5 Tell-Tale Signs to Let You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

It can be hard to notice when to replace aging windows. What are the indicators to let you know they need to be replaced? Here are 5 tell-tale signs to let you know when to replace your windows.

Drafts

Do you feel drafts in your home? It’s probably because your windows aren’t properly sealed or there’s inadequate insulation. This leads to air coming in from outside and creating drafts. No one wants to live in a chilly home. You also are wasting money on your energy bill by not replacing your windows. It’s no use of having indoor heating if you have cold air coming in and warm air coming out.

Damaged Frames

Sometimes frames get water damage. How can you tell? Are the frames soft to the touch or chipped? Then, you more than likely have water damage. If they’re soft it means you have rot and water infiltration. You’ll have to replace your windows soon or they will start sagging and on top of that, any water infiltration can grow into mold and cause many potential health problems.

Condensation

Condensation building up between the glass is a sure sign that you need to replace your windows. When you see condensation, it means your seals are no longer any good or you have cracked glass somewhere on the windows. This causes moisture to be let in through the glass. On top of that, it means the insulating gas is being let out and so it can no longer trap the heat inside. So, if you see the cloudy layer of condensation your windows, it’s a clear sign that. You need to replace your windows.

Noise

Can you hear the intimate details of conversations between strangers in the street? Does it seem like the neighbor’s music is right in your living room? They could be too loud, or it could mean your windows need to be replaced. If you live in a noisy area in the city or a street where it’s busy, you may need double or triple-pane Argon or Krypton gas insulated windows. This help excludes outside noise better than older types of windows.

Difficulty Opening, Closing, and Locking

If you have difficulty opening, closing, or locking your windows you will need to replace your windows. It’s a pain to deal with a window that gives you trouble when you attempt to lock it but on top of that these limit the safety of your home, making it easy for criminals to come in. Rusting or rotting windows or those installed poorly usually cause this problem. If you are experiencing this issue it’s time to replace your window and ensure your family’s safety.

All five of these are sure signs your windows need replacement. The comfort and safety of you and your family depend on you having properly installed and quality windows. If you notice any of these signs don’t wait to replace your windows as soon as possible. Make sure to only contact a professional window contractor to make sure that you’ll get the best recommendation and installation for your windows. If you’re around Northeast Ohio, contact Middlefield Windows and Doors at (216) 264-8315. Middlefield Windows and Doors is a ProVia Certified Installer and Dealer. We have been serving the residents of Northeast Ohio Since 1959.

Discover the Surprising Benefits of Windows and Natural Light

Just like plants, you need a proper amount of sunlight in order for your body and mind to thrive. Without adequate windows and natural light, you miss out on optimal mental and physical health. Here are the surprising benefits of windows and natural light. 

Vitamin D

One of the benefits of windows and natural light is you get the right amount of vitamin D from sunlight. Wait a minute? You may be thinking we got vitamin D from things like milk and green vegetables. Yes, you can but ensure you get an adequate amount from sunlight coming through your windows. The best part is that when it comes through your windows, you limit your exposure to direct sunlight which can cause things like skin cancer.

Depression

Another benefit of natural light is that, it’s a natural cure for mild depression from SAD or seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder especially affects those who live in cold climates. Serotonin is a chemical in our body which affects our happiness and mood. Some in the science world believe the production of this chemical may be linked to sunlight.

Natural light has positive effects for those who suffer with seasonal affective disorder. Even in a cold climate getting enough natural light through the windows can boost your mood and shield you from the impact the cold dark winter can have on your happiness.

Productivity

Natural light also has a great effect on your productivity. By just being exposed to natural light from windows you can actually increase your energy and get more things done. Windows allowing natural light to come in give a signal to our bodies and the message they communicate is “It’s daytime. Get to work.”

Natural light will give you the urge to accomplish more before night time comes. If you need an extra boost of productivity then look no further than windows in your house.

