5 Essential Considerations Before Upgrading Your Windows & Doors
Windows and doors play a crucial role in safeguarding our homes, ensuring our security, and even boosting our home's overall appeal. But, like everything else, they age and wear out. That's when the idea of upgrading your windows and doors becomes a top priority. We're here to guide you through five key considerations before you embark on this exciting home improvement journey.
1. Do I Need an Upgrade?
Before you leap into upgrading your windows and doors, let's take a moment to think about your unique needs. This isn't about blindly following trends; it's about ensuring your investment aligns with what you truly need.
One significant consideration is energy efficiency. Those old windows and doors might be quietly siphoning away your hard-earned cash through sneaky drafts. Upgrading can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills down the road. Imagine a cozier home and a fatter wallet – that's the dream!
Of course, your safety and the safety of your loved ones are paramount. Outdated windows and doors might not provide the same level of security that modern options do. Upgrading can offer peace of mind, knowing your home is better protected against unwanted guests.
Finally, the looks of your house are as important as the other needs you have to consider. Aside from your personal satisfaction, a good-looking house can have a substantial impact on your home's resale value. New windows and doors can work wonders for your house's curb appeal, making it more inviting to guests and potential buyers.
To make your decision-making process smoother, try jotting down what you hope to achieve with this upgrade. Are you mainly focused on slashing those energy bills, beefing up security, or giving your home a fresh new look? Knowing your objectives will be your trusty guide throughout this journey.
2. Can I Afford to Upgrade My Windows and Doors?
Now, let's dive into the financial aspect of this home improvement journey – a topic that's crucial for any project. Upgrading your windows and doors is indeed an investment that can boost your home's value, but it's vital to have your finances in order.
Getting yourself a clear budget is necessary if you want this to be a successful project. It'll prevent you from overspending and ensure you have enough funds to continue the project until its completion. So, take time to look at your financial position and see whether an upgrade is something you can afford at the moment.
It's also good to remember that the overall cost of the project can vary due to different factors. A good example of this is the materials that will be used for the upgrade. Aside from the upfront cost of different materials, their unique features might call for specific installation techniques that will take more time and money. It's really best to gather as many quotes as you can before proceeding. Having a financial strategy will ensure that you get the upgrade you deserve.
3. What Materials To Use?
Not that you have the budget, the next step is choosing the right materials. Materials for windows and doors include wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Each material comes with its own distinct set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's of utmost importance to choose the one that best suits your particular requirements.
Wooden windows and doors offer classic beauty, but they demand regular upkeep to prevent rot and decay. Vinyl, on the other hand, is virtually maintenance-free and excels in energy efficiency. Aluminum is durable and modern but might not provide the same insulation as other materials.
Your local climate plays a significant role in your material selection. In harsh weather conditions, more robust materials like fibreglass might be a better fit. Also, consider your personal preferences. Do you lean toward the timeless appeal of wood or the modern simplicity of aluminum? Finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality is key.
4. Can I Maintain My New Windows and Doors?
Maintaining your new windows and doors is an often overlooked aspect of ownership. Different materials have distinct maintenance needs, so let's shed some light on this topic.
Wood: Wooden windows and doors require periodic painting or staining to shield them from the elements. Neglecting this can lead to rot and decay. If you're ready to commit to this upkeep, wood can be a beautiful choice.
Vinyl: Vinyl is incredibly low-maintenance. It mainly needs occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep it looking pristine. For busy homeowners, vinyl offers the benefit of time-saving maintenance.
Aluminum: Aluminum is durable and generally resistant to rust and corrosion. Regular cleaning is typically all that's needed to maintain its appearance.
Proper maintenance not only keeps your windows and doors looking good but also extends their lifespan. Consider your lifestyle and how much time you can realistically dedicate to maintenance when choosing your materials.
5. Who Should I Ask For Help?
Finally, let's emphasize the importance of professionals in this upgrade process.
Installing windows and doors is more than just swapping out old for new. It involves precise measurements, structural considerations, and ensuring a snug fit to prevent drafts. Improper installation can lead to problems down the line, such as leaks and decreased energy efficiency.
