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).

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
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  • 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

Wood, Metal or Fiber? Choosing the Right Material for Your Orange County Windows

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.

The four main kinds of window materials are: wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Wood and aluminum are natural (if processed) materials. Vinyl (PVC) and fiberglass are man-made materials, with different compositions for each window and batch made. Some of the distinctions are rather obvious just by the nature of the materials. They’ll vary as well based on manufacturer, the materials put into the mixtures, and where everything came from originally. No two windows will be exactly the same.

window-576026_640

A wooden frame.

Wood makes for a traditional window style. The grain can be brought out of a wood window with a stain or varnish on both the inside and the outside of a window, to give it a classy sheen. Wood will always be popular for its looks and unique patterns. However, as a material, it can wear or even rot more easily than other solutions. This is especially true on the outside of a window’s frame where weather and precipitation can damage the structure. Often times, it needs to be maintained and replaced every few years, though it can be freely painted and stained as an owner wishes. It is a decent insulator as far as heat goes, and will not affect heating or cooling bills.

Aluminum is a lightweight, yet strong metal choice for window frames. Windows made with this metal as a frame will not need much maintenance. They can be painted or ordered with a hard finish that will stay for years. The best reason to have them, visually, is that the aluminum is stronger than other materials. There is less of it needed to frame the glass, and as such, viewable area is maximized. The downside to aluminum windows is that they are not as thermally protected as other materials. As a metal, aluminum conducts heat and cold easily – this means that heated or cooled air will try to equalize with the outside temperature. Current designs combat this more than in the past, but it can still be an issue. Heating and cooling costs for your home or building may be affected as a result.

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A simple Vinyl frame.

Vinyl, or PVC windows are made up of a common polymer often found in commercial use. They can be made relatively cheaply compared to many window types. This form of window is thermally-stable, and can possibly save money on heating and cooling costs. Threaded and heat-welded polymers are popular because the processes can strengthen and thermally insulate the material, respectively. Quality varies depending on the manufacturer and the batch of vinyl that the frame was made from. It cannot be painted, however, it is low-maintenance and the poured color goes all the way through the material. This is beneficial to buildings or homes in places where they may see outside wear and tear. Scratches, dings, and dents will not be seen as easily.

Fiberglass is a plastic polymer laced with a net or webbing of glass strands. Most people know fiberglass as insulation for houses, hulls for boats, and many other uses. As a window frame material, fiberglass is a little on the expensive side. However, it is extremely low maintenance. It can be finished, painted, or have a veneer added for multiple looks and styles perfect for any building. It isn’t affected by weather, wear and tear, or time quite the same way as other materials. This is best for people who want a customizable, versatile surface for their window frames.

Whatever material you choose for your windows, there are some beneficial qualities to each and every type. Choose wisely to best match your budget, where you live, how much maintenance you care for, or the overall look of your building. 

If you’d like to learn more about options to best suit your Orange County window needs in your home or business, consult one of our professional staff to help you make efficient and affordable decisions for your custom needs and budget. The best part? The estimate is free
 

Transparent Investments: How Home Value is Affected by Windows in Orange County Homes

A lot of home improvement shows, blogs, and professionals will talk about why replacing your windows can be a big booster in your home’s energy costs. But what about the overall value of your property? Obviously, there are benefits in getting a window properly fitted, with new materials that prevent air from coming in or going out when it shouldn’t. Insulation and air conditioning retention in California is a must during the summer months. But is it worth the cost to buy and install new windows? 

Remodeling Magazine did a wonderful study of the topic, in which case they found that the cost of new windows is not readily apparent. The yearly saving on energy costs would seem negligible against the cost of buying new windows. However, homeowners would find that they got that investment back worth about 80% of their original cost. So not only are you making quite a large amount of the investment back, but your property will look better and be far more environmentally friendly with newer, more energy-efficient windows.

