Wed, 20 May 2026 08:58:55 -0700WeeblyWed, 05 Apr 2017 19:20:29 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/spring-into-actionLack of maintenance is the leading cause of water intruding into windows and doors. During the dry months, be sure to perform window and door inspection and maintenance to prepare for next year's wet weather.

PORTALS recommends that you:

• Check wood window frames for softness and moisture intrusion.

• Check for smooth window and door functionality.
• Check for cracks in the putty and paint.
• Check for cracks in the window frame corners where the frames are held together structurally.
• If you have any issues, call PORTALS to schedule an estimate.

See further recommendations for easy Spring window maintenance below:

Step 1: Cleaning the Screens

Months of wind and flying dirt can leave its mark on window screens and the outside of your windows. A dirty window screen is pretty easy to remedy. I simply remove mine and rinse them with some warm water in the shower. I know of a lot of folks who do this with the garden hose. Working outside has its advantages, and those that live in warmer climes may find some relief in this. My choice of using the shower allows me to use warn or even hot water, which is more effective at dislodging dirt and dust than cold water. I can actually see how much dirt is flowing down the drain, which makes it a satisfying chore. Once I’ve rinsed the screens, I set them on a few towels to air dry before reinstalling. Although I prefer to wash my window screens in the shower, working in the yard or on the drive eliminates the clean up in the shower afterward, and a bit of breeze and sunshine will make quick work of drying your screens if you work outside. 

Step 2: Cleaning the Exterior Window Glass

With the screens removed, it’s time to clean the outside glass. Depending on the age and style of your windows, exterior window cleaning can be a mixed bag. Newer “tip-out” windows are handy for exterior cleaning, and many homes use this style. My sliders, however, lift out fairly easily so it’s not too much effort to clean both sides. Working from inside eliminates any high work or ladder use, which is another big time saver. If your windows are not easily removable, you may need to clean from the outside.  DIY Resource: http://www.networx.com/article/easy-spring-window-maintenance

Step 3: Touching Up the Paint or Varnish

The exteriors of my windows are metal-clad and are virtually maintenance-free. The wood interiors are finished with a clear poly finish. I inspect these for dirt and other damage, and if needed I do some touch ups. In homes that have older windows or those that are a bit draftier than mine, it is not uncommon to see some more advanced stages of “weathering” along the lower wood areas of the sash. In cold environments, condensation or frost can form on the glass and this moisture flows to the edge of the pane and can compromise a wood frame’s finish. Mold and mildew appear as dark blotches. These areas can be cleaned up with light sanding or scraping and a new finish coat.  DIY Resource: http://www.networx.com
The exterior of wood frame windows will generally need a coat of latex paint every 3-5 years. This schedule may vary by which direction the window faces, and the harshness of your local climate. Prevailing winds and rain and excessive sun can lead to earlier paint failures. Checking your windows on a regular schedule can allow you to make the needed rep


http://www.networx.com/article/easy-spring-window-maintenance

]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2015 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/other-hand-i-have-heard-it-said-its-just-as-hard-with-the-weight-of-lead Last week I installed a beautiful leaded glass sash that made me curious about the history of leaded glass.

“Leaded glass” refers generically to all glass assemblies held in place by lead, copper, or zinc cames. The process is called "caming" and involves cutting and piecing together small pieces of glass individually fitted to make "artwork" (imagine your typical stained glass).

Cames may also give clues as to the age of your windows. Zinc cames, for example, developed by Chicago Metallic in association with Frank Lloyd Wright, first appeared in 1893. In general, however, dating a window by the came alone is difficult unless it is disassembled to view the “heart” (center web) for millmarks. Over one hundred varieties of lead came were available in the early 20th century. Moreover, came was sometimes produced to look old. Henderson’s Antique Leading from the 1920s was made “to resemble the old hand wrought lead” and also carried “easy-fix” clip-on Georgian-style ornaments.

As with all elements in older and historic buildings, maintenance of leaded glass units is necessary to prevent more serious problems. It is essential to keep the frame maintained regardless of the material. Often, this simply entails regular painting and caulking, and periodic replacement of the glazing compound. Wood frames should be kept painted and caulked; new sections should be spliced into deteriorated ones, and repairs made where necessary.  

Call for timely scheduling of a tune-up by PORTALS.

