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For all their convenience, window blinds can be kind of a pain sometimes. Who hasn’t pulled too hard on one side of the cord, ending up with a lopsided effect? Or maybe you’ve wondered how to clean dusty blinds without taking it slat by slat? Or worse, worried that an adventurous child or pet might get themselves tangled in the cord?

Thankfully, windows manufacturers have finally gotten wise to all these problems and designed windows with built-in blinds. In these windows, the blinds sit positioned between two panes of glass, rather than as a separate treatment over the frame. You operate the blinds using a remote control, or via a magnetic slider that runs along the side.

Still, having the blinds inside the glass changes the look and behavior of your window treatments and, potentially, the energy efficiency of your whole window. While some people find them much more convenient, they’re not for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if integral blind window replacement is right for your home.

Benefits of Windows with Blinds Inside

The pros of windows with blinds built inside the glass are usually cleaner, safer for your home, and less frustrating than regular blinds. Here are some of the top reasons people have integral blind windows installed in their home.

• Reduced maintenance: Manufacturers claim that having the blinds inside the glass virtually eliminates the need to dust or clean them (although in reality, some homeowners report that they have to clean them every couple of years). Well-sealed windows don’t accumulate dust and other allergens the way traditional window treatments do. That makes them a huge plus for many homeowners, since cleaning blinds thoroughly can be a tedious job.
• Less risk of breakage: Having the blinds behind the glass protects them from damage and routine wear and tear. Blinds frequently become brittle and break over time, particularly if you have less expensive vinyl treatments installed on your windows. But even higher quality products aren’t safe from pets or young children who may bend or break the slats. Because of this, most homeowners find themselves replacing the blinds frequently, probably once every four years or so. No so with integral blinds. Although internal blinds certainly aren’t invulnerable to damage, they may potentially last as long as the windows themselves. Many even come with a ten or twenty-year warranty.
• Safer for families with young children: The benefits of integral blinds extend beyond mere aesthetics, particularly if you have toddler-aged kids in the house. The cords on traditional blinds pose a risk of strangulation to young children—the watch group Parents for Window Blind Safety reports almost 600 cases of cord-related incidents in the past 30 years. Since they’re absolutely cordless, integral blinds skirt this risk altogether, offering parents huge peace of mind.
• Convenience: Blinds can be difficult to operate. But the magnetized slider simplifies the whole process. Or, if you go with a motorized version, you can avoid the hassle of manual operation altogether. And integral blinds make a great choice for large glass doors, since they won’t swing and get in the way of the door’s movement.

Cons of Built in Window Blinds

The cons of having built in window blinds would be that they are costly to install, are not always the most stylish options for replacement windows, and can decrease your window’s energy efficiency rating. Here are a few more downfalls of built in window blinds.

• Increased price: Purchasing a new window with built-in blinds obviously costs more than a set of blinds. And manufacturers typically classify windows with integral blinds as specialty products, meaning you’ll have to spend more than traditional models..
• Limited design options: Speaking of selection, that’s another limitation you may face if you choose to go with internal blinds. While traditional blinds come in almost any material you can think of, from bamboo to aluminum to pine, your choices may become much more limited if you decide to purchase internal blinds. Also, due to the slider, you won’t find them in a variety of styles, either, such as Venetian or roller blinds.
• Decreased energy efficiency: Manufacturers will usually insulate windows with argon, which they seal between double pane windows to slow drafts. However, they may forego this insulation in models that include integral blinds in order to maintain the integrity of the window treatments. And that can lower the window’s U-factor, the measure of its insulation. To avoid this issue, look for triple pane window models, ensuring that the window has a separate layer of insulated glass.

Overall, if you need new windows anyway and struggle with traditional window treatments, new window replacements might be a great solution. Integral blinds definitely make opening and closing the windows easier. And who couldn’t use a little less hassle in their life.

