Increase Your Curb Appeal: Upgrade Your Front Door

Upgrade Your Front Door and Increase Your Curb Appeal

What first impression is your home making? As visitors approach, do they see rustic practicality? Upscale elegance? Modern minimalism? Historical charm? A home in need of a renovation and facelift?

Try something: Go outside, stand on the curb and look at your house as if you are seeing it for the first time. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you want to change?

Siding, roofing, landscaping, windows and doors come together to create the curb appeal of your home. If tackling all those variables sounds daunting or if your home improvement budget doesn’t cover such extensive renovations, it’s okay. You can still make a lasting impact by changing just a single item: your front door.

A front door is a natural focal point for your home.  Make that focal point work for you by trading out your old, boring door for a statement piece.

There are so many materials and styles of doors to choose from and options for every budget. Hire a professional and you can focus on the fun of choosing the perfect door, not the nitty gritty details of measuring, leveling, and installing.

Ready for some inspiration?

Choose Your Front Door Material

The material you choose impacts the cost, energy efficiency, durability and security of the door.

Common exterior door material options include:

1. Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and relatively resilient. Aluminum doors will last a long time without the need for much maintenance. They are also inexpensive and can be painted.

Despite its strength, aluminum may weaken under high temperatures and it is a poor insulator. An aluminum front door may increase heating and cooling costs in areas prone to temperature extremes.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is more than just a well-known flooring and textile alternative. It is also making an appearance indoors. Composite doors constructed of a blend of bamboo and jute are water and termite resistant.

Bamboo’s biodegradable nature makes it a preferred choice for homeowners seeking an environmentally friendly material.

3. Fiberglass

Choose fiberglass doors for their durability and versatility. If you are looking for a lightweight, energy efficient, sturdy door that will last a long time with minimal maintenance, fiberglass should be on the short list.

Since fiberglass is such a popular choice, these doors are readily available in many finishes and styles. Fiberglass doors can even be finished to imitate a wood grain at a fraction of the cost of real wood.

4. Glass

It may sound surprising, but glass front doors are indeed an option. Visually, they provide a stunning and unexpected look.

The trade-off with glass is the decreased durability, increased security risk and heightened maintenance concerns. The hefty weight and substantial price are also deterrents for many homeowners.

5. Steel

Steel is a trendy new door material that feels very modern with its cold, industrial vibe.  Doors made from steel are durable and need little maintenance.

Improve your home’s level of security along with its style when you opt for a robust steel door. Keep in mind that the lower the gauge, the thicker and sturdier the steel will be.

6. Vinyl

Vinyl or PVC doors are formed from a lightweight, sturdy, resilient material. If your focus is on finding the most cost-effective, effective option for a front door replacement, vinyl may be the winner.

With a vinyl door, you no longer need to worry about termites or moisture damaging your door.

7. Wood

The most historic choice for exterior doors is, of course, wood. Although wood doors are still used to lend a rustic or traditional feel to a home, this material is increasingly being adapted to have a place in modern luxury homes.

Wood feels warm and inviting. Its substantial weight makes a bold statement of strength and protection.

Choose Your Front Door Style

Congratulations – you have chosen the material for your front door. Now, what do you envision that door looking like? What style speaks to you?

If you are still figuring it out, here are some ideas to get you started:

Craftsman

Craftsman doors are a slight variation on a traditional solid hinged door. Their straight, traditional lines reflect this style’s no-nonsense Quaker roots.

Not quite sure what a Craftsman door looks like? The signature style feature is the set of 1-3 windows set on the top one-third of the door. The remaining two-thirds of the door on the bottom is solid.

A Craftsman style front door is, of course, often found in Craftsman homes. It feels classic and timeless.

Dutch

Dutch doors are, historically, a rustic choice. Dutch doors were originally designed to allow air and sunshine into farmhouses while keeping all the livestock out.

This style of door is divided horizontally so that the top half may swing open while the bottom half remains closed.

Dutch doors are still primarily made from wood as they have been for centuries.

Modern

The signature of a modern style door is its clean, unobtrusive lines accented by large, minimalistic hardware. Geometric patterns can add interest and are a simple way to make the exterior of an older home appear more contemporary.

