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Window Cleaning Tips and Tricks for The Toronto Homeowner

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Your windows are a significant part of your home’s external appeal. Beautiful windows catch the eyes of passers-by. Clean windows also let a lot of good light into your home and can save you money by using internal lighting less often. But window cleaning can be a total chore, doing it improperly can leave streaks, or can damage the frame. At the worst your window might get scratched from improper cleaning. Toronto Door and Windows is here with a few window cleaning tips to help you keep your windows looking pristine and presentable.

Cleaning Solutions for Window Cleaning

First thing you’ll need to get when you’re cleaning windows is what kind of cleaner you’ll be using. Here’s a few window cleaning tips regarding the type of cleaning solution you should choose.

Store Bought Cleaning Solutions

The most important thing to look for in a cleaning solution is to make sure that it’s non-streak. Some cleaning solutions can leave streaks and residue when they dry, making your entire exercise of window cleaning pointless. Usually, the cleaning solutions that do leave streaks are not actually meant for cleaning glass. Look out for cleaners that are specifically formulated to clean glass to avoid this mistake.

However, some dishwashing detergents can be helpful with the tougher spots on your windows. Not only will it provide a better surface for scrubbing away the dirt caked up on your window, they’re usually already streak free as well.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

If you’re looking to save a bit of money or would rather go with a more natural approach, there are a number of cleaning solutions that you can make at home for yourself. A few of the typical cleaning solutions that you can make readily are:

Vinegar and lemon juice should be pretty common in a homeowner’s cupboard. It has a ton of uses for cleaning: tiles, floors, kitchen countertops, ceramic, and yes, even glass. The mild acidity of these liquids helps break down dust buildup on your windows.

Rubbing alcohol isn’t just for cuts, its antibacterial properties will keep your windows cleaner for longer as well. Meanwhile, you can buy ammonia, which is found in most commercially available cleaners in certain stores as a cleaning solvent for cheaper than the cleaners you can buy regularly. Just make sure that you dilute it properly: at one tablespoon per gallon of water.

Usually you would create a mixture from just some of these liquids to create your homemade solution. A typical suggestion is ¼ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of water, and a bit of liquid soap.

Equipment

After deciding on what you’ll be cleaning with, here are a few window cleaning tips on the essential equipment you need to do all your cleaning:

Vacuum

Besides just the glass of your window, you need to keep your window sill and any rails clean and free of dust and debris as well. Use a vacuum with a wand attachment to clear up all the dirt. This is not only to keep your window clean, but also to make sure that the mechanisms of your window don’t get clogged with dust and debris, damaging how you open and close the window.

Squeegees and Sponges

These are your best friends for cleaning windows, professionals have been using it for years and they’re readily available to you for pretty cheap at any hardware store. Use the sponge to apply your cleaning solution and the squeegee to make sure that there aren’t any streaks.

Scraper

Window scrapers are the most important tool you can have to deal with the peskier parts of your window. Use it to scrape off any residue on your window that a typical wipe down won’t remove like dried tape adhesive or paint.

Paper Towels, Old T-Shirts and Newspapers

These options are there for people who don’t want to buy equipment exclusively for just window cleaning. All of these materials are cheap and generally lint free. Old newspapers and paper towels are disposable, while you can use find a use of old t-shirts you can’t donate.

Lint Roller

While a surprising addition to your toolkit, a lint roller is great for picking up dust and debris that stick to your window or frame, despite all your efforts, sometimes there’s always just a little bit of dust left over when you finish cleaning, usually because dust and debris stick to the window while it dries.

When and how should you do your Window Cleaning?

Now that you have your equipment and cleaning solution, here are a few general window cleaning tips to help you when you’re finally starting the work:

1. Do it on an overcast day

While you might think that a sunny day is the perfect time to do your window cleaning, it’s better to do it on an overcast day instead. The sun can dry your cleaning solution too quickly, leading to marks and residue to build up. On a cooler, overcast day, you’ll have the proper time to wash and clean the windows, plus, you won’t need to be standing under the hot sun for hours.

2. Different Directions inside and outside

When you’re wiping or squeegee-ing down your windows, wipe them one side horizontally, and one side vertically. That way, if there are any smudges or streaks, you’ll be able to identify immediately which side has it.

3. Work from the top down when cleaning your windows

Let gravity do most of the work, the cleaning solution your use will rip down the entire pane of glass, saving you some time spraying everything down, work the cloth or squeegee from top to bottom for the same reason.

