5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Front Door
Are you thinking about front door replacement but you are not sure if this is the right time for the project? Do you want to know the signs that your front door needs to be replaced? Do not search further; this write-up will let you know whether or not it’s the right time to replace your front door. Without further ado, here are 5 signs it’s time to replace your front:
1. Difficult Operations
Exposure to harsh weather and extreme temperatures usually cause front doors to degrade and develop structural problems, especially as they age. When your front door becomes too difficult to lock and unlock or becomes more of a workout to open and close, start planning your front door replacement project.
2. Condensation
If your front door has glass windows and you notice a moisture buildup in it, especially if the glass windows are two panes, your front door needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The excessive moisture in-between the panes indicates a structural problem that allows moisture to seep in. Over time, there will be mold and mildew growth in the glass and this may spread throughout the entire home. Once you see this sign, immediately include front door replacement in the priority list of renovation projects in your home.
3. Drafts
If you start to feel the outdoor air blowing into the home through the bottom or side of the front door, you need door replacement as soon as possible. This indicates that in soontime, your house will experience energy loss, especially when you run the HVAC, as warm or cool air will be escaping through the gaps. When this happens, your HVAC will overwork and this will result in high costs of energy.
4. Rotting Wood
Rotting doors usually result from past incidents involving water or insect damage. When either of these incidents occurs, wooden doors will suffer the consequences of wearing much faster than expected. The front door may rotten due to the wear and tear on the doors from ageing. In this case, the door should be checked if some parts are softer than others, which will indicate that the door has rottened.
5. Structural Damage
You will need door replacement if your current door has suffered noticeable structural damages such as dents, cracks, warping and damaged locks. The front door is the first thing that welcomes people to your home, so you should consider replacing the front door if it has lost its visual appeal and structural integrity. A warped door can no longer close or open correctly and it will be a great challenge to keep the door.
Takeaway
When you notice the above signs on your front door, you should plan to replace the door as soon as possible. They are signs it’s time to replace your front door.
5 Awful Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing a Window
Windows play an important role in any home, they offer a view of the outside, they allow natural light to enter your home, they provide fresh air, they also play a significant role in your home’s energy efficiency as well as safety and security. However, no matter how good your windows are, you will eventually need to replace them, as your windows are constantly exposed to harsh conditions.
When looking to replace your windows, there are a few key mistakes you would be right to avoid. To help you, this post will mention 5 awful mistakes you should avoid when replacing your windows.
Not hiring the services of a professional contractor
Window replacement is a complex project that requires skill and experience. However, in an effort to save money, you may be tempted to take on the project yourself. Even as a proficient do it yourselfer, there are many issues that can arise from installing your own windows. From voiding warranties to installing the windows incorrectly, these issues will all be costly in the future. Hiring a professional windows and door replacement contractor ensures your windows will be installed properly and you benefit from the peace of mind that your new windows are covered by a warranty.
Using price as the only factor for choosing replacement windows
Although cost is one of the most vital elements of any home renovation project, it shouldn’t be the only element to consider. An expensive window isn’t necessarily the best for your home. However, the cheapest windows are definitely not on par with the other options.
The best approach is to set a budget for your window replacement project and then look for the high-quality windows that fit into your budget. Your new windows should be energy-efficient, durable, well-designed, and beautiful.
Replacing outdated windows with the same type
Just because you had a certain type of window in your home for the past 20 years, it doesn’t mean you need to replace that window with a same style window. This is your opportunity to consider functionality and design and choose a window style that better suits both in your home.
Keep in mind you don’t always need to change the type of window during a replacement. In the end, you may want to replace an older sliding window with a new sliding window if that is the style and function you want as you will still benefit from the updated energy efficiency and security features.
Overlooking aesthetics
Of course, security, safety, comfort, and seamless operation are all vital factors to consider when replacing a window. But, this does not mean that you should overlook the aesthetics of a window. When installing new windows in your home or business, you should ask some important questions. Do I like these windows? Will they improve the curb appeal of my building? Can they add to the resale value of my home? Don’t choose any windows unless they will boost the beauty of your home.
Buying windows that don’t fit your location
The location of your home will affect the performance and durability of your windows. For instance, if you live in a location with lots of sunlight, you should opt for windows with Low-E glass as it can lower the effect of UV rays on your home. On the other hand, your windows must have high-quality glazing and impact-resistant sash if your location experiences lots of rain and strong winds. Consider your environment and the location of your property when buying windows so that you don’t purchase windows that do not fit the needs of your location.
