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News — how-to

How Do You Replace Octagon Windows?

Wood Octagon Window with Obscure Glass

Octagon windows are a shining star in the world of accent windows. They are unique in style and function but like anything else, they may need to be updated. If your wood octagon window has experienced some sort of decay, you should replace it to avoid further damage to the wall.

To help keep costs down, explore all of your options for replacing the window. Research different window manufacturers to find a trustworthy supplier with fair prices. Be sure to also consider shipping costs, if any, in your totals. Keep in mind that different types of glass (and other clear materials) are available at various price points.
However, remember that your home’s windows are an investment, and ultimately you get what you pay for.

Installing the New Window

For the installation, you have two options: hiring a professional or doing it yourself. The main benefit of hiring a professional is that you can rest assured the window will be installed correctly without leaks that increase your energy bills. However, if it’s more important to you to save money upfront, you can always tackle the project yourself.

New replacement windows will have installation instructions to guide you through the installation process. There are also many resources online for tips on how to make the process of removal and installation go smoothly. Take the time to research what tools you will need and what replacement materials will be required before beginning the job. This will help with budgeting cost and time spent to complete your project.

How Do Weather Seals Work?

Weather Seal

Most homes have drafts and air leaks somewhere—typically around the edges of windows and doors. While these tiny cracks may not seem like a big deal, they can cost you a lot over time as they make your HVAC systems work harder. Plus, they offer easy access to insects and foreign pollutants. Fortunately, you can insulate your home with an easy-to-use product: a weather seal.

Weather seals (also known as weather strips) help prevent unwanted air flow as well as the intrusion of insects, and pollutants. While they come in different varieties, they all work by filling in the open spaces. 

DIY Weather-Stripping

Before weather-stripping your home, first, make sure you really need it. There are a few different ways you can check your doors and windows for gaps; we recommend the flashlight method. When it is dark, have a partner shine a flashlight along the edges of your doors and windows. As they do so, check from the inside if you can see any light coming through a gap. You should consider adding a weather seal anywhere the light shines.

The exact method for weather stripping will depend on the type of product you use. Some popular options are V-seals, felt, foam tape, door sweeps, and rubber tubing. A little research to determine the best solution for your home can go far to keep your home comfortable and also save money in the long run.

How to Dress a Window without Drapes or Blinds

Kitchen Window with grilles & shelves

Drapes and blinds are tried-and-true window decorations that work well with many home interiors. However, sometimes you’d rather not hide the view and let the windows themselves act as a defining design element. When it comes to adding character to your windows, you have options. Here are six popular window dressings for home interiors:

1. Sophisticated Moldings and Casings--These design flourishes give your windows a classic allure without obstructing the view.

2. Shelving--A popular trend with some homeowners is to install shelving along their windows. This allows you to have more storage space without feeling too boxed in.

3. Window Grilles--Grilles create an attractive colonial or diamond pattern on the panes with minimal obstruction of the view.

4. Layered Windows--If you want to decorate your walls without blocking the natural light, try layering your windows with mirrors or paintings. A layered window creates a personalized decorative feel while preserving the sense of openness that sunlight creates.

5. Black or Dark Green Sashes--Your window’s sashes are the parts that hold the glass in place. By painting the sashes black or dark green, you transform your windows into bold yet elegant frames displaying the view to the outdoors like a work of art.

6. Interior Hinged Shutters--Hinged shutters provide several benefits while highlighting your decor. They can offer privacy and help to control light. Shutters add value to your home while saving energy costs by adding a measure of insulation.

How To Assemble & Install Your Window Grille Insert

How To Assemble & Install Your Window Grille Insert

 

   

At Fixhome, we're dedicated to making the process of ordering, assembling, and installing window grilles as easy as possible. Check out this new video that goes through window grille installation, from when you receive your package in the mail to putting the finished product in the window!

How to Measure Accurately

Tape Measure Showing Amount to Add for tight spot measurement.

DIY home improvement projects are satisfying to complete. They involve overcoming challenges and you often learn a lot in the process. Updating your home's interior and exterior look with window grilles is an easy do-it-yourself project. All you have to do is measure your window, place your order from Fixhome.com, and then assemble and install your new grille bar inserts. In this process, measuring accurately may be the most difficult part.

Common Tape-Measure Mistakes

  • Bending the ruler. When trying to measure the inside of a window, it is common for people to bend their tape measure to fit inside the frame, resulting in an inaccurate reading. To avoid this, place your entire tape measure inside the window, with the base of the tape measure snug against the frame. Your tape measure tells you the length of it's base on the side, so you can simply add this to the length you measure in order to get a more accurate reading.Images displaying wrong way to measure.Side View of Tape MeasureHow to measure and add length of tape to measurement.

  • Ignoring the hook. The loose hook at the end of a tape measure is an important feature that is often misused. The first inch of your tape measure is exactly 1/16" short. When you hook your ruler on the outside of something to get a measurement, the loose hook extends outwards to create a 1/16" gap. The metal hook is exactly 1/16" wide, so if you measure something with the hook pressed snug against an edge, the hook will shift inwards and the width of the hook will be added to the measurement length. 

Measuring Visible Glass for Fixhome Grilles

When measuring your window for Fixhome grilles, it is important to only measure the daylight opening of your window. This is the area of visible glass in your window, from the inside of your house. The daylight opening measurement does not include the window frame or the window sash.

Image shows day light opening for measuring.

Other Measuring Tips

  • Write down the measurements as soon as you get them. There is nothing more frustrating than taking the time to get an accurate measurement, and then forgetting it a second later.
  • Make sure your tape measure is in good shape. Overtime, tape measures can get worn down. Fading makes the markings difficult to see, and any bending or breaking may result in inaccurate readings.

Fixhome is dedicated to creating an easy, stress free ordering process for our customers. If you're still having trouble, call us and we will be happy to help you.

For more measuring tips, view our How to Measure page.