Blog Archives - Page 17 of 27 - Aluplex Glass and Skylights

Replace Porch Enclosure Windows for Better Insulation

January 31, 2021 By Ezra Vogel

Many old homes have been changed in many ways throughout the years. Part of the reason is that old homes are usually bought and lived in by one family for a long time – sometimes for generations. One timeless way to improve a long-term home is by converting an outdated and unused porch into a porch enclosure, or sunroom. Unfortunately, after many years of serving their owners faithfully, the windows in these enclosed porches must be replaced, just like those in the rest of the house, to preserve insulation. Here’s why you should replace porch enclosure windows.

Stabilize Temperature

To start, you should know that your porch enclosure windows are a vital part of stabilizing the temperature in your home. All windows in the house are weak points for insulation. Because your porch enclosure has a lot of windows, it’s easy for it to become the weakest link. This is especially true considering people often forget to replace the windows there.

The reason why windows are so important to insulation is because of how they’re made. Old windows are often made of a single pane of glass. These single panes do very little to keep out heat or cold. More modern windows are made with two panes of glass with a layer of insulating gas between them. This insulating gas is heavier than air, making it harder for the heat or cold to travel through it.

Even if your porch enclosure windows were put in a few decades ago and are double-paned and insulated, this insulating gas leaks out over time. Once the gas has escaped the windows, they no longer insulate much at all. This is why replacing old windows is so important.

Save Money

With stabilizing the interior temperature comes saving yourself money. Because insulation does such a good job blocking out unwanted heat and cold from the outdoors, it keeps your heater or air conditioner from having to run so much. This can save you a significant amount of money on your electric or gas bill. As you can see, buying new windows is a truly worthwhile investment into your home. If you plan to live there for a while longer, it’s always worth it to get new windows sooner, rather than later.

Improve Appearance

Lastly, when you replace porch enclosure windows, you are making a massive improvement to your sunroom. Because closed porches are often the product of decades past, the windows in them can begin to look rather aged. This is especially true if your porch is home to plantlife or if it’s been neglected for a while. Aged windows in a room with low insulation and potentially years of neglect can look pretty bad.

Older windows without a good seal on the panes can gather condensation between the panes. This condensation rarely wants to go away. Even when it’s not dripping down the panes, it’s often fogging up the edges. Moreover, because of the moisture issues with older windows, they frequently harbor mold. Not only does mold look terrible on your window, it can spread to the windowsill and then even further.

Shop Aluplex

If you want a new set of windows to improve the appearance and functionality of your sunroom, replace porch enclosure windows with Aluplex glass. Our windows are high quality and affordable, making the ideal replacements. Call us today if you have any questions about replacement and installation services.

Frameless Doors and Systems for Your Office

December 31, 2020 By Ezra Vogel

If you own an office building, it’s time to consider upgrading to one of Aluplex’s designs for frameless doors and systems. Say goodbye to an outdated front door and say hello to the modern twenties. Not sure if you really need a frameless door? Let’s check out some of the reasons you should consider.

What Are Frameless Systems?

Popular design changes with each year, slowly shifting further and further away from old trends and precedents. It can take decades for a new trend to be fully realized and last just as long before being considered outdated. One thing that’s coming into style, and has been slowly reaching its apex for about a decade, is the use of frameless doors and systems.

These aren’t just the frameless doors you see at the entry of buildings. While you can use our frameless doors wherever you like, the best way you can implement them is within a frameless system. Not sure what that is? You’ve probably seen one before, and you probably loved the way it looked. Many people do, which is why it’s a great idea to implement one.

Frameless systems are the sets of frameless window-and-door dividers within offices. These are used at office entryways, to enclose personal offices, to section off hallways and different parts of the building, and much more. As you can see, from the picture above, frameless systems provide a clean divide between areas. Moreover, they don’t block out light. That makes them ideal for an office space that strives for brightness, positivity, and comfort. You surely know how much those things boost morale and inspire productivity.

The Value of Updated Design

You may be wondering what the benefit of switching to something like a frameless system is. The answer is: it’s an investment. Updating the interior or exterior of any business or office is an investment in the company that owns it.

Sure, you can always wait another ten years before spending the money. On the other hand, do you really want your company to be known as one of those that waits until it’s falling apart and antiquated before putting a dollar into updates? It’s never a good look for your company when you procrastinate building updates and improvements. Letting parts of your building reach their end before replacing them is a sure way to look like your business is suffering. That sends a negative message to clients.

Quality Products That Last

Aluplex is known as a provider of quality products. That means your investment is a good one – one that lasts. Who knows? Maybe 30 years from now, a new trend in design will be heading toward popularity and you’ll be feeling resistant toward replacing the completely intact, frameless system you once felt ambiguous about buying from Aluplex. At least, when that time comes, Aluplex will be here to offer the next quality design people are in need of. Plus, by then, you’ll know you can rely on us to provide once more.

