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Nothing lasts forever, not even your windows and doors. That’s one of the many reasons why the deck and patio construction industry has grown significantly over the last five years, ultimately hitting a revenue of $783 million in 2019. While there are many factors that go into creating decks and patios, some of the most significant components include the windows and patio doors that really connect the home to that outdoor space. But of course, like any component that’s constantly exposed to the elements, eventually these doors and windows do need to be replaced.

Doors, in particular, should be replaced on a regular basis, as they’re not only key to maintaining an energy-efficient home, but also vital to the security of houses. But determining when replacement doors are needed can be difficult. We often take our doors for granted and don’t take much notice of the damage that they accrue over time. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the main signs that your doors may need to be replaced.

1. You’re Experiencing Drafts

One of the main indicators that you need to start shopping for replacement doors is that you’re starting to feel a draft through the door. Not only does this mean that heat and cool air is escaping through the door, ultimately affect its energy efficiency; it’s also indicative of potential cracks and issues with the door’s sealing ability.

Keep an eye on your bills as you evaluate your door. If you’re paying more each month than you once did, combined with a draft, you should probably start considering different replacement doors. You may even want to opt for a door made out of different materials next time, in order to elevate its energy efficiency.

2. The Door Has Sustained Significant Damage

Obviously, you need to replace a door that has sustained significant damage, whether it’s been vandalized or damaged due to a weather event. You shouldn’t bother trying to repair a door that has sustained this level of damage. You’ll most likely be investing in a product that you need to replace down the road anyway.

Rather, you should go ahead and replace the door, ideally with a door that is stronger and less prone to damage. If your wood door sustained damage during a hurricane, for example, you may want to opt for a steel door the next time around.

3. It’s Experienced Insect Damage

Wood doors are particularly prone to insect damage, due to the fact that termites and other burrowing pests are more able to attack wood than other materials. While you could work on restoring certain parts of your home that have suffered termite damage, it’s a good idea to replace a door outright. It would likely cost more to restore the door than it’s worth.

Again, when shopping for replacement doors you should instead look at fiberglass and steel doors. These are much less likely to fall prey to insect damage.

4. The Door Shows Signs Of Warping And Peeling

Once your door has started to show signs of warping, peeling, and cracking you should begin your hunt for a replacement as quickly as possible. Age and ongoing damage tend to cause these types of issues over time, especially in the case of wood doors.

Wood doors tend to soak in moisture, which causes them to expand and warp over the years. By the time the door has started to show these kinds of signs, it’s usually an indication that it has already weakened to the point that it needs to be replaced.

5. The Door Is Sticking

If your door is having issues with opening and closing, this is probably an indication that it needs to be replaced. This can be a sign that the hinges have become rusted or damaged in some way, and over time the door itself will likely become more damaged as you try to open and close it.

While it’s never fun to invest in replacement doors, it’s something that most homeowners will likely need to do at one point or another. Therefore, it’s advisable that you truly invest, paying more now for a higher quality door that will last for the long term.

Adding a patio to your home is a great idea. Not only does it expand your living space, but it also allows you to add value to your home. While a house without a patio is all well and good, a house with a patio can really differentiate itself on the market and appeal to a broader range of buyers. If you do end up selling your home in the future, your patio could very well be what makes the difference between a buyer choosing your home or an alternate option.

At the same time, you should strongly consider every component of your patio before investing in it. In order to get a proper return on your investment, you should consider your different options, like Milgard patio doors and energy efficient vinyl door frames. It’s important for your patio to not only be appealing, but also capable of offering a proper payoff. With that in mind, let’s look into what you should consider as you build your patio.

1. The Style

Not every patio is going to be identical to those that come before it. You have a lot of different materials to choose from as you plan the “floor” of your patio. While some choose simple concrete, others prefer materials like stones and mosaic pieces as they build their patios. Furthermore, this will be accented by the patio doors that you choose, whether they’re Milgard patio doors or not. For example, sliding patio doors can open up the space further and really connect your home to the patio. French doors can create a sense of elegance and may better mesh with certain architectural styles. Keep this in mind as you plan out your patio.

