Window Boxes

How to Install PVC Brackets

2008-03-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

Most of our brackets are hollowed out in the back for light weight and easy installation. Installation is available in a multitude of options. The ideal choice for application is to apply deadwood to the building surface so that the bracket can slip over and be screwed in from the side. Additional options for many of our lightweight brackets is to simply use an adhesive and to toenail (shoot small nail at a 45 deg angle into) the bracket in with either a few brad nails or screws. If PVC trim is used, PVC glue and brads will create a strong bond for smaller brackets. Screws are recommended for larger brackets that need more support. PVC brackets are not meant to be structural. Although durable, they are meant only for decorative appearances. more information on pvc brackets

How to Install Cedar Brackets

2008-03-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

For traditionalists who just have to have wood cedar is the material of coice due to its ability to resist rotting and last a long time. Cedar brackets are also often used for structural purposes and thus installation is very different than PVC. In addition to using "construction adhesive" as a type of glue, lag bolts are also recommended to securely bolt the brackets to the building or structure. 3/8" holes are often predrilled and then lag bolts with washers are placed through the brackets to firmly secure them. For small decorative cedar brackets meant to be installed in the cornice, construction adhesive is sufficient enough since these brackets are meant only for decorative purposes.
more

PVC or Wood Exterior Shutters?

2008-03-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

	So you're interested in exterior shutters and perhaps you already have some wood shutters on your house that are showing signs of rot. Every 5 or so years it seems like you go through this cycle again and again of getting them replaced and now you're looking perhaps for an alternative.
Look towards PVC as a viable alternative for a no rot, virtually maintenance free shutter.

PVC shutters are quickly becoming the modern standard as a functional, no rot alternative to wood shutters which generally last 5 years on average. With usually only a small difference in price, the long-term payoff can be huge. The first step is understanding a little bit more about PVC shutters to help you move forward towards finally solving your shutter problem. PVC exterior shutters require special installation that differs from traditional wood shutters. This is due to the thermal nature of PVC which is already being used in the industry for exterior trim applications and window boxes. The thing to keep in remember is that you want to secure the shutter to the house. To do this there are three important difference between PVC and wood.

Important notes:
1. Use vinyl safe paint
2. Use 3-4 hinges for support, not 2. (looks more decorative and historically more accurate anyway to have 3-4)
3. Secure with bracket at top and shutter dog on bottom for the outside portion of shutter.
In addition, we place a 2" x 2" metal L-shaped bracket behind the top outside corner and we drill down into the side of the shutter from above and we mount the bracket directly into the brick or siding wall using a screw and an anchor.

If you follow these steps or hire a professional then you can finally enjoy maintenance free shutters that look just like wood when painted without all the hassels.
For more information

TheRightProducts.com Press Release

2008-03-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) February 29, 2008 -- Kurt Buchwald, President and CEO of The Right Angle, Inc., has announced plans to expand into a new facility in March 2008. While their current production of innovative PVC Window Boxes is in the Windward Business Center, Kurt's start-up of his company began modestly in 2003 in his basement. He estimates that the new 6000 sq ft. facility will be big enough to accommodate a 3-to-4-fold increase in current business. It will be located at 2208 McFarland 400 Blvd., Alpharetta, GA 30004

More on TheRightProducts.com

How to Repair and Maintain Wooden Exterior Shutters

2008-02-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

When it comes to functional shutters that open and close wood has always been the standard. Wood is inexpensive and frankly there just aren't that many alternatives. But there is a drawback to wood. As beautiful as these shutters may be they probably won't live past the age of 5. That's the average lifespan for a pair of exterior shutters made from wood and it is usually just a matter of time before they warp, split, rot, and then fall off the house. The latter is what makes you look like the laughing stock of the neighborhood and has the HOA breathing down your neck. But, there's good news. If you have a good eye for signs of rot, you can do a lot of preventative maintenance that will allow your shutters to last for up to 15 years. There's just a few tricks you'll need to know.

The first thing you need to know is why they're rotting. The answer is the sun. The sun is the driving force behind all of your rotting problems. Almost all materials contract and expand in the sun. Changes in temperature can cause your shutters to shift and warp. ((Now the chances are if you have a type of shutter with a raised panel, the panel in the middle is usually not glued to the surrounding rails and stiles. It usually is free floating while being held in and there is usually a small amount of breathing room to allow it to contract and expand. )) The problem is that contraction and expansion of different parts of the shutter can often lead to exposing small cracks and parts of the raw shutter that weren't originally painted. If this happens you can bet that water will get in the shutter and the rot process will quickly begin. There's two things you can do to minimize this. Number one, paint your shutters a light or neutral shade. Darker colors, especially black, absorb more heat from the sun and often expand and contract significantly more. Consider using vinyl safe paint, made by Sherwin Williams, which also helps block this absorption. Number two, repaint your shutters every few years, especially in the summer, not the winter, when they have expanded the most. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your shutters during the summer on a hot day and to spot paint any exposed parts. Small attention to details can prolong the life of your shutters 3-fold and save you a fortune in the long-run.

