Category: Home Remodeling

Do you live in Broward County and looking for Hurricane Impact Windows?  Whether you’re upgrading your current windows or need windows for your new construction dream home, there are a few things we recommend you do before you make your purchase.

1. Find the right window company for you. When you’re in the market for Hurricane Impact Windows, the best thing you can do is research multiple window companies and find the one that is the best fit for you. Some things to look for are reputation, price, timeline in which the project will be completed, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. If you are looking to shop around, which we always recommend, you might want to write a list of your top 3 promising companies.

2. Don’t forget about building codes, then forget about them! Yes, Broward County is a beautiful place to live, but tropical storms mean the need for stronger windows, especially if you live within a mile of the coast. Because of such a need, Broward County has strict building codes when it comes to windows. So what do you do? Do you need to know all the building codes? No! A reputable window company, like East Coast Windows & Doors, will be up-to-date and very familiar with all building codes, taking the worry about of being compliant. But it never hurts to ask and make sure they are compliant.

3. Get an idea of what you are looking for. Whether you’re wanting to update your existing windows or get all new windows for a new construction project, it’s important to find both the strength and style that fits your needs. It’s also a plus if you can see what a company has to offer on their website. For example, you can see the options East Coast Windows has to offer right on our website.

4. Request a free quote. After you’ve found a few reputable companies that you think will be able to meet your specific impact window needs, it’s time to request a free quote for your project. This is a great way to get to know them more on a personal level and get a good feel for how the project as a whole will go. You may also want to take caution if you come across a company that does not offer free quotes; this could be a major red flag.

Are you ready to upgrade your Broward County home to hurricane impact windows?  When you’re researching which window company to consider, we really hope you will keep East Coast Windows on your short list.  With a 25 year track record of exceptional customer service, ECW has the product quality and professional service you are looking for.Learn more about our services and who we are on our About Us page, and our Service and Products pages.

These are definitely crazy times we are living in.  None of us would have ever thought we would be spending so much time at home, so many people have started doing small DIY projects in and around their home to improve the space they live in and keep them busy.  Besides, with this much time at home, we want to enjoy the space we’re in, right?  So let’s go over a few quick and easy DIY project ideas.

1. Organize Your Closet – We’re not just talking about getting rid of old clothes and reorganizing where your shoes go, there are some amazing ideas out there on how to completely clean out and organize your closet space. new shelving systems are our favorite way to update a closet, you can even order a closet shelf kit if you are not very handy in the carpentry department.
2. Make Room for Your Hobby – With all this downtime, have you been enjoying your hobbies more? Or maybe even found a new one?  Let’s make room for your hobby and create a sanctuary for you to keep your head sane during these crazy times.  Whether it’s reading, exercise, or even something more creative like crafting, sewing, or painting, I bet you can find a nook in your house to create space just for you.  Head to Pinterest for space-saving ideas for any supplies you need for your hobby, and let your imagination run wild as you design your new sacred space.
3. Pick Up Gardening – There is something about getting out in the sunlight that can instantly make most people feel better.  Maybe it’s all the vitamin d?  Throw in playing in some dirt and who wouldn’t be happier outside in their garden?  Many people enjoy gardening because it gives them some time in the sun while also bringing out their creative side.  If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get out of the house more, now is your chance.  The good news is you don’t have to go very far either
4. Update Your Window Coverings – If you find yourself spending more time at home lately, the last thing you want is to feel like you’re living in a cave.  Open up those shades and let some light in!  It might even be a good time to update your window coverings.  If you use blinds, find ones that will let in a desirable amount of light while still being stylish and modern.  Right now there are some beautiful curtain designs out there, and with natural light being all the rage, you’re sure to find a style that is both aesthetically appealing while also making your room bright!

I hope we have given you some good ideas to keep your mind busy and sane during these not-so-sane times.  

