Benefits to Awnings and Carports

These are the dog days of summer. We are all tired of the heat, and might be thinking of ways to help to shave some of our energy costs before next year. Adding awnings and carports not only increase the value of your home for resale, but can protect your investment and its contents as well.

Awnings, although aesthetically pleasing, provide so much more than an artistic statement. After choosing your favorite color, texture, material (metal or fabric) and location, you'll notice more and more benefits. For example, your awning will protect your windows and siding from sun, rain, sleet, hail and wind. It will also protect your furniture, floors, and carpets from the fading effects of the sun. The American Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers reports that awnings can reduce heat gain in your home between 55 and 77% depending on the direction. That's a lot of energy savings!

Similarly, carports have many benefits as well. Obviously, most consumers buy and install a carport to protect their cars from the weather. However, carports, usually located close to your home's structure, increase your personal safety as well. Some consumers even use their carport as an outdoor room complete with furniture for entertaining. Maybe you are in need of additional storage for ATV vehicles and bicycles, or you'd like to store items from the recent sale of a family estate-simply add walls to your carport to organize anything.

Awnings and carports are a stylish and moderately inexpensive way to solve so many household problems. Call today for a quote.   

18 Ideas for Old Doors and Windows

Congratulations!  Unified Doors and Windows has just installed your new door and windows. Now what do you do with the old door and windows?  You could throw them out.  But why?   There are so many fun and creative ways to re-purpose old doors and windows.  Let take a look at 18 of our favorite.


Bathroom

Bathroom Shelf

Bathroom Cabinet door

Shower Door

Shutter Towel Caddy

Bedroom

Twin Headboards

Large Headboard

Bed Frame

Organizer

Interior Decor

Front Entry Bench

Room Divider

Sliding Barn Door

Large Photo Frame

Book Shelf

Coffee Table

Exterior Decor

Potting Bench

Picnic Table

Porch Swing

Garden Bench

Just remember you can't have all this creative fun until you replace your current doors and windows,  Just give us a call when you're ready.

8 Reasons to Use Pavers

There is no product in use today that can stand up or stand out like interlocking stone pavers. It’s no wonder pavers are the most popular choice for all external paving needs. Interlocking stone pavers provide curb appeal and charm that cannot be rivaled by concrete or asphalt.

Let's take a look at the top 8 reasons to use pavers.

1.  Durability: The pavers will not crack, flake, chip, shrink or expand.  They have flexibility and are permanent.

2.  Repair: A major advantage of interlocking paving stones is being able to replace a single damaged stone with a new one.

3.  Maintenance:  They wear well and are easy to clean. 

4.  Versatility:  Paving stones have countless color combinations and patterns.

5.  Strength:  Unlike poured concrete, pavers move in unison with the earth so damage and cracking are far less frequent.  Pavers are 3 times stronger than poured concrete.

6.  Cost:  The manufacturing process makes pavers less costly than poured concrete or asphalt.

7.  Weather resistant:  Pavers are ready to use as soon as you set them unlike concrete which has to cure for several days before use.  They also have a rough surface that makes them naturally slip resistant.

8. Beautiful:  Pavers make it possible to design your home in any style you prefer or imagine.  You can add a personal touch to your landscaping that is beautiful and functional.

If you are interested in taking a look at some of the pavers we offer, come by one of our five showrooms or give us a call at (888) 631-2131.

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Spruce Up For Spring

Spring is finally here!  Flowers are blooming.  The sun is shining and it's time to be outside.  It's been all winter since you had a good look at your home's exterior.  You might not like what you see.  Time to spring into action and spruce up your house.  Take a look at some of the suggestions we have for improving your look for the warmer months.

Clean Your Windows
Window washing can be a chore so be sure to do it right the first time.  Don't waste time with wadded-up paper towels or newspaper, spray cleaner, and a ton of elbow grease. Use the tools the pros use.

Fix Up The Front Door

Your front door is the first impression most guests have of your home.  Make sure its' a good one by having the beautiful entrance your house deserves.  

Repair The Roof

Now is the time to get the roof in shape and the gutters functioning before both have to battle rain and snow.

Add An Awning

Awnings are a simple and cost effective way to dress up your home's exterior.  Aside from being an attraction addition to your side or back door, awnings save money and energy.  According to the Department of Energy, awnings can reduce a home’s internal temperature by up to 15 degrees. 


Install A Paver Sidewalk

There are few things more beautiful than pavers.  Changing your sidewalk will make a dramatic statement for  your front yard.  You can increase your curb appeal and your resell value at the same time.

Manicure The Lawn 

Even if you get the house all fixed up, a scraggly yard can ruin the whole effect. Get out the garden gloves and the wheelbarrow, and tidy up that unkempt landscape.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started on sprucing up for Spring.  Remember that no matter what project you select, we're here to help.  Contact Unified Windows Doors Siding & Roofing (888) 631-2131  for all of your exterior home improvements. 

How To Pick The Right Front Door Color

Home is where the heart is and the place where people spend most of their time.  The first thing you see is the front door.  This is why it's so important to make sure you have a great front door color.  Plus, your door color is one of the easiest and most cost effective changes to make.  Let's take a look at how to pick the right color.

1.  Pick the best color for the house.

Blue might be your favorite color, but it might be terrible on your front door.  Make sure you select the best color for the environment and not just a color you like. There are several factors to take into consideration.  Take a look at the brick, wood, accents and shutters before making a decision.  Don't be afraid to experiment.  It might take a few tries before you get the right one.

2.  Reflect your personal style

Outside is always more difficult than inside for color selection.  The sun plays a big role.  Natural light tends to fade color so it's okay to use a bolder or darker color outside.  Be sure and look at your selection at different times of day so you can see your color in different lighting. You might even try the same color in different shades.

3.  Using the right paint

Ideally, you want to use a latex based paint on the front door.  Acrylic based paints are durable and flexible.  This way you have some give as your door expands and contracts with the exterior temperature.  Look at the age and condition of the door before selecting your gloss (or sheen).  High gloss will really show imperfections, so for an older door, consider semi-gloss or low luster.


What different colors mean

• Blue - abundance and prosperity
• Dark Blue - calm, peace and positive energy
• Yellow - perception, understanding. wisdom, confidence, curiosity, humor
• Green - balance, peace, compassion, growth, renewal
• Purple - energy and opportunity
• White - purity, serenity, virtue
• Red - welcome

No matter what your home project, the people at Unified Doors and Windows are here for you.  We can help with everything from door selection to roofing.  Don't hesitate to contact us (888) 631-2131 before your next big project.
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