Windows have a lot of importance in a building. More than just aesthetic fittings, they help with letting in natural light to the space as well as getting good energy efficiency. Read the following tips to help you make the best decision when you are shopping for new windows.

Choose the Right Window

This will depend on the size of your building, the general climate of the area you are in, and special requirements including energy efficiency. This leads to style options like vinyl or wood frames, and single or double panes for your glass as well as efficient seals and insulated glass. Making the right choice can save you a lot in repairs and energy conservation.

Understand The Whole Process

It is important to know just what you should expect when your windows are getting put in. Find out beforehand whether your contractor will need to remove siding or masonry and replace trim. Also, ask if they will clean up after they are done. Knowing these things will help you plan effectively for the whole process, and not be met with unpleasant surprises during or after the installation of your new windows.

Check for Low Emissive Coating and Gas Filling

For energy conservation, it is important to get glass panes that have low emissive coating. This protects both wall coverings and pictures in your house while giving you energy savings. Gas filling comes into play when you get double-paned windows. An inert gas like argon can be filled into the space between the two panes, reducing thermal conductivity and keeping the temperature within your home stable and unaffected by temperature changes outside.

Choose the Right Contractor

Make sure that the contractor fitting your windows will do a good job by finding out if they are licensed and have the right insurance. Also, find out if they offer warranties and follow both regional and local codes and regulations. You can try and gauge their reliability by finding out what other jobs they have done in your area.

As mentioned earlier, windows are important for a building, and take up about 15% of the home’s wall space. Make sure you give your windows attention and set them up well as this will save you a lot of expenses in repair and energy expenditure over time.

Windows are important parts of any house. They provide natural lighting and help with the circulation of fresh air through the house. Aluminum windows became popular due to their light nature, affordability, and durability of the material, but they fell out of use under some strange misconceptions about them. Following are a few common myths you may hear about aluminum windows. Let’s bust these myths and discover the truth.

They Are Not Secure

This myth is based on the fact that they are thin and light and often externally beaded. Though they may look thin and delicate, they are incredibly strong and can hold large glass panes as well as resist both burglars and hurricane debris. Nowadays, you can get them beaded internally if you fear that criminals can remove the beading and access your house.

They Cause Condensation

Condensation occurs due to a number of factors including indoor and outdoor temperature, as well as the amount of humidity in the air among other factors. This shows that condensation can occur with any window material. Modern aluminum windows are made with the latest thermal break technology. They have hollow chambers filled with insulation, and so they can have great energy efficiency as well as u-values similar to other frames.

They Are Only for Commercial Use

This myth comes from the widespread usage of aluminum window frames in commercial buildings for almost three decades. They are favored for commercial buildings due to their aesthetically pleasant slim lines as well as high strength and performance. These same reasons make them ideal for residential dwellings.

They Are Plain and Boring

Most people associate aluminum window frames with the old type that was hard to customize. Nowadays, powder coating can give you a frame in any color you want, making it possible to match your house. There is currently a wide range of design and color options available when you source them from a good supplier.

Aluminum frames are a great option for both the windows and doors of any building whether big or small. Since about 30% of a home’s heating energy gets lost through the windows, it is important to consider modern designs that help with energy efficiency in your home. You can get great quality and unbeatable aesthetics when you work with the right people, so do some research and then go for the best option.

A statement entry door in the front of your home will give your property a curbside appeal. Bright colors on front doors, doors with hardwood and ornate glass designs, and double doors are all are very trendy. While interior doors tend to be thinner, ranging from 28 to 32 inches wide, exterior doors are thick and are the first thing your guests see when they enter the house. So why not make an investment and upgrade your house with trendy statement entry doors?

Bright Colors Add a Pop

Window and door companies sell bright-colored doors made from different materials. You can give your home a splash of color with a new door and not have to paint it. Bright colors will give an older or contemporary home a unique look. A teal blue door goes well with blue, white, or brick homes. Other bright colors to consider are red, yellow, navy, green, cobalt, pink, orange, or blue. Bright colors add visual appeal to your front door and should contrast well with the rest of the house. A bright color that compliments your outdoor colors works best.

