How Long Do Windows Last? Your Window Replacement Guide

30 September,2016 ahtsite

window replacement Madison, WISometimes it’s easy to know when you should replace a feature in your home and when you need to consider a project like window replacement. Drafty winds that sneak past a dilapidated door or a water heater that can’t keep up with the demands of your family may indicate replacement is necessary.

Failures in various features of your home may also indicate some time spent remodeling could fix the issues. When it comes to windows, there are a few solutions for the problems that may start to occur when your windows are too old or have begun to show their age with drafts and breakage.

Do Windows Really Last a Lifetime?

The price you pay for your new windows will tend to influence the likelihood of the windows lasting for ten years or fifty years. However, even expensive windows can begin to show their age if they’re not cared for over time.

The wild swings in temperature that occur in Wisconsin mean that the materials that hold the windows in place will degrade over time. Even if your windows aren’t at a point where full window replacement is necessary, it may still be necessary to have some work done.

According to a graphic published by This Old House, a home’s windows can last anywhere from 26 to 50 years. Similar life spans may be seen with screen doors. If the windows on your home have reached an age of several decades, seeking replacement might be the best answer.

For windows, This Old House suggests:

“Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years while wooden windows should last upwards of 30 years.”

On doors, This Old House also shares:

“Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house exists, while vinyl and screen doors have a life expectancy of 20 and 40 years, respectively. Closet doors are expected to last a lifetime, and French doors have an average life of 30 to 50 years.”

Why is Window Replacement a Good Idea?

You may assume that remodeling or renovating your current windows and repairing features like the weather-stripping will offer plenty of additional years of use to your windows, but advances in technology have given new windows an edge over old windows for energy efficiency.

You may wish to ask your contractor whether it’s a good idea to replace your windows, or whether some remodeling work or targeted upgrades may serve you best. Often, the basic age of your windows will reveal much about whether replacement is necessary or not.

Your decision might not come down to the literal price of your windows, but rather of the likely savings you may get to enjoy in the future after your window installation is complete. You might be paying a lot extra in utility bills with your current windows. New windows could help you lower your energy consumption.

Window Replacement Benefits Beyond Energy Savings

Acting like a responsible homeowner where you focus on reducing your home’s energy consumption can make you feel like a superstar, but you shouldn’t forget the positive impact on your home’s value and appearance that new windows can make. You might not even realize how much of a change you can make in your home’s appearance with the simple act of replacing the windows.

Windows are an excellent place to start if you’re interested in modifying the style of your home. While it might be difficult to transform a Victorian house into an ultra-modern home without some serious remodeling, the windows you choose can create a fresh, clean look for virtually any home. They’re an excellent investment whether you plan on staying in your home, or you’ll shortly find yourself putting the house on the market.

Window Replacement: The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed something wrong with them (perhaps they’re letting in cold air in the winter, even when they’re closed). While windows may have quite a variance in their life spans, you definitely don’t need to abide by the “book” when it comes to replacement.

If your windows were rated for ten years and they’ve lasted 40, you or the other families who have owned your home have clearly taken care of them. On the other hand, if your windows are rated to last 20 years, and they’ve become drafty monsters after just 10, window replacement could be in your future.

Want the Best Advice on Window Replacement in Wisconsin?

Is it time to replace your home’s windows in Appleton, Fond du Lac, Janesville, Stoughton, Madison, Oshkosh, Waupaca, Wausau, Wisconsin Dells or Baraboo, WI? Want to know whether your windows have a winter left or whether it’s time to upgrade? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Interested in more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

Choosing Between a Home Facelift or Home Remodel

25 September,2016 ahtsite

home faceliftPart of the responsibility of home ownership includes regular maintenance and these projects may involve a weekend of your own time, or they might require the assistance of a contractor. Giving your home a modest facelift can reduce the need for a remodel and save some money for a few years, but choosing whether to plan a minor upgrade or a major renovation can help you make the most of your budget.

Do you really need a completely new bathroom, or can you get by with a modest facelift for a few more years? Is it time to completely replace the windows in your home, or can you get by with some new weather stripping and a few cans of paint? The opportunity to realize excellent return-on-investment is a prime motivation for some homeowners, but finding budget-friendly options is a consideration, too.

