handy to dislodge soil, dirt, and unexplained bits of New England clam chowder from the window. If you’re noticing a lot of debris along the window sill, your windows may need weather stripping or sealing, which can block the frigid Boston air (and dirt) from passing through the window.

When it comes to cleaning vinyl window tracks, cleaning wipes work well for getting into the corners. Run wipes up and down along the tracks to pick up dust and dirt. You will know you’re done when the wipes don’t show the Celtic green color from the Boston pollen and dirt taken from the window.

You may use the same cleaning solution to clean the inside of the window as the exterior, at least now you’re a little warmer. Cleaning vinyl window frames inside your home is straightforward. Simply apply your soap or vinegar solution to the window frame, working from the top down. This way, you will not accidentally drip on areas you’ve already cleaned. 

Showing a bit of that Boston elbow grease can help you remove dirt and debris from the window without damaging the frames. If you encounter a stubborn stain, scrub the area with a soft-bristled cleaning brush.

Some folks in The Hub like to use a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution without leaving streaks on the window. However, your lint-free cloth will also work to clean and dry the interior of the window frame. Paper towels are a poor choice to clean the window since they will leave lint particles on your glass.

If you have sun exposure, you may notice the window cleaner starts to dry before you’ve finished the job. Another of our top window cleaning tips is to work on an overcast day when you will not be fighting the sun (which is just about 95% of the year in Boston).

If your windows look cloudy or dirty even after you have cleaned them, it may be time to replace your vinyl windows. Grab a cup of coffee from Dunkies, sit back, and check out high-quality vinyl windows from Window Nation or reach out to get a free estimate for replacement windows in Boston.

WINDOW NATION EXPANDS ITS OHIO FOOTPRINT DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND

The state’s largest window replacement company adds 4th Ohio location with Cincinnati opening.

CINCINNATI (February 1, 2021) – The Window Nation team is once again returning to their Buckeye State roots with the opening of the company’s latest showroom at 11935 Tramway Drive, Suite B, Sharonville, adding new jobs and in-demand home solutions to the greater Cincinnati area. Services will extend to Kentucky and southeastern Indiana, as well as.

This marks the first Cincinnati showroom and 4th Ohio location for the company who also services multiple cities across Columbus and northeast Ohio.

Window Nation co-founders and brothers Harley and Aaron Magden grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where their passion for the home improvement industry began at an early age. The Magdens are third-generation home solution experts who followed in their father’s footsteps by opening their own company – now the largest window replacement company in Ohio and 5th largest nationwide. Combined, the brothers bring decades of home remodeling experience and have installed over 1 million windows to-date.

“Ohio will always be home and hold a special place in our hearts, so it’s really special to have the opportunity to help more residents there,” says Aaron Madgen, Window Nation president. “We want to give back to our fellow Ohioans, as they have been given back to us over the years. They are truly some of the most supportive, friendly and genuine individuals we’ve met along our journey – and, we can’t wait to get to know more of them throughout the Queen City.”   

Window Nation selected the Cincinnati region based on several factors, including the city’s booming housing market. Cincinnati continues to see a rise in housing prices, as more residents invest in their homes. According to Zillow, Cincinnati was recently ranked third for the fastest home price appreciation among the 50 largest metro areas in the country, just behind Columbus and San Francisco. Home values in the Cincinnati area increased by more than 15 percent between 2019 and 2020. Zillow notes that the city’s housing market will only continue to grow over the next two years.  

The Cincinnati showroom will sell replacement windows to fit every style, as well as budget, and will have experts on hand to walk customers through the home renovation process, including vinyl options, colors, sizes, styles and more. Customers are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to visiting the showroom. Window Nation team is following strict CDC guidelines including social distancing, enhanced cleaning practices, protective equipment and screenings for every appointment.

In an effort to ensure the safety of all customers, employees and their families amid COVID-19, the company is also offering residents the option to receive a virtual consultation and estimate via video conferencing. Homeowners can upload photos to receive precise measurements, and installs are completed outside with minimal disruption. Depending on a customer’s individual preferences, needs and circumstances, Window Nation experts are still available to provide in- home consultations and education, while strictly adhering to CDC safety and sanitation guidelines.

In 2020, Window Nation was re-named the 5th largest replacement contractor in the U.S. by Remodeling Magazine and the second largest non-franchise window retailer, marking the fourth year in a row Window Nation was recognized as being in the top five. The magazine looks at nearly 100,000 home remodeling companies in the country and makes its decision based on revenue, growth, surveys, customer input and more. Qualified Remodeler Magazine ranked Window Nation as the seventh largest remodeling firm in the U.S. for its total gross sales, remodeling gross sales and the number of remodeling jobs completed annually. The company also earned a spot-on last year’s Inc. 5000 list, being honored as one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. Other industry powerhouses, including Microsoft, Intuit, Oracle and Patagonia have also been recognized. 

Beyond providing exceptional home expertise and customer service, the company plans to have an active presence in the local community to support and foster relationships with new customers, especially throughout these unprecedented times.

The Window Nation team currently services 13 other locations throughout the U.S., recently opening a showroom in Chicago. The company also plans to a showroom in Dayton this coming May.

About Window Nation:

Window Nation was started in 2006 by two brothers who literally grew up in the window business, learning about home improvement, customer care and the difference a quality window can make. The company provides an unsurpassed selection of premium windows, doors and siding installed by highly skilled, licensed professionals. The company has replaced over 1 million windows in Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Kansas City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Columbus and northeast Ohio. Learn more here.

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