Wood Doors and Double Doors

Hardwood doors will give your entrance a decorative look. Popular woods are oak, maple, cherry, mahogany, birch, and cedar. Wood doors can have a decorative glass design added to give them an ornate design. A solid wood door will stand out with its deep rich color. Double doors are popular and add depth to the front of your home. Wider doors make it easy to carry furniture and packages into your house. Double doors can be all wood or come with glass in different designs. They make attractive entry doors.

Other Ideas on Statement Doors

Adding a decorative lamp or lights with a statement door will illuminate the door at night. One or two lamps on the sides of the doors also happen to be trendy. A hanging lantern will add a decorative touch to any door. You can integrate string lighting with a regular porch light, or add a seasonal door wreath to give your door a homey look. When you want more privacy, use frosted film on the glass of the front door. There are a variety of patterns and designs.

When you have steps in the front, install rails that match the style of the door and the style of the house. Try to find a door style that matches your home’s architectural style. Many businesses will design a door to fit the architectural style or period of your home. There are Victorian, Art Deco, Modern, Arts and Crafts, Georgian, and Edwardian-style doors.

A new statement entry door will liven up the outside of your home and give it more curbside appeal. Perhaps this year is the time to upgrade your front door. Do you want wood, double entry doors, or a bright-colored door for your entry?

Doors are not created equal. There are many things you must consider when selecting replacement doors for your summer home. The first thing is material. Do you need a wooden, fiberglass, or metal door? Apart from the material, you must also consider the style.

The beauty and uniqueness of your summer home will depend on the style of door you choose. In this article, we have selected three types of doors to consider for your summer home. Read on to find out more.

Lodge Style Door

Your door is the first thing that is noticed by people when they visit your home. A lodge-style door can enhance your home’s value and its beauty. A lodge-style door is custom designed. It features master-level hand carvings that can only be made by highly skilled craftsmen.

The carvings on the doors follow a specific theme. You will find some with forest, animal, or plant designs, as they are very common. There are even some which tell a story. The good thing about these doors is you can even choose a custom design for your home.

To get your lodge-style door, find a seasoned woodcarver to do it for you. That way, you will be guaranteed fine detailing and excellent finishing. Since the doors are custom made, the carver can take measurements of your summer home door space and make one that fits perfectly.

Metal Door

Steel doors have been in use for many years. They are mainly chosen for their strength. Steel doors are long enduring, and they need minimum upkeep. You can find steel doors in different lovely tones. Some even come with crafted designs that resemble wood grain texture.

For security purposes, steel doors would be a perfect choice. It would be very difficult for someone to force open a steel door.

Flush Door

Flush doors are made using plywood or medium-density fiberboard repaired over a wooden frame. They have a smooth finish and a hollow core that is usually filled with a cardboard core product.

These types of doors are usually used in the interior of a house. The doors for your home’s interior are generally thinner than exterior doors. Most of them are 1 3/8 inches thick. In some cases, you can also flush doors as outside replacement doors. The frames for flush doors are usually made using wood or steel. If you want a door that has a pleasing look and that is resilient, you must go for a flush door.

When choosing replacement doors for your summer home, you must ensure you find something that fits the rest of your home’s design. You also need to choose something that’s durable.

Residential windows will last an average of 15 to 20 years. It is important to fix broken windows and replace windows that have run their course. Failing to do so can leave you with a house that is markedly less safe, less structurally sound, and less energy-efficient.

Keep your family safe, your home intact, and your monthly heating and cooling bills at a reasonable rate by looking out for these springtime window problems.

Leaky Windows

There are several potential ways residential windows can leak. Windows may have air leaks, which can result in up to 25 to 30% household energy loss and leave you paying hundreds more in utilities per year. You may have an air leak if the sun seeps in through a crack between the frame and the window or if the window is loose enough to rattle in its frame.

