What You Should Really Know About Your Doors

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Are you on the fence about what kind of door installations make the most sense for you? That’s understandable and is something to take seriously for your home’s overall needs. Thankfully, we’re here to provide a simple guide for choosing the best and most efficient doors for your home. Here are several things that you need to know before picking a door installation team.

 

Door Materials

 

The materials you choose for your doors will matter heavily and can affect the costs and benefits you receive. For example, according to Consumers Energy, homeowners may save up to $200 per year on HVAC bills with better door and window sealant. Door installers should focus on using materials and designs that provide the most benefits possible. Available materials include wood, steel, fiberglass, and much more. Each offers different benefits. All these types require you to do a little research or talk with a professional about which option makes sense for you.

 

Door Types

 

There are many types of doors that you can add to your home. These include exterior front doors, various types of interior doors, French doors, pocket doors, bifold doors, sliding glass doors, storm doors, and screen doors. Before calling a professional for door installations, you need to make sure that you understand these options and find ones that make sense for you. Knowing which door is right for you requires a little research. Just as importantly, you need to consider budget, style, installation times, and much more. There are many factors that can negatively and positively affect your doors and their overall costs. By spending time with professionals, you ensure that you get the best possible results and don’t end up paying too much for doors that you end up disliking.

 

These many factors can end up dictating your door installations and have to be carefully managed to ensure that you’re on top of things. Just as critically, you need to find a roofing team that understands these issues and who can ensure things go smoothly for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to get the support that you need for your new doors. Call us today at Southwest Door & Sash, Inc. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future!

5 Reasons to Invest in Home Window Replacement Services

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Home window replacement services are an essential part of your home updates. When it’s time for window upgrades, you may want to consider some out-of-the-box ideas to keep things interesting. According to the experts at Energy Star, you can also enhance your savings when you choose the right types of windows for different areas of your house. It’s definitely worth the effort to invest in new exciting window options.

1. Improve Sense of Space

You may be surprised to learn that you can actually create the illusion of greater room heights when you have small windows installed over doorways. This is a great option for smaller homes that can feel cramped and lack enough natural light. This can also help save on energy costs, as you will be using more natural light to illuminate areas of your home.

2. Decrease Humidity

Did you know windows can help decrease humidity in your living spaces? The more windows available, the more options for opening them up to create better ventilation. You’ll be able to keep your home more comfortable and reduce that stuffy humid feeling.

3. Reduce Window Treatments

When large picture windows are attractive and face lovely views, you may consider skipping window treatments such as blinds or curtains. This can save you big money when you are redecorating your space. After all, there will be no need to make a set of curtains match the new paint job.

This is also a great way to simplify home maintenance tasks as well. Fewer window treatments mean less cleaning and dusting. This will give you more time to enjoy that great view!

4. Get Creative

Home window replacement services can help you be creative with your new windows. You don’t have to be limited to squares or rectangles. Using shapes such as half circles, triangles, and octagons can help you add a unique flair to your home.

5. Maximize Privacy

If your bathrooms have windows, you’ll want to maximize privacy as much as possible. You can still let in natural light if you choose windows placed high up in the wall or use beveled glass. Be careful about choosing the location and type of glass to maximize privacy.

Hiring home window replacement services can make your space feel like a new home. If you want to get started, call Southwest Door & Sash, Inc today! We offer competitive pricing and a free in-home consultation.

3 Ways Your Windows Are Wasting Energy Right Now

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Did you know your windows could increase your energy bills without your knowledge? Windows are more than an aesthetic role in your home. They’re functional components vital to a home. Discover three ways your windows are wasting energy and what to do about it.

1. Wasteful Heat Transfer Through Poor Insulation

Old and poorly insulated windows allow drafts through the gaps. During winter, you’ll lose heat and your HVAC must work extra to keep the house warm. Similarly, cool air will leak during summer, which will make your air conditioner work harder to keep the house cool. In both of these scenarios, energy is wasted. According to Energy Star, poor installation can cause draftiness and humidity even with certified windows. You should consider home window replacements if yours are old and poorly insulated.

2. Lower Energy Efficiency With Single-Pane Windows

If you use single-pane windows, then you could lose more energy than double or triple-pane ones. Single-pane windows have less insulation capabilities because they consist of a single layer of glass with no gas-filled spaces. The absence of extra layers makes it easy for energy to escape. The reduced insulation causes thermal inefficiencies, which allows heat to escape in winter and more heat to enter during hot summers. The best solution would be to consider home window replacements.

3. Excess Sunlight Due to Inadequate Shading

With additional shading or blinds, your window can be more energy efficient. Even with energy-saving windows, excess sunlight increases the cooling load. When you have little or no shading, the sunlight causes a spike in ambient temperature. Thus, the HVAC systems work extra hard to cool the room, which increases energy waste.

A good solution is to use adjustable blinds because they can block direct sunlight while allowing natural light. Alternatively, you can apply window film, which reduces glare and blocks UV rays. The whole idea is to reduce excess sunlight from entering your spaces without reducing access to natural light.