Bamboo, steel and glass are all popular material choices for modern doors.

 

Arched

In a world where so many elements are straight, square and rectangle, an arched door adds a feeling of unexpected whimsy and historic nostalgia. Wondering where you may have seen an arched front door before? They are most common in Tudor style homes.

If you fancy an arched door, be aware that their unique shape means that they are usually custom ordered and built to fit rather than mass-produced to a standard spec size. This raises their cost.

What Do I Do Next?

You have a good idea of what material and style you would like for your new front door. So, in order to upgrade your front door, the next step is to contact a professional company, ask some final product questions and get an estimate on the cost of the door and installation.

If you are absolutely committed to installing the door yourself, read up on how to properly measure for a door prior to placing your order.

Take some before and after photos because this is a transformation that you will want to remember and share.

 

 

from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/increase-your-curb-appeal-upgrade-your-front-door/

What is the best way to clean windows?

Ask most homeowners if there is anything they dislike about their large windows, and invariably one of the top responses will be: cleaning them. This twice-yearly task is an often-dreaded part of home maintenance. Window washing sounds relatively straightforward, but professional washers use very specific techniques.

Very few people know the best way to clean windows.

Too many homeowners have invested time and effort into cleaning their windows only to realize on the next sunny day that streaks and grime still mar their view.

Don’t be one of these unfortunate homeowners. Learn from others’ mistakes and set yourself up for success when you put into practice these tried and true window cleaning tips:

Use the best window cleaning solution

To fully remove built-up dirt and grime from your windows, you need to use the right cleaning solution. The best window cleaning solutions are heavy-duty enough to provide results yet gentle enough to not damage window frames, trim or your home’s siding.

Commercial solutions are available, but not necessary. Homemade solutions are inexpensive, more environmentally friendly and easy to make.

The most effective DIY window cleaner has just three everyday ingredients:

• Water
• White vinegar
• Dish detergent

Vinegar, especially white vinegar, is acidic. The acid helps to loosen stuck on dirt, tree pitch, and residue from previous cleaners. It also helps to minimize and avoid streaks.

Many DIY cleaner recipes use water and vinegar. However, the addition of dish detergent is critical to window cleaning success. The dish detergent contains soap which acts as an emulsifier. The soap helps lift the loosened debris and allow it, as well as oils, to mix with the water. The whole mixture can then be rinsed off leaving behind a sparkling clean window pane.

To make your window cleaner:

• In a large bucket, mix 1 part white vinegar and eight parts water.
• Add roughly one teaspoon of dish detergent for every 4 cups of water.

Use the most effective window cleaning tools

Before getting started on your window cleaning project, ensure you have all the tools and equipment you will need.

The basics include:

• One bucket of window cleaning solution (either homemade or commercial)
• One bottle of general household cleaner (safe for use on your interior and exterior window frame materials)
• Natural sponge
• Microfiber strip applicator/window scrubber (able to be placed on extension pole if needed)
• High-quality rubber-edged squeegee (able to be placed on extension pole if needed)
• Chamois cloth(s)
• Lint-free cloth(s)
• Soft-bristle brush
• Squeegee extension pole (if needed for tall or second story windows)
• Ladder (if needed for tall or second story windows)

Choose the right day to clean

The first tip professional window cleaners will give to schedule your cleaning for a cloudy day or a time of day when the windows are not in direct sunlight. The faster the window dries, the higher the likelihood that the cleaner will dry on the window before you can remove it.

Don’t skip the prep work

It is tempting to dive right into cleaning the glass because, after all, that is the part of your windows that is generally most noticeably dirty.

Before tackling the glass, turn your attention to everything surrounding the glass.

Your interior window frames are likely coated in a layer of dust. Exterior frames may have cobwebs, leaves, dirt and other debris wedged in the corners. Take care of these issues first so that you don’t drag extra dirt onto the panes when you are cleaning them.

Use the soft-bristle brush to remove debris from your exterior frame gently. Wipe both the interior and exterior frames using a lint-free cloth and household cleaner.

Now that your frames are clean, it is time to move on to washing your windows.

