Home Improvement Ideas for Your Fixer Upper

Summer is one of the most popular time for Pacific Northwest residents to tackle their list of home improvement projects. Whether you are looking just to boost your curb appeal, or you want to make some improvements to increase your home’s value, here are some of ideas for making your fixer upper a beautiful place to live.

Window Replacement:
Summer weather is ideal for window replacement. Your installation experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors won’t be delayed due to inclement weather. Also, mild temperatures allow for the windows to go in quickly and easily. Replacement windows not only make your home more energy efficient. That way, you can keep that cool air-conditioned air inside where it belongs. New windows also help eliminate drafts from old, leaky windows. This translates to less wasted energy, and it will keep your home more comfortable all year long. Energy bill savings also mean more money in your pocket. That’s helpful for your budget! We proudly carry windows from Milgard and Simonton and can custom order sizes and style options as needed.

Siding Replacement:
Siding is one of the most important parts of your home, but if it is not well maintained, it can become an eyesore. Replacing your siding not only gives your home a facelift, but it also protects your home from the different weather conditions that we have in Oregon and Washington. If you have peeling or chipped paint, warped or bubbled siding, or have obvious signs of mold or water damage, don’t delay in getting a replacement. This could cause more significant damage to your home that could be expensive to repair. We install James Hardie fiber cement siding, which is one of the strongest, weather-resistant products on the market today.  It is also resistant to pests and fire and requires little maintenance.

Now is a great time to learn more about how our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can get your fixer upper looking beautifully updated. You can save on our summer window special and have everything installed just in time to enjoy the rest of the summer weather in your home!

Why You Should Replace Your Entry Doors

If you want to improve the curb appeal of your home and save energy at the same time – without spending a ton of money – look no further than replacing your exterior doors. New doors, especially your front door, welcome people and give them a glimpse into the style and character of your home.

At Lifetime Windows and Doors, we love helping homeowners transform their homes. These are an energy efficient addition to your property, ultimately saving you money on your monthly heating and cooling bills. Exterior fiberglass doors meet all Energy Star® requirements, too. This translates to saved money and increased comfort – all year long. New doors also add to the value of your home. This small investment can yield great returns when it comes time to sell it.  

If you are looking for enhanced safety for your home, new doors are part of the solution. Does your current door have problems locking? Maybe it sticks or you have issues opening or closing it. This kind of damage can be difficult to fix, and a new door is the best way to ensure you are kept as safe and protected as possible.

Not sure which style or design is best for your home? We can help! There are hundreds of door options to choose from in all colors, styles, and budgets. Whether it’s an entry door, patio door, French door, or a moving glass wall system that helps bring the outside in, we have many different options for you to choose from, from trusted brands like Milgard, Simpson, Codel, and more.

There are a lot of different benefits to replacing your exterior doors. Not to mention, the doors are some of the first things that people notice when they see your home. For more than 20 years, Lifetime Windows and Doors has been serving customers around Oregon and Washington with quality door installation services. Contact us today to schedule your free quote. You can learn more about getting your new doors installed this summer!

Summer Weatherization Tips for Your Home

As Oregon and Washington residents, we live for the warmer, longer days of summer weather. However, it is important to make sure your home is weatherized so it can withstand the extreme temperatures that are bound to happen outside. Here are some things that you should do to weatherize your living space so you can stay comfortable all season long.

#1: Keep blinds closed during the day.
The sun is wonderful, but it can also cause significant heat gain during the summer. To combat this, keep your shades, curtains, or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day.

#2: Open windows and doors early in the morning for cool air.
Before the heat kicks in, open your windows and doors early in the morning to bring that cool air inside. This keeps your inside temperatures down and helps you reduce your air conditioning usage, too. Over time, that saves you money on your energy bill.