Choosing a Home Facelift for Your Home Improvement Project

Undertaking a major remodeling project on your home can greatly increase the personal enjoyment you experience in living at your residence. However, making a few, targeted improvements can also prove beneficial when you don’t have enough money to take out a home equity loan, or you haven’t yet saved enough money for the project.

Ask yourself the following questions to see if it’s the right time to conduct an affordable home facelift, or whether you might want to spend the next several months saving money for an exciting home remodeling project.

1. Are any furnishings or appliances broken or past their date of expiration?

Do you have a nice toilet and shower that just happen to look a little dated, or are you dealing with a shower that’s been leaking under your home or a toilet that keeps needing new parts every few months? You might need to think about a bathroom remodel.

Similarly, are your windows in good shape but just in need of a little paint? You might have a weekend of painting ahead of you. However, if you’re experiencing drafty winters and high electricity bills, you might need to consider new windows.

2. Are you planning to sell your home in the next few years?

A newly remodeled kitchen is a huge draw for buyers, and a brand new exterior will lure home buyers quite effectively. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, going for the full remodel on projects like new windows, a new roof, and new doors (front door and garage door) can lead to a swift sale.

However, if you’re thinking about remaining in your home for many years, you may wish to choose the timing of your remodeling project at the time when it makes sense to do so for the age of your home’s components, as well as for your personal finances.

3. Can you finance your project or have you saved enough money?

Financing your home remodeling project with a home equity loan is a fairly standard method of paying for a major remodeling project. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, you might spend the equivalent of a brand new family sedan on the project, but the new space can add immense enjoyment to the home ownership experience.

If you’re adverse to debt, and you don’t wish to finance your project, you may want to start with a minor project this year and save up for a more in-depth remodel in the next year. Perhaps you can start with a new door this year and save up for brand new windows next season.

Choose a Combination Approach with Your Home Facelift & Remodel

The best plan for your home might include a project that features one remodeling project, as well as a facelift project. For example, you might work with AHT Wisconsin Windows on brand new windows for your home while also attending to the landscaping on your own time.

Imagine the beautiful change in your home with a set of brand new windows and a row of new bushes or shrubs to line the ground. You can even replace smaller items like the mailbox and the fixtures around the door. You might choose new door knocker to match the new door or some potted plants for the front porch.

Plan Your Next Home Remodel with AHT Wisconsin Windows

Is it time for a home facelift or exterior home remodeling project? Want information on the type of home remodeling project that will offer you the best return on investment? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Interested in more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

AHT Wisconsin Windows Makes the 2016 Remodeling 550 List

25 August,2016 ahtsite

remodeling-550-list-aht-wisconsin-windows-logo2016Scott R. Young (AKA Scott the Window Guy) and the crew at AHT Wisconsin Windows are pleased to announce their position at #81 on the 2016 Remodeling 550, which is the Remodeling Magazine’s annual publication of the top remodeling companies around the nation.

AHT moves up from #94 on the 2015 list in the publication’s ‘Replacement’ category.

According to Scott the Window Guy, owner of AHT Wisconsin Windows:

“Once again, inclusion on the Remodeling Magazine 550 list is validation that our products and services provide exceptional value to our Wisconsin customers. We appreciate the recognition and look forward to another year of serving our neighbors in Appleton, Clintonville, Madison, and nearby areas!”

What is the Remodeling 550?

The 2016 Remodeling 550 list includes 345 full-service companies, 145 replacement contractors, 17 insurance restoration firms, and 43 franchises. The list is compiled based on reports submitted by the companies, as well as publicly available information.

“This year’s Remodeling 550 list shows that the nation’s largest firms are bigger and healthier than ever,” says Craig Webb, editor-in-chief, REMODELING. “Sales at the nation’s biggest full-service firms, replacement contractors, and insurance restoration firms on the list hit $4.22 billion in 2015.”

Who is AHT Wisconsin Windows?

