ENERGY STAR®-certified windows are the best defense at reducing the negative effects of constant exposure to UV rays. All our high-performance Low-E4® glass packages have exceptional energy-efficiency ratings, but they filter out UV rays differently. Here’s how the four best types of glass for the Alaskan climate work:

• Low-E4® SmartSun Glass

SmartSun glass meets our highest standards in cool and hot weather performance. SmartSun glass blocks 95% of harsh UV rays

• Low-E4® Glass

Perfect where both heating and cooling costs are a concern, our Low-E4 glass helps keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and blocks 84% of harmful UV rays.

• Low-E4® SmartSun Glass with HeatLock® Technology

All the benefits of our Low-E4 SmartSun glass that blocks 95% of UV rays plus an energy-saving glass coating that helps your living space feel warmer and more comfortable.

• Triple Pane Glass

An extra pane of glass helps keep the indoor temperature in and the outdoor temperature out, making this our most energy-efficient option. Perfect for colder climates where more months of the year are spent heating the home.

Our windows take advantage of the newest technologies to help lower your energy costs and keep your belongings and family safe from UV damage. To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post The 4 Best Types of Glass for Alaska appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

When choosing a hinged vs. sliding patio door for your home, here’s what you should consider:

• Architectural style
• Room lighting
• Airflow
• Walkway and furniture placement
• Whether or not you want screens
• Do you have room for an inswing or outswing door

Pros & Cons: Hinged Door vs. Sliding Door

Hinged patio doors

Hinged patio doors can be opened to the full width of a door opening compared to sliding doors that open the width of one door. Hinged patio doors do not come with screens and require a storm door add-on if you want to keep bugs and the elements out.

Renewal by Anderson’s Frenchwood® hinged patio doors are built with the ability to choose a door that swings out or swings in. Therefore, this style of door requires more room than low-profile sliding patio doors. The traditional style of French hinged patio doors is a classic design option that adds value to any home.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding patio doors are easy to operate, take up very little space, let in a lot of light, allow for maximum ventilation, and are available with oversized screens. Sliding patio doors come in a wide variety of finishes and sizes so you get a look and scale that fits your home design. Sliding patio doors fit well with clean, contemporary architecture. They come with options like screen panels to let fresh air in while keeping dirt and insects out.

Renewal by Andersen of Alaska carries three types of sliding doors:

Perma-Shield® sliding doors are a contemporary style of door that provides the widest view with maximum glass area.

Frenchwood® sliding doors offer the traditional design of standard French doors but in a sliding door style.

Narroline® sliding patio doors are designed with vinyl-clad wood, a low-maintenance exterior, and a stainable natural pine interior.

How to choose an energy-efficient patio door

Whether you choose a hinged patio door or a sliding patio door it’s important to consider glass, energy ratings, and locks—all of the things that will keep you comfortable, save you money, and keep you safe.

Look for a patio door with a strong glass package: something with double or triple-pane glass and a Low-E coating to slow the transmission of UV rays and conserve up to 50% of your heat during winter months.

It’s also important to look for a patio door that is ENERGY STAR® Certified. ENERGY STAR® ratings indicate a door meets federally mandated guidelines regarding energy efficiency. Doors that show the ENERGY STAR® Certified rating have:

• Multiple glass panes
• Energy-efficient core material
• Magnetic weatherstripping
• A tight fit

Still wondering which patio door type is right for you?

We offer free consultations to connect you with an expert from our team. We’ll answer any project questions you have and can talk you through the replacement process from quote to installation.

The post Which Type Makes a Better Patio Door: Sliding or Hinged? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Here are recommendations from our window experts for picking the best patio doors for cold climates.

There are many types of patio doors with different styles to choose from. So it’s important to think about how you want to use your indoor and outdoor space. A few things to consider include:

• How do you live and entertain?
• Do you have a pool, garden, outdoor living space you’d like to access from your patio doors?
• Do you have pets that go in and out?
• Do you need to access the area even when there’s snow outside?

Along with the use of your space, you’ll need to be mindful of the actual dimensions of the room and outdoor area where you’re installing the new patio door. Do you have room for a door to swing in? Swing out? If space is no issue, you will have more options to choose from, but if space is an issue, a sliding door is your best bet.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding doors are the most common type of patio door for good reason. They don’t take up much space and there’s no need to worry about inswing or outswing. A high-quality, professionally installed sliding patio door will also keep cold weather out and heat in during cold winter months.

Sliding doors allow a lot of natural light into any space year-round while providing a clear, unobstructed view of your backyard and Alaska backdrop. Sliding doors with screens allow for letting in fresh air while keeping the elements from coming into your home.

