Toronto Doors & Windows | Vinyl Window Replacement, Entry Doors, Exterior Doors & more

Toronto doors and windows company is the #1 provider for vinyl windows, window replacements, entry doors and more. specializing at fiberglass doors & door installation

Blog

You are here: Home / Blog

How a Modern Window Replacement Leads to a Warmer Home

By

Although increased curb appeal is among the most commonly cited reasons for Toronto property owners to have replacement windows fitted, there is another reason that may be less talked about but is equally, if not more, important: energy efficiency. Simply put, installing high quality modern window units could lead to a warmer environment in your home next winter. If you want to know how new windows can have such a big effect on the temperature of the air in your home, take a look at the factors discussed below.

The Factors That Make Modern Window Replacement Units More Energy Efficient

Below, we have listed the properties of modern replacement window units that make them more energy efficient than their predecessors.

  • Superior Insulating Properties – As long as you buy replacement window units with an energy star rating, you can be sure that they have excellent insulating properties and will therefore help to prevent warm air from escaping into the outside during the winter months.
  • Resistance to Humidity – If your home currently has conventional timber-framed windows fitted, these frames will expand and contract as the water content in the Toronto air increases and decreases throughout the course of each year. This expansion and contraction inevitably leads to warping, which can leave gaps in between the frame and the wall in which it is installed, or between the panes of glass in the window and the frame. In either case, warm air will escape through the resulting gaps.
  • Less Radiant Heat Transfer – The Low-E window replacement units available today restrict radiant heat transfer through the glass panels, which means more warmth is retained in your home. How efficient your new windows are in this respect will be determined by the materials used and the particular specifications followed by the manufacturer so it is a good idea to ask for further details if this is an important quality to you. Most Low-E glass has an invisible coating of metal oxide that allows light and heat in but makes it much harder for heat to travel in the opposite direction.
  • No Rotting – Traditional wooden frames are prone to rotting, especially if they are not meticulously maintained. When the frames start to rot they leave gaps through which the heated air in your home can escape during the wintertime. If you decide to purchase high quality vinyl window replacement units, rotting is not something you will ever have to worry about again.
  • Professional Fitting – Unless you decide to attempt the job yourself, the new windows you purchase in Toronto will be fitted by professional glaziers with many years of experience. While your original windows may well have been fitted by professionals as well, technology has moved on in the last few years so you can look forward to a snugger fit this time around. A better fit, as you can probably already guess, means less warm air escaping from your window replacement units next winter, and every winter from now until you eventually have them replaced.

If you are considering replacing the windows in your property in the near future, please do not hesitate to call the team at Toronto Doors and Windows to request a detailed quotation. We supply and fit high quality doors and windows across the GTA, at very competitive prices. Whatever type of window replacement units you require, we can provide you with a free estimate covering all your requirements in full.  We carry a wide range of great looking windows, have one of the best installation teams in the country, and provide an after-sales service that is second to none.

Entry Doors: How to Ensure Yours are Safe and Secure

By

The doors in your Toronto home are some of the weakest points of your entire property as far as potential intruders are concerned. If you would like to make sure that your home is an unappealing prospect for local burglars, you need to make sure that your doors are as safe and secure as possible. There are a number of ways in which you can achieve this goal, the easiest of which we discuss in the next section.

Making Your Entry Doors More Secure

Some of these options are more expensive to implement than others but the more costly choices are sometimes the most effective too. What this means to you as a homeowner is that you either have to commit to spending whatever it takes to make your property more secure or you have to come to some kind of compromise between cost and safety.

