Best Places for Bay Windows

Large white bay window overlooking trees

Bay windows are a show-stopping feature that will captivate anybody who enters your home. By offering an abundance of natural light and sweeping views of the surrounding scenery, they will add charm and luxury to any room. The hardest part of installing a new bay window is deciding where to put it – but that’s where we can help! With decades of experience designing and building custom products, we know where bay windows can have the biggest impact. Read on to gather inspiration for your project!

What Are Bay Windows?

A bay window is more than just a window – it’s also an architectural element that alters the shape of your home. They typically have three sections: one central window (or group of windows) flanked by two smaller ones. All three sections curve or angle outward from your wall, creating an elegant protrusion that is visible from both the interior and exterior of your house. The result is a “bay” inside of a room that provides an airy, beautiful glimpse into the outside world. 

Best Places to Put a Bay Window

If you are looking to upgrade your home with gorgeous bay windows, then the first step is to decide which room you want to transform. To spark your imagination and creativity, here are some of our favorite places for bay windows:

Office or Library

Typing away on your laptop? Cozying up with your newest book? Nothing will keep you inspired quite like having the beautiful Pacific Northwest on the other side of the glass. Whether you want to build the perfect reading nook with a window seat or you’d prefer a floor-to-ceiling option for ample space, a bay window will make your home or office feel like a magical getaway.

Bedroom or Guest Room

Your bedroom is your escape from the outside world, so it should be a place of total relaxation and comfort. A bay window will help you create an irresistibly luxurious atmosphere that will have you excited to bundle up and stay in. And, if placed in a guest room, it will make your home a spot that your visitors can’t wait to return to.

Kitchen

A bay window over your kitchen sink will make dishes feel less like a chore and more like a peaceful daily task. Having a view into the yard will not only brighten up your space, but it also gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on your kids while making dinner or cleaning up. And, a little extra space creates the perfect place to put plants or flowers that need additional sunlight.

Living Room

Grab your favorite recliners and turn them to face a large bay window. With panoramic views and soft natural lighting, these windows create a comfortable place to sit and relax with your loved ones. 

Dining Room

Adding tall bay windows will make your dining room feel more spacious and sophisticated. When you get your dining table, a rug, some plants and window accents added, the dining room will feel welcoming, warm, and ready to host your next holiday meal with friends or family.

Transform Your Space with Bay Windows

Want to see how bay windows can transform your space? Get in touch with Lifetime Windows and Doors! Our team has served Portland, Southwest Washington, and Central Oregon for more than two decades. To give our customers the best results possible, we use highly efficient double-pane products from reputable brands like Simonton Windows and Doors or Milgard. From the design and product selection to the full installation, we can help bring your vision to life! Give us a call today to learn more or get your free estimate.

Tips for Restoring Your Older Home

Older homes have charm and a unique sense of character. Historic homes or those that were built in decades past have a story to tell and add charm to any neighborhood. Whether you live in a Victorian, a Craftsman, or a mid-century home in Oregon or Washington, restoring it while retaining its distinctive characteristics is important. Here are some things to keep in mind when remodeling an older home.


ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY & KEEP THE HISTORY

Older homes often have ornate windows or doors that hint at times past. Single-pane windows were very common several decades ago, but they are nowhere near as energy efficient as contemporary windows. Replacement windows in fiberglass, vinyl, or wood give you stunning options that can be modern, traditional, or classic in design. No matter what era your home is from, there are new windows that can keep that older home feel, but provide you with the updates you want. New windows also add instant value and curb appeal. They are an investment that helps garner good returns if you want to sell your home later.


MAKE COMFORT SUPREME

When you stand near your windows, do you feel a draft? Warm air inside will leak out during the winter and cool air-conditioned air can get out in the summer months. Energy-efficient, double-paned windows from reputable, high-quality brands like Simonton Windows and Doors or Milgard help eliminate drafts. This not only keeps your home more comfortable inside with more evenly distributed temperatures, but it also helps with noise reduction. The end result is a quieter, more comfortable home.


CREATE GREATER FUNCTIONALITY

Modern designs can be difficult to integrate into older homes. So, look closely at its overall functionality and make changes during the renovation that make it easier to use. Perhaps adding a moving glass wall system instead of a large picture window could create greater access to your outside living space. Or, maybe your home could simply benefit from new, energy-efficient doors that are safer and more secure.

HOME RESTORATION EXPERTS IN PORTLAND OR

Our team has served the greater Portland OR area for over 25 years and have worked with homeowners on exterior projects all year round, even in the dead of winter! Restoring your old home with modern updates is an important investment in its life and longevity, so call us today to learn more about our services and get a free estimate!

