The new windows have been trimmed with blinds from Bali Blinds. In the kitchen, where a new patio door has been installed, the windows have a unique treatment. Dave Wahtera of Bali Blinds runs through the installation process. First the brackets are drilled into place followed by the head rail. The head rail allows the blind to traverse the rail smoothly. It is helpful to have an extra set of hands during the installation of the head rail. The veins snap into the vinyl stems. The plastic stems, if broken, can be easily replaced. Bali Sheer Enchantment fabric is then placed over the plastic stems making the closed blinds look like draperies. The sheer fabric is snapped into place over the plastic stems. The fabric can be washed if needed. A wood cornice is placed over the top of the blind to hide the head rail. The cord is screwed into place so children cannot get at it. The blind allows three options: One where everything is closed, another where the plastic stems are open and the fabric is in place to let in light but give some privacy, and the last where the blind is completely open giving a view of the backyard. Upstairs in the bedroom and dressing room, Bali Diamond Cell cordless shades were installed. They have a top-down, bottom-up feature that gives privacy and options for letting in light. In the children's room, Bali roller shades were installed featuring racing stripe colors. The basement features Bali Natural Shades made of natural products like reed and bamboo, which nicely fit the room's d�cor.

Bob is joined by Cordell Burton of Pella Windows, who shows him the enclosed, snap-in between-the-glass blinds that are being installed in the nursery. The interchangeable blinds snap-in easily between the two panes of glass. They have no cords, can be raised and lowered with a sliding button on the sash, and are free from dust and allergens. These windows are highly insulated for cold and sound as they have a fully insulated pane on the exterior and another pane on the interior. Burton shows Bob how any homeowner can install the windows, first by removing the old sash and stops, then sealing the window with Pella's self-sealing butyl tape. To prevent further heat loss, the sash-cord pocket is filled with expanding foam. We watch as the window is set in place, checked for level and plumb, shimmed, and nailed in for an easy do-it-yourself installation.

Bob enters the front child's bedroom where Dave Wahtera meets him to discuss blinds. Dave has installed Graber's new Crystal Pleat child-safe blind. Bob notes that there are no cords on these blinds, eliminating the possibility of cord-related accidents. Instead, a rubber pulley system at the top allows the blinds to be pulled up or down. The blinds also feature a specially insulated washable polyester fabric, ideal for a child's room.

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. Before you add to your electric bill trying to keep cool this summer, add something to your windows instead. The first principle of passive cooling is to keep the heat from getting inside. Even though it seems like a wintertime activity, weatherstripping your windows and doors and caulking gaps can really make a difference in summer, too. There are lots of ways to shade your windows from the sun, and if they seem a little old-fashioned, it s because they worked even before there was air conditioning. Large roof overhangs and porches, awnings, shutters and louvers can all be seen on old southern homes. Awnings can actually reduce summer heat gain by up to three-quarters. And you can remove them in winter to let the sunlight in when you need it. Light-colored awnings are best because they deflect more heat. Solar screens are another option. Installed outdoors, they can cut heat gain in half, and you can still enjoy the view. Interior window treatments aren t quite as effective as the outdoor methods, but they re better than nothing. Densely woven fabric drapes, Venetian blinds or roller shades will control some heat gain just by keeping out direct sunlight. Again, lighter colors are most effective. If you re replacing your windows, ask about low-E glass. A low-E, or low-emissivity coating, depending on which surface of the window it s applied to, can keep heat where you want it and keep your costs down year-round. Find out more at BobVila.com: the ultimate home improvement web site! 2008 BobVila.com

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