  • Upgrade Your Locks – If you have old-fashioned wooden doors, you can buy and fit new locks with relative ease. Unless you are not very good at DIY tasks, this is a job that should only take a couple of hours for each exterior door in your property. However, if you do not have the right tools or you simply don’t enjoy tackling DIY jobs around the home, you will need to hire a local professional to do the job for you. In this case, there may be better options as far as return on investment is concerned.
  • Fit Metal Grilles to Any Glass Panes – If your entry doors have glass in them, you can make them more secure by fitting metal grilles across the inside of each pane. Another option to strengthen the glass is to fit security film to the glass. This type of film adheres to the surface of the glass and prevents it from shattering when hit with a blunt object. However, it is designed to make it harder for potential intruders to force an entry rather than to make it impossible.
  • Fit an Alarm – Contact alarms that are triggered when your doors are opened are a worthwhile investment as they cost relatively little money and are often enough to make casual intruders turn and run. More sophisticated alarms that consist of light beams directed at sensors, which are triggered when the sensors cannot see the beams, i.e. when the beams are broken by a person entering your home, are another alternative that you may like to consider for your entry doors.
  • Replacement Doors – With high quality composite models that are resistant to forced entries available at very reasonable prices in Toronto, replacement doors are a popular choice among homeowners who are looking to improve home security. If you do not mind spending a little extra for an even safer and more secure solution, you might like to consider investing in quality steel entry doors. In addition to providing a strong barrier that is very hard for would-be intruders to penetrate, steel doors are very fire resistant, can withstand severe weather conditions, and will remain in excellent condition for many years to come.

If you are not sure which solution is best for your property, please feel free to call us and ask for advice at any time. We stock a wide range of high quality entry doors and would be more than happy t o prepare a free estimate for you if fitting new doors is the option that you decide to take. We serve customers across the GTA and have a reputation for doing whatever it takes to ensure 100% satisfaction on every job we undertake.

Where to Look for Credible Replacement Window Quotes

By

If the time has come to seriously consider replacing the windows in your home, the first thing you will need to do is to obtain a number of quotations from firms that supply and install them in Toronto. However, you will need to make sure that you are obtaining quotes from reputable firms or you may not be comparing like for like when you look at the overall cost each supplier has quoted. Below, we have compiled a list of tips that we hope will help you to zero in on the most reputable replacement window companies in the city.

Factors to Consider When Requesting Quotes for Replacement Windows

Before you ask a company for a quotation, consider the following factors and ask any questions you may need to ask, in order to ascertain whether they are a reputable, reliable supplier and installer.

  • Previous Installations – The best way to establish whether a particular company is capable of delivering on their promises is to inspect previous installations they have completed. In some cases this will require permission from the owners of the properties in question but in other cases, you may be able to simply drive slowly past the houses to see the condition of the replacement windows they feature.
  • Testimonials – A company in good standing that has been operating in Toronto and the surrounding area for a number of years is sure to be able to provide you with copies of testimonials they have received from satisfied customers. If this is not the case, it is probably best to cross them off your list and look for other suppliers in the area that can.
  • Free Estimates – A reputable firm should not charge you for putting together an estimate. When you ask them how much the replacement windows you are interested in are likely to cost, they should be happy to provide you with a free estimate that is both accurate and detailed.
  • Online Reviews – If you want to research a company before you approach them, you can search for online reviews that other customers have written. However, the absence of any such reviews is not necessarily a sign that the company in question is unreliable. If you cannot find any reviews on the internet, you may like to move on to the next suggestion.
  • Asking for Personal Recommendations – Friends, relatives, and work colleagues in Toronto are all possible sources of information when you are looking for reputable firms that sell and install replacement windows. Make a note of any they recommend and be sure to ask those companies for quotations.
  • Asking Awkward Questions – When you first get in touch with a company that you wish to request a quotation from, make a point of asking a few difficult questions to see how they respond. A reputable firm that is focused on customer service will be more than happy to provide you with any information you require whereas one that is only interested in turning a quick profit will probably be reluctant to answer all of your questions.

If you would like to obtain a competitive quotation for replacement windows from a well regarded company in the city that supplies high quality products and has a first-class installation team, please feel free to call us on 647-932-3667 during normal working hours. Alternatively, you can complete the Get a Free Quote form on our site and submit it whenever you wish. Once we have your phone number and email, we will be able to get in touch with you to discuss your needs at a convenient time.