If you’ve done DIY projects but still feel like you could use some help in the window department, give us at East Coast Windows a call.  Our windows are designed to let in the sunlight while keeping the heat out and the AC in.  Now what a great way to compliment those new window covers!We also offer free estimates.  Simply fill out this form to contact us and we will be in touch.

Created 23 years ago, Window Safety Week is intended “…to heighten awareness of the actions homeowners can take to establish window safety and fall prevention as a year-round safety priority,” according to the National Safety Council. As we start to open our windows to allow fresh Spring breezes in, it is an ideal time of year to think about the windows in your home, their safety, and how they should function in case of an emergency.

Window Safety for Children

A lot can happen in a year. Whether your family has recently grown, you’re now a caregiver with children in the home, or perhaps friends have children who may visit your home, it’s essential to consider the safety of your windows. This is the perfect week to evaluate your home and determine if there are safety risks for the little ones in your life. When it comes to the risk of injury or falls, the Window Safety Task Force recommends the following:

1. RULES: Setting and enforcing rules that prevent children from playing near windows and lanai / patio doors can prevent them from falling through a screen, open window, or being cut from broken glass.
2. FURNITURE: Ensure furniture, or anything a child can climb, is away from windows and doors. Children could use these objects to climb to an open window or potentially fall off and break the glass.
3. LOCKS: Keeping windows closed and locked not only protects you from would-be intruders but also prevents injury to children. If opening a window for ventilation, ensure a child cannot reach it.
4. SAFETY DEVICES: Install a Window Opening Control Device that is ASTM F2090 certified to limit how far a window can be opened. PGT offers these devices on the following windows:

• ClassicVue Max™ Aluminum Single Hung Window SH7600A
• ClassicVue Max™ Aluminum Horizontal Roller Window HR7610A
• WinGuard® Aluminum Single Hung Window SH7700A
• WinGuard® Aluminum Single Horizontal Roller Window HR7710A
• EnergyVue® Vinyl Single Hung Window SH5400
•  EnergyVue® Vinyl Horizontal Roller Window HR5410
• EnergyVue® Vinyl Casement Window CA5440
• WinGuard® Vinyl Single Hung Window SH5500
• WinGuard® Vinyl Horizontal Roller Window HR5510
• WinGuard® Vinyl Casement Window CA5540

GUIDE: UNDERSTANDING WINDOW STYLES

Window Safety for Emergencies

It’s also important to consider how your windows could assist your family in making it to safety in case of an emergency. Consider the following if you are in a situation where you must escape your home:

1. FUNCTIONALITY: Make sure that your windows are not painted or nailed shut and can easily be opened. Being able to open them to escape in an emergency quickly is essential. 
2. ACCESSIBILITY: Ensure window air conditioners, or other objects, are not installed where they may prevent escape or rescue in an emergency. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets local code requirements for escape and rescue.
3. SECURITY: Some homes may have window guards, security bars, grilles, or grates already covering their windows. These windows can prevent emergency escape and rescue if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism that complies with ASTM F2090.
4. PRACTICE: Entry doors serve as the primary exits from a home. Windows provide an alternative means of escape from a burning house or other emergencies. Determine your family’s emergency escape plan and practice it. Here’s a fun activity book to get the whole family involved in creating an emergency exit plan.

Ensuring the safety of your home and the homes of those you love is the goal of Window Safety Week. After going through this list at your house, consider sharing this article or The National Safety Council’s Window Safety Checklist with relatives and friends. 

Article source: pgtwindows.com

You may have missed the cooler months of spring for your window replacement project, but with the rising temperatures heading into the summer months, is it still a good time to repair or replace the windows in your home? The truth is that the warmer season is the perfect time for window work!

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider taking care of your window replacements and repairs in the summer:

1. Replacing your windows can lower your energy bill.

If your windows aren’t energy efficient, your energy bill will rise during the hotter summer months when your air conditioner is working hard to keep your home cool. That is why replacing your windows with more energy-efficient ones can’t come at a better time than during hot weather. New Hurricane Impact energy-efficient windows can help reduce heat transferred through the glass. Some even have coatings that can help reduce transfer, while also blocking the sun’s strong rays. (This can also reduce the fading of your curtains, furniture and carpet!)

