How to Deep Clean Your Windows This Spring

As we turn the calendar to March and cold winter weather slowly begins to make its way out, it’s time to think about tackling some spring cleaning around your home. Cleaning your windows is an important part of your checklist. Here are some tips on how to deep clean your windows this spring, so they are beautiful and dirt-free.

First, dust your window blinds or remove your drapes or window coverings to clean them. Doing this before you start cleaning the windows is key. That way, dust and other debris won’t accumulate on already clean windows.

Next, open your windows and take out the screens. You can wash the screens with soapy water, and then let them air dry. While you are doing that, wash the window glass on both sides, if possible. Regular glass cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and water are the best ways to get sparkling windows. Paper towels are a great option. But, if you have a microfiber cloth or a squeegee, you may have better luck in keeping the windows streak-free.

While the windows are open, take a close look at the window tracks. Chances are, there is dirt and maybe even a few dead bugs or flies that have met their fate there. Take a handheld vacuum or a vacuum attachment, then vacuum the window tracks.. Next, wipe out the inside with a detail brush or a paper towel.

Perhaps your windows have seen better days and no amount of cleaning will change the fact that they are old and leaky. We can help with that! We proudly carry a variety of brands, including Milgard and Simonton products, that cater to your unique vision and your home’s distinct style. New windows this spring will add beauty, curb appeal, and value to your home. So, contact us today to schedule a free quote.

Spring is Coming: Is Your Exterior Ready?

The official start of spring is in just a couple of weeks. The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and the sun is starting to shine more often! Looking for inspirations for your home’s exterior? Here are some tips on making sure the outside is ready to go for the changeover to spring.

#1: Think about your siding.
Siding protects your home from the variety of Pacific Northwest weather elements all year long. Not only that, but it is also vital to creating great curb appeal! If you can see that your current siding material is falling apart or cracking, this could cause damage to the rest of the space. So, don’t delay in getting it looked at by our professionals.

We specialize in installing fiber cement siding which is incredibly durable. It is also moisture, rot, and pest resistant, and withstands extreme weather. Additionally, it won’t crack or warp. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can do a complete inspection of your current siding to determine what can be done to get your home’s exterior protected and looking great.

#2: Add a sliding door to the exterior.
One of the best parts of springtime weather is sitting outside and enjoying the great outdoors. Having an outdoor living space – even if it’s a small one – is a great addition to your home. Consider adding a new patio door, French door, or moving glass wall system to your home that leads to the exterior living area. This is a functional upgrade that also adds beauty to your home.

Ready to start your spring home improvement project started? We proudly carry a variety of brands and designs of windows, doors, and siding that will fit your budget and home’s style. Let us help provide a free quote on replacing your old doors, siding, or window new and energy efficient products. We proudly serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can determine what your options are!

 

The Importance of Windows and Natural Light

Have you ever been inside a space that lacked windows or natural light? How did it make you feel? It likely felt dark and maybe even a little grim knowing that you didn’t have a peek into the outside world. It’s a fact that humans need natural light to function.  That’s why having enough windows in your home is incredibly important.

Now that spring is here in the Pacific Northwest, we’ll have more sun outside. How are the windows in your home? Are they old, leaking cold air in? Maybe you don’t have enough windows in your home, and you need to add more while you replace the old ones. We can help! Here are some reasons how natural light can benefit you in your day to day life – both physically and mentally.

#1: Natural light can help increase your productivity.
Artificial light versus natural light: which one do you work better in? Studies show that people that work in or around natural light are more productive than those that work under artificial lighting. Windows bring in the light that tells the body that it’s daytime and that it’s time to get up and start work, chores, school, or other physical activities.

#2: Natural light gives us vitamin D.
Without vitamin D, our bodies simply would not function at their peak. Vitamin D is absorbed through the skin (as well as through food). This vitamin helps bolster your nerve, muscle, and immune system. This makes you healthier year-round. Lack of vitamin D can cause serious bone diseases and other health problems. So, having enough windows in your home to bring in natural light and soak in the sun will help you stay healthier.