2. The Materials

Different materials are obviously going to yield different results. While it’s important that you think over your patio furniture and the benefits of different types of base materials for your patio, you shouldn’t forget what your patio doors are made up of. This is because patio doors that are created with energy inefficient materials actually allow heat to escape the home. This will result in your HVAC system working harder to regulate the home’s temperature, ultimately resulting in you spending more on energy than you really should. Materials like vinyl and metal often create more insulation. Fortunately, there are energy efficient options in terms of Milgard patio doors, and you don’t have to stick with inefficient options just because you want a certain look.

3. Lasting Power

The last thing you want is to have to replace elements of your patio prematurely. Keep this in mind as you invest in certain materials. But at the same time, you should remember that no matter what you invest in you’ll need to have the different elements of your patio serviced on a regular basis. With regular service, patio doors can last up to 30 years. But if you invest in patio doors and expect them to last without maintenance, you’ll probably end up replacing them sooner than you may have expected.

4. Broad Appeal

Though you may want to invest in a patio that purely caters to your own tastes, you should consider what appeals more broadly to people on a wide scale. You never know when you may end up selling your home, after all. Therefore, a patio that has been created with brightly colored brick or stone may not appeal to as many people as more neutral tones may. At the same time, you should consider this when choosing your patio doors as well. This is is why Milgard patio doors are so often preferred.

5. Weather

How rainy are the conditions where you live? Is the ground prone to sinking? Consider this as you invest in a patio. For example, if the ground around you is prone to sinking you probably shouldn’t have a patio base that is flat to the ground. Furthermore, if the area experiences high winds frequently you should choose doors that can withstand those winds with a good seal.

There is much for you to think about as you build a patio. Consider not only what appeals to you, but what lasts and increases your home’s energy efficiency and value.

So you’ve decided to get custom windows. There are a lot of benefits to getting customized windows; for one thing, some houses sincerely need them, especially those that are older and were built for windows that aren’t easily available anymore. Another benefit is saving money on energy. A lot of windows that were made in the past are not as energy-efficient as today’s custom made windows and are not as cost-efficient either. But when considering buying custom Milgard windows, you may be confronted by the question of priorities. What should you prioritize when ordering your custom windows, and what will add value to your home as well as a better experience with your windows? For a lot of people, the answer is clear: natural light. Natural light is one major reason homes have windows in the first place, but some window types offer more light than others. If you’re choosing between traditional windows and custom Milgard windows with great natural light, you may be tempted to go with what you know. But you’ll just end up with lower quality windows that’ll keep you in the dark. Let’s look into some of the benefits offered by the natural lighting that comes with Milgard windows.

1. Psychological Benefits

Yes, there is a true psychological benefit that comes with natural lighting. Natural light is hugely beneficial to people who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. These disorders can often heighten during the winter months, due to the shorter days. However, custom Milgard windows can make a difference in that they let in more natural light so people can take full advantage of the daylight hours. In fact, those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder may even want to expand their windows somewhat, if it’s at all possible. But if they cannot do so, installing windows that brighten up the home can make a major difference.</p.

2. Cost Efficiency

While you may initially be concerned about paying for custom Milgard windows to let in more natural light, you may actually save money in the long term by doing so. This is because the more natural light you have within your home, the less you’ll have to rely upon artificial lighting to keep your home well lit during the day. Artificial lighting puts a lot of pressure on people’s energy bills and can raise them significantly. Ultimately, if you can get your energy bills to decrease through the use of the right windows, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Increased Value

Everybody wants to add value to their home, and custom Milgard windows can certainly help with that. Not only are they appealing on an aesthetic level, but the natural light that they bring can also make the home feel more open and bigger than it actually is. When people buy a house, they consider every last detail. The fact is that if one house has big, open windows while the other does not, the decision becomes a lot easier. And don’t let worries about blinds or curtains deter you; though these can be an extra cost for buyers to consider, many believe that brightness and the illusion of space are worth it in the long term.

4. Physical Benefits

Yes, psychological benefits are not the only health benefits brought forth by natural lighting. There are physical benefits as well. Those without home windows that bring in light are often forced to use special lamps or dietary supplements to get the right amount of vitamin C, especially during the winter. But natural lighting gives that to you automatically and ultimately results in you not only feeling better mentally but physically.