Well, let's say you're past preventative maintenance and your shutters are already showing signs of rot. Don't be surprised if you have to get hands on and actually reinforce parts are all of the shutter. If rails and styles begin splitting apart, you immediately want to tap them back in with a block and hammer and even add an extra screw if needed. If rot has set in, you'll have to scrape it all out or it will spread like wildfire and there will be no saving them. Use Bond-O (R) to fill the voids were you've removed rot. It's a super quick and cost-effective solution that can save your shutters (and yes that's the same stuff they use to repair cars after they wreck!). The Bond-O is strong and can sand easily smooth to match the patch of the shutter you're replacing. Once you retouch the shutter with paint it will look brand new and it can double the shutters lifespan. No one will ever know there was even a rot problem. A big mistake people usually make is to have a painter fix the problem. Painters will often caulk the panels where they meet the rails and styles. Often times painters will do this without understanding that the panels need to be able to contract and expand. This only causes the shutters to warp more and can cause splitting which will also lead to rot or worse.

If DIY is just not your thing, you could also consider replacing those shutters with some maintenance free ones. Vinyl is a great cost-effective choice if you're looking to save money. PVC exterior shutters are also 100% rot proof and maintenance free, but unlike vinyl, they can be installed as functional shutters that open and close and look just like wood without all the hassles. No matter what you decide, just remember that a little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way.

10 Questions When Choosing a Window Box

2008-02-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

1. Can it be painted?
A. If you want the look of paint, then wood or PVC is your choice. Both boxes can be painted to match or complement your trim or exterior house paint. Never paint the inside of a window box. The chemicals can get into the soil and kill your plants and lead to other problems.

2. Can it be mounted to the house? If so, how?
A. Some window planters merely sit on a window sill. If you're looking for a window box that is installed directly into the house as a part of it, then this usually is accomplished with bolts and anchors. Window boxes filled with dirt and water can at times need to support up to 200 lbs. and it's vital that the installation be as secure as possible. Fiber glass boxes often have special mounting clips that indirectly secure the box to the home, but can be dangerous. PVC and wood boxes can be drilled through the back where nuts and bolt can attach the box more directly. Lastly, sometimes additional decorative brackets can be fastened to the home and the box can sit atop of those.

3. How does it drain water?
A. Multiple drain holes drilled into the bottom allow water to drain out. PVC window boxes are ideal, b/c they are water resistant and rot proof and avoid the problems associated with wood ones. Potted plants often lack drainage and are sometimes used to sit inside wrought-iron window box cages. This can sometimes cause problems for plant growth.

4. I have a custom window. Can that box be ordered or built to fit it?
A. A good rule of thumb when measuring your window box is to measure the full width of the window from outer most dimension to outer most dimension. Then, add 6 inches. a little bit of overhang on each end adds curb appeal and helps avoid the embarassment of having too small of a window box for your window.

5. How long will it last before it rots or rusts or cracks?
A. If choosing wood, expect the box to last about 3-5 years before showing signs of rot. Window boxes need lots of water and water and wood usually don't go well with each other. PVC, vinyl, and fiberglass avoid those perils. If you like the look of wrought-iron, consider getting aluminum instead that is powder coated and made to look just like iron. Aluminum window boxes will never rust just like PVC window boxes will never rot. Vinyl boxes are usually made of thin material and can be subject to cracking if overexposed to the sun.

6. Does it hold dirt or potted plants?
A. Usually, an erosion tarp liner is placed in wooden or PVC window boxes to hold dirt in, but allow water to drain. For metal boxes, copper liners are usually used and can be very expensive. Alternatively potted plants can just be placed in the boxes and maintained separately.

7. What flowers do i want to plant in my box?
A. This is an important question. Different flowers and plants require different amount of soil space. Make sure you know the dimensions of the box such as how deep and how tall it is and consult with a professional on knowing the ideal soil space needed for what you want to plant.

8. Where can I buy window boxes?
A. Local garden nursery's will usually carry a few. Often times though, these nursuries will have to special order them from the manufacturer. If this is the case, you can often go online and there are many manufacturers who may sell them to you directly for a better price and get them to you quicker.

