Autumn Window Cleaning and Care Checklist

Autumn Window Cleaning and Care Checklist | Lifetime Windows & Doors in Portland OR

Brisk autumn weather has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. It’s such a beautiful time of year here. It’s also a great time to continue to work around your home or business to ensure your to-dos are completed before the cold winter days arrive. Fall is a great time to clean and care for your windows. Here are some tips on how to care for your windows this autumn. 

REMOVE SCREENS AND CLEAN

Remove screens on the windows and make sure they are tear-free. Once the screens are off, you can hose them down with soap and water. While you let them air dry, clean the windows inside and out with a residue-free glass cleaner. It’s also a good time to check the sills or tracks of the windows, wiping them clean of any dirt or other debris that has started to build up over time. 

DUST

Take some time to dust the blinds and clean the draperies on or around the windows. This will help with seasonal allergies and help the space feel cleaner and brighter. 

CHECK FOR LEAKS

Are the seals around your windows tight? Worn seals are a major source of heat loss when the weather cools down. This translates to wasted energy and higher utility bills. 

ADD NEW WINDOWS

The sunniest days of summertime are gone and overcast Pacific Northwest days are here to stay for a while. That’s why bringing in as much natural light to your home as possible is important. Adding a new skylight, a large picture window, or other smaller windows to dark rooms can lighten and enlarge the space. Extra daylight can even make you feel happier and improve your mental outlook in life! 

REPLACE OLD WINDOWS

Perhaps your windows are single-pane and simply not up to today’s energy efficiency standards. Now’s a great time to get a quote for replacement windows. Whether you need custom windows, bay windows, egress windows, or a combination of all of those, our experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help today. With more than 25 years of industry-leading expertise, you can count on us to get the job done right with top-rated brands. Considering replacing your windows this autumn? Call us today to learn more about our expertise and to schedule your consultation!

How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Renovating Your Home

How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Renovating Your Home | Lifetime Windows & Doors

If you’re planning a home remodel, you know how much thought and preparation goes into it. Determining what changes are most important, which companies will complete the work, and ensuring you can stay within your designated time frame and budget are all important. If you plan on remodeling your home, here’s how to avoid costly mistakes. 

Set a Budget

Renovations can get expensive, especially if you don’t plan your funding accordingly. So, set a realistic budget with a buffer in place. Building up to 20 percent extra into your overall budget can help you better prepare for any surprises that happen along the way. 

Choose the Right Company

Unfortunately, there are many companies, contractors, or fly-by-night workers claiming to be the “best” and most experienced in their field. If you don’t research, you could be in for a big – and expensive – headache later down the road. Be sure to ask potential home contractors direct questions before you hire them. These might include ‘How long have you been in business?’, ‘What is your specialty?’, or ‘Do you have references’? It’s also important to read online reviews. If you notice a significant number of negative reviews or if you see a recurring theme about their quality of workmanship, ethics, or customer service, take note. Don’t rush your decision: an honest company or contractor will take the time to answer your questions with no complaints. 

Don’t Forget Functionality

When considering windows, doors, siding, or roofing, don’t forget to keep functionality in mind. For example, you don’t want doors to ding or damage other doors or countertops, and you want to make sure you can access and open and close windows easily. Talk to your contractor about how you want the space to flow so you can ensure it functions exactly how you want it to. 

Buying the Right Materials

The changes you make during a home remodel are things you’ll want to enjoy for many years to come. That’s why it’s important to select high-quality, durable materials that are built to last. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors is proud to install top-quality products from Milgard, Malarkey Roofing, James Hardie, and more. We focus on installing everything accurately with attention to the details. Whether you live in a historic home that needs modern touches, or you have a newer home that simply requires some updates to old windows or doors, we pride ourselves in doing the job right with materials you can count on. 

Ready to Get Started?

Our team has industry-leading experience and has been serving the Portland OR area since 1998. We take pride in delivering exceptional workmanship and providing a great customer experience, so you know you’ll be in good hands. Call us today to schedule your free quote.