Doors leading from your garage to your home, patio doors and sliding glass doors can all become damaged over time. Established in the Chicago area for more than 16 years, Harris Exteriors and More, Inc. knows that entry doors are subject to the Midwest’s changing weather. Extremes from hot, humid summers to snowy winters with freezing temperatures can take a toll on wood or steel doors in the form of warping, cracking or rusting. The door may stick and become hard to open and close. It might not lock easily because it no longer sits properly in the frame. There might be gaps in the frame due to poor fit. An inefficient door can increase your heating and cooling bills, possibly shortening the life of your HVAC system.

The result of daily use and abuse on wood or steel doors can detract from your home’s curb appeal in the form of scratches, cracks, dents or rust. In addition, worn hardware, hinges, and damaged or missing weather stripping and kick plates indicate an outdated system that could compromise your home’s security.

Replacing an entry door yields a significant return on investment with some studies indicating a return as high as 91 percent! In shopping for a new door system, do your research online, then visit one of Harris Exteriors and More, Inc.’s showrooms in either Streamwood or Glen Ellyn to view some of the choices you’re considering.

Fiberglass doors are a practical option for most people; they are moderately priced, dent-resistant, and require little maintenance. While a smooth, paintable surface is available, an embossed wood-grain texture is more common. Some doors’ edges are notched to make them look even more like wood.

Fiberglass doors that are Energy Star-qualified are independently tested and certified. They often have tighter-fitting frames and are built with a polyurethane foam core to insulate against cold and heat. An adjustable threshold will help keep the door weather-tight over time by sealing out rain and drafts.

If you choose anything other than a solid panel door, select double- or triple-panel insulating glass to help reduce heat transfer. Privacy glass levels are determined by calculating the amount and placement of the textures in a specific design. Transparent glass offers the least amount of privacy by allowing unobstructed views in and out of the home. Combining clear and opaque glass in the design results in partial obscurity and a medium level of privacy. Opaque or highly textured glass gives the highest level of privacy by allowing the view of shadows and colors but no distinguishable shapes.

Harris Exteriors and More, Inc.’s showrooms in Streamwood and Glen Ellyn proudly feature doors by Therma-Tru and Waudena Millwork, two established industry leaders that are located in the Midwest. These vendors offer custom colors as well as a full range of popular paint or stain colors so you can easily achieve the look you want. Due to differences in computer monitor calibration, it is best to look at sample colors in person.

The framing around the door will need to be redone if you’re adding sidelights or a transom. These are significant changes best completed by a professional contractor. Harris Exteriors and More, Inc.is an established and financially stable company whose team has over 150 years of combined industry experience and knowledge. We will gladly provide you with references regarding previous door installations.

Entry doors greet your guests and offer a preview of what lies inside. Your door should make a statement that is consistent with the rest of your home. Let Harris Exteriors and More, Inc. help you say something new. Visit one of our showrooms today!

Let’s be honest most homes or buildings will at some point have a leak in the roof, and running for a bucket every time it rains is not the most ideal solution. Not every leak requires a whole roof replacement to fix the issue either. Our team has collected the 9 most common causes of roof leaks to protect your home.

Whether your roof is brand new or 15 years old, you should keep this list at hand. Identifying these problems early can mean the difference between a small repair and a large remodel.

1. You Have Cracked flashing

Identifying the issue: Flashing are thin layers of metal that are installed under the shingles and joints of your roof. These can either be concealed or exposed. Broken flashing usually features large cracks

2. The Vent Booting Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Roof vents look like small domes or pipes sticking out of your roof. They are used primarily to expel moisture from your attic. You can identify if there is a leak by checking for dark spots or musty odors in your roof or attic.

3. The Roof Valleys Arent Sealed Properly

Identifying the issue: A Valley is any point in which two different planes of your roof meet. Since these areas are usually sloped, if they are not sealed properly rainwater can get inside as it runs down the roof. Search for wet spots along the seams of your roof to identify leaks.

4. The Skylights Are Installed Incorrectly

Identifying the issue: Leaks such as this should be super easy to spot. If there is consistently a pool of water or small drips coming from the area surrounding the skylight, there may be a leak. However leaks occurring near the highest point can be a flashing issue rather than a sealing issue.

5. You Have Clogged Gutters

Identifying the issue: Usually you can identify this when water pours over the side of your gutters rather than following its intended path. Another way to identify this is to check your downspouts when it is raining. If there is little to no water being expelled the downspout may be clogged.

6. The Chimney Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Most of the time you can look for signs of wear and tear along the mortar or flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Damaged shingles and dark spots can occur where the chimney is leaking.

7. There Are Broken Or Deteriorating Shingles

Identifying the issue: By regularly looking at your roof for large changes in color and missing shingles you can identify this easily. Often times a broken shingle will appear as a slightly off color or lighter spot on your roof.

8. There Is Buildup On The Roof

Identifying the issue: If there are leaves or other materials blocking valleys and joints in your roof water can pool causing the sealant to deteriorate and cause leaks.

9. There’s Condensation In The Attic

Identifying the issue:The space will most likely show signs of mold and mildew. A strong, musty odor coming from the attic is also an indicator that water has made its way inside.

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