Doors and windows can have air leaks that add up to 10% more to your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But the exterior doors on your home can dramatically affect many different conditions in your home besides energy efficiency.

How often do you use exterior doors such as side doors, the front door, and garage entry doors? It stands to reason you may use some doors more than others. Your front door, whether you use it or not, makes a statement when it comes to your home’s curb appeal too. The same holds true for other exterior doors — yet they hold a much smaller impact on the overall aesthetics. However, when it comes to energy efficiency, all exterior doors matter. This is also true for front doors that have a leading staircase or foyer directly behind them. An old door could be causing you to waste money and raise your heating and cooling bills.

Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Exterior Doors?

Take a critical view of your exterior doors. If you find rust and dings in your door, it shows that the structural integrity has been compromised. When you have damaged doors on the exterior of your home, it does not look very attractive. When you want to ensure that your home has doors that are both sturdy and attractive, you need to get them from a company that specializes in replacement windows and doors.

Does Opening Your Door Feel Like a Workout?

Older doors can become difficult to use. When your doors get to this point, it’s time to have them replaced. Perhaps they stick during the winter but they’re easy to operate during the summer. If your doors are already like this, that is a sign that the energy your home needs is rushing right out that door. Are the hinges starting to sink? That’s another problem. If the hinges stick to a door jam, the door more than likely has exposed areas along the top, bottom, or the sides where light can be seen. When you can see light from either the outside or inside when a door is shut, there is a definite problem. Use a lighter near the edges where you see light and pay good attention to the flame. If it tries to move outside the door, you are dealing with a leaky door that is letting air out and in. Leaky doors need to be replaced so you aren’t spending more money on energy bills than you need to spend.

Is Your Home the Perfect Target for a Burglar?

Incarcerated burglars have admitted that they typically targeted homes with wooden doors that were cheap. That type of door is extremely easy to kick in. Do you have a wooden front door or exterior doors? If so, you may want to consider replacing them for the safety of your family. New fiberglass and steel doors add an additional layer of protection and are ideally tamper-proof.

Refresh the Curb Appeal of Your Home with New Exterior Doors

Doors that are in poor shape can cause you to waste energy, which translates to lost money. An older door might also make your home the perfect target for a home invasion, which can cost you even more. But if you plan to put your home on the market, an older door can result in money issues, too. Understandably, buyers aren’t too eager to pay top dollar for a property that looks like it’s in rough shape.

Make sure your home looks good from every angle while also keeping it safe with new windows and doors for the exterior. This will greatly improve your curb appeal. There are many different door and window types that can refresh your home without forcing you to plan a major remodeling project. Change old doors for new contemporary styles in colors that will enhance the overall look of your home. Give your residence a makeover — whether you replace your front door, side doors or all doors. Your home will get a new look with just a simple change.

Of course, replacing your exterior doors can make your home far more energy efficient. But it can also save you money in the process and make you feel even more satisfied with your surroundings. For more information, please contact us today.

Spring is finally here, and you know what that means: spring cleaning and countless home improvement projects you can get started on. One goal that many homeowners have for the new decade is improving their home’s energy efficiency, but it can be hard to know exactly where to start. After all, there are so many areas in the home that can benefit from renovation or remodeling. To help you get started, here are some of the most effective steps to creating an energy-efficient home, from appliances to new windows.

Efficient Appliances

Depending on how old your appliances are, you could see significant improvements in energy efficiency just by adding a new fridge or similar appliance to your home. Household appliances, specifically those in the kitchen, often take up a surprising amount of energy. Older appliances weren’t designed with the same emphasis on energy-efficiency as today’s household staples. Making an upgrade may be a bit costly, but it’s well worth the investment for the energy savings.

Smart Technology

For those who constantly forget to turn out the lights when they leave a room or leave their thermostat set just a bit too high, smart technology can help bridge the gap. Some thermostats now allow you to program what times you’re at home or out and about so you don’t waste energy heating an empty home. Depending on how tech-savvy you are, this could be a great option.

New Windows and Doors

Finally, adding new windows or doors to your home can dramatically improve your energy efficiency. This is because different window materials trap heat differently, and the wrong materials will allow heated air to escape. When it comes to a home’s wall space, about 15% is taken up by windows. This means that depending on what window types you have at home, you could be losing a significant amount of heat just through your windows alone. Likewise, the right exterior doors can limit drafts to keep your home sealed up. This way you won’t waste money and energy heating space inefficiently.