Learn your technique from the pros

Expert window washers make their technique look like a fluid dance. Watch them in action, and you will see that the best professionals don’t move their applicators and squeegees at right angles, but instead use an “s” or “snake” pattern that helps prevent streaking.

The basic window washing process used by the pros is:

1. Apply cleaning solution and scrub away dirt using the microfiber strip applicator/window scrubber (for picture windows) or natural sponge (for multi-pane windows).
2. Remove cleaning solution using a wet squeegee and an s/snake pattern.
   • Using a wet squeegee instead of a dry one will help keep it from skipping on the glass.
3. Use a chamois cloth to soak up any residual water in the corners of the window.

Remember to clean all parts of the windows, not just the panes

The panes are the first place we notice dirt since we look through the glass. That doesn’t mean that we are done cleaning once the glass is sparkling.

The act of window cleaning is more all-encompassing than that. The next time you tackle window cleaning, go the distance and remember these often-forgotten areas:

• Blinds
  • Clean with simple tongs and microfiber towels trick that saves a lot of time and headache
• Window treatments
  • Wash and dry
• Hardware
  • Dust and lightly oil if needed
• Tracks
  • Vacuum
  • Clean using household cleaner and a foam paintbrush of the same diameter as your track depth
  • Lightly oil if needed
• Screens
  • Remove dust with a lint roller

Use this opportunity to check for any maintenance needs

Pair your semiannual window cleanings with your spring and fall window inspections. While you are cleaning the windows and frames, be alert for any of the signs that your window seals have failed or that your windows need to be replaced or repaired.

Taking the time for proper cleaning and maintenance will pay dividends by improving the look of your home and extending the life of your windows.

Mix up some cleaning solution, order yourself a deluxe squeegee and start practicing those “s” patterns. Your windows will thank you.

from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/best-way-to-clean-windows/

Top Tips to Pick the Best New Home Door

Discover 4 Elements at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/4-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-new-door/ You Must Consider If You Will Change Or Incorporate A Door To Your Residence. A door can easily give numerous points in a home-- safety, thermal barrier, privacy or even possibly an aesthetic focus. The key reason for your door, your budget, the style of your residence and your tastes will certainly all play a role in selecting a new door. Chicago Window Guys serves the Chicago area including north of Lake Bluff and south of Alsip. Call us today for a free quote +(847) 701-4011.

6 Most Common Home Window Problems You Can Encounter

These Are actually The 6 Most Common Window Issues You Can Run Into at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/6-common-window-problems-to-watch-out-for/ . As you perform routine window maintenance on your residence, it is critical to watch for signs of prospective problems. Through finding little troubles before they become a considerable problem, you can conserve on your time and money. When it is time to buy a brand new home, knowing what to search for in relations to window wellness can additionally be helpful.

6 Spring Remodeling Ideas to Refresh Your Home

Refresh Your Home This Spring With This Remodeling Ideas

The last bit of winter is almost over and spring is nearly here. Spring is a time of new beginnings and this may explain why we naturally feel drawn to clean and refresh our homes during the spring season. If you are feeling the urge to spruce up your home this season, here are some spring remodeling ideas to get you started:

Remodel Your Kitchen

Whether you enjoy spending a lot of time in your kitchen or you are in the process of preparing to sell your home, a kitchen remodel could work wonders for you.

Yes, a full-scale remodel complete with new countertops, flooring and cabinets can be a bit on the expensive side, but if it works in your budget, the impact will be impressive. Your home will look and feel better, plus its resale value will increase since one of the things buyers tend to look for is an updated kitchen.

Don’t have the budget to tackle a complete renovation? Try something less expensive but still impactful when you paint your existing cabinets, add a backsplash, or change out the cabinet hardware. These little details will quickly update your kitchen’s visual appeal without the sticker shock.

 

Invest in Wood Flooring

Imagine floors that look stunning, don’t hold on to allergy-triggering dust and dander, and are easy to clean. Wood is a classic flooring material that is still a winning choice for both aesthetic and practical reasons.

If you are nervous about wood floors because you have heard that you can’t use them throughout your whole home, don’t worry. Wood flooring can be placed in nearly any room of your home provided you choose the correct type.

