Our Composite Shutters (Woodlore)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
OUR COMPOSITE SHUTTERS, CALLED WOODLORE, ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE!
Up to 70% of a basswood tree is discarded when making a basswood shutter. When a basswood tree is cut from a forest, it takes 100 years for another basswood tree to grow in its place. Woodlore shutters are made from fast-growth trees farmed in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. This timber is grown specifically to make Woodlore, and an amazing 80-90% of the tree is used to create our shutters. The growth cycle for these trees is only 8 years. Woodlore exceeds all current environmental regulations including the new maximum formaldehyde emission standard of 0.08 PPM (parts per million) that California is considering to take effect January 1, 2012. Woodlore material was tested by the Composite Panel Association (CPA) according to the Large Chamber (ASTM E1333) – the test that will actually be used to meet California’s regulations. According to their test results in 2007, they determined that the amount of formaldehyde concentration in the air emitted by our Woodlore material is 0.00 PPM. You can be assured that you are receiving a product that is not only beautiful, but environmentally safe.
Labels: shutters, woodlore
Window Treatments Help to Keep the Heat Out
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
This is an article I recently wrote for the ToFixit! newsletter:
Summer is coming and for we Arizonans, that means hot! And as much as we enjoy the pool season, we don't enjoy the increased energy bills and the UV rays streaming into our homes.
Window treatments will help keep the heat out of your home and will prevent UV damage to furniture, draperies, and flooring. Don't be blinded by the many types of window treatments available - choose what will be energy-efficient for your window exposure as well as what function and style you need in a window treatment. Team your window treatments with window tinting or sunscreens and you will have double protection against the summer heat.
There are many types of window treatments available that are good choices for energy-efficiency with some being better than others. Cellular shades provide the highest R value (resistance to heat/air conditioning) of all window treatments, earning up to a 4.81 out of 5 for its double-cell pocket protection and white backing that will reflect the heat back outside. Wood blinds with its natural insulation carries an R value of 3.2 with shutters at 3.4. Roller shades with their numerous degrees of UV ray blockage are also good insulators for your windows. Avoid aluminum miniblinds as aluminum attracts heat, so those old miniblinds in your bedrooms are actually making your rooms hotter! Our consultant will be happy to meet with you to discuss your windowcovering needs and to show you samples of the best treatment for your windows. Call the Blind Shop at 480-883-6677 or email us at blindshop@cox.net to schedule an appointment.