4. Once or twice a year

It’s best you do a full cleaning on your windows maybe once or twice a year. The best times of these are usually right before and right after winter. Of course, in between it’s always good to get at least a little cleaning done on them, to make the large cleaning jobs less time-consuming.

5. Break it down

A typical house has a lot of windows to clean, so break the task down. You don’t have to do all the windows all at once, take some time whenever you’re free to clean one set of windows one week, then the next one another week.

Window cleanings are a perfect time to inspect your windows for any damage or deterioration. Broken windows can lead to higher energy costs for your home, and can invite unwanted drafts. When you spot windows in your home that need replacing, call Toronto Doors and Windows at 647-932-3667 for a free estimate for your repair or installation job.

Winter Tips for the Doors and Windows of Your Toronto Home

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Snow days conjure up images of cozy blankets, mugs of hot chocolates and a pretty white landscape to look out into. You’re definitely imagining curling up against a window reading a book. But imagine having to do that while shivering cold because a draft is letting frigid cold wind blow directly in your face. To protect you from such disappointments, it’s important to make sure that your doors and windows are in top shape to face the coming chill. Here are a few ways that the cold wind and heavy snow can affect your doors and windows as well as a few tips from Toronto Doors and Windows on preparing for the winter months that can not only keep your home comfortable but also help you save on a good bit of money.

Problems Your Doors and Windows May Face in the Toronto Winter

The cold Toronto winters will assault your home in all manner of different ways. For your doors and windows however, these are the things that the homeowner should take their time to look out for.

How Temperatures affects your Windows and Doors

Rapid temperature changes and moisture levels can deal a significant amount of damage to a lot of materials in your home. For materials like wood, which are usually what comprises the frames of Toronto homes, During the humid months, moisture can accumulate within the wood and cause it to expand. This is was normally causes sticky doors during the summer. In the cold winter days, however, the cold, dry air carries little moisture and can actually cause the wood to shrink and compress. Repeat this process for a number of years and it leads to the frame your windows and doors to warp. When this happens, it can invite a whole host of other problems.

The first, most significant problem this leads are drafts. Leaving gaps exposed to the elements invites the frigid cold air, the cold air coming in not only makes your home overall colder, but will also ratchet up heating bills because your thermostat will need to work overtime to keep your heaters on longer and maintain a comfortable living temperature. Installing weatherstripping around the edges of your doors and windows is a cost-effective must for homes in Toronto so that you can combat this however, weatherstripping is also affected by the cold in significant ways.

Dealing With Moisture During the Winter

Between the frame of the home and the window installed, there’s just a little bit of space that can let warm air from the inside of your home to the outside. In the winter, this moisture will freeze in place. This makes it harder for you to open your windows and doors because your door is frozen tight to the frame. Forcing your window open like this will lead to the vinyl weatherstripping sealing your door frame to crack, requiring replacement. But keeping it shut will invite ice to form even further. This problem can also be make warped frames worse, as ice expands, pushing the window and frame further apart bit by bit.

The freezing cold temperature can also cause latches and handles to fail. This can be for any number of reasons. First of which is that moisture freezes over and causes the mechanisms to jam. Another reason is that cold temperatures can cause metals to contract, which can lead to stiffer operation of those latches if they’re old or misaligned. Normally a bit of lubrication is enough to fix this issue for the winter, but sometimes replacement latches are needed.

For double or triple paned windows, moisture can be an issue. While normally, misty windows means that your home is sufficiently heated so that the warm air in your home condenses on the glass which was made cold by the outside winter temperatures. But moisture accumulation between the panes on window glass is a clear sign of a leak in your window installation. When you notice this, it’s very important that you speak to a door and window service company and have them take a look for necessary repairs or replacements.

Preparing Your Doors and Windows for the Toronto Winter

Now that you know about a few things that could happen to your windows and doors during the cold Toronto winters, you can prepare your home for the winter months. The following are things you can do during the fall:

Inspect your Doors and Windows

Knowing that these problems can exist in your doors and windows, it’s important that you inspect them during the fall so you can call on your local Toronto window and door service to come and perform repairs and replacements for you. A classic way to check for drafts in your home caused by enlarged gaps between the frame and windows is by taking a candle on a windy day and placing it by the windowsill. If you notice the flame moving around that means there’s a draft there and it’s probably time to fix it.

But not just your windows, make sure you take the time to inspect the hinges of your doors and see if they need lubrication. The cold temperature can cause these to stiffen up. Inspecting the railings for damage and debris should also be done, especially in the external rails so that you have ample time to replace parts like rusted or stiffening rollers.

