If the predictions are correct, we’re in for one cold and snowy winter. There’s nothing quite like getting warm and cozy inside your home on a blisteringly cold or unexpectedly snowy day. Unfortunately, staying warm and cozy can sometimes be a challenge, especially when drafts make themselves known.

One of the most affordable ways to keep the drafts out this coming winter season is through thermal curtains, which are designed to provide thermal resistance that reduces heat loss so you can stay warmer all winter long. What exactly are thermal curtains and how do they work? Here’s everything you need to know about thermal curtains.

What are thermal curtains and how do they work?

Thermal curtains are window treatments designed to reduce heat loss. They’re made up of several different layers (generally between 3-4) of materials which prevent thermal transmittance and provide thermal resistance.

The front of the curtains are very similar to your favourite window coverings, featuring aesthetically pleasing designs made from traditional fabrics. The middle layers of thermal curtains are made of thicker thermally resistant materials like felt, flannel or even foam to offer thermal resistance. The backing of thermal curtains generally protect the inner layers from sunlight, serve as a vapour barrier to protect against damage from condensation, and reflect heat and light through reflective or vinyl-based materials.

Now that you know how they work, you might be wondering whether thermal curtains actually work? The short answer is yes, thermal curtains work to reduce heat loss. They do so by creating dead air between your window and the rest of the room, reducing the amount of heat transfer when properly installed. Rather than transferring out of your windows, the heat generated in your home will be kept inside and circulated throughout the room.

Are thermal curtains easy to install?

If you’ve ever installed curtains in your home or any other kind of window treatment, you’ll know how quick and painless the process is. Installing thermal curtains is just like installing any traditional window covering. The trick is to ensure that the installation is done correctly so that the thermal curtains can perform the way they’re intended to.

In order to perform optimally, thermal curtains should be installed to be as air-tight as possible. Air-tightness will ensure that heat transfer is reduced, allowing them to perform as intended. In order to improve the air-tightness of thermal curtains, they should be installed as close to the window frame as possible, with the top, bottom and sides sealed properly using velcro or magnetic tape to secure it to the frame or walls. Thermal curtains work best when dropped all the way to the floor or to the windowsill, ensuring that heat does not escape underneath the curtains.

Do thermal curtains work during the summer?

Once they’ve been installed, you might be worried about whether you’ll have to tear them down year after year when the spring and summer come around. Thankfully, thermal curtains work well during the summertime too, especially light and medium coloured curtains with a reflective backing. These thermal curtains are designed to reduce heat gain by up to 33% by reflecting the sun away from your windows, keeping your home cooler and helping your air conditioner breathe a little easier on hot days.

Window treatments have come a long way, allowing homeowners to keep their homes warmer during the winter months and cooler in the summertime. While they certainly can’t replace the benefits of new triple pane windows, thermal curtains are great in a pinch and can mean the difference between a warm and cozy winter and a season full of blistering drafts. Remember to install thermal curtains properly to ensure that heat transfer is prevented, and to select the correct size for the windows in your home.

Muskoka Window & Door Centre is the region’s premier supplier and installer of high quality door and window products. Our experienced team can help you find the perfect windows and doors for your upcoming renovation, allowing you to increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. To find out more about the great window and door brands featured in our showroom or the installation services offered by the team at Muskoka Window & Door Centre, get in touch with us today.

Ostaco is a family owned and operated window and door manufacturer based out of southern Ontario. The company was founded in 1981, and has since become an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of high performance window and door products, which has helped them establish a large network spanning all across the country. Muskoka Window & Door Centre is proud to be Ostaco’s official Muskoka dealer, with our showroom containing many of their finest products.

Perhaps most notable are Ostaco’s new line of Prism window units, which are available in a wide variety of custom types and sizes that are manufactured to your specifications. Ostaco Prism windows recently launched, featuring 4 9/16” vinyl frames, thicker exterior sashes and larger glass surface areas for a more energy efficient window unit. Prism windows are one of the best ways to maximize your living space and get the most out of the beautiful Muskoka landscapes, while cutting down on your utility bills and maintaining energy efficiency.

