Amsco Windows Blog

Casement windows have the power to transform your home in an instant. Because of its unique design, these windows can either keep the breeze in or keep the chilly winds out. Having this type of window can even shut the noise out and keep your home as tranquil as it can be. And, with just a simple crank of the handles, you can switch to different looks for your home. Or, you can adjust the windows according to how you want it. No matter what you choose, the casement window can be operated with utmost ease to suit your preference. WHAT ARE CASEMENT WINDOWS? A casement window refers to a type of window fastened to the window frame with hinges, which are located at the side. Opening the windows is done by turning a crank, lever or cam handle. The casement window handles are typically placed approximately at hand height or else at the bottom of the structure and will function as a window lock. To secure an open casement window and keep it steady especially during windy days, a ...

Thinking about replacing those drafty windows with windows with built in blinds? Households where cleaning mini-blinds is a bi-annual tradition have probably contemplated a better option. A look into windows with blinds between the glass will prove to be exactly what any family that has dealt with the hassles of mini-blinds desires. Windows with built in blinds are a concept that has been with us for the past decade. As with all new technology, it started been quiet expensive but as it become integrated and more economically produced, they settled into a more reasonable price point. The basic principal of these specialty windows is that they feature blinds, shades or grills sandwiched between two panes of glass. The blinds raise, lower or tilt using a slider that guides them. This is also true in door walls that feature blinds between the glass. This feature is especially appealing for door walls and patios because homeowners don't have to mess with traditional blinds and n...

A window installer can put in some highly efficient replacements to save money on homeowners utility bills. Energy consumption is bad for the planet and terrible for the consumers wallets. It costs lots of hard earned cash to heat or cool a house. Having efficient windows, skylights, doors and insulation can keep the frigid temps at bay in the winter and the sweltering summer temps outdoors where they belongs. Here are some things to think about when considering installation of upgraded products: 1. ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS When a product has earned the "star" label, it is for a good reason. These items must be proven to cut down on fuel consumption from 7 to 15 percent. Not only does this reduced consumption save natural resources and money for the consumer, but it cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. The government offers tax credits for the products with this rating. 2. UTILITY BILLS The average American family pays a couple of thousands of dollars to keep...

Installing the right kind of window treatment is not only practical, but it adds more value and architectural interest to rooms that are otherwise nondescript. Many homeowners take advantage of different benefits that could be derived from using blinds or shutters, such as additional privacy, beautification and value enhancement to any room in the house. Notwithstanding, here are a few ways on how they can contribute to making a home feel complete: ENHANCING AESTHETIC VALUE AND PRIVACY Shutters and blinds can complete a decorating scheme; homeowners usually decorate their homes with specific themes. A common decorating scheme is coordinating colors in the rugs and the pillows. To really bring attention and emphasis on the color that you are trying to bring out, a great idea is to get blinds or shutters in the same hue. Another way to strengthen the bones of a room is to get blinds and shutters in the same finish as a room's molding, or flooring. Blinds and shutters giv...

When it comes to the substance that doors and windows are made from, uPVC is a type that is gaining much popularity. While standard wood and aluminum offer certain properties, uPVC has advantages that exceed both in many different ways. It is a bit surprising that uPVC has become one of the leading types of materials for the construction of doors and windows. However, understanding what exactly uPVC is and why it is so effective will help you make the best informed decision about whether to purchase products that are crafted from it. WHAT IS uPVC? Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the oldest polymers in the world having first been developed in the 1940s. Today, this product is used in a wide variety of products because it is durable, cost effective, environmentally safe and adaptable as well. The material has been used in a number of applications, but recently it has been substantially improved which has broadened its usage. From electronics to construction and tr...

