​The color of your front door can have a big impact on curb appeal. There are many factors to consider, from architecture to the color of your exterior.  How do you want guests to perceive you when they come over for a visit?  We suggest following these pointers to help you find the the right front door for your style.

​Chances are bold, colorful doors are the ones that you remember.  Do you appreciate the baby blue door at your friend’s house? Perhaps you really enjoy the neighbors house with the door painted fire engine red? It’s these immediate reactions that show you how impactful a well-chosen front door color can be.

​While brightly colored doors energize, and dark hues are more somber. When you use light pastels it’s playful and neutral tones are more subdued and formal. It doesn’t matter what the style is of your home, define what type of feeling you want people to have when they approach your front door.  This will help you realize what colors you prefer.

​In the beginning, don’t limit yourself. Grab swatches from every color family that might even remotely work.  Tape the samples to your front door to see how they look during the daylight, then again at night with the porch light on. This will help you to narrow down your options quickly.

​To emphasize the color of your window shutters, paint the front door the same color. Do you want to accentuate the roses lining your front walkway?  Then choose a red to match them. 

​You don’t want to repaint your front door every 4 months.  Be honest—have you wanted a purple door for years, or is this a passing urge? Will you be happy with your sunshine yellow door when winter comes, and the ground is covered in snow? If you’re certain you will, go ahead and take the plunge.

Before painting your front door—you may want to replace it with a durable, secure, energy-efficient one first. If so, Pikes Peak Windows & Doors has the selection you’re looking for.
To learn more about replacing the doors in your Colorado Springs home, please call Pikes Peak Windows & Doors at 719-528-2440 today. 
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Home improvement projects are costly and time consuming. So it is easy to put off replacement home windows until it is absolutely necessary. But how do you know when it’s time to replace them? Is it time to take the plunge and replace those old, leaky windows?

1. Do you hear a lot of noise outside? If your windows don’t provide adequate protection from the sounds outside, they may not be sealed correctly or could have been poorly made to begin with. New double or triple pane glass windows insulated with Argon or Krypton gas can decrease outdoor noise, which is helpful when living in a busy neighborhood or on a busy road.
2. Can you feel a draft, even when your windows are closed?  If so, there could be several issues including poor installation, faulty seals and more. A drafty window can drastically affect the overall temperature of your home. This causes your HVAC system to work twice as hard to keep up with the changing temperature.
3. Are Your window frames soft, chipped or water damaged? If your window frames are soft to the touch or chipped, they may already be beyond repair. Soft window frames indicate rotting wood water infiltration. It’s possible that they will start sagging, if they haven’t already.
4. Is it difficult to open, close or lock your windows? If your windows weren’t installed correctly, they tend to develop balance issues, making the windows difficult to open and close. Windows that are rusting or rotting can also be difficult to use. If your windows do not close properly, you may not be able to lock them, which impacts your home security.
5. Have you noticed condensation build up between the glass layers or cracked window glass? This means that your seals have failed, allowing moisture to get between the glass window panes. Once the seals fail, any insulating gas used to make the window energy efficient is gone. Cracked window glass allows additional spots for air to leak in and out of your window.

If your energy bill is increasing each month, it’s very likely that your windows are not functioning properly. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient replacement windows can help lower your heating and cooling costs, which saves you money each month.
At Pikes Peak Windows and Doors, we offer multiple energy efficient replacement window options that save you money on your energy bills and help to block UV rays.
When choosing a replacement window company, it’s important to ask the right questions.

• Who manufactures the windows?
• Who will be installing the windows?
• How energy efficient are the windows?
• Do the windows come with a warranty?

Replacement windows should last a lifetime, so make sure to choose a company based on the quality of their products, not just the sticker price.
Are you ready to replace the windows in your home? Have your questions answered by scheduling a free estimate with one of our Window Installation Experts, or by giving us a call at 719-528-2440.

​5 tips to selling your home
Selling your home can be a stressful process. We decided to create a list of best tips for sprucing up your home before you put it on the market.

​Buyers want to envision themselves and their belongings in the space, so clearing out family photos and personal items is important. When staging the home, you should use large pieces of art to replace walls filled with family photos where needed but don’t be afraid to leave a wall empty either! It’s easier for the buyer to imagine adding their own wall décor to a blank space.  

For many home buyers, storage space is a must. Maximize the appearance of your home’s storage space by emptying out closets and cupboards as well as the garage, basement, or attic.  Pack away out-of-season clothing and donate what you don’t need. You may even find tons of stuff you forgot you even had. And once you sell, you have a head start on the packing process!

