You walk or look through them every single day. But how often do you really think about the impact your home's doors and windows have on its value, beauty and livability? Home improvement experts agree that updating your windows and doors can help you save on energy bills, improve the look and infrastructure of your home and add long-lasting value."One of the most valuable investments you can make in your home is window and door replacement," says Lou "Mr. Fix It" Manfredini, home improvement editor for the Today Show and "USA Today Weekend Magazine."
Replacing your windows can mean making many decisions: Is it time to replace? And if so, how do you go about choosing the best replacement windows?
"There are four main reasons why a homeowner might need to replace windows or doors: performance, energy efficiency, maintenance and aesthetics," Manfredini says.
Performance
This is the most compelling reason to change a door or window, Manfredini says. On top of testing your patience, windows and doors that stick aren't giving you the optimum benefit in terms of convenience and efficiency. Performance is also tied to safety -- if doors and windows are not opening properly they can be a safety hazard in events like a fire.
Energy Efficiency
Check for drafts around doors and windows by moving a lit candle slowly around the edges. If the flame flickers, you have a draft -- one of the biggest drains on the energy efficiency of your home. Drafts add up to real dollars on your heating and cooling bills, so this is, for many people, the impetus to replace their windows or doors.
Maintenance
Older windows and doors require maintenance -- scraping, painting and caulking. Newer windows and doors feature low maintenance cladding, a protective exterior covering that requires minimal maintenance. Many newer windows also make cleaning easy with a convenient tilt feature that allows you to wash them from inside your house.
Aesthetics
Curb appeal is vital if you're selling your house and a satisfying lifestyle enhancement if you plan to stay in your home for years to come. Updated windows and doors not only improve energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs, they make your house look more appealing as well. This is the perfect time to consider what windows will look best in your home and choose new windows to modernize your home's look.
When choosing your replacement doors and windows, consider quality, design flexibility and the reputation of the manufacturer, Manfredini advises. "The number one attribute you should look for in a replacement window or door is quality." Windows are one of the most noticeable parts of your home, so make sure you look for windows that are of furniture-grade quality.
Marvin Windows and Doors, a leading manufacturer of replacement windows and doors, has created an informational DVD, featuring Lou Manfredini, to help homeowners learn more about their options. To request a free copy of the DVD, call (800) 414-0098 or visit www.marvin.com/MrFixIt.
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