Renewal by Anderson of Alaska carries three types of sliding doors:

Perma-Shield® sliding doors have a contemporary, streamlined design that allows you to enjoy the widest possible view with maximum glass area. That means making the most of your Alaskan views year-round.

Frenchwood® sliding doors have the same aesthetic appeal as standard French doors, but the sliding door design keeps your space more open than a hinged door. They are a great selection for a traditional-style home and smaller rooms/spaces.

Narroline® sliding patio doors have a vinyl-clad wood, low-maintenance exterior, and a stainable natural pine interior. A slim, smart design distinguishes our Narroline sliding patio door from other contemporary alternatives. It has a modern look but features the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that Renewal by Andersen is known for.

French patio doors

If you have a more traditional style of home, want a lot of light, and have the extra room for an inswing or outswing patio door… you may want to consider French doors.

French patio doors are available with inswing or outswing styles. Inswing doors are a common choice in cold weather climates where there’s a lot of snow. It’s hard to open a French door into a snowbank if you haven’t had time to shovel and, in terms of cold weather climate safety, an inswing door is a good choice for quick exits in case of emergency.

Renewal by Anderson’s Frenchwood® hinged patio doors is built with the ability to choose a door that swings out or swings in. Choosing an outswing door can save up to 28 square feet of interior space, while an inswing design is better for going outside to a snowy deck or yard without letting the cold and snow billow into your home.

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Want additional guidance on selecting the best patio doors for cold weather? Renewal by Andersen of Alaska’s team of experts can help. Reach out to discuss any questions you have, and get a free quote for your project!

The post Which Type of Door is the Best Patio Door for Cold Weather? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

To help insulate sliding glass doors for winter, we recommended these five things to keep heat in and the cold out:

1. Clean sliding door tracks
2. Seal gaps and cracks
3. Check the weatherstripping
4. Add fin seal or brush fin weatherstripping
5. Cover doors with a window film insulation kit

Clean the sliding door tracks.

Dirt, debris, even pet hair can cause a sliding glass door to lift off its track leading to drafts and energy loss.

To eliminate drafts, frequently vacuum the door tracks. You can use a shop vac or an attachment on your regular vacuum cleaner.

Seal gaps and cracks.

Turning the thermostat up without feeling much change in interior temps? Make sure all gaps and cracks around your sliding door are sealed by caulking around the sliding door casing. Before caulking scrape and vacuum old caulk or sealant. Then apply caulk to your newly cleaned sliding door frame where it meets the window.

Check the weatherstripping.

Sliding doors that have been properly installed include weatherstripping but the material tends to deteriorate over time so we recommend replacing your weatherstripping every few years.

The most effective weatherstripping application is with one continuous piece. Measure the four sides of your sliding glass door, then find the proper size kit that allows you to apply and seal your door all the way around.

Add fin seal or brush fin weatherstripping.

Some sliding doors are installed with foam weatherstripping which doesn’t always hold up to constant use or for long periods of time–especially in harsh Alaska elements.

You can replace the foam with weatherstripping known as fin seal or brush fin specifically designed for sliding glass doors. Fin seal or brush seal weatherstripping has a mylar fin in the middle of the pile, or brush material. It is extremely durable, good for nearly all climates, and stands up well to high traffic use.

Add another barrier to keep cold out with a window film insulation kit.

If you’ve filled gaps and cracks around your sliding door with caulk but are still feeling cool air through your windowpane, cover the glass with a patio door insulation kit. Insulation film basically acts as a storm window and can be applied with adhesive or magnetic tape.

Insulation film will help you save energy, reduce your heating cost, reduce condensation on the glass, and will prevent frost buildup on your sliding door. Applying film to a sliding glass door is fairly simple, here’s how to do it:

• Clean your sliding door, then measure all four sides of your door frame.
• Cut and measure the adhesive or magnetic tape that comes with the patio door insulation film kit adding 10+ inches to height and width measurements for a 5’ overhang on each side of your sliding door.
• Apply adhesive tape to your whole door, leaving a 1-inch space from your window from the window frame edge.
• Press the plastic film firmly to your pre-taped patio door frame starting at the top and working down to the bottom of the window without leaving any gaps.
• Grab your hairdryer, select high heat, then blow-dry the plastic to smooth out wrinkles in the insulation film.

We hope you find these tactics helpful in keeping your home warm and cozy this winter. For more advice, check out 5 Tips on How to Insulate Windows for Winter to help winterize your windows!

Questions on how to winterize your sliding glass doors?

Give us a call at (907) 308-7784! If you’re thinking about replacing your sliding glass doors this year, you’re in luck. Our Frenchwood® Sliding, Narroline® Sliding, and Perma-Shield® Sliding doors are all great options. Contact us for a free estimate on a replacement door.