Fall Maintenance Tips For Your Home

September is here and the official beginning of autumn will be here soon. While the weather is still nice, it’s a good idea to get outside and inspect around your home. This gives you the chance to make sure everything is ready for cooler, wetter months. Here are some fall home maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Inspect Your Exterior Doors:
Exterior doors are common sources of air leaks. Ensure the weatherstripping and seals around the doors are secure. That way, they’re able to act as a barrier against cold drafts that try to make their way inside. If your exterior doors have seen better days, now is the time to consider replacing them. At Lifetime Windows and Doors, we have a wide selection of doors that are energy efficient, stylish for any home style, and durable. If you need a custom door, we can accommodate that, too!

Look at Your Roof:
Your roof is the key to keeping you and your family warm, dry, and comfortable during the autumn weather. Now is the time to look closely at your roof to make sure there are no missing shingles or other exposure that could cause moisture accumulation this fall. Maybe your roof is decades old, and a replacement is in order. Fall is a great time to do this – we won’t have freezing temperatures and there are still plenty of dry days ahead. Our roofing experts can get your new roof installed in a timely way so you can head into the fall and winter months with confidence knowing that your home will be protected.

Make Sure Your Windows Aren’t Leaking Air:
Drafty windows? Not only is this a waste of energy, but this will cause expensive heating bills in the fall and winter months. Make sure your windows don’t have loose frames, damaged weatherstripping, cracked panes, or significant drafts. If they do, you should consider getting them replaced with windows that are energy efficient and reliable. This is not only a benefit to your comfort, but it also adds value to your home.

Our experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors are standing by to help with your home renovation projects this fall. So, call us today to learn more about how we can help with window and door replacement, new siding, and new roofs. 

Remodeling Strategies for Aging in Place

Your house is a place that has many special memories attached to it. So, when it comes time to start planning for where you’ll live as you age, it is important to consider what you will need well into the future. Many homeowners have invested their time, money, and creativity into their homes. The thought of leaving it might not seem right! That’s why many people have decided to age in place and accommodate their home so they can do that. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you start planning.

Make sure your door entryways are wide enough.
As you age, you will need to be sure that the doorways are accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes. Also, ensure the entryways and thresholds are clear of obstacles and have smooth transitions This helps prevent trips and falls.

Don’t forget about window hardware.
Aging can cause arthritis or other health problems that make your muscles weaker. So, when it comes to hardware for your windows, make sure you choose hardware that allows you to easily twist and open your windows and doors. Casement windows with cranking handles are often one of the easiest types of windows to have.

Consider adding or expanding your indoor-outdoor space.
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to retire and age in place. To get the most out of your living space, consider adding a moving glass wall system or large patio door. These help bring in fresh air and sunlight. That way, even if your mobility is limited, you can still get outside or sit nearby to enjoy the scenery in your yard or neighborhood.  

Whether you are building an addition to your home, or you are revamping your lower level to accommodate living in your home as you get older, using top quality window, door, siding, and roof products is important. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has the experience you can trust with your home renovation projects. Whether it’s replacing all the windows in your home or adding new doors with wider frames, our two decades of serving Pacific Northwest homeowners is unrivaled. Call us today to schedule your free quote. 

Window Care Tips for Your Home

Caring for your windows is a home maintenance task that is often forgotten about. It only takes a little bit of attention to keep your windows looking and functioning as they should. Here are some important window care tips to keep in mind.

Tip #1: Clean them.
This is a window care basic, but it really makes a huge difference in how much you can enjoy your home and the great outdoors. Never use abrasive cleaners or cloths, and avoid solutions with harsh chemicals, as this could scratch the glass. Instead, use glass specific cleaners and wipe them clean with a soft cloth, squeegee, or paper towels. In addition, make sure to vacuum out the tracks to remove dust or dirt, and make sure you allow time for things to dry if you need to wipe it.  

Tip #2: Open and close carefully.
When you open or close your windows, make sure you do that gently. If you use excessive force, or you force the latch to close it, it could cause strain on the window’s parts. If you have stabilizer arms on casement windows around your home, be gentle with those as well, and remember not to pull too hard or lean on them with too much weight.

Tip #3: Watch for leaks.
Water leakage around windows can lead to mold or mildew growth. Be sure to check the sealing around the inner portion of your windows and make sure there isn’t any area where water can get in.

