Homeowners that purchased energy efficient windows in 2011 will qualify for a tax rebate, though the credit is not nearly as generous as it was in 2010. This year, homeowners can get 10 percent of the cost of their windows back. However, a $200 cap has been placed on the tax credit for energy efficient windows. Compare this to last year, when homeowners were able to get 30 percent of the cost of windows back, up to a $1,500 tax credit.

In order to obtain the tax benefit, homeowners must meet certain criteria, including:

• The windows must be installed in an existing home, new construction homes will not qualify
• The home must be the owner’s main residence, not a rental or vacation property
• ENERGY STAR-rated windows, patio doors, and skylights purchased in 2011 are eligible for the credit
• The tax credit covers the cost of windows; labor is not included
• Homeowners do not have to replace all of the windows in their homes; any window that is replaced is eligible for the credit
• New windows installed in an addition or solid wall qualify in addition to replacement windows

The government may not offer any type of tax credit for ENERGY STAR-rated window products next year. If you are hoping to receive a credit, you may want to replace some of the windows in your home in order to qualify for the 2011 rebate. At Walnut Valley Glass, we offer a wide range of ENERGY STAR-rated glass products and professional installation services. Contact us today to get a windows estimate for your home.

In order to receive the tax benefit, you must fill out the 2011 version of IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your 2011 taxes by April 15, 2012. The 2011 5695 form will be available at the beginning of 2012. It is also important that you save your window receipts and Manufacturer’s Certification Statement with your personal tax records.

With so many older homes in need of renovations, it is no surprise that millions of Americans look into buying new window products each year.

Some consumers are not yet ready to invest thousands of dollars in new windows, and are searching for ways to improve the insulating capabilities of their windows, as well as their appearance. Others are willing to spend some money for new windows, but do not want to go to the expensive of replacing the entire window frame. Finally, some property owners want to replace all of the windows in their home or building with new, energy-efficient products. This blog post reviews that various window renovation options that will work with any budget.

1) Insulating Products and a Window Facelift

If your windows are in decent condition, but allow cold and hot drafts of air to enter the home, you may want to look into products such as insulating foams, films, drapes, or bubble wrap. These products can help lower your utility bills without breaking your budget.

If the appearance of your windows is a concern, consider hiring a professional window cleaning company or clean the windows yourself. You can also paint the trim around your windows to revitalize their appearance.

2) Do-it-Yourself Repairs and Replacement

If you have some experience doing home improvement projects on your own, you may want to purchase new windows and install them yourself or with the help of a friend or family member. The Internet is a great resource for do-it-your-selfers, and there are many window installation videos and how-to documents on the web.

3) Install Replacement Windows

If your windows are in poor shape, you may need to have a professional install new windows in your home. Fortunately, if the frame around your window is still in good condition, you will only need replacement windows installed. A replacement window job costs significantly less than new construction windows because the contractor only has to remove the old windows and install the new product in its place.

4) New Construction Windows

New construction windows require the contractor to remove the old window, build a frame to support the new window, and install the new window. Because a new frame must be built, it can increase the total cost of the job. However, the new frame and window will improve energy efficiency of the property, resulting in savings on utility bills.

If the screens in your home need to be replaced, or are missing, contact the professional and knowledgeable team at Walnut Valley Glass. Our Los Angeles glass company can provide you with appropriately sized window or door screens so you can open your windows and doors without worrying about children or pets getting out of the house, or annoying bugs such as flies and moths from getting into your home. If you need new screens, contact us today with the measurements, and we will deliver and install your screens in a timely manner.

Benefits of Screens

Screens on your windows and doors can make your home more functional and comfortable. Screens allow you to open windows and doors so you can air out your home, let cool air in, and keep the bugs out. Window screens can be custom fit to your windows, while sliding and swinging screen doors can be installed alongside your front door and patio doors.

