Must Haves for Your Home Remodel

If a remodeling project is on the horizon for you this year or next, you are probably dreaming about how beautiful your new space will look. While there are a lot of details to keep in mind, the excitement about having a new and improved area to relax and enjoy is something to get excited about. Whether it’s a home addition, building a separate accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your yard or property, or simply doing a home remodel, finding the right windows and doors is key. Here are some must haves to consider for your home remodel.

#1: Energy efficient windows.
We hear often from customers about how much of a difference they see in energy efficiency with their new window replacements. High performance windows help reduce your energy costs!  We also hear that the new windows are a lot quieter than their old windows! New, Energy-Star rated windows offer the beauty, reliability, and efficiency that you need in your home. The biggest decision you’ll make with new windows is what material you want. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors will help give you insight and tips on what material options would be best for your space. Vinyl, fiberglass, and wood are the main options you’ll have. You’ll love having secure windows that also enhance curb appeal!

#2: Doors.
Your doors provide protection and beauty. But, they also give you a chance to give people a glimpse of your personality and style preferences. New doors are durable, energy efficient, and come in a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes. Need a custom size? No problem. Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, or something in between, we have a robust selection of front doors that will help your home make a great first impression.  Need a patio door? We have lots of options for those, too. Moving glass walls, fiberglass, or vinyl – there are plenty of choices for patio doors that will fit your indoor and exterior space. New doors for your home are a great investment.

Are you planning your remodel? Our team’s expertise and quality of workmanship is something you can count on. Contact us soon to learn more about our products, selection, and experience serving customers around the Pacific Northwest for the last two decades.

Popular Patio Door Options

Summer and fall are beautiful in the Pacific Northwest and it’s the best time to sit outside and enjoy your yard space. If your patio needs an upgrade, don’t forget to include a great new patio door for your space. No matter what your specific style preference is, there’s a patio door to match it! Here are some of the most popular patio door options this year.

Vinyl patio doors:
These are usually the most common patio door options. They are affordable, durable, and are great for a variety of home styles. Sliding doors are a good option when space outside is limited. There are customizable options available too, just talk to our team about what we can do to find the right one!

Fiberglass patio doors:
Fiberglass patio doors are beautiful and built to last a long time. When the weather changes, they won’t expand or contract very much, which helps with energy efficiency. They are strong and resist rotting and are available in swinging or sliding styles.

Moving glass walls:
Moving glass walls are a stunning way to make a statement in your home – especially if you have a small area that you want to brighten up with natural light and views to the outside. We carry moving glass wall systems come in 3 to 6-panel configurations with pocket, stacking, and bi-fold doors. They’re crafted with aluminum on the structure and frame and are fully weather stripped to ensure no outside air gets in. They open and close seamlessly because of the tandem stainless steel ball bearing rollers. The moving glass wall option truly transforms spaces!

We love working with homeowners to upgrade their living space. We are happy to provide free quotes on any time of door replacement project, too! 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 scheduled.

Signs You Need New Exterior Doors

Have you lived in your home a long time? Does your home need a refresh? Perhaps you want to upgrade your newly purchased home. Look closely at your exterior doors. Think about replacing them during your home remodeling project. Not sure you need a new one? Here are some signs that they need replacement.

#1: Visible wear and tear.
Your doors play a big role – they provide protection from the elements and act as a barrier to intruders. Over time, your doors will become worn. If there are dents, chips, cracks, or other visible problems with the door that can’t be fixed, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient door.

#2: There are drafts.
When was the last time you replaced your doors? Chances are, if your door is decades old, it isn’t as energy efficient as it could be. Perhaps there are drafts or gaps coming from underneath it. This allows outside air in and causes your home’s heating and cooling system to work harder. This translates to wasted energy and higher utility bills. New doors today operate with extreme efficiency.

#3: Damage.
Does your door have difficulty locking? Maybe it’s a challenge to open or close the door. This kind of damage is hard to fix and sometimes, it simply isn’t possible. That’s when you’ll need to consider a door replacement.

There are a lot of different benefits to replacing your exterior doors. New doors provide great curb appeal! And in addition to improved functionality, new doors are a great investment that can reap good returns. Not to mention, you can rest comfortably knowing your door is able to help keep you secure.

There are a variety of different door styles to explore. So, whether it’s a simple back door or a custom front entryway door, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has the experience you can trust. We’ve been serving customers locally for over 20 years. Contact us today to get your project started!

Tips for Exterior Door Maintenance

Your doors are some of the first things that people notice about your home. What impression do your doors make? It’s easy to forget about your exterior doors. However, keeping them maintained should be an important part of your home maintenance to-do list. Here are some tips on how to keep them maintained well.

#1: Keep weather changes in mind.
Do you have wood exterior doors? These doors are prone to slight shrinkage in the colder weather and expansion in the hot weather. Your goal should always be to have the doors sealed properly. That way, the door will do its job no matter what the weather does outside. Weather stripping around the door frame is key. Keeping the door sealed with paint that combats moisture is another way to keep it protected.

#2: Clean it.
Cleaning the exterior doors isn’t something you have to do often but wiping it down well at least twice a year is a great idea. Now that our Pacific Northwest weather is changing to be a little colder, it’s a good time to clean your doors well. Simply use a gentle cleaning agent like baby shampoo or diluted dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge to wipe dirt or fingerprints off it. Rinse it with a small amount of water and then let it air dry completely or wipe it clean with a dry towel.

#3: Check for damage.
Your exterior doors play a big role in your home and are put to good use. While you’re cleaning the doors, check for any wear and tear. For example, look for peeled paint or any damages to the frame.

#4: Replace old doors.
When was the last time your exterior doors were replaced? If they are old and energy inefficient, consider replacing them before the coldest days of winter hit. New doors can help keep warm air in and will reduce energy usage.

Our team at Lifetime Windows & Doors has been installing exterior doors for customers around the Pacific Northwest for decades. Doors add curb appeal and will help save energy, too! We have the experience, knowledge, and positive reputation that you expect, so contact us today to get your door replacement project started.