Tip #4: Combat humidity.
When you are cooking or showering, it can create humid temperatures inside. So, if you notice condensation around your windows, it means the inside is too humid and moisture can start dripping into the windowsills. Over time, this could cause mold growth. To combat humidity, open nearby windows to get some cross ventilation going, or run a dehumidifier regularly.

Tip #5: Replace old, inefficient windows.
If your windows are old, they simply aren’t as energy efficient as they could be. That means they likely aren’t providing the sound barrier you need or want, and air could be leaking in and out. Lifetime Windows & Doors carries a variety of window styles and brands that will fit well into your specific home’s style. And most importantly, we will work with you to find replacement windows that fits within your budget. New windows are EnergyStar® certified and come with great ratings. That means you can be confident knowing you’re getting the best product for your money. Now is a great time to replace your windows, too! So, visit our specials page to see how you can save money.

Summertime Window Safety Tips

As the weather warms up and homeowners all over Oregon and Washington open their windows to soak up some of that beautiful fresh summer air, it’s important to keep window safety in mind. Unfortunately, curious kids around the country are significantly injured or suffer fatalities from falling out of windows every year. Here are some important tips for window safety in your home.

#1: Keep windows locked.
When young children are in the home, keep windows closed and locked. Usually, the locks will hinder them from opening them. If you need to open a window for ventilation, be sure to open the ones that are out of the child’s reach. Screens help protect them a little bit, but they won’t completely prevent a fall.

#2: Move furniture away from windows.
If there is furniture placed in front of the window that a child could climb on to access the window, move it. Kids love to crawl and climb. By moving beds or chairs away from the windows, it can help discourage the kids from directly accessing the window.

#3: Supervise.
If you have windows open, keep a close eye on the children. So, talk to them about window safety and remind them that they should never play close to the window or climb onto the sill. Communication and teaching them the right way to behave around open windows is an important component to keeping them safe.

#4: Upgrade your windows.
If your windows are old, inefficient, or don’t have locks that work, consider replacing them. Updated windows add value to your home and make it look nicer. New windows also ensure secure locking.

Ready to get started on your window replacement project? You can feel confident in our team of experienced professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors. We proudly carry Milgard Windows and Doors, as well as Simonton Window products. These top quality brands withstand the test of time. So, contact us today for a free ‘no contact’ virtual quote, or to learn more about our promotions and other details that can help make the project more affordable.

Exterior Home Trends to Look for This Spring and Summer

Does your home need a new look? Maybe you’ve lived in it for many years and it’s time to give it an update. Or perhaps you’ve purchased your first fixer-upper and it needs renovation. Here are some exterior home trends to watch for and how our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help.

Real wood.
The look and feel of real wood on a home is a classic look that can’t be replicated. More and more homeowners are adding wood elements to their home, including real wood doors.  Wood doors provide the highest level of insulation, making them an incredibly energy efficient option. Wood can also be painted any color that you want to match the rest of your exterior, or you can keep it natural. This versatility is a great selling point for homeowners that want options. We proudly carry wood door products from Milgard and Simpson.

Minimalist design.
Less is more in today’s exterior home trends. Excessive decorative elements, details that overwhelm the space, and bold colors are not as common right now. Instead, homeowners are going for simple, neutral, natural looks. Larger open spaces with big, panoramic windows are common. This brings natural light and helps spaces look and feel bigger. We carry a variety of top-quality window products from Simonton and Milgard. So, whether it’s a big picture window, a garden window, or a combination of windows replace everything currently in your home, we can help!

Indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Once the weather warms up and the days get longer, there’s nothing better than getting outside to enjoy the Pacific Northwest beauty. That’s why homeowners are finding ways to combine indoor and outdoor living spaces. Moving glass walls are one of the best ways to do that. These can be customized to fit your space and are a great replacement option for patio doors!

They come in 3 to 6-panel configurations with pocket, stacking, and bi-fold doors. They are crafted with aluminum on the structure and frame and are fully weather stripped. And, because of their unique tandem stainless steel ball bearing rollers, they can be opened and closed seamlessly.

Moving glass wall systems bring the outside in. Not to mention, you’ll be able to take advantage of the natural light in the home, reducing your use of electricity. Over time, this saves money!

Ready to launch your home renovation project this spring or summer? You can trust our experience and commitment to carry the best products for your home. So, call us today for an estimate.

Should You Replace Windows Before Selling Your House?

