Never underestimate the power of the sun. Letting natural light into your home offers many benefits. Let’s learn more about the importance of those radiant rays.

Vitamin D

The “sunshine vitamin” is essential for our bodies. It plays a key role in reducing the risk of heart disease, preventing bone loss and supporting your overall health. When natural light enters your home, your vitamin D levels get a boost-even if you are indoors.

Helps Regulate Sleep Patterns

Your circadian rhythm is regulated by the exposure to natural light. If you are not getting enough exposure during the day, you may experience trouble falling asleep at night or maintaining enough energy throughout the day. Pulling back your curtains in the morning and exposing those rays helps to support your body’s natural rhythm.

Lowers Stress

We could all benefit from reducing stress in our lives. Exposure to sunshine triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that promotes feelings of calmness and happiness. Opting to sit by a sunny window during lunchtime can help reduce stress levels and uplift your mood for the rest of the day.

Increase Productivity

If you work from home, position your desk so it faces a window. The sunlight that streams in will have you feeling more energized and productive. You’ll beat that afternoon slump and find yourself breezing through emails and work presentations.

Protects Your Eyes

Many of us work at a computer screen for great lengths of time. Natural light that filters into the room will make it unnecessary to increase the brightness of your screen and your eyes will feel less strained as a result.

Save On Energy

Increasing the amount of natural light in your home will reduce the need for bright overhead lighting. For instance, the windows in a kitchen can negate the need for task lighting during the day. You’ll find you can keep your electric bill a bit lower if you keep most of your home’s lighting off during the day.

If you are dealing with dirty, fogged or cracked windows that are hindering the flow of light into your house, our knowledgeable sales team is available to recommend replacement windows that will brighten up your space. Contact us at 610.398.2430 to learn more.

Americana Art Glass

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I’d like to take a moment to highlight one of Provia’s very special glass designs. The Americana Art Glass just may be the most patriotic design you’ll find anywhere!

The beautiful frame centering around the literal star of your front door can be filled with any of Provia’s colors. While nothing says you have to stick with red, white, and blue, that’s what I’ve chosen to show off for you!

You can outline the design in any of five colors and fill it with thirty-six different colors so the world is literally a picnic of choices. While you’re setting off those holiday fireworks, you can also consider dressing up the exterior of your home with more than just a flag.

Happy Holidays from everyone here at A.B.E. Doors and Windows!

Rainbow of Colors!

There’s nothing I like more than a beautiful rainbow. When it comes to colors, Provia has got you covered.

In the wood tone family, Provia has nine stains in their Cherry and Mahogany series; eleven in the Oak, Knotty Alder, and Fir series. Across the board, there are seven different glazes. The Heritage and Legacy series have seven different wood tones.

If the stains don’t pique your interest, Provia still has thirty-three standard colors available across all their door series!

If that still doesn’t do it for you, you can pick any color from the Sherwin Williams Paint catalogue and have your Provia door factory finished in your chosen custom color. New this year, you can also have a custom stain applied to any Signet series door.

So, when it comes to expressing yourself with color, Provia has every flavor of the rainbow you can imagine.

The installation of your new entryway door is finished and the results are stunning. To complete this updated look, consider adding new lighting fixtures, decorative accents and a welcoming doormat. Here are some suggestions to enhance the overall look and boost your curb appeal.

Lighting Fixtures

The right lighting is not only for illumination, but can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your home. When choosing the best fixture to compliment your entryway you may first want to consider placement. Whether you choose a wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or a combination of both fixtures, the goals is to create a warm and vast pool of light that illuminates the entire area, including dark corners. Energy-efficient bulbs like CFLs or LEDs will last longer and be more cost effective.

Explore various fixture styles to add a touch of personality. Lantern styles and matching sconces are currently trending in interior design. Consider coordinating the color of your fixtures with your door’s hardware for a cohesive look. Or opt for a contrasting color for a more dramatic effect.

