Superior Windows in Scarborough, Markham, Durham & Richmond Hill

Why Ignoring Your Windows Will Cost You Money This Winter

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replace-windows-in-a-houseAs the weather gets colder and colder you need to consider ways to keep your family comfortable and to save money. One of the best ways to do this is through energy efficiency. You might need to seal your doorways or replace windows in a house. Increase your home value, your comfort, and save money.

Windows in the Winter

We all know that in the winter harsh winds and dropping temperatures can drive up heating costs considerably. But did you know that other problems like moisture and high winds can cause additional problems? This is why it is important to replace windows in a house if they are cracked, old, or broken. Additionally, if you have any windows that do not open or close properly, you need to repair or replace them.

Drafts

Drafts can drive up heating costs by up to 20 percent! You can avoid this by applying plastic and weather-stripping to windows and doors. Don’t forget to insulate your attic. Inspect all of your windows and doors for cracks and drafts. If you have a broken window, have it replaced before high winds make it a hazard for your family.

Energy Efficiency

Having an energy efficient home is not just good for the environment, is good for you, too. Save money when you replace old windows and winterize your home. Modern windows have much more energy efficiency than older windows. New technology truly seals in your home, saving it from the cold weather outside.

Broken Windows

No matter the time of the year, you don’t want to leave broken windows in your home. Windows that cannot open or close properly can be a safety hazard. A window with broken glass may break during a harsh winter storm. A window that does not close properly lets in cold air.

Contact the talented team of window replacement professionals. We provide the most comprehensive and high quality window and door replacement in the region. Our talented staff will answer all of your questions. Call us today.

Winterizing Your Home: Avoid These Top 3 Mistakes

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storm-door-glass-replacementWhether you have lived in your home for a decade or just moved into a home right before the winter, you need to avoid these winterizing mistakes. Many homeowners don’t realize how devastating a harsh winter can be. Between ice and snow buildup or need storm door glass replacement after a difficult snowstorm, homeowners need to prevent damage to their property by avoiding these mistakes.

Not checking the windows and doors

Besides letting in nasty drafts, a broken window or door can be dangerous during a winter storm. You need storm door glass replacement if you live in a region prone to high winds and extreme winter weather.

Why? During a storm, high winds can shatter compromised glass. A projectile could break through an old window, causing damage or physical harm. Additionally, older windows and doors can lead to higher electric and gas bills as you attempt to heat your home for your family. Be sure to seal your windows and doors properly.

Skipping the furnace inspection

Don’t wait until the dead of winter to have your furnace inspected. Your furnace should be checked every other year. The professional inspector will check for proper function and energy efficiency. Maintain your furnace by replacing air filters, testing the thermostat, and checking for any obvious leaks. In most cases, you will need a professional to do a comprehensive check.

Letting your pipes freeze

Frozen pipes can be one of the most common issues for homeowners in the winter. Do a full pipe check before the winter freeze sets in. A little bit of ice can cause bursting and backflow. Walk around the interior and exterior of your home. Look at all visible pipes and check for cracks around the slits and joints. Seal them quickly with aluminum tape or caulk. Older pipes may need to be taped regardless. Block off all moisture access pipes. A plumber can help, although this is a do-it-yourself job.

Save money and protect your home by avoiding these three winterizing mistakes. Call out trained professionals to make your home more energy efficient. Our experienced team prides ourselves on providing you with high quality window and door replacement and repair. Save money. Call us today.

What You Need to Know Before Replacing a Window or Door

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window-design

When you replace your windows or doors you enjoy better energy efficiency, increased home value, and modern elegance. Door and window design has changed considerably from year to year. There are several key things you need to know before you replace your windows and doors. How do you prepare your home? How can you ensure a worry-free installation process?

Speak with Your Contractors

Before you reach the day of installation, take the time to speak with your contractors. Ask them any questions you might have about door installation, window replacement, or a window design. Find out if there is a better time of year to install windows. For example, although you can install windows in bad weather, you will save labor costs and time by planning your installation around good weather. You can ask these questions and more before installation.