If you’re not sure what residential windows you should be looking for, working with an expert to find your new windows can help. For more information on how new windows can help you save energy at home, contact Discount Window and Door today.

Aluminum windows are becoming trendy again, and many more people are seeing the benefits of using versatile aluminum for their home design. Aluminum windows for a home are strong and lightweight, which allows for thinner frames and much larger windows than other window materials can provide. This gives homeowners the ability to have big picture windows and other large, decorative windows that allow lots of light to pour into the home. There are lots of reasons why aluminum windows for a home are a great choice. Learn them all, and you may soon start searching for a way to add this feature to your home.

Why Choose Aluminum Windows for a Home?

Many people choose vinyl or other windows materials, rather than aluminum windows for a home, because they think they have more color options this way. This actually isn’t true. Aluminum windows can e painted in any color of the rainbow, which gives homeowners completely limitless options when it comes to decorating their homes. Aluminum windows for a hoe provide another option that vinyl replacement windows and other window materials cannot: the metal look. Aluminum windows for a home can be anodized to bring out the luster of the metal and create a unique, eye-catching look. You can choose among different finishes for aluminum windows for a home.

There is yet another option when it comes to creating colors in aluminum windows for a home: liquid finish. This is a process that uses baked silicone paint to add tint to aluminum windows. There are dozens and dozens of different color options available through the liquid finish process. Some retailers offer up to 50 different color options through this process, and that’s enough to satisfy even the pickiest homeowners and builders!

Another reason that aluminum windows for a home are so attractive is the maintenance. There isn’t any! While other types of windows need cleaning and other maintenance tasks performed on them regularly, aluminum windows for a home are completely maintenance-free. You don’t have to do anything to them other than simply enjoy them. Many homeowners find this to be a huge bonus because absolutely no one enjoys washing windows!

Choosing Replacement Windows

Aluminum windows for a home are often used in new construction designs, but you can also opt for this option when it comes to replacement windows as well. Aluminum is available for exterior doors and interior doors as well, so you can choose this material for extensive remodeling jobs.

There are lots of different style options available when it comes to picking aluminum frames for windows, so you aren’t at all limited when you’re choosing a new look for your home. There’s also no huge difference between aluminum windows for a home and other types of replacement windows when it comes to heat and air loss. You don’t have to compromise the look you want to get the energy-saving you desire to keep your energy bills low. As around 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through the windows alone, this is a huge concern for homeowners. Don’t shy away from aluminum windows for a home, because they protect against energy loss as well as or better than other window types that are available on the market.

Should you choose aluminum windows for a home? If you want to have low-maintenance colorful, highly attractive windows that are virtually unlimited when it comes to window size and color options, yes! Aluminum windows for a home are a great option all the way around, so there’s no reason not to select this material for any new construction home project or home remodeling project you may have in mind.

Did you know on average that windows take up about 15% of the wall areas in your home? Of course, windows also can be the catalyst for energy losses. Choosing the right window materials to replace your current windows is critical to the comfort and the aesthetic of your home.

Vinyl replacement windows Orange County homeowners trust deliver the aesthetic, energy efficiency, and comfort that they enjoy. There are several different window types that you can choose from that are made with different window materials. The question is which window materials are best for your home.

Let’s Start Out With What NOT to Choose

Wooden windows are charming on a period home but the fact is wooden windows lack the modern conveniences like low maintenance and energy efficiency that newer more modern materials have to offer like aluminum frames for windows.

Most older homes were designed with wood window frames because that was what was available but today there are better window materials that are available so there is no need to settle for a material that simply does not hold up.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum is one of the best window materials for window frames. Aluminum windows are low maintenance windows. Unlike other window materials, you do not have to do anything to maintain this type of window.

A simple hosing off will clean the window. You do not have to paint it every year or deal with any other maintenance.

Aluminum windows for a home can last for decades without any type of special care. They are durable, look great, are highly functional, and energy saving. In other words, this is the material you want to choose for your new windows.

Replacing Your Windows Can be the Best Thing You do For Your Home

New windows and doors are designed to be energy efficient but that is not all they have to offer. New windows and doors can help to keep the peace in your home. They can reduce the noise from outside sources.

