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20 Ways to Decorate Your Windows for the Holidays

Are you searching for some cool and original Christmas window decorating concepts? The most adaptable item of furniture in our houses is often neglected: the window. Decorating the outside of our homes is a long-held custom during the Christmas season but the inside of the window can be just as much fun!

Windows are not only a wonderful approach to give both the inside and outside of our houses some flair, but they also serve as doorways into our hearts. Adding unique Christmas window coverings demonstrates our appreciation for the season and pleasure in sharing it with others.

1-Bring the glittering and twinkling stars outside into your bedroom with a string of illuminated stars.

2-Make a snowflake curtain that can be used year after year.

3-Cover the inside of a window with a collage of Christmas cards to show off your family’s creativity.

4-Pull out the elf! The magic and creativity of Christmas make it a memorable time for both children and adults. With a fun elf display, keep the fantasy alive.

5-Frame individual window panes in squares of white felt to give them a wintry farmhouse feel.

6-Simple decorations can bring a lot of charm to your home. Paper ornaments from your local crafts shop may give your house visitors and passers-by great delight. Make a hole in the top, tie a sting on it, and hang it in front of your favorite window for an attractive look.

7-Got a kitchen window? Add flannel curtains and a wreath to make this area even more unique. Your kitchen will provide you and your guests with peace and quiet.

8-Unwanted ornaments are a wonderful way to add flair to your home without creating Christmas clutter. Take any remaining tree ornaments, attach a piece of ribbon around the loop, and hang them from your window as shown. Ideal for shop and office windows.

9-We can use window displays to illustrate the season’s serenity and calm as we display the nativity scene to rejoice in Christmas’ blessings. Your windows can be decorated with cardboard cutouts of trees and stars, and then illuminated with white lights.

10-Make a snowman and decorate it with snowflakes and lights. If you like to make handcrafted ornaments, make snowflakes out of paper and hang them up in your window. They will look fabulous when illuminated by the lights

11.-Use garlands, wreaths and natural materials to frame your windows.

12-Try a hologram of Santa. This is a big favorite with the kids.

13-What about a candy cane theme? Garlands decorated with candy canes draping your view.

14-If you don’t have a fireplace, display your stockings, filled with hope and goodness for all who enter.

16-Light up your windows with silver icicle lights. The effect is simply stunning.

17-Put Christmas garlands on both sides of the window frame to give a festive look that won’t interfere with the view.

18-Make a Christmas tree using silver garland and add some small presents under it for decoration.

19-What about fake snow? Spray it on your window to give a winter-wonderland feel.

20-Handmade decorations, especially those that are made by you, may give your home a sense of natural warmth. Chalk or paint is the most fun conversation starter for you and your guests when drawing ornaments with your hands.

Windows can help you create a spectacular atmosphere for your home this Christmas. Consider giving yourself the gift of new windows from Hardy to accent all these enjoyable decorations. For a consultation, contact us at Hardy Windows: Door & Window Installation Company (orangecountywindowanddoor.com).

multi-slide doors

Why choose multi-slide doors

Spending time outside is one of the most pleasurable aspects of living in Southern California, thanks to beautiful natural scenery and pleasant temperatures throughout most of the year. Many homeowners in Orange County seek to maximize their outdoor living space’s enjoyment by using a popular feature known as multi-slide or multi-panel doors, which can provide an architectural “wow factor” to your home.

Multi-slide doors are similar to traditional sliding doors, but instead of two panels, they have more than two. The sections may be stacked near the side of the opening like an accordion or hidden in a pocket within the wall when the doors are open.

When closed, the stiles of the doors line up neatly, giving you a panoramic view of the outdoors at all times.

Multi-sliding doors may be opened by part or slid together from one side of the track to the other. The doors can be opened and closed manually or via an automated system, and tracks may be curved, straight, or join in a 90-degree corner.

Multi-slide doors are one of Hardy Window’s and Doors’ most popular items. We can combine panels to build floor-to-ceiling openings for rooms of various sizes, ranging from 20 feet wide by 10 feet tall up to 20 feet broad by 10 feet tall.