With a history that stretches back almost 50 years, AHT Wisconsin Windows is an experienced replacement window contractor in Wisconsin that has served more than 12,000 homeowners in the last half century. The company has 3 offices (in Clintonville, Madison, and Appleton) and installs a full range of replacement windows, as well as virtually every type of door from exterior doors to patio doors.

AHT Wisconsin Windows describes its approach to customer service as “warm and welcoming,” which has helped the company build positive relationships with clients across Wisconsin. The company relies on those positive experiences with clients to build referrals, and they often receive calls from the children of past customers who have heard about the positive experience their parents had with AHT Wisconsin Windows.

As local Wisconsin residents, the talented remodeling professionals at AHT Wisconsin Windows are dedicated to providing the highest quality window and door replacement services with in-house installation teams who are fully licensed and insured.

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For more information on AHT Wisconsin Windows & the 2016 Remodeling 550, contact Scott the Window Guy at 1-800-387-9450. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-Area residents.

Wood Front Doors Versus Fiberglass Front Doors

25 July,2016 ahtsite

fiberglass front doorsThe entry door on your house serves many purposes, from providing security to your residence and family to improving the appearance of your home and its curb appeal. You may decide to upgrade your front door as part of an exterior renovation plan, or you might realize your home’s front door has reached the end of its lifespan and it’s time to start shopping for fiberglass front doors.

Whatever your reasons for replacing your front door, you’ll find it a valuable exercise to consider a few different types of doors before finalizing your decision. Two popular choices are wood doors, which have been used for millennia, and fiberglass doors, which have become very popular in the last decade.

What You Need to Know About Wood Front Doors

Wood doors are the most common type of doors in use today, and their popularity has only increased with the availability of different styles. From natural-finish wood to custom doors in a variety of wood types like oak, walnut, and cherry, one of the most versatile options you have for your new front door is a wood front door.

At the low-end of the scale, you’ll find doors that are composed of an engineered-wood core at the center and covered in a wood-veneer skin. The purpose in creating a multi-layered door is to reduce the amount of expansion and contraction that occurs as the weather changes. Expansion and contraction can cause warping, and multiple layers help prevent that.

Another type of wood front door you may see is a split construction option where two pieces of wood are laminated together with a core of insulation at the center. These doors are an option to consider if you’re looking to improve the insulation of your home.

At the top of the scale for wood doors are solid-wood doors, which can cost a fair amount more than wood-veneer or split construction options. Solid-wood doors are available in a pre-hung style, or you may choose to have a door made for your entryway (an option if your door space isn’t a standard size).

The Basics About Fiberglass Front Doors

One of the main benefits of choosing fiberglass front doors over traditional wood front doors is that they require very little maintenance even when used in a particularly harsh environment or where there is a lot of humidity that could otherwise warp a wood door.

This Old House shares one of the benefits of using fiberglass:

“They mimic the look of wood with wood-grain texturing and can be stained to match oak, cherry, walnut, and a variety of other woods.”

If you’re interested in maintaining the look of your wooden door, you don’t necessarily need to stick with wood for your new front door. It’s easy to find fiberglass front doors that look identical to wood but are virtually maintenance-free. Wood doors often require yearly attention with staining or painting, but fiberglass-composite doors offer long warranties at an affordable price.

Consider the Impact of Windows or a Solid Door

If you’re particularly concerned about security, you might need to consider a solid door. Wood and fiberglass doors are both available in an endless number of designs, from those with large windows within the door to those that are completely solid.

The drawback of having a door that’s completely solid is that it can make it a little difficult to see what’s going on in the front yard if you don’t have conveniently placed windows on the front of your home. A completely solid door – whether made of wood or fiberglass – provides strong security, but it can also make the front of your home feel a little closed off.

  • Do you have kids that play in the front yard frequently?
  • Are you often at home when neighbors come by to visit?
  • Do you enjoy the natural light of windows?

Today’s doors are made to withstand the elements, and they’re also made to provide good security. Windows on your door don’t necessarily invalidate the security features of the door or the protection from intruders your door provides.

Choose a Beautiful New Front Door with AHT Wisconsin Windows

Is it time to update your front door? Want to know which type of front door will suit your home best? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

Insulating Your Home for Year-Round Comfort

29 June,2016 ahtsite

window installationWhen you think about your home’s insulation, you probably imagine snow drifts, the wind, and winter weather, but insulation is an essential tool for regulating the temperature of your home in every season.