Clear a Path

Whether you are replacing front doors, putting in basement windows, or replacing doors upstairs, clear the area for the contractors. Remove any furniture, curtains, doormats, and other objects that can present a safety hazard. Additionally, protect any furniture and items by removing them from the area or placing them somewhere safe. Don’t forget to move fragile plants and any lawn furniture, hoses, and lawn decorations. Use dust covers for furniture. Take down wall hangings and photos.

Keep Kids and Pets Safe

If possible, keep small children and pets away from the installation area. This will be safer for the children and pets, as well as safer for the contractors.

Schedule Time Off

Your contractors will need access to your home. Arrange to be there to meet them and be there during the process. This will be helpful, especially if you have a security system or forgot to remove furniture.

Preparing your home for installers takes a little bit of preparation and time but will help you make the process simple and worry-free. Call Superior Home Improvements today about replacing your windows and doors. Our seasoned professionals are ready to help you. Contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

How Do I Choose a Storm Door?

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security-storm-doorsYou want to protect your home. Choosing the right storm door protects your family and property during inclement weather and adds extra security. Add energy efficiency. Boost your home’s overall curb appeal with decorative doors. What should you consider before selecting the right security storm doors for your home?

Materials

What type of materials do you need for your storm doors? Most manufacturers construct security storm doors out of aluminum. These doors come in a variety of degrees of thickness. The thicker the door, the more secure.

Color and Style

Select a color and style that match your home’s unique style. You can also choose full-view doors which provide a view and more light without opening the door. Select a color that complements your home’s overall color scheme. Our professional designers can help you find the perfect product for your residence.

Energy Efficiency

Besides protecting your home from intruders and weather, storm doors add an extra layer of energy efficiency to your home. Block addition heat through sun-blocking windows. Sun-blocking windows protect your front door from fading over time due to ultraviolet exposure. Ask about Low-E glass for extra insulation.

Full or Partial View

Homeowners can choose full-view doors with screen panels or interchangeable glass. Half and quarter view doors do not provide as much natural light. You can ask your installer about installing a pet door for your furry friend.

Swing Out

If you live in an area susceptible to crime or inclement weather, have your door swing-out. Why? The door cannot be kicked in if it swings out. For those who live in areas with hurricanes, high winds, and harsh storms, avoid worrying if your door will force open during harsh weather.

Contact our installation professionals today about installing a quality durable storm door for your home or business.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Storm Door?

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door-replacementStore doors protect your home and family from the elements, harsh temperatures, precipitation, critters, and insects. They allow for better airflow. A storm door replacement can provide your home with added value and security. What are some of the cost considerations when installing a new storm door?

Numerous Storm Door Styles

Believe it or not, there are many storm door replacement options for your home or business. Some of the most popular storm door styles include:

  • Full-View Glass
  • Paned Grid
  • Self-Storing
  • Twin Panel
  • Tri-Panel
  • Multi-Vent Panels

Each door style has its own unique features. The full-view glass window and paned grid window have the highest costs at around four hundred dollars. If you have a tighter budget, look at self-storing and multi-vent panel doors, which come in at around three hundred dollars or less.

Also, consider options like screening or glass panels. Do you want tempered glass, which is stronger, or just regular glass? Low-e glass panels are another popular option. These will be less than one hundred dollars for installation. If you need more information, feel free to call our experienced professionals. We can help direct you to the right type of glass for your project.

Labor Costs

If you need to install one door, expect to pay for up to two hours of labor. Labor costs can be calculated by your installer. You will pay them per hour of work. Installing multiple doors may require more than one worker, which may increase the rate. However, most companies will give you a discount if you have several doors installed at the same time. You can also ask the installer to dispose of the older door for an affordable cost.

Speak with our very experienced installation professionals today for cost estimates for installing a single door or multiple storm doors. You can count on our high-quality installation.

Be Home Energy Efficient Now: What Every Homeowner MUST Know!

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energy-star-windowsCost conscience savvy homeowners have embraced energy efficiency. Besides being more sustainable, energy star windows, doors, and skylights save homeowners money and can add home value and curb appeal. What are some ways to make your home energy efficient? Let’s explore some of the more popular options for 2019.