• Avoid cleaning glass while it is in direct sunlight, especially tinted and coated surfaces, to prevent streaking.
• Start cleaning windows at the top of the building and continue to lower levels.
• Soak the glass surface with clean water to loosen dirt and debris. Make sure no abrasive particles remain on the glass, then apply an approved cleaning solution with a non-abrasive cloth or other applicator.
• Quickly remove the cleaning solution with a squeegee, taking care not to allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to touch the glass surface.
• Avoid any cleaning product that has a strong chemical base or a high alcohol content, as chemical reactions could damage components.
• Wipe any remaining traces of cleaning solution from glass and other parts of the window and frame. Windows, including their parts and frames, are susceptible to deterioration if left damp.
• Some windows have an energy panel, often confused with a storm window. An energy panel is a removable, exterior glass panel and can be cleaned in the same way as other parts of the window.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials, don’t allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to touch the glass, and don’t use scrapers of any kind.
  Note: Glass scratched by a scraper is not covered under the Marvin warranty.

Regular maintenance will help keep your Marvin windows and doors operating smoothly. Use this checklist as an annual maintenance reminder.

• Make sure the weatherstrip is still effective. If not, call your local Marvin dealer.
• Examine the window’s interior and exterior finishes. Occasional repair to a damaged finish may be necessary.
• Don’t let paints, stains and varnishes come in contact with the weatherstrip. Solvents can damage the weatherstrip’s performance.
• Trim any old, loose caulking and seal any gaps with an appropriate, high quality caulk.
• Occasionally, an excess of silicone sealant, called “squeeze-out,” appears around the edge of the glass. You can safely scrape off “squeeze-out” with a plastic putty knife without damaging the weather-tightness of your window or door.
• Make sure all exposed hardware screws are tightened securely. Apply a dry lubricant to the windows’ gears to keep them operating smoothly.
• Clean sand, dirt or dust from door and window hinges, sills and tracks.
• Check energy panels and storm and screen combinations to make sure screws and turn buttons are securely fastened.
• Check doors for smooth operation.
  Note: Wood doors require a stabilization period after installation, sometimes taking up to a year to adjust to humidity levels and other environmental factors.
• Location plays an important role in how often you should clean and maintain the exterior of aluminum clad windows and doors. A coastal home exposed to harsh elements may need cleaning four or five times a year, while in a drier climate, once or twice a year may be sufficient.

In a move that company officials say is designed to simplify the product discovery and exploration process for consumers, Marvin Windows and Doors announced today that it will undergo rebranding. The more than 100 year old company previously known as Marvin Windows and Doors, along with its Integrity Windows and Doors brand, will be known simply as Marvin going forward.

Both brands’ previous logos will be retired and replaced by a new Marvin logo, including a version of the company’s yellow rose emblem that officials suggest is “modern yet still recognizable” by those familiar with the existing brand. The symbol was first introduced in 1968, as a representation for products “built for Northern winters and Southern hospitality,” officials say, supporting the notion that “a rose can’t flourish indoors without the ideal environment that windows and doors provide,” a company press release suggests.

(The old logo and branding for Marvin Windows and Doors)

Changes will not affect manufacturing, distribution or any other matters of business, company officials tell DWM, but there will be a consolidation and reorganization of product portfolios. Going forward, the company’s products will be sorted into three collections: Signature (including products previously known as Marvin Contemporary Studio, as well as the existing Marvin Ultimate and Marvin Modern lines), Elevate (products previously known as Integrity Wood-Ultrex) and Essential (products previously known as Integrity All-Ultrex). Regarding the company’s replacement line of products, know as Infinity by Marvin, “With a different channel and a little bit of a different business approach, we will spend time evaluating what the right move for that is in the future,” says Brett Boyum, the company’s vice president of brand and user experience. For now, however, the brand will remain as is.