Are multi-slide doors the right choice for your house? Take a look at some of the advantages of these lovely features:

Indoor/Outdoor Aesthetics

Multi-slide doors, whether they look out on our picture-perfect beach, sparkling city lights, or simply provide views of your backyard, open up panoramic vistas with little site lines. With the wind blowing in and revealing breathtaking vistas from within your house, multi-slide doors instantly create a lovely focal point as well as a sense of being one with nature.

Privacy and Safety

Multi-slide doors open up a room to allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interior, but can also be used as a security feature to keep unwanted visitors outside. It’s easy to slide or part panels together so you can have privacy without cutting off your connection to the outdoors. Conveniently, the sections of multi-slide doors can be locked together to keep intruders from moving them and gaining access.

Save Space

Multi-slide patio doors, unlike other types of traditional patio doors, are built to blend into the wall or stack neatly against it in order to take up as little space as feasible when open. This makes rooms seem larger, allows foot traffic to flow freely through, and maximizes the available area for décor and other architectural elements.

While it may appear that large glass panels are not the most energy-efficient option, our multi-slide doors utilize the same highly efficient glass as our other window and door products. We use cutting-edge energy-saving technology including low-E (low-emissivity) coatings and dual-strength glass. These measures provide a variety of benefits when it comes to hot and cold weather conditions, including protecting your furniture from sun damage in the summertime and keeping heat inside during the winter.

How Can You Get Multi-Slide Patio Doors?

At Hardy Windows and Doors, we’re proud of our reputation for unique styles that reflect customers’ individual tastes. Our products are available in a wide range of prices to suit any homeowner’s budget. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation at (714) 996-1807.

What to consider before replacing your windows

If you can’t shut your windows or lock them, they may need to be repaired or replaced. You should know that window repair projects usually start at $200 and go up depending on the jobs needed. The exact price depends on the broken part of the window, the size, and the window type. Replacing a window is more expensive, The average window replacement cost is between $400 and $1,000 per window with most homeowners spending $403 to $631 on average. Replacements are generally done in one day, whereas repairs usually take a few days.

So if you’re considering replacement, here’s what to think about:

1) Are you repairing or replacing?

Options include: repairing only minor damage such as small cracks; consolidating multiple panes of glass with tempered glass; adding energy-efficient glazing film to old single-pane windows; and replacing the entire window with new vinyl, wood, fiberglass or aluminum units.

2) Do you want to repair or replace?

Replacement costs twice as much as a great repair job done by a good DIYer. If you’re considering replacement, make sure you can do it yourself or hire a good local contractor who specializes in windows. Hardy Windows is the right choice for Replacement Windows.

3) Are your existing windows energy efficient?  The latest R-value window ratings give an accurate measure of insulation value, so choose low-E coated glass if your house is tightly sealed against air conditioning bills. Otherwise, go with double-paned windows that have been treated with low-E coatings on both sides.

4) What is your budget?

Window replacements generally run $400 to $1000 per window, depending on the size and type of window, as well as installation costs. You can buy windows online or at a local window retailer. For a local option, Hardy Windows installs high quality Replacement Windows in the So Cal area. Consult with one of our window experts to find out which type of replacement windows would be right for your home and style preferences. Hardy Windows has been around since 1989 and continues to provide energy-efficiency, comfort, durability and beautiful windows and doors.

5) Are you replacing old single-pane windows?

If so, make sure you know which kind of glass performs best in your area. It’s not unusual for an average summer cooling bill to go over $500, so surely you’ll want the best within your budget. Hardy installs Replacement Windows that feature considerable energy savings and noise reduction for homes in Southern California.

6) Is your former window uneven? Or does it have broken or missing panes of glass?

If so, it’s probably not worth repairing. There are just too many problems that need immediate attention from someone who knows what they’re doing.

7) Is your window drafty?

