On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, and yet, we crave sunlight. This is especially true during the winter months, when many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (appropriately abbreviated to SAD) or the less serious winter blues due to the lack of natural light. When surveyed about what perks employees most wish for in a workplace, natural light and views of the outdoors consistently came out on top.

It’s no wonder – humans aren’t meant to be inside all the time. 

For millennia, humans have relied on daylight to determine working and living patterns. Religions worshiped the sun. Yet, with the advent of electric lighting and the modern dependence on artificial light, this has had detrimental impacts on our mental health, physical health, and productivity. In spite of technological advances that allow for people to work and stay up far past when the sun’s gone down, humans still need natural light.

Here is what you need to know about the benefits of natural light and what you can do in order to improve the amount of daylight your home receives. 

Health Benefits Of Natural Light

#1. Vitamin D

Sure, you can take vitamin D supplements, but nothing compares to getting it from the sun. Your body needs vitamin D for many reasons, from bone density to cardiovascular health and more. When your skin is exposed to sunshine, it makes vitamin D, helping the functionality of over 200 different genes in our bodies. 

#2. Improved Mood

Sunlight causes your body to produce serotonin, aka “the happy chemical”. It also helps with endorphin production – and as Elle Woods says, “Endorphins make people happy!” as they are the “feel-good hormone”.

#3. Keep Your Circadian Rhythm On Track

Your circadian rhythm is your internal clock that tells you when to be alert and when to go to sleep. The more daylight you have, the easier it is to stay on track and get enough sleep. Conversely, the more artificial light you use and the more you use devices with blue light, the harder it is to get good, restful sleep.

#4. Higher Productivity

Sunlight has been shown to increase both concentration and focus, leading to higher levels of productivity. In studies where workers were separated into rooms with lots of daylight versus rooms with none, those exposed to daylight were happier, more productive, and better rested than those who didn’t have enough windows in their space.

#5. Improved Health

Of course, the sun’s UV rays carry risk of skin cancer. But you still need daylight. Using sunscreen as your armor, you can enjoy the health benefits of daylight, such as: a boosted immune system, reduced blood pressure, healthy eye development, weight loss (thanks to higher levels of serotonin and its appetite suppressant effects), better mental function and memory recall, more energy, better sleep… The list goes on and on!

This is just talking about the primary benefits of daylight in your home. We’re not even talking about how the more sunlight your home has, the more valuable it is, the better it is for your plants, the better your energy efficiency, and more!

Ways To Improve Natural Light In Your Home

Unless you’re a character in a SFF book, you can’t control the sun. However, there are still ways in which you can improve the natural light in your home – yes, even in the dead of winter.

• Utilize mirrors. Mirrors are fantastic for reflecting light around your home, and when placed strategically, such as across from your windows, they can almost feel like you have twice as many windows as you actually do.
• Be smart about color choices. It’s perfectly fine if you’re someone who prefers dark, rich colors, but just know that these will make your home feel bleaker. Perhaps that’s your intended vibe, but if you’re wanting to improve natural light in your home, you’ll want to avoid doing this. Using light colors helps to brighten up your space and reflect light around the room.
• Clean your windows. The dirtier your windows are, the harder it is for natural light to get into your home. By simply scheduling a window cleaning, you can brighten up your home greatly.
• Install more windows. This isn’t always realistic or even feasible to do, but if it is for you, adding in more windows in appropriate areas, such as skylight in the ceiling, will certainly improve the natural light in your home.

However, even when you do everything you can, sometimes you can’t get enough natural light in your space. In this case, you’d want to make sure you’re spending as much time outside as possible. Even just having your morning coffee outside can help. So too can exercising by the windows at your gym, taking vitamin D supplements, using light therapy lamps, and other such measures.

Brighten Your Abode With Creekside Windows & Glass

Creekside Windows & Glass is here to help you with all of your window and glass-related needs. Whether you need to schedule a window cleaning, your windows are due for replacement, or you have broken glass in need of repair, count on our experienced professionals to provide you with top-tier service each and every time.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you. 

The last thing you want during the winter months is drafty windows. Many people here in Utah already bundle up indoors in a bid to save on their energy bills. You don’t want drafty windows making your home even colder and causing your energy bill to creep up – especially not when you already have the thermostat cooler than you’d like to try to save money! Sweaters inside – sure, that’s fine. Needing to wear your winter coats inside? Unacceptable.

Fortunately, you don’t just have to live with drafty windows. Here’s what you need to know about how you can test for drafty windows and what you should do if you have them. Let’s get into it.

How To Test For Drafts

There are a few different ways you can test for drafts. First off, you can do a visual inspection of your windows. You may see gaps or cracks around your windows, which drafts can easily slip through. You may notice window panes or frames that are looser than they should be. You may also notice curtains moving when they shouldn’t be if there isn’t a vent in the area. 

You can also light a candle or stick of incense and steadily, smoothly move it around your windows. If the flame or smoke begins to move unsteadily or is sucked into or out of the room, this indicates a draft. Alternatively, you can use an infrared thermometer to detect drafts.