Replace Weatherstripping

During your inspection, take note of any damaged weatherstripping. Temperature and moisture changes can lead to weatherstripping becoming dry and brittle. It’s better to replace them during the fall when the weather is still good for doing these fixes rather than having to clear out snow and ice to replace them during the winter when they inevitably break.

Clean Your Windows and Doors

This should be something that you do fairly often throughout the year but this is perhaps more important as you prepare for the winter months. Take a vacuum and make sure to collect all the dust and debris that accumulated over the months of use. Leaving dust and debris in and around your doors and windows can lead to it getting stuck between the weatherstripping and the window and can lead to drafts. Not just that, when snow falls, it can pack down all that dust and debris into the railing and can lead to light discoloration that will be difficult to clean off in the future.

As for the glass of your windows itself, even during the winter, it’s a good idea to keep them clean. Make sure that the cloths you use to clean your doors and windows are lint-free as these will prevent smudges when you’re wiping away your washing solution. Lint-free cloths also don’t impart static onto the glass that can attract dust. Keeping your windows clean will also help let light in during the bright white winter days, helping you cut down on energy costs.

Consider Installing a Storm Door

A storm door is an external, secondary door that can be installed over your current front door. There are a number of advantages to installing one of these. In the winter, it can create a buffer area of air between the outside and your front door. This can keep your front door and thus the interior of your home a bit less cold, saving you money on heating. Furthermore, a storm door can also protect your front door from snow and sleet, which can cause significant damage to the lacquering, paintwork and detailing common for most front doors. It’s a relatively inexpensive way of keeping your front door looking pristine for as long as possible.

Thicker Curtains and Drapes

Another good way of saving up on heating bills is to install some thicker curtains and drapery for the winter months. Thicker fabrics provide insulation, preventing heat loss and can save you a good amount on heating bills. They can also provide some much needed shade in case the winter days become too bright. They also add a nice cozy look to your home, something that can accentuate the look of your rooms during the cold months.

You don’t have to keep them up all year long either. Come spring time, you can take them down and stow them away for the next winter. Just make sure that your curtain rods are strong enough to support the heavier fabrics you’ll be using for winter.

If you ever find an issue with your doors or windows that needs immediate addressing; or are looking to be in the market for a new installation, feel free to contact Toronto Doors and Windows at 647-932-3667 and request for a free estimate. Our expert team will make sure your home will be in top shape and ready for the coming winter months!

Choosing the Perfect Colour for Your Entry Doors

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Are you decorating your Toronto home? Whether you’re doing a huge renovation project or just looking to make some small touch ups, painting the entry doors can have a huge effect on the appearance of your house. The colour you go for can make all the difference, and it’s important that you get it right.

How to Pick a Paint Colour for Your Entry Doors?

Choosing a colour isn’t as simple as it sounds. With an endless list of shades to choose from, you might find yourself going round in circles, unable to pick a sure winner. If you’re not sure what to go for, read on for our advice on how to select the right colour for your front fiberglass doors.

Create an Impact

Your front door is the first thing people see when they look at your home, and you can use that to your advantage. Create a good first impression by choosing a colour that’s tasteful and stylish. Going for something colourful can catch people’s attention, but something that’s too bright can be garish and ugly, putting people off. It’s important to find the right balance.

Play on Emotions

Colours evoke emotion in people, and this is an important factor to remember when choosing the right shade for your entry doors. You can make a bold, eye-catching statement with red, but if that’s too strong for you, soften it with a darker shade of crimson or maroon. Yellow represents happiness, and is a great colour for cheerfully welcoming guests. Teal, turquoise and lime are also energetic, modern colours that give life to the exterior of your home.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Traditional

You don’t have to think outside the box. Sometimes, it’s best to stick to traditional colours. Black, white or brown are standard colours for entry doors and make good choices for a more classic look.

Keep in Line with Your Home’s Personality

The colour you choose for your front doors may depend on the type and style of the building. A Victorian or Tudor style home will look good with a classic colour like black or white, but a Mediterranean villa looks best with vibrant colours. Look at the materials and colour scheme that already exist in your home and your front yard, as well as the age and condition of the building, then choose a paint colour that’s in line with that theme.

Do Your Research

Certain colours complement each other, while others clash, and the combination of shades you choose for your entry doors can make or break the aesthetic of your home’s exterior. This is where the colour wheel comes in handy. Take a look at to see which shades work best together, and this will help you find a balance.