Carefully examine your window for any signs of water damage that may indicate that rainwater is getting through.

Warping and Shifting

Certain materials, especially wood, are prone to deterioration over time. That deterioration may include warping or shifting. If your residential windows are looser than they were before, if they are misshapen, or if they show signs of visible rot, then it is time to replace them. There is no quick fix for warped windows.

Flashing That Is Worn or Improperly Installed

If your windows are underperforming — if you notice leaks, water damage, or steadily climbing energy bills — insufficient or missing flashing may be to blame. Window flashing is a thin, pliable, and often weatherproof material that surrounds your windows. This flashing should be flush to the wall and window. There should be no gaps, no air pockets, and no uneven parts. It should be consistent and surround the entire window.

If you notice any missing or improperly installed flashing, replace it to extend the life of your windows.

Windows That Stick

Properly functioning windows should be easy to open and close. If they are sticking or catching in their frames, that is a sign of trouble. For windows that are slightly misshapen or just barely off track, you may be able to fix the problem by oiling its hinges or rubbing the window track with a regular bar of soap.

This spring, make sure your windows are in tip-top condition and working exactly as they should. Examine residential windows for signs of leaking, warping, and missing flashing.

Interior door design can increase the value of your home, give you privacy, and add to a remodeled room and its design. There are many door styles that offer a unique design and layout to the room. In 2021, indoor door trends are sliding doors, high doors, crittall style doors, wood, glass, minimalism, and a variety of different colors. Below we will cover trends for interior doors in 2021 and what it means for interior design in homes.

Large Sliding Doors For Larger Homes

There are huge sliding doors for large homes called Monster Doors. They can be up to 12 feet high and 10 feet wide, and they slide on barn tracks or pivot hooks due to their large size. They come in many designs made of different types of wood. They create privacy for home offices and other rooms that you want to separate into two sections. These doors can be used as movable walls for open floor plans and provide a minimalist look inside. They are used for kitchens, living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and other rooms.

Crittall Style Doors

Crittal style interior doors are made of glass and metal and combine the function of both doors and walls in the same space. They give rooms an open and spacious look. These doors are used for minimalist designs, lofts, and a high-tech look. They have glass partitions and sliding glass door designs for different rooms inside your home. Often they are used to frame courtyards, gardens, and rear rooms in the back of the home.

Jali Style Doors

These decorative doors combine the look of wood and metal with decorative patterns. They come in a wide variety of styles and materials and resemble art. Most doors have a simple or ornate grill design on them that produces an artistic design. Some doors have arched patterns with an antique look that resembles a metal fence. It produces interior doors with unique designs.

Colors For Interior Doors

Pastel colors for interior doors in 2021 fit country, modern, and minimalist style home. Popular colors are almond, pink, blue, and green in varying shades of light faded colors. Saturated colors for the doors inside should match the color of the interior walls. Popular colors are emerald, saffron, fuchsia, and brown. Dark colors are still popular color choices for interior doors and popular color choices are dark blue, greens, grays, and browns.

Most standard doors come in widths of 28 to 32 inches. There are many styles of interior doors to match every decorating theme.

Replacing your windows provides an excellent opportunity to add value to your home while decreasing your energy costs. You may need to sift through countless window materials, designs and styles before settling on the right fit for your home.

Aluminum casement windows are a popular option for most homeowners. You can combine the lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties of the aluminum frame with the fluid design of the casting system to get the ideal window set for your home. Here are several benefits of picking aluminum casement windows for your replacement project.

1. Sleek and Stylish

Aluminum casement windows are undeniably attractive, significantly improving the overall aesthetics of your home. The clean lines and minimalistic designs associated with aluminum frames make these windows a perfect choice for contemporary-themed households. You also get to pick from a wide range of casement styles such as French, pushout, colonial grill, and many more. You can easily find replacement windows that will complement your home’s architectural style.