 

(The new logo, representing all product lines going forward under a unified brand)

Regarding the timing for the company’s decision to rebrand, there was an epiphany of sorts, Boyum says, as company officials came to realize, “We should be really listening to what the market’s telling us, what our business strategy is telling us, what the homeowner [and] trade customers are telling us,” he says. “They want it to be easy. And so, for us, it was having two or three different brands, yet trying to locate them on the same website, and tell a different brand story, yet also still trying to tie them to Marvin. It could get confusing and complicated for a homeowner who is maybe just initiating the process of trying to educate themselves around windows and doors.”

In the past, the company’s website was a “one-stop” for its brands, Boyum says, “but they would come there and they would see multiple brands, and they’d have to try to figure out, ‘Do I look at this brand first, or that brand first?’” Going forward, visitors to Marvin’s website and product displays will now be greeted by a single brand with various product lines, each with its own value proposition, he says.

The company will work with its dealers in order to update showrooms to reflect the new brand—the majority of whichalready have access to the full lineup of existing products. For this reason, the transition among dealers and their showrooms will mostly entail redesigning signage to include the company’s new logo and other brand elements, Boyum says.When asked if the company plans to provide financial assistance for implementing those changes, “We have existing programs that we’ll leverage,” he says. “In years past, if that program was used for some other marketing effort, we’ve really tried to channel those dollars or those efforts into supporting this transition, so it’s a shared opportunity.”

The company is developing modifications that can be used to update existing displays, he says, to prevent the need for replacement.

The rebranding process is expected to be “75% complete” by the end of 2019, Boyum says, and “90 to 95%” complete by the end of 2020.

You chose the right glass package, but did you choose the right window?

In climates where temperatures dip in the winter, air infiltration can be a major cause of heat loss and a contributor to high energy bills. Complaints of drafty windows can diminish your customer’s overall satisfaction with their new home or remodel project. As a professional, you may be familiar with glass options to increase energy efficiency, but do you know that the type of window and the way it’s made might be an even bigger contributor? Different types of windows, even windows made by the same manufacturer, offer differing results when it comes to preventing air infiltration.

It’s not just about the glass

Glass coatings on modern windows do a tremendous job at managing heat loss and heat gain. Jeff Siverhus, Product Manager at Marvin, states, “Depending on the type of window, the center of the pane of glass can be the most energy efficient area on the entire window assembly.” While U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings are important, neither have any impact on how well a window will prevent air movement. When it comes to air infiltration, the real difference between one window and another isn’t the glass, but rather the window components and how well the window is assembled.

Which types of windows perform best?

Fixed windows have no moving parts and are the tightest, most energy efficient windows available. When an operable window is needed for ventilation, you might be wondering how three of the most popular operable windows perform when it comes to energy efficiency.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are better at stopping air infiltration than any other type of operating window because of the tight seal that can be achieved around the entire sash. Jeff Siverhus, Product Manager at Marvin, explains, “The locking mechanism on Marvin casement windows are designed to pull the sash in tight, which creates a consistent compression of the weather stripping around the entire perimeter of the sash.”

What if your customer demands the energy efficiency of a casement window but wants the look of a double hung? Add a simulated check rail (a thick single horizontal grille or divided lite) to a casement window, which will give it the appearance of a double hung from the street.

Double Hung Windows

Slider/Glider Windows

According to Siverhus, one way to improve the air infiltration performance of a slider or glider window is to choose a configuration with one fixed sash.

What to Know About Air Infiltration Ratings

Air infiltration is rated by the industry standard ASTM E283 air infiltration test, which measures how many cubic feet of air passes through the window per minute in relation to the size of the window. Looking to meet ENERGY STAR minimum requirements? Look for numbers lower than .30 cfm/ft². The difference in ratings between various operable windows will vary by manufacturer, but to add context, Siverhus notes that for Marvin, all three of the window styles mentioned above are well below minimum requirements for air infiltration, with the Ultimate Casement Window coming in at less than 0.01 cfm/ft².

If you want to make an apples-to-apples comparison, ask your window dealer for the air infiltration ratings on the windows you’re considering buying for your next project.

