The older version of glass block windows can be seen as basement windows, they have started to make their way into home across the country. They protect your garage from wondering eyes as well as sun damage. This type of window acts as a UV barrier while still letting in enough sunlight to work comfortably on a vehicle or hobby project.

Not only has the use of glass block windows evolved, so has the material. Glass block production has progressed from basic clear designs to patterned textures and a wide range of colors, including multi-colored dichroic glass.  For art and craft projects, glass block is also available with notches for placing objects inside and holes for light sources.

If you need new house windows, consider replacing your bathroom window with a vented glass block design.  Fresh air and light can pass through, while the window still maintains the level of privacy you desire. You can also use a glass block to separate the master bathroom from the master bedroom. This style used to only be seen in high-end hotels but now can be installed in your home.

Glass block windows can be extended into glass block walls as well. Shower enclosures are one of the favorite uses for glass block walls.  End blocks are available with curved edges for a smooth, finished edge.  You can also have a half wall installed to separate the vanity area from the toilet or bath.  In the kitchen, consider a glass block base under a kitchen counter, or use a variety of colored blocks under a wet bar in the basement or patio.

If you are interested in installing new house windows into your home, such as glass block windows, contact Window Depot USA today. Window Depot USA offers expert home improvement services in Chattanooga and surrounding TN areas. Whether you need window replacements or gutter installation services, we provide quality service at an affordable price. Contact Window Depot USA today at 423-894-0011 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Picture Window Ideas:

Mix and Match: Even though picture windows are stationary and can’t be opened, you can still get fresh air by adding a couple of screened side windows that either slide open or are casement-type (open up and down). These will give you the sites, sounds and feel of being outside without the negatives like bugs.

Go Bold: For a more contemporary look, add wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows in a bedroom or family room.  You could do this with one large window or break them up by installing a row of three floor-to-ceiling windows, which would leave some wall space. Furniture and plants go great against these types of windows.

3-D: Bay and bow windows actually jut out from your house a little, and are popular for kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms.  Bay windows angle outward, while bow windows have a gentle arch.

Arches: Arched or peaked windows are perfect for rooms with tall ceilings. These types of windows actually become a focal point in the room, and add a creative element to the decor and architecture of the house.

You are also going to need to consider different types of window coverings.  Luckily there are a variety of blinds, shades and curtain options. Some of these are even electronically controlled which is perfect for floor to ceiling windows where you will not be able to reach the top. Most window coverings are ready-made or be created in custom sizes for larger windows and in odd shapes.

If you dream of adding picture windows to your home, the first thing you should do is talk to a general contractor at Window Depot USA. Window Depot USA offers new windows in Cleveland, TN and Chattanooga, TN. Our general contractors also specialize in siding installation, door installation, soffit and fascia installation, and gutter installation. Whether you need to install soffits or buy new windows, Window Depot USA will meet your home repair needs. Call us at (423) 894-0011 and talk to one of our highly trained general contractors today!

After clearing everything out of your garage, and probably throwing away a mass amount of objects you haven’t seen in years, take a good look at the floor, doors, and windows..  Note any trouble spots, and then consider your wish list. Then head outside and check the roof, siding and doors from the outside. Now is the time to be thinking about not only window and door installation but also siding installation. How is the siding on the outside of the garage? Is it in need of repair or replacing? Structural flaws should be the first things you fix before you move on to the “wants” of your list.

Inside of the garage consider the garage floor. You should start by filling and repairing any cracks in the concrete floor. If you decide to paint the floor afterwards it will have a cleaner appearance. Next you should fix both of the garage doors. If you replace your main garage door completely consider selecting a new one with windows. This garage door installation will help let in more light and add a little architectural interest to your home. And don’t forget the back door – consider removing the only one and contacting a company, like Windows Depot USA, that does specializes in door installation. Two types you should look into are a steel door for providing extra security, or an extra wide door for easily wheeling in that push mower.

Finally it is time for replacing windows. Old garage windows as a whole tend to be damaged, drafty and be covered in multiple layers of paint. Why not try new triple paned vinyl window installation. Vented glass block windows are also a good choice, as you can let in natural light and air while keeping your garage contents from view.

If you have decided it is time to make home improvements in your garage or any other part of your house contact Window Depot USA. Located in Tennessee we specialize in window, door and siding installation along with garage doors and gutters. Call us today at (423)894-0011 to set up a service consultation.