​A new coat of paint can do amazing things to the look of your home. Give it a fresh look by using warm neutral tones. This lets buyers see the home as move-in ready! Don’t forget to patch and paint the places where you took down all those family photos! 

​You’d be amazed at the difference a deep cleaning can make! Use a power washer to clean the exterior siding and walkways. Make sure to avoid windows and doors that can be damaged by the powerful spray. Clear out dust and cobwebs, bleach grout, wax floors and polish hardware. If you have pets, have the carpets professionally cleaned. Even when your home is in perfect condition, pet smells can be a deal breaker. Don’t take the chance of losing a potential buyer when cleaning the carpets fix it right up!

It is important to check your windows and doors for signs of damage or deterioration and make necessary repairs. Look for cracked or broken panes, chipping paint, and loose or torn weather stripping. 

If you think replacing your windows or doors might be needed, call us today for a free estimate. 719-528-2440 or 719-233-4810.

​Your doors don’t have to be just doors. They can also be an accent piece, a curb-appeal enhancement, a window-wall, and a light source. In short, a door isn’t just a door when it’s also a beautiful, energy efficient, high-quality patio door.
 
By selecting the right patio door, it can transform the look of your home and décor and even the way you use your living space. We offer a large selection of styles that can be tailored to suit your home and personal taste. We offer everything from French doors to more modern gliding and sliding patio doors. These well-crafted doors will make a beautiful entrance to the outdoors and provide a spectacular view from the inside. Then you can further customize the doors with a variety of hardware styles and finishes, grille patterns, and interior stains.
 
Do you need some inspiration? Maybe you aren’t sure which type of door is right for your home. Enjoy this gallery of design options.
 
Hinged French Patio Doors
Traditional craftsmanship combines with modern energy-efficient technology to create this timeless classic.  Hinged Patio Doors add a sophisticated look, create soft, natural light, and add value to your home.

​This popular option features stain-able oak, maple, pine, or a pre-finished white interior. Multiple grille, color, and hardware options are also available so your patio doors add to your home’s architecture and overall style.

​Sliding French Patio Doors
Combine the traditional styling of French doors with the space-saving convenience of a sliding patio door, adding a beautiful touch to your home.

These sliding doors have the same aesthetic appeal as standard French doors with the space-saving convenience of a sliding patio door. This patio door glides like a dream and offers the same exceptional features of our hinged French doors.

​Contemporary Sliding Patio Doors
Our Contemporary Sliding Patio Door designs allows for maximum glass area and is engineered for secure, smooth gliding.

​If you’re looking for a patio door that features a sleek, modern design, you’ll be interested in our gliding patio doors. 

So don't chose just any patio door. Create an accent piece, enhance your curb appeal, create a window wall and a light source into your home.  Choose a beautiful, energy efficient high quality patio door today!

You can slash your energy bills without sacrificing comfort even in the middle of Winter.  Winter has arrived, but it doesn't have to bring outsized heating bills with it. Look at your home and watch out for these problem areas; fixing them up could dramatically reduce your home heating bills.
1.Replace Worn Weather Stripping
Worn weather stripping around doors and windows creates drafts and lets in cold air. Seven to 12 percent of a home's heat loss occurs around windows and doors, and homeowners often turn up their furnace to keep comfy because of those leaks. Even if they don't turn the thermostat up, they're losing warm air, causing the furnace to work harder. "Weather stripping around doors, and caulking around doors and windows, can cut down on drafts.
 
Some weather stripping needs to be replaced every few years because of wear. Replacing it is typically as simple as pulling off the old and tacking on the new.
 
2.Adjust Door Thresholds
If you can see light under or around your front door, then you're losing the indoor air you've paid to heat. If the door isn’t touching the threshold you are losing heat. Some thresholds have four or five screws that let you adjust the height to eliminate a gap. Turn the screws counterclockwise to lift the threshold until daylight is mostly gone. A little light in the corners is okay, but don't raise the threshold so high that it interferes with opening and closing the door. And the door shouldn't drag on the threshold or it'll wear out the weather stripping.
 
3.Eliminate Drafts Around Electrical Boxes
Electrical boxes in your exterior walls are notoriously drafty because insulation isn't always placed behind and around them correctly. You need to keep the air from flowing around the box both incoming and outgoing.
 
To stop the leaks, remove the cover plates and fill small gaps around the boxes with acrylic latex caulk. For large gaps, use foam sealant. Then place a foam gasket over the outlet or switch and replace the cover plate. The gasket is going to save you money for as long as that outlet is in your house. That small investment pays off for as long as you own your home.
 
