What goes into designing shutters? Here at Sunshade Blinds & Drapery, we are asked this common question almost on a daily basis, so we decided to put together a guide with helpful tips for designing shutters. We won’t get into mounting and installation/framing requirements, as we will cover those basics in an upcoming post for you as well. The type of shutters we are considering for this blog are Eclipse shutters however, most manufactures like Maxxmar and Hunter Douglas also use the same design options as well in case you are curious.

Let us begin with Louvers.

Louvers are also commonly known as slats, they come in 3 different sizes (seen below Fig 1.1) for you to choose from which offer different benefits and function. The louver size you select will depend not only on your personal preference but how much mounting depth is available for your windows. That being said, mounting depth can be overcome simply by adding extension frames or longer hinges to your windows. Most homes with casing windows can easily handle 3.5’’ and even 4.5’’ Louvers.

The most popular louver size is the 3.5’’ Louver, it allows for a much better view than the 2.5″ Louver without having a bulky look (a lot of customers refer to 4.5’’ Louver as bulky). Where we see a lot of 4.5″ Louvers are for homes with many large windows, or estate homes who tend to go for the 4.5’’ Louver as it doesn’t seem bulky in large windows.

The 2.5″ Louver has been referred to as a more classic look and feel for window frames. When vinyl shutters were first introduced in the late 80s early 90s, they only used 2.5″ Louvers for their models, which would explain why so many customers tend to select this style when matching existing shutters in their homes.

3 louver sizes

Control Options

There are 2 control options for our shutters being the Traditional Tilt-Bar (seen below on the left), and the Clearview option on the right. While some of our customers prefer the Classic styling of the Tilt-bar for opening and closing the louvers, others prefer to grab 1 louver and operate the louvers that way (it’s also a lot easier to clean). In case you are wondering how the Clearview option opens without a tilt-bar, this option has a series of connects on the back of the shutter that opens all the shutter louvers, offering an unspoiled view as well as easy maintenance.

Both systems are designed to keep the louvers in sync when opening or closing the shutters.

**Important note: There are some internal-gear system shutters that start to work out of sync as they get older. This usually requires them to be shipped back to the factory to be repaired however with the Clearview system, this is not required and the shutters can usually be fixed on site by either a technician or the homeowner.

Shutter Colours

Currently Eclipse Shutters offer four different colours. Other manufactures offer similar colours mainly White (cotton) and off-white (pearl), but some like Maxxmar offer an array of colours that can be anywhere from pink to black.

With vinyl shutters it is generally a good idea to match the colour of your trim and moulding to the colour of the shutter, although it is to your preference.

Arches

Arches of the following shapes are now available in vinyl. This is a HUGE success because these shapes are actually operable, available in Octagon, Hexagon, Full Rake, Half Rake, Symmetrical Angle Top, Angle Top, Half-Circle, Eyebrow, Tunnel, Elliptical, and Quarter-Circle. The picture shows all of them with a tilt bar, however clearview option is also available. This is perfect for matching existing shutters in your home.

Divider rails and French door Cut-outs

Divider Rail is the term used to describe what is more or less a “break” in the panel of the shutter, this allows the top sections of the shutters louvers to operate independently from the bottom section. This is especially important in bedrooms and bathrooms where “neck high” privacy is required. Allowing natural light into the room while still providing privacy. The French door cut-outs allow shutters to be placed on French doors that have handles in the way of the shutter. This keeps the functionality of the door without having to change to a door knob.

Divider rails are ONLY required if the panel is over 60” high. Sometime we place them on windows that are less than 60” to match taller windows in the same room. Sometimes consumers would rather have no divider rail and just tilt the louver the opposite way, this limits your view but still allows light into the room. Divider rails can also be ordered with a groove cut out of them so they act as a handle to open and close the shutter. This is more often seen on patio door shutters where they are opening and closing regularly

Patio Doors.

This must be the single most common place to install shutters. It’s usually in a kitchen, walk-out basement or living room and is a high traffic area. Take a look at the picture of the patio door shutter above, you will notice the handle is on the right side of the door and a cabinet is in the way if you were to install the shutters to open to the right side. This would result in an awkward walk in and out of the door in addition to damaging your shutters and cabinets.

This installation required the use of a Bi-Fold Track System, similar to the way a closet door works. It allows the entire 4 panels to retract to the left side of the frame without sagging down to the floor. There is also a regular Bi-Fold installation where 2 panels swing left and 2 panels swing right (most common). Also available is a BI-Pass system (panels slide over each other instead of folding) for this type of installation. Notice the Divider Rail has a groove cut out to act as a handle for the door to open and close.

Other Design Options

Rooms Dividers are an excellent way to keep that elegant design, but allowing a cost effective durable alternative to a retractable wall. They can also be used as closet doors for lofts or other areas that would require separating space. Great when matching existing shutters on the windows, they can even be used on skylight windows. Operated by a simple extension pole.

Now that we have reviewed what goes into designing shutters and deciding on what best system would suite your needs, I hope you will have an easier time selecting and deciding on your new shutters.

