每日家庭整修技巧

In Part 2 we discussed the benefits of exterior solar blinds and the EZ Snap product itself and started to show what the product looked like.

Today, I wanted to discuss the role that the type of window frame has, in our opinion, on the type of hardware that one will use to install the EZ Snap solar blind on the outside of a window.

The home page on the EZ Snap web site has two very short videos (less than a minute) which illustrate the two different types of hardware they provide to affix the solar blind to the exterior window frame. The Residential demo shows the use of hardware which are screwed into the window frame, while the RV demo shows the use of hardware which are affixed to the window frame by an adhesive.

Now, here is the type of hardware we ordered.

If you look closely at the picture above, you will tell a few things. First, the ’shap’ hardware is small…about the size of one’s fingernail. It was actually smaller than I had thought, which is a good thing. The smaller the hardware the less obtrusive it will be visually.

The hardware on the right is what has the peel and stick type of adhesive label and which goes directly onto the window frame. The adhesive used on this is made by 3M (yes, that 3M!) which appears on the lable (not shown in the picture above).

The hardware in the middle is what is then placed(again, as shown in the EZ Snap web site’s demonstration video’s) onto the one on the right after it has already been affixed to the window frame. Then, once the solar screen is applied onto the point of the middle piece, the hardware on the left is then affixed on top to hold the solar screen in place.

Second, we ordered the type which the company brands as for RV’s (Recreational Vehicle). We believe this is incorrect and in appropriate. Why? Well, to me, I am against making holes in my window frames. If I had a wood window frame then yes, I would use the hardware labeled ‘residential’ because, just as the web site indicates, the adhesive type cannot be used with a wood frame.

However, we just had new ENERGY STAR rated replacement windows installed. Why would I want to drill holes into a brand new metal window frame? While it is just my opinion, I believe that a home owner is better off not making holes in any part of the exterior of a house unless they have to. The more holes, the more chance for leaks.

We really like the option of the 3M adhesive, or RV branded type of hardware. I think anyone with metal window frames should opt for that style.

In our next article we will describe our measurements for our windows. Why? Well…..you’ll see. To continue to the next article simply select this link to Part 4.