Many people keep an eye on their windows and resolve to replace them when they start leaking water, rattling in the frames, and looking shabby. However, doors often get overlooked. For some reason, Cincinnati home owners don’t always realize that patio doors, too, have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced from time to time. In many cases, if you are replacing your windows, you should go ahead and have your patio doors replaced at the same time. Here are a few reasons why you should replace windows and patio doors at the same time.
Old Patio Doors Impede Energy Efficiency
One of the key reasons to replace the windows on your Cincinnati home is to improve energy efficiency. New windows are better sealed and made with better insulated materials, so they can really cut down on heat loss and reduce your energy bill. However, old patio doors can be just as inefficient as old windows. If you replace your windows but you still have old, leaky doors, you won’t notice as marked a reduction in your heating and cooling bills as you would if you were to replace the patio doors, too.
Your New Patio Doors Can Match Your Windows
In most homes, the patio doors and windows match. They may feature the same grille style and the same color frames. The top window companies can recommend windows to match your existing doors, but what if you want to change the style and look of your windows? To maintain a consistent style throughout your Cincinnati home, you should replace your windows and doors together, choosing the same accents and trim for both.
New Patio Doors Further Increase Your Home Value
If you are thinking of selling your home soon, installing new windows will increase its value and help you find a buyer. Everyone wants brand new, energy-efficient windows. With new windows and doors, however, your home value will really skyrocket. The patio door is the first thing someone sees when they walk into a home, so if yours is brand new, it creates a good first impression and draws buyers in.
New Doors Also Come With Performance Glass Options
Modern windows, like those from Renewal by Andersen, can be fitted with performance glass that blocks UV rays, reduces heat transfer, or filters extra sunshine. If you replace your doors at the same time, you can choose this same performance glass for your doors, resulting in a more comfortable home and greater energy efficiency. The windows in your doors are windows, too, so the glass they contain does matter.
There are a few exceptions to the guideline that you should replace windows and doors at the same time. If your home has cheap aluminum windows but the patio doors are made from sturdy, solid wood and are in good shape, then you may want to upgrade your windows and stick with your existing doors. If a previous homeowner replaced the doors quite recently, but the windows are clearly aging, then you can also get away with replacing just the windows and leaving the patio doors in place for a few more years.
Whether you want to replace your windows, patio doors, or both, schedule a consultation with Renewal by Andersen. We will visit your Cincinnati home and recommend the windows and doors that are best for you and your family.