Entrance Doors: Here’s Why You Don’t Try to Hang Them Yourself

By

Many Toronto homeowners enjoy tackling minor DIY projects but when it comes to entrance doors, it really is better to pay a professional to do the job for you. If you are wondering why you shouldn’t bother trying to do the work yourself, take a look at the points in the section below. A lot of people are simply not aware of just what is involved in the task and the pitfalls that await them if they are inexperienced at hanging doors. However, after reading this article, you will know exactly why it is a good idea to pay an experienced pro instead of trying to do the job yourself.

Why You Need a Professional to Install Your Entrance Doors

If you are thinking about replacing your front or back door, below are several reasons that it is better to pay an expert to handle the job rather than going it alone.

  • Security – The weakest points of any property, as far as potential intruders are concerned, are the doors and windows. For this reason, it is essential that your exterior doors are fitted by an expert who knows exactly what he or she is doing. One simple mistake could render your property vulnerable to local burglars, which is a very good reason not to attempt the job yourself unless you have years of experience.
  • Aesthetics – If you make a bad job of installing new entrance doors, your mistakes will be in plain sight for all to see. To ensure that the curb appeal of your property is enhanced rather than spoiled, hire a professional to carry out the installation work on your behalf. There is no point in buying a high quality, stylish door and attempting to install it yourself if you don’t know exactly what you are doing.
  • Warranty – Most good quality doors come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects discovered after you have purchased them. However, if you decide to install them yourself, this will almost certainly invalidate the warranty and you will have no recourse in the event that you should discover any manufacturing defects at a later date. Given the cost of quality entrance doors, it is better to play it safe than to risk your money by installing them yourself.
  • Time – It takes a considerable amount of time to hang a door properly, especially if you run into any unforeseen difficulties during the installation process. However, a professional installer will be able to complete the job far quicker than the average DIY enthusiast and will know exactly what to do in the event that any problems should arise during the installation.
  • Energy – A well-fitted quality door will help to reduce your energy costs as it will prevent warm air from escaping during the winter months and cool air during the hot Toronto summers. However, if your new door is not properly fitted and there are gaps between it and the door frame, any potential savings you could have made will have gone out the window, or the door in this case! A professional installer will make sure that there are no gaps between your new door and the frame, thereby maximizing the energy savings you can expect from investing in a door with excellent insulating properties.

If you are looking for a company that can supply and install high quality entrance doors at competitive rates, we would be delighted to tell you all about the products and services we have to offer. We will also be more than happy to provide you with a free, competitive quotation for any new doors you require.

8 Reasons Why Windows and Doors Can Influence Your Property’s Value So Significantly

By

One of the main reasons that homeowners in Toronto and other parts of the country are so keen to invest in replacement windows and doors is because they can add to the value of a property significantly. There are many ways in which you can increase the value of your home but fitting new doors and windows has to be one of the most effective and easiest to implement. Below, we have listed 8 reasons that this type of home improvement project can have such a positive effect on the value of residential properties.

How New Windows and Doors Will Increase the Value of Your Home

The reasons listed below are valid for all types of properties but if you decide to install low quality replacements, you may not benefit from them all. With this in mind, we recommend that you invest in good quality products manufactured by a reputable firm.

  • Visual Appeal – Replacement windows and doors can transform a property, especially when you spend a little more on high quality products. If your existing frames are starting to show signs of wear and tear, brand new vinyl units will make the world of difference to the curb appeal of your home.
  • Security – Anybody that is interested in buying a new property will be keen to ensure that it is as secure as possible so that they feel safe in their new home. New high quality doors and replacement windows provide an effective barrier against intruders and are therefore a major selling point.
  • Maintenance – Brand new vinyl-framed doors and windows are virtually maintenance free, which is sure to appeal to prospective buyers. Nobody wants to buy a home that looks as if it will need a lot of work to keep it in good condition.
  • Energy Efficiency – A property with new windows and doors is likely to be less expensive to heat in the cold Toronto winters and cheaper to cool in the hot, humid summers that we experience here. This fact is sure to appeal to potential buyers.
  • First Impressions – First impressions really do count when you are trying to sell a property and the very first thing that prospective buyers will see when they arrive is the windows and, more particularly, the main entrance door. If these are in bad condition, it will be very difficult to convince them that your house is a worthwhile investment.
  • Appearance of a Well-Maintained Home – The fact that the exterior of your home is in such good condition will help to convince people that you take very good care of your property. Rather than looking for faults in everything they see once they enter your home, they will be looking for, and expecting to see, confirmation of your enthusiasm for property maintenance.
  • No Renovation Expenses – A property with brand new windows and doors will not need to have money spent on it for many years, which will be a major plus as far as all prospective buyers are concerned.
  • Lasting Memory – If the first thing that people see when they enter your home is a brand new, high quality door, your property will stick in their memory. This will increase interest in your property and make it more likely that you can achieve your original asking price.

