When buying home improvement products, many people overlook small details that can have a big impact in the future. That’s why it’s important to ask lots of questions and make sure you’re getting the best possible products. Here are some examples of what to ask: Read more

Now that Bay Area counties are finally reopening, many residents are playing catch-up with maintenance tasks that normally would’ve been completed earlier in the season. For example, your home’s windows may still be caked with residue from the rainy season. Before you reach for that bottle of glass cleaner, consider a better option: hiring a professional window washer. Here are a few reasons you should leave your panes to the pros. Read more

One of the biggest concerns during winter is maintaining a comfortable climate inside the home. However, if your home lacks sufficient insulation, this can get expensive. Heat is an expert escape artist, which means the more escape routes your home contains, the more money you’re going to spend replenishing what you lose. To address this, we’ve asked seven Diamond Certified Experts to give their advice on keeping in the heat during the winter months. Read more

Watch this video to compare your Fall home maintenance “to do” list with Chris Bjorklund’s. Read more

Between details like framing style and glass thickness, picking the right windows isn’t as clear-cut an enterprise as it may seem. So, if you’re thinking about installing new windows in your home, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with some industry basics. The following article offers helpful information about windows and window installation, including key terms, energy efficiency tips and frequently asked questions.

Key Terms

Insulated glass: A combination of two or more glass panes with a sealed space between them. Typically, this space is filled with an inert gas such as argon, which increases the window’s insulating properties. Read more

April is here, which means it’s once again time to engage in the longstanding domestic ritual known as spring cleaning. In addition to tackling annual maintenance tasks like cleaning your carpets and flushing your water heater, spring cleaning offers a chance to optimize your home for enjoying the temperate weather and extended daylight. Here are some simple things you can do to brighten, freshen and rejuvenate your home.

Brighten
During the sunny season, you’ll want to bring as much light as possible into your home. Start by washing your windows. Regardless of the tools or methodology you employ (most professionals recommend using a squeegee and a 100 percent cotton cloth), there are a couple of important rules to follow. Read more

There were a lot of great Diamond Certified Tips in 2014, but the following six are particularly noteworthy for the practical information they provide for Bay Area consumers. Visit www.facebook.com/diamondcertified for many more helpful tips in 2015!

1. Window maintenance
If your property has hard water, be sure to aim lawn sprinklers away from your home’s windows. Over time, the constant barrage of hard water can cause windows to become permanently stained, requiring special chemicals for removal. As a proactive measure, routinely treat your windows with a silicone sealant—it’ll repel rain and other sources of water.

2. House painting
When choosing exterior house paint, avoid excessive use of dark colors—they’re more susceptible to fading, Read more