A family owned manufacturer dedicated to excellence

Since 1981, Ostaco has been a leading manufacturer of windows and doors throughout Canada. The family-run company takes a simple approach to taking care of their customers, ensuring that each and every one receives the highest quality service, and long-lasting products they can rely on.

This approach has proven to be extremely successful, and has made Ostaco one of Canada’s most beloved window and door manufacturers. All windows and doors are made to order, guaranteeing that customers are receiving a high performance product made to exactly the specifications they need. Each and every product manufactured by Ostaco has been thoroughly tested and certified at the highest levels by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Energy efficient windows that can withstand the elements

Ostaco’s line of Prism windows are the perfect choice for maximizing the space in your Muskoka cottage and getting the most out of your view. These custom crafted windows feature energy saving designs that have been rated most efficient by Energy Star. Ostaco Prism windows use warm edge spacers between glass panes to contain argon gas and minimize glass edge conductivity, keeping your cottage warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Energy efficient windows mean saving on utilities, and keeping your cottage at a consistently comfortable temperature all year round. Ostaco Prism windows also feature fusion welded vinyl chambers, offset grooves, steel reinforcement channels, mullion reinforcement pockets, and more to ensure that they’ll perform to the highest standards for years to come.

A wide variety of styles and finish options at your disposal

One of the best things about choosing new windows is having the ability to customize them to meet your needs, and make an aesthetic statement that will be sure to catch the eye of neighbours, friends, and family. Ostaco Prism windows are available in a wide variety of window styles, including stylish casement and awning styles, easy to operate single hung and slider styles, and flexible double hung and double slider options. Once you’ve selected the window operation that best suits your home or cottage, you can choose from more than two dozen exterior finishes that range from antique brown and blue grey to rustic blue and shutter green. No matter what kind of statement you’re looking to make with your windows, Ostaco can help you make it your own with these ultra sleek contemporary windows.

Muskoka Window and Door Centre is the official Muskoka dealer of Ostaco Prism window products. For more information about Ostaco windows and doors, as well as the full line of Muskoka Window & Door Centre’s high quality line of window and door products, visit our website or contact us today.

For more than 115 years, Andersen has been pioneering some of the world’s highest quality windows and doors, setting unparalleled industry standards that other manufacturers have tried to keep up with. Muskoka Window & Door Centre, an official Muskoka region dealer of Andersen products, is proud to feature Andersen window units in our showroom. Though our showroom contains a wide variety of Andersen products, Andersen A-Series windows stand out as being truly remarkable. A-Series windows feature high performance design that will stand up to the elements, and have been designed with architecture in mind.

Andersen: An industry leader for over 115 years

Since its inception more than 115 years ago, Andersen has become one of North America’s premier window and door manufacturers, as well as one of the most highly recommended brands amongst homeowners. One of the company’s primary goals is to design products that empower homeowners, creating window and door units that allow for new and unique perspectives that fundamentally change the way properties look and feel. Andersen is also dedicated to sustainable improvement in every aspect of their operations, always looking for an opportunity to better understand the company’s impact on communities and the environment. All Andersen employees are encouraged to become involved in their communities, and given opportunities to volunteer for organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

High performance windows make them perfect for Muskoka

As part of Andersen’s Architectural Collection, the A-Series windows have proven themselves as the company’s best performing windows. A-Series windows have been designed with architectural authenticity in mind, featuring their most energy-efficient design to date. Options including triple-pane glass and Andersen’s HeatLock technology are also available for maximum energy efficiency. The Andersen A-Series is perfect for the Muskoka climate, featuring a weathertight design and impact-resistant glass that can withstand even the most grueling weather conditions – they’ve even been tested to ensure resistance to hurricane-force winds and long-term sea air exposure.