How do new windows affect the value of your home?living-room-389264_640

  • Appearance – New windows, especially vinyl, can look sleek and fresh. They’re one of the highlights of a home, and vinyl windows can be ordered in many different varieties and shapes, colors and designs that can fit your property. People looking to buy may find that your building is worth more than one with repainted, older windows. They’re one of the first things people see about your property, don’t ignore them!
  • Energy Costs – Newer windows are double or triple glazed. This can be advertised as a benefit, or simply be for the good of your home and the environment! They are very good at keeping the temperature steady inside of a home, up to 30% of a home’s temperature leakage comes from the windows. Save power, save money, do your part to help reduce your carbon footprint! 
  • Maintenance – A lot of newer window designs are easier to clean and maintain than older ones. Instead of simple, sliding windows that open upward, you can get windows that tilt back to open. Many of the newer materials and glass formulations are also easier to keep clean. They’re scratch resistant and resist the effects of weathering better. This is critically important when the wind starts to blow that ever-present CA dust around! With many materials, you won’t even have to bother painting the frame every few years. 
  • Security – Not often talked about, your home’s windows can be one of the easier ways to break in. You can upgrade to a design that is more easily locked closed than what you originally have. Harder glass also means that it’s harder to break into, and anyone daring to try will make a lot more noise in the process. 

It is important that you consider replacing your home’s windows, especially if that home or building is more than a few decades old. Wooden frames can warp and shrink with time, caulking and seals can wear out, and your glass can become scratched and pitted with age and weathering. It shows, even if not immediately. Limescale buildup, small scratches, and cracks can make your windows look old and worn. Even if you take great care of your property, time can catch up with you and cause your home’s value to drop. Consider replacing the eyes of your home with something newer and better fitting.

Don’t sit around and let your home go! Whether you intend to sell or not, replacing your windows may be beneficial to you, your property, and your environment. We here at Hardy Windows want to help you make the best choice for your home, that’s why we offer a free estimate of replacement and upgrade work! Contact us today to get an expert opinion from your Orange County window experts!

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!

The Benefits of Replacement Vinyl Windows

Five Benefits of Replacement Vinyl Windows

  1. Add beauty to your home
  2. Improve energy efficiency
  3. Reduce noise pollution
  4. Easy to clean and long-lasting
  5. Increase the value of your home
You Deserve a Beautiful Home

Vinyl replacement windows are an elegant addition to any home. Our glass is high-quality, providing crisp, clear views out into the world. Our expert salesmen here at Hardy Window Company will help you pick out the best upgrades and design(s) that will fit perfectly in your home.

 
Are You Ready to Save On Your Energy Bills?

What’s better than adding beautiful replacement windows to your home? How about beautiful windows that could pay for themselves! Our windows are among the best energy-efficient windows on the market, which can end up saving you a lot of money on heating and cooling costs especially during the long, hot Southern California summers.

Low quality aluminum windows can sweat, oxidize and even shrink over time, causing leaks that let in the outside elements. That’s one of the reasons why your house can feel like a freezer in the winter and a sauna in the summer. Replacement vinyl windows help to keep warm air in the house during the winter and cool air in during the summer, lessening the need for heating and air conditioning.

Less energy usage means a smaller environmental footprint and energy savings in your pocket each month!

 
Say Goodbye to the Noise

After a hard day’s work, all you want to do is come home to a serene environment. Too bad the neighbor’s dog isn’t on the same page. Neither are the planes flying overhead, the car alarms nearby, or all the other noise pollution that you can’t seem to escape. Would you believe us if we told you that it’s possible to get free of all that racket? Our replacement windows have been shown to cut noise pollution. Who knew peace and quiet is just a window away!

 
Never Buy another Window Again

If you have read this far, it’s probably because you’re starting to seriously consider replacing your windows. You’d probably rather be doing a lot of other things over the next few months, so wouldn’t it be great if you never had to shop for windows again?

Low-quality aluminum windows typically last about ten years. Our manufacturer’s energy-efficient vinyl windows can go the distance, with each manufacturer honoring some sort of warranty to best serve you.

 
Increased Home Value

When you purchase replacement vinyl windows from us, you are truly making an investment in your home. Not only do these energy-efficient windows increase your comfort and look great, but they can help to increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell in the future.

For a small upfront cost, you’ll be paid back in full on a number of levels when you choose our windows, which are the among the best replacement windows around!

Interested in learning more about replacement windows or doors?
Call us at 800-479-7759 or contact us!

Windows 101

Hardy Window Company values its customers and potential customers which is why we have compiled a few questions for homeowners and business owners to ask themselves and contractors before and while receiving bids on windows and doors. Here are our answers to the most vital questions.