When you’re considering replacement windows, remember that you don’t have to go with what’s already there. Custom windows are an option and can give you that natural light you need!

We all want to add value to our homes, and with good reason. Everyone sinks money into their houses simply by buying them in the first place. But you’re generally advised to look at your house as an investment. This is why most people attempt to buy homes in good areas with pre-existing features that are already appealing to the local housing market. However, just because you follow that advice and buy a home that has a lot of value, doesn’t mean that it’s going to gain value over time. By the time you sell your house down the road, it could have eventually lost value. It won’t matter if you bought a house in the perfect area, with traditional shutters and high tech sun control systems. Simply because of issues out of your control, like your area’s school district falling in esteem, your home could naturally lose value. Or perhaps very little will happen, and you’ll sell it without a loss or a profit. No matter what, you need to keep these issues in mind as a homeowner simply because you may need to sell it someday even if you don’t see that as a possibility now. Ideally, you’ll want to add value to your house so that you can sell it at a profit, and the best way that you can do that is by investing in it further and making unique additions that can set your home apart from the others. People want more than just a nice house that’s in good shape. They want unique details that will catch the eye and set it apart. With that being said, let’s look into some of the details that can add value to your home.

1. Shutters

Believe it or not, traditional shutters, whether or not you consider them old-fashioned, can add value to your home. There are a lot of benefits to adding shutters to a home. For one thing, if your house is already somewhat classic in appearance, traditional shutters will only enhance that appeal, perhaps even giving your house that coveted historic look that plenty of buyers love. But there are benefits based on practicalities and comfort alike to shutters. Unlike blinds, shutters don’t pose potential strangulation risks to babies and young children. For that matter, they’re actually more effective. Whereas blinds merely block out most of the light, shutters can go so far as to block out all of the light in an area. Therefore, those seeking to sleep in on the weekends would be better off with shutters. Shutters can act as excellent accents for a home, adding a pop of color and creating a different look. Of course, synthetic shutters, made of a different material than traditional wood shutters, are also available and are preferred by some. Either way, know that you have options available!

2. Patios

It should come as no surprise that a patio adds value to your home. It essentially adds an additional layer of value to your home by making it bigger and creating an outdoor living space, sometimes even with the added element of an outdoor kitchen or at least a grill. Patios can be more or less structured depending on whether you rely on gravel or sand, as opposed to cement or a deck. For that matter, they offer an additional bit of flair when they come with patio doors, like French doors or sliding patio doors leading into the home.

3. Landscaping

Of course, you don’t have to add directly to your home. If you have outdoor space, you can also add some flair to your garden through professional landscaping. This landscaping could include a flower garden, nicely trimmed hedges, or fruit trees. A well-groomed landscape can make a home much more aesthetically pleasing to the outside eye, and can for that matter catch the attention of buyers simply driving through a neighborhood much faster than a fresh coat of paint.

Whether you want to stay as minimal as traditional shutters or go all out and add a patio, adding to your home is about more than just your wants. You’ll also want to make sure that your home appeals to future potential buyers, therefore adding value in the long term.

Picture this: your energy bill has come in the mail and it has left your mouth hanging open. You cannot believe how much money you are spending just to heat and cool your home. This isn’t such a far-fetched scenario, as many homeowners struggle with the same situation.

 

So how can you save money on your energy bills? One of these tricks is simple — and it may surprise you.

 

The answer is new replacement windows that are energy-efficient. Almost 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through the windows. Correcting this issue can help you save money on your energy bills.

 

Not All Windows are Created Equal

Nobody likes to be lied to, especially when it comes home installations. However, the truth is that not all windows are the same, so not all windows are going to provide you with the same benefits. Your windows can negatively impact other areas of your home if they’re not rated as energy-efficient.

 

Generally speaking, homebuilders want to maximize their profit. This means they may install cheap windows because they want to buy low and sell high. This may be a concern even if your home is a new build. But keep in mind that older homes can also have problems if their windows are original. This is because older homes generally do not have sun control systems or energy efficient window options because there were none available at that time.

 

So how do you know if your windows are working properly? It is important to ask yourself a few basic questions to get started. Are your windows difficult to open or close? Do they often get foggy? Have you noticed any drafts coming from the windows? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to consider replacement windows as you could be losing money due to these issues.