In fact, poor insulation can not only cause problems in the winter when the heat inside your home escapes to the outside, but it can also cause issues in the summer when you run an air conditioner and need to keep your home cool.

Why is Insulation Important?

There are several reasons it’s important to have adequate insulation around your home. The biggest reason is the savings in heating and cooling costs for your family. However, good insulation also helps reduce the amount of energy you use, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and is good for the planet.

In addition, insulation can help you feel more comfortable during times of extreme weather when it’s particularly hot or very cold outside. The blowing winds of a fierce winter can blow right through a drafty home, and the sweltering temperatures of a summer heat wave can make the inside of your home intolerable.

Properly insulated doors, walls, windows, and attic spaces will ensure your home is comfortable in any season, as well as a space that doesn’t use a tremendous amount of energy. It’s a much better investment of your money to properly insulate your home rather than pay lots of extra money for high heating and cooling costs.

Where is Home Insulation Important?

You’ve probably seen exposed walls in a newly built house with strips of insulation inside them, but your walls aren’t the only areas where insulation is important. A lot of heat transfer can occur in areas like your roof, as well as through gaps in your windows and doors.

Did you know? According to the Australian government, wall insulation can save 20% on heating and cooling costs, and an insulated ceiling can prevent up to 45% of energy loss through the roof.

Areas of your home that need to be maintained with good insulation and checked regularly for gaps and holes include:

  • Ceilings
  • Doors
  • Floors
  • Roofs
  • Walls
  • Water pipes
  • Windows

Although you’re obviously not going to install a traditional roll of insulation on your home’s windows, it’s still important to make sure there aren’t any gaps or leaks around the windows, because leaks could render useless the other areas of your home that have insulation (like the walls or ceiling).

Increasing the Efficiency of Windows to Help Insulate Your Home

Windows help bring light into your home and are excellent for creating beautiful views, but they can also become a source of heat loss in the winter or allow cooled air to escape in the summer. Old windows without special coatings may allow quite a bit of air transfer, which can all but nullify the efforts of your home’s insulation and the HVAC system.

The government’s Department of Energy shares:

“Adding storm windows can reduce air leakage and improve comfort. Caulking and weatherstripping can reduce air leakage around windows. Use caulk for stationary cracks, gaps, or joints less than one-quarter-inch wide, and weatherstripping for building components that move, such as doors and operable windows.”

There are some schools of thought that suggest window treatments are effective, too, at insulating the home, but they don’t have nearly the impact of new windows as far as reducing air leaks. Curtains can help reduce the heat in your home by keeping the rays of the sun out of the room, but they’re not a replacement for quality, energy efficient windows.

Experience Exceptional Window Installation from AHT Wisconsin Windows

Are you concerned about the insulation of your home? Are your old windows letting drafts into the house in the winter and allowing cool air to escape in the summer? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

Your Buying Guide for Storm Doors

25 May,2016 ahtsite

storm doorsYour home may feature several types of doors from patio doors to interior doors to sliding glass doors, as well as security doors and storm doors. A storm door is an excellent addition to any home built in a locale where extreme weather occasionally visits.

Here are some of the basics about storm doors, which should help you when it comes time to choose your new door.

What is a Storm Door?

A storm door is a layered door that usually features two exterior layers made of aluminum and an interior layer made of foam insulation. Your storm door might have a screen or it might include some glass panels. Some modern storm doors feature removable panels that you can switch out, depending on the season.

Additional and common features of storm doors include a sweep, which is a strip along the edge of the door that helps keep air from leaking in or out of the home, as well as prevents dirt and other airborne contaminants from entering the house. Storm doors may be constructed to provide extra security via security glass and metal grills, and they may also feature several locks.

Getting the Right Storm Door for Your Home

Door manufacturers usually offer doors in two standard sizes of 32 inches and 36 inches. The 32-inch doors generally go on the back of the home, and the 36-inch doors are usually meant for the front. There are also some doors that come in 30 inches, but they’re usually installed on homes that were built before the 1980s. Some features of storm doors are also adjustable, which means you can get an exact fit for your home.