9. Which windows are good candidates for window boxes?
A. All of them. I've always been a fan of window boxes and some of the most beautiful homes are ones with 5 or 6 window boxes on the front. J/k, it's important to consider if there are any sun exposure problems or architectural limitations. Placing boxes where they can receive rainfall will help lessen maintenance. If you are going to spend the money on that many window boxes you should definitely consider going with PVC over wood to avoid having to replace them a few years down the road. One exception: placing a window box under a window that is over a front door is usually a bad idea, b/c water can drain on you when you leave the house.

10. How much do window boxes cost?
A. Window boxes come in a variety of sizes, types, materials, and price ranges. More expensive boxes usually are made to be integrated into the house, but can add equity to house as well. Less expensive boxes that don't install can be cheaper b/c they don't have to support as much weight or necessarily be as large. PVC window boxes are quickly becoming the standard, b/c of their longevity and resistance to moisture, but expect to pay in the neighborhood of 15-30% more than wood for these.

Selling Your Home? First Impressions are Everything.

2008-02-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

It takes a potential home buyer all of about 10 seconds to decide whether or not a home has potential or not. That first impressions can be the deciding factor on whether or not a homeowner even decides to step foot inside your front door. And when it comes to first impressions, they can often set the tone for a home buyer as well. A buyer who likes what they see on the outside can often overlook problems on the inside or receive them in a different light. A buyer who doesn't like what they see on the outside will often dismiss many of the great features that the inside may have. That's the power of first impressions - so how do you make sure you have a great first one? You start with curb appeal and with making the exterior of your home look great. The bottom line is that the more buyers who step foot in your home and like what they see on the outside, then the better chance you'll not just sell your house, but you'll get top dollar for it as well.

Step one, begin with landscaping. Landscaping is one of the most important overlooked elements sellers make. A professional landscaping company can completely transform a front yard. You'd be surprised how far you can go with just a little bit of money. Simple changes like fresh new sod and a few flower gardens can be done rather inexpensively and are a must if your yard lacks any landscaping highlights. Often the money you put into fresh landscaping you will almost certainly get back three-fold and it will help you sell your house significantly faster. A great idea is to add a window box with fresh flowers if you have a window that overlooks a flower bed. This is a great way to mesh the landscaping with the home so that everything ties together and it gives you a rare architectural detail that can be a powerful selling tool for your home that your competitors will almost certainly be missing.

Architectural accents - nothing turns off a potential home buyer like seeing a home that looks like just another plain Jane on the outside. Home owners want a house with some character and uniqueness that makes them look at the house and say, "wow, now that is something special." Many homes being built nowadays are being built as cheaply as possible and that means builders are cutting corners and spending less, especially when it comes to a home's exterior. If this sounds like your home, consider one of three options. Consider adding architectural brackets to the home to give it some highlights. A few decorative brackets in the right area can break up the monotany of a house that lacks character and give a potential home buyer something else to look at. Exterior Shutters are also a great way to accent a homes exterior and can help add another color to a lackluster home. Functional shutters on hinges help accent windows and add details that create the right first impressions and prime home buyers with the right mind set before they even step into the home.

Even if you're using a realtor, nothing is a better selling tool than having a beautiful home exterior. Realtors often show clients and potential home buyers pictures of a home's exterior and that can be a deal breaker for the client if your home isn't up to par. If you spend a little bit of money on adding some landscaping and architectural detail to your home it can go a long way to helping you sell your home and getting the most out of it.

How to Choose the Right Shutter Company

2008-01-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

When the time comes to replace those exterior shutters, where do you go and who do you talk to. Many customers often tell me they looked and looked and just didn't know where to find our product. The problem with exterior shutters is that they're usually not at your Home Depot's and your local home improvement stores, b/c it's too hard for those guys to stock. Shutters come in so many sizes b/c they have to match windows and this means they very often have to be custom built. (Nowadays windows have so many sizes the usual standards have gone on the window...no pun intended ;) This means you'll be needing to talk with a local shutter company that will usually come out, measure, and give you an estimate to do the job.

A good shutter company will give you a free estimate and will provide a cost breakdown for all of the services. Make sure you ask the right questions. If you want to save money you can sometimes modify the widths of the shutters. Traditionally, shutters have been built to match the size of the window. The idea is that the shutter can open or close to cover the window. Nowadays, it's very common to have smaller shutters that serve more as accents to your home. Having smaller shutters is something to consider, but that may not be what you want. Make sure you find out how the shutters will be installed. There are two methods: (1) direct set and (2) on hinges. Direct set is often used in the vinyl shutter industry where the shutters are secured to the home's exterior at every corner and screwed to the wall. Many times, individuals like the look of functional shutters, but expect to pay more for these, b/c that is one of the limitations that can be done with vinyl. If you decide on wood, you can expect your shutters to last 5-7 years on average for raised panel and 7-10 years on average for board and batten. Also, lighter colors will help prolong the life of the shutter by protecting them more from the sun. Composite shutters can be more expensive, but can last virtually forever as well. Make sure you know how long you plan on living in the house before you proceed.

