5 Ways to Bring Charm to Your Home's Exterior
You may spend the majority of your time inside your home and spend a great deal of effort in making the interior of your home appealing and comfortable. You may only notice the exterior of your home when you are leaving or coming home, or you spend time in the backyard. You may be considering bringing that same look and appeal from the interior of your home to your exterior to give it that charm and beauty. You may be considering changing the windows and doors of your home since they make a large impact on your home’s appeal. However, your driveway, roof, and landscaping should also be considered in bringing charm to your home’s exterior.
Update your windows
Start with new windows if you want to add some charm to your home's exterior. Changing the windows on your home improves not only the curb appeal but also the property value. Whether you want to dazzle visitors or sell your property, the appropriate windows will showcase your home's qualities and dramatically improve its visual appeal. Select a window design that complements the architectural style of your home. Bay or bow windows, for example, enhance the elegance of contemporary-style homes, whereas arched windows complement antique structures. You can better select a design that will enhance your home's natural character if you are familiar with its architecture.
Instead of using neutral colors for the siding and frames, you could experiment and try contrasting colors. For instance, beige window frames may make rich brown sidings stand out and offer a refined touch to your home. You may also select a dark-colored window frame when the exterior siding or walls are a lighter color to give it more contrast and charm. In addition, possibly going dark window frames on a dark exterior material siding or wall could give your home a more modern aesthetic.
You can further enhance your windows with appealing design features to give your home some flair. Window boxes with vibrant flowers placed at the base of front-facing windows can improve your home's charm and offer a welcoming touch. Window shutters may also lend an exquisite accent to your home, or you can go for a rustic style for the perfect cabin atmosphere.
Change the front door
A front door of any home may seem like a small component of the overall exterior of a home but it can have a large impact on your home's appeal. A dated or unwelcoming front door will bring down the overall appeal of your exterior even if all other features are updated, clean, and matched cohesively. However, a few simple but artistic changes can transform the appearance of a front door and re-energize the soul of the exterior and give it that charm that you are looking for. Paint, hardware, and décor may all be combined to create an infinite number of possibilities for your personal front door makeover.
There are a number of door designs to choose from and it comes down to your preferences. A door with sidelights can give your home that entryway that you want with some additional natural light to your front entryway. Double doors are another design that can add charm to your home’s exterior that also adds a lot of space for moving in and out of the house. In addition, doors can be colored to match the aesthetic of your home. Similarly to windows, doors can also be colored to either go with the other exterior trims or contrast with the eternal features.
Improve your driveway
The driveway on your home may provide a place to park your car but it is also another addition to your home that can greatly improve its charm. Improving your home’s appeal may be an important feature that you want to complete. A driveway that complements your other exterior home features may be the project to tackle. The most important decision to make about your driveway is its design and material. There are a variety of shapes and pathways to consider, as well as numerous paving options. Some surface options are gravel, asphalt, concrete, and brick. Each paving option has a distinct look to them and can complement different styled homes. Improving your driveway to bring charm to your home can go past its general function of parking your car and be an area that is appealing to you and anyone that passes by.
Pick the perfect roof
The roof, like the driveway, is one of those things that, when it looks perfect, you might not notice, but when it is out of place, it is hard to look away. When it comes to installing a new roof on your home, the practical must always come first. However, once you have narrowed down your selections to a few options you may consult a designer or color expert to help you choose the material and hue that would go best with the style and color of your home, as well as the landscape. Roofing has different materials to choose from such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing, to name a few. Selecting one that protects your home and adds charm to the exterior aesthetic will be the best choice.
Add landscaping to your home
Landscaping around the exterior of your home could be considered a large portion of your home's external aesthetic. However it is commonly overlooked, but a smart design may add charm as well as add considerable value to your home, often as much as a new kitchen or bath. Perhaps a more formal aesthetic, landscaping with geometrical forms and straight lines, will better reflect the style of your home. In addition, if your property backs up to a lot of trees, a forest look with natural walkways, native plants, and lots of ground cover can give your home that charm and appeal. Keep in mind that landscaping is more than just greenery; it also includes lights, fences, rock features, walks, ponds, and other elements. Even if your existing trees and plants are well-positioned, they might be considerably enhanced by a curved pathway, bench, and a few strategically placed lights.
Naturally, there are numerous options for adding a distinct charm to the exterior of your home, ranging from changing windows and doors to improving the landscaping. When it comes to the appeal of your home the mentioned projects can be quite large but adding charm to your home can be found in the details. This can be done by adding front-yard decor or furniture with seasonal flower beds and walkway lights may completely transform the curb appeal of your property. The charm of your home can make your place more welcoming and homey.