5 benefits to replacing your windows and doors
Are you asking yourself whether you should replace your windows and doors? Well, you probably are not alone as this is a frequent question among homeowners. It is not a small decision but is one of the only home renovation projects you can enjoy from both the inside and outside of your home. Replacing your windows and doors is a long-term investment in your home that yields plenty of benefits.
Here are the top 5 benefits of replacing your windows and doors. By the end of this article, you will have more information needed to decide whether it’s a good idea to complete a window replacement at your home!
New Windows and Doors Boost Property Value
One of the main reasons why you should replace your windows and doors is their ability to boost your home’s value. Most homeowners choose this type of renovation project because of the long-term advantages. New windows and doors will help you sell the property at higher price. Prospective buyers appreciate modern and functional windows and doors and market data shows that this investment can get you back at least 75% of the project cost during the selling process.
New Windows and Doors Improve Home Security
A major benefit of replacing your windows and doors is the improved safety and security. If you have old windows and doors, your property may be vulnerable to intruders. Burglars might be tempted by worn windows and doors, and you might not feel safe inside. But, what is even more concerning is that old windows and doors might make it difficult to escape in case of a fire or similar emergencies.
New Windows and Doors Improve Comfort
A well-known advantage of replacing windows and doors is the comfort offered. New products are designed with industry-leading materials to prevent your home from experiencing drafts or allowing allergens and dust to enter. If you want to increase comfort in your home, consider new windows and doors.
New Windows And Doors Boost Energy Efficiency
New windows and doors represent your goto solution if you are looking forward to improved energy efficiency and lower energy costs. These products are well-sealed and diminish energy loss. Besides, homes with new windows and doors don’t experience any heat loss. As a result, the entire property will become energy efficient, and you’ll be able to manage your costs wisely. The energy efficiency of new windows and doors will save you a lot of money in the long term.
New Windows And Doors Offer Peace Of Mind
Another benefit of replacing your windows and doors is the soundproofing qualities. Studies show this is the best approach to insulate your home and prevent outdoor noises from interfering with your comfort. New windows and doors offer peace and quietness, especially in a busy neighborhood.
These are our top 5 benefits of replacing your windows and doors. Keep in mind that to get the full benefit of the above, your new windows and doors need to be installed correctly and the best way to ensure proper installation is to trust your project to a professional windows and doors contractor. We encourage you to discuss with a windows and doors contractor before choosing any products. They will assist you in selecting the right window styles and materials for your needs.
Should You Replace All Your Windows at Once?
Window replacement can be an expensive project, especially when you want to replace all your windows at once. So, this is why some homeowners choose to replace the windows in their home one section at a time. However, there are times when gradual window replacement is not advisable or even possible.
But when can you replace some of your windows and leave others? Do you need to replace all your windows at once? These are important questions that will be answered in this post.
When should you replace all windows at once?
If your windows were installed over 20 years ago, you may start experiencing some issues that are associated with wear and tear, such as difficulty to operate and drafts. In these situations, it is advisable to replace all your windows at the same time, so you no longer need to deal with these issues.
In addition, if the locking system of your windows are faulty or get stuck, your home may be at risk. In this instance, it is paramount to replace all your windows together to prevent burglary, pest infestation, draftiness, and more. If you can see visible damages on a majority of your windows, you should replace all your windows at the same time. Visible damage can be in the form of gaps, scratches, chips, leaks, and cracks.
Finally, if your windows do not match your home’s aesthetic or design, they can take away from your home’s beauty and curb appeal leading to a lower value of your home. In this scenario, replacing all of your windows with more modern, beautiful units will instantly increase your home’s appeal.
When can you replace some of your windows and leave others?
If your windows are still relatively new and the majority of your windows are in good condition, then you won’t need to replace all your windows if only some of them have issues. You only need to replace the affected or damaged windows without needing to touch the others. This will help reduce the cost of your window replacement while increasing your home’s security, efficiency and aesthetics.
What are the benefits of replacing all your windows at once?
Reduced costs of replacement
Gradual replacement of your windows may seem like a great idea as you can save up for the window replacement however, when you consider the overall cost of the project, you will probably end up spending more to replace all of the windows in your home. When replacing all of the windows in your home the cost per unit will more than likely be less and the labour costs will be lower. Also, the cost of window replacement may go up over time, so replacing them all at once secures your pricing.
Improved aesthetics, comfort, and value
When you replace all your windows at once, your home will benefit from a complete makeover, boosting the overall aesthetics and curb appeal of your property, which will lead to an increased value. Also, your entire home will feel more comfortable and peaceful as noise and drafts are reduced.