So, the wisest decision you can make is to get a professional contractor to do the job. Their expertise and hands-on experience will ensure that the job is completed correctly from the get-go. While DIY projects can be fulfilling, when it comes to windows and doors, which are an investment in your home's comfort and value, professionals truly excel in delivering top-notch results.
The Risks of Not Taking These Into Consideration
We understand that the prospect of an upgrade can be quite thrilling, but neglecting the considerations we've outlined can have more downsides than upsides. For instance, not having a suitable budget may tempt you to cut corners, leading to an incomplete and unsatisfactory project. Likewise, attempting a full DIY approach without the necessary tools and expertise might result in windows and doors that don't harmonize with your home's aesthetics. Moreover, a poorly executed project can create security vulnerabilities, putting your loved ones at risk. Rushing into it could potentially leave you in a worse position than before you even initiated the upgrade.
Conclusion
Upgrading your windows and doors is a significant decision that can enhance your home's aesthetics, energy efficiency, and security. By considering your specific needs, budget, materials, maintenance, and the importance of professional help, you can embark on this home improvement journey with confidence. Take your time, make informed decisions, and watch as your home transforms into a more comfortable and beautiful space.
Outdoor Spaces: Enhancing Your Patio with Sliding Doors and Large Windows
Outdoor patios provide accessible spaces to connect with nature. From the comfort of your own home, you can experience the changing seasons, enjoy fresh air, and soak in natural sunlight. With outdoor patios, you can relax or unwind or host social gatherings. Whether you have a garden or landscaping or have added accents and décor, your outdoor patio serves as a visually appealing focal point that contributes to your home’s overall curb appeal. A well-designed outdoor patio can harmoniously blend with the architectural style of your home. It serves as an extension of your home’s living space, adding functional value as well.
Windows and doors connect your home’s interior and exterior areas. If your home has an outdoor patio, sliding doors and large windows can improve your experience and enhance your home’s aesthetic. Here are some ways they do:
Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Providing unobstructed views of the outdoors, sliding doors and large windows can blur the boundaries between your indoor living space and the patio. When open, the sliding doors remove physical barriers between your indoor space and your outdoor patio. This creates a more fluid flow between the two spaces. With sliding doors, it is easy to move between your home’s indoor and outdoor areas, making your patio feel like an extension of your home. Enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow of your home can encourage you to incorporate outdoor living into your daily routines, such as using the patio for morning coffee, afternoon work, or evening relaxation. The seamless integration and flow between these spaces can help you feel less cooped up at home and more connected to the outdoors, positively impacting your overall wellbeing.
Expansive Views
Large windows and sliding doors often feature wide floor-to-ceiling glass panels and minimal frames, which minimize the visual barriers between the indoors and outdoors and offer expansive views of your outdoor patio and its surroundings. Large windows and doors can provide panoramic sightlines that capture the entirety of your patio area, enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the outdoor environment. When strategically placed, large windows and sliding doors can frame specific aspects of your patio, garden, or landscape, creating a visually pleasing focal point that draws the eye. Fully opening sliding doors can create a visual extension from your indoor space to your patio, making your patio feel like an integrated part of your living area.
Abundant Natural Light
With wide glass panels of large windows and sliding doors, more sunlight can enter your home from various angles throughout the day. This means that you will not need to rely on artificial lighting to create a bright and comfortable environment in your living spaces. Natural light creates a comfortable ambiance and helps make your living spaces feel comfortable and welcoming. As the sun changes positions throughout the day, you can enjoy the dynamic aesthetic created by the play of light and shadows at different times of the day. Sliding doors and large windows can significantly increase the overall brightness and visual appeal of your home and reinforce your connection to the outdoor environment.