Of course, there is also the aesthetic value. Old windows and doors make your home seem dated. New replacement windows and doors instantly upgrade your curb appeal. The transformation can be incredible.

Learn more about window materials, style options, and how new windows can change how you feel about your home.

When you know your home needs new windows, you probably groan a little to yourself. After all, this can be a costly type of home improvement and the options are overwhelming. There are all kinds of types of replacement windows and different styles available. Simply choosing the right windows can be pretty stressful, because there’s so much to consider and so much to think about even beyond the cost of making this big change. When you don’t know exactly where to begin, start by learning more about the types of replacement windows that are available and exactly what they will do to improve your home.

What Types of Replacement Windows Should You Consider?

There are multiple types of windows available, but the two that stand out most are aluminum windows and vinyl windows. Vinyl frames provide a wider range of style options. Whether you choose single- or double-hung vinyl windows, you can find then in just about any style you like. In fact, vinyl frames are available in wood lookalike styles. You can choose between smooth or textured finishes. Many homeowners love the wood look that vinyl provides. Wood is not a great material when it comes to choosing between types of replacement windows, because the wood will shrink and expand with weather changes. In time, wood will split and crack. Vinyl, however, is much more durable and withstands weather changes much better. You can still get the look of beautiful wood with none of the hassle associated with this material.

Aluminum windows, like vinyl, are highly durable. Both materials are resistant to scratching and cracking so they provide long-lasting use. Aluminum will corrode and change colors over time, particularly in coastal environments where there is natural salt in the air. This requires more frequent maintenance and touch-ups over time than vinyl. However, aluminum frames are stronger and more durable than vinyl. They’re stronger and more impact-resistant, which makes them the best types of replacement windows if you are in an area known for hurricanes or harsh storm damage. Vinyl windows do requite less maintenance and they are available in a wider range of styles, but aluminum is longer-laster and tougher overall.

Choosing Energy Efficient Windows

In all different window types and window materials, energy efficient options are available. This is actually a huge selling point. Around 30% of a home’s heating energy is ultimately lost through the windows. Energy efficient windows can greatly reduce this, and that adds up to big savings on utility bills. You will actually see a noticeable difference in your bill if you replace older windows with newer, energy efficient types of windows. This is an extremely attractive feature if you’re trying to sell your home. So in any material, no matter which types of replacement windows you choose, consider an energy efficient option. This is an investment that will be returned to you one way or another.

You can look at different window models and styles to compare designs and materials. After all, choosing replacement windows is about much more than material. You also want to find a style that’s going to compliment your home and look nice from the outside as well as on the inside. Take your time selecting the right styles and colors that will best match your house and improve your home’s look. Windows make a big impact. With the right color and style, you can exponentially increase the beauty of your home and show it off to its very best effect. This can be used to impress your family and guests who come to your home. Later, it will also impress home buyers who are seeking out the perfect place to live.

When you’re choosing between different styles and types of replacement windows, consult with a home building expert or a real estate expert who can help you look at your different options and make the best possible decision for your home based on location, weather conditions, styling, and investment return. Take the time to make an informed decision, because the types of replacement windows you choose will have a huge impact for the good or for the bad of your home.

Did you know that nearly 15% of your home’s wall space is likely taken up by windows and doors? While that can be a good thing for letting in some light and breeze, it can also create problems inside your home — especially if you have residential windows and doors that need to be replaced. Here are the warning signs you might need to replace your windows or doors sooner rather than later.

 

Your windows don’t open and close properly.

 

Perhaps the most obvious sign that you need new residential windows and doors is if they don’t open and close properly. This can be a problem with windows, as well as both exterior doors and interior doors. The door and window materials used can affect how well they work and how well they withstand the elements.

 

Wooden doors and windows can swell when there’s more moisture in the air. Vinyl windows can squeak or require pulling or tugging to open. Maybe your locks are broken from wear and tear or age. Some of these problems require a simple fix, like sanding, lubricating tracks, or replacing hardware. However, if the doors and windows are older or the problems persists, it’s time to replace them.

 

There’s condensation between your window panes.

 

If you notice condensation between the glass panes of your residential windows, a film or dirt that you can’t remove, or a rainbow effect, the seal has probably gone bad or you have an argon gas leak. Argon gas is used between the panes of glass to help control the temperature of your home. When it leaks, you no longer have that insulation. Your only option is to replace the windows. If you don’t have low-e and argon gas equipped windows, you may want to replace your windows this season.

