MAKE A STATEMENT WITH MODERN WINDOWS AND DOORS: THE RIGHT WINDOWS AND DOORS WILL TRANSFORM YOUR HOME

Everything’s Bigger In Tahoe

Whether creating a bold impression with a unique front door, revealing a patio with a tall folding door, or showcasing a lake view with a glass wall, people are going larger than ever. The technological advances of the last 20 years have allowed for a range of new possibilities. Architects, builders, and homeowners are bringing designs to life that are pushing the boundaries of creativity and what’s possible.

One hundred years ago homes had primarily wood windows and doors, with single-pane glass units installed in colonial-style grids. Dual-pane glass and both aluminum and vinyl frames became more of the norm for windows from the 70s to the 90s, with wood windows being used in higher end homes. Even with these advancements, sizes for openings remained standard and relatively small.

In the past two decades, there has been an acceleration of both structural and energy efficiency of windows and doors. Triple-pane and Low E glass, thermally broken frames, and many other advancements have allowed for openings to get much larger while still meeting strict Title 24 standards. Now we have 16-foot-tall by 50-footwide automated gliding doors, giant pivot entry doors, floor-to-ceiling glass and much more.

Cabin Cozy to Mountain Modern

While the large new builds from Clear Creek to Martis Camp are dominated by contemporary designs with maximum glass and size, anyone local knows that is far from all that Tahoe architecture has to offer. The A frames and other log cabin designs of the early 20th century have long characterized our beautiful area. Whether these are being renovated, rebuilt or newly replicated, there are great window and door options to make them up to date while still feeling warm and comfortable.

Traditional Tahoe homes typically opt for painted composite, fiberglass, or wood aluminum clad windows. The exterior colors are mostly earth tones that complement the siding and trim. These frame materials hold up well in all seasons and are available in a multitude of options including different rail and style widths, hardwares and grids. Better yet, many remodels will maintain the classic stained wood interior look, while including a large door and bigger windows in that same style. For many this is the best of both worlds.

The contemporary remodels and new construction also opt for these window types, but are increasingly installing all metal windows and doors. Typically selected in dark bronze or black, the anodized aluminum or steel products are the pinnacle of strength and have narrow lines that make for a cutting edge look. Combined with minimal gridlines and maximum glass, this approach looks to get the most out of natural sunlight and alpine scenery.

Whichever style homeowners desire, they are able to customize their windows and doors to an extent that is new and nearly unlimited.

Thanks to Coleman Smith, owner of Eagle Windows and Doors for writing this article. You can contact Coleman at 775.786.7833, coleman@eaglewindowsanddoors.com or eaglewindowsanddoors.com.