Your contractor or door installation professional will have all the hinges and pneumatic closers required for installation, as well as the handle set and the latches. Storm doors can be mounted, so they open to the left or right, just like many refrigerators so that you can match the existing door on your home with your new storm door.

Customization Options for Storm Doors

Like any exterior door, there are many ways to customize and personalize your storm door. Taking some time to choose a door with the right color and finish can make a significant difference in the appearance and result of the door once it’s installed on your home.

Some of the features you may choose to customize your door include:

  • Frame style (full-view, mid-view, and high-view)
  • Glass type (waterfall, beveled, high-efficiency glass)
  • Blinds (an optional feature for your storm door)
  • Door color (white and taupe are common, but any color is available)
  • Screen options (full-view, standard, and retractable)
  • Finishing touches (you can match the hardware to the rest of your home)

If you own a cat or dog who enjoys entering and exiting the house on his own schedule, you can also get a storm door that features a built-in pet door. There are also further options for customization that exist within each feature.

For example, not only can you choose a style of screen, but you can also choose screens made of different materials. Galvanized steel is an affordable option, but they can rust over time if you don’t recoat them on a regular basis. Aluminum screens are more resistant to corrosion, but they’re not a strong as galvanized steel, so you might not want to choose aluminum if security is at the top of your list.

Additional options for screen type include fiberglass and bronze. If you want the most durable screen, you’ll want to choose bronze. A fiberglass screen is an excellent option if you want a screen that’s easy to replace if it wears out or is damaged.

Let AHT Wisconsin Windows Install Your Storm Doors

Do you have questions about replacing, upgrading, or installing a storm door on your home? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

Your Guide to Home Remodeling Financing Options

25 April,2016 ahtsite

Your Guide to Home Remodeling Financing OptionsAs you plan renovations for your home, one of the important topics that will come up for discussion is what type of home remodeling financing you will choose for your new windows or replacement doors.

Some projects may require a home equity loan, and others may carry a price tag that requires just a few months of saving. If your project is something that must occur immediately (perhaps your home was impacted by storm damage), you may need to consider financing. If your project is something you’d like to do in the near future, you might consider saving for the project or financing just part of the cost.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Home Remodeling Financing

It’s easy to dream big when you start thinking about remodeling your home, but it’s important that your dreams don’t break the bank. With smart planning, your home remodeling project will feature an affordable cost and the best result.

Questions to ask yourself during your planning include:

  • How much money will the project cost overall?
  • Which financing options will save you the most money?
  • Which lenders will offer the best chance of approval?

Your contractor is an invaluable source of information for the cost of your project. National or regional averages for home remodeling projects are a good place to start, but actual numbers can vary wildly when it comes to materials used and the scope of the project.

With a contractor’s advice and a good estimate based on an in-home visit, you don’t have to play a guessing game as to the overall cost of the project.

Choosing the Right Type of Financing

The opportunity to obtain financing through a variety of means has meant greater opportunity for homeowners seeking a loan outside of traditional bank environments. However, the experts at This Old House explain why loan shopping can become difficult:

“But with so many competing lenders, loan options, and terms, it also means loan shopping can be as challenging as house hunting.”

You may need to find a calculator and get familiar with some basic math equations to figure out whether a home equity loan makes sense for your project. A traditional lender will use a ratio known as “loan-to-value,” which is a number that is based on a percentage of your home’s total value. Most lenders hover around 80% for their approval amounts.

So, for easy figuring, imagine you’re living in a home worth $100,000. The lender would arrive at a loan amount of $80,000 minus the amount remaining to be paid on your mortgage. If you still owed $50,000 on your mortgage, your maximum loan amount would be $30,000. That’s an $80,000 limit minus a $50,000 mortgage balance that equals a $30,000 maximum loan.

Other factors that may also influence your total approval amount include your total income and how much you pay for your house, as well as other expenses. Banks like to see that you’re paying no more than approximately 28% of your monthly income on house payments. In total, banks want you to be paying no more than 36% of your gross monthly income on debts (including your house payment).

