Pergolas in History

Ancient Egypt and Rome Mankind has always sought refuge from the hot sun. The word pergola is originally a Latin word meaning projection from a roof. Pergolas were first seen in ancient Egypt as a means of providing shade from the intense sun. The earliest known garden plan dates back to 1400 BC, belonged to…

A Sunroom for your Health

It’s a fact. Winters in Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon can be brutal. Long, cold, dreary. Unpredictable inversions sometimes dramatically decrease the amount of sunlight available for weeks! Winter can be hard on the spirit. Science has shown that sunlight is crucial for emotional well-being, as important as nutritious food, water, and exercise. Over ½…

Window Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained

In the market for new windows? How exciting! These days, energy efficiency is a priority for most consumers but trying to make sense of all the terms and ratings can be confusing. Let our handy guide help clarify window efficiency ratings. U-Factor-Therate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow. U-Factor measures how well a…