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If you’re looking to let more natural light into your home from your entryway or patio, or if want the space between two adjoining interior rooms to feel more open, French doors might be the right door installation choice for you.

French doors are made up of a pair of doors paneled with glass. Depending on the design you choose, they can consist of a single pane or multiple panes. French doors often swing open to patios or balconies, or they can be used to create a grand entrance or exit between interior rooms.

Benefits of Installing French Doors

Because of the unique way they let in natural light, French doors can add an open feeling to enclosed spaces that other door types can’t. The benefits of installing French doors include:

• Beautiful views of the outdoors from inside
• More sunshine and warmth, especially in winter
• Indoor and outdoor spaces bridged effortlessly
• Interior adjoining rooms expanded when opened (and separated when closed)

Are French Doors Energy-Efficient?

Many homeowners worry that installing French doors will allow cool air to escape their home during the summer and warm air to escape in the winter, which would increase utility bills while their HVAC systems run constantly. However, this is no longer an issue. French door frames are constructed to make French doors energy-efficient. There are also advanced glazing options available that allow sunlight in while stabilizing the temperature indoors.

Are French Doors Less Secure or Durable?

Depending on whether you’re installing exterior or interior French doors, they are fortified to protect you in different ways.

Exterior French doors are equipped with weather-proofing elements, and you can adjust opaqueness to meet your needs. Many exterior French doors require a three-point locking system and have double panes for additional security.

Interior French doors can also be paned in opaque glass for privacy, and specialists can install locks that meet your specific needs.

Start Your Custom French Door Project With Open Enclose

For a streamlined French door replacement experience that will bring your unique home aesthetic to life, contact Open Enclose in Tucson, AZ. We handle every step in the French door installation process in-house so that you won’t have to juggle multiple sub-contractors. When you work with us, you receive a lifetime warranty on our products, and we guarantee your 100% satisfaction. If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, we showcase our past work on our gallery page.

Request a free, no-obligation estimate for a French door installation in Tucson. Call us at (520) 485-4546 or contact us online.

Are you the proud owner of a historic home? You probably love all the unique features and design elements you could never find in a modern home. Of course, living in an older house means some things could be worn out, including your windows.

Glazing and window frame technology has improved by leaps and bounds in recent decades. So even if your old windows are in relatively good shape, they probably contribute to uncomfortable drafts and high energy bills. Here are some factors to consider when replacing the windows in your older home.

Why You Should Replace Your Old Windows

Your home has lasted this long without getting new windows, so why should you replace them now? Consider the many ways you can benefit from replacing your old windows:

• Enhance security and safety with advanced locking mechanisms and impact-resistant glass
• Reduce drafts to eliminate hot and cold spots and improve home comfort
• Increase energy efficiency and lower your utility bills
• Insulate against noises outside for a more peaceful interior
• Restore functionality to broken or painted-shut windows
• Boost home value in case you decide to move someday

How To Choose New Windows That Preserve the Style of Your Older Home

Because older homes have unique architectural elements, your windows probably don’t match today’s standard sizes. This means if you order pre-made versions, you’ll probably have to widen or reduce the windows openings to make them fit. This could affect your home’s historical appeal and add an unnecessary construction expense.

Fortunately, you can avoid these problems with custom windows for older homes. These come in any size, operating style, and material you want to fit your needs exactly. Keep in mind that most older homes have wood windows, so you should look into installing this material over more modern alternatives such as fiberglass and vinyl.

When To Repair or Retrofit Your Old Windows

Older homes often have windows built with high-quality wood frames. This may be why yours have lasted this long. As a result, it might be possible to repair or retrofit your windows instead of replacing them. Here are your options:

• Repair damaged locking mechanisms and moving parts.
• Fix sections of rotten wood window frames using epoxy.
• Install new glass in the existing window frame.
• Install storm windows as an extra barrier between the interior and exterior.

Should You DIY Your Window Installation?

Once you decide to replace your windows, you have two options — order the windows direct from the manufacturer and install them yourself, or hire a window installation company to install them for you. Don’t make this decision lightly. Poor window installation can negate some of your investment’s performance and aesthetic benefits.

In general, you should only attempt a DIY window installation if you have advanced carpentry skills and access to the proper tools for the job. You also need a second knowledgeable person to help you, and the job is most feasible if your windows are all on ground level. If any of these factors don’t apply to your situation, you may prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional window installation.

Maintain Your Older Home’s Appeal With Replacement Windows in Tucson, AZ

As you can see, you have many choices for revitalizing the windows in your older home. If you decide to replace your windows, Open Enclose can help you preserve your home’s historic appeal and accuracy. We partner with numerous trusted window brands to make sure you find the exact product you’re looking for in your price range.

To learn more about your window replacement options for older homes, please contact Open Enclose in Tucson by calling us at (520) 485-4546.

Replacing your windows can both increase resale value and noticeably improve the aesthetic of your home’s exterior and interior style. With all the options currently available, selecting new windows may seem like a daunting task, but both vinyl and fiberglass windows are well-liked choices for homeowners and builders.

If you need help selecting new windows for your home, contact the experts at Open Enclose by calling 520-485-4546 today.

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows: Pros and Cons

Pricing

Compared to wood windows, both vinyl and fiberglass are an economical choice, but vinyl windows are less expensive than fiberglass. If cost is your main concern, you should look at available vinyl window styles.

