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.

We all want to save money in whatever ways that we can, especially when it comes to replacing things that we don’t necessarily apply a lot of personal creativity into, like windows. Obviously, all houses need windows. But replacement windows aren’t exactly the most exciting purchases to buy. This is why you may be motivated to shop for discount windows. While some discount products are almost always lower quality, this isn’t necessarily the case for window replacements. In fact, you can source great windows for lower prices. You just need to make sure that you are sourcing them from the right places.

With that being said, we’re looking into the dos and don’ts of buying windows. This can help you not only save money now but also in the long term. Let’s dive in!

Do: Shop Energy Efficient

Firstly, you need to make sure that you’re shopping as energy-efficient as possible. Energy-efficient windows can lead to more cost savings than standard discount windows. You can save money on your energy bills by replacing standard windows with windows that have Energy Star labels.

The Energy Star label was originally started in 1992, and it indicates that a window is energy efficient. When windows meet the standards of the Energy Star program, energy bills can ultimately be lowered by 7% to 15%. When buying energy-efficient types of replacement windows, you are ultimately able to trust that you will be saving money over time and not just at the time of purchase.

Don’t: Buy Used Windows

Yes, you can buy used windows, often from discounted home improvement stores. While there are benefits to buying some types of used and recycled home improvement materials, this is not the case with discount windows.

Once windows have been installed, they begin to experience a great deal of wear and tear. Think about the beating that windows automatically begin taking due to the elements. This can cause microscopic cracks within the window panes, as well as damage to the window frames. This is particularly true for wood frames, which tend to expand and shrink more frequently. Therefore, you shouldn’t try to buy residential windows from sellers of used windows.

Do: Research Your Seller

Whenever buying discount windows, it’s a good idea for you to research your seller before you buy. There are many window sellers that offer discount windows that are high quality and exactly what you need. But as with any seller of discount products, there are some that are a bit too good to be true.

Do some research online before buying from a discount seller; a good seller will have great reviews. If you’re working on renovations on your house, ask your contractors for recommendations. It’s about being a smart consumer, and nothing more.

Don’t: Limit Yourself to Wooden Frames

Wooden frames have their advantages. But it’s important to make the right choice for your home and lifestyle. As previously mentioned, some windows with wooden frames become damaged more quickly because of the way that wood expands and contracts when exposed to the elements. While you may see some discount windows offered with wooden frames, resist the impulse to jump on them right away. Wooden frames can be less energy efficient because the ease with which they’re damaged affects their insulation abilities.

Do: Buy Vinyl Frames

When looking for energy-efficient windows that will save you money not only during the initial purchase but in the long term, you should buy vinyl window frames. Vinyl is less easily affected by the elements and is much more insulated than other window frame materials.

There are plenty of benefits to buying discount windows, and if you buy them from a reputable seller, you can get exactly what you need without over-spending. But the important thing to remember is that you need to buy windows that last you for the long term. This will help you save money over the course of years, not just right now.

According to the U. S. Department of Energy, air leaks around your windows and doors can add 10% to your heating bills. You do not want to pay additional bills, and therefore, it is important to replace your doors as soon as they start leaking air in or out of the house. Once you have replaced your damaged door, you can be assured of reduced energy bills and increased security. So, what signs should you look for?

Sticking Doors

If your wooden door begins to stick, it is an indication that it has soaked up moisture and needs to be replaced. Such a door can make your house damp, triggering the growth of mold. You will also pay for more energy to heat the house since the water-damaged door will make it colder than it used to be.

Warping Doors

If your door begins to bend or lose its shape, it is an indication that it has soaked in a lot of moisture. Such a door cannot be repaired because it is already damaged. What you need to do is replace it. In most cases, doors warp after lasting various humidity cycles, and this means the door will have lasted long enough to deserve a replacement.

Hanging Level, Not on the Hinges

If you realize that your door is not on the level it is supposed to be with the hinges, it is time to replace it. Such doors are difficult to close, risking burglars getting into your home. It also increases the amount of energy required to heat the house, and therefore, you will have to pay higher energy bills.

A Door That Looks Old

If your door looks old and weak, it does not need a repair but rather a replacement. This most applies to front doors because they are visible to visitors. You do not want to have a door that looks old and chipped, yet you can have it replaced with discount doors. A faded or old door will hinder the amazing appearance of your home.

A substantial number of people consider repairing doors because it is cheaper than replacement. However, this is not an ideal solution because some damages are beyond repair. Repairing them would only cost you more because you might be required to repair them again shortly after the first repair. Once your door shows any of the above signs, you should replace it the soonest as possible.

So you’re renovating your home, and you’ve gotten to the point where it’s time to select new entry doors. There is a lot that goes into choosing both windows and doors because they make up a great deal of a home’s outer appearance. In a lot of ways, a door can be compared to your home’s “face”. It’s the first impression that your home gives to a lot of people and can really set a stylistic tone for your house.

Chances are that you’ve never shopped for entry doors before. Therefore, you may want to do some preliminary research before you settle on the right door for your home. The more you know ahead of time, the easier it will be for you to choose the right exterior doors, whether they’re replacement doors or meant for a brand new home.

What Materials Are You Considering?

