How to Prepare Your Roof for Fall

We’ve already had a rainy September and looking ahead, we will likely have more breezy, wet days. Now is the best time to prepare your home – and your roof – for the fall. Here are some tips on how to do that.

#1: Clean the gutters out.
If leaves and other debris are let unattended in your gutters, serious clogs could develop. Clogs could lead to built up water that sits on and around your roof, which could pose a problem. So, before the rains start up again, be sure to clean your gutters out well and keep them emptied throughout the season.

#2: Clean debris off the roof.
Sticks, pine cones, and other leaf debris should be removed from your roof. Debris buildup keeps moisture in, and that can lead to damage, mold, or algae growth on your roof. Make sure there is no debris, nests, or leaves blocking roof vents or vent pipes, too.

#3: Do a quick inspection of your roof.
Look for signs of damage on your roof. Are there areas of deterioration? Are there missing shingles or other areas that could be potential problem spots? Now is the time to correct any problems on your roof. If there is significant damage on the roof that cannot be corrected with a few small repairs, a roof replacement may be in order. Our team of experienced roofing professionals can help! We will ensure you have a new, reliable roof installed just in time for the cooler autumn months. Contact us today to learn more about a potential roof replacement project, or to get a free quote.

The fall season can be a dangerous time for roofs with powerful rain and wind, with lots of falling debris. Make sure you set aside time soon to get your roof inspected, repaired, or replaced. It is important to ensure that the roof is reliable and capable of keeping you comfortable and protected during the coldest months of the year.

Ready to learn more about your roof project? Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has been serving customers around Oregon and Southwest Washington for over two decades. We have the expertise you can trust. So, contact us today!

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!

Budgeting for Home Improvement Projects

It’s no secret that home improvement projects can be costly. Many homeowners need to budget and save for the projects that can transform their home to what they want. Whether it’s a simple exterior door replacement project or a complete window replacement throughout your home, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors is committed to helping you get your project done on budget. Here are some tips on how to budget for your home improvement projects.

#1: Determine your home goals.
Are you looking to simply boost your home’s curb appeal? Lower energy bills? Add a new addition to your home? The larger your home goals are, the more expensive things will be. So, determine your long-term goals. Then see how that aligns with what you can spend. For example, if you’re replacing your home’s siding, that’s a good time to also replace windows. But if both of those things are not in your budget, you should consider saving for the one that is the highest priority first.

#2: Research.
Determine what kind of materials you can afford for your renovation. For example, wood windows might be great, but vinyl windows might be a better fit for your budget. Read up on the various options that are out there and find some of your top choices that don’t stretch your budget in an uncomfortable way.

#3: Look closely at quotes and prices.
Getting quotes from licensed companies is important. When you’re getting estimates, remember that while some costs might seem high, there are often promotions, financing offers, and manufacturing or energy rebates that can help cut costs. And keep in mind that even though one company might have a low price, it doesn’t mean it’s a good fit. Low prices can unfortunately translate to poor quality product, inattentive customer service, or substandard installation.

Want to learn more?

So, when you’re ready to start your home improvement project, schedule a free estimate with our experienced specialists at Lifetime Windows and Doors. We’ll discuss your project with you and provide you with the best windows, siding, and door with door frame options for your home. We love serving our Portland, Vancouver, and Central Oregon clients. So contact us today for details on prices, products, and promotions that are happening.

How Your Roof Adds Curb Appeal

The real estate market is still hot in the Pacific Northwest!  Interest rates are at an all time low. That means prospective home buyers are out looking for their perfect home. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, your home’s curb appeal will make a big difference in attracting a buyer. Here’s how a new roof will add curb appeal to your home.

#1: The design
Your roof’s pitch and shape should complement your home’s overall architectural style and enhance its curb appeal. No matter what roof material you choose for your new roof, design plays a key role in showcasing your home’s personality.
#2: The value
A new roof will add value to your home. That means you can get some of your new roof investment back when it comes time to sell. Not only will you be able to enjoy the new roof & its protection while you live in the home, but when it comes time to sell it, the roof will be one less thing to add to the bargaining table.
#3: The energy efficiency
A new roof will improve your home’s energy efficiency. With adequate insulation and quality materials, air that rises won’t escape from the attic. So, that means your home will not be using excess heat in the winter or extra air conditioning in the summer. This will save money and help reduce your negative impact on the environment.