4.Plug Holes in Exterior Walls
Pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables that enter your house often have gaps around them that have been haphazardly filled with some kind of caulk. But that caulk eventually cracks, peels, and falls off. These gaps let in outside air, plus they are ideal entry points for mice and insects.
Seal the gaps with expanding foam. For water pipes under the sink, unscrew and pull back the escutcheon ring, then caulk around the pipe. "The ring is just decorative," Rogers says. "It's not going to block airflow."
 
5.Buy a Portable Heater (and Turn Down the Furnace)
Put a space heater in the place where your family gathers, like the living room, and turn down the furnace temperature. The rest of the house will be cooler but you'll be warm, and you can save 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree below 70 F that you turn down the furnace, according to utility company Pepco. You'll see those savings all winter long.
 
6.Cover Windows and Patio Doors with Plastic Film
Windows account for 25 percent of heat loss in homes. Covering the windows and sliding patio doors with clear plastic film can reduce that loss. "Just by using that plastic, you're going to save about 14 percent on your heating bill.
 
The transparent film is inexpensive; you can find it for about $6 for 62 x 84 inches at home centers. The film is simple to put on and won't harm your trim, and if you put it on correctly you'll barely notice it. In the spring, the film comes off easily.
 
7.Keep Warm Air from Escaping Up the Chimney
The downside to fireplaces is that when they're not in use, your warm indoor air is escaping through chimney. Even when the chimney flue is closed, some warm air is probably still getting away. An easy solution is to block the airflow with an inflatable chimney balloon. The balloons are available on amazon.com and other retailers to fit various chimney sizes. They cost about $50. They can save you up to $100 a year, so they're going to pay for themselves twice a year.
Blow up the balloon and stick it in the chimney. If you forget to take it out before you start a fire, the balloon automatically deflates, so it won't cause the house to fill with smoke.
 
8.Insulate the Attic Access Door
Even in well-insulated attics, the access door may not be properly insulated, letting warm air escape through the attic hatch. And if the door is warped or something obstructs the opening, then the door won't lie flat, allowing air to leak into the attic.  To ensure that the door blocks airflow, use adhesive to attach fiberglass batt insulation to the attic side of the door. And if the door won't lie flat, use a latch bolt system to close it tight.
 
9.Seal Air Leaks in Ductwork
Take a look at the ductwork that's accessible in your basement or attic. Look for places where the ducts may have pulled apart at seams and corners. According to Energy Star, the typical house with forced-air heating loses about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the system to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Place a mastic sealant or metal tape over any leaks to seal them.
 
10.Tune up the Furnace and Gas Fireplace
There's some up-front cost here, as you'll need to pay a pro $100 or more to make the service call. But you'll make it up in the long term with more efficient heating that lowers your bills while preserving the life of your furnace. You'll probably also notice a larger flame that throws out more heat from your gas fireplace.
 
11.Upgrade Your Thermostat
The savings from programmable thermostats are well-documented. By automatically turning down the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day, either when you're not home or when you're sleeping, these thermostats can cut your heating bill by 10 percent or more. Programmable thermostats are now cheaper than ever, with models starting under $25.
 
12.Use the Sun to Your Advantage
Despite the freezing temps outside, the sun's rays still bring some heat into your home. They're free, so take advantage of them—the added heat will reduce how much your furnace needs to run. Keep your curtains open during the day, especially on the south side of the house where you get more direct sunlight. Trim any tree branches or shrubs that block the sunlight around your windows to maximize the gains. Close the curtains at night so they act as barriers to reduce drafts.
 
13.Keep Heating Registers Clear
The warm air blowing out of your registers needs a clear path into the room to provide even heating. So, if you place your favorite recliner or a sofa over the register, you're limiting the flow of heat. It's like leaving the vent partially or completely closed. To cut heating costs, arrange your room so that the register is as unobstructed as possible.
 
14.Lock Door and Windows
Notice how when you lock your windows, you can often feel them pushing together more tightly? It makes a difference for your heating bill. Even when doors and windows are closed, they might not be pressed tight against the weather stripping if they're not locked, which allows cold outside air to infiltrate the home. Lock your windows early, because if they freeze in their current positions, then they won't move and you won't be able to lock them without a lot of work.

Have you considered replacing the windows in your Colorado home?  You’ve probably heard that this investment will increase the value of your home.  Is this claim valid?
Is Replacing your windows before you sell your home really worth it?
YES.
If you have old inefficient or damaged windows, it pays to replace them before listing your home on the market.  Here are the top ways windows increase your home value.