Longevity of Screens

Windows screens are fairly durable, and when they are properly cared for they can last for years. However, they will eventually need to be replaced due to weathering and natural wear and tear. If you frequently remove your window screens, they will probably need to be replaced sooner rather than later, as screens often get bent out of shape when they are removed. If you live in an area with extreme weather, including a lot of rain, hail, or snow, your window screens will probably weather faster than normal.

Signs that Your Screens Need to Be Replaced

If your screens are exhibiting signs of weathering, it may be time to seek a replacement. Your screen may need to be replaced if:

• The material begins to fray, producing small holes
• The door or window screen does not fit properly in the frame
• The screen door gets stuck when you try to open and close it
• The frame is bent out of shape

If you need new window or door screens, contact Walnut Valley Glass today.

Commercial glass products can improve the appearance of your business and make it more functional for your customers and employees. At Walnut Valley Glass, we offer a variety of glass products and services for commercial properties in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

Whether you are a business owner, architect, developer, or contractor, the team at our glass company will work with you to deliver the best possible glass solution for your property. Learn more about the glass products and services that we offer.

Commercial Doors

Pre-fabricated commercial doors come in many different dimensions and styles. Our customers can choose from the following types of commercial doors:

• Metal doors
• Heavy glass doors
• Bullet-resistant doors
• Automatic sliding doors
• Swinging doors
• Revolving doors

We offer the professional and secure installation of commercial doors to protect your business from theft and vandalism.

All Glass Storefronts

All glass storefronts are ideal for shops and other small business that carry retail merchandise. The use of glass allows for plenty of natural light and can make your property look larger than it actually is. Further, products can be featured near the glass so that people who walk by can window shop.

Glass Partitions

Glass partitions create a more functional space, while also providing your place of business with improved visibility and a sense of openness. Partitions can be used to construct a reception area, conference room, private office, or walkway.

Storage

Any business needs plenty of space for storage. The use of glass shelves or cabinets offers a more contemporary feel for modern business spaces.

Our contractors have extensive experience designing, delivering, and installing commercial glass products for businesses throughout the Los Angeles area. If you are working on a new build or remodel project, contact Walnut Valley Glass to learn more about the options that are available for your commercial property.

If you don’t have the spare cash for brand new energy-efficient windows for your home, there are still some steps that you can take to improve the insulation of the windows that you have now. The supplies needed for these ideas only cost a fraction of what a set of windows would cost you, but can still keep your house cooler in the summer and reduce your need for air conditioning.

Window Films

Window films offer homeowners a more affordable way to keep their homes cool. They are ultra-thin sheets of clear plastic film that are applied to window glass to block the sun and prevent the transfer of heat indoor during hot summer days. The cost of solar window films can be as low as $20 for five 3′ by 5′ windows. Consumers can also look out for UV window films that block the suns harmful UV rays that cause furniture fabric, paintings, and rugs to fade.

Insulating Shades

According to a study conducted by the University of California Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, insulated window shades can help U.S. homeowners save about $5,000 in home heating and cooling costs over a 10-year period. Insulated shades and track systems trap hot or cold air between the shade and the window. In the summer, these products significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters the home by blocking the sun and trapping all warm air in the area between the curtain and the window. Insulated shades cost anywhere from $20 to $200 per window.

Increase Shade

You can also increase the amount of shade that surrounds windows in direct sunlight to keep your home cool during the summer. This can be achieved by planting trees or shrubs outside of the window, or by constructing an awning outside of certain windows. Do-it-yourselfers could buy the materials for an awning or new plants for less than a $100.

If too much outside noise is entering your home, the installation of new windows could significantly reduce it. Just as windows allow cold or hot drafts of air into the home, they also allow sound to pass through gaps or thin panes. If your home or place of business is located in a noisy area or if your neighbors have you up early on the weekends because they are mowing their lawn at dawn, you may be interested in the window products that are capable of reducing the amount of noise that can enter the home.

In general, single-paned windows with a wood frame are the least effective in preventing outside noise from entering the home. Property owners that are looking to reduce noise should research double and triple-paned windows with specially designed vinyl frames. Windows and frames that act as sound barriers can reduce outside noise by as much as 50 percent. Windows with sound barrier protection are often installed in home and commercial properties that are noisy due to:

Airplanes: If you are in the flight path of a nearby airport, you may be able to hear incoming or outgoing flights at all times of the day.