Sleep Cycle

And while we are talking about productivity let’s not forget that we also need our rest. Natural light from windows can also help you with the optimal sleep cycle. Your body is made to time itself to the sun. Your body knows when it’s time to sleep based on its 24-hour circadian cycle. When you fail to get enough natural light, your circadian cycle is thrown off. In other words, your body doesn’t know what time it is.

Help your body out by giving it adequate natural light. This way your body will be able to orient itself towards the right time of the day and thank you with a good night sleep. Who knew natural light could be so rewarding?

So, there you have it. Natural light from windows gives our bodies and our minds important benefits. Make sure you have adequate windows in your home and let the light in. Your body will thank you for it. If you’re looking to get new windows that will bring in more light to your house, contact middle field windows and doors. Middlefield Windows and Doors has been replacing and installing new windows since 1959 in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio. Call us at (216) 264-8315.

Single Hung Vs Double Hung Windows

A single hung and a double-hung windows may appear similar, but it is different and can be used differently depending on our needs. Before you choose between a double-hung window and single hung window, you need to know and understand its difference.

Design

Both single-hung and double-hung windows are vertically sliding windows and have upper and lower sash. Single and double-hung windows may look identical when you look at it from a distance.

How are they different?

In a Single-hung window, the bottom sash moves vertically while the upper sash remains stationary. Double-hung windows , on the other hand, offer the homeowner the ability to open both the upper and the lower sash, rather than just the bottom.

  • Single-hung windowSingle-hung windows are more weather-resistant. It is less susceptible to air leakage because the upper sash is fixed and cannot develop looseness. This window type is also cheaper in cost compared to a double-hung window.
  • Double-hung window – This window type is more energy-efficient and provides better ventilation since both the top and bottom sash can be opened. This window type is also easier to clean since both of the sashes can be cleaned from the inside of the house. This window type, however, is more expensive compared to the other because it contains more moving parts.

These are just some of the information you need to help you choose between a single-hung and a double-hung window. Make sure to choose wisely depending on your needs and budget. Regardless of the window type, you will be choosing, you should take care of the essential and sensitive part, which is its glass. Are you looking for the perfect replacement windows? Contact Middlefield Windows and Doors for a free consultation!

Tips On Choosing The Right Windows For Your Home

Tips On Choosing The Right Windows For Your Home

Before, homeowners were only restricted to whether they can find windows that will fit the design of their home. Now, people started to become aware and conscious of their surroundings. Environment-conscious consumers understand that the right windows are a source of lighting, heating, and cooling.

In summers, large windows allow the air inside the enclosed house. In the winters, the right windows, if closed, will stop all the cooling from coming into the house. Lastly, during both winters and summers, rightly chosen windows will affect the way light enters the house. If windows allow the sunshine inside the house, homeowners will not have to turn on the lights during the day, saving a big chunk of money on the electricity costs. Choosing a window can be tricky at first.

The following are some tips that will help you in choosing the right windows for your home:

  1. Energy Auditing the House

If you are installing windows in your new house or replacing windows, you need to undertake the energy audit of the house. The energy audit will effectively let you know how cost-effective new window units will be. You can also conduct a DIY energy audit keeping in mind the following things:

  • Major areas of your house,
  • What kind of windows would be suitable for your home?
  • Which kind of material would be better for your house?
  • and how seriously you would need  the windows in summers and winters

Then, you must buy the windows that would fulfill the energy needs of your house. You can also find a Windows Expert to help you.

  1. The frame of the Windows

Many materials can be used for framing the windows. The most common frame of the windows is wood. If wood material is used, the transfer of heat and cool inside the house is done very slowly. There are also different kinds of materials that can be used to make the windows energy-efficient.

Different kinds of materials will include vinyl framing material, wooden-clad material, aluminum framing material, composite material, fiberglass material, etc. Each frame material is detailed below:

  • Vinyl Material Windows

Vinyl framing material conducts the heat and cooling well, so they offer a practical choice. A properly installed vinyl frame with a glass window will look very good in your place. However, vinyl is a cheap material and color options are limited, which is why not most homeowners choose vinyl as their material of the window.

