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10 stoufivqle suntribune saturday june 2 2007 9 h6tne1tu06ti6hh lete if you neglect the preparation ems will surface what you need to know about replacement windows there are many reasons canadians decide to replace their existing windows foggedup glass rotting and cracked frames drafty and inoperable sashes are just some of the issues that top the list despite rising energy costs and envi ronmental awareness architectural details and style are stronger motives for some thankfully with todays energy efficient windows consumers shouldnt have to choose style over performance replacement windows and doors are now available in a wider variety of materials and finishes than ever before fiberglass and composite materials are the relative newcomers but vinyl and wood products still dominate the market choosing the right product is still only one of many choices the consumer must make many home improvement compa nies favor an insert style of installation where the new win dow is fastened directly into the old window frame this is a quicker and less expensive option because very little carpentry is involved the preferred installation involves removing the entire window to the rough opening and replacing everything including the interior mouldings older homes with large mouldings or brick and block construction may be better with the insert method a reputable company should be able to inform the homeown er of their options and provide solutions that perform well and add to the homes architecture a good window is only as good as its installation so always check references and if possible visit completed projects fieldstone windows ltd takes pride in their quality products professional consultation and expert installation prices are competitive and quotes are always free of charge watch for fleldstone window products on hgtvs newest design show sarahs house tuesday evenings at 900 pm phone 9056409287 toll free 18662020286 wwwfleldstonewindowscom fieldstone windows to avoid accelerated deterioration it is essential to properly prepare the surface to be painted if the paint that you applied only a year or two ago on your exterior siding your windows or your balcony is already starting to flake or lift it is probably due to lack of preparation obviously good paintbrushes a quality primer and highly durable paint or stain are essential for a successful result however they cannot prevent rapid deterioration unless you properly prepare the surface to receive the new paint when purchasing paint listen to the advice of the salesexpert you should carefully read the instructions before you even open a can of paint start by scraping and sanding the surface evenly if you discover that some of the siding or other wooden pieces are damaged re place them before you paint clean the surface with a triphosphate sodium solution tsp or some other dealer recommended cleaning solution to remove dirt glue grease and dust grease can contaminate the paint and block its adherence preventing it from protecting the wood because paint cannot adhere to grease it will flake and lift rinse the entire surface twice preferably using a pres sure hose let it dry for at least 48 hours or more even if the surface appears dry to be sure that no moisture remains sealed in the wood it is recommended that you paint in the shade because the full sun dries the paint very quickly but only superficially the paint could lift if the underlayer remains humid you can now apply the first coat of paint let it dry for 24 hours before applying a second coat