Benefits of Replacing Windows Before Selling Your Home

If you are thinking about selling your home, it can be difficult to determine what you should do to the house before you put it on the market. Replacing your windows is one thing that you should think of doing before you sell. Here’s why.

Benefit #1: Curb appeal.
Selling your home is a process that requires a little bit of patience as you wait for the right buyer to come along. When people drive by or walk past your home and see the for-sale sign in the yard, you want your home to stand out to them. New windows add significant curb appeal to your home and that can attract prospective buyers!

Benefit #2: Recouped cost.
If you invest in upgrades for your home, the average homeowner will recoup some of the money spent on these home improvements. That means when it comes time to sell, you can plan on getting more for your home. Potential buyers will not be haggling to get you down on price to do the upgrades they want to do, because they will already be done!

Benefit #3: Energy efficiency.
New, updated windows are a big selling point for homeowners, especially when they know that they are energy efficient. Saving money on energy costs each month is something homeowners are looking for, and they don’t want to have a home that costs a lot of cash to cool and heat.

Making your home more move-in ready is one way to get your home sale expedited. If you are planning on listing your home this spring, contact us today to get information on replacement windows. We are proud carriers of Simonton and Milgard Windows, which are known for their outstanding quality, structure, and durability. Our team of experienced window installation professionals will control the process with superior attention to detail from start to finish. This ensures that you will get the job done well the first time, with no headache.

Springtime is the perfect time to your window replacement project started, so contact our locally owned and operated business today for a free estimate!

Why You Should Consider Installing Vinyl Windows

If you are remodeling your home and you’re doing research on window replacement for your home, it’s likely that you are seeing a lot of different options out there and it can be confusing. Vinyl windows are very popular options for homeowners today, but why? Here, we will talk about some of the details about vinyl windows and you can determine if they’re right for your home.

Vinyl windows were originally created many decades ago as an alternative to wood windows. They are created with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are available in different grades. There are several advantages of having vinyl windows in your home.

  1. Energy efficiency.
    If the windows in your home are decades old, they simply are not as energy efficient as the windows on the market today. Old windows are drafty and can leak precious warm air outside during the fall and winter months, which can not only make it feel cooler inside, but it can also increase your energy bill. Vinyl windows that come with Energy Star® ratings and that are manufactured with Low-E glass or filled with argon gas, are the most energy efficient windows out there. They will reflect heat in the summer and keep warm air inside during the cold winter months. That means you’ll save money on your utility bill AND stay more comfortable!
  2. Affordability.
    Vinyl windows are a cost-effective window option, costing less than wood windows or fiberglass windows. We recognize that replacing the windows in your home is a big investment, so we will be sure to help provide vinyl window options that are within your price range. We carry a variety of window styles from brands such as Milgard and Simonton, which means you are getting high quality options at a reasonable price.
  3. Easy to maintain.
    Once your windows are professionally installed, there is nothing else you need to do except for keep the windows cleaned. Use a soft cloth to clean the inside and outside of the windows, rather than using high-pressured hoses. Vinyl windows are easy to clean, and they won’t rot, peel, or chip, even during the yuckiest of Pacific Northwest weather.

Ready to get your window replacement project started? We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your worn windows 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. 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 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!

Two Ways to Save Money This Spring

The Pacific Northwest is beautiful this time of year and it’s a great time to get outside and explore. And now with the warmer weather here, there are opportunities to save money and conserve energy, too. Here are two helpful ways that can save money this spring.

#1: Let the outdoors in.
Once the weather hits the 70s and 80s, it’s the perfect time to turn off your HVAC system and open up your windows. Not only will you save money on your utility bill, you’ll help your home feel fresh and aired out! If your windows are difficult to open or they’re so old and inefficient that you can’t stand the sight of them any longer, we can help upgrade your windows, so you can enjoy the rest of the spring and the upcoming summer season. We carry a variety of top quality window brands including Milgard and Simonton. New windows are quiet and will save significant amounts of energy because they won’t leak air in or out! This saves a lot of money over time!  In addition, we offer 12 months 0% interest and can help with financing options that can help you save money, too.

#2: Check for leaks.
Once the temperatures really start creeping up, you’ll likely turn for the air conditioner remote and turn it on. Before you do that, be sure the ductwork is clear of debris and that there are no leaking ducts. In addition, check your window seals and doors as well to make sure there are no gaps that could cause leakage. Leaking air is not only bad for the environment because of the waste, but it will also cause your energy bill to be higher, which translates to lost money. Save money by checking for leaks around the house!

Saving money will reduce your stress level and allow you to better enjoy the beauty of each spring day in the Northwest. We love this part of the country and 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.

When Should You Replace Your Sliding Glass Door?

Having a sliding glass door in your home is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying comfortable inside. They’re not only a convenient way to get in and out, but they’re a beautiful addition to a room, allowing natural sunlight and warmth to enter the space. If your sliding glass door has seen better days, we can help with a replacement. Not sure when you should replace your sliding glass door? Here are some signs that it’s time to replace it.

Sign #1: Are there drafts?
If you stand by your sliding glass door, can you feel the outside air seeping in? If it’s cold outside, you should be able to stand by the door and not feel cold wind getting through. If it’s warm, you shouldn’t feel an increase of temperature while you stand near it. If there is any change of temperature, either warm or cold, when you’re next to the door, it’s likely that the door is not as energy efficient as it should be. A sliding glass door that is made of high quality glass should help keep you comfortable year-round, no matter what the temperature is outside.

We can install French in-swing or out-swing doors, stacking glass doors, or bi-folding glass doors that open in an accordion fashion. Contact us today for information on which style would be right for your space.

Sign #2: Is it difficult to open or close?
Does your door get stuck every time you try to open or close it? Or are you finding that you’re yanking on it harder every time to get it to do its job? Sliding glass doors that don’t open or close properly can be annoying and sometimes dangerous. There could be several reasons as to why it’s not functioning well, including a poor installation job at the beginning, misalignment from the tracks, or it’s just old and worn out. If your sliding glass door is not functioning like it should be, consider a replacement for your safety and convenience.

Sign #3: Is it safe?
Gaps in between the door and the frame translate to a lot of wasted energy and lots of wasted money. Not to mention, this could pose a safety risk. If you have an older door and you use a wood stick in the door for extra security, this is simply not a great way to stay safe. A new sliding glass door means you can toss that stick back outside where it belongs, and you and your family will have a sturdy new door to keep you protected.

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 new sliding glass door installed just in time to enjoy the spring weather that is coming! Contact us today for information on how to get started.