Blend in with the Scenery

If the front of your home is decorated with plants and flowers, you might want to choose a colour that matches. A blooming rose bush pairs nicely with a door of the same hue, and a cool green door looks great surrounded by foliage or climbing vines.

Get Beautiful Front Doors for Your Home

If you’re looking to totally revamp the front of your house with a replacement door, we’re here to help. We provide and install doors and windows all over Toronto, and have a great range for you to choose from. Get in touch to arrange a consultation and see what we can do for your home.

Contact us to know more about the Perfect Colour for Your Entry Doors

Caulking Around Window and Door Frames: The Whys and How’s

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Caulking is used to fill gaps and cracks around doors and windows to stop air, water, and even insects from getting in. For the best protection, it should be applied to both the interior and exterior of your home. Read on to find out why you should apply caulking, and how to do it right.

caulking windowHow to Caulk Windows and Doors Correctly?

There’s no doubt that caulking is essential for keeping your home warm, dry and energy-efficient, but do you know how to do it yourself? Here are our top tips on how to apply it.

  • Check the Temperature – Cold weather can affect your caulking, and since the temperature can drop to below freezing in Toronto winters, this isn’t the ideal time to do it. Humid summers aren’t good either, as cracks in the frames of windows and entry doors in Toronto are liable to swell. Instead, apply caulk when the weather is warm, preferably above 45°F.
  • Prepare the Area – Before applying caulk to windows and doors , make sure the area is clean and dry. Remove any existing caulk or paint with a screwdriver or a knife. If you’re having trouble, you can use a solvent to help remove stubborn residue. Leave it to dry for a while, as applying caulk straight away will lock in moisture, which could lead to problems later on.
  • Choose Your Caulk Wisely – When shopping for caulk, you’re likely to have a choice between silicone and acrylic. Acrylic is best avoided, as it can shrink, leaving cracks open for moisture and air to seep in. Without regular reapplication, damage could be caused. The best type of caulk to use for protecting your windows exteriors and doors is 100% silicone.
  • Use the Right Technique – The knack of applying caulk sufficiently is holding the gun the right way. In order to fill cracks smoothly and avoid the formation of air bubbles, hold the gun at approximately a forty five degree angle. Once you start, caulking, keep going in a continuous action from one corner to another instead of stopping and starting. This will result in the smoothest finish.
  • Fill the Cracks – If the caulk doesn’t completely fill a crack, it’s essentially useless. Make sure you apply enough to fill the space properly, sticking to both sides. If it comes out, simply use a putty knife to direct it back in.
  • Use Tools – You’ll need more than just a caulking gun. For big gaps, a backer rod can be laid down before caulking to help fill the space. Keep a putty knife to hand in case things get messy and the caulk doesn’t quite go where you want it to, you can use it to push the caulk into the right areas. Aside from that, you’ll also need to use your fingers to smooth the caulk as you apply it, making sure it’s neat and even without lumps or gaps. That way, you’ll get the best possible seal.
  • Take Care of Your Gun – When you’re done caulking, be sure to cover the end of your caulking gun to stop it from drying out. Otherwise, you may find it to be useless the next time you pick it up. There should be a cap provided for this purpose, but if you happen to lose it, a nail will suffice.

Get the Best Doors and Windows in Toronto

Caulking will help to prolong the life of your windows and doors, but it’s not a magical cure. If too much damage has already occurred, you may need to replace them completely. We have a range of entry, basement and patio doors, and can provide custom windows to fit your home. See our range and contact us for a consultation.

5 Situations in Which Window Replacement is a No-Brainer

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Home improvements – a fun project or a real headache? Whatever your thoughts on them are, there’s no denying that most are absolutely necessary and some are way overdue. A great way to get more from your home and really spruce up the appearance is with a new set of windows. Not convinced? Here are five reasons you might want to consider a window replacement Toronto.

Window Replacement – 5 Situations in Which it’s the Right Move

1. If You’re Bored of the Appearance of Your Home

Pulling up to your home after a long day of work should be a great feeling – why then does it feel like a chore? Many are bored of their homes yet can afford to move. In this circumstance, a window replacement could be just what you need. By replacing your windows, you can inject your home with a new lease of life. Bright white fittings, vibrant finishes and a change from standard windows are all possible, and could really help you to fall back in love with your home again – proving it’s definitely a no-brainer for you.

