You might be thinking that this is a minor detail, but you should think again: doors and windows can make or break your space.
When it’s time to replace your doors and windows, you will certainly know. The doors may be too drafty; perhaps the windows might not let enough light in. Regardless of the reason, as you get started with the replacement process, you might be surprised to learn that a new door or two and new windows can make your space feel totally revitalised.
It is much more than simply getting rid of that old glass or a cracked frame; new doors and windows can change the way sound, light and fresh air move in and out of a space, entirely reshaping the feel and look of your space and how people move within it. The best kinds of doors and windows serve as subtle design elements that impact the atmosphere of the space, making it feel spa-like, organic, or any other feeling you are trying to create.
When embarking on the door and window selection process, get started with these tips and guidelines, which will help you make the right choice, and definitely make the whole home update much easier.
Before you get started: think about your priorities. If you would like to have an unobstructed view, go for a fixed window ready-made for hours of peaceful gazing. In case you are looking for the air to circulate freely, have a look at a casement window that opens fully. Think about how much time you are actually willing to spend on keeping the windows shipshape. Wooden frames might need to be painted occasionally, whereas vinyl is virtually maintenance-free.
Be aware of the materials you are going to use: choose your window frame from 4 main materials: wood, aluminium, clad and vinyl. Wood is elegant and lets you match the interior trim to your baseboards and moulding, but it can warp, and is susceptible to rotting by wood-boring insects, and is usually expensive. Clad windows―normally, a wood frame coated with vinyl, aluminium or fiberglass―stand up very well to the elements and do not require any painting. Lightweight, rust- and mildew-resistant aluminium windows are usually favoured by architects for their clean lines as well as thin frames, which help the home feel more open. Vinyl is the most popular material by far; it is durable, moisture-resistant, and a breeze to care for, but it should not be painted.
Bear in mind: in basements and bedrooms, you will require at least one window that is large enough to escape through – as a matter of fact, fire codes require this nowadays. Proper installation is key, so it’s best to hire a licensed contractor.
Before you get started: for ideal results, have a professional measure the width, height, and thickness of the original door. In case you want a larger door, or in case you would like to add sidelights (windows on both sides of a door), you will need to modify the size of your frame. Brick openings are hard to change, however a wood frame may be adjusted quite easily.
Be aware of the materials you are going to use: when you are about to decide on a door type, think first and foremost about maintenance. In case you do not mind applying a fresh coat of paint every few years, then consider a wood door, which can be fit with glass inserts, nails, or a speakeasy opening. Fiberglass looks like wood, provides great insulation, and is easy to care for. When it comes to steel, it comes in many colours and can be repainted, but it can actually dent. A glass door may serve as an additional entrance for light into the space and help make your home feel part of its surroundings; just be sure to clean it often to avoid smudges.
Also, pay close attention to the actual location of the door. In case it’s facing south, be careful with wood, since the sun may cause the finish to fade or crack. Stained doors, in particular, take a beating when they are exposed to the sun.
Bear in mind: when ordering a door, you need to specify left or right hand, this refers to the side the handle will be on. Think about hardware as well - if you tend to lose your keys, consider installing a smart lock, and thus you can use a code or your smartphone to unlock it.