To make sure the job is done quickly and done right never pay the full amount upfront to your shutter contractor. If they insist on upfront payment you can usually negotiate them down to paying a portion upfront and the rest when the jobs done. Lastly, get multiple quotes, but don't just go with the cheapest. Listen to what each contractor has to say. It's ok to ask for references or pictures of their work. Nowadays, many shutter companies have a website gallery that shows off their past works and this can give you some insight into the workmanship and quality you can expect. Once you decide on a company it's a good idea to set a deadline. Because they're probably going to be custom built, you can expect to wait 1-2 weeks on average. Setting an install date is a good way to keep your contractor motivated and on schedule.

How to Install a Window Box (aka window flower box)

2008-01-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Window boxes. They're beautiful, but they can also be a pain to have installed properly. Often times it's better to have a professional carpenter or installer do it for you. But for the do-it-yourselfer, below is a blueprint for helping you to figure out the best way to install a window box planter.

There are multiple considerations to take in when planning your installation: (1) How much weight can it support? (2) Is it mounting to brick, rock, or siding? (3) What type of material is your box made from? (4) How large is the box? (5) Will additional support brackets be used?

Because most window box planters are designed to hold a significant amount of weight, it is usually a good idea to mount the window box to the house with the most secure fasteners availble. Sometimes, these will be provided by the manufacturer. However, oftentimes, this may not be the case, especially if you have decided to build your own window box.

One of the most secure forms of fasteners is a 3/8" lag bolt with a 2" washer that goes directly through the back end of the box. This is usually the preferred method for wooden window boxes and rot free PVC window boxes, but not fiberglass. Most planters usually measure about 10" tall and 10" deep and a good rule of thumb is about one lag bolt for every 18" of box length. However, larger planters will need a multitude of lag bolts anchored securely into the houses exterior to ensure that they are secured safely.

These are the steps you will need to follow when hanging your window box.

1. Measure and mark the center of your box and measure and mark the center of the window where you will be hanging it
2. Drill 3/4" holes in the back of your box spaced approximately 18 inches apart.
3. Have someone help you hold the box up centered underneath the window and mark with a pencil on the house through the 3/4" holes. Take the box down and set it aside.
4. Now, you are ready to predrill some holes into your house to receive the lag bolts that will be holding up your window box. If your house is brick, you will want to use an expandable lead anchor shield that can receive a 3/8" lag bolt. Usually, a 5/8" lead anchor will do the trick. This means you will need to predrill a 5/8" hole exactly where you have marked with your pencil. For brick and rock, you will need to use a hammer drill. Most 24-V screw guns can perform a hammer action, otherwise you may need to rent a hammer drill from your local area. Drill over marked areas making sure to drill deep enough to receive the lag bolt. Siding and/or stucco will not require a hammer action drill and a standard 14-V drill should be able to do the trick.
5. Tap the lead anchor into the wall with a hammer.
6. Have someone help you hold the box up centered and now you are ready to insert the lag bolt and washer through each hole of the box and into the receiving lag bolts that are hammered into the wall.
7. Tighten each lag bolt about 90% and remember to use a level then tighten the remainder until washers grab tightly against the back of the box.
8. Viola, you're done.

Right Angle, Inc. Has The Right Products

2008-01-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Right Products Blog

Visit the About Me section or www.therightproducts.com to learn more about The Right Angle Inc. and our products.

Since 2002, The Right Angle, Inc. has been provided the Atlanta area with affordable composite exterior shutters, window boxes, and architectural brackets made from PVC or cedar. With the expansion of our new location, we would like to not only expand our services, but also expand out knowledge.

This blog contains all the information you need to know about the new standard in the Atlanta and national market for your home. Weather you are adorning your windows with shudders or window brackets or accommodating your porch with architectural brackets there is a lot of informative information regarding these dynamics. We will post articles on an array of topics.

The installation, maintenance, and benefits of our products. Selling your home? The Right Angle has just the product to increase your curb appeal and sell your home quicker with affordable changes to your home. Into gardening, arrangements for window boxes are important, know which kind of flowers last the longest and gives the wow factor that your neighbors will be envious of.

Join us in experiencing the next big thing for your home. Be ahead of the curve with these innovative products. Sometimes even your home needs accessories.