Highways and Busy Streets: If you live on a busy street or near a highway, chances are that you will hear the sound of cars going by.

Sirens: People that live near a hospital or fire station tend to get startled by ambulance and fire truck sirens a few times a day.

Construction: if you live in the suburbs, the sound of construction is probably temporary; those that live in urban areas may have to deal with the noise on a long-term basis.

Lawn equipment: While it’s always nice to have a neighbor that takes care of their yard, no one wants to wake up to the sound of a lawn mower or other garden equipment.

People talking: People that live on a busy street may be able to hear passersby talking as they walk by, or if you live in the city people might congregate in the area outside of your living space.

The installation of noise-reducing windows can make your home or place of business a much more peaceful place. To learn more about the noise-reducing window products that we offer, contact Walnut Valley Glass today.

A couple of times a year, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean your home’s windows and evaluate their condition so you can repair problems. Here at Walnut Valley Glass, we have put together a window rejuvenation checklist so homeowners can keep their windows looking and functioning their best for years to come.

1. Clean the Windows

The first step in the window rejuvenation process is to thoroughly clean the windows inside and out. Use a garden hose with a sprayer or a pressure washer to clean the windows, and the entire area surrounding the windows, from the outside. Indoors, you may want to use the hand attachment of your vacuum to suction away dirt that has accumulated in your window sills and sliding hardware. Once all debris and dirt has been washed away, you can use a glass cleaning solution to get the windows to sparkle.

2. Wash and Touch Up Your Window Trim

After you have washed the windows with a hose, wipe down the trim area to remove any excess dirt. If the pain on the window trim is in pretty good shape, you may just need to touch up a couple of areas with the same color paint. If the trim has faded and you want to make it pop, repaint the entire window trim area.

3. Clean Blinds

Dirt and grime builds up on blinds quickly; if you haven’t cleaned your blinds in a couple of months, chances are a thin layer of dirt has begun to pile up on them. Use a wet washcloth to wipe down your window blinds and remove any traces of grime.

4. Wash Drapes and Other Window Dressing

Finally, if you have cloth window dressings, throw them in your washer or take them in to be dry-cleaned to remove dirt and bacteria. Wipe down the hardware that holds the window dressings before you rehang them.

When done regularly, cleaning your home’s windows and dressings is a simple task, and it greatly reduces the chance of your window glass getting scratched due to debris.

It is no secret that the bathroom is one of the germiest places in the home. Bathrooms are usually warmer and damper than other areas of the house, making them a great breading place for bacteria, mold, and mildew. But which spots in the bathroom are the most prone to the growth of germs? We list out the dirtiest places in home bathrooms and what you can do to keep your bathroom as germ-free as possible. 

Shower Curtain

Shower curtains are infested with bacteria and mold because they tend to be damp for a substantial portion of the day. Experts recommend cleaning your shower curtain weekly with a disinfectant or bleach spray, and replacing it every six months. At Walnut Valley Glass, we recommend that property owners have glass shower doors installed in their bathrooms; they are easier to clean and can eliminate many of the germs in your bathroom.

Bathtub

The bathtub is another area that tends to be loaded with bacteria. The tub is often wet, providing the germs and bacteria that you wash off of the body with a place to grow. Scrubbing the tub once a week with a strong cleaning solution, thoroughly rinsing the tub, then drying it will reduce the amount of germs in the bathroom.

Toilet Flusher

People handle the toilet flusher before they wash their hands. Cleaning the flusher handle with disinfectant wipes once or twice a week will go a long way toward keeping your bathroom clean.

Sink Faucet and Handles

Again, people touch sink faucets and handles before they wash their hands, so these areas can contain dangerous bacteria. Wipe down the sink area and handles once or twice a week to keep bacteria at bay.