Have a Seat

If you have a larger porch area, some comfortable seating like a garden bench with cushions or wicker chairs can create a welcoming atmosphere. In smaller areas consider a few stools or a bench instead.

Engaging Decor

Enhance your personal style by adding a welcome sign or updating your house number plaque. Flower planters are an excellent way to infuse color into your outdoor space. Consider plants like zinnias, marigolds, cosmos or petunias, as they do well in the summer heat. A tasteful front door wreath made of greens and a ribbon can elevate your entryways appearance.

Welcome to Our Home

Greet guests with an attractive door mat. Coir is a durable material that is also good at trapping & keeping dirt from entering your home. Colorful mats or ones with clever sayings give guests a smile before entering your home. Additionally, outdoor rugs are another way to collect dirt and add a personal touch.

We have a wonderful selection of front doors if you are considering replacement. Please call us at 610.398.2430 or visit our new showroom located at 6776 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown to discover stylish options for your home.

Walking the FineLine

As we say goodbye to our old showroom and welcome the new with open arms, we will finally have Provia’s new FineLine Weld on display instead of on a tiny cross-section sample.

The old weld had kind of a puckered look to it because the traditional vinyl welding process required two steps—first to make the joint and second to clean up the weld. However, Provia’s proprietary FineLine welding system compresses it into one step and creates a neater picture-frame look.

Since 2019, FineLine is standard on the inside and outside of Provia’s Endure and Aeris products. So, stop in and take a look at the lovely new displays in person!

Clean & Organize

Take a stroll around the exterior of your garage and remove any debris you come across. Check any windows for signs of rot, gaps in the seals, and any broken panes. Ensure that your outdoor lighting is functioning properly and replace bulbs if needed. Sweep the interior floor and clean up any spills. Put away any winter items and bring summer equipment or gardening items where they are easily accessible. Now is a great time to go through your garage see what items could be donated or throw away.

Inspect Your Door and Opener

Perform a safety check in and around your garage door. Are your sensors lined up correctly to ensure the door stops if anything should get in the way? Do a visual inspection of the door itself. Look for broken hinges, worn out panels or any patches of rust. Operate your garage door opener and listen. If it is particularly noisy, that could be a sign of rollers, hinges or springs that are wearing out. When closed, does the door sag? It could indicate problems of the tracks being off or structural integrity. If you come across any problem areas, call a professional to make any fixes. You don’t want to be among the 30,000 people that get injured each year!

Safety First

It is important to communicate to children that the garage door is not a toy. It should never be hung from or climbed on. Also explain that the door should never be touched while in motion. 

Keep garage door openers out of sight if your car is parked on the street. Check and see if the myQ app is compatible with your model of garage door opener. This would allow you to open and close the door from your smartphone. 

In the event of a power outage, you should know how to manually operate your garage door. Check your owner’s manual and make some time to learn how to perform this function in case you have an emergency. 

We want you to have a safe & happy summer. If your garage door is in need of repair, please contact us and we will send one of our trained technicians to examine & fix any problems. 

Blossom and Poppy Art Glass

Spring is in the air! I love seeing all the flowers peeking their heads out into the sunshine (and sometimes even through the snow)! If you’re anything like me, you might wish the flowers could decorate your home year-round.

Well, you’re in luck with Provia’s two Art Glasses: Blossom and Poppy. Blossom has been around for a while, decorating your doors or windows with blooms drifting from both the top and bottom corners of the glass. Poppy is new to the catalogue this year and shows a beautiful cluster of poppies sprouting up through the glass from the bottom. 

You can fill the flowers with any of the thirty-four colors available in Provia’s lineup! You also have five colors to pick for the outline of the art glass. That means your home can look bright and cheerful even through the least cheerful months of the year. 

We’ll have Poppy on display in our new showroom soon so be sure to stop by and check it out!

Accidents involving an open window are easily preventable. We’ve highlighted some common areas that may be a risk, so you can take steps to keep everyone safe.

Prevent Climbing Near Windows

Children (and some pets) love to explore and climb all kinds of things. Furniture placed close to windows can be a hazard if an open window is near-by. Take steps to prevent this possible accident and monitor kids at play if rearranging things is not possible. 