Prevent Unnecessary Air Infiltration

Windows are tested using the exact manufacturer’s installation guidelines. If installed incorrectly, even the highest performing window can be doomed to underperform. Follow installation instructions to the letter, and be aware of other factors that could affect the performance of the windows you’ve so carefully installed. Have a conversation with your painting contractor. Let them know that oil-based stains and finishes will cause weather stripping to harden prematurely, which will reduce their capacity to prevent air infiltration.

Keep in Mind – Windows are only part of the solution

Managing customer expectations is key to every successful project. Well-built windows can reduce a home’s energy bills and increase comfort levels, but energy efficient windows are only one component in creating a tight and energy efficient building envelope. A homeowner is bound to be disappointed if they pay for the highest quality windows that end up having very little positive impact on comfort levels because the house has no water resistant barrier, poorly insulated walls, and is riddled with attic air bypasses.

Take what you know about the energy-saving qualities of various windows and glass packages, and ensure they are one component of a host of efforts and improvements to the overall energy efficiency of a home.

Inspired by the region, the 2019 Southern Living Showhouse is a perfect example of traditional Florida architecture that creates an easy flow between the indoors and out.

Perched on an ideal spot along Florida’s intracoastal waterway, this year’s showhouse on Amelia Island has all the classic touches of a Southern Lowcountry home with island influences: high ceilings, expansive porches, and plenty of wide hallways to welcome gentle breezes. The layout encourages indoor/outdoor living and lets natural light fill the home throughout the day.

This light-filled home was exactly what architects Jim Strickland and Clay Rokicki of Historical Concepts had planned. “Many of the old houses in Amelia Island have a very Victorian feel with wooden porches with highly-styled railings,” Rokicki explains. “We wanted to blend that with a simpler and more classic Lowcountry archetype of houses with big porches and big bright rooms.”

With that plan in mind, the architects prioritized doors and windows as they developed the home. Because of the array of sizes and styles available, Marvin products were their first choice. They needed wide doorways that allowed for an easy flow between the interiors and the oversized porches—like the enormous Marvin Signature Ultimate Bi-Fold Door in the living room that opens up to make the back porch feel like an extension of the room.

“From the initial conception, we really wanted to blow out that back wall for a spectacular look and make the porch feel like part of the living space,” Rokicki explains. “And since Marvin doors can go up to that 10-foot height unit—you can dream big, and it is very achievable.”

They also sought to maximize the natural light throughout the house. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the main stairwell. “The amount of windows we were able to put in this stairwell was really amazing since Marvin had such a variety of sizes,” Matt Birdwell, Director of Building Operations for Riverside Homes, says. “The nice result was that a utility room—that’s often dark or drab—actually got light from two sides.” The architects installed interior transom windows to flood light into these hard-to-reach spaces.

The design also called for large windows that could frame the views of the waterways, the big oak trees and charming, local Spanish moss.

The large windows really shine in the main dining room where the 9’ Ultimate Double Hung G2 windows from Marvin’s Signature Collection offer unparalleled views of the water and easily open so the homeowners can enjoy all the beauty of island living.

“In Victorian and Lowcountry architecture, you see a lot of these large double hung windows,” he adds. “The balance between having a traditional design and maximizing the view adds a special feeling.”

Article originally appeared in Southern Living. Photos by Laurey W. Glenn.

A veteran architect offers thoughtful tips on how to plan for generational needs.

32 inches.

That’s the clear width of a typical household doorway. What happens if you add 4 inches to that clear width? For starters, you gain more light. More accessibility. More convenience. More of everything that may be important to a multigenerational family.

That’s just one of the residential design ideas of architect Scott Rappe, AIA, principal of Kuklinski + Rappe Architects, in Chicago.

Rappe and his team of three architects have earned an award-winning reputation for creative, practical residential design solutions. Call his aesthetic “inspired constraint.” His team excels at transforming often overlooked space into something warm, fresh, and unexpected.