Energy Efficient Windows and Doors

One of the simplest ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home involves replacing faulty openings in your home. Energy Star Windows, for example, meet very stringent performance criteria. They protect your home much like your warm winter coat protects your body from the harsh cold. Choose the options that match your climate. Do you need your home to be cooler or warmer? There is an energy star option for your home. Replace all windows and doors that are damaged, very old, and don’t seal the home efficiently. You will find a noticeable difference in your home heating and cooling bills.

These products have quality frame materials that are both low maintenance and durable. Multiple panes provide an extra layer of protection. The frames provide excellent insulation. The frames can be hollow or filled. The framing materials available are quite diverse. Choose one that increases your home’s efficiency while also appealing to you aesthetically. You can choose from fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, wood, or composite frames. Blended frames combine a number of materials.

Doors and Skylights

Besides windows, you can also replace old doors and skylights. These doors have multiple glass panes and improved core materials. Additionally, the weather stripping and fit overall help keep the cold out. Traditional skylights can help with temperature control and provide additional natural indoor lighting. Tubular Daylighting Devices increase sunlight in areas that typically do not receive daylight.

Lower your energy bills and enjoy the benefits of Energy Star products. Speak with our professionals today about finding the right design for your home. We would love to talk to you.

 

How to Protect Your Home in a Storm

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Through winter and summer, our homes protect our families. What are just some of the ways to protect our homes? Custom storm doors, storm windows, and durable roofing are just a few of the ways we can keep our homes safe through hurricanes, blizzards, strong winds, and more. Learn how to be prepared for any type of weather.

Doors and Windows

custom-storm-doorsOne of the best ways to protect your home is to ensure proper sealing of doors and windows. This includes replacing any aged doors with strong modern custom storm doors. Remember that small cracks in your windows and doors can lead to broken windows and dangerous winds entering your home, ultimately compromising the very structure of your roof.

Additionally, remember to seal all windows and doors. Many times repairs can be done easily. If not, you can hire a professional contractor to replace broken or loose panes, seal doors, and repair compromised windows and doors. Contact our professionals for an assessment of your home’s doors and windows before the next weather event.

Trim the Trees

This may seem obvious but check for broken branches and loose limbs. Tree trimming before hurricanes and snowstorms hits will ensure additional protection for you and your neighbors. Especially look out for trees that might have compromised structures, are dead from rot, or are in precarious locations like close to your home or near your car.

Roofing

Many homeowners neglect their roof. They save repairing old shingles until it is too late. Don’t wait on roof repair. An old roof can quickly become an expensive problem during a storm. Water and wind damage can lead to irreparable costly damage and even personal loss.

 

Keep your family safe during the next storm. Call a professional about installing quality doors and windows. By following a few simple tips you can enjoy your home for generations to come.

 

 

 

4 Stunning Entrance Ideas for Your Home

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entry-doors-with-sidelightsEnjoy luxury and elegance with a stunning home entrance. Adding home value and curb appeal, a beautiful entrance welcomes each visitor with your unique style. From entry doors with sidelights to unique glass design options, find out how you can make your home an aesthetic dream.

Beautiful Glass Designs

One of the best ways to awe guests when they visit your home is to greet them with a beautiful luxury glass design. When these entry doors with sidelights glisten in the sun, the intricate patterns and artistry can be truly breathtaking. Choose from the wrought iron collection, Classic, and York styles, or more modern decorative collections. Speak with our interior designers today about what style and options fit your home and tastes.

Live Life in Color

Avoid the mundaneness of a drab gray or white entryway. Add a little color to your home. Coordinate with your home’s natural finishes and materials. Your custom door can come in anything from cherry to evergreen to sleek black. Coordinate your window frames and doors for an overall cohesive look.

Landscaping

Don’t leave your landscaping for the backyard garden. Incorporate classic topiaries, beautiful evergreens, and bright foliage with your entryway. Line the walkway to your home with large artistic pots that add color even on the drabbest of winter days.

