Ways to Keep Your Home Warmer This Winter

Winter weather means hunkering down and staying warm. Cold weather will stick around for a while longer, so we’re here to help provide some ideas that will keep your home warmer for the rest of the season.

#1: Don’t ignore drafts.
Did you know that older windows and doors will bring in cold outside air? They’ll also leak out the warm air that your heating system is working hard to pump in. Minimize drafts by upgrading your windows and doors to new, energy efficient ones. This is not only a great way to save energy and stay warm, but they will add value to your home and boost curb appeal. Now is the time to act, too! We are offering a variety of specials that can help you save big!

#2: Keep your heating system tuned up.
Professional preventative maintenance on your heating and cooling system is an important part of keeping your home warm all winter long. Professional HVAC companies will make sure all of the internal components of the heating system are working at peak efficiency and they will also make sure the filters are cleaned, which helps prolong the life of the system and keep the air clean. So, don’t neglect this important task of keeping the system professionally maintained annually.

#3: Don’t forget about your roof.
Your roof is a critical part of your home’s protection. Be sure it’s inspected well, checking to ensure that there are no missing shingles or cracks in flashing or gutters. These could lead to leaks or other areas where cold air could penetrate it. That opens your home up to cold air and increases the risk for potential damage. This could cause expensive repairs or even a full roof replacement later down the road. If you do need a roof replacement, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help with that, too! We specialize in installing shingled roofs, metal roofs, and tile roofs. Choosing the right material depends on your home’s architecture as well as performance factors. Not sure which one is best? We will help you find the material that meets your needs.

Winter is cold, but you can stay warm! So, contact us today to get your home improvement project started. That way, you can keep your home protected and warm no matter what Jack Frost decides to throw our way!

 

Reasons to Replace Windows During Winter

The cold, wet weather is here and it’s easy to feel like you should stay inside all the time. When it comes to taking on a home renovation project during this time of year, it might feel a bit daunting. But we have good news! Replacing your windows during the winter can be easy and cost effective!

Your old windows will show their true colors.
Winter is the best time to identify problems with your existing windows. Window materials contract in the colder weather and your windows are exposed to significant wet weather and other elements. That’s oftentimes when you will start noticing any drafts or leaks.

Scheduling is more flexible.
Summer is incredibly busy for our team and other home renovation specialists in the Northwest. Getting your replacement windows done during the winter means you will have greater flexibility on installation dates. We will work with you year-round to find the best time for installation but planning your installation early will help you accommodate any other projects that you might have.

Save money!
Winter promotions are happening right now, so it’s time to act! We are offering a variety of specials that will help you save big money on the price of your window replacement project. For example, buy any two windows and receive your third free!*

Replacing your windows doesn’t mean you’ll be losing heat and energy as the old windows come out and the new ones go in. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors will work to install one window at a time to ensure that your home stays as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors can install your replacement windows on time and with superior attention to detail. Whether it’s Simonton or Milgard windows you choose, we have a variety of innovative and energy efficient windows that will fit your home’s style and your budget! Contact us today for information on getting your window replacement project started!

*Cannot be combined with other promotions. Must set appointment by Dec 31, 2019. Not valid on completed jobs or jobs in progress. Details provided at time of quote.

How to Prepare Your Home for Fall Weather

Fall in the Pacific Northwest is one of the best times of year! The leaves are changing beautifully. The weather is crisp and cool and the sun is out! Now that autumn is here, there are a couple of important tips to help get your home ready for season.

Tip #1: Don’t ignore energy inefficiency.
Are your windows damaged or cracked? Or maybe they are simply so old that they leak cold air inside? It’s a fact that old, single-pane windows are not energy efficient. They will bring cold air inside and let heated air escape. Your heating system will work harder to keep your living space comfortable. That translates to increased energy bills. New windows will keep warm air in this autumn. That will in turn, save you significant money each year. If you install new windows, you will notice right away the energy savings! And, you won’t feel drafts as much, either.

Tip #2: Check your roof.
It’s no secret that fall and winter in the Pacific Northwest is cold and windy. Your roof plays an important role in keeping you protected from the elements. Need a roof replacement? Fall is a great time to do that. The weather is usually dry enough, allowing roofing teams to finish the job before it gets cold, wet and slippery out there. Replacing your roof will not only look nice and help utilize less energy, but it will add resale value to your home. If your roof is 15 to 20 years old, then it’s time to talk about replacement with one of our roofing professionals. And, we use only Malarkey Roof and Hardie Siding products in our roof replacements, which is the best of the best.

We proudly serve the greater Portland area, Southwest Washington, and Central Oregon. Ready to get your fall preparation checklist for your home complete? We can help you get the information you need on window or roof replacement, in addition to doors and siding! So, whatever your home project entails, we’ll help get it weatherized just in time for autumn season. Call us today to get started.