Life Span and Durability

You can expect a good quality vinyl window to last up to 30 years, while fiberglass windows’ life span can stretch past 50 years. The reason for the difference is that fiberglass windows are not subject to sun damage. Vinyl starts to melt at temperatures over 165 degrees, which can cause warping and distortion of the window frame on hot days.

Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass windows are better insulators than vinyl windows. The glass fibers in a fiberglass window frame ensure that the frames won’t expand, contract, or conduct heat or cold.

Noise Insulation

Fiberglass windows are also better sound insulators than vinyl windows. The glass fibers that enable fiberglass windows to insulate against heat and cold also block outside noise from entering your home.

Maintenance Requirements

Fiberglass and vinyl windows are both low-maintenance options and require very little care over time. Vinyl windows are made with color built into the material. As a result, they won’t fade, peel, or need to be repainted. Fiberglass windows are subject to all three of those issues: Their color will eventually fade, peel, and need to be repainted. Vinyl windows tend to warp due to sunlight and will require occasional touch-ups with caulk to prevent air leaks.

Which Style Looks Best for My Home?

Both vinyl and fiberglass offer a variety of window styles and brands to choose from when replacing your home’s windows. Other style considerations include:

Vinyl

• Vinyl windows have a visible join line at their corners, and fiberglass ones do not.
• Versatility is a big plus when choosing vinyl windows. Vinyl can be molded into almost any form, which allows for unique window shapes.
• Due to this flexibility, vinyl windows are a great choice for virtually all home styles and aesthetics.

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass frames are able to mimic the appearance of wood frames.
• A wider variety of style and color options are available for fiberglass windows, due to the fact that they can be painted.
• Fiberglass is stronger than vinyl, which means fiberglass windows can have a thinner frame for a low-profile, modern look.
• Like vinyl windows, fiberglass offers myriad color options and frame styles to suit any home’s architectural style.

Choose Open Enclose for All Your Window Replacement Needs

Open Enclose is a locally owned and operated window and door contractor in Tucson, AZ. We offer haggle-free, upfront pricing and use only the best-quality products. Every aspect of our window installation process is handled in house, we don’t subcontract any work, and our expert window technicians are able to do any needed touch-up painting or stucco work. We’re so confident in the quality of our workmanship that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty on all products that we install.

You’ll love your new windows, guaranteed! Contact us at 520-485-4546 to schedule a window replacement estimate.

Installing a new entry door is one of the most noticeable home improvements you can make. It also offers a great return on investment, making it a wise project if you’re planning to move soon. With so many materials, colors, finishes, and features to choose from, you may have a hard time narrowing down your choices. Luckily, you can achieve the perfect balance of style, functionality, and security with these popular entry doors of 2020.

Explore this year’s entry door trends here. Then, contact Open Enclose at (520) 485-4546 to ask about our entry door replacement services in Tucson, AZ.

Fun, Eye-Catching Colors

Statement doors are nothing new, but they’re bound to stick around in 2020. Bright red, aquamarine, or sunshine yellow will set the tone as guests approach your home. They know that once they enter, they’re bound to have a good time!

Natural Wood Stain

The timeless beauty of a solid wood door can’t be denied. If your home’s interior has other natural wood elements, consider extending the look to your front door by staining rather than painting it. You can create a look that ranges from country charm to Tuscan elegance to mid-century modern—it all depends on the door’s design, wood species, and stain color.

Wood Alternatives

Wood is a traditional, time-tested material, but affordable, low-maintenance fiberglass and steel entry doors are also trending in 2020. Fiberglass doors can be painted or even stained to resemble solid wood for the aesthetic you want without the cost or upkeep. Then, steel offers exceptional security and energy efficiency. All of these options are worth considering.

Glass Elements

This 2020 entry door trend provides an excellent source of natural light in your home. You might opt for a full-glass entry door or prefer small glass panels for visual interest. When shopping for glass doors, make sure you choose a model with advanced features for efficiency and security, including double glazing, low-E coatings, and gas infill. You can also explore privacy glass options to blur the view while still allowing light to enter.

Fresh Hardware

Changing the look and functionality of your entry door doesn’t necessarily mean replacing it. If the door is in good condition, simply swapping out the hardware can make a big difference. Hardware finishes that are trending in 2020 include brushed steel and champagne bronze.

Increased Security

While this isn’t necessarily an aesthetic trend, it’s definitely on many homeowners’ radars in 2020. People are spending more on home security than ever before. This doesn’t just mean alarms and surveillance cameras, but more secure entry doors as well. Features such as six-pin locks, strike-resistant deadbolt plates, and theft-proof hinges are designed to increase your peace of mind.

Smart Features

Entry doors are no strangers to technology. Smart homes have taken the world by storm, and one of the most popular trends is the ability to lock and unlock the front door from anywhere using a smartphone. Keypad entry is also handy for granting access to delivery people and maintenance crews when you’re not at home. These features are sure to go great with a video camera doorbell, another trending home security feature.

Replace Your Entry Door in Tucson, AZ

No matter which 2020 entry door trends interest you the most, Open Enclose is here to help you implement them. Our haggle-free, upfront pricing lets you start your project with ease. Choose entry doors from some of today’s top brands, including Andersen, Ironwood, and many others. We have years of experience as a locally owned and operated door installer, and we promise to meet your expectations with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Contact us today at (520) 485-4546 to begin your entry door replacement project.