Light Switches and Cabinet Knobs

Many homeowners do not regularly clean light switches and cabinet knobs, even those these things are used daily by everyone in the house. Next time you clean your bathroom, pay special attention to these areas; and remember, light switches, knobs, and handles should be cleaned more frequently if someone in the house is sick.

Reducing Toilet Flushing Off Spray

Numerous studies have shown that toilet flushing off spray allows the content of your toilet to contaminate anything surface of your bathroom, including the walls, your towels, and your toothbrush. Try to get in the habit of closing the toilet lid after you flush to prevent germs from spreading throughout your bathroom.

If you are purchasing new shower doors for your home, you now have more options available to you than ever. The type of door that is right for your home will depend on the current set up of your bathroom and personal design tastes. Before you start looking for shower doors, consider the space that is available and how extensively you plan on remodeling your bathroom to accommodate your new shower doors. Then, review our buying guide to help you decide how you want your shower doors to function and look.

Bypass or Pivoting Doors

Homeowners can have sliding or swinging shower doors installed in their bathrooms. Those with smaller bathrooms typically choose to have sliding shower doors in their bathrooms because they can save space. Swinging doors need to have plenty of room to open and close, so they are a better fit for large bathrooms.

Walk In or Tub Encasement

Walk in showers can accommodate sliding or swinging shower doors, while tubs can only accommodate sliding shower doors. If you already have a tub in your shower, and are not planning on remodeling, then you will have to stick to sliding doors that can be secured to your tub. If you have a walk-in shower, you can install pivoting or bypass doors and encase the other walls in glass.

Glass Type

Glass shower doors generally come in 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-inch thick sheets. However, frameless shower doors should be at least 3/8- or 1/2-inch thick. Thicker glass is less likely to break in case of a fall or accident, making it safer and longer lasting than thinner alternatives. However, thicker glass is also more expensive. Some homeowners choose to have tempered glass shower doors installed. Tempered glass goes through a heating process that strengthens the glass so it is less prone to breakage.

Frame

Most shower doors are framed in nickel, aluminum, chrome, or brass. While framed glass shower doors are certainly a step up from curtains or fiberglass doors, frameless shower doors offer the most aesthetic appeal. Frameless, all glass shower doors are pricier than framed models, but are becoming more popular among homeowners.

Glass Opacity

The opacity of the glass in your shower doors can be clear or translucent. Those that want increased privacy tend to choose frosted glass, while those looking for a clean, contemporary look tend to choose clear glass. Reflective or tinted glass can also be used in showers.

Etching

Glass designs can be etched onto your shower doors to make them more unique. If prefabricated shower doors do not feature the design that you want, our glass company can create a custom piece for you.

If you have purchased replacement windows, or your windows and the exterior of your home could use some rejuvenation, consider painting the trim around your windows. Highlighting the trim around the windows with a contrasting color can add some architectural detail and polish to your home. But before you head to the paint store to pick up a couple of gallons of paint, take some time to think about which colors will best suit your home.

White Trim

Many homeowners use white paint to accent the paint on the outside of their homes. White paint looks great with just about any color, including gray, brown, blue, and green-toned paint colors. If you own a colonial, ranch, or Victorian-style home, consider using white paint on window trim.

Red Trim

Red trim can add some extra pop to the exterior of your home. Red trim is generally used to complement lighter pain colors, and works well on craftsman, barn, or Spanish-style homes.

Dark Brown

Dark brown is another popular paint color choice for exterior trim. Dark brown best suits lighter, brown-toned base colors, and is commonly used on Tudor and track-style homes.

Dark Green

Dark green is most often used to accent a white base color in colonial or Victorian-style homes.

How to Paint Your Window Trim

To get the best results, clean the windows and trim using a pressure washer or garden hose with a spray nozzle. After all dirt and grit has been washed off and the trim area has dried, tape of the area that you want painted so you end up with clean lines. Once the area has been properly taped, use an appropriately sized paintbrush to apply a coat of paint to the trim’s surface. Apply another coat or two of paint to the trim after the first coat has dried. The next day, you can remove the tape admire your work.