If you are planning to replace flooring in a room that has moisture and/or temperature fluctuations, has a concrete subfloor or has heated flooring, your best option is engineered flooring. This type of flooring is made of multiple thin layers of wood which are bonded together and topped in a layer of your chosen wood species. The multiple layers allow for more flexing to occur without warping the plank. An engineered floor is resilient and can withstand more challenging climate conditions than a solid wood floor. Solid wood floors are a good choice for rooms with stable climates and plywood subfloors.

Regardless of which style of wood floor you choose, you will have extensive freedom of customization when you select your wood species, plank width, wood grade and finish. With all of the options out there, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your home.

Change Up Your Interior Color Scheme

One of the most cost-effective ways to create a stunning new look in your home is through the use of color. Determine what you want to feel when you enter a particular room of your home, and then use color to help you achieve that impact.

When deciding how to incorporate your exciting new colors, consider such mediums as your walls, wall hangings, centerpieces, lamps, throw pillows, duvet covers, chair cushions, towels and window treatments.

Little dashes of color can go a long way and depending on how they are incorporated, they can be changed for each season to continually maintain a sense of freshness throughout your home.

Refresh Your Exterior Paint

Redoing the exterior paint on your home may sound like a massive undertaking, but it is a home maintenance task that should be accomplished roughly every 10 years.

If your home is due for a repainting, make it more fun by considering this your opportunity to update your curb appeal and choose a new paint scheme. Review some inspirational photos and scope out other homes to see what stands out to you.

If you’re happy with your existing paint colors or if your whole home isn’t due for repainting yet, but you still want to do something to make the exterior of your house pop, try something simple. Paint your front door a statement color. If you have window shutters, try painting the shutters to match the door. This little bit of color sets off the house like bright throw pillows on a neutral tan couch.

Upgrade your Windows

As you clean and inspect your windows following a long winter, you may notice signs that it is time to purchase new windows. If your dual or triple pane windows have condensation between them, if your windows are cracked/warped, or if your energy bills are increasing for no other apparent reason, the time has come to consider replacement windows.

When you contact us for a quote, let us know what type of windows you are interested in. While you are replacing your windows, you may be interested in embracing one of the top window trends. Current styles are seeing a resurgence of clean, modern lines in dramatic frame colors accented by brass hardware.

Even if your windows haven’t reached the end of their useful life, an upgrade can give you a window style that is more in tune with you and your needs. For example, what type of window do you have in your master bathroom? How do you balance allowing plenty of sunlight in while still maintaining your privacy? An innovative option that provides that balance is a decorative glass window. The pattern provides privacy while still allowing plenty of light to pass through.

Install a Patio Door

Before summer arrives, plan for all the outdoor barbecues and backyard parties you want to host by finally building that patio and installing a door to it. Patios are the perfect relaxed place for entertaining summer guests while the kids play in the yard.

Connect your patio to your home with either a French or sliding door. The particular door you choose will depend on your stylistic and functional preferences as well as the design of your home. In either case, a patio door will provide that transition from indoors to outdoors and encourage you and your family to enjoy the warmer weather that is just around the corner.

 

from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/6-spring-remodeling-ideas-to-refresh-your-home/

Bay Windows Vs Bow Windows: Know The Difference & Pick The Right Style

Discover The Difference Between Bay and Bow Windows and Pick The Right Style For Your Home

We get it – there are so many window styles out there that it is hard to keep them all straight. Some windows like “bay” and “bow” have such similar names and styles that it is even more complicated to sort out their differences.

What is a Bay Window?

A bay window is a protruding window that usually consists of 3 panes set up in an angled configuration. The center pane is fixed while the side panes may be either fixed or vented. Bay windows tend to have a contemporary, modern feel.

What is a Bow Window?

A bow window also protrudes from the side of the house. It typically has 4 or 5 smaller panes which fit together to create a gently rounded appearance. The panes may all be fixed or vented. Traditionally, bow windows speak to the Victorian style of architecture and are often used to evoke a sense of vintage charm.