A window’s ability to stop air infiltration is often more important than its ability to block heat loss. Heat naturally flows from warm areas to cold ones, so consider double-paned windows with gas fill or low-E coatings that reflect heat back into Hardy Hardy houses during cold winter months. Hardy installs Replacement Windows for any style home, including traditional vinyl replacement windows , wood replacement windows , fiberglass replacement windows and aluminum clad wood windows.

Give us a call today to learn more. (714) 996-1807

good first impression

Do your windows make a good first impression?

A lot of people don’t think about their windows until it’s too late, and then they’re stuck with old, ugly ones.

Windows are one of the first things that guests see when entering your home or office space. They say a lot about who you are as an individual or business owner. If your windows are in bad shape, it can make a negative impression on visitors to your home or business. This is especially true if you live in an older building where the style choices were not great back when they were installed.

Here are a few ideas to make a big impact with your windows:

Out with the Old

Replace any broken or cracked windows. New windows can make any home or office space look fresh and updated. 

Highlight the View

Take into account the view you want to show off. If there’s a beautiful view outside, it might be worth installing windows that bring in more light and showcase the best part of your property. The opposite can also make for an impressive feature; tall narrow windows can emphasize height or grandeur without giving too much away.

Energy Efficiency

Double-paned glass windows provide added insulation to make energy costs lower and the building more comfortable overall. Energy efficient windows are a must these days given the high prices of heating and air conditioning bills.

A fresh coat of Paint

If you’re having trouble choosing between different types of windows, paint color might be able to help. Painting the window frames of tall narrow windows white will make them look taller and wider than they actually are.

No view?

If you have an ugly view outside, it might be worth considering adding windows just for that. A bay or bow window can bring in extra light and looks great from the inside but doesn’t give away much of the view outside.

Break/Fix

Ensure your windows open properly before trying to make any design choices at all. Make simple fixes like oiling or replacing gliders, tightening hinges, and hanging cords properly to avoid damage.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping helps keep drafts out of your home or office space during the winter months. It’s worth spending some time to tape up any spaces around doors and windows that might be letting in air (or bugs!) this summer.

Hardy Window Replacement offers the best window replacement services around town! Our products will improve how your place looks and feels while also improving energy efficiency and adding value to any real estate property you own! 

If you would like a virtual or in-home estimate for windows & doors, call (714) 996-1807 or email Zoe@hardywindows.com for more information.

Window Replacement

Window Replacement: How much does it impact my home’s value?

One of the first considerations a homeowner should make when considering window replacement is how much it will impact their home’s value. Window manufacturers recommend you replace windows every 25 years, but this may be dependent on other factors such as climate and type of glass. This article explores what replacement windows cost and the effect they have on your property’s market value.

Quality of Windows

There are many factors that determine the cost of window replacement. The most important factor is the quality of windows you choose to replace them with. The higher-quality glass and material, the more costly your replacement will be. Replacing old drafty single-pane windows in an area that sees extreme temperature change, like Southern California, can cost upwards of $12,000 . On the other end of the spectrum, high-end vinyl windows can cost as little as $300 per window.

Based on the average salary of a U.S. worker, homeowners who spend less than one week’s salary on home improvement projects typically receive more return on investment . For example, spending around $500 to replace old windows will generally increase your property value by about $12-$15 per dollar spent. In contrast, expensive home additions such as pools and outdoor fireplaces are among the least likely to receive a return on investment .

Decrease Energy Bills

In California, energy costs must be factored in when considering replacement windows. In late summer and early fall, old drafty windows lead to soaring electrical bills. Replacing them can actually save homeowners money.

Today, many companies offer financing options to make window replacement more affordable. For example, at Hardy Windows, we offer a low-interest, long-term, tax-deductible financing option that is repaid through your property taxes. Approvals are not based on credit scores and applying is simple! Just pick the energy efficient upgrades, select Hardy Window Company, and get your project started!

New windows and doors make an impact on the market value of your home. If you are considering replacement, the first step is to determine your budget. Then choose quality windows and materials that will increase your home’s value while delivering energy efficiency and comfort .

