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 28 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!

Aging-in-Place Features For Your Home

If you are newly retired or you are thinking about retirement soon, chances are you are crunching numbers and determining what life will look like after working. Many retirees want to stay in their homes as long as possible, so making their home as updated and convenient for aging-in-place is very important. Here are some things your home should have as you set out toward your journey of retirement.

#1: Updated windows.
Chilly winter days and hot summer nights – we have a little bit of everything in the Pacific Northwest.  New windows are energy efficient and can even help reduce your utility costs each month. That’s a real win when it comes to conserving your retirement dollars!  Updated windows also help keep outside noise out, so you can kick back and relax in the quietness of your own space. And last, new windows add value to your home and enhance curb appeal!

#2: New roof.
A reliable roof is one of the most important parts of your home’s structure. A new roof is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your home. It will help keep you comfortable and protected from the outside elements. We use Malarkey Roofing Products in our roofing jobs, a company committed to protecting the environment in their Energy-Star rated roofing materials. One thing is for sure – a high-quality roof will serve you well for many decades! And, you’ll be confident knowing that the roof above you is doing its job to keep you secure and safe from whatever the weather decides to do outside.

#3: Reliable siding.
Is the exterior siding of your home showing any signs of failing? If so, don’t ignore this. This could expose your home to water, which could lead to dry rot and mold. Not to mention, it can take a hit from the sun and cold weather in the winter. Be proactive and make sure your siding is ready to go for your retirement years. If it isn’t, consider replacement with fiber cement siding. This type of siding installed by our professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors is one of the best things you can do for your home’s exterior. It is moisture and rot resistant, doesn’t crack, split, or warp, and is resistant to pests.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your home’s aging-in-place projects! We proudly serve the Portland metro area, Southwest Washington, and Central Oregon. Our experience is something you can count on, so call us today!

How to Pick the Right Siding Color for Your Home

Are you considering a siding replacement? Picking the right color for your home’s exterior is a big decision. It will be a color you’ll have to live with for a long time and it plays a big role in your home’s overall curb appeal. Here are some tips on how to pick the right siding color.

#1: Know your home’s style.
The architecture in your home will help guide you. For example, if you have a Craftsman-style home, you’ll want to stick with traditional earthy colors. Colonial-style homes are often white. Country-style homes are often lighter, so breezy yellows and blues are a popular choice. For modern homes, stone hues are a good option.

#2: Consider the size of your home.
If you have a large home, it’s usually best to avoid dark, gloomy colors. Dark colors on large spaces can make it look a little overpowering. Smaller homes do better with dark hues.

#3: Coordinate roof color.
Look at your roof. If it’s dark, it’s often best to go with a lighter siding color. If you have a roof that has a mix of light and dark, stick with a neutral siding color. If your roof is brown, light earth tones or off white could contrast nicely.

#4: Consider the neighborhood.
Walk around your neighborhood and pay attention to what other homes look like. You don’t want to pick a color that sticks out like a sore thumb – especially if you plan to sell the home somewhere down the line. You can definitely pick something that is unique to your specific taste and style but consider how that will play into the whole neighborhood feel.

Our experienced team of professional installers at Lifetime Windows & Doors are factory-trained and ready to help install your new siding. We know that your home is one of your most valuable possessions, so we will make sure the job is done right! We proudly carry and install top quality fiber cement siding. It is incredibly durable and won’t swell, rot, or warp when it’s exposed to heat, humidity, or water. It uses ColorPlus® technology, which is uses a baked-on pre-finish that won’t fade or fade from ultraviolet rays.

Contact us today to learn more about getting your siding project started so it can be ready in time to enjoy the beautiful Northwest spring and summer seasons!

Why DIY Window Replacement is a Bad Idea

“Do it yourself” (DIY) projects are popular. But that doesn’t mean they are all a good idea. Home improvement projects can be expensive and doing them yourself can save money. However, when it comes to window replacement, relying on experienced window installation contractors is key. Here’s why.

#1: It can get complicated.
Measuring for windows is more complicated than you might think. Incorrect measurements could cause big problems including gaps or leaks around the windows. Windows that won’t fit into existing frames can be a difficult problem to fix. In addition, removing existing frames means cutting through connectors and caulk. Without the right tools and training, you could bend or chip the framing or damage another important area around the new window space.

#2: Do you know how to level?
Leveling your windows is critical. If they are not leveled accurately, they will be installed crooked. The crooked windows will sink, settle, and shift. Over time, that could pull away from the frame and leave leaks and gaps that allow heat, cold air, or humidity into your home. And this wastes energy and lets out your heated or air-conditioned air, too. This in turn, makes your heating or cooling system work harder than necessary.

