February 2021 - Muskoka Window and Door Centre

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Featured Product: Andersen 100 Series

Posted on February 4, 2021February 4, 2021 by Muskoka Window and Door Staff

We take pride in offering the very best window and door products in our showroom. One of the window brands we carry is really taking off here at Muskoka Window and Door – the Andersen 100 Series. The 100 Series offers a smart alternative to vinyl that home and cottage owners in Muskoka are embracing.

Andersen is a pioneering force in high quality doors and windows, having been in the game for over 100 years. During this time, the company has repeatedly set exceptionally high industry standards. Muskoka Window and Door Centre is proud to serve as the region’s official dealer of all Andersen products.

Fibrex composite material – a viable alternative to vinyl
When it comes to window and door materials, vinyl has long stood as the king due to its low maintenance needs and versatility. The Andersen 100 Series offers an alternative to vinyl, offering homeowners many of the same benefits offered by the popular material but at a reduced price. Andersen’s Fibrex material is touted as being up to twice as strong and more durable than traditional vinyl, offering energy efficiency and a wide range of rich colours and long-lasting finishes.

The material can help homeowners reduce utility bills, as Fibrex has the ability to block thermal transfer up to 700 times better than aluminum material. Muskoka cottage owners need not worry about the region’s often unpredictable weather, either, as Fibrex has been designed to retain stability and rigidity in any climate – giving your home a weather tight seal you can rely on year-round. For home and cottage owners interested in looking beyond vinyl but who wish for the same durability, value, and efficiency, Fibrex composite material truly looks to be a gamechanger.

Andersen 100 Series windows and patio doors – the perfect way to refresh your home or cottage
Whether you’re remodeling, building a new cottage or home, or simply replacing windows or doors, Andersen 100 Series doors and windows are a cost-efficient way to make a statement and enjoy the many benefits of vinyl windows and doors. Featuring high performing design, seamless corners, scratch resistant finishes, and premium matte finishes that will never need to be repainted, choosing Andersen 100 Series products means never worrying about maintenance again.

100 Series windows and patio doors are available in a wide assortment of types, including gliding, casement, awning, single-hung, picture, transom, and gliding patio doors. Glass options are also available, allowing you to select anything from low-e glass to low-e SmartSun glass featuring HeatLock technology. No matter what you desire for your home or cottage, Andersen’s 100 Series can be customized to your liking, with five rich dark exterior colours and four interior colours that will make your property stand out from the rest.

There’s a reason why Andersen has stood apart for so many years – their products are reliable, long-lasting, and beautifully designed, with the 100 Series being no exception. The unique durable Fibrex composite material, energy-efficiency, and unmatched price point makes the 100 Series the ideal choice for Muskoka home and cottage owners.

Muskoka Window and Door Centre is Muskoka’s official dealer of all things Andersen windows, including 100 Series windows and patio doors. Our impressive showroom features dozens of the industry’s top names, with products ranging in size, finish, cost, and more. To request a quote or learn more about the high performance door and window products offered by Muskoka Window and Door Centre, get in touch with us today.

How to Fix a Broken Window Latch on a Crank-Operated Window

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 by Muskoka Window and Door Staff

Things breaking or falling apart at the worst time is unfortunately a fact of life. Even while the province is shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the winter weather continues to rage on, you’ll find that things have a way of breaking, malfunctioning, and generally doing whatever it takes to push you to your boiling point. Fortunately, DIY repairs are quite simple and effective thanks to the wonders of the internet, especially in the short term.

Whether a latch or lock on your window has just broken or if you’ve been meaning to find the time to fix a long-broken piece of window hardware, fret not – it’s usually not as difficult as it seems, and you probably won’t have to think about a window replacement for some time. Here’s how you can quickly and effectively fix a broken window latch or lock.

The trick is to actually get your window to open
Fixing a broken or non-functioning window latch is much easier than you might think – all it takes is a replacement latch keeper (preferably purchased from the manufacturer of the window in question), a putty knife (or similar tool), screwdriver, hammer, and a healthy dose of patience. The biggest challenge you’ll likely face is getting the window open, since the latch isn’t doing its job. In order to open the window, you’ll need to:

Crank the window open as you normally would, despite it not functioning as it usually would – this step is intended to relieve mechanical pressure to make opening the window easier.
Slide your putty knife between the window frame and gasket from above the window latch, gradually working your way down – if your latch functions by moving up, slide the knife below the latch.
Use a hammer to very gently tap the putty knife in a downward direction, while of course manually maneuvering around obstructions as you go.
Once you’ve reached as far as you can go, tap the putty knife with your hammer with slightly more pressure to allow it to disengage the latch studs.
If done right, your window should open slightly and allow you to manually crank it open – open it as far as you can in order to access the mechanism.

Replacing a broken latch
Once your window has been carefully opened you should have direct access to the latch mechanism, allowing you to easily remove and replace the broken latch. In order to replace the latch, simply:

Remove the screws holding the old latch to the window frame – dispose of the old broken latch.
Install the new latch.
If desired, use silicone lubricant on the mechanism to improve its performance and ensure its longevity.
Test the new window latch to ensure smooth operation by cranking your window closed and operating the latch – if you’ve done everything correctly, the window should close as it did before and operate easily.

