Home Upgrades for 2020

Your home is a place where you live a large chunk of your life, so making it a space that speaks to you and your unique personality and tastes is important. Now that we are three months into 2020, it’s a great time to start acting on that home improvement list that you might have in mind. Here are some of our top recommendations for home upgrades this year.

#1: New siding.
Your siding adds instant value and curb appeal to your home. Not to mention, it also helps keeps your home protected from the varying elements of the Pacific Northwest. We proudly install fiber cement siding which offers some of the following benefits:

  • No hot or cold weather expansion
  • Does not crack, warp, or split
  • Moisture and rot resistant
  • Long-term durability
  • Low maintenance
  • Won’t ignite or add fuel to a fire like other materials
  • Resistant to pests
  • Withstands extreme weather like wind and storms
  • Features a baked-on pre-finish that’s UV resistant and won’t fade

#2: New windows.
Your windows are your view to the outside, but if they are old, they could be costing you money. If you have single pane windows that were installed decades ago, they simply won’t be energy efficient. We have a variety of new window options from Milgard and Simonton that fit your home’s style and most importantly, your budget. New windows will allow you to reap the benefits of a quieter home, lower utility bills, and enhanced beauty.

#3: New exterior doors.
What’s your home’s overall style? Whether it’s a Craftsman-style, farmhouse, modern, or traditional, we have a variety of door options that will fit with your home. Wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass are great choices that can help keep indoor air from leaking outside, which contributes to high energy bills. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can install standard doors or something custom. And we can get the job done quickly and on-time.

What’s your home improvement project this year? Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. We’ve proudly served Oregon and Washington for more than two decades and have the reputation for quality that you can count on. Contact us today to get your questions answered and your free in-home estimate scheduled.

 

Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Replacement Window Installation

If you’ve recently decided to replace your old and inefficient windows and you have the installation day on your calendar, you may be wondering what else you need to do to prepare. Choosing your windows is the hardest part. Once you have hired our experienced team of window installation specialists at Lifetime Windows & Doors, you can sit back and relax knowing things will be completed with efficiency and accuracy. Here are some tips on how to make the replacement window process easy and stress free.

#1: Move things out of the way.
When your new windows arrive, your old ones will need to be completely removed. While this is something our team will take care of, you can make their job easier by moving things out of the way around the existing windows. For example, if there is furniture inside under the window or there are overgrown bushes on the outside, move the furniture and trim the bushes. In addition, ensure that pathways are clear in the areas that they will be working in, so they can haul the new windows in and the old windows out.

#2: Remove window treatments.
Any blinds or curtains that are attached to your old windows will need to be removed and stored. It’s also a good idea to take down surrounding paintings or wall décor so nothing gets knocked down during installation. Our team of window specialists are safe and attentive to each home’s surroundings, but it is important to minimize the risk of any accidents by removing things that surround it.

#3: Keep pets contained.
If you have pets, keep them away from the workspace, either in a closed room, closed garage area, or a crate. Pets could get anxious from construction noise, and we don’t want them to escape through a door that is open during installation.

In order to get ready for your installation project, it just takes a little bit of planning ahead and effort. This will ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible!

Ready to get your installation project started?  Contact us today to talk about your window style options! We offer a variety of styles and design options that fit with your home and your budget.

French Doors or Sliding Glass Doors

Whether you are looking to demo your back patio or deck, or you want to make for a stunning update to your entryway, you may be curious which doors will be best: French doors or a sliding glass door? You may have a specific style in mind but getting information on both options is a great way to confirm your decision. Here are two of the main differences.

Price:
Most home renovation projects begin with the question of cost, so doing your research on which style fits your budget is important. French doors are generally more costly than sliding glass doors, but that is also dependent on the materials, size, and other upgrade options you choose. These doors can cost several hundred or even several thousand dollars but sliding glass doors are usually significantly less. French doors will cost more if you choose solid wood like cedar or oak and if they swing out rather than in, they will cost a bit more. There is a wide variation on how much sliding glass doors and French doors cost, so be sure to ask our team at Lifetime about what options there are so you can make the best decision.

Placement:
The space in your home is unique and the type of door you choose needs to fit the style and look of the house. In addition, it needs to fit the specific space where it will be installed. For example, French doors need room to swing open, which means if you have a small space or furniture that will prevent that full motion from happening, sliding glass doors may be a better option. If you have the space, however, French doors will allow you a wider opening that will help you to open wide to bring in fresh air in, haul furniture in and out, or to host backyard parties.

Whichever design you choose, you will be glad to have a new, energy-efficient door added to your home. Our selection of Energy Star-rated doors are designed to insulate against heat or cold, which means you will save big bucks on utility bills over time. Not to mention, you can stay more comfortable all year long!

Spring is the best time to get your French door or sliding glass door replaced. We carry a variety of designs that will fit your budget and style. We offer free quotes and proudly serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can determine what new door options are best for your home!

Benefits of A New Front Door Installation

Has your entry door seen better days? Maybe it’s old or not insulated well.  Is it simply not performing as well as it used to? If so, a replacement door is something you should consider! Once you decide it’s time to get your new door, be sure it is professionally installed by an experienced team. This team should be committed to quality workmanship and attention to detail. Here are some of the primary benefits of professional front door installation.