Come check out our Anaheim showroom at Hardy Windows and put together a plan to upgrade your home with new windows and doors. You will always get quality craftsmanship and peace of mind through labor and product warranties on ALL installations.

Tips for Buying New Doors

Top Tips for Buying New Doors

Nothing pumps up your home’s curb appeal like some new doors. Whether you’re looking to sell, want to maximize your comfort, or just want to keep those energy bills as low as possible, these tips will help you get the most from your door-buying experience. 

 

Know the Lingo

When you contact a representative about what you’re looking for, it will be beneficial if you can use the right terms and definitions. For instance, “outswing” refers to a door that opens outward, while “inswing” refers to one that opens into the home. You should also be able to identify the molding, casing, and trim around your door and whether or not you want a right-handed or left-handed hinge. The faster you can point our team in the right direction, the better the chance we can get you exactly what you want. 

 

Look for Wear and Tear

There are lots of reasons to want a replacement door, and they aren’t all related to aesthetics. For instance, you should check all of your doors regularly for warping, cracks, scratches, or rotting. If you find any, you might also want to hire an inspector to see if this damage goes beyond the door itself! Another thing to test is whether or not your outside doors are properly sealing. A good way to do this is by holding a lit lighter to the frame. If the flame moves, you’re might be losing big money in energy costs. 

 

Don’t Forget the Storm Doors

There’s nothing quite like a big beautiful exterior door, so it’s a good idea to protect your investment from the elements. A good storm door can create a barrier between your new door and damaging wind, water, hail, and snow. It also provides an added layer of insulation, which can keep your HVAC from working overtime in extreme weather. There are dozens of options for storm doors, most of which are a great aesthetic complement to your home. 

 

Entry Doors are a Big Selling Point

Speaking of entry doors, it’s important to remember that your front door is essentially the “face” of your home. Of course, no two faces are (or should be) perfectly alike. Take some time and decide which sort of entry door will fit your property best. Wood doors are heavy and durable, but they can be costly and subject to warping and rot. Steel doors are resistant to breakage and help maximize energy efficiency. However, they can be easily scratched or dented, which ruins the overall look. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is considered the best combination of the two. It’s also extremely energy efficient!

 

Everyone Loves a Great Patio Door

 

The entry door may be the most important, but entire homes have been sold based on the back patio alone. So if you’ve invested some money into your deck space, don’t allow it to go to waste by purchasing a low-quality patio door.  Sliding doors are very popular as they can help maximize space both inside and out. Swinging doors are more secure, however, and can offer a bit more privacy as they don’t have to be made of glass. French doors are highly prized by home buyers and are a stunning addition to any space. Just prepare to pay top dollar for them!

 

Conclusion

No matter what sort of doors you’re looking for, it’s important that you have someone on your side who can help you make the right choices for the right price. At Hardy Windows, we have over 30 years of experience providing Orange County customers with amazing door and window services. For repairs, installations, and accessories done right, come to Hardy Windows. 

New Windows

New Windows For a Hot So Cal Fall

It’s fall in Southern California and the weather is starting to heat up. There are many homeowners that have had their homes remodeled during this time of year, but they may not have considered the windows as a project on their to do list.  Here are some ideas for why you might want to consider new windows if your home is getting toasty inside. 

  • extreme fall temperatures, both hot and cold
  • energy efficiency 
  • improving your property value.

Hot, hot, hot and then cold…

Is someone in your home always complaining that it’s too hot or too cold? Ever feel like the gaps in your old windows are a money sucking bottomless pit? 

A great reason to consider new windows is the energy efficiency they provide. If it’s been getting warmer inside during this time of year, or if it seems like your air conditioning bill has gone up significantly since last fall, chances are good that your old single pane windows aren’t offering you the kind of insulation that they used to. Replacing them with double pane windows can help reduce your energy bill while also giving you more comfort during this time of year.