Seamless Entertaining
Sliding doors can create a harmonious environment for social gatherings. By keeping sliding doors open, you can allow guests to easily move between your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Making your outdoor patio accessible allows for an expanded gathering space and avoids overcrowding in your indoor spaces. Furthermore, with the option to open or close sliding doors, you can have the flexibility in arranging dining and entertainment areas. You can opt to serve food indoors and then dine outdoors. You can also adjust the layout to suit different stages of your event or gathering, such as an outdoor cocktail hour followed by an indoor dinner. Having the option to move between indoor and outdoor spaces can make hosting more enjoyable and efficient. It can also keep guests connected and engaged, whether they are indoors or outdoors. In some cases, such as changing weather conditions, easy access to the indoor spaces can ensure your guests’ comfort and overall enjoyment.
Aesthetic Integration
From both the exterior and the interior, the design of large windows and sliding doors can complement the architectural design of your home. The glass surfaces of the windows and doors can reflect outdoor elements, such as the landscaping, and create an illusion of expanded space as you look at your home from your outdoor patio. The use of large windows and sliding doors can encourage you to treat your patio as an extension of your indoor living space and inspire you to decorate it with furnishings and accessories that match your indoor décor. Large windows and sliding doors act as frames that showcase the outdoor environment. They let you appreciate the design of your patio and turn the view of your patio and its surroundings into a captivating design feature of your home.
When incorporating large windows and sliding doors as design elements for your outdoor patio, be sure to consider the orientation of your home, the location of key views, the placement of furniture, and the landscaping and layout of your patio space. With these in mind, you can design a beautiful and functional patio that complements your home’s overall aesthetic.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Windows And Doors Replacement
Now, not all homeowners will need to replace their windows and doors. Some may not need to if the home they purchased has already installed new windows and doors that are durable and energy-efficient. For others, it is necessary to replace their doors and windows to keep heat in, keep cold out, and save money. Also, some may want to upgrade the look of their home with new windows and doors. Here are 5 frequently asked questions about windows and doors replacement:
1. How do I know my windows and doors need replacing?
This largely depends on the age of the windows and doors. You can replace them if they are 25 years old or more. This helps maximize the energy efficiency that comes with new windows and doors. You can also replace them if you notice drafts or condensation on the window panes and doors or if they become difficult to open.
2. Can new doors and windows lower my energy consumption?
When you upgrade with energy-saving doors and vinyl windows, you will see several benefits. You do not have to paint your windows because vinyl does not get discolored. Vinyl also doesn’t warp so the seal of the vinyl windows will always remain.
3. What types of windows and doors can I get?
Windows and doors differ in style, size, and color. For doors, there are wooden, fiberglass, and steel doors. For windows, you can browse through several options according to your taste.
4. What do I need to do?
When a rep has told you all about the replacement process, find out what they expect from you. Ask if you need to remove curtains and blinds or if you have to move furniture or protect your floors.
5. Many new windows contain argon gas, why is it used?
Argon gas is non-toxic and is used between panes to reduce heat transfer between the glass panes. Argon mitigates heat and cold by reducing air movement. It rewards users with a better-insulated window as it spreads cold and hot air throughout the entire windowpane, reducing the invasion of cold and heat leakage.
5 Unique Ways to Use Patio Doors in Your Home
When you think of a patio door, most of us envision a sliding glass door that leads to a back patio or yard. While this may be the most popular use and style for patio doors, it is not the only one. Consider alternative uses and style for your next patio door replacement. Patio doors can be used to add more beauty and luxury to your home, you only need to think of their unique uses.
To assist you to beautify your home with patio doors, here are 5 unique ways to use patio doors in your home.
Combine with oversized sidelights to create a window wall
Having the ability to combine your indoor and outdoor spaces is a luxury that unfortunately not every home can achieve. By creating an unobstructed view from the inside of your home to your yard, you will be able to create the feeling that your indoor space flows into your yard.
Choose a colourful, modern patio door
Patio doors are traditionally white, with fairly plain frames, but with emerging trends, there are plenty of other options available. You have the option of selecting from a wide range of colourful patio door options. Many manufacturers use uPVC, timber and aluminum frames to create patio doors with varying colours. The inside and outside colours of your doors can also differ.
Install space-saving sliding patio doors on your balcony
Another unique way to use patio doors in your home is to install a sliding patio door on your balcony. This space-saving door will make your home look modern and bring more natural light into the space. In addition, sliding patio doors can play an important role in improving the thermal performance of your home. They are also easy to maintain, durable, and capable of resisting weather problems.