It can take a fair bit of calculation to arrive at a final figure for your loan approval amount, which is why some homeowners choose to work with a broker to find the most appropriate financing option. A broker will also help you understand how minor changes in interest rates may influence your total loan cost.

Some of Your Financing Options

Since it’s helpful to see a concrete list of options when choosing something as important as home remodeling financing, here are some of the ways you can pay for your new windows or doors.

  • Traditional loans from mainstream banks & credit unions
  • Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit
  • FHA 203(k) mortgages that are FHA-insured
  • Energy-efficient mortgages for homes approved by Fannie Mae
  • “B” and “C” loans for anyone with less-than-perfect credit

Your personal credit history, the size of your project, and the size of your mortgage (or the total value of your home) will influence which lending option will offer the most affordable way to complete your home remodeling project.

Did You Know? AHT Wisconsin Windows works with lenders to help you secure financing for your home remodeling.

Start Your Home Remodeling Project with AHT Wisconsin Windows

Is it time to update or replace your doors? Would you like to have new windows installed on your home? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

Enter to Win a $50K Spring Home Makeover!

16 March,2016 ahtsite

 

aht-wisconsin-50k-home-improvement-contest2
Ready for more than a little spring cleaning this year?

We’re participating in a home improvement contest where you have a chance to win a $50K Spring Home Makeover!

How does it work?

Visit HERE and create your home improvement wish list (by ranking your favorite services from most to least preferred) to enter for $50,000 of products and services for your home!

At the end of the contest, every entry is compared to the Secret Contractor’s List to determine if there is a $50,000 winner. If no one puts their wish list in the winning order, one participant will be awarded a $2,000 bonus prize to be used at one of the participating sponsors (AHT Wisconsin Windows, Ayers Furniture, Chads Design Build, Choice Floors, CRETE Inc, Genesis Exteriors, Genesis Painting, HJ Pertzborn Plumbing, and Tri-State Basements).

The contest began on March 14, 2016 and will continue through the earlier of either when 10,000 entries have been received or March 29, 2016 at 11:59:59pm CT. The winner will be selected and announced March 31, 2016.

A $50,000 investment with these fabulous contractors will totally transform your house into the home of your dreams, so don’t sleep on this offer!

High Quality Windows from AHT Wisconsin Windows

We’ve been installing windows built for Wisconsin residents since 1967, so the windows you select are build to withstand the harshest Wisconsin winters, and do so for years. Regardless of whether you win the $50k contest, our window products and installation skills are worth the investment.

Is it time to update or replace your windows? Are you looking for a new front door? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

AHT Wisconsin Windows is the 2015 Platinum Award Winner from OKNA Windows & Doors

1 March,2016 ahtsite

AHT is the 2015 Platinum Award Winner from OKNA Windows & DoorsAHT Wisconsin Windows was recently honored by OKNA Windows & Doors with the 2015 Platinum Award. Partnering with respected manufacturers of quality windows and doors ensures we can provide homeowners with excellent results on every home and with every door and window installation.

The 2015 Platinum Award for sales excellence is further confirmation of AHT Wisconsin Windows’ commitment to providing homeowners with new windows and doors that are built to withstand absolutely any weather in Wisconsin whether it’s blisteringly cold and windy or hot and sunny.

After earning a place on the Remodeling Big 50 in 2015, receiving additional praise from OKNA Windows with the company’s Platinum Award this year is evidence of the dedication at AHT for providing the highest quality products and installation of windows and doors in Wisconsin.

AHT Wisconsin Windows Cultivates Excellence in Every Job

One of the services that set us apart from other contractors is our 50 Year Warranty, which ensures all customers can enjoy superior quality and installation with the knowledge that renovations are covered. The warranty is even fully transferable if you sell your home.

When you arrange for an appointment with AHT Wisconsin Windows, you’ll receive a free, no obligation estimate that will remain valid for an entire year. Each door or window installation is unique, and you know you’re working with a reputable contractor when he or she insists on viewing your home personally for the estimate.

Who are OKNA Windows & Doors?