Curb appeal matters and a new roof can help make your home stand out! Our experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors can help get your roof replacement scheduled and ready to go! We recognize that replacing your roof is a key investment for a homeowner, so we will work with you to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and on budget. We proudly use Malarkey Roofing Products in our roofing jobs, which is a product that protects the environment through their Energy-Star rated roofing materials.  Contact us for more details on getting your project started.

3 Reasons To Replace Your Roof Before Winter Weather Hits

November is here, and the temperatures are dropping fast. With the cold weather comes different weather scenarios, including rain, wind, sleet, and snow. Your roof has an important job during every season of the year, but it can really take a beating in the cold fall and winter months. If your roof has seen better days and it isn’t up to handling another winter, now is the time to act on a roof replacement. Here are some reasons why.

#1: It will protect your home and add value.
If your roof begins to leak, it could cause damage to the inside of your home and that could be costly to repair. Not to mention, over time, water damage can cause dry rot and mold build up, which can cause health problems. A new roof will protect you from these risks. In addition, a new roof will add instant value to your home while adding curb appeal!

#2: You can add extra features during a roof replacement.
Did you know that if you’re replacing your roof with Lifetime Windows & Doors, our team can install skylights where you want them? This is the perfect opportunity to not only add value and beauty to your home with a new roof, but you can also add natural light! Skylights on the roof bring light into different areas of your home, creating a feeling of warmth, well- brightness. This is especially true in the Pacific Northwest when the days can get gray and drab, and we want to maximize the light we get.  Skylights can also save you energy because you will be using less artificial light and more natural light. Talk to us about skylight options during your roof replacement project.

#3: You can save energy.
Old, leaky roofs leak not just air out and water in, but they can also cause you to waste money! If your roof leaks cold air in and warm air out, you’ll likely be using your furnace more often, which can cause your heating bill to increase significantly when the fall and winter weather arrives. The same goes for warm summer days. If your air conditioner has to work harder to do its job, then your energy bill will increase.

Replacing your roof is one of the most important investments a homeowner can make and our experienced team of professionals at Lifetime Windows & Doors can help you get the replacement scheduled and ready to go! We proudly use Marlarkey Roofing Products in our roofing jobs, which is a product that protects the environment through their Energy-Star rated roofing materials.  A high-quality roof will serve you well, keeping you warm and protected from the various Pacific Northwest weather for many decades! Contact us for more details on getting your project started.

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!

Top Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Roof This Spring

Your home’s roof is critical to the overall integrity of your house and it’s important to make sure it holds up over time. If your roof has seen better days and it’s starting to leak or cause problems in various portions of the house, it’s time to consider a replacement. Spring is the perfect time to replace your roof, too. Here’s why.

Reason #1:  It adds value and protection to your home.
If your roof is nearing the end of its life cycle, it’s time to replace it. If you don’t, you could be risking damage to the inside part of your home and could increase your risk for ceiling damage or the development of dry rot or mold. A new roof will protect your home from this kind of costly damage. In addition, a new roof will enhance curb appeal and help increase the value of it, which can be great if you’re considering selling the home in the next several years.

Reason #2: You can use your tax return.
Springtime means its tax season and for many homeowners, a tax return is used for those household projects that need to be done! If you’re expecting to get some money back this year in the form of a tax return, consider putting it toward your roof replacement! A new roof is an investment that will be well worth it – it could save you from future problems or issues that could be very expensive down the road.  Using a portion of your tax return means you won’t need to dip unexpectedly into your savings or secure a loan to help pay for a new roof after it’s been damaged, and you’re forced to replace it without much warning. Planning ahead is always a great idea!

Reason #3: Springtime weather.
Even though we work on roof replacements year-round, springtime is one of the best times of year to replace your roof because the weather is getting better! Spring in the Northwest can be rainy, but we have more daylight and there are longer stretches of dry, sunny weather. This makes roofing jobs a lot easier to complete.

Reason #4: Energy savings.
Replacing your old, leaky roof with a new one will help improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. This translates to more money in your pocket at the end of the month because you won’t be spending unnecessary money on high heating or cooling bills! This is especially helpful once you start running your air conditioner on those warm spring or summer days.

A roof replacement is a great investment for your home and our experienced team of professionals at Lifetime Windows & Doors can help get you started on the replacement process. We’re proud to use Malarkey Roofing Products in our roofing jobs, which is committed to protecting the environment in their Energy-Star rated roofing materials. A high-quality roof will serve you well for many decades! Contact us for more details on getting your project started.