So you’re building a new home in Toronto, and you want your windows and doors to match the décor, and also provide security and comfort for your family. We all want style, function and safety from our windows and doors, but is there an easy way to choose from the myriad of styles and materials out there? Okay, not really, but maybe these pointers will help you narrow down your search.
The Best Doors and Windows for You
Too many times, we get hung up on price, looks or availability, instead of concentrating on the points that will keep us satisfied with our choices in the years to come. Remember, your home is a long-term investment, and it should increase in value over the years.
Many factors went into the design of your new Toronto area home; a lot of attention to detail, and those same details are important when selecting the right windows and doors. These factors include…
- Durability – Do your windows and doors need to withstand a hurricane, or a neighbor’s stray baseball?
- Energy Rating – How energy efficient are they?
- Function – Do you need windows that swing in for easy cleaning, or do other features suit your needs better?
- Security – How hard would it be for a motivated person to break into your home?
- Design – You wouldn’t put a bay window on a bomb shelter. What windows and doors look the best for your style of home?
- Pricing – What is the best quality of windows and doors that fit your budget?
When it comes to durability, this should be one of your main deciding factors, along with efficiency and security. You want the most rugged windows and doors you can afford, with the best energy rating available. Sure, the stray baseball is likely to happen at some point in the life of your home, but maybe not the hurricane. But a good summer storm can turn a tree limb into a projectile, and a single pebble picked up by the lawn mower could do some notable damage as well. Metal cased windows have wooden sashes and sills on the inside and sturdy metal casing on the outside, adding to the durability and security of the window and, in many cases, adding to the energy rating too.
Energy rating denotes how well your doors and windows insulate against the elements. If you’ve ever been in an older home during the winter months, and placed your hand on a pane, it was probably ice cold. Modern windows are generally 2- or 3-pane with inert gas between the layers to prevent the conduction of heat from one side of the window to the other. Energy Star claims you can save from 7 to 15 percent on your energy bills when you choose energy efficient windows, so examine your options carefully. The same holds true for doors. Steel doors are usually very well insulated, but not always, so be sure to look at the numbers and ask pertinent questions when viewing your selections.
More to Consider Than Price for Toronto Windows and Doors
Do you have enough space on the patio for doors that swing, or would you prefer doors that glide, or accordion fold? How about some pretty French doors? And what about your windows? Double hung windows are easy to clean, because both sections slide up and down, but they are not as easy to maintain as the ones that swing in. Do you want windows that swing open to one side or the other on the outside? Again, examine your options and decide what is right for you.
There are a lot of little things you can do around your new Toronto home to make it safer and more secure for your family. Many options are available that affect your home security. A steel front door with a sturdy, double cylinder deadbolt and chain, probably seems obvious. But you’ve got those big glass patio doors around back, and all those glass windows to consider. No home is, or ever will be, 100 percent burglar proof, but look for the windows and doors that will be the most work for a would-be intruder. Again, there are a lot of options available, so look things over carefully.
The windows and doors from a southwestern villa style home would probably look out of place on a Tudor style house. Yes, almost all windows and doors come in a variety of colors, but it will take more than good color choice to match the style of your home. Front doors come in several styles that include windows in them, and some have extra-wide view peepholes in them too. Look carefully at your options here as well.
Great Prices on Toronto Windows and Doors
Price will ultimately seal the deal on your window and door selection process, but don’t let it be the main deciding factor. Slightly more expensive windows with a higher energy rating will pay for themselves in lowered energy costs. Less expensive windows may not be as durable or secure, and you may end up paying to replace one sooner rather than later. You don’t intend to throw your money around, but think carefully about spending a little more of your budget for the best windows and doors you can get. Between energy savings, durability, and security, they will most likely be worth every penny.
The Right Company for Your Toronto Windows and Doors
You will be pleased to know that your Toronto area home, new or old, can get the quality windows and doors it needs. When you know what windows and doors you want, you can find them all at a great price from a company that is dedicated to customer service, with a great selection of styles and materials to choose from. When your Toronto area home needs windows and doors, call Toronto Doors and Windows, and we’ll take good care of you.
Call us today for all your Toronto windows and doors!