 

You feel drafts.

 

If you notice that it feels cold near the windows or doors in winter (or hot near them in summer), you probably have drafts. This can be caused if the flashing tape, which seals out wind and water, needs to be replaced. Drafts can also be caused by poor or no insulation or by caulk that needs to be replaced. You should use a high quality exterior and interior caulk to seal your windows both inside and out. If you have builder-grade windows and doors, inexpensive ones may have been used or they were installed improperly. These door and window types often need to be replaced.

 

You have clear glass.

 

This may sound like a strange one, but if your residential windows are older or inexpensive, they were probably made with clear glass. Clear glass doesn’t deflect any sunlight, heat, or the cold, so your air conditioning and heat will be working overtime. Replacing them with some of the newer models can provide your home with UV protection or even automatic tinting.

 

If you notice any of these problems with your residential windows or doors, it’s probably time to replace them. You can lower your utility bill, prevent break-ins, reduce outside noise, improve the look of your home, and even increase your home’s value with new windows and doors.

Did you know that around 30% of your home’s heat is lost through your windows? That is simply unacceptable. New aluminum windows can fix that. Aluminum windows are energy-efficient windows. That means you pay less to heat and cool your home.

There are five great reasons you should be considering window replacement for your home. If you want a great ROI on your home improvement investment windows are the way to go.

Good Reasons To Install New Windows

Putting your home improvement dollars where it can do the most good is important for any budget. Milgard aluminum casement windows are just the place to put your home improvement dollars. Consider these 5 benefits that you can get from new windows:

• Increased energy efficiency
• Long lasting durability
• Contemporary windows that match your home design
• Low/no maintenance
• Instantly upgrade your home

A lot of homeowners decide on replacement windows simply because of the energy savings. They are tired of watching their money fly out of old windows.

They Last a Long Time

New aluminum windows can last up to 30 years and deliver worry-free operation. That means for the next 30 years you will have the windows that look great and function properly. When you divide up what you will pay for new windows by the number of years that they are expected to last, you can see how affordable they really are.

Great Looking Aesthetics

Aluminum windows look great with any home design. They seamlessly blend in with any exterior and look great.

Put that Paint Brush Away

If you are tired of maintaining your old windows you will be happy to hear that if you were to opt-in for one of the new aluminum window series, you will not have to worry about maintenance. Just some window cleaner and a quick splash with the hose every few months keeps everything looking great.

Instantly Upgrade Your Home For Less

Aluminum windows can be very affordable and will instantly upgrade the look of your home and the feel. Your home will be more energy-efficient and quieter with new windows. You will love everything about these windows. Learn how affordable new replacement windows can be, and how they can change how you enjoy being home.

New windows and doors instantly improve the aesthetics of your home and do a lot more. On average 15% of wall space is taken up by windows. That is a lot of space. Replacement windows can transform that space into something much more appealing.

 

While aesthetics is always important, it is certainly not the only reason homeowners consider new windows and doors a great investment. Anaheim windows and doors replacements are a favorite among homeowners because they help to save money and add that updated look.

 

Improving Curb Appeal

 

Adding replacement windows and new doors is a quick way to instantly improve the exterior of your home. Old worn windows are an eyesore. They devalue your home and make your home look old and worn as well.

 

When you invest in beautiful, functional windows and exterior doors you instantly change the feel of your home and the look. Your home will look up to date and more attractive.

 

It Makes Sense Financially

 

There are a lot of home improvements that do not give you the return that you expect but adding energy-efficient windows is not one of them. You will get a nice return on your investment. Replacement windows are far more energy-efficient than older windows.

 

The right replacement window choice can save you between $150-$450 a year on your energy bill. The windows and doors pay for themselves in energy savings. If energy savings and aesthetics is not enough reason to choose new windows and doors consider these benefits as well:

• Improved peace and quiet
• Less allergens to deal with
• Improved safety

When you choose to replace your windows and doors you are making a decision to cancel out the noise outside and enjoy more peace and quiet inside. Your new doors and windows will help to keep the noise outdoors where it belongs.