Your windows should do more than look beautiful. They should keep your energy usage minimal. Home window replacements can give you a fresh just if they are done correctly. At our window company, we believe a good window is a good start, but proper installation is the magic touch that converts waste into savings. Contact us at Southwest Door & Sash, Inc. today, and together we can banish energy waste with proper window installation.

4 Interior Door Designs to Choose From

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If you are looking to update your home, complete a remodeling project, or improve function in a certain part of your home, you may be thinking about replacing one or more interior doors. Door businesses can help you to select doors and order them, but ultimately, the design and style of the door are up to you. Here are four different door designs that you may want to know about if you are in the market for one or more interior doors.

1. Shaker Doors

When you think of interior home doors, shaker doors are the door style that you are likely to think of. Shaker doors are doors that swing up and shut and are often white. This style is defined by the squares, rectangles, or other panel-like designs on the door. The raised panel work on the door adds design and style, making them popular with homeowners who want their doors to have a little bit of pizzazz to them.

2. Flush Doors

Flush doors work and function just like shaker doors. They are placed on hinges and swing out to open or swing in to close. However, the major difference between flush doors is that flush doors do not have the decorative panel design that you see on shaker doors. Additionally, most flush doors are either made of wood or made to look like they are wood. These types of doors are often used in older or historical homes.

3. Sliding Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors are perfect when there is not a lot of space to swing a door outward. There is a track system that is placed over the top of the door opening. A barn door is then placed on this opening, and the door slides from left to right to either open the door or close the door.

4. Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are often used in tight spaces, such as small bathrooms. The door pulls out of a small pocket or slit when the door needs to be closed, and is housed in the small slit when the door is open. The slit is a small space behind the drywall in your home, so if a pocket door is not closed, you will not usually see the door. Not every space is ideal for pocket doors, so door businesses can tell you if your space is ideal for this door type.

According to The Old House, interior doors are usually much thinner than exterior doors, with the thickness for most interior doors being about 1 3/8 inches. However, while these doors may be thinner than exterior doors, they still come in a variety of styles and options, including shaker doors, flush doors, sliding barn doors, and pocket doors. If you need one or more interior doors for your home, reach out to Southwest Door & Sash, Inc to see our available selection of doors that you can choose from.

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Wood vs. Steel Front Doors

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Before you call the door installer to install new entry doors, you may want to decide if a wood or steel door is right for your home. Each option comes with unique qualities. For example, wood doors can be more decorative, but steel doors can be more secure. Here are some of the things you should consider before you call the door installer.

 

Steel Door Pros

According to This Old House, a premium steel door will have a 24-gauge skin on top of a steel frame. The larger the skin gauge, the more secure the door is. Steel doors provide optimum security. They are a cost-effective option that can improve energy efficiency. There are plenty of styles to choose from that can enhance your entry.

For the security-conscious homeowner, a steel door can be the right solution for their home. However, there are a few cons that you need to consider.

 

Steel Door Cons

Steel doors can be very heavy. Your door frame may need fortification to hold the additional weight of the door at an additional expense. Premium-grade steel doors can be costly. However, as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. You may pay a little more, but you get the optimum security.

 

Wood Door Pros

Wood front doors are traditional and offer versatile styles. There are different wood types to choose from that can add curb appeal and interest to the exterior of your home. One of the biggest selling points of wood entry doors is that they can be as ornate as you want.

Wood doors can be energy efficient, but it’s mostly the aesthetic that sells homeowners. Of course, there are some cons to choosing a wooden door.

 

Wood Door Cons

Wood doors can be more expensive than their steel counterparts if you choose them to be custom-made. Wood can also warp and lose its shape over time. Wood doors need to be maintained and painted. You may also need a door installer to adjust the door from time to time. While they offer quality security, the steel doors are generally more secure.

Choosing the right door for your home is important. Connect with Southwest Door & Sash, Inc. to get input on making the decision easier.

home window replacement

4 Popular Home Window Styles

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It is unfathomable to build a home without windows. Can you imagine how life would be inside a house? Windows have several benefits for your home design. They let in natural light, boost the ambiance in the house, improve ventilation, and increase energy efficiency.

For these reasons, you can understand why many property developers and homeowners include many windows in the house. According to Energy Star, a typical American house has up to 22 windows. Since most windows are made of glass, they’re susceptible to cracking. When getting a home window replacement, you’ll want to choose stylish windows that add a touch of elegance to your home.

Consider the following popular window styles for your next home window replacement project.

Double-hung Window

Double-hung windows are a common window style and popular for home window replacement. A double-hung window has two sashes or panels that slide vertically on tracks. The top panel opens while the bottom remains closed. The window closes or opens effortlessly. In addition, they don’t get dirty easily or quickly thanks to their vertical tracks.

Sliding Sash Windows

These windows are similar to double-hung windows, but they only have one sliding sash rather than two sashes. The windows are generally larger than double-hung windows, making them suitable as picture windows. Moreover, they have fewer moving parts that would allow air leakage, making them more energy efficient.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are a type of window that swings outward rather than sliding horizontally. They hinge at the side and are usually used as bay windows and patio doors. They are great for letting sunlight into the house. Also referred to as crank windows, they have an easy-turn handle that folds downwards, making them simple to use. However, they aren’t as energy efficient as sliding sash windows.