Give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about our frameless doors and systems. Or, if you want to make an order, we can help you get started. We look forward to hearing from you!

Front Door Replacements That Last

December 31, 2020 By Ezra Vogel

Most of us take for granted the important role our front door plays. It acts as a focal point for the front of our home, it provides a warm welcome to guests, and it keeps out those who don’t belong. Not to mention, it helps shield us from the harsh weather outdoors, all while letting us come and go as we please. But, what about those front doors that are coming up short on one of these responsibilities? If you feel like your front door isn’t doing its job, it might be time to look into front door replacements. Aluplex can help.

Front Door Replacements

Here at Aluplex, while our primary focus is on windows and glass. However, we take it upon ourselves to provide for these higher-traffic openings in our houses as well. After all, windows and doors have a lot alike. They’re an important factor in security, safety, and the blocking out of the elements.

If your front door isn’t doing what it’s meant to, we want to help. We can do so by sharing with you our selection of beautiful, quality, fiberglass doors. Fiberglass doors are exactly what most people think of when they imagine a front door, even if they didn’t know the name for it. They’re thick, heavy, and durable. Fiberglass doors provide great insulation, and are hard to damage. Plus, they’re some of the most attractive and customizable doors available.

Why It’s Time for a Replacement

If you’re unsure of whether front door replacements should be on your mind, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Is my front door an attractive feature of my home?
Am I confident in the strength of my front door against potential intruders?
Are my locks functioning and effective?
Does my front door have the features I want it to?
Does my front door seal properly?

If you can say ‘no’ to any of these questions, it’s worth considering front door replacements.

Replace Ineffective Front Doors

While appearance may be the most influential part to many people, the functional aspects are even more important in reality.

If your locks aren’t working or are weak, your inadequate front door could lead to a break-in. The same goes for if your front door is broken in any way. A home with gaps in its security can make a house a target to burglars.

If your front door isn’t sealing properly – evidenced by wind noises, whistling, or drafts – you’re also losing money. Doors and windows with failing seals allow cold air to get in during winter and hot air to get in during summer. That makes your heating and cooling bills higher during each respective season. The cost difference when your doors and windows seal properly can be astounding.

Quality Design from Aluplex

When you’re ready to take front door replacements into serious consideration, check out the gorgeous front door options that are available from Aluplex. Not only are they attractive, they’re front door replacements that last for decades. Call us today if you want more information on our fiberglass front doors. Or, come by our store to see them in person and get more direct customer service.

Improve University Building Design with Skylights

November 30, 2020 By Ezra Vogel

Universities are always expanding. With more funding and with more research, putting in a new building is often a necessity. Plus, because so many universities are becoming aged, having been built decades ago, they also must be updated. While there are many parts of a university building that may need improvement, today, we want to talk about how university building design can be improved with skylights.

Eco Friendly

The first thing to note is that including skylights in a university building’s design is an eco-friendly improvement. Instead of relying on large, overhead lights to brighten a main room, skylights will take advantage of the natural light outdoors. This is incredibly beneficial because the amount of money it costs to electrically light large, university classrooms or entry rooms can add up very quickly.

Not only do skylights save universities money by allowing them to spend less on electricity, less electricity use is better for the environment. The less energy we use overall, the less we rely on energy production, which is important until we, as a country, are using entirely renewable energy.

Morale Boost

If you’ve ever walked into a large building with a central room that has electrical lighting, you know it can be pretty depressing. Buildings with multistory foyers or common areas surrounded by floor lofts are wonderful. They’re spacious, tall, and offer a sense of breathing room. However, those effects can be entirely ruined if the only lighting is coming from ceiling lights. The lack of natural light and inadequate windows can quickly turn something spacious into something cavernous.

With large skylights overhead, however, it gives us a sense that there is no ceiling. The building’s space just goes on and on. Plus, everything can be its truest color under the crystal clear light provided by the outdoors. Sunlight coming in from overhead will reveal crisply and cleanly, signage, artwork, and other people. Electric lights just can’t compete.

Beautiful Appearance

Skylights are gorgeous. This is especially true of large, expansive skylights that are so sought after for university building design. They are so attractive, in fact, that most universities are implementing them in buildings with large, central rooms. The boost in appearance that skylights lend to university buildings is not just a huge morale boost. Additionally, they improve the value of the building. While university buildings are not likely to get sold or need additional appeal for profit margins, their value does increase the overall property value of the university.

Improve University Building Design with Aluplex

Aluplex is Toronto’s #1 skylight manufacturer and installer. If you want skylights for your university building design, give us a call today. We don’t just produce skylights, we also install them and provide 24 hour, emergency maintenance. Plus, we make other windows too. If you’re constructing a new university building, we can provide all the windows you need – not just skylights. For the highest quality windows around, Aluplex is the clear choice.

Does Window Film Damage Windows?