]]>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 19:06:41 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/energy-frame-of-mind1-of-1Energy-conscious homeowners want to minimize the costs of heating and cooling their homes, and selecting the right windows is a crucial step.

Wood windows offer the best insulative value, though they also require more upkeep than vinyl, wood-clad or aluminum frames.  A well-built wood window will stand the test of time, however: many original wood windows in older homes are still in good shape thanks to the high-quality cut and species of wood used.

Some window designs are inherently more efficient than others. The most common types:

• Double-hung windows: These are traditional units in many homes across the country, and they're especially common in pre-war buildings. With double-hung windows, the bottom slides up to open the unit. They can be efficient choices, but in really extreme climates, they may not be the best option because of the potential for air intrusion between the sliders.
• Casement windows: Popular in climates where wind is an issue, these units, which have a crank that swings the window outward to open, actually seal themselves off tighter when wind blows in toward the house. They do require maintenance on hinges and seals, however, to ensure their continued stability and efficiency.
• Picture windows: These usually don't open and come in many different shapes and sizes, but that doesn't mean they can't be efficient — glass choice and gas-filled interiors are especially important in these larger units.

Finally, don't overlook the importance of proper installation. Even the most expensive window unit won't perform effectively if it's not installed correctly.

PORTALS ensures your wood windows and doors are installed with proper craftsmanship for energy efficiency and longevity.

http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/choosing-energy-efficient-windows-for-your-home

]]>Wed, 05 Nov 2014 23:02:33 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/easy-low-cost-window-energy-efficiency-tips

• Caulk around the window opening on the exterior
• Caulk around the window trim on the inside
• Add weather stripping to the window sash. There are many types of weather stripping to suit various window types, budgets, and needs. For help on selecting which kind to use, and how to apply it, talk with a window repair specialist, or visit websites such as the Old House Journal or Historic HomeWorks. (PORTALS offers custom weather stripping installation)
• Use interior or exterior storm windows or thermal panels
• Make sure sash lock brings the sash together tightly
• Make sure of curtains and blinds to keep hot sun out in the summer and warm air in during the winter

Call PORTALS  for a free estimate. Ask about our custom window and door tune up services to save your energy and money this winter!]]>Mon, 08 Sep 2014 21:34:33 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/style-function Windows are among a home's most distinguishing details. The windows you chose should compliment the architecture of your home, while also providing light and air flow.


Cottages are typically fitted with double-hung windows with rectangular muntins on both the top and bottom sashes.

Bungalows often have a combination of double-hungs and casements. Both types share a common element: geometric and eye-catching muntin patterns.

Modern homes favor large, unadorned sliders and fixed picture windows grouped to create walls of glass.

Tudor homes are inspired by medieval architecture, the windows are usually tall, narrow casements with lots of small panes. They're often grouped in pairs or trios.

In Queene Anne homes, double-hungs are the rule. Sometimes a delicate muntin pattern adorns the upper sash.


Get the custom style and function that suits your home.  Let PORTALS assist you in selecting and installing the perfect window to meet all your needs!



]]>Tue, 19 Aug 2014 19:04:23 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/style-and-function-101-part-1-of-2 Windows are one of the most distinguishing details of your home.  The windows you chose are as much about function as they are about style. Wood windows come in various styles that vary in function, air flow and price.

Double-hung - Two sashes slide up and down.  Sashes often tilt in for easy cleaning. When open, sashes cover half the window. Screens can be mounted on the exterior.

Single-hung - One sash slides up and down. Sashes often tilt in for easy cleaning. When open, sashes cover half the window. Screens can be mounted on the exterior.

Casement - A hinged sash swings out with a push or a hand crank. When open, a casement provides maximum ventilation. Screens can be mounted on the inside.

Slider - A slider has one or two sashes that move horizontally like a patio door. They are easy to use because you don't have to lift the sashes. Lower tracks need occasional cleaning. When open, sashes cover half the window. Screens can be mounted on the outside.

Awning and Hopper - An awning has top hinges and opens outward,  A hopper is hinged at the bottom and opens inward. Awnings have cranks and can have inside screens. Hoppers are pulled open and can have outside screens.

Fixed -  A fixed sash doesn't open, and therefore, can be less expensive and more energy efficient than other windows. Fixed windows are often used as architectural accents or in inaccessible areas, such as gable peaks. They are available in many sizes and shapes. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20350918,00.html


See our Portfolio for examples of window styles.