#3: Seal your windows and doors.
Have you checked the seal or caulking around your windows and doors? If you haven’t, now is the time to look. If there are gaps where warm air will get in, and cool air-conditioned air will make its way out, then you could be facing high utility bills and a more uncomfortable house.  

#4: Replace your older windows and doors.
New, energy efficient windows and doors will work in tandem with your heating and cooling system to keep warm air out and the cool air-conditioned air inside where it belongs. Heat gain and heat loss through old single pane windows take up to 25 to 35% of heating and cooling energy use. Think about how much money that accounts for throughout the year. New EnergyStar® rated windows and doors will ensure you save energy and do your part to create a healthier environment.

If you aren’t prepared to pay for major upgrades for your home in cash quite yet, that’s okay. We have financing options that can help make your windows, doors, siding, or roof replacement more affordable. So, contact us to learn more about our two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients around the Northwest. We look forward to helping make your home comfortable and beautiful this summer!  

Signs You Need a New Roof This Spring

Now that springtime is here, most homeowners are outside tackling those long-awaited home improvement projects that were neglected during the winter. Your roof is an important thing to look at this spring, too. Here are some signs that you may need a roof replacement this spring.

#1: Water damage or leaks.
Leaking water in your roof or obvious signs of water damage is never a good sign. In fact, this is a major indicator that there is a problem with your roof that may require replacement. Even the smallest leak can grow and become a bigger problem. Eventually, this could cause damage to your property as well as your belongings inside.

#2: Age.
Do you know how old your roof is? If it’s at least 20 years old, it’s likely due for a replacement. It’s a fact: roofs that are over two decades old are likely at the end of their lifespan. Shingles can break down over time, becoming brittle, curled, or cracked. This causes exposure underneath, which could create mold, dry rot, or other issues to your home’s structure.

#3: Missing shingles.
With the amount of rain and wind that we get in the Pacific Northwest, it is common to have shingles go missing. However, if you have a significant number of shingles gone, your roof is not providing enough protection. Missing shingles could allow moisture to creep in, which leads to leaks and potential damage.

#4: Poor installation.
Roofing is a critical part of your home. If it is not installed correctly, or it was installed sloppily, then the roof may deteriorate or break down prematurely. If you suspect your roof was not installed to the standard of professionalism, it may be time to get a quote for a roof replacement.

Springtime is one of the best times to replace your roof. The weather is drier and warmer, and the days are longer. Our professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to roof replacements. We also proudly carry and install Malarkey Roofing Products, a local Oregon company that crafts top notch materials that will keep your home protected for a long time.

So, call us today to learn more about our roofing expertise or to schedule your free quote on a roof replacement. 
 

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! 

Which Sliding Glass Doors Are Right for Your Home?

Does the patio door in your home look and function how you want it to? Perhaps it’s time to consider a replacement. A new sliding glass door can bring in natural light and enhance your home’s beauty. Here are some things to consider when you are figuring out which patio door is best for you.

Fiberglass Doors:
These are very durable doors that are low maintenance and highly efficient. Some fiberglass sliding glass doors come in exterior frame colors so you can match them to your home’s style.

Moving Glass Walls:
Moving glass walls add affordable luxury to homes and are customized to fit your space. We carry moving glass wall systems 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 completely weather stripped to ensure no cold air leaks in or warm air leaks out. Opening and closing is seamless because of the tandem stainless steel ball bearing rollers. These are perfect for homeowners that love to entertain, because they provide easy access to the inside and outside of the home.

Vinyl Doors:
These doors are a wonderful option for replacement patio doors. They work well in tight spaces or in rooms where furniture is close to the door. Vinyl is a very versatile material that works well with different architectural home styles. It is also incredibly energy efficient and requires little maintenance.

Aluminum Doors:
For contemporary or modern homes, aluminum sliding glass doors are a popular option. If you are replacing your current patio door, consider adding another small window to the side of the patio door to create a wall of windows. This allows for enhanced light and an even more unique look.

Our experienced professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors are ready to help with your replacement patio door project. We’re happy to provide free quotes! We proudly serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington.  Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your appointment on the books with us.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Fall

We’ve already had a rainy September and looking ahead, we will likely have more breezy, wet days. Now is the best time to prepare your home – and your roof – for the fall. Here are some tips on how to do that.

#1: Clean the gutters out.
If leaves and other debris are let unattended in your gutters, serious clogs could develop. Clogs could lead to built up water that sits on and around your roof, which could pose a problem. So, before the rains start up again, be sure to clean your gutters out well and keep them emptied throughout the season.

#2: Clean debris off the roof.
Sticks, pine cones, and other leaf debris should be removed from your roof. Debris buildup keeps moisture in, and that can lead to damage, mold, or algae growth on your roof. Make sure there is no debris, nests, or leaves blocking roof vents or vent pipes, too.

#3: Do a quick inspection of your roof.
Look for signs of damage on your roof. Are there areas of deterioration? Are there missing shingles or other areas that could be potential problem spots? Now is the time to correct any problems on your roof. If there is significant damage on the roof that cannot be corrected with a few small repairs, a roof replacement may be in order. Our team of experienced roofing professionals can help! We will ensure you have a new, reliable roof installed just in time for the cooler autumn months. Contact us today to learn more about a potential roof replacement project, or to get a free quote.

The fall season can be a dangerous time for roofs with powerful rain and wind, with lots of falling debris. Make sure you set aside time soon to get your roof inspected, repaired, or replaced. It is important to ensure that the roof is reliable and capable of keeping you comfortable and protected during the coldest months of the year.

Ready to learn more about your roof project? Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has been serving customers around Oregon and Southwest Washington for over two decades. We have the expertise you can trust. So, contact us today!

Creative Living Room Design Ideas

When you get home after a long day, the living room is often the spot where you want to kick back and relax for a while. This is probably one of your most comfortable rooms and ensuring that it is designed not only for comfort, but functionality too, is important. Whether you’re looking for some inspiration for a total redecorating project, or you just need a few simple ideas to freshen up your space, here are some ideas that can make your space inviting and up to date.

Upgrade Your Lighting:
New lighting can transform your space with a totally new look. Buy brand new light fixtures to brighten the space and work with your specific style. Whether it’s elaborate and glamorous, or something classic, table lamps or floor lamps are a great way to change up your living room style.

In addition, don’t forget about maximizing the natural light that comes from your windows. Don’t block your windows with big, bulky furniture. And, if you have drapes or blinds, open them to bring in the Pacific Northwest sun. Have your windows seen better days? Consider a window replacement project for your home. New windows not only add beauty to your home, but they add value and can even help you save money on your energy bills. Not to mention, they are incredibly quiet and will last for a long time – that’s a win-win!

Find a Focal Point:
Whether it’s a big picture window in the middle of the living room, or a one-of-a-kind statement piece that captivates the eyes of people that enter the room, a focal point in your living room is a must-have.

Pick the Right Colors:
Color makes all the difference in your living space. Whether you like bold wall colors, or something more neutral, pick colors that work with your living room layout. If you have a small space, avoid dark colors, as this can make the area feel smaller. If you love one color, consider using it in different shades. For example, a charcoal gray wall would look lovely with a lighter gray couch. Then, match wwith gray and silver accent pillows or lamps. Mixing textures and colors is fun and can bring life to the space.

Think about Your Entryway:
Don’t neglect the entrance into your home that leads into the living space. What does your front door look like? Has it seen better days? A stunning new front door that welcomes people into your living space sets the tone for your home. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has a wide selection of front door options for you – you can even order a custom door!

At Lifetime Windows and Doors, we love helping our customers with their renovation projects. Whether it’s a simple one-room addition, a redesign, or something that requires larger scale work, we can help. Contact us today for a free quote for new windows, doors, or to learn more about our siding and roofing services!

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