  • Aluminum Material Windows

Though aluminum is not an ideal frame when considering heat gain and loss, aluminum is the best choice if your house is located in humid, rainy and mild climates. It can withstand hurricanes and storms very effectively.

  • Composite Material Windows

Composite material windows are going to be made from the mixture of the wood scraps and plastic resins that will give a feel of the wooden windows, but they will be much more efficient than the wooden windows.

  • Fiberglass Material:

They are also composite material windows but made of glass fiber and polyester resin windows. Fiberglass windows are more expensive than other solutions.

  • Wooden-Clad Windows

Wooden-clad windows offer the best of all other materials solutions: they offer a very low-maintenance exterior (usually aluminum or vinyl) and a wooden interior consisting of the temperature-transfer resistant material.

You must choose a frame from these options that suit the energy requirement of your house.

  1. Window Casings

There are many different kinds of casings. Modern casings, low-profile cashing, high-profile cashing, traditional casing and complete casings are different types of casing. In each casing, the material is used either in a higher quantity or lower quantity which is why the differentiation is made. For example, the low-profile casing is less decorative than the high-profile casing. The traditional casing had been designed according to the traditional scheme of the design, while modern casings consist of ultramodern design.

You may choose a design for your window that you like. There are a lot of window contractors who offer different options for your window.

  1. Matching Window’s Theme to the Entire House

Your windows must not be constructed in a way that windows would look entirely different from the entire house. If the house is constructed and decorated around a modern or traditional theme, your windows must also follow the same theme and style. A little bit of variation is accepted, but the window should not be opposite to the entire house’s outlook. Good thing, there are a lot of window options available in the market today that you can choose from.

  1. Durability and Performance of the Windows

Different types of windows perform and age differently in different climate conditions. You must choose windows that best suit the weather in your city. Windows with a moisture-resistant material, high-temperature-resistant or SHGC (higher solar heat gain coefficient) windows may be inspected. If summer is a shorter season in your area, you must go for SHGC windows.

These are several tips you must keep in mind when you’re choosing the right window, whether you’re replacing your windows or choosing one for your new home.

Different Types of Replacement Windows and Tips to Choose the Best Options

Different Types of Replacement Windows and Tips to Choose the Best

While renovating your home, replacing the old windows can enhance the overall look of your home. It makes your home look more modern, elegant and clean. Double-hung windows amongst all the replacement windows available in the market are easy to clean and maintain. Are you looking forward to replacing your old windows? There’s a variety of options to choose from. Each will add it’s unique style and feel to your home.

Types of Replacement Windows

 Replacement windows are available in various styles, shapes, and sizes. You can pick the one that suits your taste and fits your budget. The location of the window should be kept in mind while selecting the style, shape, and size. The different types of replacement windows are:

  • Double-hung windows

Double-hung replacement windows are the most popular window styles available in the market. These are most suitable for the openings where height is more than the width.  They look great on the walls next to patios, decks, and walkways.  Not only do they offer a classic look to your place, but they are very easy to handle and access. By lowering the top slash this allows warmer air around the ceiling to move out from the top. Raising the lower sash allows the cool air to flow in.

  • Sliding Windows

Sliding windows also are known as gliding, windows come with slim vertical lines for a clean and elegant look. This is a perfect addition to the architectural style of your home. These windows are ideal for the openings where the width is more than the height. The windows can glide smoothly on either side.

  • Awning Windows

Awning windows pivot outwards and its hinges are located on the top. Due to their structuring, these windows have a horizontal orientation. These windows look good when installed near the ceiling, in the walk-in closets and even in bathrooms to fil the room with sunlight.