Stay tuned for Style and Function 101 - Part 2 - to learn how window style complements your home's architecture.











]]>Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:28:58 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/once-in-a-while-you-get-shown-the-light True Divided Light is a term for individual panes of glass in the window sash.  Not one piece of glass providing the look of panes divided (separated) by a grill.

In a True Divided Light window, each window pane is a separate piece of glass.  The glass is referred to as a “light”.  The “lights” or individual panes of glass are held in place with a Muntin – a thinner piece of wood dividing the lights – similar to the tick-tack-toe pattern.

Windows with true divided lights sparkle when viewed from the street.  If the glass is older and wavy, they sparkle even more.

Since muntins are made of wood, they provide a small shadow line on the glass pane. This makes the window pop with life and character, and changes with interest as the sun travels and the lighting changes.

We recommend both True Divided Light and muntins to our clients.  Muntins can be a more cost effective option than a True Divided Light.

Some replacement windows, instead, offer one piece of glass with a flat plastic grill attached on the interior to imitate the look of window panes separated by muntins.  The result is a very shallow, flat, and bland, not to mention cheap, appearance.  It appears as if it were painted on the glass.  Better options exist such as grills on the exterior and interior etc.  Fake window grills on both the exterior and interior must have a spacer in between to give the appearance of real muntins. Buyer beware! PORTALS does not  recommend cheap plastic products be installed in association with wood windows. are still not true divided light windows.



]]>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 18:54:38 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/through-the-looking-glasstempered-vs-laminateLaminated Glass

Laminated glass is produced by bonding layers of glass together under pressure and heat, with a resin called PVB (polyvinyl butyral). This technique is used to create single sheets of glass with multiple layers. The PVB keeps the glass from breaking apart easily and provides high sound insulation. Laminated glass will flex before shattering. Laminated glass is strong but not as strong as tempered glass. Also, laminated glass blocks nearly 99 percent of ultraviolet light transmission.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is also sometimes called toughened glass. It is very strong and is often used as safety glass. When tempered glass is broken, it will usually break into very small pieces instead of into big shards. This makes it less likely to cut a person. Tempered glass is known to be several times stronger than laminated glass. Tempered glass is created using chemical and thermal treatments. The treatments give it more balanced internal stress capabilities.

Applications

Tempered glass is commonly used in frameless glass doors used in commercial settings. Laminated glass is often used in applications where there is a severe risk of high winds or noise.

Laminated glass is generally more expensive then tempered glass. Until recently, laminated glazings used to cost three to four times as much as tempered glass.  

Please give us a call if you have questions regarding your glass options.









]]>Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:31:26 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/what-wood-portals-doPurchasing windows can be a daunting task.  Some manufacturers only offer their products in one type of wood, while others offer many different options. PORTALS appreciates that this can be confusing to consumers and makes it  difficult to decide what to purchase.  Pine, Mahogany and Dour Fir are the most frequently used woods for windows made in the Bay Area. 

Pine

PORTALS never recommends pine windows to its clients. While Pine is surely the most cost-effective option, it is a softwood and is not a good choice for windows, especially in the Bay Area marine environment.  

Doug Fir

Doug Fir is a hardwood and is appropriate for most window installations in the Bay Area. It is sturdy and durable, and we provide it as an option to most of our clients. Doug Fir is likely the most economical choice for your wood windows. Doug Fir is a good choice for clients that select a stain or paint finish.  If you select a stain finish rather than paint, Doug Fir is a lighter toned wood, and will likely require additional coats of stain.

Mahogany

Mahogany is also a hardwood and is appropriate for most window installations in the Bay Area. It is sturdy and durable, and we provide it as an option to all of our clients. Mahogany is a good choice for clients that select a stain or paint finishes. 

PORTALS has relationships with many of the local leading Bay Area window manufacturers and is happy to discuss all your options to find a product that is appropriate for your home and your wallet.

* Ask us about sustainably harvested hardwood options! 







]]>Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:16:51 GMThttp://www.portalswindows.com/blog/its-a-breeze-from-fixed-to-functional-in-one-dayYesterday, I converted a fixed window into a weatherproofed casement. 

Are your wood windows painted shut ? Do you have a fixed window that you wish would open? In the Bay Area, the cool evening breeze is what what keeps us cool in the summertime, let PORTALS help you get the most out of  your windows by making them fully functional. Call us today for a free estimate!

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