The Power of Facade Improvements
Your building’s facade is a veritable workhorse. As the first thing people see when passing or visiting your property, it is literally the face of your building and — when done right — has the aesthetic power to make a positive first impression. But in addition to a key design element, a facade is also a crucial protective layer, preserving the structural integrity of your building, shielding it from the elements, and boosting energy efficiency.
With decades of experience as a leading installer of facade coverings, windows and doors, as well as a trusted construction partner, we’re here to support you as you determine how to enhance your building’s curb appeal and determine which facade improvements are worth pursuing.
How do I choose the right facade covering?
Determining which facade covering is best for your building requires thoughtful consideration of many factors related to both form and function. Often, a building’s architect spearheads this effort, selecting a material that achieves an appropriate look and feel for the space while providing lasting protection and durability. As a trusted construction partner, we collaborate with architects and our clients to ensure the chosen facade covering is the most strategic option and is installed with the expert precision and craftsmanship Trade31 is known for.
Generally, there are three categories of facade coverings we recommend:
- Metal panels provide a sleek, modern look with maximum durability
- Fiber cement siding, both versatile and resilient, is a go-to choice for a wide variety of projects. We suggest opting for trusted brands such as Hardie and Allura.
- Wood siding offers the natural warmth and strength of wood (but keep in mind: older wood is much stronger than new wood)
Discover how we restored the historic wood siding at Taft Museum of Art to breathe new life into the 200-year-old house.
What about windows and doors?
A facade is more than the exterior shell of your building. It also includes windows, doors, and any exterior architectural features, such as soffits, trim, and other decorative details. As with choosing a facade covering, both form and function must be considered when selecting which windows and doors to install. As a preferred installer for top-tier manufacturers, Trade31 brings our carpentry-driven craftsmanship to a wide range of materials and systems.
Window options include:
- Architectural aluminum windows provide the contemporary aesthetic of a light profile without compromising strength
- Fiberglass windows are a low-maintenance, high-performance choice for energy efficiency
- Wood windows bring natural strength and durability along with a timeless, completely customizable look
- Wood-aluminum clad windows unite the natural beauty of wood with the durability of aluminum
- Steel windows provide a modern look as well as extreme durability and weather resistance
- Vinyl windows are a cost-effective, low-maintenance and energy-efficient option
- Custom windows are tailored to meet your exact needs, no matter how unique.
Need interior windows? We also specialize in glass wall systems.
Doors also come in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit your exact specifications and overall vision, from robust commercial doors designed for high-traffic areas to elegant residential doors.
What’s the best way to modernize historic windows?
Old windows are an undeniably charming feature of historic buildings, but modernizing them helps maintain the structural integrity of aging buildings while improving energy efficiency. But what’s the best way to do it?
When it comes to modernizing aging windows, there are generally two options:
- Historic window restoration: With historic window restoration, existing window frames, panes, and sashes are repaired and reglazed with unmatched precision and craftsmanship to breathe new life into delicate, antique architectural features.
- Historic window replication: When restoration is no longer viable, replication is an alternative. Replication consists of replacing aging windows with custom recreations crafted to maintain the architectural accuracy and historic integrity of old windows, while boosting a building’s energy efficiency and lifespan. This includes both straight and arched window frames, as well as specialized sashes and dividers — any custom components required to match the historic design.
Discover how we used 19 custom templates to replicate 240 windows at Vanderbilt University.
Investing in your building’s facade can enhance curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, protect against the elements, and preserve its structural integrity for decades to come. Working with a trusted construction partner can help you determine which facade improvements are best for your project and help bring your vision to life.
Trade31 is a carpentry-driven construction partner specializing in facade improvements, finish carpentry, specialty contracting, general trades and other custom services. Backed by a century-old tradition of doing it right, our precision carpenters and speciality builders thrive where complex environments meet high expectations.