March 2019 - Muskoka Window and Door Centre

Featured Product: Centor Fixed-Lite Windows

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Muskoka Window and Door Staff

Centor has consistently proven themselves as one of the leading names in high quality integrated windows and doors, designing products that are built to function as an entire system rather than as individual components. Muskoka Window & Door Centre is the proud Ontario dealer of all Centor products, including their newly introduced Centor 250 Integrated Fixed-lite window. The Fixed-lite is one of the best ways to capture the true beauty of your Muskoka surroundings.

Increase your connection to the world around you with Centor Fixed-lite windows

The Centor 250 Integrated Fixed-lite window has been designed to offer you a superior connection to the outdoors, letting you truly appreciate the beautiful surroundings that Muskoka has to offer. The Fixed-lite features an innovative frameless design, offering gorgeous views through a fixed glass panel. Your view won’t be obstructed by any part of this fixed window, because the sill meets flush with the glazing, resulting in a perfect view every single time. Both double or triple glazing options are available for the Fixed-lite.

The Centor 250 Integrated Fixed-lite window is available with a wood interior in five unfinished options, or primed and ready for painting. The window’s aluminum exterior is available in a variety of both standard and custom colours, letting you match your new windows to the aesthetics of your home or cottage, or customize it to stand out. The Fixed-lite is most effective when it’s paired with Centor Integrated Doors, which offers a seamless aesthetic that’s perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of Muskoka.

Panel configurations and integrated shades to get you the most out of your windows

For those who are concerned about maintaining the privacy offered by their Muskoka area home or cottage, the Centor 250 Integrated Fixed-lite window offers a simple solution. The fixed-lite window features built-in shades which help to maintain your privacy and allow for glare control. The built-in shades have been engineered to enhance the Fixed-lite window’s thermal properties, with U-factor improvements of up to 17% being observed with blackout shades when drawn across the opening. The Fixed-lite is available in two separate panel configurations – a single pane and multiple panes, allowing you to customize the window to meet your needs.

Centor – Unparalleled quality integrated windows and doors

For more than six decades, Centor has been manufacturing window and door products to the absolute highest architectural quality, creating systems that consistently perform to the highest standards. Centor’s Integrated door products have been met with universal acclaim by experts in the window and door industry, with top-of-line features including screens, concealed hinges, and the unique Autolatch enhancing the enjoyment of homeowners around the country. The Muskoka Window & Door Centre is a premier installer of all Centor products, with a number of experienced team members who are trained in the installation and maintenance of these high quality systems.

Muskoka Window and Door Centre is the official Eastern Canadian dealer of all Centor products, including Centor Fixed-lite windows. For more information about Muskoka Window & Door Centre’s high quality line of window and door products, visit our website or contact us today.

Featured Product: Ostaco Moose Patio Doors

Posted on March 24, 2019March 24, 2019 by Muskoka Window and Door Staff

One of the distinct advantages to having a cottage in the Muskoka region is to take in the many beautiful sights and sounds that the area has to offer. One of the best way to get the most out of your Muskoka cottage view is by having doors and windows that maximize your view without being obtrusive. Ostaco’s line of patio doors do this without sacrificing the many other superior aspects of Ostaco doors. The Moose in particular is a standout when it comes to patio doors, giving you the grand views that you desire, while at the same time offering the strength and durability you’d expect from one of Canada’s leading window manufacturers.

The Moose – Patio doors that truly live up to their name

In choosing the name for these high performing patio doors, Ostaco didn’t just blindly select “moose” out of nowhere. These durable patio doors are purposely named after one of the strongest and most revered creatures in the entire country. Ostaco’s exceptional patio doors truly live up to their namesake with their sheer strength and durability.

Using a thick multi-chambered design, Ostaco Moose patio doors are some of the strongest high performance patio door units available. This is aided by double interior walls featured at the location of every screw, reinforcing it for even greater strength. The Moose sits on a 5 ⅝” frame that allows for clean lines and easy installation, with a heavy duty sash and adjustable nylon tandem panel rollers that allow for the smooth gliding operation you’ve come to know and love. Whether it’s harsh Canadian winters or hot, sunny summers, Ostaco Moose patio doors are built to perform and last in any conditions mother nature can throw at you.