Home improvement projects can demand a lot of time and energy. Budgeting money, forming plans, shopping for products, researching prices and deciding who to hire for what jobs are just a few of the tasks that are part of remodeling. Going about these tasks in an efficient manner will help reduce the stress that seems to be inherent in remodeling projects. Fortunately, in this age of technology, we have several tools that will help us do just that, one of which may be in your pocket or purse, your smartphone. Smartphones can prove invaluable as you’re planning your home improvement project, whether that project is new windows, doors or siding installation.

Ways Your Smartphone Can Help With Remodeling:

1)      Making Lists: Lists of wants, needs and supplies are needed when planning a new project. It helps you plan your projects while keeping track of future ones. You can lists the different colors, patterns, designs you would like to see in your home. This will also help you prioritize your home improvement projects.

2)      Taking pictures: An added bonus about using your phone, is it is always with you, if you randomly stumble upon something you would like for your home (like your best friends new windows that would look great in your kitchen) you can snap a picture to show your window manufacturers. You can use the camera to keep photographic lists of all the designs you want in your home.

3)      Apps that help:  Home improvement apps are very helpful when designing and planning a new renovation. Home Design 3-D is an app that allows you to create an actual floor plan for your project. Handy Man DIY helps you keep track of your projects with lists, room dimensions, calculations, square footage and cost project estimations to name a few things.

Another way your smartphone can help is keeping track of your important home improvement numbers, one number you won’t want to lose is Window Depot USA’s, (423) 894-0011. Window Depot USA offers siding installation and new windows in Cleveland TN and Chattanooga. If you are looking for a completely new look for your home’s exterior contact us today!

To check for draft you can wet your hand and hold it in front of the area, which makes it easier to feel cold air seeping through. The most effective way however, is to light an incense stick, candle or lighted match near to each area.  If a draft is present, you’ll see the smoke or flame waiver.

The obvious places where heat can escape are windows and doors. When testing these areas test all around the frame. Make sure to use caution with open flames and window treatments such as curtains. Old windows and single paned windows are especially prone to leaks and general energy inefficiency.  You can have a contractor replace the window with more energy efficient double paned windows. If you have newer house windows, you may need to re-caulk around them. A sign that heat can get out around your doors is if you can see daylight getting in. Light can only enter through crevices and you better believe if light can do it, cold air can too.  In addition to replacing the weather stripping, installing a flexible rubber door sweep at the bottom of the door will also help.

Once you have the window and doors secured don’t forget about the five less obvious suspects. The first one is wall or window mounted air conditioning units. During the winter these should be removed from windows so it can shut completely. For wall unites use a foam sealant or weather stripping around the edges to seal off air leaks.

Secondly check all your electrical outlets and switches. It may seem like tedious work but these are like have little holes in your walls where heat can exit. Inexpensive foam gaskets can be placed behind your outlets and switch plates to help serve as a cold air barrier.

If your family’s home has an attic that can contribute to the third culprit, attic access hatches. Usually attics are not insulated like the rest of your home. Entries to these spaces allow the cold air inside them to trickle into your house. Weather stripping can be installed to keep this from happening.

Fire places are great for heating your home during the winter months. However, if you do not close the damper after you put the fire out it becomes an open traffic way for heat and cold air to interchange.

The final place to check is baseboards and light fixtures. Use caulk or foam sealant carefully to avoid unsightly residue, weather stripping also serves the same purpose.  Unfortunately, if you detect an air leak in either of these areas, you may need to replace or improve your insulation.

If you still can’t find the source of your problem, a professional thermographic inspection can also help determine where the cold spots are in your home. For more information on energy efficient solutions for your home, contact Window Depot USA, located in Tennessee.

A home improvement contractor can install siding on your home. Vinyl siding is a popular choice of siding for houses. Vinyl siding is a low maintenance siding material that only requires a once a year pressure wash. Vinyl siding is also a very strong material. It holds up to weather elements much better than wood siding does. Unlike wood, the color isn’t just on the surface of the siding. This prevents even the biggest scratch from showing. If your vinyl siding does become damaged somehow, the replacement process is easy. You can even purchase a couple of extra siding pieces in the event of siding damage.

Vinyl siding is also a great choice for stylish homeowners. It comes in many different colors and grains, so you can easily create the style you desire. Vinyl siding is also a great option for the environmentally friendly homeowner. Some varieties have insulating features that save your home’s energy. Vinyl siding also removes the possibility of paint chips breaking off the siding and into the environment.

If you are fed up with your wood siding or are just ready for a fresh look to your home, it may be time to install vinyl siding. Window Depot USA offers siding installation services in Tennessee. We also offer new windows in Cleveland TN and Chattanooga, if you want a completely new look to your home’s exterior. Contact us today for an estimate on any of our home repair services.