2. High Insulation Levels

Aluminum casement windows take advantage of both material and design to maximize their energy efficiency. Casement windows are the second most energy-efficient window type after fixed-pane models. Additionally, the air-tight seal prevents unwanted airflow to the house when closed. Aluminum frames can accommodate subtle design elements such as polyamide breaks to increase their thermal retention.

3. Low Maintenance

High water resistance is a standard benefit for all aluminum windows and doors. Resistance to corrosion makes the aluminum casing windows incredibly low maintenance. The casement design also makes them easier to clean. Unlike other window materials, you may not have to worry about swelling, warping, rotting, and cracking.

4. Durable

The corrosion-resistant properties of aluminum mean that your replacement windows will last for years to come. Experts estimate that aluminum windows can last for up to 30 years. Your aluminum frame is less likely to warp or rot, especially with a powder-coated finish. It also handles weather elements better and is not easily damaged.

5. Better Ventilation

Casing models provide the best ventilation option than all other types of replacement windows. The design allows the windows to catch side breezes through the open sash, funneling the refreshing outdoor air into your living space. You may not have to climb your counters to try to push the windows fully open, as is the case with double hang models.

6. Clearer Views

Aluminum casement windows provide an obstructed view that you will appreciate. The aluminum frame has naturally slim sightlines. Additionally, aluminum casement windows do not have Muntons, the grid lines common in double-hung windows. You can enjoy a broader, clearer view of your landscape.

7. Exceptional Security

Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Combined with the hook-locking systems in casement designs, aluminum casement windows offers better security to homeowners wary of frequent break-ins. All four sashes have a hook-shaped casement embedded on the frame, allow you to lock the window from inside. Burglars cannot pry open your windows, providing added security to the home.

Time to Replace Your Windows

Aluminum casement windows are an excellent option for homeowners intending to replace their window sets. For more information on these and other window types, please contact Discount Window and Door. Our experts can take you through the different window designs and options available.

Windows are among the first exterior features that guests notice about your home. Windows take up to 15% of your total wall space, having a great impact on the home’s aesthetic. Part of your responsibility as a homeowner is to know when certain aspects of your home need to be upgraded, including your windows and doors.

Replacement windows are a great investment that can help reduce energy and maintenance costs while providing superior security to your home. With countless window materials, styles, colors, and accessories to choose from, the process may not be as straightforward as you may think.

Without a thought-out plan, it’s easy to make costly mistakes that could drive up your price and cause problems after installation. Here are several common pitfalls you need to avoid when picking new windows.

1. Replacing With the Exact Same Type

It may seem like the easiest and best choice would be to go for the same window materials and style for your home as you already have. This sounds like a great idea when you can’t decide on the types of replacement windows to get. But if you go this route, the aesthetics of your home will not change. You will miss an opportunity to take advantage of the many improvements and advanced features present in modern window designs. Worse still, you may experience the same problems that you had with the previous windows in the future, if not sooner.

2. Focusing Too Much on Visual Features

Replacement windows provide you an opportunity to spruce up your exteriors. While it is vital to keep in mind the different styles and themes you need to adopt, overlooking the intangible properties can be catastrophic. You may need to look at the window’s functionality and comfort level. Your new installation will also serve as your first line of defense against intruders. Ensure the window materials for the frame you choose are strong enough to keep your home secure.

3. Basing Your Choice Solely on Price

It’s quite easy to be blinded by the price tag below each type of replacement window. However, focusing too much on the costs can make you lose out on functionality, security, and aesthetics. Set a budget estimate for your replacement project then head out to check out different stores for quote comparison. Besides, most suppliers often have promotions and discount sales that you can take advantage of to get your new set of windows.

4. Ignoring Maintenance Requirements

Many homeowners forget to include the maintenance costs throughout the life service of the window as part of the total expense. Maintenance may vary depending on the window materials and style that you choose for your home. Wood windows, especially, may require more attention compared to vinyl and aluminum.

