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!

Summer Window Weatherizing Tips

August is here and the hot weather will be here for the foreseeable future. Did you know that weatherizing your windows could help keep you cooler this month? It can also help increase energy efficiency, which can save money on your monthly utility bill. Here are some helpful window weatherization tips.

#1: Check your windows regularly.
Homeowners have various home maintenance tasks to keep up with. Checking your windows is one of them. Look for any chips or cracks and ensure that there are no issues with sealing. If you spot anything, make sure they are fixed right away. This will help prevent damage to the outside structure of your home and it could save you money on a costly window repair or replacement later down the road.

#2: Caulk windows.
Windows that leak air in and out can cost you big money. Windows are one of the primary places that air is lost, so caulk well around the seams.

#3: Utilize shades and fans.
Window coverings will help block hot incoming sun and work with your AC system to keep your home cool and comfortable this August. Keep blinds or curtains closed at the hottest and sunniest parts of the day so the temperatures inside can stay balanced.

#4: Replace old windows.
If the windows in your home are decades old, chances are, they are inefficient. We offer free quotes on replacing your outdated windows! New windows are EnergyStar® rated and insulated. Many windows use glass made of high efficiency low-E coatings which can reduce the amount of heat that is transmitted through your windows. And it will also help protect you from ultraviolet rays.

Ready to get your window replacement project started? We proudly carry and install Simonton and Milgard products and can help you find the right windows for your budget. We serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington.  We are currently offering a variety of specials, so visit our specials page to see what our deals are available, then contact us today to get your free consultation scheduled.

What’s Your Window’s Story?

Every day we work with customers of all kinds looking to replace their windows that are new and energy efficient. Whether it’s a historic home that needs new windows or a contemporary home that is being completely remodeled, we love the variety of windows that are out there and enjoy what part the windows play in the home’s story.  Your windows have a story. Here’s how:

Windows that love to maximize light:
Some windows are placed strategically to maximize the outside view and the daylight that enters a space. Whether it’s a big picture window in the front living room of a home, or a small window in a bedroom that needs more sunlight, windows are all about bringing the outside in.

Windows that allow ventilation:
Whether it’s a window in a bathroom or a kitchen, we can find the right window that provides the ventilation you need for the space. There are windows that slide from up to down or side to side, in addition to those that turn in or out.

Windows that mute sound:
New windows will keep the inside of your home quieter than you ever dreamed! We have a variety of window options that will help keep pounding rain and wind at bay, in addition to keeping outside noisy traffic quieter, too! Not to mention, new windows are insulated well and provide the thermal control that you need to keep the temperature in your home the way you want it.

Windows that need to meet code:
Maybe you’re updating your basement and putting an egress window is a necessary addition. We understand the variety of codes and what complexities come with them, so if you have a window that needs to meet a specific code requirement, we can help!

The windows in your home tell a story and play a big role in your overall comfort!   Springtime and early summer are great times to consider getting your windows replaced with new, energy efficient options from Milgard or Simonton. Our experienced team of window installation professionals can help get your windows replaced quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to enjoying the spring weather! New, energy efficient windows not only add curb appeal to your home, but they will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Ready to get your window installation project started? Contact us today for a free estimate!