Don’t Rely on A Window Screen for Safety 

Window screens do a great job of keeping insects from entering your home. But they are not designed to handle the weight of a small child or animals pressing against them. Teach children not to lean against them.

Secure Loose Cords

We love the cordless blinds that are built into today’s modern windows, but there are still many shades and blinds that have cords for adjusting them. Since they may pose a choking issue, take care to wrap and secure them so they don’t pose a threat. You can also purchase kits that tuck them away safely. 

Employ Window Stops & Guards

Those first breezes that enter your home after winter are so refreshing. Instead of opening the entire window, consider using a guard or window stop to prevent potential fall risks. When used, the window only opens about 3 to 5 inches. If you have an older window, a simple kit can add a stopper or guard. If you have a double hung window, consider opening the top portion to allow for ventilation. 

Have a Plan in an Emergency

In the event of an emergency, a window in your home could be your only means of exiting safely. It is crucial to identify the most suitable window for an escape route. Ensure that the window opens easily and completely. Take a look at the surroundings outside, such as bushes or trees, and make sure there is a suitable place to land. Select a window on each floor and think about purchasing a portable ladder that can be attached to the window’s ledge for descending from a second story. It is essential to plan and practice your escape route with all members of the household. 

Welcome, Scott!

We’d like to welcome a new member to the A.B.E. Doors & Windows family. Introducing Scott! He started as an installation technician, specializing in garage doors in January 2024. Scott comes to us with years of experience in making your home look beautiful as he used to be a landscaper. He’s been married forty-one years to his elementary school sweetheart. He has three cats, two sons, and lots of grandkids! We’re grateful to have Scott as one of our valued employees.

Get your windows sparkling like a pro this spring. Follow our tips and you’ll be enjoying all the blooms and sights in no time.

First, gather all the necessary items. This will ensure that you are prepared and not wasting time searching for supplies like extra paper towels. We recommend having the following items on hand: a bucket, sponges, squeegee, soft cloth, newspapers or paper towels and a soft bristle brush. If you are going to do the exteriors you may want to have your hose hooked up and a ladder. By having these tools ready, you can streamline the process and achieve a sparking finish.

Always check with the manufacturer to see what cleaning detergent they recommend. Some products may be too harsh for a wood trim. We like this natural solution of 2 cups water, ¼ vinegar and ½ teaspoon of dish soap. After mixing, fill a spray bottle and get ready to clean!

Window washing is most effective when done in the early morning before the temperature rises. Excessive heat can cause the detergent to dry too quickly, resulting in streaks on the windows. Before beginning the cleaning process, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection of the windows, frames, and glass to identify any signs of wear, cracks, or screen damage. Take note of any areas that may require repairs or maintenance. 

Let’s begin! Start by wiping down the window frame with a damp cloth. Open the window and clean out the sills. Your vacuum may come in handy to remove dirt or bugs. Working top to bottom, clean your glass panes with the solution we recommended. Using crumbled newspapers is a great way to achieve a non streak finish. Micro-fiber cloths are another absorbent option for drying. If you have larger window panes using a squeegee helps you remove water and dirt in one big swoop. 

Your home’s doors benefit from a bit of freshening up as well. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any build-up of grime. Loosen up dirt from your door’s screens with a soft bristle brush, then wipe down. Don’t use paper towels, as they can leave little bits behind. Brighten up your hardware too. Warm water and a mild soap are safe to use. Brass or other metals may benefit from a special cleaning solution to return their shine. 

The “Original” 1957 Ford Pickup Truck

A.B.E. Doors and Windows had very humble beginnings. When Jim started the company in June of 1974, he bought a used 1957 F100 Ford Pickup for hauling steel cellar doors and cement bags. It was a used farm truck from Northampton with step sides and painted a cheerful green. 

Since A.B.E. Doors and Windows is now a household name, you can imagine that business took off. With his early profits, Jim traded in that 1957 Ford for a brand-new truck within three months. Little did Jim know, he would come to fiercely regret that decision. 