Masonry

Add to the beauty and elegance of your glass-paned doorway by incorporating custom masonry. Whether a natural walkway, a fountain or a small space for your front garden, a little bit of paved masonry can add to your home’s curb appeal and overall feeling of classic luxury. Find unique statuary and sculptures to truly make your home stand out from the rest. Enjoy the beauty and elegance that a gorgeous home entryway can bring to your home.

 

3 Ways to Make the Most out of Your Patio Doors

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sliding-doorsHomeowners have many choices when choosing the right type of patio doors for the home. From sliding doors to in-swing doors, how can you choose the right door for you? What should you take into consideration when deciding? Here are some helpful professional tips to help you make the most of your patio doors for your home.

Make the Most of Your Space

The first decision that you need to make regarding your patio doors is what type of opening method is best for your house – in-swing doors, out-swing patio doors, or sliding doors? Your decision is based both on the space available and how you will be using the door from day-to-day.

In-swing doors are very popular. The hinges are inside the home and usually an additional screen door is added to avoid wind and debris from coming in the home. If you choose out-swing patio doors you will need a cleared space outdoors. These are very important for coastal areas in hurricane-prone regions. Hurricane doors are out-swing doors because they add extra strength. If you have a home with minimal space, you might want to choose a patio door that slides. Balconies are an excellent place to install these types of doors.

Enjoy Beautiful Views

Do you want to install a large patio door that allows you a beautiful vista of the area around you or do you want to opt for something more private and nondescript? Large patio doors often are a way to allow nature and sunlight into your home. If you live in the country or a place where you enjoy a beautiful view, then you may want a large entrance.

Energy Efficiency is Key

Speak with your contractor about newer technologies that are energy efficient and eco-friendly. There are new options that can control how much heat enters your home and protects against drafts and precipitation. Patio doors can insulate your home. Choose the patio style that fits your lifestyle and home. Find a way to bring energy efficiency and aesthetic beauty into your life through patio doors.

3 Types of Dorplex Doors for Your Residence

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dorplex-doorsEnjoy better protection, high performance, and elegant style with the Dorplex Doors entry systems. Available in a variety of materials, Dorplex maximizes curbside appeal for your home or business, long-term durability, and superior protection.  Look no further for simplicity and class in a superior door system.

Security and Peace of Mind

First and foremost, Dorplex Doors provide you with much-needed security and peace of mind. These high-quality doors provide superior protection against break-ins, wear and tear, and inclement weather. The complex 8-gauge lock guardian exceeds industry standards, providing only the best in strong reliable home and business protection. The superior hinge, jamb, and frame design mean that your home will be safe for decades to come. Don’t worry about warping or issues due to the expansion of materials. Better seal protection ensures that your home is sealed and safe.

Fiberglass Doors Provide Durability for a Lifetime

The Fiberglass collection offers durable practical doors for any home. The solid core construction of the fiberglass Dorplex means that your door will not succumb to the elements and time. With superior hinge and jambs, sagging and warping is no longer a problem. Dorplex is made from fiberglass, with an unmatched design that provides years of high-performance security. Enjoy doors that will not crack or split.

Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient Options

Request the best in eco-friendly doors. Dorplex has the best weatherstripping available on the market today. This system has been specially designed for areas of extremely cold weather. Enjoy lower utility costs and energy efficiency through an impenetrable seal that keeps your home insulated and minimizes leakage or precipitation. Ideal for climates prone to snow and rain. The sweep prevents dirt and water from entering your home. Enjoy the highest level of insulation for your home. Discuss your energy needs with your design professional to create the door system that is ideal for you.

Customized Executive Style

The Executive collection entry system maximizes simplicity with a touch of sophistication with a raised panel and unique decorative look. Find the door design that matches your unique personality. There are dozens of colors to choose from, from deep blues and greens to faux wood finishes. Each door uses special paints that protect against unwanted peeling and wear due to the sun. Minimize maintenance and enjoy special UV protection for your Dorplex.

Dorplex provides quality doors that offer superior safety and security, quality materials, functionality, and energy efficiency. There are a variety of options from both the Fiberglass and Executive collections or ask for a special customized door system. Increase the curbside appeal of your home in a practical and stylish way. Contact your local design professional about how you install the safe and secure Dorplex system.