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!

Why You Should Replace Your Roof This Spring

Your building’s roof is vital to the overall reliability of the structure. For this reason, it’s important to have a reliable roof. If your roof is starting to show its wear, or you’ve noticed that it is causing issues in other parts of the building, it is probably time to consider a replacement. Here’s why you should consider a roof replacement this spring.

#1: It protects your work or living space.
Putting off a roof replacement could increase your risk for damage to the interior of your home or business. For example, you could risk ceiling damage, dry rot, or mold. A new roof will protect the space from this kind of harmful destruction. In addition, it will add value to the space and enhance curb appeal! A new roof is an especially good selling point if you plan to list the home or business for sale soon.

#2: The weather is ideal.
Springtime in the Pacific Northwest is unmatched. It’s not too hot and it’s drying out a bit more! While we do have rainy days, the sunlight is here for longer and there are longer stretches of sunny, dry weather. This is perfect roofing replacement weather.

#3: You can use your stimulus money or tax return.
Got some stimulus money set aside for home improvements? Tax returns are also starting to trickle in, and what better way to use it than by investing it in a new roof! A new roof is an investment that will help you – it could save you from future problems or issues that are incredibly costly to fix! So, designate some of your stimulus money or tax return to put toward a roof. Planning to get it replaced before you’re forced to because of a bad leak or other damage, is the best way to go.

A roof replacement installed by our team of professionals at Lifetime Windows and Doors is a great investment for your home or commercial building. We use Malarkey Roofing Products in our roofing jobs, a company committed to protecting the environment in their Energy-Star rated roofing materials. There’s no doubt about it – a high-quality roof will serve you well for many decades! You’ll be confident knowing that the roof above you is doing its job to keep you protected and safe from the outside elements.  Contact us for more details on getting your roof replacement started.

 

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!

Tips on Avoiding Roof Damage This Winter

Your roof plays a key role in keeping you and your family protected and comfortable – especially as winter weather rolls in. So, ensuring your roof is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way this year, there are some important tricks to follow to help avoid roof damage.

#1: Check your gutters.
Winter in the Pacific Northwest is wet. As rain pummels the roof, water will roll off it and route it away from your home’s foundation via the gutter system. If your gutters are broken or clogged, they can’t do its job. This means that the roof could collect standing water, and this could cause damage in the form of mold, mildew, or even dry rot.

#2: Remove roof debris.
Wind and rain will bring tree branches, leaves, dirt, and other small objects that can cause damage. Piles of debris can cause mold build up or even attract pests. Ensuring your roof is clear will help minimize your risk of problems.

#3: Treat mildew and mold immediately.
If you notice any mold or mildew buildup, treat it right away. This type of buildup on your shingles could damage them as well as the sheathing underneath.

#4: Keep nearby trees trimmed.
If you have trees hanging nearby your roof, be sure to keep them trimmed. Fallen branches – especially in the event of a rain or windstorm – could cause damage to the roof.

#5: Don’t ignore damage.
If there is significant damage to your roof, don’t ignore it. This could cause water to leak through, which could damage the structure of your home. This is especially true if your roof is already at the end of its life cycle. The average roof will last about 20 years. But if your roof is older than that, chances are, it will need to be replaced soon.

Keeping your roof prepared for the winter weather is important. Roof maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your roof. Or, maybe it is time for a full roof replacement. So don’t put your home’s exterior in jeopardy by waiting to replace it! A roof replacement can happen at any time during the year, including the winter! Whether you’re looking for a shingled roof, metal roof, or tile roof, our skilled team at Lifetime Window and Doors can help answer your questions! We’ll ensure you have the right high-performance roof to keep you protected and comfortable all year long.  Contact us today!

Why We Love Malarkey Roofing Products

We understand that the roof is one of the most important components of your home. That’s why we are proud to use Malarkey Roofing Products® for our roofing jobs.

Founded by Herbert Malarkey, and based out of Portland, Oregon, the company has built their brand on the value of quality, honest interactions with employees, vendors, and customers, and a commitment to the community.  The company has also made it their mission to protect the environment. In partnership with the city of Portland, Marlarkey Roofing Products has received the state of Oregon’s Governor’s Award for energy conservation for installing a methane recovery pipeline, which has helped reduce natural gas consumption by more than 80%. Today, the company provides many Energy Start-rated roofing materials for customers, which can help consumers that qualify for LEED points.

The company also works regularly with non-profit organizations and gives back by raising money to help them. Malarkey also provides building materials for Habitat for Humanity and has also worked regularly with Feeding America, No Kid Hungry, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and more.

If your roof is leaking and has been repaired significantly over the years, it’s likely that you will need to consider a full roof replacement.  A new roof will keep your home protected throughout the various seasons of the year, including the springtime when we get a lot of wind and rain. In addition, a new roof will help add value to your home. We use only factory-trained installers for our roof replacements, so that means you’ll get the job done right the first time and you won’t need to worry about a thing.

Contact us today to see how we can help with your roof replacement. We are proud to serve Portland and the surrounding areas, Vancouver, and Central Oregon and can work with you to get your new roof installed soon!  Contact our team of experienced professionals so you can keep your home protected this spring and through the rest of the seasons for decades to come!