Renovation Financing at 3.19%

Take advantage of all the competition amongst the National Banks and Mortgage Lenders so you can renovate at 3.19%.

It’s winter in Canada and we spend a lot more time indoors. Have you looked at your house and thought how nice it would be to paint and replace some worn flooring? How about revamping a tired bathroom and adding value to your investment at the same time. Currently there seems to be a mortgage rate war going on and we want to offer you the best possible choice in the 3.19% mortgage realm.  Not all discounted mortgages are equal.

Here’s the inside scoop.  Watch for the “terms” that are part of the mortgage before you make a commitment. Each lender that offers this amazing rate is going to take away some or a few of their most favorable terms.

In a few cases here’s what I have seen.

• Reduced Amortization
• Reduced prepayment privileges
• Reduced payment increase
• Some will not offer pre-approvals you must have already bought a house

These are areas that you may well be willing to compromise but the next one might not!

What if you could not discharge the mortgage without selling your house during the 5 year term? Would that be a deal breaker? It might be if you have to refinance and can’t because your mortgage has a clause that says you have to sell the house to discharge the mortgage.

Using a Mortgage Broker who has access to numerous lenders means you can get the rate you want and protect the mortgage terms that are most important to you.

Contact us today start improving your home tomorrow! 866-452-1100 or Lowrate.ca

(Present in Photo: Board Members, Elfie Hayes, Jeff Goldman, Steve Deboer, President of DRHBA Stephen Snider, Emidio Dipalo and Jennifer Hurd)

Hello Everyone  at the DRHBA

I just wanted to send a quick note to Thank-You for the donations of food at last night’s dinner meeting. I dropped of the donation this morning and it was 280 lbs of food in total. This was an excellent contribution from the members in attendance last night.

Feed the Need Durham was surprised and happily received the donation. This is a time of year when they are lower on food reserves since they are still trying to catch up from Christmas.

Thanks again to everyone from Steve Deboer of Two Men and a Truck Moving.

Discussing ways to increase brand awareness for RenoMark in the Durham Region are: Steve Snyder, President of Durham Region Home Builders Association, Jim Caruk, Editor-In-Chief of Renovation Contractor magazine and John Whyte, Director of Durham RenoMark and President of True North Eavestroughing.

RenoMark is an association for the Professional Renovator. The RenoMark association will give you a solid foundation on which you can grow your business. RenoMark gives you exposure to new customers, customers that do their research before choosing to work with you on their renovation needs.

And the reasons they will choose you: quality of work, ethics and morals. And these are the reasons why RenoMark helps me to grow my business.

Today’s customers are looking for quality workmanship. And nine times out of ten you are going to get these customers.
If you’ve been in business as long as I have, you learn to choose your customer just as much as a customers choose you to do the work. I have turned plenty of work away; it’s OK to say No! Your reputation is riding on their shoulders. Keep in mind that as much as you are selling your product, you are also selling yourself.

And most customers will realize that when you are associated with RenoMark, it is THE mark of excellence. When you are a member of this association, it helps them sort out the good from the bad. It makes you stand out in the industry. Knowing that you have contacts in the industry will always help you out, and that gives you a solid foundation. It has helped my business immensely, and no matter what your business is, I am sure it will help yours as well.

RenoMark is a giant step in the right direction to creating greater community awareness for the Renovation Industry.

They had some water problems in the past which necessitated work on their foundation. And after a quick visual inspection I could see why:

- they had 5″ aluminum gutters but they were in sections and not seamless

- the corners were pre-made, which means you have 2 additional seams to deal with

- and the downpipes were quite undersized for the overall size of the building.

We installed brand new 5″ seamless aluminum eavestroughing all around the building. I should also mention that we also do our corners on-site as well – which only gives you one seam instead of two. So that was a big improvement!

Finally, we increased the water drainage by installing new 3″ x 3″ downpipes everywhere as well.

One last thing.

I found out that their paperboy had a good arm.

How’s that? you ask.

Have a look at this photo below, and you’ll know why I said that!

“Newspapers in your gutters do not help the flow of water!

It pays to have them cleaned.”

At True North Eavestroughing,

Quality is our Priority!

Automated Window Blinds

The second and more advanced way to motorize blinds is to hardwire them in. Hardwired window coverings are often installed during a new build (or a major renovation).  Hardwired motorization involves a little more work, especially if the drywall is up in existing homes, however it allows for much more control of the shades, and you will never need to change batteries. Some questions to ask when planning these types of shading systems;

- Do you want the blinds to operate with a home automation system or will a wall switch do?

-Will you or your client’s like control from you iPhone/iPad?

-Will you want to use a sun sensor to lower the shades when it gets hot out or there is too much light?

-Do you want a touch pad installed just in the hallway or every room?