• New Windows helps you increase the asking price

When you install new windows, you can add on about 70% of the cost of the windows to your asking price. So if you were to spend $10,000 on new windows, you can increase the selling price by $7,000.
A 70% return on investment is very high, making window replacement one of the best ways to increase value to your home.  You can maximize your return on investment if you choose beautiful, efficient and durable windows available from Pikes Peak Windows and Doors.

• New Windows Discourage Low Offers

It’s unfortunate that you rarely get 100% pf your investment back from replacing your windows, but considering that if your home has outdated windows when you put it on the market, observant home hunters will call you out on it and will discount the selling price to put money towards replacing the windows.
A potential buyer may make an offer for $10,000 under asking price when the damaged window may only cost $1000 to replace.  This is why replacing the windows yourself and then validating an increased asking price is better than letting the homebuyer handle it.

• New Windows Lower Energy Bills

Depending on the condition of the current windows and the efficiency rating of the replacement windows, you will probably save around 20 percent on your heating and cooling bills.  This fact is very appealing to buyers who will be getting a home that costs less to operate.

• New Windows Improve the Appearance of Your Home

Beautiful new windows can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal, making a good impression on potential buyers.  New windows also offer a warm appealing addition to your home’s interior.  Improvements to the look and feel of your home may not directly add monetary value, but the appeal to potential buyers could be the tipping point for your home to win over a similar house for sale in your neighborhood.
If you are ready to take advantage of the increased value of your home by installing new windows, let Pike’s Peak Windows and Doors take care of your window replacement needs.  Once you’ve made your selection of windows and doors, we perform a professional installation to help your investment last for decades to come.
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To learn more, contact us today to request a free quote.

It has been a long winter season, and we have eagerly awaited the arrival of spring. We have also eagerly awaited the opportunity to finally open the windows and air out our homes.  Unfortunately, winter can create a lot of wear and tear on your windows.  If your windows are damaged from the harsh winter weather or worn out from years of use, Pikes Peak Windows and Doors can offer solutions for your window replacement.
​ 
If you open your windows to let in the spring air but the locks don’t work, don’t worry.  Pikes Peak Windows and Doors has a variety of glass and vinyl window styles to suit your house and style.  Do you have problems locking your windows?  Are the locks broken after years of use or from the winter weather?  That can be unsafe for your family and your belongings.  We install windows to best suit your style and needs. And Pikes Peak Windows and Doors vinyl replacement windows are perfect for our varying Colorado weather conditions.

Have you gone to open your windows only to find that they are stuck? If you are having difficulty opening your windows all throughout the spring and summer, it can be frustrating. We offer a wide variety of easy to use window styles that will allow you to have fresh air flowing through your home all seasons. 

Start off your spring season with fresh air flowing through your new windows from Pikes Peak Windows and Doors.  Pikes Peak Windows and Doors uses only the best products on the market, to ensure quality and energy efficiency. One of our professionals is happy to come out to your home to provide you with a free consultation for new windows today!

You have worked hard to save money for the down payment on your dream home. You might have had your heart set on a beautiful older home with charm and character that newer homes just don’t offer. You move in with your family, and then the reality sets in. Homeownership often comes at a very steep price. That charm that you were looking for is not as practical as a newer counterpart, and your home may be in serious need of some upgrades. If you are considering changes as you look out of the original, or older windows, you might need to start right there.
These are the top five reasons it’s time to replace your windows:
Can You Feel a Draft?
Now that the weather is turning colder, are you finding that you can’t walk by a window without a draft causing you to shiver? You may need to replace them. Even the best windows can let a certain amount of air in, but you absolutely shouldn’t be able to notice it. Just like everything else, windows do wear out. The windows may be warped due to exposure, causing the frames to become loose and allowing air to get through.
Are Your Energy Costs Increasing?
Have you noticed a steady increase in the checks you are writing to the gas or electric company for your heating bill? This could be a sign that your windows are not energy efficient. Older style windows such as single pane styles or windows that are warped won’t block the cold or heat. Replacing them with new energy efficient windows will eventually pay for themselves in lower heating and cooling costs.
Do You Have Water Stains?
When buying older homes for their character, it is important to realize that older homes come with older windows. Over time, especially with older windows, the wood frames rot and warp from exposure to sun, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. This causes even the best wooden framed windows to rot and warp. If you find water stains on the inside, your windows are probably leaking, and there is a good chance that you should replace them.
Do You Have Condensation?
Single pane windows might have condensation, but that shouldn’t be the case for double or triple pane windows. If you are finding your windows are getting foggy in between the panes, this is a problem. It is likely that you have a seal failure and your windows are no longer effectively insulated and should be replaced.
Do Your Windows Get Stuck?
Do you struggle to open or shut your windows? This is a sign that they have warped over and are likely fitting too snug or too loose. If that is the case, those windows will also allow excess air in as well.
If you have questions about the efficiency of your windows, give us a call here at Pikes Peak Windows and Doors, your replacement window specialists. We offer the best in premium replacement vinyl windows that are custom fit. Keep the old-world charm of the house you fell in love with while adding the modern comfort and energy efficiency that you are looking for. 