Comparison of Bay and Bow Windows

One of the primary purposes of a window is to allow natural light to enter the home. The larger the pane size and the more panes a window has, the more light it lets in. Light streams in through the many panes of a bow window while a bay window isn’t quite as sunny.

Part of the appeal of any sort of protruding window in a home is the additional interior space that is gained. If you imagine yourself providing a few sun-loving plants with a happy home in your new window, a bow window will suit your needs just fine. For the bookworm who envisions curling up on windowsill cushion to savor a good book and a cup of tea, a bay window offers a much more comfortable and spacious porch.

Some homes have limited amounts of wall space or feature floorplans that flow more smoothly with some window configurations than others. Bay windows are a good choice if you are in the market for a protruding window that isn’t overly wide. From a placement and style perspective, bow windows offer an opportunity to do something different. Unlike bay windows, bow windows may be positioned to wrap around the corner of a building to form a turret shape and create a statement nook area inside.

If you have researched your options and are still on the fence between the bay and bow styles, cost may be the tipping point. More openings and more individual panes of glass make the bow window more expensive than the bay window. All else being equal, if you are looking for the more economical choice, we recommend a bay window.

It’s Time to Choose

We want YOU to win the battle between bay windows vs bow windows. No matter which window style you have in mind, we have expertise that can make the decision-making process smoother. When you are ready to price the options, we will provide you with our best quote right away so you can make the decision that is best for you and your home. Let’s get started!

from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/bay-windows-vs-bow-windows/

Save Money: Check for Air Leaks in Windows & Doors

Save Yourself Some Money: Learn How To Check Windows And Doors For Air Leaks

It’s subtle and easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention, but each little gap around your windows and doors provides an unwelcome pathway for airflow.

In the winter, air leaks allow frigid cold air to pour in.  During the summer, your air conditioner fights to keep up with the influx of hot, humid air from outside. Your home’s energy efficiency suffers.

The solution is simple: save yourself some money by learning how to check or air leaks in windows and doors.

Conduct a Visual Inspection

Start with the most basic means of leak detection – your eyes. Using a flashlight to help you, visually inspect the entire area around the interior and exterior sides of your doors and windows. Note any gaps or cracks that you see.

A two-person approach to this technique involves positioning one person on either side of the door or window. Slowly run the flashlight around the edge of the frame. If the person on the other side of the door or window is able to see the light through the frame, there is a gap.

Use Smoke to Trace Airflow Patterns

Smoke provides another visual clue to the presence of air gaps. To use smoke for tracing airflow, first close all your home’s windows and doors. To avoid tainting the results with errant sources of air flow, turn off any appliances that work using combustion – oven, stove, range, space heaters and furnaces.

Create a negative pressure environment inside your home by turning on the exhaust vent fans in your kitchen and bathroom. With the fans on and the doors/windows closed, the air pressure inside your home will be lower than the air pressure outside. The pressure differential means that air will only flow in, not out of your home.

Now you are ready to use smoke to help you locate any sources of air inflow. To do this, slowly and methodically move an incense stick around the edges of windows and doors. In each position, hold the stick still for a moment and observe the smoke. If smoke rises straight up, no leak is detected. If the smoke column fluctuates and shifts away from the window or door frame, there is airflow coming through.

Quantify the Severity of the Leak with an Infrared Thermometer

Visual and smoke-based inspections will allow you to identify the presence of a leak, but they can’t quantify the impact the leak is having on the thermal stability of your home.

An infrared thermometer test will show temperature differentials. This allows you to not only pinpoint the exact location of the leak but also provides data on just how severe the leak is.

On a very hot or very cold day, use the thermometer to compare the temperature all the way around the frame of a closed door and window. If you find an area of abnormal heat or cold, it can indicate a leak.

Fix the Problems

Once you have determined the source and severity of the leak, its time to fix or replace the product. Many leaks can be sealed with caulking. For doors, an adjustable threshold or new weather-stripping may also remedy the situation.

If the leak is more severe, it is time to call in the experts. We can assess your situation and provide a plan for fixing it. Just contact us and schedule a free consultation.

from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/save-money-check-for-air-leaks-in-windows-and-doors/