Achoo Less

 

Keeping outdoor allergens down to a minimum indoors starts with ensuring your doors and windows are sealed well. New options have that seal that keeps the allergens out. You can suffer less and breathe easier.

 

Safe and Secure

 

Keeping your home safe and secure is easier with new windows and doors. Learn more about all the benefits that are available today.

Homes need constant maintenance to upkeep that nice, clean, safe, and homey feeling.

Everything from the carpets to the cabinets—all these things have an expiration date. The windows in a home are no exception. Replacement windows are necessary when modernizing your space. But putting looks aside, replacing the windows in an older house is also a safety precaution.

If you’ve recently purchased a home, read on to learn the importance of replacing your windows and why you should do it as soon as you move in.

Replacement windows will make your home more energy efficient

One of the biggest drawbacks about purchasing an older home is that they usually are not energy efficient. They are either insulated poorly or have older windows that can let in a draft. Since 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through the windows, you may want to upgrade and swap those old windows for some energy efficient ones. Energy efficient windows will save you money on your heating and air conditioning bill, but will also ensure you’re comfortable during those severe bouts of weather.

These windows are long lasting, and will pay for themselves in no time at all.

Replacement windows are newer and safer

Older windows can be a safety hazard.

This is especially true of windows installed in bathrooms. They are prone to mold and rot from the long term exposure of moisture. These should be the first to go. Though mold is typically not lethal, it can significantly damage your health. Exposure to mold can aggravate asthma, worsen other breathing issues, and cause skin irritation.

Older window panes may also contain traces of lead, which is also toxic even in small doses.

Replacement windows will upgrade the resale value of your home

Planning for the future is so important. You may think you’ve found your forever home, however keeping your home in great shape improves your odds at selling it for a great value down the line.

Types of replacement windows

So you’ve decided to replace your windows. Now what?

Selecting the best kind of replacement windows for your home can be an enjoyable process. To narrow it down, here are a few popular styles for you to choose from.

• • sliding windows

• • aluminum windows

• • single hung windows

• • fiberglass windows

• • vinyl windows

These are just a few styles and materials you can select based off of the look and feel of the exterior and interior of the house.

Conclusion

Maintaining your homes involves constant upkeep of its appliances and features.

The windows in particular—need to be replaced when you move into an older home right away. Replacement windows upgrade the value of your home, but also save you money and energy. Not replacing older windows can in fact compromise your wellbeing. Mold, rot, and leftover lead paint can cause minor to severe health issues such as asthma and skin rashes.

So then, the choice is clear.

If you’ve moved into an older home, make replacing the windows a priority. When there are so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find a style that suits you and your home.

For many people, replacing windows isn’t something that comes up very often. The average homeowner moves into a property, and doesn’t think twice about what decade their windows or doors may have been installed. However, there are many subtle signs that may indicate it is time to consider a replacement. And, when that time comes, a Milgard Windows‘ project may be just what you need to discover some important benefits.

Signs You May Need New Windows

High Energy Bill – Did you know that your home’s energy bill may be skyrocketing due to outdated windows and doors? If you notice outside air temperatures when standing near these areas, it may be time for a Milgard Windows replacement. When you realize that approximately 15% of your home’s wall space is occupied by windows, it is easy to see how quickly that can add up. Don’t allow your windows to add unnecessary costs to your living expenses.

Opening/Closing – When you open and close your windows, it shouldn’t be too much of a struggle. Think about how dangerous an incredibly tight window could be in the event of a house fire. Over the years, new technology has revolutionized the process of operating a window, such as the Milgard Windows SmartTouch lock and handle. An easy-to-use window should never be taken for granted.

Noise – Have you noticed that you hear every single car that passes by your home? This can be a major problem when trying to get a good night’s rest, especially if there is a newborn in the picture. When properly installed, you can expect Milgard Windows to provide you with a much quieter home, and no longer leave you at the mercy of busy traffic.

Of course, replacing your windows is going to cost you money. However, the return on investment makes the process worth it, in the end. Whether the energy efficient windows are lowering your home’s costs, or simply making your property more attractive to future buyers, the job will pay for itself in the long run. But, when the time comes for replacement windows, the right window types make all the difference. Milgard Windows can help improve your home’s efficiency, safety and aesthetics, all in the span of one job. Don’t put up with old, rotting windows for another day when you have access to an upgrade that will make all the difference.