Increased energy efficiency
Based on the materials used and the manufacturing process, newer windows are more energy-efficient than older ones. Due to their energy efficiency, your windows will help keep your home warmer by reducing heat loss during winter and help keep your home cool during the summer months by reducing heat gain. This means you will be less dependent on your heating and cooling systems throughout the year, saving you on your energy bills and reducing the overall cost of your utilities.
5 Tips To Pick The Right Material For Your Entry Door
Why is it important to choose the right material for your entry door? Well, it doesn’t only serve as the main entrance to your house. The entry door is also important to the security of your home. It also increases curb appeal, improves daylighting, and contributes to energy efficiency. It also gives people an insight into your style. So, when it is time for door replacement, be sure that the entry door matches or complements the overall aesthetics of your home. Here are 5 tips to pick the right material for your entry door:
1. Look beyond wood
Although wood is a common and traditional material for entry doors, maybe it’s time to go for modern materials. Steel and fiberglass are great alternatives because unlike timber, they do not wear. They also require minimal cleaning and upkeep so you do not have to worry about cold winters and muggy summers to keep them in great conditions.
2. Do not ignore your house needs
Every house is different, so you have to pay attention to the specific needs of the one you live in. Consider adaptability to different seasons and weather. For the sake of protection from UV rays, you can get an entry door that offers ultraviolet (UV) light protection. This can protect your carpets, fabrics, and furniture from extra heat.
3. Go glazed
Upgrading your solid entry door with glass panels is great for functionality. How so? Glazed doors can admit the sun, which can contribute to the natural illumination of your foyer. If the inside of your house has many reflective surfaces, the light can penetrate deeper spaces and places.
4. Keep purchase within your budget
Of course, your entry door will come with a price but to avoid breaking your bank, you have to plan carefully. To do so, ask for recommendations from friends and family, see which material looks good in their homes. You can also seek help from experts and go over the pros and cons of your top picks.
5. Remember minor features
Be sure to opt for entry doors that are covered in low-maintenance cladding materials such as steel or fiberglass. Also, check for weather strips and advanced locks. These components are the underdogs of a stunning entry door design.
What is the Difference Between Double Hung and Casement Windows?
Searching for a replacement window and stuck on choosing between double hung and
casement windows? Are you looking to understand the differences between double hung and casement windows? We have the explanation below that will help you to make an informed decision on what style windows are best for your needs.
Here are the differences between double hung and casement windows:
1. Type of Opening
Double hung windows are comprised of at least two sliding sashes (glass inserts), sliding the sash either left or right will easily open the window. Casement windows are hinged, and use a cranking mechanism to open the window outward. The double hung windows are more of a classic window design, and the go to choice, if there is limited space on the outside of your window. As they do not encroach on the outside space.
2. Outdoor Viewing
Double hung windows do not have grids between the glass, allowing them to provide a clear,
unobstructed view of the outdoors. However, the check rail in its center can obscure your view
slightly. Casement windows do not have a check rail and can be built without a grid in between the glass, allowing for a completely unobstructed outdoor view. Perfect for that picture-frame look.
3. Seal
Windows and doors usually experience variances in temperature more than other parts of your home. As a result, they can affect your energy bills due to heat transfer or air leaks. Due to the overall design of casement windows, it allows for a tight seal once locked, which can prevent heat loss and air transfer. Double hung windows slide along a channel, and even though there is weather stripping to prevent airflow, over time you may experience a draft. When choosing replacement windows, keeping in mind the energy efficiency rating is an important factor to consider.
4. Ventilation
Double hung windows allow for airflow to pass through easily and provide a nice breeze into your home by sliding opening the sashes. Casement windows offer good ventilation as well when cranked completely open, however, the outward opening window may interfere with the flow of air slightly. Both window types are a good option for allowing fresh air into your home, as they provide a large opening for air to pass through.
5. Cleaning
Both double hung windows and casement windows are fairly easy to clean when approaching from the exterior of your home. However, if you are looking to avoid getting the ladder out, double hung windows have an advantage, as you can remove the sashes from the comfort of the interior of your home to clean them.
Both new casement windows and new double hung windows will provide your home with better efficiency than your old windows, and they will both influence the overall aesthetics of your home. They will both provide you great views and fresh air. Choosing the right type of replacement windows for your home, comes down to your individual style, needs and expectations.
What is the Purpose of Glazing Windows?
If you are looking into replacement windows for your home, it is important to be well versed in some of the key terminology. Glazing a window, is a term that many people believe is something that is done to a window or that it is some sort of coating applied to a window. Perhaps this is the case because they draw a correlation with other popular uses of the word glazing. For example, glazing a cake or a donut refers to covering the baked good with some form of liquified sugar.
