Weather impacts all of us and how we live, what we do and when. Today, we have an unbelievable amount of high tech equipment to help us monitor, track and predict the weather, but the one tool many still like to use is the weather vane.

Weather vanes are common fixtures on the tops of buildings large and small. The earliest known weather vane was constructed atop Athens’ Tower of the Winds by an astronomer in 48 B.C., but you’ve probably seen them topping everything from a historical government building to your neighbour’s barn. These weathervanes can display many different kinds of ornaments as well.

Arrow and scroll Weathervane Ornaments
These weathervanes include a simple arrow ornament which is attached to a horizontal tube. The arrow or scroll moves around to indicate the wind direction. Sometimes the term “arrow” and the term “scroll” are interchangeable. This depends on the type of fletching, whether there is a point on it and what type of point it is, how intricate the details are, and whether the design contains any actual wrought scrolls.

Banner and Bannerette Weathervane Ornaments
These ornaments are fashioned after medieval pendants and flags, the basic parts of this particular ornament are the points in front and a flat area in the back. Though the terms “banner” and “bannerette” may also seem to be interchangeable, but a banner usually has an area large enough for a date or monogram to be cut out or applied to the ornament, while a bannerette has an area which might be large but is mainly decorative.

Silhouette Weathervane Ornaments
This style of ornament has also been in use for many, many years. After 1900, the silhouette weathervane became very popular again, and often displayed fables, sporting events or themes. In Europe, businesses and guilds would display their specialty using this type of vane ornament.

Swell-bodied Weathervane Ornaments
The most common type of weathervane and is most closely associated with the American weather vane makers. The sculpture piece has dimension but is thinner than a fully three-dimensional sculpture piece so it will be more aerodynamic in the wind. Molds are created from hammered copper for these ornaments. The molds are then trimmed and soldered together into a hollow form which is a few inches thick. This type of vane can also be formed freehand.

Full-bodied Weathervane Ornaments
These ornaments are a 3-dimensional representation of a particular subject. Often these are Custom made with each one being a new and unique design never seen before on a weathervane. Sometimes, two or more smaller types from vanes are combined to form a larger one.

At one time Copper Weathervanes were seen on just about every home, especially in the country. Today you’ll be able to find them on rooftops in just about every country in the world. While they are practical in that they tell you the wind direction many of them are also highly decorative.

To serve the growing demand, there are more weathervanes being made in the world today than at any point in history. Due to the large variety of manufacturers and styles, becoming familiar with the product is crucial when purchasing. Since the purchase of a weathervane is often a singular affair, and because it’s highly visible, it is important to select carefully.

Garden, home exterior | No Comments »

Many homeowners put off replacing the windows in their home for years, because they don’t want to spend the money on new windows or don’t want the preserved mess of the installation. While it is true new windows can be costly, they can also save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills. They can also make the exterior of your house more beautiful than it was before. Old windows really can take away from the whole look of the house, making the new window installation an investment that will beautify the home and add value to it as well.

Windows give us our view to the outside world and bring delightful sunlight into our home every day. While they give us our view and let in sunlight, they also must shield us from the weather (rain, cold air, heat, wind) and everything else that Mother Nature has for us. If you have old, worn out, and ineffective windows, you might as well not have any protection from the heat or cold, making the installation of new windows necessary.

Replacing old single-pane glass windows with new double-insulated windows can provide one of the greatest energy savings for your home. Modern windows feature two or three panes of glass with an insulating air space between. The higher-quality windows also have an inert gas such as argon between the glass panes, offering an even greater insulating factor. Many modern windows go one step further and have a special coating called “low-E” applied to the glass. This coating contains metallic particles that slow heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer.

Replacement windows are available in several different styles including single-hung, double-hung, gliding/horizontal sliders, awning, hopper, casement, fixed, bay or bow and garden. Many companies carry standard-sizes of double-hung windows which are the most common style. The real advantage of replacement windows though is that you can order them to fit (to1/4”) your present window sizes. It’s always cheapest to replace existing windows with those of a similar size, though if you want to change the size this also can be done for a price.

Window replacements are available in wood, aluminum or vinyl with vinyl being the most popular because of their price, efficiencies and maintenance free aspects. Choosing windows that match your home’s unique style is important as you want them to complement your home not detract from it and this can usually be done by any manufacturer.

There are some things to consider in determining when you should invest in replacement windows.
- When the cosmetics of the current window or the structure is beyond repair.
- When you have single pane windows and are looking to improve the insulation value of your windows.
- When your windows are no longer operating easily.
- And you can probably think of a number more good reasons.

Even though it is recommended that you get help of a local home improvement company or licensed contractor to do the installation. If you purchase the windows directly from a local home improvement store, you can often achieve substantial savings by saving the higher prices that contractors may charge for the convenience of providing the windows. If you are hiring someone to install your windows make sure they know what they are doing. You don’t want to spend good money and still have problems with drafts and cold.

There are lots of good reasons to consider installing replacement windows. Energy-efficient windows can help lower your monthly energy bills, while making your home more comfortable to live in. Installing high-quality vinyl replacement windows can also add to the resale value of the home and result in an immediate reduction of heating and cooling bills. Replacement windows also require little maintenance and can add to your home’s curb appeal and come with a good warranty and will last for 20 years or more.

Replacing drafty windows has always been a great way to improve the value of your home, enjoy low maintenance and cut your home’s heating and cooling cost. Today there’s even one more good reason, installing replacement windows can qualify you for government tax credits to defray some of these costs.

home exterior, interior | 4 Comments »