2. If You’re Finding it too Cold – or Too Hot

Toronto is a wonderful place to live, but is certainly filled with extreme weather types on both ends of the spectrum. Your current windows might be making matters worse than they should be. A window replacement and upgrade to modern windows can see them retain heat in the winter and help to reflect heat in the summer – making for a much more comfortable home environment. You don’t have to suffer any longer; order some new windows to replace your old ones and you’ll no longer have to worry about the heat or the cold in your home.

3. If Your Old Windows are Costing You Money

Whilst you might think that you can’t afford new windows, the reality could in fact be the opposite – can you afford not to buy them? If you’re persevering with old windows, there’s a good chance that they’re not energy efficient. This means that they’ll lose heat that your furnace generates in the winter as they’re thin or poor insulators. By getting an upgrade, you can find windows that are much more effective at retaining heat, meaning less is lost through your windows. This means that you won’t have to run your furnace as high or as long – saving you a small fortune each month on your energy bills and paying for themselves in time.

4. If You’re Planning on Moving Soon

Buying a house can be expensive, so when it comes to looking for one, people prefer to have to change as little as possible. Having old, poor-quality windows can be a real turn off to prospective buyers, so if you’re planning on selling in the future, you might want to consider a window replacement. Not only will your home be more attractive to buyers, but you’ll get to enjoy them for a while, too.

5. If You’re Worried About Safety

Older windows aren’t as safe as new ones as their locks aren’t as sophisticated and look like an easy target to criminals. If you’re worried about the safety of your home, upgrade to newer, safer windows for peace of mind and a good night’s sleep.

A No-Brainer for Window Replacement

There are no practical reasons for anyone to persevere and persist with old, poor-quality windows. They’re ugly, expensive and a target for criminals. By replacing your windows, you’re improving not only the aesthetic appeal of your home but its energy efficiency and its safety – truly a no-brainer when it comes to home improvements.

Contact Toronto Door and Windows by phone @ 647-932-3667 . 

5 Signs Your Entry Doors Could Be Susceptible to Break-ins

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Nobody likes to think of a crime or break-in happening in their home, but unfortunately it’s a reality that many people face, in Toronto and all over the country. With that in mind, it’s more important than ever to know how to prevent crime from happening to you, starting with our guide on entry doors toronto and signs that they may be susceptible to break-ins.

Entry Door Break-ins – 5 Signs You’re Susceptible

1. They Know the Code or Have a Key

When people think about break-ins, they usually picture an entry door hanging on its hinges or smashed in, as a result of force. The reality is quite different – quite often, there’s no sign of anyone having gained access to your home at all.

It’s important to keep an eye on what you’re doing with your spare keys and who knows your code. If your door is key-entry only, take care of those keys. It’s all too easy to leave a key in the restaurant by mistake, giving someone access to your home. It’s also possible they may see you type or write the key code. That’s why it’s essential to change your locks if you lose a key and to change the code every so often. If not, you’re extremely susceptible to break-ins.

Entry Door Break-ins2. Your Door is Old or Weak

Criminals are simple-minded and only care about one thing – getting in and out as quickly and easily as possible. If you’re a criminal, which door do you pick – the new one, with a sophisticated locking system, or the old one that the big bad wolf could blow down? By having a door that looks like it would be easy to gain entry from, you’re increasing your risk of someone attempting to do so. By having a modern, strong-looking entry door, you’re showing the criminals they’ll have no chance.

3. It’s Dark and Unlit

Break-ins – especially of the forced entry kind – are much more likely to happen at night, where the perpetrator can work under cover of darkness. That’s why it’s essential to have a door that’s well-lit at night. Whether it’s a case of trimming a hedge so the streetlight shines through or investing in a canopy with a light, by effectively buying a spotlight you’re drastically reducing the chances of someone trying to break-in to your home.

4. You Only Have One Lock

By only having one lock on your entry door, you’re making it easier for would-be criminal to gain access to your home via force. All it could take is a firm kick to the door in order to break the lock and open the door. By having locks above or below your main lock, you’re adding an extra layer of security and making it virtually impossible for a criminal to get into your home through force.

5. You Leave it Unlocked

Whether it’s through forgetting to lock it or leaving it unlocked for a family member, many leave their doors unlocked and allow criminals to be in and out with their valuables in a second. To remedy this, you may want to buy a door that locks automatically when closed, to ensure that your entry door is always hard to get beyond.

Don’t Take Chances for your Entry Door

You might think you’re okay, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t underestimate the lengths a criminal will go to ruin your life. By following the above advice, you can ensure than your home is kept safe and secure thanks to an entry door that’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

Check out our Vinyl Guard Patio Doors Catalog for more options.