When we plan to hardwire a home for these projects, it’s very important to include the electrician, homeowner, General Contractor, Integrator and the Window Covering professional to ensure everything is roughed in correctly. Types or wiring used will vary depending on the product and the length of wire. I am very happy to say though, that we are now capable of installing large elegant window coverings on simple low voltage wiring. This not only saves money but also time, since it’s a lot easier to run low voltage.  Whenever we wire power to blinds it is necessary to home run every wire back to our control panel. The same goes with the wall switches; the cable is home run back to the panel box. This panel can be located anywhere in the home (EG a closet, under the stair case, beside the main breaker).It’s a must to label each wire correctly otherwise the blind guys could end up spending countless hours trying to figure out what control operates what blind.

In the shading industry, the cost for motors and their components are becoming more affordable and more advanced every year.  I believe in 10 years 1 out of every 3 homeowners in Canada will own at least 1 motorize shade.  In an era with smart home automation creeping into our daily lives, it’s a great time to get a jump start on the future!

Sunshade for all your eco-friendly window shades

Habitat's New Build Needs Your Support

Habitat Durham is focusing all their fundraising events towards their new build “CentreTowne” in Oshawa.  Join them on July 19 at East Side Mario’s as the restaurant donates a portion of every dinner sold to the charity.  Meet some of the Habitat Durham staff and volunteers and get inspired to help them get this amazing project going.  Shovels in the ground May 2012!

For more information on this and other events or sponsorship opportunities availability, please contact:

Habitat Helps Communities

Kathy Chateauvert

Fund Development

kathy@habitatdurham.com

www.habitatdurham.com

Thousands of other auto buffs from across North America are rumbling into Oshawa this weekend to pay homage to their favourite car — the iconic Chevrolet Camaro muscle car and its close cousin, the now out-of-production, Pontiac Firebird.

They are converging on General Motors assembly complex, the only plant in the world that builds the Camaro coupe and a convertible version. GM exports the two models to more than 50 countries.

Camaro Lovers Delight

The Oshawa event will likely be the biggest Auto convention in the Camaro’s 45-year history.

Jason Ory a 36 year old Camaro buff also runs www.Z28.com, a website in honour of the biggest, but now also out-of-production model in the Camaro family.

Ory was so serious about the Camaro that before marrying in 2007, he needed to know whether his fiancée would allow him to buy the car if GM ever produced a new one.

“We reached a mutual understanding or a sort of verbal pre-nuptial agreement,” he admitted while zipping through Birmingham, Ala., with four other “Camaro comrades” in a small “Camaravan” of cars.

Travell an industry consultant said the Camaro draws significant numbers of shoppers to the Chevrolet brand and into dealerships. They might not buy the Camaro but may end up purchasing another Chevrolet model because of the connection, he noted.

This article is courtesy of Elfie Hayes of Mortgage Intelligence Oshawa, “More Lenders, More Options, Lowest Rates”

866-452-1100 or Lowrate.ca

Elfie Hayes (AMP)

This luncheon is a major event for our Community and the housing Industry given the strong possibility that Mr. Hudak could be our next  Provincial Premier.  The timing of Mr. Hudak’s appearance, just after the release this weekend of his party’s platform for the upcoming election is also an important factor.  Mr. Hudak is currently front and centre in the news and we expect significant media coverage for the luncheon.

Do your utmost to attend, and promote the event… bring colleagues, friends, your business associates etc. to the luncheon.

Monday, June 6, 2011                                                                       

Come out to meet Tim Hudak.

Quality Hotel & Conference Centre (Old Holiday Inn)

1011 Bloor Street East, Oshawa

Registration 11:30 a.m.

Limited seating – register early!

DRHBA Members $35 + HST = $39.55

Non-DRHBA Members$45 + HST = $50.85

Non-DRHBA members payment by Credit Card Only

Click Here For Registration Form.

But there can be pitfalls, if like anything else you don’t have a plan in place to pay for it.

Many home owners will use all sources of their available credit to pay for the improvements as they work progresses.  The situation becomes difficult when all sources of credit become maxed by the time the work is done.  Making numerous payments can be a struggle, so a refinance or consolidation is often the only way to turn.  The problem is if all credit is maxed out, your credit rating is likely impaired, sometimes to the point that your bank can’t lend because of your credit score.

You might have painted yourself into a corner so to speak.

Plan For The Reno & The Cost!

This is why considering a Home Renovation Mortgage at amazing rates should be part of the renovation plan!!

Check out the best rates so you can determine what the improvements will cost with one low payment.

Yes that’s right, whether you are buying or refinancing,  you pay for your renovation within your low rate mortgage through CMHC or Genworth

I  have prepared a Video and an Article so you can choose to watch or read about this great Renovation Mortgage option that so few home owners or buyers know about.

I’m even sharing a valuable tool to help you calculate the return on your investment!  You can also use a Mortgage Calculator to see what the payments will be  for your Renovation Mortgage.

You’ve got the tools, so just apply today and get a Renovation Mortgage!

Elfie Hayes (AMP)

This article is courtesy of Elfie Hayes of Mortgage Intelligence in Oshawa.

Home buying, refinancing, renovation and home improvement, commercial lending, reverse mortgages and more.

Mortgage Intelligence Oshawa is your One-Stop Mortgage Center in Durham Region!