As you can see, there are many good reasons to fit new replacement doors and windows, especially if you are planning to sell your home at some point in the future. To find out how much it will cost, you can call or email us to discuss your requirements.

Why Vinyl Windows Match Up Well to the Canadian Climate

By

Vinyl windows are one of the most revolutionary breakthroughs in building technology of the last 100 years. Not only do they look great and seal your home up tight but they’re endowed with incredible durability which makes them one of the most attractive home improvement value propositions available. However, in spite of their proven track record some homeowners have doubts about whether these windows can stand up to the unforgiving climate of a place like Toronto. So in this post we’ll take a look at what makes vinyl replacement windows such tough customers and see if we can’t dispel some of those doubts as well.

The Impressive Durability of Vinyl Windows

In an age of dwindling resources vinyl replacement windows have earned a spot in the pantheon of building solutions that have responded positively to the challenge. Not the least among their many attributes is their amazing durability, even when faced with the most extreme environments. To understand how they do it you first need to understand the concept of weatherability.

  • What is weatherability? – Weatherability is defined as a material’s ability to retain its integrity in the face of difficult or extreme environmental conditions including, but not limited to, rain, snow, temperature extremes, acid rain and UV light. A highly weatherable product will not display discoloration, disintegration (either external or internal), visible wear and tear or any other type of failure as a result of environmental conditions.
  • How is it achieved? – The primary agent that provides a vinyl window its weatherability is Titanium Dioxide or TiO2. TiO2 is a naturally occurring chemical used primarily in pigments. Artists have long appreciated the bright, durable quality of TiO2 and put it to work in oil paints commonly sold as Titanium White. When added during vinyl production this chemical creates windows that hold their white lustre and resist degradation.

Weatherability is one reason vinyl windows are such a good match for the extreme environment of Ontario, another is the state-of-the-art double-pane glass employed to create an insulative barrier between you and the elements.

How They Work

Dual pane windows work by disrupting the window’s ability to conduct heat. The space between the panes of glass provides a buffer zone that prevents cold from penetrating inward and heat from escaping outward. Some double-pane windows employ an inert gas between the panes that aids in the window’s insulative ability.  Dual pane windows provide other benefits as well.

  • Superior noise reduction – Most people who replace their old, wooden, single-pane windows with today’s double-pane windows are shocked at how much quieter their homes become. That’s because the same buffer zone that breaks up heat conduction also absorbs sound.
  • Significantly lower energy bills – Few other changes you can make to your home will provide the bottom line savings that vinyl, double-pane windows will. If you’re replacing leaky old wood framed windows your monthly savings could be dramatic.
  • A more comfortable house – Double-pane vinyl windows will transform your home into a model of comfort and efficiency. No more sweaters at the dinner table. No more placing rolled up towels along the bottom of the doors to keep out drafts. Your home will be sealed against the elements and your quality of life will take a substantial step upward.

If you’ve had enough of trying to squeeze one more winter out of your decrepit, single-pane wooden windows call the experts at Toronto Doors and Windows and find out how affordable replacing those old windows with new double-pane, vinyl windows can be. Due to their incredible durability you’ll be making a long-term investment in the well-being of your home and everyone who lives there.