 

New Windows Are Cost-Effective

While no company can make claims as to exactly how much you can save if you invest in new windows, the proof is in the pudding. Contacting professional installers can help you to determine which window options are best for you and your needs. This may include custom windows. Regardless, your professional window and door installation will leave you will better looking and better operating windows for your home.

 

Homeowners can choose many things to do to increase the energy efficiency of their home, as well as save a lot of money. What you choose to do with your home is completely up to you. However, one of the simplest and most beneficial changes you can make is getting replacement windows. Invest in windows that were designed with energy efficiency in mind and you will not be disappointed.

By 2019, the deck and patio construction industry had reached a revenue of $783 million dollars, a 3% increase over the past five years. This number is only projected to grow larger, as people begin to look for ways to make their living spaces more comfortable and enjoyable. Especially since more people are opting to stay at home than ever before.

 

This uptick in home improvement, spurred on by social distancing and stay at home mandates, can actually work in your favor by giving you an excuse to finally get started on all those projects you might have been putting on the back burner. For instance, while heading to a park for some relaxation and fresh air might be off the table, fixing up your patio to be just as enjoyable can be your next goal. For this purpose, retractable patio awnings can come in handy, as they allow you to control the sun and shade received on your deck. While some days you might enjoy sitting out in the sun, on exceptionally hot or rainy days, you’ll be thankful for the cover.

 

If your current patio doesn’t feature a retractable patio awning, or is lacking in any covering at all, here are four benefits of installing one that you should consider.

 

1. Lowering Energy Costs

 

Staying at home can drive up energy costs, especially if the sun shines directly through your patio doors. While thick curtains can help mitigate this, they also block your view and make your home dark, forcing you to turn on additional lights to see. This can backfire and end up lowering the cost of energy saved with curtains. However, with retractable patio awnings or even stationary awnings, you can help reduce the heat index around your home and prevent the sun from being able to heat up the inside of your home as easily. This can help save you money when it comes to cooling your home, but by eliminating thick curtains or blinds, you can also save on lighting costs during the day.

 

2. Increasing Property Value

 

Adding a retractable patio awning can also help boost the value of your home. While you might not be thinking of selling in the near future, this is an investment that can help increase value and appeal should you ever decide to move in the future. This could mean that if you do end up selling you could receive higher bids, as well as a faster and easier sale. With attractive features like this, more homebuyers will be interested in getting their hands on the property.

 

3. Providing Wintertime Versatility

 

Just as how a retractable patio awning can help keep the sun out during the summer, it can also be pulled in to let the sun in during the winter. And, if the weather decides to act up and you have a freak heatwave during the winter, you can quickly reopen the awning to bring the shade back. This type of versatility is great for helping to combat energy costs no matter what the seasons bring.

4. Saving Patio Furniture

 

Patio furniture can be an expensive investment, but without the right protection, they can easily become bleached in the sun, ruined by rain, or damaged by snow. Awnings can help prevent this but allowing you to more readily protect your outdoor furniture, without the need to bring it inside every time the weather takes a turn. Similarly, this can allow you to leave your furniture out longer every year, as you’ll be able to prevent snow and sleet from reaching it.

 

Sun control systems, like awnings, are quickly becoming more popular due to their ability to make patios more comfortable, as well as the interior of your home. If you’re looking for a way to get more out of your outdoor living spaces, consider investing in a retractable awning and taking control of the comfort in your backyard.

Throughout the country and especially during the spring and summer, our patios are like outdoor living rooms. They provide a cozy space for various family gatherings and entertaining friends. Therefore, it is important to have an attractive patio door to complement the space.

Sliding patio doors are some of the most popular, as they do not take up much space and come in many different designs. Among the most popular types are old-style patio doors, which are quality made and look great. These old-style patio doors add class and elegance to any outdoor space and provide quality and durability.