Voila! Your window should be functioning as good as new, saving you money and probably only testing your patience slightly (if all went according to plan). Since the latch on your window is a vital part of its anatomy, this is a repair that should be tackled as soon as possible so you can enjoy the coming spring and summer with your window open wide, or at least enjoy the option of being able to open it on demand.

Let’s face it – unfortunately, not everything can be fixed with a DIY solution. There will always be instances where homeowners are unsure of how to go about fixing a broken window or door. Sometimes it’s even difficult to determine if the problem can be “fixed” in the first place. If you’ve come up against a problem you just can’t seem to fix, Muskoka Window & Door Centre is here for you.

Our team of window and door experts has tackled just about every issue a window or door can present – from broken hardware to damaged door and window units, there’s nothing we can’t solve. If you just can’t seem to figure it out, call on our window installation and repair professionals to solve the problem. Find out more about how the team at Muskoka Window & Door Centre can repair and replace your doors and windows by getting in touch with us for a quote today.

Muskoka Businesses You Can Support When Ontario’s Lockdown is Lifted

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by Muskoka Window and Door Staff

Ontario’s most recent COVID-19 lockdown has been difficult for everybody, but small business owners around the province have been some of the most affected. When the lockdown is lifted and small businesses are back in action, it’s important to support them in any way possible. While many of these businesses continue to offer curbside pickup and other alternative shopping solutions, many of them rely on foot traffic and a more traditional shopping experience.

Once the lockdown is lifted and shopping is deemed safe, head on over to your favourite local businesses and show your support. Here are just a few of our favourite Muskoka businesses you might want to consider supporting post-lockdown:

Lilibird is the perfect place to find gifts for everybody in your life
There’s nothing quite like finding that perfect gift for somebody special in your life. Whether it’s for your spouse, parent, child, or a good friend, Lilibird in Bracebridge, Ontario has a wide selection of amazing gifts at all price ranges. From unique household items to snowglobes, socks, and even light-up products, Lilibird’s wide assortment of interesting, unique, and high quality products serve as the perfect gift for anybody in your life.

For more information about Lilibird, visit their website.

Soapstones offers natural skin care solutions
You deserve to be informed about the products you buy, which is exactly why Soapstones in Huntsville, Ontario is the region’s leading provider of natural skincare products. Soapstones skincare products not only work, but leave a minimal footprint on the environment thanks to their all-natural ingredients that are as gentle on the world around us as they are on your skin. Soapstone products aren’t tested on animals, and are sourced from high quality Canadian ingredients. Their line of products includes everything from bath bombs and salts to body wash, hand soap, lotion, scrub, shampoo, and so much more.

To find out more about how Soapstones is changing the skincare game, visit their website.

Minds Alive! carries the latest in educational, fun and inspirational toys
Kids around the province are counting down the days until they can once again set foot in the toy store and beg their parents for the latest and greatest in the toy world. Originally created in Midland, Ontario, Minds Alive! has become a staple of the Muskoka region with stores in Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Huntsville. Minds Alive! offers a wide selection of fun and inspirational toys that not only entertain, but educate too. From building toys like Lego and high-tech toys to craft kits, science kits and board books, there’s something for kids of all ages and interests. The staff at Minds Alive! have made it their mission to help you choose the right toys for every child in your life, using their expert advice and knowledge to help you make the right choice.

For more information about everything that Minds Alive! has to offer, check them out online.

The Record Shoppe is a vinyl collector’s dream
Vinyl records have seen a major resurgence in popularity over the last few years, thanks largely to small businesses like The Record Shoppe in Huntsville, Ontario, who have worked tirelessly to revive the medium by offering carefully curated selections for clients of all ages and music preferences. The Record Shoppe has been a downtown Huntsville hotspot since its introduction in late-2018, offering music lovers a wide selection of vinyl from all genres from classic rock and indie to hip hop and modern pop. In addition to their large selection of new and used records, The Record Shoppe offers turntables, accessories, and are always ready to take special orders and offer suggestions.

To find out more about The Record Shoppe and their impressive selection of vinyl, visit them online today.

The Muskoka Store is the region’s favourite cottage outfitter
Finally, no list of great local businesses would be complete without The Muskoka Store, a long time favourite in the Muskoka region and a must-visit location for all visitors. The Muskoka Store, which dates back to 1979, offers a large selection of unique products with the longstanding Muskoka tradition in mind. From high quality men’s and women’s apparel, camping gear and outdoor must-haves to home decor and gifts, The Muskoka Store is the region’s top cottage outfitter for a reason. No matter what you’re looking for, you can be sure that the Muskoka Store will have something that lets you take a little piece of Muskoka wherever life takes you.

For more information about the many products and services offered by The Muskoka Store, visit their website today.

These are just a few of our favourite Muskoka-based small businesses that we feel deserve some love once Ontario’s lockdown is lifted. There are far more incredible small businesses out there – so many that it would take all day to list the local businesses which deserve your support.

If you wish to explore more great local businesses, check out the following business directories: