Commonly Asked Questions About Window Installation

Is 2022 the year for your home windows to be replaced? You probably have some questions about what the process looks like.  What you need to do to prepare your space for the renovation? What’s the process like? Here are some commonly asked questions and our answers to help guide you.

How long does it take?
This depends on how many windows are being installed. It also depends what type of products are being installed. If you have a custom window, it may take more time to remove or install. This could impact the overall time frame of the project. When our installation technician comes out to do the final measure of your home’s windows, we provide  an estimate on how long it will take, and also give you a timeline on when the products will arrive.

What if I live in an old house?
Older houses have some different things to take into consideration. For example, homes that were built in decades past often have lead paint or window trim that has this type of paint around it. We are a lead-safe company and if your house has lead paint anywhere, we take all precautions to keep you, your family, and our team safe. For each installed window, we tarp it off, so dust and dust particles don’t spread as easily. We also ask that those that are more vulnerable, such as children, pets, or elderly citizens are kept away from the installation area until it is complete and cleaned.

Do all the windows come out at once?
No, we work on one window at a time. Working on one window at a time allows us greater focus, and not to mention, it will keep your home’s interior temperature more comfortable. Also, you can be confident that we won’t ever leave an open space at the end of the day.

Do I have to be there during installation?
That’s up to you. We are okay with either scenario. We often do installation customers while they are away at work or while they are out catching up on errands. No matter what, we treat your home with the utmost care and attention to detail. You can trust that we will respect your space and take good care of it while we’re there.

With more than two decades installing windows for residential or commercial customers, you can be confident that we know what we’re doing. We will help you get your windows installed accurately and on budget. Getting new windows installed by a team of professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors is one of the best decisions you can make for your home this year. Contact us today to get your free quote scheduled!

3 Tips to Winterize Your Home

Winter is right around the corner and that means your home should be ready. Local forecasters are predicting some major winter events this year, so it’s best to be prepared well ahead of time. Here are some helpful tips that can help winterize your home so you can stay comfortable all season long.

#1: Seal your windows and doors.
Windows or doors that are old or not energy efficient will leak precious warm air outside. That not only makes your heating system work harder, but it will also cause your utility bills to increase significantly. Make sure your windows and doors have proper seals and weather-stripping.  Maybe your windows and doors are decades old. If that’s the case, they just simply are not up for the task of helping keep your home warm this winter. New Energy Star® certified windows and doors are a worthwhile investment that will save you money in the long run. They also add value to your home!

#2: Ensure you have enough insulation.
Does your home have the right amount of insulation? Adding insulation is one of the best ways to save money and energy at the same time. Consider adding insulation to your basement ceiling and your attic floor. This keeps warm air inside your home better and will keep you comfortable all winter.

#3: Do your research.
Oftentimes, winterizing your home requires working with companies or contractors in the area. Research before you hire. This is key! Read online reviews, ask for pictures of recently completed jobs, and take note of any red flags that you see either online or in person. Replacing your windows, doors, roof, or siding should be left to the professionals. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors has been helping customers of all kinds around the Pacific Northwest for more than two decades. Our reviews and experience speak for itself and we are glad to answer any questions you have about your home winterization projects. You can trust our hands-on experience.

Winterizing your home is important. We offer free quotes on replacing your inefficient windows or doors with new ones that are insulated and maximize energy use! We are proud to serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. No matter what your winterizing project requires, our professional team can help you get your home ready to go. Don’t delay and contact us today for information on how to get your appointment on the books!

Why You Should Consider Installing Vinyl Windows

If you are remodeling your home and you’re doing research on window replacement for your home, it’s likely that you are seeing a lot of different options out there and it can be confusing. Vinyl windows are very popular options for homeowners today, but why? Here, we will talk about some of the details about vinyl windows and you can determine if they’re right for your home.

Vinyl windows were originally created many decades ago as an alternative to wood windows. They are created with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are available in different grades. There are several advantages of having vinyl windows in your home.

  1. Energy efficiency.
    If the windows in your home are decades old, they simply are not as energy efficient as the windows on the market today. Old windows are drafty and can leak precious warm air outside during the fall and winter months, which can not only make it feel cooler inside, but it can also increase your energy bill. Vinyl windows that come with Energy Star® ratings and that are manufactured with Low-E glass or filled with argon gas, are the most energy efficient windows out there. They will reflect heat in the summer and keep warm air inside during the cold winter months. That means you’ll save money on your utility bill AND stay more comfortable!
  2. Affordability.
    Vinyl windows are a cost-effective window option, costing less than wood windows or fiberglass windows. We recognize that replacing the windows in your home is a big investment, so we will be sure to help provide vinyl window options that are within your price range. We carry a variety of window styles from brands such as Milgard and Simonton, which means you are getting high quality options at a reasonable price.
  3. Easy to maintain.
    Once your windows are professionally installed, there is nothing else you need to do except for keep the windows cleaned. Use a soft cloth to clean the inside and outside of the windows, rather than using high-pressured hoses. Vinyl windows are easy to clean, and they won’t rot, peel, or chip, even during the yuckiest of Pacific Northwest weather.

Ready to get your window replacement project started? We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your worn windows with new ones that are energy efficient and insulated. We are proud to serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our professional team can help you get your home updated and beautifully contemporary. 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.

 

What is the Energy Star Rating?

Energy Star is a government-backed symbol used to note energy efficiency. Energy Star products help protect the environment through energy conservation and at the same time, help save money. The purpose of the Energy Star label was to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants in the environment that are caused by inefficient energy use. In addition, the label helps people know which energy efficient products are available, allowing them to purchase the product knowing that it will save them money without sacrificing performance or quality.

In order to have a product meet the energy efficiency requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency has created some specifications based on several important standards. The product must be able to offer significant energy savings nationwide and the energy consumption and performance must be able to be measured and verified through tests. If the Energy Star product costs more than another product that is less efficient, the consumer should be able to recover the investment cost through decreased utility bills. There are several rankings on the label, including those from A to G. A is the most energy efficient and G is the least efficient. Energy Star scores are also used, numbered 1 to 100. A score of 75 or above means the product is a top performer.

Many appliances nowadays are certified as Energy Star certified products, but so are many of the windows and doors that we sell at Lifetime Windows and Doors. We proudly carry many different window styles and brands that will work with your home’s specific style.  We also have hundreds of different energy efficient door choices and can work on customizing them with different glass or window options. We carry doors from many different brands, including Therma Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, Masonite, Milgard, Codel Entry Systems, and Simpson!

We love serving the Pacific Northwest and are committed to energy conservation. We work with customers in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether you’re looking for new siding, new doors, or new windows to help make your home more beautiful while getting it more energy efficient at the same time, our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are and contact us today for more information on our Energy Star products and we will answer your questions and help get an appointment set up!