Windows and doors offer both style and sensibility

Windows and doors add style, light, entry and insulation to your home. Whether it’s time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient option or update to the latest trends, there’s a product to fit your budget, style and needs.

Custom options

The latest trend in windows and doors is customization, from choosing the

shape, size and color to hardware selection. Homeowners also continue to demand low-maintenance choices. Options such as fiberglass doors, which require minimal upkeep, and aluminum-clad wood windows are becoming some of the more popular choices. Windows that allow easy access from a home’s interior for cleaning are also sought after.

Green outlook

The biggest trend by far in home improvement and design is utilizing environmentally friendly products and services. For windows and doors, eco- friendly and energy-efficient benefits are typical sales features. For example, a a product’s insulation value, UV coatings and the types of materials used are all “green” factors.

Selecting a style

There’s a window design to suit every homeowner’s style, including bay and bow, awning, picture, double-hung, sliding, transom and casement. When it comes to choosing a new entry or exterior door, there are three common types: wood, steel and fiberglass. When choosing windows and doors, make sure to consider energy efficiency, durability, maintenance and available style and color choices, as well as the cost.

The payoff

While finding the right windows and doors for your home may take some research, investing time and money in quality products is well worth your while. Doing so can increase your home’s resale value and lead to lower utility bills, while maximizing its curb appeal at the same time.

did you know?

Storm doors can be as decorative and beautiful as their entry door counterparts, while providing security, privacy and insulation. The most versatile options for storm doors include flexible design features such as full-glass panels that can be switched for a full screen or self-storing styles in which the glass panels and screen stay in the door together year round. 
— Pella Windows and Doors

eco options

•    ENERGY STAR designation identifies energy-efficient products
•    U-factor measures how well a product keeps heat from escaping; generally between 0.20 and 1.20—the lower, the better
•    Multiple panes, double- or triple-pane options offer better insulation
•    Low-E (emissivity) coatings help reflect radiant heat
•    Gas fills between glass panels provide thermal insulation

helpful sites

•   www.wdma.com
•   www.energystar.gov
•    www.windowinstallers.com
•    www.doors.org

installation issues

National statistics prove that properly installed windows will perform up to specifications for longer than the warranted life of the window. Excessive condensation, air leaks, heat loss, warped or out-of-square windows are the result of faulty installation—not faulty manufacture. Unfortunately these problems won’t usually show up until months after the installation and are not covered by the window warranty.
—American Window and Door Institute