When it comes to windows, glazing actually refers to installing glass or the window pane into the window frame itself. The term glazing comes from an old English expression meaning glass, you will sometimes hear a window with two panes of glass described as a double paned window or double glazed window.
A major benefit of having multiple layers of glazing, is the improved insulating factor of the window itself. A double glazed window has a spacer placed in between the two pieces of glass, this space between the glass allows for the temperature of the internal pane to remain closer to room temperature, reducing heat transfer. To further increase the insulating properties of a multi-glazed window, the space between the glass is sometimes filled with argon gas. This inert gas is denser than the atmosphere, making it more efficient than just air.
When it comes to energy efficiency, double glazed windows are the most popular, but triple glazed and even quadruple glazed windows are available options. The more glazing present, the more energy efficient the window will be. But, with the increased energy efficiency, also comes increased costs of the window itself. Making triple and quadruple glazed windows less popular, even though there is added efficiency.
Referring back to the misconception of glazing a window having to do with a coating applied to the window, there are in fact coatings that can be applied to glazing. A low emissivity or low-e coating drastically helps reduce heat transfer through the window. The coating works by reflecting heat back to its source. In the summer, a low-e coating will help block the heat from the sun from entering your home and in the winter, the coating will help keep the heat in your home by preventing it from escaping through your window.
A low-e coating, argon filled, double glazed window is a popular choice as a replacement window, as it has great energy saving qualities, while providing additional noise dampening (another benefit of having a multi-glazed window), and provides the increased security that comes with any new window installation.
If you are in the Kitchener or Guelph areas and are considering replacing your windows, give PM Windows & Doors a call at 1-800-479-4499 to book your free in-home estimate. One of our industry leading consultants will introduce you to our lineup of quality products, and assist you in selecting the perfect windows for your home.
How Do Windows Keep Heat In?
It is estimated that roughly 25 percent of the heat loss in your home is through your windows. Installing energy efficient windows will reduce the amount of heat transferred by your windows, which subsequently will reduce your energy consumption and the cost associated with heating and cooling your home. Not all energy efficient windows are constructed the same, there are several factors that lead to energy efficient windows keeping heat in or out of your home.
1. Installation
No matter how your windows are constructed, if they are not installed properly you will have issues. These issues can be with the operation, potential leaks and water damage, or drafts and heat loss, or any combination of these. When adequate insulation is not placed between the frame of your replacement windows and your wall, air can find its way into that crevasse from either inside or outside leading to increased energy consumption. Lack of or incomplete caulking will also result in heat loss and increased energy consumption and costs.
2. Frames
The frames of your windows can be made from a variety of materials including vinyl, wood and aluminium. Vinyl is arguably the most popular choice for today’s windows, as they are low maintenance and offer great energy efficiency. However, just because two windows both have vinyl frames, it doesn’t mean they have the same energy efficiency. Thicker vinyl walls, insulated frames, and multiple air chambers in the frames all add to the frame’s efficiency.
3. Glass Panes
Your glass window panes do not do a great job reducing heat transfer on their own. Single pane windows used in older homes allow for hot and cold air to escape and enter your home at a significantly higher rate than today’s dual and triple paned glass windows. Having multiple panes of glass helps insulate your windows better due to the air pockets between each pane, as air is a poor conductor of heat. A triple paned window will insulate better than a double paned window as there is an additional pocket of air.
4. Low-E Glass
Low-emissivity or Low-E glass has a transparent coating that reflects heat by minimizing the amount of infrared light that can pass through your window, without limiting the amount of natural light that can enter. Choosing Low-E coated glass for your windows will help keep your indoor heated or cooled air inside your home, which will assist in maintaining your chosen internal temperature with less effort from your HVAC system.
5. Gas Filler
As mentioned previously, the air pockets between your window panes are great for reducing heat transfer, but when these pockets are filled with either argon or krypton gas and sealed tight, the efficiency of the window increases. These gasses are heavier than air, and conduct heat at even a lower rate than air, providing better insulation. Both Argon and Krypton gas are transparent, odorless, and safe, so if the seals on your windows ever give out, there is no need for concern.
How Do I Choose An Entry Door?
Your front door is the focal point for anyone that is walking up to or by your home, it plays a major part in your home’s aesthetic appeal, but it is not just a hinged piece of art. Your front door is also the guardian of your home, needing to stand up to whatever mother nature throws its direction as well as would be intruders. But, it also needs to be easily manageable so any member of your family can enter and exit.
