There are many different factors to consider when renovating your home. It can be easy to get caught up on the purely aesthetic matters like paint swatches and new curtains. Some of the flashier elements involve practicalities, too — like new doors. But then there are things that we simply can’t ignore; yet we do. They tend to fall t the wayside, because they aren’t quite as exciting to replace. Yet they are important, and they certainly have a more aesthetic value than many people realize. We’re talking about windows and doors. Perhaps these are among the last things you think about when it comes to fixing up your home. Truly, we should pay more attention to these elements, and yet we put off renovations and replacements of windows and doors. This is a shame, as keeping these up to date can do a lot in terms of saving you money. Certain doors and windows not only help with energy costs, but tend to add value to your home. A sliding patio door, for example, transforms the relationship between your indoor and outdoor space. There are a variety of different windows and doors to choose from; even those that look similar often have a number of differences beneath the surface. Let’s look into some of the varieties currently on the market, and what they can do for you.

Replacing Windows And Doors: The Money Element

There is much that plays into people’s renovation choices — and money plays, perhaps, the main role. Some windows and doors save money in practical ways, while more aesthetic choices like a sliding patio door offer different types of returns on your investment. Certainly, you should have updated windows and doors whenever possible, especially if they’re suffering from severe wear and tear. A damaged window or door damages the look of your home, and if you’re trying to sell it, knocks down its overall value. It’s true that you will spend money at first. A steel front entry door, for example, costs $2,000 at first. But on average, you will get at least 75% of that back in a return on your investment. A replacement fiberglass entry door, on the other hand, offers a return of 82.3%. You can expect a similar return from a sliding patio door. People regard things like sliding patio doors as bonuses; they aren’t necessary on a practical level, but they’re nice to have. And buyers are willing to pay more for them. Of course, there are other ways through which windows and doors can save money.

Energy Savings: How Windows And Doors Make A Difference

We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about how much energy is lost through a drafty window or creaky door. But it happens, nonetheless. The energy you’re paying for is not the energy you get if it escapes through windows and doors. It’s estimated that the total amount of energy lost through inefficient and leaky windows, skylights, and glazed doors accounts for about 25% of the average household’s energy bills. By buying windows with double pane insulated glass, airtight frames, or Energy Star ratings, you can reduce your energy costs by as much as 15%. Of course, not only does draftiness result in lost energy — it’s also just plain uncomfortable!

Security: Keeping Your Home Sealed Through Windows And Doors

Again, there is much we should be concerned with when it comes to keeping windows and doors updated. With doors in particular, a major concern is security. After all, around 33% of home intruders enter houses through the front door. Hollow doors are easy to kick in — and if you have one, you should replace it with a solid door, or at least a metal-clad one, as soon as possible. Thicker windows are not only harder to break — they also keep out the noise.

Hopefully, this has opened your eyes about keeping windows and doors updated. Good luck!