Available in a wide variety of styles

Homeowners can choose from a variety of styles including awning, casement, double-hung, picture, and specialty shaped windows. Each Andersen A-Series window features weather-resistant design and seamless operation, manufactured with high quality wood, fiberglass, and Fibrex composite materials that give you a practical way to make an architectural statement with your Muskoka home or cottage. All A-Series windows are also available in a wide variety of style finishes, including stained and painted wood interiors that offer architectural flare to make your home stand out from the crowd. In all, A-Series windows are available in up to 11 exterior colour options, six species of wood, and 14 finish options for the ultimate mix-and-match experience. Custom sizes, glass options, hardware, and insect screens are also available for use with Andersen A-Series windows. Muskoka Window and Door Centre is the official Muskoka dealer of Andersen A-Series architectural window products. Our showroom also features other great Andersen products, including E-Series custom-crafted windows, 400 Series windows, and 100 Series windows. For more information on the full line of high performance windows and doors available at Muskoka Window & Door Centre, visit our website or contact us today.

Ontario-based manufacturer Bigfoot has made a name for itself manufacturing high quality custom architectural window and door designs. Bigfoot’s exceptional level of innovation and responsive customer service has led them to becoming one of the most respected names in window and door manufacturing throughout the country, one that Muskoka Window and Door Centre is proud to work with.

One of the best examples of the high quality architectural systems offered by Bigfoot are their Premium and Ultimum Entrance Doors. Bigfoot’s line of architectural entrance doors truly become an aesthetic symbol of your Muskoka cottage, keeping you safe without compromising your style or your home’s energy efficiency.

Bigfoot Premium Entrance Doors – A strong and impressive symbol of your property

With their elegant architectural design and high performance features, these premium entrance doors are sure to make a lasting impression on all your guests. Bigfoot’s Premium doors feature a four-folded tightness design and four-folded glazing that performs to exceptionally high thermal conductivity standards. Bigfoot Premium doors are available in aluminum and a wood look finish, making for premium quality doors that truly make you feel safe and secure.

These doors feature panels up to 105 mm thick, with a firm and rigid construction that ensures your family and property are well-guarded. Premium doors feature a 3-point safety lock that boasts two large hooks and three strong hinges, ensuring that your cottage is fully protected. Bigfoot Premium entrance doors are available in various different sizes, with a wide variety of available finishes and designs available to you, including the innovative Premium Optico, to help you match these high quality doors to the architectural splendor of your cottage. Also available are a wide selection of accessories that include handles, protective trim, LED illumination, and more.

Bigfoot Ultimum Entrance Doors – An awe-inspiring technological feat

Bigfoot’s like of Ultimum entrance doors are truly a technological feat that gives owners the confidence needed in knowing that their property is safe, secure, and aesthetically unmatched. The Ultimum entrance doors feature a maximum thickness of 14 cm, fortifying your Muskoka cottage and giving you peace of mind in knowing that you and your family are truly secure. Every aspect of these innovative entrance doors has been created to be truly groundbreaking, featuring elegant colours and designs, sophisticated LED lighting, and security features that include fingerprint scanners that can be installed in the handle or concealed.

Bigfoot Ultimum doors are handmade by engineers who have an unparalleled eye for detail, making each one a work of art. Ultimum entrance doors can be fully customized to meet your needs and preferences, with many inside and outdoor door handle and threshold details available to make these doors your own. Ultimum doors can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, each one made to feature outstanding insulation factors that keep your home energy efficient, and add to the solid nature of Bigfoot XL and XXL doors. Each door is available in a wide selection of designs, colours, and glosses, with a variety of glass, accessories, and security options at your disposal.

Muskoka Window and Door Centre is an official dealer of Bigfoot window and door products, including their Premium and Ultimum Entrance Doors. For more information about Bigfoot Premium and Ultimum entrance doors, as well as the full line of Muskoka Window & Door Centre’s high quality line of window and door products, visit our website or contact us today.

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.

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.