Weighing Window Repair Versus Replacement Old windows that stick, rattle or leak air are not always ready for the landfill. The window repair versus replacement choice depends on the condition of frames and sash, energy goals, budget and how much the windows...
Comparing Window Frame Materials Vinyl, fiberglass, wood, clad wood and aluminum frames differ in insulation, maintenance and appearance. Window frame materials matter in hot inland summers because frames conduct heat and must stay stable through temperature swings....
What Enlarging Window Openings Involves making a window bigger means cutting framing, installing a larger header to carry loads above and patching interior and exterior finishes. Enlarging window openings also affects wall bracing, energy compliance and sometimes...
Making an Exterior Door Selection An entry door has to resist weather, stop drafts, deter break ins and look right on the house. Exterior door selection usually starts with material, then moves to glass, hardware and installation details. Steel, fiberglass and wood...
Judging Siding Repair Versus Replacement Stucco and board siding protect the house from rain and sun, and both can often be patched when damage stays limited. The siding repair versus replacement decision turns on how far moisture has traveled behind the surface, how...
Getting Roof Replacement Timing Right When a roof nears the end of its life, the remodel schedule should account for it. Roof replacement timing counts since additions, skylights, solar panels, attic insulation and new vents all touch the roof. Replacing it at the...
Starting Exterior Color Coordination With Fixed Materials Roofs, brick and stone cost far more to change than paint, so they should guide the palette. Exterior color coordination means reading the undertones in those fixed materials and choosing body, trim and accent...
Setting Exterior Refresh Priorities An exterior refresh should fix what protects the house first, then improve what people see. Exterior refresh priorities usually start with roof, drainage, siding and paint condition, then move to the entry, lighting and landscaping....