A wooden garden shed is a value packed addition to backyard life.  Whether the purpose of the shed is strictly for storage or to create a private oasis, there is a perfect garden shed for everyone. Historically, all exterior buildings including sheds were intended for utilitarian purposes.  In the case of a shed, it was generally intended to store outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, rakes and shovels.  In later years the backyard shed was sued to store bicycles, skateboards, and lawn furniture.  Although the contents of the shed might have varied, yet, the utilitarian nature of the shed remained the same. These days wooden garden sheds can serve a variety of different purposes besides being a storage area.  Below are two non conventional uses of garden sheds. 1.  A  PLAYHOUSE FOR CHILDREN  An average sized shed can be easily transformed into the perfect playhouse for your children.  It pr...

It is not uncommon for homeowners to spend literally thousands of dollars on window treatments and then step back to survey the finished product and feel that something is still missing. In this event, there is no need to despair. Don't start wandering down the road of regret. The missing window covering element may just be in the form of window valances. Since there are a number of different styles of window valances, you can accent and complement any window regardless of a particular room's decor or design theme. Match or contrast with current window coverings to bring to your home the final piece of the window puzzle. Also, you need not worry about what your current window coverings are, which maybe either shutters, blinds, curtains, or more, valances will accentuate whatever is there. Whether you add ascot valances, balloon valances, scarf valances, or any other type, you'll find that these additions will provide that missing decorative touch and allow you to...

Most of the times, people get so caught up in the interior decoration job that they forget to pay attention to the accessories that can change the aspect of the room entirely: the curtains. You should not neglect the choice of materials and patterns when it comes to curtains; on the contrary, their aspect has to be planned from the very beginning together with the rest of the redecoration scheme. It is important that you verify the status of your windows, too, in order to see whether they need to be repaired or replaced with new ones. Shabby windows may obstruct natural light from properly entering the house; therefore, you need to renovate them if you want to obtain the best results. You may opt for innovative forms and modern colors or you may preserve their classic shape, depending on the decoration you choose for the rest of the house. Once you have selected the appropriate design for your windows it is important that you carefully measure the...

Having trouble deciding which window covering to use? With such wide selections of choices ranging from material, fabric, color, size, and hardware, it can get pretty overwhelming and confusing to decide which curtain is best for your room. Notwithstanding, there are four basic elements to consider when choosing window treatments: privacy, light control, function, and style. PRIVACY Privacy is probably the main reason why any of us purchase window coverings in the first place. Its purpose is, of course, to cover the window. There are a variety of window treatments that are ideal for privacy. These include shades or blinds and non-sheer curtains and draperies. Each window treatment comes in a variety of styles and fabrics such as fabric, roller, or cellular shades, which generally offer complete window coverage. Blinds such as mini blinds, wood blinds, and shutters also provide a nearly private environment. LIGHT CONTROL Light control is also crucial when choosi...

Before you consider any unique window treatment ideas for your house, you need to know what you need for that part of the house where you want to carry out your window treatment. 1. Do you need more light, far less light, or muted light in a different shade of color? You may consider installing stained glass panels, hanging up stained glass chimes, or placing vases of different colors on your windowsill. These varying shades can snatch up incoming light and turn your home into a menagerie of color. 2. Is your window bare and free from decorations? Then you might want to add a whole row of teddy bears in different colors all across the window. You can hang models of the seven dwarves, or of different characters from your favorite fairy tales. If you have a baby on the way, you can advertise your joy by stringing up empty feeding bottles filled with light blue or light pink marbles, depending on your baby's sex. 3. Do you like drapes, or would you like to keep yo...

WINDOW TREATMENTS ARE FABULOUS!  Why? For one, well-dressed windows add an awesome look to any room in the house. And they're functional as well because they can be used to block light, create privacy, soften sounds, draw attention to great views (or conceal less pleasing ones), and more. To help you figure out which window treatment styles are right for your home and tastes, here's a rundown on the basic types. Don't want to spend a fortune? Below are some easy DIY ideas for dressing up your existing curtains and shades too. THE BASICS Curtains typically hang on rods from rings, tabs, or ties and are pulled open or closed by hand. This type of window treatment is made in a variety of styles and fabrics to fit both large and small windows. Drapery panels tend to look more formal than curtains. Drapes are attached to a rod with hooks that permits opening and closing simply by pulling a cord. They're usually hung from the top of a window or even t...