The post Money-Saving Tips on How to Winterize & Insulate Your Sliding Glass Doors appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

The post How Do You Know if You Need a New Patio Door? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Keeping your home, family and valuables safe should not be something you have to worry about every minute of every day. But it is an important topic to discuss so that you can take preventative measures to help ensure your home is as safe and secure as possible all year long. Believe it or not, doors and windows are two of the most critical elements of home safety. So to help you know what to look for in your own home, we’ve pulled together 11 of the most critical tips for improving the safety of your doors and windows.

Create an emergency fire escape plan & practice with your family.

In case of an emergency, having a plan will ensure you can escape and reach safety in the quickest manner possible. With your family, identify all possible exits in your home as well as an escape route, making sure to note the location of smoke detectors as well. After you’ve identified all possible exits, designate a location a safe distance away from your house to meet and call the emergency services. It is important that you practice the fire escape plan frequently throughout the year (we suggest once a month) to ensure everyone remembers what to do during an emergency.

Remove any A/C units from designated fire escape windows.

If your A/C unit is located in a designated fire escape window, you could be blocking your only safe way out in case of an emergency. Double-check your fire escape plan – especially if you live in an apartment building – and make sure you move your A/C unit to another window if necessary.

Fix or replace any doors & windows that are painted or nailed shut.

Windows or doors that are painted/nailed shut are unable to open in case of an emergency – and you don’t want to find that out at the last minute. Inspect your doors and windows to make sure they can open and close easily and smoothly. If the windows are painted shut, gently running a putty knife between the edges of the framing can open it up. If you’re having difficulties fixing a stubborn window or door, consult an expert to either repair or replace it entirely if necessary.

Test your windows monthly to ensure they open safely.

Windows made of vinyl can contract in the winter and expand in the summer, which may affect how they open. Inspecting and testing your windows monthly gives you peace of mind to know if they’re still functioning properly or if it may be time to replace them with options that are safer and more reliable. When replacing any windows, look for a product that won’t warp, bow, or bend with our extreme Alaskan temperatures.

Check the landscaping and exterior path underneath fire escape windows.

To provide a safer landing during an emergency, it’s a good idea to periodically check the exterior area outside and below your fire escape windows. Look for anything that could cause harm such as nails, sticks, rocks, gardening tools, etc. Some landscaping additions can help create a softer landing such as grass, mulch, or even small bushes. 

Check all exterior doors to make sure they are solid & sturdy.

Frequently check your exterior doors to make sure they’re closing smoothly and locking securely and safely. The material used in your exterior door can make a difference in how sturdy they are, so consult with an expert if you’re looking for newer and safer exterior door options for your home. Also, check for any gaps between your door and the wall — in addition to being a safety hazard, this can reduce energy efficiency by letting in cold or hot air throughout the year.

Ensure any shades with cords are placed out of reach for kids.

Children love to reach and grab for things, but window cords are a serious safety hazard as they can cause injury or even death by strangling. If you can’t tie the window cords up and out of their reach, you could try to shorten/cut the cords. If you’re shopping for new window blinds, look for ones that are cordless and therefore eliminate the risk of an accident for your kids.

Make sure doors are well lit. Replace old bulbs or add lights.

One way to ensure that you’re securing your front door area is by making sure that it’s well lit as it makes it harder for any potential intruders to approach your home undetected.  Burglars tend to look for dark, empty, or unoccupied houses, so motion detectors or timed automated lights are also a great way to deter any burglars – even if you aren’t home. Outdoor lights are easy to add to your porch or near your door by heading to your local hardware store.

Move any large objects and furniture away from windows.

In case of an emergency, you need to be able to exit your home in a quick and efficient manner. Double-check that any large furniture or objects are not directly blocking any windows or doors in your home, preventing you from being able to access and open them in case of emergency. Furniture located near windows also makes it easier for children to climb up and potentially fall out the window, risking injury. Make sure their play areas or bedroom furniture aren’t located next to easily accessible windows.

Read & follow the safety labels on your door & window screens.

If you’ve installed new windows or doors throughout your home, take the time to carefully read through the safety labels. Safety labels alert you to the risks that can occur if a door or window is left opened or unsecured, such as injury in the event of a fall. It’s especially important to read any warnings for window screens as – in most cases – they are unable to prevent children from falling out of the window.

Test any interior lock mechanisms on your doors & windows.

Certain lock mechanisms are better at securing your doors and windows to prevent forced entry than others. Deadbolts are a good idea to have on all exterior doors, and auto-lock features are recommended to secure windows. If you’re looking to upgrade your doors and windows, make sure to discuss the lock mechanism features with your installer and test them out yourself beforehand to see which ones feel the safest.

To help you even further, we’ve created this helpful Door & Window Safety Checklist that you can download and keep to use at home. 

The post 11 Tips To Keep Your Doors & Windows Safe appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.