There are actually far more materials available for entry doors than you might think. The reality is that you need to consider several different types before moving forward. Traditionally, many homeowners prefer wood doors. That is what they picture owning, and many of us assume that entry doors that are not actually wood are wood. They are aesthetically pleasing and versatile, but they’re not without their issues. Wood is a naturally porous material, which means that it absorbs liquid. Gradually, this can lead to rot over time, degrading the door. Wood will also naturally expand and contract depending on the surrounding temperature. Not only does this affect the quality of the door, but its appearance as well, causing warping over time.

A common alternative to wood is steel. Steel is preferred to wood by many homeowners, but it’s likely that you haven’t seen a lot of entry doors that look like they’re made of steel. Graining patterns can be added to make steel doors look as if they are made of wood. Because they’re made of steel rather than wood, however, the door will not warp through the expansion or contraction of the grain. This also means that steel doors remain easy to open and close. Additionally, these doors provide the best security levels. They can’t simply be broken down the way that wooden doors can be. Although some homeowners don’t like the aesthetics of steel doors, they can be made more eye-catching through glass inserts as an alternative to the faux wood graining.

Fiberglass is another great alternative, though it’s somewhat newer to the market. While steel can be susceptible to rust, fiberglass has no such issues. Fiberglass doors are fairly tough doors, remaining resistant to both dents and environmental factors like rain. They also provide the best levels of insulation, which is important to consider when you remember that 25% to 30% of all residential heating and cooling energy usage is the result of heat gain and loss through windows. Doors can function in a similar way, which is why insulation is crucial.

What Kind of Look Do You Want?

As previously mentioned, some people like their doors to resemble the rustic appearance of classic wooden doors, regardless of the material the door is made from. But the fact is that not everyone likes the appearance of wooden doors. If you’d like your home to remain more sleek and modern, an industrial steel appearance may be more ideal.

You should think for quite a while about the color of your door. Again, a gray or black door will come off as more modern, while some people prefer red doors in the sense that they stand out. White doors are more associated with a cottage or farmhouse appearance, while blue or green doors are considered a bit dated.

Mentioning again the idea of glass inserts, these are quite modern and create a sense of beauty and sleekness. The issue is that you do lose a bit of privacy when adding glass inserts.

Remember too that you don’t necessarily have to spend too much money on entry doors. Discount doors are available, and they are not necessarily lower quality. No matter what, be careful when selecting your door, and remember that it will have a major effect on your home’s overall appearance.

We don’t think often about replacing our windows. We may replace our roofs or even our floors, and certainly our furniture, but we don’t often replace our windows. But the reality is that residential windows do not last forever, and eventually all of them need to be updated. The fact is that if you don’t buy replacement windows in a timely manner, your home will experience a variety of different negative effects. Additionally, if you attempt to sell a house with damaged or outdated windows, you will inevitably see that reflected in a reduced value.

At the same time, many of us don’t know when our windows are ready to be replaced. The last thing you want is to replace your windows before it’s time. The typical lifespan of the average window types is 15 to 20 years, but if your home is older than that time range, you may very well not have an idea of how old your windows are in the first place. With that in mind, let’s look through some of the ways that you can determine whether or not it’s time for window replacements.

1. You’re Wasting Money on Energy

Are your energy bills higher than they used to be? This could be a sign that it’s time for you to consider replacement windows. Higher energy bills are often indicative of hot or cold air escaping your home, and your HVAC system working overtime to compensate for that. The question is how this air is escaping your home, and it’s often through windows and doors.

There could be several issues at play. The problem could be damage or simple wear and tear causing gaps within the windows. The window types themselves could also be outdated and more prone to draftiness than more updated types of windows. Either way, it will probably be less expensive for you to invest in replacement windows, as opposed to allowing these inadequate windows to remain as they are.

2. Rot

Depending on the types of window materials you’re dealing with, your window frames may be more prone to rot. Obviously, wooden window frames will be particularly prone to this kind of damage, even if the glass windowpanes themselves are undamaged. Although these types of issues can sometimes be repaired without requiring entire window replacements if they’re caught early enough, quite often a full replacement is indeed necessary.

The reason why windows begin to rot is often that they’ve sustained water damage. Therefore, homeowners in more humid or wet areas should pay attention to their windows in particular. Wooden window frames can also be affected by bugs, especially termites. Though rot will eventually become visible, homeowners may want to do general inspections of their windows every few months. Rot will also become apparent through softness in the frames as well.

3. Cracked Panes

Keep in mind that one of the main reasons why homes begin to lose value is aesthetic damage. You may be satisfied with a single cracked windowpane here and therefore. But if you plan on selling your home, you’ll need to invest in replacement windows anyway if the windowpanes are cracked.

The issues with cracked windowpanes go beyond the aesthetic problems. Cracked windowpanes also present issues related to energy usage and even security. The last thing you want is for your home to be more vulnerable to potential intruders because you ignored damage to your windows.

4. Condensation

If condensation is building up between the layers of glass in your windowpanes, this is a sign that your windows need to be replaced. The condensation is likely occurring because there is damage to the glass that may not be apparent to your naked eye.

Unless your windows are brand new, if the windowpanes are damaged you should probably replace the windows in general. Usually, damage has been done to the windowpanes the frames are at a point where they need to be replaced as well.

These types of issues should be considered as you prepare to evaluate your windows and determine whether or not they need to be replaced. Replacing your windows may be irritating, but remember: this is an investment in your home’s long term future.