  • Bay & Bow Windows

Bay and Bow windows are a collection of three windows each attached at 25-to-45 degree angles. On the other hand, bow windows are a collection of more than three windows connected at 10-15 degree angles. Both the window styles look amazing in the living room when placed at the focal point of the room.

Tips to Choose the Right Replacement Windows

Performing a Test

To know which windows are the most suitable and in good shape, ask the contractor to perform a test on windows for resistance to wind and rain. This will help determine if the whole window is to be replaced or part of it can be salvaged. You can find sturdy replacement windows of good quality at an affordable price that fits your budget when working with an experienced and trusted ProVia contractor.

Salvaging Outdated Framework

If the frames of your windows are not too worn out and can be salvaged with a new paint job or finishing, you could save money on material and labor. If the frames are too worn out and damaged, you may need to purchase a full replacement window.

Find an Experienced Window Contractor

No matter how much high-quality and comfortable window you buy, if it isn’t fixed right, it won’t look right. Hiring a certified and skilled ProVia contractor to assist you along your home improvement project will give you long-term peace of mind. With lifetime warranties and product satisfaction guarantees, you will be covered in case you need to replace the windows again.

Additional options for replacement windows are equally essential and beneficial types such as single hung windows, glass block windows, and casement windows. At Middlefield, we are Northeast Ohio’s most trusted replacement window and exterior door company since 1959. Let’s get your project underway! Call us at (216) 264-8315 to get started on your next project.

Top Qualities to Consider When Purchasing a New Entry Door

Planning to replace your old entry door with a new one? The entry door is not only responsible for offering you security but it makes the first impression of your home. Whenever you greet your guests, the first object they come into sight with is your home’s entry door. So why settle for less than the highest quality doors to incorporate in your home when you can have a beautiful, custom-built Platinum ProVia Entry Door! Why choose Middlefield Windows & Doors? The quality and attention to detail in our products make us proud to be a Platinum ProVia Window & Door Dealer & Certified Installer.

  1. Ultimate Security

If you’re a homeowner it’s crucial to consider security as the top priority while buying an entry door. To bring to your knowledge, entry doors available today are more secure than the older models. They come with heavy-duty deadbolt locks that are impenetrable. There are strikes boxes embedded deep into the door plan and a reinforcing plate is wrapped around the door handle area giving you the security you need to sleep peacefully at night and worry-free when you are away from your home.

  1. Weather Resistant Quality

Having a Storm Entry Door provides reassurance your home’s main point of entry is safe. Extreme weather conditions plague the exposure of your entry doors to high wind, heavy rains, and humidity. All this leads to the early deterioration of the entry doors. Having a ProVia Storm Entry Door can be a great investment during harsh weather conditions. When you choose Middlefield Windows & Doors, you’ll get a limited lifetime warranty and an increased value to your home!

  1. Good Entry Doors are Energy Efficient

Energy can escape from the smallest of the gaps in your home. Your home’s front door is one of the most vulnerable points from where the energy of your home can easily escape. This continuous loss of energy can lead to increased energy bills. Therefore, while buying an entry door look for the quality of material that is used to make the door. When you have an entry door installed by a ProVia Dealer & Certified Installer provided by our expertise we install your door with this factor in mind.

  1. Best on the Market

Your guests will see your entry door as they approach your home. ProVia Entry Doors are the best on the market! ProVia offers four lines of fiberglass and steel professional-class entry doors that meet the highest standards for beauty, durability, security and energy efficiency, available in custom sizes and finishes.

Ready to Customize Your Home with ProVia Entry Doors?

Because of the advanced technology and so many options available today, there is no reason you can’t get the door of your choice with all the qualities you desire. In fact, you can get a door built from scratch as per your specifications and needs. When you are buying the door online, you can easily get it customized without having to break the bank. Homeowners and contractors who buy quality, buy ProVia front doors. Plus you can customize your entry door the way you want using our visualizer tool on our website! Contact Middlefield Windows & Doors today at 216-264-8315 to request a free estimate by our team of professionals.