4 Ways a Sliding Patio Door Enhances an Outdoor Space

A quality patio door can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance and care. Therefore, when searching for a patio door manufacturer, it is important to ensure you are purchasing a quality brand, such as Milgard patio doors, as they have a reputation for quality. Furthermore, it is important that you hire professional installers in order to ensure the longevity and durability of your new patio door.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Many patio doors, especially old-style patio doors, allow you to further enhance your outdoor experience. Furthermore, the patio door that you choose can significantly improve the overall look of your home and make it more appealing. This is especially important if you ever wanted to sell your home, as quality windows and doors are one of the most important aspects sought out by homebuyers.

Increase Your Home’s Value

A home is the most expensive purchase most people make throughout their life; therefore, it is important for a home to maintain its value. Improving features such as windows and doors can significantly increase the overall value of your home and give you the peace of mind that your home is energy efficient.

Durable Glass

It is important that the glass in your new patio door is durable and can withstand the elements. High quality glass has the ability to block some harmful UV rays and allows you to keep the inside of your home cooler. This further decreases your energy bill and promotes efficiency.

Durable glass is also important to the safety and security of your home, as it will be more resistant to a potential intruder. Furthermore, high quality glass can contribute to the longevity of many different hardware parts of the door, including the seals and other important components.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is important to all homeowners, especially when it comes to lowering your monthly energy bill. It is important to consider efficiency when deciding on purchasing a new patio door, as it could significantly decrease your monthly bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Energy efficient patio doors usually include durable, double paned glass with high quality seals and other hardware.

Choosing a patio door should include thorough research in order to select the best one for you. The right patio door will provide sufficient insulation, protection from the sun, and aesthetics to your outdoor space. Furthermore, it is recommended that you hire a professional installer, as this will increase the longevity, durability, and energy efficiency of your door.

It is no accident that vinyl windows are on the top of the list when it comes to home improvement. High-quality vinyl replacement windows bring a lot of value to any home.

You can take advantage of the value that vinyl windows add to your home by connecting with a window and door installation team that understands their job is to deliver value. Learn more about the real value of vinyl windows and how they can help to improve your home.

The Energy Savings is Real

It is estimated that about 30% of your heating and cooling is lost through faulty windows and doors. Replacing them now can mean a tremendous amount of energy savings. New windows can keep the elements out and keep the cooling and heating costs down.

Of course, while energy savings is a tremendous benefit it is not all you get when you decide on new vinyl windows Burbank homeowners have found. There are other plusses when it comes to making the choice of putting your improvement money into new windows.

Aesthetics

You hear a lot about curb appeal these days. Curb appeal is a term used to describe how your home looks from “the curb” or as people pass by. A home that has new windows has tremendous curb appeal. New windows instantly upgrade the look of any home.

Of course, the aesthetics are not only for the people passing by, but they are also for you as well. There is nothing quite like loving where you live and feeling proud of your home looks both inside and outside. Having guests over and enjoying some time in the backyard like 40% of homeowners did in 2017, is so much better when you can look at your home and feel good about its appearance.

Things Get Quieter

Less than quiet neighbors become a problem of the past with new windows. New vinyl replacement windows are built to have noise-canceling properties that keep the noise outdoors where it belongs. Suddenly your home becomes more peaceful with new windows. You get to enjoy a quieter space where outdoor noise no longer infiltrates your home, your energy bill goes down, and the home looks great. Can you ask for anything more? Well, there is one more thing.

You can put your drop cloths away. Vinyl windows never have to be painted. Just spray them down with the water hose occasionally, and your windows will stay looking new for years to come. Your home deserves an upgrade. Consider vinyl windows as the perfect way to upgrade your home and your lifestyle.

Efficiency and comfort are two of the most important aspects of your home, therefore, it is important that your doors are properly insulated. Hiring professional door installers is crucial to the longevity and performance of your new doors, as they are experienced and know how to properly insulate them. There are many benefits of installing replacement doors, as they will improve efficiency and keep your monthly energy bills low.

Why You Should Replace Your Doors

Some of the most prominent reasons to replace your doors is to improve efficiency and lower energy costs. As new doors with improved insulation put less strain on your HVAC systems, keeping cold and hot air inside your home at all times.

Oftentimes, because older homes have old, poorly insulated doors that increase the home’s energy costs, it is advantageous to invest in new, modern doors. New steel or fiberglass doors have improved insulation, and are more effective in keeping a home’s energy costs down, which is much more efficient and cost effective for the homeowner.

Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal

A home is the most expensive purchase someone will make throughout their lifetime, therefore, it is important to sustain your home’s market value, as it is an expensive investment. Subtle improvements in your home, such as the front door can increase the value of your home. Replacing your front door is one of the most financially viable improvements you can make to your home, especially if you are tight on cash.

Replacing your front door can add a more stately appearance to your entryway, including the addition of eye catching color. The addition of a double door will further increase the value of your home, as it adds a stately appearance to any entryway. Furthermore, the front door is one of the most notable aspects of your home for potential buyers, which can significantly increase their interest in your home.

Improving Your Backyard Space

Backyards are some of the most utilized places around your home, therefore, it is important to have an appealing, modern backyard. One of the most prominent additions one can make to their home is replacing their back patio door. Similar to your front door, replacing your patio door can add significant value to your home. The popularity of backyards have grown throughout recent years, as the industry has grown significantly at 3% over the recent five year period, and amassed nearly $783 million in the fiscal year 2019.

Some of the most popular patio door manufacturers are Milgard patio doors, in fact, they even manufacture modern doors made to resemble old-style patio doors in order to tailor their product to their customers.

The importance of Hiring Professional Door Installers

In order to get the most performance and energy efficiency out of your new doors, it is recommended that you hire professional door installers. These professionals know how to insulate your new doors so they perform as they should, keeping your energy costs low, and your home at the desired temperature.

Furthermore, installing doors requires high quality, professional equipment that is both expensive and should only be operated by professional door installers. Additionally, they harness the knowledge to ensure that the door is installed correctly, and will perform at the highest standard possible for the customer.

Replacing a door can be a time consuming and tedious process, therefore, it should be left to the professionals. Professional installation is crucial to your new door’s performance and allows you to have an energy efficient, cost effective home.

Doors and windows are some of the most vital aspects of improving insulation and promoting the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, the addition of new windows and doors increases the property value of your home, increasing the viability of your investment. For aesthetic purposes, some property owners will choose to customize their doors and windows, and have various options to choose from. Some of the most popular manufacturers are Milgard custom patio doors which invite elegance and class into your home with your own personal taste.

Improving Efficiency While Decreasing Expenses

Studies show that nearly 30% of a home’s heat exits via the windows, therefore, increasing your energy bill at the end of the month. Replacing your old windows with new energy efficient windows can result in additional cost savings, and can save homeowners significant amounts each month. In addition to energy efficient windows, custom windows are also a viable option to further redefine your space.

For the best insulation, it is best to shop for windows that are energy star rated, as they are deemed the most efficient. With energy star rated windows and doors, property owners save up to $465 annually. Double paned windows are expensive, however, they are well worth the investment, as replacing the windows in your home with ones that are energy efficient, increases home values over $10,000.

Benefits Of Installing Energy Efficient Doors

In addition to windows, doors can release much of a home’s hot or cold air, decreasing efficiency. Similar to windows, installing energy efficient doors can exponentially increase property value. Some of the most popular types of doors are sliding patio doors, one of the most reputable companies offering energy efficient patio doors are Milgard custom patio doors.

Milgard custom patio doors boast both efficiency and good looks as one of the pioneers in the industry. They offer various types of doors, including old style patio doors, which will elevate your patio space to the next level. Milgard is one of the industry leaders in energy efficiency, as they meet the stringent specifications for green building energy standards, and are extremely durable with their fiberglass, aluminum, or vinyl frames.

Retractable Awnings

To further improve the efficiency of your home, a retractable window awning may be a good option, as they protect the heat from entering your home during the summer, therefore increasing the efficiency of your HVAC system, and lowering your electric bill. Retractable awnings are very popular with many homeowners, as beside energy efficiency, they serve many other purposes. However, due to their complexity, it is important to hire a professional installer.

When installing windows, doors, or awnings, it is important to hire professional installers, as there are various aspects that must be accounted for in order to correctly install them, and provide the greatest efficiency possible. Installing windows and doors involves various insulation measures such as caulk and sealant, which must be installed correctly to maximize efficiency. Improving energy efficiency is important to any home, and replacing doors and windows will prove vital in achieving your ideal level of comfort and efficiency.