Energy Efficient Windows

Did you know that window glass is the single most important factor in determining a window’s energy efficiency?  To find out how much money you could save with energy efficient windows, enter your zip code at www.energystar.gov/savings 

Curb Appeal

Lastly, if you’re looking for a project or just something new in general it’s always fun to try out different styles and see what works best for your home. Not only can you change up how it looks inside, but your windows are also an important part of the overall structure and increase your property value so replacing them will ensure that they’re not letting any drafts in or out during this time of year. New windows are a great way to improve curb appeal if you’re trying to sell it or improve your home’s interior aesthetic. With many styles ranging from modern double hungs for new construction homes all the way to casement windows, you will surely find a style that works for your home.

You might be surprised at just how affordable new replacement windows can be. In the long run, the cost of home improvements will help you save money in energy bills, improve your family’s comfort and make your home more appealing to future buyers. Make it a priority to take care of your home and enjoy an improved look during this time of year by replacing old windows with new ones from Hardy Windows today!

Doggy Door

Doggy Door Options to Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

Our furry little friends are important parts of our family, and it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and happy. When summer comes, this means ensuring our pups aren’t left outside for extended periods of time. In fact, as little as 15 minutes in 90-degree heat can be enough to cause the early symptoms of heatstroke!

Of course, most of us can’t be home all the time. So how do we let our dogs out to do their business while giving them a chance to get back in before they overheat?

State-of-the-Art Patio Doors

You need a patio door that not only fits your needs as a dog owner, but as a homeowner as well. That’s where a New Horizon Patio Door can be the perfect solution. These elegant patio doors are specially designed to maximize the amount of light that enters your home while minimizing heat from the sun. Of course, all options can be customized with the company’s one-of-a-kind pet door design, as well as a bevy of other features.  

Durable Construction

New Horizon doors take security to the next level. The fusion-welded frame and sash are both steel-reinforced, while the rollers are backed up by sealed stainless steel ball bearings to reduce friction and wear. Get a beautiful view that will as long as you need it, and seamless function with every open and close. 

Customized Designs

Choose from the classic Riviera French Sliding door, with its traditional wide rail and contoured molding, the Classic French Door set in either out-swing or in-swing designs, or the ultra-modern 2200 Series, with optional blinds between the glass panels. Each style is fully customizable and can be perfectly suited to your specific needs.   

Available Low E and Solar AG Glass Systems

All New Horizon patio doors offer the revolutionary Ameriglass AG3 Low Emissivity coating, which is a patented formula that helps maintain visibility while ensuring maximum energy efficiency and solar control. It also includes an argon gas fill, which prevents energy loss up to 12% better than traditional air, and True Warm Spacers, a unique structural foam to keep hot air outside and cold air in. 

Amerimax Pet Door Systems

Unique to the New Horizon brand, these state-of-the-art pet doors are among the best on the market. With double flaps, nylon weather stripping, and multiple magnets to keep out heat, wind, insects, and pests, these pet doors are the perfect blend of efficiency and security. 

Hardy Windows and Doors Can Help!

When it comes to patio doors, you – and your pet – deserve the very best. Ensure that your dogs get easy access to the outside when they need it, and safety from the heat when the temperatures start to climb. Amerimax New Horizon Patio Doors are the best way to give you and man’s best friend a safe, stunning, and energy-efficient view. 

Picture of Hardy Window Installation Company Near Anaheim California

DIY Orange County Window Maintenance

You might have an old window that you’re not quite ready to replace. Your budget might not be able to handle that sort of an investment, or you might simply not have the time to deal with replacing everything. 

Depending on what kind of window you have, there are some different things you can do to increase the life of your windows!

Regular Cleaning

  • Scrub your windows! Dust, dirt, and grime build up on your windows, inside and out. A lot of newer kinds of paint and sealant can help keep your windows cleaner, but they need help from time to time! Leaving dirt and water on your windows and their sills for a long time can wear down the surface and scratch/damage them.
  • Grease and make sure all the parts can freely move from time to time. This helps keep the parts from rusting shut and can help you find/fix a problem before it gets worse.
  • Windex and other cleaners can help keep lime and other deposits from building up on glass windows. This is important if windows are close to sprinkler systems or regularly get doused with water.
  • You can use bleach water on some kinds of windows and their blinds to keep mildew or mold from growing in bathrooms and other wet places. 
  • Reader’s Digest suggests adding a coat of floor wax to outer window sills to keep them clean.

