Tips for Selecting Patio Doors 

If you’re considering a new patio door, then you’ll have tons of options to choose from. You’ll want something aesthetically pleasing and very functional for your space. Here are five tips for selecting patio doors that will help you get started.

Measure Your Space

The size of your patio door will impact which style is best for your space and how much it will cost. Some patio doors have two panes, while others have three. Measure the opening of the patio door or employ a home improvement contractor to measure for you.

You’ll also need to measure how much space your door has to open. Swinging and French doors need a lot of space while sliding doors don’t need any extra space. Measure the distance between the wall and furniture on both the inside and outside of your patio door.

Pick a Strong Material for the Frame

You want a patio door that will stand the test of time against any weather. Depending on where you live, you may have extreme cold or heat conditions. Choose a material that will stand up against the elements in your area and will be easy to clean. A few sturdy options include vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and clad-wood.

Find a Good Glass

Select a glass for your patio door that has a high energy-efficiency to save you money and conserve your energy usage. Some glass materials also protect against UV fading and many have built-in sun-blinds. You’ll also want to select a glass that is low-maintenance and easy to clean.

Consider How Much Privacy You Want

If your patio door faces your backyard, it may not matter how much privacy it provides. However, if it is the main entrance to your home or faces the main road, you may want to consider frosted or stained glass for privacy.

Middlefield offers a wide range of door glass options. Which kind of glass you should go with depends on your preferences and where your patio door faces. You can also select curtains, drapes, or blinds to provide privacy.

Make Sure it Matches Your Space and Lifestyle

Make sure to find a patio door that matches your space and suits your home and lifestyle. The patio door’s style will impact your home’s overall look. For instance, if you have a wood home, you will likely want a wood frame rather than a vinyl one. You’ll also want to make sure that the frame matches the color scheme of your home’s décor.

Additionally, if you have pets or young children at home, you’ll also want to consider what style of patio door will work best. For instance, you can easily add a doggy door to a sliding patio door. If you have small children, you may want to choose a door that can easily lock.

Conclusion

Selecting your ideal patio door doesn’t have to be difficult. Just make sure to measure your space, pick a good frame and glass, and ensure that it suits your space and lifestyle. You can also get an at-home consultation and help from a contractor to help you pick out the best patio door to match your home.

New Year New Windows? Reasons to Replace Your Windows in 2021

When was the last time you checked on your windows? High-quality windows can last for 20 years, but if your windows are more than a few decades old, it might be time to check in on them and see if they need to be replaced.

New windows can improve the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your home and there are many more reasons to get new windows in the New Year. Here are the top five reasons to replace your windows in 2021.

Your Windows are Damaged

The top reason to replace your windows is if they are damaged, warped, or the window frame or glass is broken. Sometimes you can fix a window. However, in many cases, you will want to replace windows because they can fog up, let in a draft or struggle to stay open.

You Need to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Drafty windows can cause up to 40% of your heating and cooling costs. Energy-efficient windows can prevent heat from leaving in the winter or entering in the summer, keeping your home more comfortable and your energy bill lower.

New windows can save you from $236 to $366 a year. With the new year, it might be time to invest in more energy-efficient windows that can reduce your energy bill.

Your Windows Don’t Open and Close Well

Check that your windows can slide open and shut smoothly and easily. If they get stuck in any position, it’s not only annoying but also can pose a serious safety concern in the event of an emergency. Additionally, if you cannot secure the lock, then your home is vulnerable to theft.

Wood windows can be swollen shut and some windows are painted or bolted shut. If any of your windows don’t open and close well, it’s a sign that you should get new windows in the New Year.

You Want More Soundproofing

Do you hear cars driving by, train whistles, or your neighbors through your windows? You’re probably spending more time at home lately and may even have moved your office at home. Noise from the neighbors or outside can interrupt your day.

Most single-pane windows and even some double-pane windows will allow most sounds through into your home. You may want to consider new windows in 2021 that can absorb sound waves and give you a more peaceful home, and an environment conducive to work, study, and relaxation.

You Want to Sell Your Home

Windows can significantly increase the value of your home, especially energy-efficient windows. According to the cost vs. value report, on average getting new windows has a return of 73.4% (if you spend $16,802 on replacing windows, you get a return of $12,332).

Compared to other home renovations, new windows actually have one of the higher returns compared to remodeling your kitchen or adding a deck.

Conclusion

New windows can help you save energy, reduce your energy bill, and increase your home’s value. They are also easier to operate and will keep you safe and secure, and protected from loud noises outside. Especially if you haven’t replaced your windows in a while, 2021 might be your year to get new windows.

How Winter Affects Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are designed to offer protection from extreme weather conditions. But you should know these aren’t indestructible. Winter can affect windows and doors and in time, can make them inefficient at shielding your home. We shared our insights on how winter affects windows and doors. Check this article to get ready to protect your property!

#1 Warping and Shrinking

If you have a wood entry door, cold temperatures and humidity can take a toll on its structural integrity. Window frames can suffer similar damage, which can affect their ability to insulate your home.

#2 Ice

Ice can form in the spaces between doors and windows. If the frames aren’t installed correctly, it leaves room for drafts and ice formation. When warm air escapes through these openings, it freezes in contact with exterior air. The result will be difficult to open window or door. Make sure you perform regular maintenance to fix any cracks or damage in windows and doors frames.