5. Trying DIY Installation

Another common mistake is to attempt the window replacement on your own. Improper installation may result in energy loss as well as putting your home at risk of being burglarized. You may also void the manufacturer’s warranty that could cost you thousands of dollars for another replacement. It would be best to leave it to the professional installers.

Window replacement is part of routine maintenance for most households. Avoiding the five mistakes above can help you find the right fit for your home. To make informed decisions about your replacement windows, reach out to the experts at Discount Window and Door.

You want a house full of comfort, energy, and ambiance, right? Then it is time to be critical with the type of windows you install. Installing new windows means exploring the market to find high-quality modern windows that are energy-efficient, attractive, and open effortlessly. As a homeowner, the modernity included in your house depends on the information and knowledge you have on window styles. 2021 started with trendy new window styles that can be comfortably used in any home for decades to come. Did you know that the average lifespan of residential windows is 15 to 20 years? The window style you pick should serve you for over a decade.

Mixed Finished Look

When you want to customize your space with new windows, you need to have a style that opens up more possibilities. With a mixed finish, you can use stain in the window sash or dark paint and surround the frames with color that matches the walls around them. The sash allows the window to move with the glass when it is closed or opened in mixed finishing. There is an enhanced view from the mixed finished new windows compared to other window styles.

Window Walls

Every house deserves to have enough natural light. As far as the need for natural light is concerned, bigger windows serve best. The window wall style helps increase the amount of natural light in any space. It will fit your best interest as a homeowner when your new windows are bigger and spanning the entirety of a wall. The window walls style creates impressive views as it allows for floor-to-ceiling windows to be installed and improves the home’s character.

Black Window Frames

Most houses are installed with stark white or neutral window frames. Those are window styles gone with the past. The trending window style includes black window frames that provide your house with elegant, clean, and bold qualities. Black window frames work with nearly every home as different shades of dark tones can be used without compromising the impression the owner had in mind. The simplicity of the black window frame style is what makes it desirable. The inside and outside looks are improved when the style is adopted for new windows installation.

There are different types of new windows you can have in your home. It is important to work with or consult a window installation expert for more options on windows that fit your style and budget.

Whether you are installing windows for a new home or renovating your office, upgrading your windows can be a time- and cost-intensive project. A variety of eco-friendly window frame materials are available to suit your spending capacity and weather conditions in your geographic location.

Replacing standard windows with energy-efficient windows and doors that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star program can reduce energy bills by 7% to 15%, according to energystar.gov.

Therefore, choosing the right materials for your window frames can help you make your property energy efficient and reduce your utility bills. Some eco-friendly window materials that you could consider are:

• Aluminum
• Vinyl
• Wood
• Fiberglass

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum window frames are cheap, sturdy, and require very little maintenance. However, this material heats up easily and is not always the most energy efficient. For these frames, the energy efficiency and cost can differ for each manufacturer.

Vinyl Windows

Most people prefer vinyl frames for their windows as they come in many color choices. These frames are strong, long-lasting, easy to use and maintain. This material can be recycled.

Wood Windows

Wood frames are a good choice if you prefer a classic look. Wood frames are eco-friendly if certified. They increase the aesthetic appeal of any property. However, wood frames may be unsuitable for icy or wet climates because moisture can damage this material. Wood can be more expensive than other materials and requires regular maintenance. This natural material can be recycled.

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass provides higher energy efficiency as compared to wood, aluminum, or PVC frames. Though this material is made from glass particles, it is sturdy and requires minimal maintenance. Look for fiberglass frames with foam insulation for ideal energy savings. These frames heat up slowly, lose very little heat, and reduce leakage of air, leading to substantial energy efficiency.

While changing windows during a renovation, if you switch to an eco-friendly window material, in the long run, it will more than make up for the initial cost of the window frame. Eco-friendly window materials help the environment and reduce your utility bills. Ensure that the window materials are properly installed by professionals and insulated adequately. Choose the right windows to lower your energy costs.