#3: Natural light is good for your mental health.
During the winter, the days are shorter and darker. It’s usually rainier and colder and we simply don’t have the same amount of natural light that we do in the spring and summer months. The cold, dark months for months on end can increase depression in some people, too. There are countless studies that show that natural light – even simply sitting in front of a sunny window in your home on a regular basis – can help boost your mental state and bring you out of a depressive funk. Windows around your home will bring you and your family to a more positive and happy mental state.

So, what are you waiting for? Spring is the perfect time to get your old, inefficient windows replaced. These will provide the natural light you need to benefit health-wise, all the while adding value and beauty to your home. Whether it’s Simonton or Milgard windows you choose, we have a range of energy efficient windows that will fit your home’s style and most importantly, your budget! We are open as an essential business. We’re helping homeowners around the Northwest get their home improvement projects completed. We are taking every precaution to stay safe and healthy throughout every project. So, contact our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors today.  We will get you the information you need to get your window replacement project started!

 

Spring is Here: Open the Windows!

The coldest days of winter have passed for now. Spring is bringing new blooms and fresh air! Now that the calendar shows the official start of spring, it’s the perfect time to open the windows and enjoy the refreshing Pacific Northwest air. There are several benefits to opening the windows of your home!

#1: You can save money on heating and cooling costs.
If the weather is warm outside, you won’t need to turn on the heater & instead, you can open the windows and welcome the breeze. Using the fresh air as a substitute for your heating and cooling system can help you save money on your utility bill and it will save on energy usage, which is great for the environment.

#2: Air out your home.
Keeping your home bundled up in the winter is cozy, but it can also make the inside feel stuffy at times. Opening your window to air out your home with fresh spring air can help eliminate odors and get rid of that stuffy feeling that winter weather sometimes brings.

#3: Well-being.
Winter in the Northwest is rainy, cold, and gray. There is nothing better than opening the windows on a springtime day and welcoming the sunshine inside. This does wonders for your mental state and can truly lighten up the mood! Open the windows, breathe in the air, and let the sunshine brighten your day.

The windows in your home are very important and play a huge role in your comfort. But, what if your windows are old, drafty, inefficient, or simply can’t be opened well because they are too old? Spring is a great time to consider getting your windows replaced with new, energy efficient options from Milgard or Simonton. Our experienced team of window installation professionals can help get your windows replaced in no time at all, so you can get back to enjoying the spring weather! New, energy efficient windows not only add curb appeal to your home, but they will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. No annoying drafts to worry about and you can say goodbye to skyrocketing utility costs.

Contact us today for information on getting your window installation project started! We are standing by to help!

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.

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.

Spring Patio Design Tips

We’ve set the clocks forward and the springtime season officially begins this week. Spring is a great time to get outside and your home ready to enjoy the longer days and the sunnier weather. Here are some of our spring patio design tips that will get everything looking great, so you can enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest months ahead.

Tip #1: Install a new sliding glass door.
Want to enjoy the outdoors while staying cozy inside? A beautiful new sliding glass door is the perfect answer. A quality sliding glass door allows for natural sunlight to enter your home and it also allows the convenience of going in and out. In addition, new doors are energy efficient and won’t leak cool air in or warm air out. We install a variety of different sliding doors, including 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.

Tip #2: Update old exterior siding.
New siding can work wonders for your curb appeal, add value to your home, and it will be great to look at when you sit on your patio and enjoy the weather with your family or guests. If your exterior siding has areas of damage or dry rot, it’s important to replace it right away so it doesn’t cause damage to the inside. 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 adds a new layer of energy efficiency to your home and can help you with heating and cooling bills over time.

Tip #3: Replace windows.
The windows in your home allow you to see the beauty of springtime. But if your windows are old, leaky, or noisy, it may inhibit your enjoyment. Replacement windows can reduce noise, help reduce utility bill costs, and will also keep you more comfortable!  Lifetime Windows & Doors carries a variety of window styles and brands that will fit well into your specific home’s style and most importantly, the budget you have set.

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’s exterior 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.