How Do You Know When It's Time To Replace Your Windows And Doors?
When it comes to window and door replacement, timing is everything. You will want to maximize the life of your present windows and doors. At the same time, you do not want to get rid of your old windows and doors unless they start affecting your quality of life. As a result, you should understand how to recognize the warning signs of window and door failure. Here is a list of symptoms you need to look out for that may indicate your windows and doors need to be replaced.
Faulty operation
The majority of aged windows suffer balancing difficulties, which cause jams and stickiness. Rust, rotting, or mold growth may also play a role, signaling that your present windows are reaching the end of their useful life. You may be using household objects to prop your windows open, indicating that their mechanisms are broken or no longer useful. With replacement window alternatives, you can get more years of dependable performance with minimal maintenance.
It may be time to replace your door if it is difficult to open and close. When your door sticks in the winter but is simple to open and close in the summer, it is a solid indicator that energy is flowing out. Another concern is if the hinges are sinking. However, if it is stuck in the door jam, your door most likely has open parts where you may see light, either along the sides, top or bottom, and a door replacement is warranted.
Visible damage or decay
Your windows can be damaged by age and excessive weather. In fact, they may experience enough damage that window repairs are no longer sufficient. Replace your old windows if they have cracks, broken glass, chipping, rotting, mildew, or deterioration to improve the look of your home. You may want to consider fiberglass frames for your next windows, which ensure higher durability and longer-lasting performance.
Over the course of their lives, doors may take a pounding. They are slammed, kicked, and subjected to extreme temperature changes. If you have an old solid wood door, chances are it has seen better days. Many of these doors have cracked, twisted, and become incredibly worn as they have stretched and contracted over many winters and summers.
When inspecting your older wooden doors, consider them as if they were a difficult-to-open door. Many of these doors have stress cracks in their grains. These stress fractures allow the elements to enter your home from the outside or vice versa. Other door materials like fiberglass and steel are much more durable but over time can also show signs of severe wear and tear such as dents and dings. If your door is showing heavy wear and tear or reaching the point where it is losing its functionalities, it is a good time to replace them.
Excessive condensation and moisture
On very chilly days, you may observe that your windows look like they are perspiring on your glass. Condensation might indicate that the glass on your present windows is losing its effectiveness. Moisture can easily find its way between the glass panes due to weak seals, generating condensation. Condensation is classified into two types: internal and external. Exterior condensation is more common in the warmer months, whereas internal condensation is more common in the winter. The extreme cold outdoors and excess moisture within the home are the most common causes of interior condensation. Interior condensation may be reduced by taking certain steps. To avoid this type of problem, we propose investing in new energy-efficient windows.
For doors that feature glass packages, over time older doors that have the seal between the panes will fail. This will lead to moisture between the panes of glass and potentially lead to mildew and even mold. If the seal between the glass panes of your door has failed, the mold/mildew can be surrounded by organic material, depending on your door material. This may be a major issue, especially if your doorway is shaded or does not receive much direct sunshine. A door replacement would be needed to avoid any further issues.
Drafts and high utility bills
Do you shiver when you sit in the dining room right near the windows? Or have you experienced a draft near the front door as you are getting ready to leave? As your old single-pane windows age or your wooden door is reaching the end of its life span, small fractures and leaks will begin to emerge between the frames. If the airtight seal between the glass panes and frames fails, you will need to replace your windows to minimize drafts in your home. For doors, their seals can shrink and crack leading to unwanted drafts. Cold air will enter your home through the tiny gaps and cracks between the glass panes and door frames.
As a result, the overall amount of your power bill will rise each month. Grab a gas lighter to see whether you have a leak in your windows and doors. Next, place the lighter at the corners of your window's glass panes or around your door frame. If the flame twinkles when held to the window, this indicates that chilly air is entering your home. Windows can have features such as Low E coating layers with argon gas to boost the efficiency of your HVAC system. Doors can be equipped with durable weatherstripping which can be easily replaced. However, it is not a good sign if the seals need frequent changing and may warrant a complete door replacement. If your monthly power and gas costs are excessive, this is a symptom of a leak that may be repaired by replacing your windows.
Lacking appeal
The front entrance is the main point of every home, and it can make or break your home's curb appeal. If your front door is outdated, it may diminish the value of your home when you try and sell it. There are various ways to improve its appearance, ranging from choosing the right color to choosing the right door material. Modern fiberglass or steel doors not only improve the aesthetic of your house, but they may also increase the value of your property and create a unique look from all the other homes on your street.