#1: Style.
Your front door helps give guests a good first impression! The entry door is your home’s introduction to the rest of it! Something that is visually appealing will catch the eye of neighbors and other passersby, as well as friends and family.  If your front door is dented, scratched, or off color, this will also make an impression – but not a good one. Bolster curb appeal with a new, stylish front door!
#2: Energy efficiency.
Saving energy is important – not only for the earth, but for your checking account! A new door is energy efficient, which means you won’t need to rely as heavily on your heating and cooling system.  It will help keep cold air out and warm air in.  And during the summer, it will keep summer weather outside and cool air in! That means you will see a cost savings on your utility bill. That could translate to saving hundreds at the end of the year.
#3: Security.
A new front door will protect your home from outside elements as well as home invasion. If your old door is weak and of poor quality, this doesn’t do much in the way of protection. We offer a variety of doors in different materials ranging from wood to fiberglass and more. We also provide custom doors that are beautiful and strong! When you combine this with a solid professional door installation, you can rest knowing that your door is functioning as it was intended.

Spring is almost here and it’s a great time to spruce up your home! Our experienced team of installation professionals are ready to help get your home to look and feel how you want it. Whether it’s quality products from Therma-Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, or Codel, you’re bound to find something that you love! Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can determine what new front door works for your home and budget!

Why You Should Update Your Home This Year

Home improvements require some planning and preparation and 2019 is the right time to make those updates that you’ve been thinking about!  Starting small is a great way to go with small touches that make big statements, like new lighting fixtures or accent furniture. But when it comes to the bigger changes, our expert team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Here’s how:

New windows: Not only do new windows bring in more natural light and help lighten your mood during those cold, dreary days, but they will also be energy efficient, which means your utility bill will be lower! Not to mention, new windows are extremely quiet, which translates to a more peaceful inside space!  We are proud dealers of Milgard and Simonton windows, which are known for their quality workmanship, attention to detail, and energy efficiency. Contact us today for information on which windows could work with your home’s unique style and most importantly, your budget.

New doors: A new front door not only makes a statement, but it adds curb appeal and sets the tone for the rest of your house. If your front door has seen better days, we can help with a replacement! A new door will not only look good, but it will also help keep cold winter air out and warm air inside! We have an infinite number of choices available for doors and carry a variety of brands including Therma-Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, Codel, and more!  Whether you need a simple replacement or something more custom, we can help!

We think 2019 is a great time to replace your windows and doors! We can even help with new roofing and siding projects. Our experienced team of professionals is ready to help get your home to look and feel how you want it, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can start getting your home renovation project started!

How Moving Glass Walls Can Transform Your Space

Moving glass walls add affordable luxury to homes and can be customized to fit your space. They can also be a great replacement for patio doors! If you have a small room that you want to brighten up with natural light and views to your backyard or other area that you enjoy seeing, moving glass walls could be a great option.

We are proud to 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 fully weather stripped to make sure no cold air leaks in or warm air leaks out. They can be opened and closed seamlessly because of the tandem stainless steel ball bearing rollers.

Moving glass wall systems are the perfect way to open your space up, especially if you love to entertain! People will be able to access the inside and outside of your home and you’ll be able to take advantage of the natural light in the home, so you can reduce your use of electricity and ultimately save money in the long run!

Ready to explore the option of a moving glass wall system for your home? Call our team of experienced professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors! We’re happy to provide free quotes on this kind of project! 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! We are experienced in installing moving glass wall systems for any home renovation or remodel project! Be sure to 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!

How to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value

As a homeowner, you’re likely looking for ways to make your home a better, more comfortable place to live. Home improvements or home renovations are known to increase the value of your home and if you do it right, you can increase the resale value when you go to put your home on the market. There are several things that can update your home that bring great returns. Here are some ideas on how to increase your home’s resale value.

#1: Exterior updates:
When was the last time the siding on your home got a thorough look? Maybe it never has and it’s starting to look beat up and worn out. Siding that is old could have cracks in it that could allow for mold or dry rot build up. This is not only a dangerous thing to have in your home, but when you go to sell the house, a home inspector will note it and a potential buyer may be concerned. Quality siding will be durable and keep your home protected from various weather elements, no matter what the season. Our team at Lifetime Windows & Doors works with customers in replacing exterior siding and we’re proud to carry outstanding products from James Hardie Siding. New siding is energy efficient and can help with heating and cooling bills over time because of its great insulating capability.

#2: Updated doors:
New doors in your home are a wonderful way to increase value and make the home look updated – especially your front door. A new front door adds instant curb appeal, as it’s one of the first things people will notice when they see your home. We have hundreds of door options and can do custom order doors with a variety of glass or window options. Whether it’s an aluminum door, wood door, or a vinyl door, we’re proud to carry top quality doors from many different brands such as Therma Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, Masonite, Milgard, Codel Entry Systems, and Simpson!

#3: Replacement windows:
Your windows are a huge part of your house and window replacement can add huge value to it! Replacement windows will help reduce your energy bill, will keep you comfortable, and they can also assist in noise reduction. Energy efficient windows will keep your heating & cooling system from working extra hard, as there will be no leaked air in or out. No matter what your home’s style is, we carries a variety of window styles and brands that will work with your budget and design preference. We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your old windows.

We love serving Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether it’s new windows, new doors, new siding, or a roof replacement, our professional team can help you get your home updated and beautiful. Ready to get started? 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.