To better understand his team’s universal design approach, consider a few of his ideas:

1. First-Floor Bedroom. “On almost every project we end up planning for a future master bedroom and bath on the ground floor,” reports Rappe. The architect explains the space may be initially disguised as the family room or some other use near-term. Even if age isn’t currently an issue, knee, hip, and ankle injuries can often make a first-floor bedroom a welcome convenience.

2. Wide Hallways. Rappe says there’s a belief by some that hallways should be short and narrow as possible. He takes a contrarian view. “Hallways are spaces that we live in. We try to size hallways so they’re pleasant—so art can be displayed and children can play in them. The side benefit, of course, is they easily accommodate a wheelchair or walker,” Rappe says.

3. Clerestory Windows. One way to enliven a space with light and shadow is with clerestory windows. “What is neat about them versus a skylight is you don’t get the direct vertical sun. It changes all day long,” Rappe says. “We recently installed clerestory windows using a Marvin direct glaze window unit. They were perfect for the application.”

4. Bedroom Alternatives. To avoid children “fleeing to the bedroom to escape,” Rappe encourages more family interaction by creating spaces for them, like a hallway with an alcove or built-in desk. This also means you can monitor the children’s computer use, more easily help with homework, or call them for dinner.

5. Basement-Free. Eliminating basements to build homes at-grade creates a huge accessibility advantage, especially for aging residents. “That allows us to specify low profile thresholds. You can roll right in the front or the back. You can even put in an inner courtyard,” suggests Rappe.

6. Big Doors. Rappe likes alternatives to building walls and partitioning the house. He may specify pocket doors, for example, as a space divider or privacy-maker. For dividing adjoining interior spaces, consider a Marvin Wood Bi-Fold Door that spans up to 55 feet. The door sill is level with the floor, so it’s a family-friendly solution for walkers, wheelchairs, and even potential fall hazards for little ones.

For Rappe and growing ranks of architects, the residential design horizon is decidedly long-term. “The secret is to have enough margin for the family to adapt as needed without overbuilding,” says Rappe.

It can be difficult to know what to expect out of contractors and home improvement companies, like what they’re looking for when they evaluate windows, siding and doors.

Good contractors and reputable companies are there with sharp eyes, backed by training and education to determine what aspect of your home is suffering, why that’s the case, and how they can efficiently and effectively replace it.

Evaluating Windows

Contractors and window companies will look to visual signs to evaluate windows.  They may ask you questions like if you notice condensation, fogginess, or water formation between the windowpanes while checking the seals for deterioration. Knowing this information can help them in determining what level of energy efficiency your windows are functioning at.

A window with no seals, poor weather stripping, drafty, and one that accumulates a lot of condensation between its panes is inefficient in energy efficiency.  Some contractors and companies can conduct energy audits, where windows play an integral role.  Thermal analysis of windows is apart of their evaluation to determine how much heat loss is occurring from the existing windows.

Contractors and companies will base their evaluations either on existing windows or for new windows that have yet to be installed.  On your evaluation, you’ll see the style of window, its energy-efficient features, cost of materials, installation labor, trimming and sealing, and things like the start and finish date.  If you’re replacing windows, the evaluation will include the removal and disposal process.

Evaluating Doors

A door evaluation will cover attributes like the door type (interior, sliding glass, entry doors, storm doors, and so on), the material, its architectural style, and the craftsmanship.  Your contractor will inform you about the differences between metal, wood, steel, and fiberglass for a new door as well as the quality spectrum of a low-cost door or one that boasts high-quality craftsmanship.  Your evaluation will also include the style of the door itself—Dutch, contemporary, modern, or colonial.

Doors require precise measurements for an equally precise fit and part of the evaluation will include the measurements to ensure that the right size can be ordered.  Contractors will account for frame damage to any sliding doors during the evaluation, if the doorframe needs to be resized, or if the doorjamb must be widened to fit the new door.

In-home door evaluations are critical for door replacements because of varying door sizes and the way the door swings. The evaluation will also include the other working parts necessary for a new door like its collection of hardware: screws, hinges, and doorknobs.

