3 Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal and Increase the Value of Your Home

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Whether you’re thinking of selling your home soon, a few years down the road, or you’d just like to protect your investment; there are many ways you can increase the value of your home.

Image shows a home with yellow siding and white windows

Home improvement projects are often the best way to improve your curb appeal and increase the value of your home, but it’s hard to know where to begin with home renovations. For most homeowners, it will depend on how much you’d like to invest, what areas of your home need the most improvement, and how long you’re going to be in the property.

At Weather Tight, our representatives are happy to help you decide which home renovations will be worth it for you. Are you wondering how we help homeowners determine their priorities?

Watch this Tod & Todd video explaining why it’s essential to engage with an expert to assess home renovation choices.

Call us today to schedule an assessment, and we can help you decide what needs improvement and updating. If you’re wondering where to begin, here are three of the best home renovations to increase the value of your home.

1. Increase the Value of Your Home with a New Roof

If you’re planning to sell your house in the next few years, you may think that replacing a roof is something you can put off. But for many buyers, the roof condition will be one of the top considerations in their offer.

As roofs age, they can lead to many concerns—leaks, ventilation issues, mold, mildew, and drafts. Your roof stands as the barrier between your house and anything Mother Nature sends your way. Because roofs stand up to so much abuse, they can often show signs of wear and tear faster than other areas of a home. Hail, rain, wind, and of course, in Wisconsin, ice and snow can lead to significant damage over time.

Because your roof “breathes” with your home, you may also see signs of wear from poor ventilation. When a roof isn’t properly ventilated, the heat and moisture from your home can lead to degradation of the shingles, including curling and “shedding.” If you notice that your gutter collects a lot of roof debris like sand and small particles, it’s a sign that your roof may need replacement.

A new roof will increase the value of your home by improving the look and protecting the inside from weather damage. With a new roof, you may also notice less heat loss and increased savings on your energy bill. A new roof is an excellent investment.

2. Give Your Home an Upgrade with New Siding

If you want to boost your home’s “wow” factor for potential buyers, new siding can be a smart way to increase the value of your home. If you have wooden or old aluminum siding, you’re probably tired of the upkeep. Wooden siding requires constant maintenance, and after several years it will crack, fade, and look shabby.

Aluminum siding can end up dented, dinged, and faded with the sun. Not to mention that most older aluminum siding looks dated. It’s just not the style anymore, and it can really age your home. The other consideration with some aluminum siding is the installation. Many times, poor installation or damage can lead to water leaks and other problems.

Vinyl siding offers a beautiful, modern finish that is virtually maintenance-free and extremely long-lasting. Surprisingly affordable, new siding will give your home a total facelift and makeover. If you’re looking for the best investment in terms of visual impact, siding should be a top consideration.

With an array of colors and finishes, we offer siding to go with any style of home. Vinyl mimics the beautiful look of wood without the scraping, painting, and threat of pests. We do a complete removal of old siding and put up a protective Tyvek wrap during our expert installation. For a low-maintenance way to increase the value of your home, vinyl siding is a great choice.

3. Boost Your Comfort and Curb Appeal with New Windows & Doors

If your home’s windows are old, chances are you’re losing money to air infiltration. Older windows and doors often let cold air inside in the winter and hot air inside in the summer. New windows and doors keep the temperature consistent; help protect your home against bad weather, let in light, and beautify every corner of your home.

Large windows and natural light are increasingly popular choices for newer homes. If you’d like to put your home on the market or you’d just like your house to feel more modern and contemporary, consider replacement windows as a way to increase the value of your home.

You can change the size and look of any window in your house, with replacement windows. The newest windows have minimal frames that give you an extra expansive view. Better yet, these windows are built to last. They’re easy to open, simple to clean, and secure to lock.

When we explore window and door replacement, we’ll always assess your existing windows and advise you on the best look and choice for your home. With an array of trims, colors, and designs, we offer windows for any style and any room in your home. Our selection of entry doors will ensure that your home is welcoming, secure, and beautiful.