A durable screen enhances your enjoyment of Ostaco Moose patio doors

There are few things more annoying than a beautiful summer day being ruined by the presence of uninvited guests like bugs and other pests. The durable screen has been designed to keep the outdoors where they belong, while still allowing you to enjoy your view and get the most out of that lakeside summer breeze. Ostaco Moose patio doors also feature a unique PollenTec allergy screen that filters out pollens so you can get the most out of your surroundings.The bold screen design was specially created to eliminate problems like bending and flexibility, featuring an extruded frame for maximum rigidity. The Ostaco screen also boasts simple, effortless operation that lets you easily slide your screen open and close with grace.

Customize your door to match your cottage

When you choose the Ostaco Moose patio doors, you also get the luxury of customizing your door to perfectly match the interior and exterior of your Muskoka cottage. The patio doors are available in solid white, antique white, and tan vinyl, with the ability to match the exterior to any designer colour. The interior of the Ostaco Moose patio door is available in pine, cherry, and oak wood laminate for a stunning finish. Internal mini-blinds are also available for some Moose patio door models.

Ostaco: A Canadian all vinyl manufacturer you can trust

For over 35 years now, Ostaco has been manufacturing some of the highest quality vinyl windows and doors in all of Canada. The Toronto-based Ostaco manufactures products on a made-to-order basis, meaning that you’ll be getting only the finest products for your renovation or new cottage build. All Ostaco products are held to the highest standards, being tested and certified by the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). In addition, all Ostaco patio door products carry the highest Energy Star efficiency rating, and feature an industry-leading limited lifetime Ostaco warranty.

Muskoka Window and Door Centre is the official Muskoka dealer of all Ostaco products, including the Ostaco Moose patio door. For more information about Muskoka Window & Door Centre’s high quality line of window and door products, visit our website or contact us today.

Snow Accumulation & Your Cottage

Posted on March 6, 2019March 24, 2019 by Muskoka Window and Door Staff

Snow Accumulation & Your Cottage

The Muskoka region and much of the province has seen record amounts of snowfall this winter, settling on roofs, window wells, and the rest of your property until the springtime arrives. With heavy snow accumulation comes the risk of significant damage to your cottage, especially to your roof and windows. It’s important to know how snow accumulation can affect your cottage during winter months, and what precautions you should take in order to avoid damage and to reduce risks for future winter seasons.

Snow accumulation can cause significant damage to your cottage

After a winter full of heavy snow and freezing rain, there’s a very good chance that your cottage roof has accumulated large amounts of heavy snow. While it’s difficult to determine exactly how much snow your roof can handle, it’s important to understand that it’s not the depth of the snow you need to be concerned about, but rather the weight of the snow. Building code requirements make it necessary for roofs to be able to support 21 pounds per square foot at a minimum, with larger buildings designed to accommodate larger loads. Snow accumulation can cause catastrophic damage to your cottage or home, often causing the roof to collapse under the weight of snow and ice.

Another often overlooked area that is affected by snow accumulation are the window wells of your cottage. With their out of sight design, it’s easy to overlook window wells when clearing snow from your property in order to ensure that water does not pool outside your window. Pooling water from melting snow and ice greatly increases the risk of water entering your home, causing damage to your basement. Snow buildup inside window wells can also add unnecessary stress to your windows, and even reduce its accessibility in the event of an emergency.

When should you be concerned with snow accumulation

If you’re concerned that the roof of your cottage may be feeling the effects of heavy snow accumulation, there are a number of things you can look for. One of the most significant signs of snow damage to your roof is the presence of unusual sounds coming from your roof and supporting walls – if you hear anything out of the ordinary, it may be a good idea to contact a professional.

Other major signs of snow accumulation include things like sagging ceilings, cracking in drywall or plaster, water leaks following snowfall or rain, and doors that suddenly begin to jam. Leaks emanating from basement windows can indicate that water is entering because of accumulation in window wells. You should also be checking your window wells for buildup of snow or ice, as well as any obvious signs of damage to windows and window frames.

How to protect your cottage from snow accumulation

In order to avoid damage caused by snow accumulation, you’ll want to have the snow and ice cleared from the roof of your cottage. It’s important to do this safely, which means hiring an insured snow removal company with the equipment and experience needed to effectively and safely remove snow from your roof. Attempting to clear the roof yourself can lead to damaging the shingles on your roof, and can result in injury if proper precautions are not taken. Cottage owners can clear snow using a shovel or rake from areas where the roof is easily accessible, but this can still be dangerous and harmful to the integrity of your roof in some cases. Additionally, next time you’re shovelling your driveway or simply clearing snow and ice buildup from around your cottage, remember to clear snow and ice buildup from in and around window wells.

For more information about Muskoka Window & Door Centre’s high quality line of window and door products, visit our website or contact us today.