Combine French doors with sidelites and transoms
With a transom above your doors and sidelites along the sides of your doors, your patio door will look oversized and will also allow for plenty of light to enter your home. This style will also add additional visual emphasis on the door itself. Undoubtedly, it is a great combination for anyone that wants to make a bold statement with their patio door replacement.
Install patio doors in your home office
Spruce up your home office with a set of patio doors. With the aid of patio doors, you can easily ensure that your workspace is separated from the rest of your home to ensure that you can complete your work with little or no disturbance.
When it comes to a patio door replacement, you do not need to choose an identical replacement, there are many options available. On the same note, patio doors are not just to be used to access your yard, they can be used in varying ways around your home.
5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Windows and Doors
Replacing your windows and doors can be a big and very expensive project. However, there are some cases where biting the bullet on replacement costs is a must! Find out below when it's time to contact an expert to replace your windows and doors in London.
Garden Door vs Patio Door: What's Best For You?
For décor enthusiast, garden doors or patio doors are great ways to transform your outdoor space. Depending on your personal décor style and preference, you can customize your patio/ garden doors to fit your décor needs.
Both a garden door and a patio door will allow you to access your indoor and outdoor space freely. However, they each possess unique features. Listed below are major differences between a garden door and a patio door.
The Structural Design
Patio doors are comprised of sliding glass door panels designed to open and close by sliding horizontally on tracks. On the contrary, garden doors can have glass panels fitted within a door that is hinged allowing the door to swing inwards or outwards.
Costs
Depending on your customized design and choice of material, garden doors are relatively costly to install as compared to patio doors. Similarly, with proper maintenance, the solid glass style used in patio doors tend to last longer compared to those used in garden door. Patio doors are therefore more cost-effective in the long run.
Availability of Space
For limited or restricted space, a sliding patio door may be a better choice versus a garden door. A garden door requires a lot of space for the frames and hinges to allow the door to swing inwards or outwards to access your outdoors, especially for double doors.
The View
The reflective quality of the large glass door panels of the patio door design allows for maximum natural light to enter your living space from the outdoor. It also allows you to have an unobstructed view of your backyard from the comfort of your home.
However, the large frames, hinges, or intricate designs of a garden door design acts as an obstruction allowing less light in your space.
Appearance
A traditional patio door’s design has large, reflective glass panels that add a contemporary and modern feel to your outdoor space. Modern homeowners mostly favour this look. Garden doors allow you to add texture and colour to your frames and hinges, thus giving a more elegant, polished and sophisticated feel to your outdoor and living space.
Privacy
The unobstructed view due to the large glass panels and smaller frames of patio doors offer less privacy as everything is in plain view, and anyone can see right through your living space. However, with a garden door, the large customized frames and hinges can obstruct some view, thus providing a sense of privacy
Safety
The sliding rack for the patio doors is known to cause accidents like tripping and falling when one is not careful. Whereas, garden doors are fitted with sills that help prevent the occurrence of trip and falls.
Custom designed patio doors and garden doors are a great way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your living space and your outdoor space. However, they both possess unique features that will prove to be beneficial when deciding which option to select. With proper installation and maintenance, both patio and garden doors can serve you well for a long time to come.
What Should You Look for In A New Door?
The average lifespan of an entry door is 15-20 years, so chances are every home owner will need to go through the door replacement process at some point. A new entry door can improve your home’s aesthetic appeal, as well as your home’s energy efficiency and increase the noise reduction capabilities and security. However, with so many different form and function options available in new replacement doors, what should you be looking for?
To help you make the best choice for you and your home, we asked our door replacement expert to share their thoughts. The top tips have been shared below:
Door Material
Door materials range from wood, aluminum, steel, vinyl, and fiberglass. All of these materials are good options but have different strengths and weaknesses. It's important to choose the right material that fits your needs, can handle your usage patterns and can withstand your local weather conditions. Outlining the different materials is a task for a future blog, for now a quick Google search will provide you with more information on the different door material types.