These improvements can increase the value of your home and are three of the best ways to improve your curb appeal. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home any time soon, home renovations are wise for any owner who wants to protect their investment. These home improvement projects will lower your energy bills, decrease the cost and need for preventative maintenance, and help you avoid expensive damage in the future.

If you’re considering home renovations to increase the value of your home, reach out to Weather Tight today. We’ll help you decide on the best investment for your house.

What You Need to Know About Entry Door Replacement

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There’s no denying an entry door replacement instantly upgrades the look of your entire house. Front and center, your entry door is the focal point of your home. When friends, family, and visitors come by, it’s the first thing they see—and it makes a big statement.

Plus, your entry, side, or back door protects you and your family. Doors offer security and safety from outside weather and potential intruders.

So, when it’s time for entry, side, or back door replacement, consider all your options and review all aspects of the process. Choose a door to add to the value, look, and comfort of your house for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about the door replacement process.

Image shows the exterior of a home with a maroon door and shutters

How to Know When it’s Time for a New Entry, Side, or Back Door

There are several visible signs it’s time for a door replacement. The most significant indication is the look of the door itself. If your door’s style looks like it belongs in the last century, chances are it’s time to replace it.

Because doors are such a prominent feature of a home, they’re often one of the first areas to look dated. They’re also one of the first spots in your home that will show wear and tear. Cracked or peeling paint, warping, or staining are significant signs your door needs replacing.

Aside from cosmetic concerns, an older door presents a lot of challenges to the comfort and temperature control of your home as well. You may experience air leaks and drafts with an older door. People even see frost accumulate on the inside hardware of their doors in the winter. Indoor ice is a sure sign your door isn’t doing its job.

Some draft sources are obvious, but rest assured there are easy tests to reveal hidden air leakage around your door. One of our favorites is the dollar bill test. Take a dollar bill and slide it underneath your door. If the bill moves freely, it’s sure sign air is getting through.

How do you know it’s time to replace your entry door? Tod & Todd have some tips and handy tests you can try in this Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips Video!

 

 

Another way to test your door is by taking a small flashlight and running it around your door. Ask a friend to stand inside your home. If they see the light seeping in around the door, you’re getting air loss. In the summer months, hold a fan up to the door and ask someone to stand on the other side with a wet hand. They’ll feel the cold air, indicating if and where you’re getting a draft.

Another big indication that a door replacement may be needed are concerns about the locking mechanisms or the hardware on your door. Securing your door should never be a challenge. If your door doesn’t lock properly (or is difficult to open or close), consider a door replacement soon.

 

What to Look for in a Replacement Entry, Side, or Back Door

The first place you’ll notice the impact of a new door is on your energy bill. There are many components built into modern replacement doors to help you save on energy.

At Weather Tight, we install beautiful Therma-Tru doors, which feature a sill and bottom sweep with a tight seal to protect against air and moisture infiltration. When combined with the recommended sill pan, the floor, and subfloor will withstand moisture and rot. The composite material of the sill stands up to weather, heat, and humidity.

With weather-stripping and corner seal pads, Therma-Tru doors ensure your home stays comfortable all year long. You’ll save on heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, thanks to the precise seals that protect against air and moisture infiltration.

Choose from a wide selection of beautiful materials for your door as well. Wood is a classic option, but modern fiberglass features woodgrain and offers five times the insulation value of wood. Our doors don’t scratch, dent, warp, or twist. Plus, we offer an incredible array of customization options, including a variety of colors, glass designs, styles, and hardware. Choose a door to match and compliment the look and style of your home. Choose additional features like kickplates, mail slots, and peep sites, as well as surrounding features like a transom window or sidelights to let in light and give your home that extra designer flair.

It’s also important to consider the locking system of your door. Weather Tight offers a multi-point lock system for extra security. Our multi-point locking system locks in three spots on the door and is a great option to help you rest easy, knowing your home is safe.