November 30, 2020 By Ezra Vogel

If you’ve been researching ways to improve your security or the safety of your home, you might have heard of window film. The next question you may have is, “Does window film damage windows?” However, this is not a yes or no question. Let’s take a look at how window film can affect your windows.

What Is Window Film?

If you don’t know what window film is, let’s take a moment to get you up to speed. Window film is a thin coating applied to windows to strengthen them. This makes them more able to stand up to impact, storms, and intentional attempts at damage, such as during a break-in.

This film is similar to a phone screen protector in that it’s clear and is applied across the window to protect it. Although, in the end, it isn’t just protecting the window; it’s also protecting you, your family, and your belongings.

How Is It Applied?

In order to understand how window film can affect your windows, you need to know how it’s applied. Window film is created using layers of laminated, polyester film. One side is coated in an incredibly strong adhesive while the other has a scratch-resistant coating. The resulting film is completely transparent and is applied to the inside of a window.

The application process is not as simple as sticking the film to the window. You must clean the window of any dust or debris, thoroughly, then apply the film very carefully so as not to trap air or dirt. Any air bubbles or dirt particles trapped between the film and window will remain stuck there. Trying to remove window film after its adhesive has adhered to the glass may result in sticky residue being left behind. This may remain visible after reapplying the film, unless the remaining residue is successfully removed. Therefore, it’s best for professionals to be the ones installing window film.

Bonding

After the window film is applied, the adhesive takes 24 hours to bond completely to the window. Once this bonding has happened, removing window film is nearly impossible. If one does manage to get the film off, there will residual parts of the adhesive left that will be basically impossible to remove or clean off.

The Answer?

So, does window film damage windows? If you try to apply window film and fail to apply it correctly, you may be able to remove adhesive residue before it bonds to the glass. This will require chemical solvents to do.

If you try to remove window film after it has already bonded to the glass, your window will remain solid, but not attractive nor entirely functional.

However, if you are wondering how window film interacts with the window, rather than removing it, the outlook is completely positive. Window film does not hurt your window by bonding to the glass. It is proven to increase the durability as well as improve safety, should any window break. The security benefits are undeniable as well. Nothing about the adhesive bonding to the glass will harm the glass, even after many years. The most important thing is to hire a professional, should you want this kind of film applied. Messing up installation can lead to permanent flaws due to trapped substances or the remaining adhesive, should you remove it.

Window Replacements

Should you remove window film and find your windows in a terrible state, Aluplex will have your back. Our windows are high quality and strong, even without window film reinforcements. Give us a call if you need new windows today.

Sliding Glass Door Replacements in Toronto

October 1, 2020 By Ezra Vogel

Need a new sliding glass door? Aluplex is here to help. There are a lot of reasons why one might be in the market for sliding glass doors. No matter what brings you here, if you need glass doors, we can help. Here’s how we can serve you.

Outdated Doors

One thing that might have brought you here is the need for some more up-to-date, sliding glass doors. If yours have years of built up grime, are no longer insulating your home, or aren’t working right, it’s time for replacements.

Broken Doors

Another reason you’re here might be that your sliding glass door has broken. This is unfortunately not uncommon and happens all the time. Sliding glass doors can shatter if they’re slammed open or closed with a lot of force, are hit with a hard, heavy object, like a rock, etc. If yours have broken, you’re surely in somewhat of a fix. After all, your sliding glass door is what’s keeping out the rain, wind, and seasonal temperatures most of the time.

Fortunately, you can get a new glass door from your Toronto glass specialists at Aluplex.

New Projects

Not everyone in the market for sliding glass doors is looking to replace existing ones. If you’re building a new deck or balcony, you’ll need a door for it. If your back door is solid and feels like it closes your home off from the backyard, a sliding glass door would improve that.

No matter what your renovation project is, we can help you when it comes to glass doors. You can get the size you need, the style you need, and the quality you need, all from Aluplex.

Aluplex Quality

Many glass manufacturers sell low quality glass products. While their windows and doors may be cheaper up front, they frequently cost customers more in the long run. That’s because there’s more to a quality window or door than just what it looks like.

Glass doors and windows are made with two panes of glass. Between them, there’s a gap. That gap is filled with a safe, nontoxic gas that’s denser than air. Because this gas is denser than air, it acts as a completely transparent insulator, making it more difficult for temperatures to leak in or out of a house through the window.

Cheaply-made windows or glass doors will not insulate as well. They’ll be faster to lose their insulating gas due to poorly fitted frames and leakage. That means unreliable windows will cost you more in heat and air prices, while your heat and cooling systems struggle to keep up.

This problem is especially large with sliding glass doors. Because of their size, they have more surface area for temperature leakage. Also, because the door is opened and closed frequently, there’s more opportunity for cheap sliding glass doors to lose their seal, allowing their insulating gases to dissipate.

Instead of risking money on cheap sliding glass doors, come check out our products at Aluplex. Give us a call if you have questions or would like to order yourself a new sliding glass door. We look forward to hearing from you!