#3 Hardware

Doors and windows come with several elements meant to ensure they function correctly. Latches, handles, hinges, and several other mechanisms can damage easily due to cold weather stress. The most vulnerable windows are casement and awning, so you should pay close attention to those when winter comes.

#4 Condensation

Usually, a bit of condensation on your windows in the cold season can indicate their energy efficiency. Still, if your windows and doors shifted position and allow cold air to enter your home, it can lead to the appearance of condensation. The first thing you can do is diminish humidity with a dehumidifier. But if the problem persists, it might be the time to consider replacing your windows and doors.

#5 Fading

Snow and ice can fade the color of your windows and doors frames. For many homeowners, this isn’t a serious concern, but it can make your home look dull. There are some simple fixes, such as applying a treatment to your frames before winter arrives. But if you’re looking for a long-term solution, replacing your windows and doors with fiberglass models can offer moisture-resistant properties that prevent fading.

Final Word

Winter can affect windows and doors differently depending on the area you live in. Experts say it is best to have professional windows and doors contractor assess your property to determine whether your windows and doors require repairs or replacement. A professional can also share some valuable insights on how to adequately maintain your windows and doors to prevent extensive wear and tear damage. 

Reasons to Replace Your Entry Door This Holiday Season

Are you the type of homeowner who dreads the entire process of replacing your front door? Before you dismiss the thought, you should know there are several reasons to replace your entry door as we approach the holiday season.

Safety And Security

The major reason to replace your entry door this holiday season is safety and security. A damaged front door, which can be hard to operate and close, can easily be transformed into an entry point for burglars. Also, if your door has extensive damage, it can fall from its support unexpectedly. New entry doors come with integrated multi-point locking systems, ensuring the security of your property. Besides, new models are energy-efficient and will insulate your home adequately.

Curb Appeal And Value

Regardless if you’re planning to sell your property or not, changing the front door can increase your home’s value. Redesigning home exteriors contributes to curb appeal, which can make your house look stylish and welcoming. This year, consider the best possible decoration that your property deserves: a brand-new entry door!

Style, Colors, And Materials

Another reason to replace your entry door this holiday season is the vast array of choices you have. You can choose energy-efficient materials that will offer a lot of versatility, durability, and protection. The best part about this is that your door can come in different styles and colors. Some of the trending entry door materials are steel, fiberglass, and vinyl. But if you have an older home, installing a traditional wood door can preserve the property’s authenticity.

Maintenance

Modern doors made from fiberglass and steel come with reinforced cores meant to resist a lot of wear and tear. Besides being durable, these can offer reduced maintenance time. Take, for example, wood doors. These need frequent maintenance for painting or sealing so that you can preserve the best appearance.

Age

If you’re not sure whether to substitute your entry door this holiday season, here’s another convincing reason. Your front door isn’t meant to last forever! A front entry door can last between 20 to 30 years if you perform maintenance like a pro. So, if your door is around 20 years of age, carefully assess its condition and consider replacing it.

Final Word

These are some of our reasons why you might want to replace your entry door this holiday season. Modern doors are made from high-quality materials that can help you protect your home and offer an extra touch of style. Now is the best time to seriously consider making one of the most significant upgrades to your home. 

Choosing Door Materials for your Entry Door

Your home’s entry door is the first impression visitors have into your home’s interior and style. It is essential to select an entry door material that is both stylish and functional to suit your property. While there are a variety of different options available to install, the door materials of wood, fiberglass, steel, and glass are the four main choices to consider when choosing your entry door. 

Wood: Wood is highly versatile and can be used to create a diverse amount of unique shapes and styles for your home. If you’re stuck when choosing door materials for your entry door, wood is a classic choice to consider. Since the material is highly personable, it is easy to alter in order to suit your property’s specific atmosphere. Your wooden entry door frame can be designed to include glass accents, sidelights, and a variety of other additional details in order to fit your exact vision. However, over time, wooden entry door frames can warp from exposure to the elements, reducing their efficiency and life span. 

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a durable synthetic material that can be stained and manipulated to look naturally beautiful as well. It is easy to change their appearance using colorful paints or stains. The cost of a fiberglass entry door is higher than that of a wooden entry door, but the material is generally stronger and less easily dented. Fiberglass entry doors are also equipped with an insulated layer that helps keep the elements out and your home’s comfortable environment in. Due to their strength and longevity, fiberglass is a great choice to consider when choosing door materials for your entry door. 

Steel: Steel is one of the strongest and safest entry door materials to choose from. In cases of break-ins, steel is harder to break through than other entry door options. Metal entry doors are also highly insulated and help keep cold winds out of your home. However, a steel entry door is much easier to dent. 

Glass: A solid glass entry door is a visually stunning option to select. It allows homeowners to enjoy more of the outdoor view and utilize additional natural lighting in their homes. However, an unobstructed view can also be unappealing to certain homeowners concerned about their privacy. Many people enjoy entry doors that combine glass portions with other material as the base, in order to enjoy the light without sacrificing privacy. 

Carefully consider each material before selecting the perfect entry door to suit your home! The type of entry door material is just as important as the design of the door itself. Whatever material you decide to use for your entry door, be sure to select material from a reputable company to ensure high-quality results!