Check out the handy custom door designer to see all the ways you can change your home with a replacement door. Print out your design and share it with your Weather Tight representative to ensure you get the door of your dreams.

 

What to Expect During Your Weather Tight Visit

Image shows an entry before and after a replacement

If you’re considering a door replacement, give Weather Tight a call to set up a consultation with one of our trusted experts. Our expert will come to your home and assess your door needs. During the visit, he or she will look at your door opening, take measurements, and go through the options to ensure your door perfectly fits the style of your home while offering suggestions that fit with your wants and needs.

We go over all possible looks and provide real before and after pictures of customers who have replaced their doors. We also discuss your needs and what you’re looking for in terms of seals and efficiency. Thanks to the weather here in the Midwest, most of us need to consider the impact of the winter months—especially cold and moisture—on our doors. Wood doors tend to expand and shrink with the weather, whereas fiberglass doors hold up to the harshest conditions.

Your Weather Tight representative will also go over the door replacement process and timeline with you. We usually see an uptick in replacement entry doors in the spring, but summer, fall, and even winter are perfect times to consider a door replacement, so don’t wait! Weather Tight takes steps to ensure your home stays comfortable during construction and installation.

If you’re ready to improve the curb appeal, security, and comfort of your home, a replacement door is the right investment. Give Weather Tight a call today and we’ll discuss the many options for a door you’ll love!

Windows & Doors: Two of the Best Condo Upgrades

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Upgrading a condo isn’t simply about investing in your own home. With condo living, you’ve got the whole neighborhood to consider!

Condo living has many benefits—beauty, simplicity, less maintenance, and great neighbors, to name a few. But when it comes to changing the outer look of your condo, you probably have to follow the rules. Condo upgrades are often subject to CC&R (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and other association guidelines to help maintain the uniform curb appeal of all the condos in the association.

While you may worry this will stifle your individuality and creativity, never fear! There are plenty of updates you can make to your individual unit without rocking the boat at your next association meeting.

The Top Two Condo Upgrades You Can Make Today

Hands down, two of the best condo upgrades for unit owners are windows and doors. These updates are simple, affordable, and best of all, often don’t require buy-in from your condo board or association!

Before you decide on an upgrade, it’s important to realize updates to an individual unit, such as windows and doors are often the responsibility and at the discretion of the condo owner.  Exterior updates — large-scale projects like roof replacement and exterior finishes–on the other hand, typically affect the entire condo association and require more extensive HOA (Home Owner’s Association) approval.

Check your CC&Rs for guidelines and rules about all updates to your unit, of course. If you’re unsure, you may still need to appeal to your HOA for approval. Getting your neighbors to see the benefits of the improvements is often key to securing consent.

Once you’re ready to move forward, here’s why windows and doors are the best bang for your condo upgrade buck.

 

Best Condo Upgrade #1 — Windows

New White Double Hung Windows

Updating windows is one of the most needed — yet often overlooked — upgrades that offers a big impact to any home, including a condo. Yes, there’s an upfront cost, but the benefits of the investment begin to pay off immediately.

Condo window replacement is a great way to save money. The moment new windows are installed, homeowners start to enjoy savings on energy bills. Modern windows improve ventilation, greatly increase indoor temperature control, and feature updated hardware for better security.  Newer models also fold down easily to make cleaning a breeze!

Updated condo windows improve the curb appeal of the unit, and the new windows look great. They expand and enhance outdoor views. Most windows offer a wide variety of customizable open positions that help control and improve airflow. Open or close your windows to accommodate outdoor temperatures without blocking your line of sight.

Bow and bay windows offer beautiful panoramic views while creating the illusion of a larger room. Garden windows (named after their greenhouse-like qualities) offer plenty of light and create excellent conditions for indoor plants.