Evaluating Siding

Companies and independent contractors can make the job of replacing siding much easier than taking it on yourself. A task that requires skills and a lot of patience.  The material of the siding is a large part of their evaluation, as this will determine the bulk of the cost, and in some cases, the ease of the installation.

Vinyl siding is among the most popular choices of siding materials. In addition, there’s brick, natural stone, fiber cement, artificial stone, engineered wood, and natural wood to consider, all ranging in their complexities of installation.

It’s a little different when a company or contractor must evaluate a section of siding that needs to be replaced.  For insurance purposes, this evaluation can get a little tricky.  They’ll make an effort to attempt to match the existing siding to the rest of the house, but for many homes with older siding, this is a near-impossible task.

The evaluation will look at the material, the width of the siding panels, and the features like impact-resistance and insulation levels.  When replacing a section of siding, it’s important for the new piece to match the siding already there for resale purpose, the home’s value, and its overall aesthetics.  For new buildings, the evaluation must adhere to all current building codes and requirements that touch on how the siding is fastened and installed.

The Process Can Vary but the Quality Shouldn’t

Now you know what to expect when contractors are taking notes, measurements, and asking questions about your siding, doors, and windows. Evaluating your windows, siding, and doors take precision, meticulous analysis, and a good amount of evaluation. All three facets involve preparation to make way for what comes next: upgrades, repairs, or full-on replacements.

Every independent contractor and home improvement company will vary in how they conduct their evaluations. However, the rules and regulations that surround building codes remain the same.  A reputable contractor and company will strive to meet these codes and building regulations in their evaluations, in their products, and in their installations.

Contact Quality Window & Door for an Expert Evaluation!

With another cold, Midwest winter approaching, you must ask yourself, “are my doors and windows ready?” Drafts, leaks and poor insulation could cause the season to become a nightmare, but there is still time to have them replaced! We’re going to tell you how new doors and windows will prepare your home for the winter.

Check Your Windows Closely

Your windows could be the main cause of your home being ill-prepared for the winter. Older windows won’t protect you from the frigid temperatures and will force your heating systems to work harder. Newer windows prevent your home from feeling like the arctic.

Upgrade Old Single Pane Windows

If you still have single pane windows in your home, it is time to upgrade. Single pane windows offer little to no insulation against wind or cold temperatures. Double and triple pane windows have Argon, Krypton or a mix of both gases between each pane. This adds a layer of insulation, preventing heat from escaping your home.

When heat escapes, your heating system has to work harder to reach the temperature you set for your home. So the extra insulation of double and triple pane windows will allow your heating system to work with less effort saving you money. During the winter the added insulation is most beneficial. You won’t have to break the bank in order to keep your home from freezing.

Is It Getting a Bit Drafty in Your Home?

When your windows have a draft, there is a major problem that needs to be addressed. Cold air is getting into your home while heat is escaping. Like we mentioned above, this could take a toll on your wallet trying to keep your home warm. Many people try to band-aid the problem with window film, but the only way to truly fix the issues is replacing the window.

Most drafts are caused by the window not being flush against the frame or cracks along the edges. When you get a new window, it will fit snugly against the window frame and prevent drafts from entering.

Eliminate Noisy Wind

Can you hear wind through your window? If so, that’s not good and it’s only going to get worse as winter nears. This means your windows aren’t properly insulated or there are cracks around the window. A new, better insulated window will prevent the noise.

Like we mentioned earlier, double or triple pane gas windows are the best choice for window insulation. Loud noises won’t be able to pass through easily preventing you from hearing howling winds.

Prevent Damage from Leaking Water

It wouldn’t be winter without snow. Will your windows be able to handle the first storm? If your windows are leaking during the first snow, it could cause damage to the frame, walls and floor near the window.

Before winter starts, it’s best to check your windows for leaks. If there is any reason to believe leaking will occur, get new windows immediately. It’s best to replace the windows and avoid the costly damage of fixing your walls and floors down the road.

Close the Window, If You Can!