When shopping for replacement doors, remember your front entrance needs to be much more than just beautiful, yes overall aesthetics are important, but so is durability and functionality.
1. Aesthetics
There are dozens of options to choose from when looking for a door that matches your style. You can look for a single door, a double door, full glass inserts, partial glass, no glass, side-lite, top-lite and that is just a few. You can have ornate ironwork incorporated into your door and even have any choice of colour you can image. When choosing your entry door, you need to consider how it will fit in with the rest of your home’s exterior design. Choosing a bold colour to accentuate your door is great, but choosing a modern, industrial style door when the rest of your home is rustic and quaint will throw off your home’s styling. Before making your final selection, step back to the curb and envision your new door, does it compliment your home or does it create an imbalance?
2. Durability
Choosing the type of material your door is made of is an important step in the selection process. The material will influence the style options, maintenance requirements, price, and operation. Wood is the traditional choice, it is highly customizable as wood can be cut to fit any entry way. You can stain or paint wood any colour you see fit. Overtime, wood can bend, warp, and rot. Regular upkeep is required with a wood door. Insulated steel doors are one of the more popular choices as they are secure and reliable. Steel doors are more energy efficient than wood, reducing the amount of heat escaping or entering from the door. The downside is that steel doors can dent and may rust. Fiberglass doors give you the look of wood with the security and efficiency of steel. They will not rot or dent and maintenance is limited, however fiberglass is considered a premium material and are priced significantly higher than steel doors.
3. Functionality
Who and how are questions you will need to think about when it comes to your entrance doors function. A solid hardwood door may be difficult for a younger family member to open and close, a door that is constantly facing extreme weather such as rain, snow, wind and sunlight may need a more durable material such as steel. Your door’s efficiency rating is also important as your new door should help you reduce your energy bills, the type of door will dictate by how much.
Choosing the right replacement door for your home should not be taken lightly. The right entrance door will make the first impression of your home count. PM Windows & Doors has a wide selection of entry doors that feature outstanding styling, security, thermal efficiency and comfort for long lasting beauty and easy maintenance. Call today 1-800-479-4499 for a free in-home estimate.
How Do I Choose The Right Window?
Making the decision to replace your windows is just the first of many decisions you will need to make prior to your new windows being installed. When deliberating which replacement windows are best for your home there are two main categories to keep in mind. Materials and style. Choosing windows that are durable and energy efficient doesn’t mean that you need to forgo the functionality and design you were hoping for. With today’s manufacturing capabilities you can check all the boxes when it comes to the right martial and the right style.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your replacement windows:
How would you like your windows to operate, should be one of the first questions you ask yourself. Just because you had a sliding window installed previously, doesn’t mean you can’t replace it with a casement window or a double-hung window now. To help you decide how you would like your windows to function, take a step back and focus on the room the windows are being installed in. Make sure you have room and access to the window for it to function properly.
What type of frame you want your windows to have is another important detail, as it could limit the type of window you can order. There are several options for frame, vinyl, wood, and aluminum are some of the more popular but there are also composite frames (made up of wood pieces and plastic) and fiberglass. Each frame has its pros and cons and can have varying cost levels. Vinyl frames are arguably the most popular choice, as they offer excellent energy efficiency, are durable and are a great value versus other materials.
The type of glass you choose your windows to be manufactured with has a big impact on the style and efficiency of your window. Options include double pane or triple pane glass, different thicknesses and types of glass, as well as gases that will fill the space between the panes that will help increase the window’s efficiency. With all these options, it is easy to get a little overwhelmed when looking at glass type, a good place to start is with an energy star certified window. These windows have been tested to ensure they meet efficiency ratings based on the glasses resistance to heat loss and how much heat enters through the glass.
Now that you have the function, and material for your windows chosen, it’s time to focus on style. Your windows have a big influence on your home’s look and feel, both inside and out. So, choosing a colour of your windows to meet your style preference is always an exciting time of the project. Traditional colours are always a safe bet, especially if you are considering selling your home in the future, as a bold choice may not appeal to potential buyers. Keep in mind both the interior and exterior of your home when choosing colour.
Replacing the windows in your home has a lot of advantages, new windows can help reduce your energy consumption, they can give your home a fresh new look and feel, they can provide additional security, and they can help make the space in your home more enjoyable. However, even the best manufactured windows will function poorly if not installed correctly. PM Windows & Doors has been an industry leader since 1984, we use our own qualified, highly trained, certified in-house craftsmen and never outsource our projects. Give us a call today at 1-800-479-4499, and let us show you why we have a long list of customers that have recommended us to their friends and family.