Angie's LIST Guide to
Windows & doors
A homeowner's guide to replacement windows, repairing and refurbishing existing windows, skylights, and how to make a great first impression with your front door.
A homeowner's guide to replacement windows, repairing and refurbishing existing windows, skylights, and how to make a great first impression with your front door.
Top Topics
If you can't afford replacement windows, you can still improve the energy efficiency of existing windows. One method is by applying a window film to the glass to reflect harsh sunlight.
Read more about window repair and restoration.
The right combination of windows and doors can make for a striking entrance to your home.
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Replacement windows
Replacement windows provide increased efficiency and easy of cleaning.
Although repairing existing windows is certainly an option, many people opt for replacements because modern windows save on energy costs and are much easier to clean. They're generally a good investment for resale value as well.
Here's a rundown on the terminology used for different types of windows as well as the pros and cons of the various materials used in window construction.
If you're shopping for new windows, you need to learn the details of how windows are designed for energy efficiency.
Window restoration
Existing windows can be rebuilt to maintain historic integrity while improving efficiency.
Although a complete window replacement is the most efficient option, there are still many things homeowners can do to improve the energy efficiency of existing windows.
In many historic homes the original windows are an important feature that homeowners want to preserve. Some window companies specialize in restore these historic windows to their original quality.
The most common repairs needed for windows are the replacement of broken glass and aging screens. These are tasks that many homeowners can do themselves, or they can be jobs for a good handyman.
Skylights
Skylights are pre-manufactured units that come in a variety of prices, but it can be a real mistake to opt for the cheapest model. Some are plastic and some are glass, while the framing might be made of wood, metal or plastic.
Relatively new, tubular skylights require only a small hole in the roof to bring in a considerable amount of reflected light.
The most important thing about skylight installation is making sure there won't be leaks. Cutting holes in your roof is a job best left to professionals.
Interior and exterior doors
A home's main exterior door plays a big role in establishing a first impression.
A home's front door is one of the most important aspects in making a first impression. There are many choices of materials and designs, many of which include more than just the door itself.
All exterior doors need to be strong and secure to protect against both burglary and weather. Families with pets generally generally also want at least one of the exterior doors to include a pet door.
Interior doors are manufactured differently from exterior doors, but they also come in specialized shapes and styles such as louvered doors, swinging doors and bifold doors.
Glass block windows
Glass block is ideal for bathroom windows where privacy is needed.
Like other glass products, glass blocks are made in intense furnaces where molten glass is machine-formed according to specifications. Individual glass blocks are often assembled into framing that is sold in prefabricated units.
Glass block windows are ideal for where privacy is needed and they are far more secure than ordinary windows. Because of their thickness, glass block windows are energy efficient.
In addition to replacing standard basement and bathroom windows for privacy, glass blocks can be used to make wall partitions, shower enclosures and even kitchen islands.
Window and door locks
A deadbolt lock is much more effective than the lock built into the doorknob.
Most exterior doors come with a pin tumbler lock built into the handle, but a deadbolt lock is considered more secure.
The most common door lock for interior bathroom or bedroom doors is the push-button privacy lock that does not use a key.
Electronic keypad locks require no physical key and are opened by a numeric code which is known only to members of the family. Keeping the code secure is essential, and it can be expensive to have them reset when the code becomes outdated.
Locksmiths
The most common job for a locksmith is opening a lock without a key.
In addition to working on standard home locks, locksmiths work on car door locks, burglar alarm systems and electronic passkey doors that do not require a physical key.
Keeping a spare key handy is the best way to avoid a lockout, but it's essential that the spare not be found by anyone else. Locksmiths provided some ideas on how to do this.
As in most professions, there is a risk of fraud in the locksmith trade. Here are seven tips on how to hire a good locksmith.