Glass
glass-163865_640

  • If your windows have been streaking every time you clean them, try a rubber-tipped squeegee. A good one will make sure your windows dry evenly and don’t have any extra marks!
  • If the glass in your windows breaks or cracks, take masking tape to the pane to keep it from breaking further, and making cleanup easy. 
  • You may not have to replace the whole window if the glass breaks. You can usually take a craft knife or other tool and remove the molding, seal, or other material holding a pane in place. Ace Hardware has a more detailed guide here.
  • If you need to get a new pane of glass, it may be best to contact the window manufacturer or a glass fabricator to get a precisely cut pane for your window!

Wood

  • Wooden windows are prone to warping, rot, and weather damage. The biggest thing you can do for them is to keep a layer of paint or sealant over the surfaces! Don’t let water damage the frame. DoItYourself.com explains the importance of cleaning and keeping your window frames fresh.
  • In older wooden windows, there may be counterweights to help you open a window. These are sometimes recessed into the walls beside the window. You can replace them with smaller, more modern versions that fit along your window’s sash. If you do, you can fill those gaps in with an expanding foam and lower the air moving in and out of your home, saving on heating and cooling costs.
  • Weather stripping can help stop up those little gaps that form over time when wood warps or dries out of shape. You can get weather stripping cheaply or get your own foam or tubular vinyl to cover the gaps!
  • The DIY Network offers some useful tips for fixing stuck windows or rotted pieces. 

Non-Wood Windows (Vinyl, Aluminum, Fiberglass)

  • Gaskets and seals go bad over time! Plastics and polymers don’t last nearly as long as the frame itself does. 
  • In Aluminum windows, make sure all screws stay tight at least once a year. Help protect the wooden core!
  • Caulk any cracks in an aluminum or vinyl frame to keep water out.
  • Try fixing any sash issues with a silicon sealant. 
  • Contact a manufacturer for replacement gaskets and parts you can’t find them in a hardware store.

Other Common Problems

Gillette_Castle_window_latch

An old window latch.

If your window is stuck with a broken mechanism:

  • Take the mechanism apart and grease the different pieces. When its reassembled, a little cleaning and TLC can fix a lot of issues. Lithium grease may be helpful.
  • Old caulking can be removed with a craft or putty knife and reapplied if it’s looking worn. It’s a very easy fix for some leaking issues!
  • Latches and motise-plate sections can usually be cleaned, or dug a little deeper into a frame if loose. The above DIY Network article has a nice guide on how to do some of these.

Be careful when dealing with broken glass! You can always use tape to help keep all the pieces together when either removing a pane or keeping it in place while waiting for a professional.

If you find that you don’t want to do all these cumbersome repairs, or would like a quote about getting new windows put in before you go through all the trouble, contact Hardy Windows for a free estimate

Hardy Windows Featured on GTSA: How to Choose Your Anaheim Windows

The GTSA E-Bulletin recently featured an article we wrote about window types and how they’re made. It’s important to know a few of the details about any investment that you  make – it is your hard-earned money after all! GTSA posts all sorts of articles about a wide variety of topics, from technology, to home care, to food, even spots and education. 

home-windows1-300x199“When choosing a window, it’s in a buyer’s best interests to know all about what they’re getting into. The composition of a window is critical to how it will fit with a home, business, or other building. While windows are often simply looked through, at first they could be easily overlooked in favor of other, more noticeable furnishings of a building. There are four major types of window-frame materials. They can affect maintenance costs, the visage of a building, as well as environmental impact.”

Want to read more? Click here to read the full article titled: Wood, Metal or Fiber – Choosing the Right Material for Your Orange County Windows!

Thinking about new windows for your home, business, or other building? We offer free estimates for your Anaheim windows, click here to explore all of your options with Hardy Windows!