Spring is the most popular time of year to sell a home. The days are longer, the demand is higher, and buyers often want to time their move with the end of the school year. Thinking of selling your home this spring? You want to get top dollar! Clearing out clutter, cleaning up the yard, and making home improvements are likely high on your priority list. But which home improvements will give you the biggest bang for your buck? Window replacement is one of the best things you can do before listing your home. Here’s why.

#1: Curb appeal.
The first thing potential buyers notice is the outside of your home. When people drive or walk past it, or if they see it online it should stand out so they’re interested in seeing more. In other words, you want them to fall in love with it. Attract prospective buyers with new, energy efficient windows.

#2: Energy savings.
Today’s home buyers want to save money on energy usage. They also want a home with energy efficient products. New, updated windows are a big selling point, especially since they can save significant money during the year in energy costs. Buyers need to estimate what their heating and cooling costs will be and knowing that new windows will help keep their home more comfortable, is a selling point.

#3: Recuperated cost.
Home improvements require money. However, investing in upgrades for your home will help you get more money for your home and ultimately, you will recoup some of those costs. If your home already has the improvements that buyers are looking for – like energy efficient windows, doors, and siding – they won’t need to negotiate with you to come down in price so they can do the upgrades themselves.

Selling your home is a big decision. Ensuring that it is as move-in ready as possible is one of the best ways to make your home appealing to buyers. So, if you are planning to list your home soon, let us help with the improvements beforehand. We proudly carry Simonton and Milgard Windows. These brands are known for their exceptional quality and durability. Our team of experienced window installation professionals will get the job done with superior attention to detail! That way, you can get your home selling process rolling. So, call us today for a free quote! 

How to Deep Clean Your Windows This Spring

As we turn the calendar to March and cold winter weather slowly begins to make its way out, it’s time to think about tackling some spring cleaning around your home. Cleaning your windows is an important part of your checklist. Here are some tips on how to deep clean your windows this spring, so they are beautiful and dirt-free.

First, dust your window blinds or remove your drapes or window coverings to clean them. Doing this before you start cleaning the windows is key. That way, dust and other debris won’t accumulate on already clean windows.

Next, open your windows and take out the screens. You can wash the screens with soapy water, and then let them air dry. While you are doing that, wash the window glass on both sides, if possible. Regular glass cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and water are the best ways to get sparkling windows. Paper towels are a great option. But, if you have a microfiber cloth or a squeegee, you may have better luck in keeping the windows streak-free.

While the windows are open, take a close look at the window tracks. Chances are, there is dirt and maybe even a few dead bugs or flies that have met their fate there. Take a handheld vacuum or a vacuum attachment, then vacuum the window tracks.. Next, wipe out the inside with a detail brush or a paper towel.

Perhaps your windows have seen better days and no amount of cleaning will change the fact that they are old and leaky. We can help with that! We proudly carry a variety of brands, including Milgard and Simonton products, that cater to your unique vision and your home’s distinct style. New windows this spring will add beauty, curb appeal, and value to your home. So, contact us today to schedule a free quote.

Inspiration for Your Home Office Remodel

For workers in varying industries around the Pacific Northwest, the pandemic changed the ‘traditional’ work environment. With routines upended and working from home becoming the new norm for many, employees of all kinds have found themselves working from their home office more often. Ensuring that it’s comfortable and functional is key to making it work for the long term. If you have decided that it’s time to revamp your home office, here are some ideas to consider.

#1: Natural light inspires creativity.
Winter in the Northwest has plenty of dark, rainy days. Bringing in as much light as possible to your office will not only inspire creativity, but it can also lighten your mood. Consider adding a skylight to your office space to enhance the light in the room. Or, if your office has only a small window, consider replacing it with a larger window or a bay window that allows you to sit with your laptop to work. New windows not only bring in light, but they help new windows save energy, which helps cut costs on your utility bill.

#2: De-clutter the space.
The less clutter you have in your office, the lighter and brighter the space will feel.  Disorganized work environments can add to your stress and make you feel overwhelmed. So, set aside time every month to clean and de-clutter your office area. Doing so will also free up brain space to complete your job duties with accuracy and attention to detail.

#3: Add access to the outside.
Depending on where your office is at home, consider how you can add access to the outside. If you have a ground-floor office, think about adding a new door that gives you immediate access to the exterior living space. Whether it’s a sliding patio door, a French door, or a moving glass wall system, we can help provide options for a customized solution that fits perfectly for your space.

For more than two decades, our experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors have helped homeowners of all kinds execute their home remodeling visions. So, whether you need windows replaced around your home, or new front and back doors, we can get you high quality products that fit within your budget. Contact us today for a free estimate on your project!