Contemporary Home Remodel Ideas

If you are a homeowner that is about to embark on the journey of remodeling, you are probably doing lots of research on the details of the process. Figuring out styles and preferences is the fun part and choosing contractors for the specific projects takes time and energy. If you love contemporary home styles and are ready to remodel your space to reflect all things contemporary, we can help.

Windows and Patio Doors:
Patio doors and windows add so much to a remodeled space because they allow natural light in to brighten each room. Contemporary style patio doors and windows have thinner frame profiles in order to maximize the view. Picture windows, moving glass walls, and large doors are some of the most common contemporary styles that can play off the rest of the home’s design. Windows are often left uncovered to let in lots of natural light and glass panels are common to make the indoor and outdoor mold together a bit. Window shapes in contemporary homes are generally rectangular with straight lined grid patterns.

Hardware:
When it comes to remodeling, the details matter, especially the little ones. Once you have your new windows and doors installed, decorating with hardware can accent the space more. Contemporary design is all about clean, smooth surfaces, so ask us about window locks that have hardware that do not protrude like traditional styles. There are door latches that are integrated into the rail, so they look flat and smooth and other “smart” locks that are integrated into window frames, too.

When you combine your new windows and doors with updated interiors with neutral colors and furniture that has square lines, it will add balance and symmetry to your contemporary space.

Ready to get started in your project? We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your worn windows or doors 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. Whether it’s new windows or doors, new siding, or a roof replacement, 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 Questions To Ask Potential Home Contractors

If your windows and doors are old and inefficient, replacing them can be a great investment that will not only add value to your home, but it will also save you money on utility bills and bolster the curb appeal of your house.  When you’ve decided to make the leap to do this kind of project, you will need to take some time and do some important research on companies and contractors. Unfortunately, there are many out there claiming to be the “best” and most experienced in a specific field, but they truly aren’t and could create a headache later down the road. Here are some important questions to ask potential home contractors before you hire them.

  1. How long have you been in business?
    A quality contractor or company doesn’t have to be in business for decades, but remember, the longer that they’ve been working in their field, the more hands on experience they have to bring to your home.
  2. What are their reviews like?
    If there is a significant amount of negative reviews online, take note – this is not a good sign. Do your research and read the negative reviews to see if there is a recurring theme. In the same way, if there are a lot of positive reviews, read through those as well and see if there are comments about quality workmanship, staying on budget, and attentive and responsive customer service. Reviews speak volumes about a company. In addition, if you should choose to ask for references from the potential company or contractor, they should be happy to give you some, with no complaints or questions.
  3. What is their specialty?
    When it comes to window or door replacements, working with a contractor that knows what they’re doing and specializes in these types of projects is key. This means they will be able to handle any unexpected issues with ease and ensure that your project will be completed the right way, the first time.
  4. What are their prices like?

Homeowners generally don’t like overpaying for things and when it comes to window and door replacements, the same goes. When you are talking to a potential company to get a quote or a bid for a job, they should be upfront with it and provide a professional written-up quote. A reputable contractor or company will never ask you to pay for a job in full until it’s completed to your satisfaction.

Our team at Lifetime Windows & Doors brings decades of experience to each homeowner’s window or door installation. We have worked on thousands of projects over the years and we know how to approach each one with confidence, so we can get everything installed quickly and efficiently, the first time. If there are any issues that arise while we’re working on your home, we will talk to you about them right away to get the problem solved.

Not sure where to get started? We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your worn windows or doors 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. Whether it’s new windows or 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.

 

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!

Is Your Home Exterior Making A Good First Impression?

Your home is arguably one of the largest investments you will ever make, and it reflects who you are and what your unique personality is. Your home is your oasis, both inside and outside, but what first impression does it make for people visiting or passing by? When was the last time you have taken a good look at your home’s exterior? If it’s been a while and your home exterior needs a little love to help restore its original beauty, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Summer is a great time to work on the exterior of your home because the weather is warm and dry here in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some great ways your home’s exterior can make a good first impression.

#1: New doors.
Your doors welcome and invite guests, friends, and family to your home, so they should look great. Your front door should especially make a great first impression. We have hundreds of different door options 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!

#2: Updated siding.
Replacement siding is one of the top ways you can enhance curb appeal and make it look like new. We have significant experience 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. New siding also adds great value to your home when it comes time to put it on the market.

#3: Window replacements.
Cracked windows or those that leak or are old and inefficient simply are not doing the job that they’re intended to do. Window replacements add instant value to your home and will also add beauty at the same time.  We are proud to carry a variety of window styles and brands that will fit well into your specific home’s style. We know that you have a budget, too, so we will work with you on that.  Our new window options are Energy Star certified and come with great ratings, so you know you’re getting the best product for your money.

We are also offering some specials that will save you significantly on your purchase Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are! 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 ready for to face the rest of the summer months and well into the fall and winter. Contact us today for more details!

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.