2. Not too cold, and not too rainy.

Replacing windows in the cold winter months isn’t fun! The rainy spring season is also not ideal for being without windows, even temporarily. Summer is the perfect time to have the work done!

3. Protect yourself from the other “elements” of summer.

In addition to beautiful weather, summer also brings kids outside every day. This creates outside noise as well as an increased risk of window breakage from balls and other toys being tossed around. New impact windows are stronger and less likely to shatter upon impact. Impact windows can also lessen the loud outdoor noises from disrupting your home.

4. Easily let in the nice weather… when you want to!

Do your older windows get stuck? Are they difficult to open or close? Are your old sliding glass doors hard to slide open? Summer is the time you want to be able to open your windows with ease – especially on breezy evenings.

No matter what season you choose to replace your windows, remember these three features to look for in your new windows: energy efficiency, safety/security, and low maintenance.

Make sure to contact East Coast Windows & Doors for all your window needs. We will find the options that work best for you!

What do you think of when you hear “New Year’s Resolutions”? Do you think of losing weight? Stopping a nasty habit like smoking? Maybe picking up a new hobby like reading more or going to yoga?

Those are all fantastic, but what about setting a resolution to focus on where you spend most of your time? Your home! Whether it’s renovations, decorating, or even decluttering and getting more organized, putting some effort into the place your family calls home can be a resolution that benefits everyone.

Here are just a few examples of some great projects to incorporate into your New Year’s Resolution.

Update your Decor. One of our favorite looks right now is the use of accent colors. Having a color scheme is great, but having a color scheme for more than your walls will really make your decor pop. Want to use yellow as an accent color? Find some yellow pillows, a vase, or a yellow mirror, even a yellow lid to a jar. Work these pops of color into your color scheme and have fun playing with your new, vibrant decor.

Declutter.  Today we have so many options to cut down on clutter. From coat racks with extra storage for your mud room, to shelves with decorative bins or baskets for any room in your house, the possibilities are endless. For more inspiration, check out Pinterest for some great ideas on how to cut down the clutter while also creating an appealing look in your home.

Upgrade your windows.  Windows are so important to the look and feel of your home. It can be the difference between gloomy and great natural light, or taking a room and making it look bigger than it actually is. The quality of windows can also determine the size of your electric bill. So why not resolve to upgrade your windows this year. Contact East Coast Windows & Doors today to see what the best options are to accomplish your goals.

Create an Accent Wall.  An accent wall is a great way to draw focus to one area of a room or home. This look is usually accomplished by painting the wall a different and more dramatic color than the rest of the room, as well as tastefully decorating with mirrors, pictures, or your other favorite decor items. Pinterest has some great inspiration ideas for accent walls.

We hope we’ve given you some great ideas to get you started on your home improvement projects for the new year.

It’s that time of year again! First comes Thanksgiving, then it’s off to the races for some Holiday shopping with so many shopping events to choose from! Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and then all the countless sales that happen before the big Holidays.

But do you support small businesses by shopping small? If you already do, or are thinking about supporting local businesses this Holiday season, then get ready for Small Business Saturday.

When you shop small, not only do you help your neighbor support his family, but there are many benefits to both you and your community. Here are just a few…

1. When you shop local you can enjoy higher quality products and services.  Have you ever had an idea for a product or service that would you thought would make your community better? Well, that is the driving force behind every locally owned business. They took their ideas and ran with them, and fully committed to their mission to serve their community. Because of this, they take pride in their product and/or service and strive to give you the best shopping experience possible.

2. Keep more money in your local economy.  Did you know when you shop with locally owned businesses more of your money stays in your community? It’s true! It’s estimated that $68 of every $100 stays in your community when you shop small, whereas only $43 of every $100 spent at larger stores stay in your area.