Aesthetics
Your entry door influences your home’s curb appeal. When choosing a new front door, choosing one that represents your style will help incorporate your style into the home. There are no rules when it comes to home decor, but if you want your home to have a universal appeal, try and keep the doors aesthetic in line with your home’s architectural design.
Energy Efficiency
Increased energy efficiency is a major benefit of replacing your windows and doors. However, not all doors are made equally, and the efficiency rating will vary between one door to another. Any door you look to purchase should have an energy label affixed to it. This label indicates the level of energy efficiency of doors, the higher the efficiency rating the more the door will be able to reduce the amount you spend on your energy bills over time.
Locking Mechanism
A primary function of any external door is security. The door’s durability is important, but ultimately the locking mechanism is the most important security aspect. In most cases the locking mechanism and other hardware are sold separately from the door itself, so you have various options when choosing the right hardware to go with your new door. For extra security, you can opt to go with a multi-point locking system.
Installation
Installing a replacement door may be a good DIY project, but like any moving component in your home, the product is only as good as the installation. A professional windows and doors specialist will be able to install your new door properly, ensuring it is perfectly square and that proper screws are used, but they are also able to inspect the condition of the materials around the door and ensure that there is enough insulation around the frame to maintain higher efficiency levels.
When Should You Replace Windows and Doors?
From increasing your home’s appeal to increase its energy-efficiency and providing security for your family, the importance of your windows and doors cannot be overemphasized. Most windows and doors are very durable and only require minimum maintenance allowing them to last for decades and decades. Their longevity is definitely a benefit, but it is also the reason that many homeowners do not pay the proper attention to their windows and doors. Like most other parts of your home, your window and doors should be inspected and maintained at a minimum annually (if not twice a year). This inspection will give you a better understanding of the condition of your windows and doors and will hopefully allow you to notice any minor issues before the escalate to larger issues.
Below we have outlined several key indicators to look out for when inspecting your windows and doors.
1. Age of Your Windows and Doors
It is important to know the number of years that your windows and doors have been in use for. Age alone is not an indicator of much, but most windows and doors have a lifespan of 20-25 years and if yours are getting close to this age, it is important to keep an eye out for potential signs of damage, wear, and even breakdowns.
2. Appearance and Style
Sometimes an upgrade is simply needed for aesthetic purposes. When completing your annual inspection, take a walk back to the sidewalk or street and look at your home. Are your windows and doors adding to or taking away from your home’s curb appeal? If they are not adding to your home’s aesthetic, can they be fixed or updated, perhaps with some fresh paint? If the answer is ‘not really’ you know it will be time to start planning for an upgrade.
3. Cracked and Missing Caulking
The caulking that surrounds your window and door frames plays a very important role. Its job is to seal and close the small space between the window or door frame and your home. This ensures that water, bugs , and extreme temperatures are not able to penetrate into your home. However, over time this caulking begins to breakdown, shrink, and even deteriorate. Once this happens, gaps appear around your window and doors frames allowing for air, pests, and water to make their way in. All of these have the potential to cause damage to your home as well as the windows and doors themselves. If neglected, the damage caused by this type of exposure will lead to the need for replacement windows and or doors.
4. Damage
Damage to the glass or to the frames of your windows and doors may be difficult to notice at times. That is why completing a thorough inspection is important. Small cracks and bends will all affect the operation of your windows and doors making it difficult to operate or leaving them exposed to security breaches from potential intruders.
Completing an annual inspection of your windows and doors will reveal any potential issues that need your attention, it is also one of many ways to identify when to replace windows and doors as you can compare the year over year wear and tear that your windows and doors have faced.
5 Warning Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Windows And Doors
Windows and doors are essential components to any home. They contribute to the aesthetics of your home, can affect the comfort of the home’s interior, and they dictate how secure your home is. However, you don’t always notice the signs that it is time to replace your windows and doors, as they deteriorate gradually. There are telltale warning signs that will be a good indicator that you need replacement windows and doors.
We have prepared a guide explaining five of these warning signs, to help you identify when you may need to look into replacement options.