#3: Mistakes can be costly.
Unfortunately, DIY mistakes are common. Improper installation could cause water to get inside your windows or window frames which could lead to mold or dry rot later down the road. All of this translates to expensive fixes and even health problems.

#4: Industry standards must be adhered to.
Did you know that certain home improvement projects require permits or code inspections? If you don’t have the proper paperwork done, you could be looking at a fine later. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors are trained to install windows according to proper building codes outlined by city and state requirements.

Our professional window contractors are expertly trained for proper assembly and careful installation. So, save yourself time, hassle and potential stress by hiring our team to do the work for you. Our work and positive reviews speak for themselves. Whether you choose Milgard or Simonton Windows, our product selections are of the highest quality in both energy efficiency and innovation ratings! We will work with your budget and your style preferences. So call us today for more details on getting your window replacement project started this autumn!

Reasons to Replace Windows During Winter

Why Winter Is Actually a Great Time to Replace Windows in Portland, OR

Most Portland homeowners assume window replacement is a spring or summer project. It makes sense on the surface — warmer weather, dry days, no rain to worry about. But the reality is that winter is one of the smartest times to replace your windows in the Pacific Northwest, and experienced installers will tell you the same thing. Here’s why.

1. Winter Exposes Exactly Which Windows Need Replacing

You can’t truly evaluate your windows until they’re under pressure. Cold temperatures cause window frames to contract, which widens any existing gaps and makes drafts far more noticeable. Condensation between panes — a sign of failed seals — shows up clearly in cold, humid air. If your heating bills have crept up without explanation, or if you’re noticing cold spots near certain windows, winter is telling you something. The bottom line: winter is a free diagnostic. If a window is failing, you’ll know it by January.

2. Scheduling Is Easier in the Off-Season

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for home improvement contractors across Oregon and Washington. Lead times stretch, appointment flexibility tightens, and installation crews are booked weeks out. In winter, that pressure eases. You’ll typically get faster scheduling, more flexibility on installation dates, and more attention from your installation team. For a project where precision matters — proper measurement, airtight sealing, correct fitting — having a crew that isn’t rushing through five other jobs that week makes a real difference.

3. You Won’t Lose Heat During Installation

This is the most common concern we hear, and it’s a fair one. Professional installers work one window at a time, keeping your home’s exposure to outside air to a minimum throughout the process. The opening is exposed briefly — typically 30 to 60 minutes per window — before the new unit is set and sealed. On a typical Portland winter day, this means a momentary temperature dip in one room, not a cold house for the day. Modern insulated frames and proper sealing techniques mean your home often feels noticeably warmer the same evening the windows are installed.

4. Winter Promotions and Pricing

Demand drives pricing in home improvement just like anywhere else. Slower seasons typically mean better deals — manufacturers and dealers offer winter promotions to keep business moving, and you’re more likely to get competitive pricing than you would in peak spring and summer. Check our current specials to see what’s available right now, and ask about financing options that can spread the cost across 12 or 18 months with no interest.

5. Portland’s Winter Climate Is Manageable — and Revealing

Portland’s winters are wet and gray, but rarely extreme. Temperatures in the 35–45°F range are cold enough to expose window performance issues but mild enough that installation is comfortable and practical. And because Portland homes deal with sustained dampness rather than sharp cold, the most common window failures — failed seals, frame rot, moisture infiltration — show up most clearly in the winter months. Replacing now means you’ve addressed the problem before another full rainy season does more damage to your frames, sills, or interior trim.

6. New Windows Pay Off on Your Heating Bill

Windows account for up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That loss is happening right now, all winter long, if your windows are older or underperforming. The sooner you replace them, the sooner you start recouping that cost in lower utility bills. Unlike a remodel project where you wait months to see any benefit, energy-efficient windows deliver an immediate, measurable return — often visible in your first post-installation heating bill.

7. Your Home Is Ready for Next Year

Replace your windows this winter and you’ll head into spring and summer with the project already done, the mess cleaned up, and your home performing at its best for the warmer months when windows get opened and closed daily. No scheduling scramble, no waiting until summer to enjoy the results.

Ready to Get Started?

At Lifetime Windows & Doors, we’ve been installing windows in Portland, Bend, Salem, and Vancouver year-round since 1998. Our team works one window at a time, cleans up completely, and backs every installation with a lifetime warranty. Schedule your free in-home consultation or call us at (503) 230-0500 — we’ll come to you, measure your windows, and give you a clear quote with no pressure.

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!