Would you take $700.00 out of your bank and start throwing that cash out the window a bill at a time? It seems a little ridiculous right? Yet we do it all the time. The problem is that we aren't able to see the money going out our windows, but it’s happening.  This is because it goes out in the form of lost heat, and winter is nearly upon us.

The equation for this is simple: lost heat equals higher energy bills. But, while the equation is simple, the amounts can vary greatly depending on many factors. We all know that heat loss costs us money. What we don't know is how much money it is costing us. So here are a few things to consider:

• If you put your hand up to your windows in the winter and feel cold air, it is time to get replacement windows.
• If you have broken windows, it is impossible that those windows are keeping all your expensive heat inside your home.
• If you know that your windows are over 15 years old, you could benefit greatly from the energy efficiency that modern windows will bring to your home.

If your windows are ready for a replacement, the next question you should ask is, "Is it too late to get energy efficient windows installed?" And the answer is, "It is never too late to get energy efficient windows installed." In fact, right now is the best time to get new windows installed. If you wait till the middle of winter, you will have lost half a winter of heat and will have paid half a winter of higher energy bills.

So if you have had enough money thrown out of your windows, Pikes Peak Windows and Doors has a solution. All of our windows that we sell have modern technology that keeps the heat in, and the cold out.
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Don't throw money away. It's such a waste. We have an idea that is so much more beneficial. Reach out to us today and start dreaming of what your home will look like with new windows and new technologies that will save you money on your energy bills, and bring life into the beauty of your home. Now is the perfect time to get energy-efficient windows installed. Don't wait for the cold to come. Make this winter the winter you start putting that money in your pocket and stop throwing money out your windows.

Like every other part of your house, your front door will need to be replaced at some point.  Since you are proud of your house, and care about the image it projects, you’ll want to take your time and choose the right replacement door.  Your front door isn’t something that has ever required replacement, as a result, you aren’t sure what options are available.  We’ve put together a quick list of things to remember when choosing a new replacement door.
 
A few things that will be helpful to know when you begin door shopping include -
 
●Will I only need to replace the door, or do I need to replace the door frame also? 
●Am I happy with the present door configuration, or do I want a door that also has glass panels, either in the door, or as part of a decorative frame?
●In which direction will the door need to swing?  If you’re comfortable with the way that your present door swings, determine if the door is a right or left-handed door.  To make the determination, stand in the doorway facing outside.  If the doorknob is to the right, then your door is right-handed. 
 
Deciding what type of material your door will be is important. 
 
●Wood doors are the most common and versatile doors available.  They can be inexpensive ($200) or expensive ($4,000 or more); plain or ornate;  stained or painted;  solid wood or laminated. 
●Steel doors offer the best security and durability.  They are usually available as pre-hung.  Since they are filled with foam insulation, they provide excellent barriers to outdoor temperatures.  The least expensive steel doors are around $150, while more elaborate doors will be as expensive as high-end wood doors.
●Fiberglass-composite doors are becoming more popular door replacement options.  They require little, if any, maintenance, and are well-suited for use in extreme weather conditions.  Many manufacturers warranty a fiberglass door for as long as you reside in your home.  Prices are compatible with wood and steel doors.
●Aluminum doors are sold only through dealers, as they are custom-built.  They are available in an almost endless variety of options.  They also carry long-term warranties.  Since they are built to order, they will be more expensive than most doors. 
 
There are a few other options to consider when choosing a replacement door.  You’ll need to decide what color or shade the hardware (door knobs, deadbolt locks, hinges) will be.  Will you have a screen or storm door installed? 
 
Finally, don’t be afraid to do a little research.  Research the manufacturers, distributors, and customer experiences with installation and warranties.  You don’t want such an important purchase to become a hassle because of quality issues, poor customer service, or lousy installation.  Do your homework, go shopping, make your choice, and most of all, be proud of your new door!