This is the biggest problem come winter time. If your window doesn’t close properly, you’re in for a few freezing cold months. There is no way around replacing your windows unless you want to bundle up in your jacket before going to bed.

A new window would completely eliminate this problem. Being able to properly shut your windows is crucial. Your new windows will close tightly allowing significantly less heat out of your home.

And Lock it!

With double hung windows, it is important that your inner lock also works properly. This prevents drafts from sneaking between the two sashes. It doesn’t seem like much but the draft will cause your heating system to work harder. You’ll see that reflected on your bills. If your inner lock isn’t working and the sashes aren’t meeting, it is time to replace the window.

Keep Winter Outside: The Value of New Entry Doors

Your entry door is often the most used in the house. With the amount of traffic passing through it each day, it is to be expected that it will face normal wear and tear. It’s important to keep an eye on your entry door because as it deteriorates over time, it will cause issues throughout the home. Replacing your entry door with a new one will prepare your home for the winter and its harsh weather.

There’s a Draft Coming From the Door

Similar to windows, you shouldn’t be able to feel a draft coming from your door. This could be due to gaps around the edges or the door not fitting properly within the frame. Either way, you’ll need a new entry door. Many people try to prevent the inevitable by using film around the edges or draft stoppers along the bottom of the door, but that isn’t enough. Your door needs to fit snugly within the frame. A new door will fit properly, prevent drafts and cause your heating system to work more efficiently.

Close the Door or It’s Going to Get Cold

If your door isn’t closing properly, you’ll need to replace it immediately. With winter around the corner, it could turn your home into a frozen tundra. This could mean there was damage done to the door or the frame. Typically it happens over time with wear and tear.

The older the door, the more likely you’ll have this issue. It’ll stick or jamb causing the door to be slightly ajar. Through that small opening, a tremendous amount of heat will be able to escape. A new door will fit snugger into the frame and open or close with ease. Once closed, it will reduce the amount of heat leaving the home.

Entry Doors could Use Some Help: Storm Doors

Storm doors have many great benefits: they improve your curb appeal, allow light to enter your home and complement your entry door. They can also prepare your home for the winter. Working with your entry door, storm doors are a great addition to keeping your home warm this winter.

Protect Exterior Door

As mentioned above, your entry doors face wear and tear from the amount of traffic passing through. Weather also can take a toll on them. It is important to protect your entry doors so they can do their job. Storm doors are the perfect protector. They shield them from rain, ice, snow and debris from high winds. This is important during the winter because you could expect a great deal of precipitation and wind.

Another Layer of Insulation

Storm doors do more than protect your entry doors. They add another layer between your home and the outside world. Storm doors fit snugly within the frame and create an extra barricade. If heat sneaks past your entry doors it will be stopped by your storm doors.

Nothing Gets Past the Bottom Sweep

Storm doors have another layer of protection for your home: the bottom sweep. This is added to the bottom of the storm door and prevents drafts from getting in underneath.

Don’t Forget the Garage Door

Many people forget that their garage door is another way to defend their home from the elements. A new garage door will not only affect the garage, but the entire home’s heat.

More Insulation, More Money

New garage doors now come better insulated and protect your garage from the elements. This is extremely important for your home, especially rooms sharing a wall with the garage. It will keep the rest of your home warmer and the heating system will work more efficiently. With an opening as large as your garage, that’s a whole lot of money you can be saving with a new garage door.

It Gets Noisy During the Winter: Prevent Wind Noise

The extra insulated garage doors also affects the amount of wind heard throughout the home. You can also add an interior wind load reinforcement system. These more wind-resistant garage doors prevent noise from easily passing through, creating a more quiet winter.

Now You’re Ready for Anything

Winter is unpredictable but new doors and windows will have you prepared for whatever it throws at you. Better insulation and preventing heat from escaping will allow your home to be comfortable during the harshest of storms and save you money on your heating bills. Make sure you check your windows and doors each year so you are aware of any issues that need to be immediately addressed.