Cabinet Edges

Q: looking at getting new kitchen cabinets and I don’t understand the difference between cabinets that have a frame and cabinets that don’t – can you please explain?

A: front of any cabinet can be constructed in one of two manners.

In one instance a face-frame is constructed. The face-frame serves to hide and finish the edges of the panels that make up the sides and bottom of the cabinet. It provides strength and prevents the cabinets from twisting out of shape.

The second method of cabinet construction is called faceless or Euro style, because the style was brought over from Europe. With this method the edges of the sides and bottom are visible and finished with a thin veneer, usually the same material that is used for the face of the side and bottom panels.

For further information, follow the link.

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Question About A Window Frame‏

Q: I have one of the new energy saving windows vinyl. And this room is un even. I was cleaning the glass and I pulled it back in. I can push one the one side and it pops out. I try to slam it back in but same thing happens. And this long whit plastic fell out I guess it was to fill the gap or hide the gap between the frame and window. I have that in. But my question is can I use calking to fill the wood frame and the window?

A: Yes, you can use caulking - make sure you choose a caulking that will adhere to both wood and vinyl.

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Choosing The Right Windows For Your Home

When considering a window replacement for your home the two most important items to look at are the method of construction of the window frame and the construction of the windowpane.

All materials transfer heat or cold through them. However, some materials have better insulation factors than others. Air is one of the best insulators and because of that, a window frame should be constructed so that there is a gap between the outside and the inside of the frame. The gap will help to prevent the transfer of heat and cold through the window frame. Some manufacturers will insert a thermal barrier between the inside and outside of the frame made of a different material such as a plastic or composition plastic.

The best windowpane insulation comes from placing an inert gas between two panes of glass. A gas such as argon has very low thermal conductivity. The second best method is to have two panes of glass, sealed, with an air barrier between them. A single pane of glass, even with a storm window does not provide much of a thermal barrier whatsoever. Tests have indicated that the temperature difference on the inside of a single piece of glass compared to the outside of the same piece of glass will be less than five degrees Fahrenheit, the addition of a storm window may take that difference from five to ten degrees.

With the cost of energy increasing yearly, it is very important to buy windows that will maintain the indoor temperature whether it is heating or cooling that is required. Windows and doors are the primary entry points for cold and the primary exit points for heat. An investment in good thermal windows will save you money in the long run and provide you and your family with the indoor comfort you desire.