If you want to go a more professional route, you can have an expert do a home energy audit in order to detect air leaks, as well as determine the overall air tightness of your home. 

What To Do About Drafty Windows

Drafty windows mean that your windows aren’t sealed as tight as they should be. This can result from many factors, from improper installation to simple old age to damage and more. What you’ll need to do to fix your drafty windows will depend on why they’re letting drafts through.

Repair / Replace / Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping improves your windows’ insulation. However, like anything else, it can become damaged or run out of life, necessitating repairs or replacement. 

Use A Draft Stopper

Draft stoppers, also known as draft snakes, are tubes full of dense material that you can place on your window sill. While these can help to prevent drafty windows, it’s important to note that they don’t resolve the issue and it would be easy for a child or a pet to knock them down.

Use Window Film

Shrink film wraps to gaps, helping to block drafts. You can install this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you, if you want to ensure a job well done. Window film reflects heat and light back where it came from, keeping your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. 

Caulk Any Cracks

Caulking is a quick and easy way to fill in any gaps between your window sashes and frames. 

Layer Curtains

Layering up your window treatments can prevent drafts from bringing the interior temperature of your home down. By using multiple layers, you’re essentially blockading drafts. Thermal curtains do wonders at insulating your windows while also adding class to your space. 

Use Storm Panels

Storm windows mount to your window casing, providing additional insulation that prevents cold air from seeping through your windows. These can be cumbersome to install, but the U.S. Department of Energy states that they can save you up to 30% on your HVAC bills. 

Replace Your Windows

If your windows are old or damaged, then your best bet to deal with drafts may be to replace them. While it’s true that this is definitely the most expensive option on the list, in the long run, replacing your windows will do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. If you have major draft problems, this would likely be the best option for you. 

Professional Window Services In Northern Utah

Creekside Windows & Glass provides professional window and glass services throughout Northern Utah. From replacement windows to window repair to window cleaning and more, we’re here to ensure that your windows both look and function their best all year round.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your window needs.

As much as people may gripe and groan about actually getting into the shower, once there, it’s a lovely haven you’re often reluctant to leave. Your shower doors play a significant role in both the comfort of your shower and in the aesthetics of your bathroom. You want a shower door that both suits your tastes and your needs.

For instance, if you’re remodeling your bathroom, you may not know whether to go for framed or frameless shower doors. You may wonder if a European style shower door is right for you. Or, if you or a loved one need accommodations, you may be looking into shower doors that can fulfill that need.

Here is a brief overview on some of the different types of shower doors available and some questions you can ask yourself in order to determine the perfect shower doors for you. Let’s get into it. 

Types Of Shower Doors

Hinged, pivot, sliding, framed, frameless, etc… There are many different types of doors for showers. Unless you have a walk-in shower or outdoor shower, you’ll need to pick a specific type. Here at Creekside Windows & Glass, we offer framed, frameless, and European shower doors. We may also be able to adjust your doors to your needs. 

Framed Shower Doors

Framed doors allow you to enjoy a more traditional and classic appearance. You can customize the type of glass that you have, the same as with any other door. Since these doors have frames, you can also customize the frames to match the rest of your bathroom’s decor. These are known for being more budget-friendly. 

Frameless Shower Doors

These are made of thicker, tempered glass so as not to need a frame, and as such, tend to cost more than framed doors. Many people love these doors for their sleek appearance, and the fact that you can customize the glass to your liking.

European Shower Doors

These are like frameless doors, as they do not use metal frames. They are minimalistic and come in a variety of styles, so whether you want something more modern or classic, you can ensure that you have the doors that fulfill your needs.

Considerations When Choosing A Shower Door

There are many different questions to ask yourself when choosing a door for your shower, as is the case with everything involving the interior design of your home. Some of the most important considerations you should have answers for are as follows. 

What’s Your Budget?

Perhaps the most important thing to figure out on your quest to find the perfect shower door is what your budget looks like. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a type of shower door only to find out that it’s out of your price range. By setting a budget, you can have an easier time looking at doors that you can realistically afford, avoiding such a heartache.

How Big Is The Space?

You need to take measurements for your shower in order to help your search. For example, if you have a corner shower, these typically don’t have as much room for a door as showers that are more centered. Knowing how big the space is can help you pick a size that works and is comfortable, rather than opting for a door that looks strange and out of place in the space.

What’s Your Bathroom Design?

You don’t want to pick a shower door that clashes with the aesthetics of the space. There are so many different styles and finishes available. If you need help figuring out what kind of door would work best with your design, you can consult with an expert. People who sell shower doors are familiar with customers needing help choosing and would be happy to help you out.

Stunning Shower Doors To Finish Your Space

Creekside Windows & Glass provides all sorts of shower doors to homeowners in Utah, from framed to frameless to European. We can also make modifications to make them more accessible, such as by installing a bar for a shower curtain instead of a door, if needed. Contact us today to learn more about the shower doors we provide and what we can do in order to ensure that you receive the perfect doors for your needs.