Selecting the Best Windows & Doors for Your Home
From eye-catching curb appeal to energy efficiency, it’s hard to overstate the importance of quality doors and windows.
Making the right purchase here adds to the beauty and value of your home. Doors and windows also play an essential role in home security and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
Whether you’re planning a new build or need to update an existing home, you’ll find a vast array of styles when it comes to doors and windows. Factors to consider include quality materials, local weather patterns and, of course, your budget.
At Mid-City Lumber, we offer a wide assortment of doors and windows from respected manufacturers. Our building and remodeling experts are also on hand to help you select the best options for your project. Here are the top considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when shopping around.
Style
Begin with the overall style of your home, then choose doors and windows to complement that.
For older homes, as well as newer homes with a traditional feel, look for doors and windows with a similar historical appearance. Double-hung windows and paneled front doors are great options for establishing a nostalgic mood.
A more sleek, minimalist look is an excellent choice for homes with modern architecture. Create an energizing, contemporary vibe with a smooth, solid front door and large casement windows.
New vs. Replacement
One big consideration when purchasing windows is whether to go with new or replacement windows.
New windows are typically selected for a new build. They may also be appropriate if you plan to alter the size or shape of an existing window. This makes them an excellent choice for transforming the look and feel of your home’s exterior. This type of window requires a skilled contractor for installation.
Replacement windows are ideal if your goal is to improve efficiency and quality while maintaining the overall appearance of your exterior. You can find them in the same shape, size and style as your old windows, and they are manufactured to fit perfectly in an existing opening. Because they are easier to install, replacement windows are also a good choice for DIY projects.
Materials
Most doors and windows are designed to last about 15 to 30 years. However, this may vary depending upon the quality of materials, installation and exposure to weather conditions and pollution.
Quality materials will give you good efficiency, durability and stability as well as enhancing the aesthetic value of your home.
- Fiberglass is a sturdy, long-lasting material with good insulating properties. Because it doesn’t need to be polished, coated or varnished, it’s also low maintenance.
- Popular woods like oak and cedar do a great job of insulating against cold temperatures. However, wood is vulnerable to warping and may not last as long in humid environments.
- Metals including aluminum and steel give you strength, durability and excellent thermal performance. Metal is a great choice in regions that get exceptionally hot during the summer.
- Glass doors, especially when frosted for privacy, look fabulous in modern, coastal or mid-century homes. They allow more natural light into the interior but must be reinforced for security.
Energy Efficiency
Look for doors and windows with good thermal performance to boost energy efficiency and help you save money on utility bills. Thermal performance also means you’ll stay cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter.
For windows, dual pane insulated glass gives you better performance than single-pane windows. Entry doors should come with a solid core insulation between the exterior and interior panels. This keeps outside temperatures from coming in and pr comfortable indoor temperatures from escaping.
If new doors and windows are in your future, Mid-City Lumber is here to help. Come by any of our locations or contact us online at any time. We’ll help you find everything you need to make your next project a success!