Windows are another important aspect of your home's interior and exterior aesthetics. They, too, may be lacking in curb appeal and require an upgrade. If the appearance of your windows does not meet your expectations, it may be time to replace them. It is preferable to select windows that contrast or complement the overall look of your home, such as how they interact aesthetically with the roofing, masonry, or siding. Another factor to consider is the energy efficiency of the window, which, when paired with its appearance, may add value to your property while also upgrading its curb appeal.
Outdoor noise can be easily heard
From inside your house, do you hear every car horn, dog bark, and other traffic noise? If you are wondering when is the best time to replace your windows and doors, consider that excessive noise is an indication that your windows and doors are not providing adequate insulation. A sweep or seal fitted on the bottom of a door can close the gap and restrict sound waves. Single-pane windows, on the other hand, enable more sound waves from outside to enter your home than double or triple-pane windows. Replacement windows and doors may have features that limit sound transmission, resulting in calmer, more comfortable living environments.
It can be uncomfortable for old and worn windows and doors to have a detrimental influence on the temperature and humidity in your home. There are a number of signs to look out for that may warrant the replacement of windows and doors. If you are having issues or need a second opinion, call for the help of experts who can analyze and diagnose the current state of your windows and doors.
How To Clean Glass Shower Doors
Glass showers that are dirty will make any bathroom appear unclean, no matter how tidy it really is. To fully clean a shower, you must remove soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew from your shower door and walls. Below, we review some of the cleaning supplies you may need, the methods to clean your glass shower, and a schedule to keep them clean after every use.
Glass Shower Cleaning Supplies
Spray bottle
Scrub sponge
White vinegar
Baking Soda
Glass Cleaner
Cloth or towel
Lemon Juice (optional)
How to clean your shower glass door, walls, and tracks
There are plenty of cleaning products designed to chemically remove mold and mildew, however, vinegar and lemon juice are two eco-friendly options to clean your glass shower door and walls. Never use an abrasive cleaner or scouring pads while cleaning glass shower doors as these products can scratch the surface of the glass.
- Start with wetting the glass and walls with the showerhead or soak the glass and walls with a bucket.
- Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Mist the area to be cleaned and allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes. Let the vinegar soak even longer if there’s significant buildup.
- Wear rubber gloves, dip a scrub sponge into baking soda, and scrub the glass. The baking soda acts as a polisher and the vinegar dissolves the hard water spots and soap scum.
- Rinse the area with fresh water.
- Repeat for problem areas if necessary.
- Dry the glass with a microfiber cloth and use a glass cleaner to finish cleaning the glass and trim.
Using lemon juice as a cleaning solution
You can also use lemon juice to clean your shower glass door and walls. It isn’t as acidic as vinegar. However, it smells better and still has cleaning power. Try lemon juice for lighter cases of soap scum buildup as your cleaning solution.
- Combine 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the area to be cleaned. Let the lemon juice settle for 5 minutes.
- Wipe the area with a scrub sponge.
- Dry and buff the area with a cloth or towel.
How to clean shower door tracks
The edges or tracks of your shower door need attention too. These creases are a prime target for mold and trapped soap scum, especially because most people forget about them while cleaning their shower doors. These tracks are harder to reach with a sponge or towel. It’s best to let acidic white vinegar make cleaning a bit easier.
- Fill the track with white vinegar and let it sit overnight
- In the morning, use a paper towel to soak up the vinegar
- Use a toothbrush to scrub stains and loosen debris
- Wrap a paper towel around the brush to get into tight corners
- Wipe clean with a cloth or towel
Keeping your shower glass clean with a schedule
When water drops dry on your glass door, hard water streaks develop. The easiest approach to keeping your shower glass door clean is to avoid letting water dry up in the first place. Take a look at this cleaning schedule:
Every day: after using the shower, squeegee the glass shower door and leave the door open to air out.
Weekly: give your entire shower a wipe-down once a week with a sponge or foam cleaning pad.
Once a month: Deep clean, and thoroughly scrub your entire shower, making sure to get in any nooks and crannies. Apply a water repellent spray to prevent hard water stains on glass shower doors.
Optional: Install a water softener. It reduces mineral buildup in your glass shower as well as inside your pipes, faucets, dishwasher, showerheads, and more.
Glass showers can be a hub for dirt and grime if not cleaned properly and regularly. If you use the right cleaning supplies, apply the right techniques, and follow a schedule, any glass shower can look spotless!