Fixed Windows

As the name suggests, fixed windows don’t move at all. This means they can’t be opened or closed. Fixed windows can either be direct sash or set sash. The primary use of fixed windows is to provide gorgeous views in homes with vaulted or high ceilings.

If you’re looking to replace your old windows, you should consider a window style that adds value and functionality to your home. Visit Southwest Door & Sash, Inc today and we’ll help choose a suitable home window replacement that complements your home design.

home window replacement

Telltale Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows

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Windows are not permanent fixtures in the house. While the need for home window replacement may not be so obvious, there are signs to look out for. Skimping on replacing windows can be costly in the long run, especially if you are left with an increase in energy bills and significant water damage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25%-30% of the energy used for household heating and cooling is often lost through windows. Continue reading to explore the signs that your windows need to be replaced with double-pane or other modern models.

1. Drafts

If you feel a draft even when the windows are shut properly, there are likely leaks in your windows and frames. Drafts can enter through small gaps between the frame and the pane that form due to expansion and contraction in changing weather conditions. Drafts can increase your energy bill as AC units and heaters strain to maintain the programmed temperature.

2. Warped Frames

When windows are difficult to open and close smoothly, it may be time to replace them. Years of wear and tear can cause this, but so can structural damage, water damage, and the contraction and expansion of wood over time. If windows can’t be shut properly, the heating bill may increase during winter as you lose precious warm air through the gaps.

3. Condensation

If you regularly find condensation between the panes, it may indicate that the seals are faulty. This will affect the energy efficiency of your house because it’s not retaining all the warm and cool air produced to regulate its temperature. Not only can this affect the air temperature indoors, but excess condensation can lead to water damage over time.

4. Noise

If you hear a lot of outside noise, such as dogs barking, traffic, or lawn mowers, you may want to replace your current windows. For example, if your windows are single pane, you may want to get an upgrade to double or triple pane glass. Similarly, if your windows rattle when it’s windy outside, they’re most likely not only letting air in but also on the verge of cracking or shattering. Windows should be installed firmly so that the only way they can move is within their intended mechanics of opening and closing.

5. Increased Energy Bill

If your energy bills are higher than usual, or you notice a steady increase every month, you need to check all your windows for drafts and gaps. With faulty windows, your HVAC system has to work harder to regulate and maintain the temperature, thus using up more energy than it would if it only had to run for an hour. With an efficient HVAC system, your heated or cooled air should last several hours in your home.

6. Rot

Mildew and rot can occur due to regular exposure to moisture in areas that aren’t supposed to get wet. If you notice rot and mold around your window frames, it’s time for a home window replacement. Mold can cause respiratory issues, and moist environments can be ideal for insect nests and bacterial growth.
Windows are often overlooked when it comes to home renovations. Modern, energy-efficient windows can add style, value, and safety to your home. Hire a reputable company like Southwest Door and Sash, Inc for your window replacement needs. Contact us today for a quote.
doors

Home Upgrades That Can Reduce Energy Loss

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The home improvement market has recently become big business as more and more homeowners are looking to upgrade their space. Some of the best and most popular home improvements are those that make the home more energy efficient by reducing energy loss. In this article, we consider three home upgrades that can help you reduce your energy bills, starting with doors.

Energy Efficient Doors

Replacing old doors is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy loss. According to the Department of Energy, a door that’s sufficiently thick (1-1.5 inches) without a window offers five times the insulating value of a similarly-sized solid wood door. By replacing as many doors in your home as possible, you can easily maximize your energy savings. For instance, you can purchase various energy-efficient doors for your garage, patio, or your interior. The goal is to have doors that can effectively prevent indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering. This makes it easier to maintain an optimal temperature and ensures your HVAC system doesn’t work overtime and consume more energy.

Replacement Windows

Energy-efficient windows can also help you significantly reduce energy loss in your home. If your windows are not in the best condition, there’s a high chance they’re doing a poor job of preventing air leaks. When purchasing energy-efficient windows, there are several important factors you have to consider, such as the ENERGY STAR rating. In addition, you should also look for windows that have a low U-factor since these have more thermal resistance, meaning they do a better job at preventing hot air from escaping. This is especially handy in colder climates, where the heating bill quickly adds up.

New Roof

As you go about looking for ways to reduce energy loss in your home, you should consider investing in a new roof. A new roof can prevent energy loss by ensuring there are no air leaks. If your roof is old, it may have many leaks that increase energy loss. For instance, you may have to keep turning your thermostat up during winter to maintain a comfortable environment if the warm air is constantly escaping. Similarly, it may be harder to keep cooler in summer if hot air keeps getting into your home while the cool air escapes.

 

If you’re looking for home upgrades that pay, you should consider installing energy-efficient doors and windows as well as buying energy-efficient appliances. If you’re looking for energy-efficient doors that can help you streamline your energy savings, contact us today.