3. Local businesses tend to be more reliable. We’re not talking about customer service (although we’ll get to that in a minute), we’re talking about companies being there for you when you need them. You may notice a trend with bigger businesses and chain stores closing your favorite store even though they always have a line out the door, simply because it’s not as lucrative as other locations. This is just one way that big businesses cut costs at the expense of the consumer. With small businesses, as long as they have support from their community, they are here to stay and will go above and beyond to stay loyal to their customer base.

4. Locally owned businesses bring in more jobs and better wages.  Remember when we talked about how locally owned small businesses have better products because they care about their community? Well, the same idea applies when it comes to employment and wages as well. You see, small business owners have a vision to improve their community through their products and service, and when employing workers, they apply the same principle. They want to improve the lives of the people that work for them and they treat them like family. So why is this good for you? Not only does it improve the local economy, but it also creates a worker that is happy, takes pride in their work, and strives to provide the best service possible.

5. Expect stellar customer service.  We’ve all had horrible customer service experiences, most of the time with bigger companies or chain stores. When you call their company for help, you tend to get passed around from person to person until you finally end up talking to someone that you don’t even understand. But not with small, local businesses. When you shop small, you will find that most of the time their customer service is handled in-house by their friendly staff. Because they care about their community and their staff is treated like family, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that they strive to provide the best customer service possible.

This Holiday season, we hope you will consider shopping small. A great way to do this is to celebrate Small Business Saturday, which will be held on November 30th, 2019.

Happy Holidays!

In our opinion, Florida is the best place to live on Earth!  The weather is amazing all year round, you’re always close to a beach, great cuisine, and so much more.

However, living in this climate means having to endure the heat that comes during the summer months, and with the heat comes higher electric bills.  But did you know there are ways you can save on your heating and cooling costs?

The most effective way we know of is to replace your outdated, drafty windows with energy efficient impact windows.  Since 10-25% of your heating and cooling bill goes to compensate for heat being let in by your windows, you will see a return in your investment immediately.  And not only do impact windows reduce your bill by keeping the hot air outside, but they also keep the harmful rays from coming in too.

So how exactly do our windows reduce heat?  Here are just a few of our window features that help:

• laminated insulating glass
• low-E coatings
• high quality framing materials
• at least 2 panes of glass
• spacers between panes

When you’re ready to save money on your heating and cooling costs, give our friendly staff at East Coast Windows a call and request a free estimate.  We will come out to your property, discuss what you’re looking for, and give you the best options to fit your design ideas and energy saving goals.

Happy Fall! Time to break out the pumpkin spice, jackets, and boots. Although here in South Florida the cool down isn’t as significant as most places in the United States, we still love to get festive.

These tips will really spice up your fall decor and give you that warm, cozy feel that we always get when we think about the fall season. So snuggle up with your pumpkin spice latte and let your decorating imagination go wild.

Upgrade your plates. No matter what your favorite fall center piece happens to be, adding some metal accents to your plates will really emphasize the fall feel at your dinner table.

Play with color. When most people hear the words “fall decor,” they immediately think of brown, orange, yellow, and maybe even a little red, but we like to think outside the box. Adding colors like gold and purple will really make your fall decor pop!

Light it up. White string lights are not just for the Holidays. They can also bring a cozy but appealing look to your fall decor too! Get creative by putting them on the walls where your decorations are, or even play with scattering them around your accent pieces.

Go natural.  So we’ve mentioned making your colors pop, and adding some lights, but sometimes you just can’t forget about the classics. When you throw in natural elements like pumpkins, apples, or seasonal flowers into the mix, everything can come together beautifully.

Don’t forget the porch decor.  No matter what season, the front porch is always the first thing your guests see when they come to your home. Start the fall feel outside by adding some pumpkins and seasonal flowers. Special touches like having the flowers in a rustic pot, or incorporating a variety of colored pumpkins and gourds will really give your front porch decor a special flare.

Even if you’re not the best decorator, incorporating just a few or all of these simple tips into your decor this fall will put you on the right track to becoming a decorating pro this fall season!