The benefits provided by new condo windows improve property values. Updated windows are always an attractive selling point to potential buyers, making condo window replacements one of the best condo upgrades you can invest in. New windows improve the safety, security and beauty of your condo. You’ll lower your energy bill, enhance your view, and see the world in a whole new light!

The Weather Tight Window Guarantee

Weather Tight has some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry who will help you choose or design the perfect windows. We work hard to guarantee 100 percent satisfaction. Weather Tight commonly serves condo, apartment, and multi-family properties, and has more than 32,000 satisfied customers and an A+ BBB rating. We love working closely with our customers to find the best windows for their home.

 

Best Condo Upgrade #2 — Doors

Entry Door with Sidelights

Door replacement is a relatively painless condominium upgrade that can offer a facelift to the whole unit. Whether you decide on a French door, upgrading your sliding patio door, or adding a transom and sidelights, a door update is a great improvement. Best of all, doors are installed quickly with very little disruption. Updated doors offer significant benefits.

Condo door replacement saves you money almost immediately. Old doors often suffer from many problems, including poor energy efficiency. Doors that don’t fit properly are terrible for indoor temperature regulation, ballooning energy costs while making the indoor environment less comfortable.

Better yet, new doors look great! Let in the light with a beautiful transom and sidelights; put a modern twist on your sliding doors with brand new French doors. Imagine stepping out on your porch or balcony through a gorgeous, easy-to-open, secure patio door. No matter what door you choose, you’ll be happy you made the investment.

One of the most heavily used, and highly visible parts of your condo, doors see a lot of abuse. Entry doors are exposed to the elements and must be well-insulated. They must also be moisture-resistant to maintain energy efficiency while withstanding damage from weather. When exposed to moss and rot, a door becomes unsightly with swelling and delaminating which, if left untreated, severely damages the door. This damage not only compromises aesthetics but it causes air leaks and even security concerns.

The other issue with condo doors is that old doors often sport outdated designs, which instantly make a condo community look old-fashioned and behind on modern trends. New doors instantly improve aesthetic value, offer enhanced security, better energy efficiency, and help to increase in-home comfort with improved temperature control.

A new entry or patio door is a great investment for your condo!

Easy Condo Door Upgrades from Weather Tight

The best part of working with our pros is the Weather Tight experience. We measure everything during the initial consultation, make recommendations, and walk you through the design process from start-to-finish. We work closely with condo owners, managers, and investors to update the appearance while adhering to association guidelines. We have doors in a wide variety of colors, styles, and functions available for entry, storm, and patio doors. We can meet the guidelines set forth by your HOA for a door that will look fantastic.

 

Get the Weather Tight Advantage from The Leaders in Condo Services

We know there’s a lot to think about out there when you’re considering condo updates, repairs, and maintenance. Once you decide on an improvement, working with your HOA to agree upon and approve condo upgrades is often a delicate task.

Fortunately, at Weather Tight, we’re experienced in working with individual unit owners as well as HOAs. We will help you select the best condo upgrades to keep everyone in the association happy and satisfied. We’ll work with you to ensure your updates fit within the CC&Rs, and we’re happy to work with condominium boards and HOAs as well.

At Weather Tight, we focus on recommending the best condo upgrades for your particular situation. Weather Tight has been helping homeowners and condo associations for over thirty years. We stand behind our work on any condo upgrade you choose.

Give us a call or chat here with one of our reps for a free estimate today! If you’re ready to improve the look of your home with some great condo upgrades, we’ve got you covered!

Should you invest in Diamond Kote® siding? Indubitably! Let us tell you why.

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It is spring in Wisconsin.. well.. sort of. I am starting to think Mother Nature went AWOL. However- we know that in due time the grass will start to brighten, displaying lush hues of striking emerald. We will find ourselves able to enjoy those lazy sun-drenched afternoons – accompanied by the unambiguous aroma of a charcoal barbecue. Everything that winter left barren & achromatic will come alive & I think we all deserve to catch up on our depleted levels of vitamin D! :)

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