When Jim retired and nostalgia crept in, he started to look for that fateful “first truck.” Unfortunately, years went by before A.B.E.’s general manager, Marc, found a restored 1957 Ford on Facebook. The truck was even already green!

Jim brought the truck home from Long Island, New York. He added the lettering from A.B.E. Doors and Windows’s old logo. What was once a farm truck used for hauling cement bags is now a pampered antique car. Jim was able to recapture an elusive first and he doesn’t plan on letting it go anytime soon!

If your home’s safety and comfort are important to you, then adding a storm door to your entry-way may be a great addition. As you consider various storm door options, consider these benefits.

Primary Door Protection 

Investing in a high-quality storm door can offer an additional level of protection against harsh weather such as rain, ice and snow. This extra layer will extend your door’s fresh appearance for years to come and help prevent maintenance expenses. 

More Security

Our storm doors are crafted from a durable aluminum, providing an added layer of protection to your home. These doors are equipped with a key lock or bolt feature, allowing you to secure the storm door when your main door is open. This feature is beneficial for families that have children or pets that may lean on the door accidentally. Tempered glass and various screen options also add to the door’s security. 

Save on Utilities 

Storm doors create a pocket of insulation to keep colder air out of your home, which can reduce energy loss. When your home is properly sealed, your heater and air conditioner don’t have to work as hard. This creates a comfortable living environment and saves you money. 

Enjoy the Fresh Air 

We all look forward to that first spring day when we can let fresh air fill our homes. A retractable screening system is a great option that ushers in the warm breezes, while keeping bugs out of your living space. 

Added Visual Appeal

An elegant addition to any home, storm doors can enhance an already stunning entryway. Modern models come in an array of colors and offer a variety of features. Not only do they bring added value to your property, they also allow more natural light into your living spaces. A desirable feature if you are considering selling your home. 

Our team is here to assist with any inquiries you may have about installing a storm door in your home. Please feel free to contact us or visit our showroom for a closer look. 

Replacing your windows is a wonderful way to add value to your home. You’ll also discover they are easy to maintain, energy efficient and add curb appeal. Let’s look at the process so you know what to expect.

Replacement windows, as the name suggests, are designed to replace your current windows. They will be similar in size as the old windows and mounted to fit the existing opening. This will cause minimal disruption to the wall and trim around the window. Less mess is always good!

When you meet to discuss the look of your new window it would be helpful to arrive with a budget in mind. This will help guide which materials and options to choose so we stay within your cost allocation.

There are many ways to create a design that matches your home’s décor. You can choose materials the compliment the outside and the interior of your home. We love the contemporary colors that are offered today. There are options that allow you to add a grid (paned) look to your window or none for a more minimalist approach. Choosing hardware will be the cherry on top of a beautiful new window. Our glass options include patterned, privacy, hand stained art and etched looks. All of which may add some design elements to your home. 

When installation day arrives you will be asked to clear the area surrounding the window and remove any window treatments or curtains. Protect any furniture with a covering or move it to another area. Keep children and pets away from the work area for their safety. 

It may seem early, but now is the perfect time to schedule a visit from us. Replacement windows can offer comfort to the inside of your home and a more pleasing ascetic look on the outside. Let us help you make this journey a positive one.

We’d like to welcome a new member to the A.B.E. Doors & Windows family. Introducing Joe! He started as an installer in July 2023. When he’s not spending time cooking chicken and rice for his daughter, he can be found on the golf course. We’re grateful to have Joe as one of our valued employees.

We’d like to welcome a new member to the A.B.E. Doors & Windows family. Introducing Ryan! He started as a service technician, specializing in garage doors in June 2023. Ryan comes to us with eight years of prior garage door experience. He is a homebody who loves spending time with his family, including two young children and a dog. He’s recently tried out some hunting in his free time and has high hopes for adding it to his long list of hobbies. We’re grateful to have Ryan as one of our valued employees.