 

    • Is the contractor licensed?
      Hardy Window Company has been licensed for over 20 years. CSLB #904342 is our license number.

 

    • Does the contractor have the proper insurances?
      Hardy Window Company maintains in full effect Workman’s Compensation, General Liability, and Commercial Auto Insurance policies. Please feel free to view all of our documents at the Documents tab on the website. We do not sub-contract any labor on our projects as Hardy Window Company employs all personnel on your job site.

 

    • How many years experience do you have?
      Hardy Window Company has been in business since 1989. That’s 25 years!

 

 

    • Are estimates free?
      Yes! Whether residential or commercial, our estimates are always free. We pride detailed proposals for all of your window and door needs.

 

    • What products do you carry?
      We carry over 30 different manufacturers of windows and doors. It’s safe to say that we are not limited in our product selection! If you want it, we can get it for you. From high-end to budget windows, we carry them all.

 

    • How long does it take to get windows?
      Lead times vary with different products. On average, our lead time is 3 to 4 weeks. Some of our manufacturers also have a Fast-Track program in which we can have your windows and/or doors ordered and installed in little as 3 days.

 

    • How long does the installation take?
      Typically it takes 1 day to install a full house of windows, sometimes 2. Our Field Superintendent organizes each project on a daily basis to put the correct amount of manpower on your project to streamline your window installation.

 

    • What is the warranty?
      Each manufacturer has a different warranty. You can find majority of the warranty details on the manufactures website and we can also assist you with any warranty questions you may have.

 

    • Do you have a service department?
      Hardy Windows has a full-time Service Department. If any warranty items or issues arise, Hardy Windows will send out a technician to evaluate the problem. We also try to schedule most services on the weekend so you don’t have to take time off work in order to get the warranty resolved.

 

    • Are your prices competitive?
      We are a no pressure type company! Our goal is to give you the most competitive pricing right from the start. We never inflate prices and then offer sales or discounts to sign a contract. Just as our homepage says, “We Will Beat Any Competitors Price” – guaranteed!

 

    • Are you a member of the BBB?
      Hardy Windows has been a member of the Better Business Bureau since 2001. We are one of the only window companies in Southern California with an A+ rating. For us to maintain an A+ rating for over 8 years shows people that we care about our clients and customers to the fullest extent.

 

Interested in replacing your windows and doors but not sure where to start?
Call us! 800-479-7759

Your Orange County Window and Door Experts

Your Orange County Window & Door Experts Since 1989

Opening our doors in 1989, we have provided quality window and door products to homeowners, contractors, and multifamily property owners for 25 years. Located in the heart of Anaheim, we are a licensed, insured contractor that strives to bring you quality windows and doors at the most competitive prices possible.

We offer a 15,000 square foot showroom so customers can come see product examples and get an idea of what will be installed in their home or other properties. We carry 30+ manufacturers of windows and doors ranging from low-budget to high-end. When you find something you want, we will work with you to get you the best and most competitive pricing.

Although some lead times can range about 3 to 4 weeks, we may be able to have it expedited and installed within 3 to 5 days depending on our manufacturer’s Fast Track program (varies by manufacturer – please inquire within). Installation typically takes 1 day, and we provide a Field Superintendent on each job to ensure that the correct manpower is placed on your project to get it completed. Warranties are provided on an individual basis depending on the manufacturer. If you run into any warranty issues, we will send out a technician to evaluate the problem and get it resolved.

Our staff takes pride in offering the best products and services to serve the greater Orange County and surrounding areas. The company is comprised of a seasoned and talented staff that sets us apart from other companies in our field. Every person is a professional dedicated to your satisfaction.

The top 4 reasons to select Hardy Window Company as your Orange County window and door professionals:

  1. Guaranteed Quality. Years of experience installing the industry’s highest quality products.
  2. Guaranteed Pricing. A detailed estimate that is easy to understand and clearly defines expected results.
  3. Guaranteed Results. We won’t be happy until you are. Down to the last details, the job isn’t complete until you’re totally satisfied.
  4. Value Engineering. With the variety of products we carry we are able to accommodate any budget.
We are here to provide you with the greatest quality windows and doors at a budget you can afford! For a free estimate, call our 24 hour line at 800-479-7759.