OKNA manufacturers high-quality vinyl and cellular PVC windows and patio doors and focuses on offering homeowners customizable windows in virtually every style from double hung to single hung to casement and awning windows.

Homeowners can also find patio doors, picture windows, and hopper windows from this diverse company, as well as windows that meet the standards of the government’s ENERGY STAR program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to high standards for efficiency, another advanced feature available on OKNA windows and doors includes windows manufactured with multiple layers that are designed to offer superior climate control alongside natural light.

The thermal performance and energy savings you may experience with OKNA windows means you’ll spend less money on utilities each month and will also enjoy a green lifestyle by using fewer fossil fuels to regulate the temperature in your home.

OKNA shares:

“We manufacture high quality vinyl and cellular PVC windows and patio doors with sales on the east coast and steady growth toward the west coast within recent years. The entire production line can be customized in a variety of ways with a paint facility on the premises.”

OKNA was started by a pair of general contractors who were living in New York and originally came from Poland. Although the two did not meet until they lived in New York, they formed a successful partnership that became OKNA Windows in 1994.

Experience Exceptional Service from AHT Wisconsin Windows

Is it time to update or replace your windows? Are you looking for a new front door? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.

Patio Doors for Every Season

18 February,2016 ahtsite

Patio Doors for Every SeasonPatio doors offer easy access to your backyard, and they’re also an excellent way to increase the light that streams into your home during the winter.

Built in a variety of styles, some patio doors slide open, and others swing open. The space in your home and the size of your patio are just a few of the factors that can influence what type of patio door might serve your family the best.

Here are some helpful tips on choosing patio doors for your home.

Make Your Home Efficient With the Right Glass

One of the hallmarks of patio doors is that they’re often double doors with a lot of windows. This style helps connect the interior of your home to your backyard and the deck, but too much glass can prove difficult when temperatures dip to well below freezing.

Is it possible to have a set of patio doors in a place where it snows and freezes each year?

In fact, there are a variety of features in today’s glass panels and patio doors that help with your home’s efficiency and your ability to keep your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Choosing “Low-E” glass for your doors helps with efficiency, and it even reduces the UV rays that stream through the windows and fade your furniture and décor.

Patio Doors That Span Entire Walls

In the past few years, patio doors that span entire walls have become popular. These doors often have several panels and can slide away from one another to create an incredible view and open area from the house to the backyard or patio.

Not only do you get an amazing view during the winter months, but you can enjoy good weather during the summer when you invite friends over for a party that spills out into the backyard. These expansive doors won’t always fit every architectural style, but they’re definitely something to consider if you’re interested in a creative and notable update for your home.

Different Styles & Materials for Patio Doors

As with many features in your home, you have a variety of choices for the look of your patio doors. You might choose traditional wood doors, or you might think about fiberglass doors, which can look like virtually any texture.

The style of your patio doors can also be any one of several including French doors, sliding doors, and simple, single doors. Patio doors that swing open to create a large opening are usually called “French doors.” According to Home Tips:

“Sometimes a patio door is called a French door. The term “French door” usually refers to a pair of glazed patio doors that hinge at opposite sides and meet in the middle; when you open them both, they create a large entryway.”

It’s fine to stick with a familiar style if you’re replacing an old patio door, but you may benefit from asking your contractor about the different options available for your patio doors. For example, you’ll learn about how some doors have a single, large pane of glass with small wooden inserts that give the illusion of small p while other doors actually do have separate, small panes of glass throughout the door.

Changing the Door Size of Your Patio Doors

One of the best ways to change the look and feel of your home is to make changes to the sizes of your windows and doors. A small door that leads into the backyard can be replaced with a beautiful set of double French doors along with a brand new patio or other outdoor improvements.

However, changing the size of your patio doors usually requires assistance from a contractor since you might be looking at restrictions based on where the load-bearing walls and support beams are located in your home.

You’ve probably seen home improvement shows where people take a sledgehammer to their wall and throw in a new window, but those shows feature professionals who have already inspected the area to ensure a change to the patio door size won’t impact the structural integrity of the home.

Update Your Patio Doors with AHT Wisconsin Windows

Is it time to update or replace your patio doors? Want information on door styles and the ideal patio doors for your home? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.