by Middlefield Windows & Doors | Jan 15, 2021 | Doors, Home Improvement
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.
by Middlefield Windows & Doors | Dec 15, 2020 | Doors, Replacement Windows
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.
by Middlefield Windows & Doors | Dec 1, 2020 | Doors
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.
by Middlefield Windows & Doors | Nov 16, 2020 | Doors
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.
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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!
by Middlefield Windows & Doors | Oct 1, 2020 | Doors, Home Improvement
Entry doors are generally highly durable and made to last a long time, intended to withstand harsh outdoor elements and weather. However, as time passes, the condition of your entry doors can worsen to the point where a repair is necessary. Sometimes, a repair alone is simply not effective and instead, the whole entry door needs to be replaced. Carefully consider the following factors when making the decision that is best suited to your home and unique situation.
If The Paint or Finish is Damaged: Surface level damage that doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of your entry doors is one of the only situations where it is better to repair than to replace. Painting over old entry doors with a fresh coat of paint or a new style of finish can create a totally different feel for your home’s exterior. If you’re satisfied with the structure and if your entry doors are still in overall good condition, then repairing is the sensible choice.
If You Have Visible Damage: While rust and dents may seem like easy fixes, they’re actually an indication of serious structural deficiencies in your old entry doors. Splitting wood, visible dents, and lots of rust are issues that generally are better suited to total entry door replacement rather than spot treatment repairs. This is because they are surface representations of serious internal damage to the door. Simply trying to repair, rather than replace the doors, will only result in the issue getting worse over time.
If The Style is Outdated: If you’re not happy with the current style of your old entry doors, then replacing the entry doors is the best course of action. Replacing features and fixtures is the perfect time to update the atmosphere and curb appeal of your home with a chic, refreshing new style. Entry doors are made in a variety of different styles to suit each homeowner’s individual tastes.
If You Want to be More Energy Efficient: Depending on when you last updated your entry doors, replacing your old entry doors rather than repairing them can save you a lot of money on your energy bill. The initial cost of completely replacing the entry doors may seem more expensive than simply repairing the doors, but in actuality, choosing new energy efficient entry doors can significantly save on energy and lower your energy bill.
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When deciding whether to repair or to replace your old entry doors, it’s best to carefully consider all of these essential factors before making your choice. Whether you end up replacing or repairing, be sure to trust a professional door company with experience in designing and offering high-quality products, to ensure that you’re happy with the results!
by Middlefield Windows & Doors | Sep 16, 2020 | Doors, Home Improvement, Replacement Windows
Sliding glass doors may not seem as outright elegant as other door options for your porch, patio, or similar outdoor to indoor spaces, but they offer a surprising amount of advantages that most homeowners fail to consider. In fact, there are many overlooked benefits of installing sliding glass doors which can seriously improve the quality and appearance of your property. If you’re looking to add or replace doors in your home, consider installing sliding glass doors!
Increase Natural Lighting: Natural lighting can make any home appear more spacious and elegant. Sliding glass doors are made from large glass panels that allow in tons of warm, natural light which can elevate the appearance of your interior spaces. Natural light can also help save money on your energy bills, as the increase in light means you don’t have to relay on electronic appliances as often as before.
Ventilation and Airflow: It is essential to have fresh air constantly circulating throughout your home in order to cycle out any harmful particles and improve the health of your household. Sliding glass doors provide a huge area for air flow to enter and exit, letting in gentle breezes that can cool down the house in summer months. Homeowners with sliding doors often use their air conditioning system less, helping to save money on energy bills.
Traffic Flow: Adding a new door to your property, especially sliding doors, can help improve traffic flow around your house. As the design functions along sliding panels, installing sliding glass doors won’t disrupt your interior or exterior designs. You can easily keep your furniture exactly where it is currently located. It also improves the ease of entering and leaving the house. Transitioning between indoor and outdoor areas, such as during a barbecue party or other outdoor event, is simple when using sliding glass doors.
Style: Adding sliding glass doors to your home can seriously transform the style of your home, as well as significantly increase curb appeal. Sliding glass doors elevate otherwise uninspiring spaces and provide elegance to your home. They come in many different styles and stains; therefore, they can easily match whatever style of design your home currently is. Not only that, they offer a beautiful view to the outdoor scenery that is far superior to a simple interior wall. The splendor of nature can turn into part of your home’s interior charm simply by installing sliding glass doors on your property.
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Give your home an entirely new, refreshing look with just a simple addition of sliding glass doors. Sliding glass doors offer homeowners a number of stylistic and design advantages that most people fail to consider. If you’re looking to increase curb appeal and upgrade your home, don’t forget to think about the many benefits of installing sliding glass doors.