1. Faulty Operation
If you are finding it increasingly more difficult to open or close your windows or doors, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace them, but you definitely need to give them some attention. Over time your windows and doors can develop balance issues, which cause them to stick and jam. In some cases, all you will need is some minor maintenance, perhaps a bit of lubrication, or a tightening of a few screws. However, if these issues are a result of wear and tear, and the window or door itself has begun to deteriorate, you will need to look into replacement options. If ignored the issue will worsen, and the door or window may become seized.
2. Condensation Buildup
Not all condensation is necessarily a sign of an issue. Condensation on the inside or outside of your windows or doors can be expected from time to time. However, any condensation between your window panes is a sign of an issue. For condensation to build up in between your window panes, it means that the seal has been damaged and is no longer air tight. This drastically reduces the efficiency of this window. The only solution for condensation between your window panes, is replacement. If ignored, it could lead to drafts entering your home and increased energy costs as your HVAC system will need to work a bit harder to compensate for the faulty window.
3. Cold Drafts
If you feel a draft when you close your windows and doors, it means that the seals are wearing or already worn off. Your door’s weather-stripping helps ensure a tight seal with the frame, if this has worn out, it could lead to cold air to enter your home and for warm air to escape. A draft around where a window or door seals against the frame may need just a weather stripping replacement, however it could also be an indication that the frame has warped and a replacement is the only solution. Have an expert look at the affected area if the draft persists.
4. Increased Noise Level
If you begin to notice that the outdoor noise is being heard more inside your home than before, this can indicate that your windows and doors have lost their soundproofing qualities. Increased traffic noises, dogs barking or just from people walking outside your home are all an indication that there is an issue.
5. Physical Damage
Visible damage to your windows and doors caused by curved, warped, cracked, and rotted frames are a serious issue that you should address right away. Not only is this damage causing potential energy bill increases and is probably an eye soar. Visible damage to your windows and doors should be considered as a serious safety risk, as potential intruders may view this damage as an easy entry point to your home. Don’t delay to have broken or damaged windows and doors replaced as soon as possible.
How to Maintain your Exterior Doors?
Your home’s exterior doors require some attention every now and then to ensure they look great, function properly, lasts a long time. Many homeowners however unintentionally neglect their exterior doors, forgoing any maintenance.
Did you know that most contractors recommend you inspect and maintain your entry doors frequently? This will help you identify and potentially prevent potential problems and safety issues.
Below we will cover what our specialists recommend about maintaining your exterior doors.
1. Clear Dirt & Debris
Cleaning your doors on a regular basis is the first step in a regular maintenance program. This will help prevent the build-up of dirt and dust leaving your doors looking beautiful, and functioning properly.
2. Oil Hinges Often
Squeaking doors are not only annoying, but they can be difficult to open and close. Cleaning and oiling hinges at the same time as cleaning any dirt is a good practice. Once you have applied oil to your hinges, rub it around with a cotton swab and wipe away excess oil with a dry cloth.
3. Inspect Weather Stripping
Inspect and wipe down the weather stripping around the door and the frame. If needed, replacing it as soon as you see the damage. This will help you deal with vulnerable areas of your door and will prevent air from flowing in and out of your home. If your weather stripping has a build-up of grime and dirt, you can clean it with ordinary dish soap and warm water.
4. Consider applying a fresh finish or layer of paint
This is an excellent tip, especially if you have a wooden entry door. You can add an extra layer of protection to your door with a coat of paint, finish, or stain. It is your ally in preventing wear and tear and can prolong your door’s lifespan while showcasing a fresh new look.
5. Replace Damaged Doors
Your exterior doors are an integral part of your home, your doors provide both security and comfort. If you notice damage on your exterior doors, this can affect your home's comfort and the security provided by the door. Consider replacing damaged doors or doors that are hard to close or open sooner than later, as studies have shown that home intruders tend to take advantage of a home’s vulnerability such as a damaged door to access a home.
Like most moving parts of your home, your entry doors need regular attention, but the attention doesn’t need to be extensive. Minor maintenance that includes wiping down the door, clearing debris, oiling hinges, and inspecting weather stripping is really all that is needed to ensure your doors stand the test of time.