They didn’t always strike me that way. When I first moved to the city I perceived them as bars, not gates. The only barred windows I’d ever seen were in prisons, and those were clearly designed to keep people in, not out. I pitied the people who lived behind them. But like many attributes of the Big Apple, window gates grew on me as I began to understand why they were so popular, and so necessary. NYC wasn’t a very safe place in 1970 (though it was never as dangerous as most people seemed to believe), and those half-inch square wrought iron bars made a point. In no uncertain terms they told would-be burglars, “Don’t even think about it.”

What exactly are Roman shades? Basically, they are a type of window covering that folds up in pleats should you need to get a clear view of the outside. Traditional roman shades use cords to work on pulling it up and draping it down which can be quite hazardous to younger children so now, there are custom shades that use mechanisms.

If you are decorating for, say, a bedroom, it is interesting to note that since there are two major materials used in roman shades – linen and wood fibers – you get to choose from a wide variety of colors and sizes. However, if you cannot seem to find one that will suit your room perfectly, then these custom shades will be a good choice. You might be spending extra but the outcome will truly be well worth it.

Custom shades in the Roman design are best used in bedrooms, especially if you want to use it for children’s rooms. You can have it customized to show your child’s favorite cartoon characters or you can even use linen that has stars to signify the night. That way, your little one will be able to incorporate bed time with the shades draped. If you do this, though, make sure that you are getting custom roman shades that use mechanisms instead of cords to ensure the safety of your precious baby.

Bamboo window shades are made from fibers of wood that are intricately and delicately woven together to produce the finest and most durable lightweight shades available. Colors range from bleached white to dark wood and everything in between. Because its primary colors are different wood shades, you can be certain that it will suit most themes at home.

There are actually two different styles of bamboo window shades, namely the bamboo roll up shades and the bamboo roman shades. The bamboo roll up shades, as the name implies, is operated by a cord that rolls it up if you want to get a full view of the outside. The bamboo roman shades on the other hand folds up in pleats and is also operated with cords. These two types of shades have variations that use mechanisms instead of cords to eliminate hazards to younger children.

If you are looking to add a touch of nature into your home but have no idea how to do it, bamboo wooden shades will definitely do the trick. Not only were you able to do that, you are also helping the environment by using only natural materials instead of shades that use chemicals and non-recyclable materials that will later on add to the pollution.

In the first instance it can always be useful to ask friends and family if they have a good cleaner. If someone recommends someone and they are happy with them and have used them on several occasions it is quite likely they will be fairly dependable. This should always be your first port of call.

Other obvious places to look for window cleaners include the local paper, local shop window ads, Parish magazines and other local directories. Local phone books and the internet are also good choices.

Once you have found one it is important to ask them a few questions and do a few checks to make sure they are bona fida. Many window cleaners will go door knocking to canvass for business which is perfectly acceptable(it is one of the preferred methods for many residential cleaners ) but it is important to be aware of the possibility that some of these people might be dishonest and unscrupulous. As an absolute minimum check that they have some company literature(business card, leaflet, etc) and ideally an ID badge, before you let them walk around your property. If you are in any doubt to their sincerity, do not let them walk round your property.

Ask them how long they have worked in this industry. Ask where they live. Ask them if they clean any other homes in your street. Always check to make sure they are insured and check how they will access certain difficult to reach windows without the risk of causing damage to tiles, flowerbeds etc Ask them whether they will clean all your sills, frames and doors too(this is always preferable, the overall effect looks much nicer than clean panes with dirty black frames).

The more professional they appear to be, the more likely of getting someone dependable you are. People who give you a cheap shabby card demonstrate they do not take too much pride in their business and it is quite likely this will be reflected in their service. A good professional image normally indicates you will receive a professional job. This has been my observation over the last 10 years in this business.

Always check to make sure they are insured and check how they will access certain difficult to reach windows without the risk of causing damage to tiles, flowerbeds, etc.

Fitting a Velux window is arguably best left to a professional roofer! If you’re keen to have go yourself, however, here are some tips that may help:

The first decision you’ll need to make is the size of window you require and the preferred positioning for the window. It is essential that the dimensions for the opening in your roof are measured exactly. To create the opening for your new window you’ll need to remove the slates or tiles from the appropriate area of your roof and cut through the rafters underneath. It’s important to ensure that you have sufficient support between the floor and the roof beams to take the weight until the cross beams (also known as dwangs) are cut and fitted.

The smallest of the Velux window range can usually be fitted between trusses without having to cut the beams. If the window is larger, it’s advisable to consult a structural engineer; drawings can easily be provided and will cost between £100 and £200.

• Your Velux window should be laid flat to unpack and opened with care
• You’ll need to remove the glass from the frame for fitting; do this by pushing in the 2 small pins located in the hinges
• Fit the brackets to the 4 corners of the window frame using the screws provided
• The window frame should then be placed on top of the batons and fixed in place using the screws supplied
• The window must be fitted flat in relation to the roof; if necessary, use the black wedge supplied under one of the corners in order to ensure that the window is stable
• When this stage is complete, you are ready to install the flashings around the window. Ensure that the flashings used are correct for your roof type; this stage is critical in ensuring that there are no leaks. The lower flashing should be fitted first. The soakers should then be fitted up each side of the window and fixed to the roof covering. The soakers are joined to each other using a fold-over tab. They also have a serrated top edge which helps to keep them in position. The top flashing is fitted last
• When the flashings have been installed, the slates or tiles can now be replaced
• When you are ready to reinstall the glass, the window should be passed upside down through the roof opening. Position the hinges into their openings and as the window is closed, the lugs will automatically open and hold the window in place. The window can then be rotated and closed.