A.B.E. Doors & Windows Blog

Our Spring Cleaning Tips

Lasting Finish!

Provia recommends using any spray-on car wax to preserve the finish and shine of their entrance doors, either steel or fiberglass. You can spray the wax directly on the door and then polish with a soft cloth or apply the wax to the cloth and then wipe down the door. It will help to keep your door looking as good as the day it was installed. 

Your garage door is by far the largest, heaviest object that moves in your home. That’s why it’s so important you maintain it properly and ensure it’s safety with these tips and precautions.

Talk to your children (and their friends) about not playing with the door or the remote control. There are over 40,000 injuries to kids every year caused by the garage door. Keep yours safe by explaining they should never hang on to door when it is moving and always stay a safe distance away when the door is in operation. Keep remotes away from curious little hands and mount the opener button high enough that small children can not reach it.

If you cannot find something to love with Provia’s twenty-one Decorative Glass styles, you also have nineteen Art Glasses to choose from. You can apply the art design to seven different obscured glasses or keep it clear. The featured Art Glass patterns can be filled with your choice of any standard or trending color in the catalogue. They also have five different colored resin beads to outline the design, giving you an endless playground of artistic license even if you can’t draw yourself. If the available designs don’t tickle your fancy, you can also create your own unique Art Glass. 

We want your home to be a safe place for family and friends alike. As we usher in warmer weather, and the opening of windows, let’s review some potential window hazards and solutions.

Many newer models of window shades are cordless, as they are now incorporated into the design. If you have any shades with cords, make sure they are not a temptation to smaller children that may want to pull or try to swing from them. You could use a cord wind-up device to keep dangling cords out of reach or cut the cords so they do not reach to the base of the window. Cord cleats, which allow you to wrap the cord in a figure eight manner are also a great option to keep excess cords out of the way.

 Provia’s 2023 literature has been released and let me tell you just how excited I am to finally get something I’ve wanted forever! Drum-roll, please. Provia has alphabetized their Decorative and Art glasses! That doesn’t sound like much until you’re trying to find a particular style in the giant catalogue and have to leaf through every page looking for it. Now, those days are behind me!

We wanted to celebrate and recognize the role of women in construction this month. Often thought of as man’s profession, we’d like to introduce you to a few women who have had a big impact on the construction scene. (Including our own wonderful gals in the ABE office!)

Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham (1632-1705), made a name for herself by drawing up her own designs for grand homes for her extended family. She was also involved in the designs of hundreds of buildings and several churches in the London area, Unfortunately, she was not allowed to take credit for them and they were attributed to another gentlemen at the time. 

Let’s face it, all things weather and fade over time. When it comes to your home, it’s important to know when something, like your front door, is truly in need of replacement. Take a look at these situations to help you determine if it’s time for a fresh look.

More Than Just a Dent

Your front door sees a lot of use on a daily basis. Over time it will get bumped and bruised by people, animals and things (that chair you were sure would fit through.)

A deep dent or scratch could cause problems in a metal door by compromising the structural design or allowing moisture into the frame.

Cracks in Wooden Doors

Wooden doors may be affected a bit more by moisture from outside and inside the home. This may cause cracks along the edges and in the panel design of the door. I think we’ve all wrestled with a stuck door at one time. If left untreated, your door will lose it’s energy efficiency and continue to get more warped.

Fun fact, if you have a steel garage door (which you probably do) the door is magnetic! In this modern day and age, you no longer have to drill holes into your door to mount decorative hardware. You can take advantage of your door’s innate magnetism and add some decorations as easily as putting a magnet on your fridge.

Moving Day!

A.B.E. Doors and Windows has moved! While we had been in our converted homestead for forty-two years (since 1980) our working family has been thinking about upgrading the showroom for many years. Finally, we are beginning the process as you might have noticed if you’ve recently driven down Hamilton Blvd. For now, we haven’t moved very far—just up the street to 5930 Hamilton Blvd, Suite 6 in the Shepherd Hills Shopping Center. 

Happy New Year! Perhaps you’ve made a resolution to eat healthier or work out more. How about some resolutions for around your home? Projects that will enhance, improve AND can be tackled a few at a time over the next year. Here are some suggestions that will make a difference in 2023.

Get Smart

There are so many great devices and apps that can make our lives...and homes run easier. Are you making the most of an Alexa-type device? It’s not just for trivia and playing your favorite tunes. Pair it with your home’s lights, turn on a security system, control your thermostat and tell it when you are low on milk. Check out apps that can also allow to do those functions from your phone. No more worrying if you left the garage door open, a simple peek at your phone can confirm it’s status and you can shut it from miles away.

 Keep your front door looking great and operating properly during the colder months. Follow these tips to keep the cold air out and protect your door from the elements of winter.

Start by examining the exterior of the door. Look for any damaged or weathered areas. A small area could be cleaned and a wood filler product used to patch it. A professional should be called to evaluate a larger damaged area, as ice and snow could cause further problems.

Brace yourself, winter is peeking around the corner. If you haven’t started already, carve out some time to ensure your house...and those that live in it, are ready for whatever winter has up it’s sleeve.

Outside the Home

Pack up all your summer furniture, décor and sports equipment that may still be lingering around. If these items are being stored in your garage, get your winter gear out and moved toward the front where it can be easily accessed come that first snowfall.

Clean out your outside dryer lint trap. You’ll be surprised at how much accumulates in there. Lint build up is responsible for 34% of dryer related fires. Don’t overlook this important task.

1978 may seem like a long time ago, but the lead that was used in paints is still a cause for concern as it is harmful to babies and adults. A recent report states that 1 in 40 children have blood levels that are considered unsafe. We want to make sure all families stay healthy by understanding where lead can be found and how to take measures to keep everyone safe.

Recognize Where Lead Can Be Hiding

Laws were passed in 1978 to prevent lead from being added to paints and other items, but lead based materials are still present in older homes. 

We are always amazed at the ways technology can help us when it comes to our homes. We are pleased to introduce you to ProVia’s “Entry Door Lookbook.” If you are in the market for a new entry door, you may feel overwhelmed by all the choices. This organized online brochure aims to help you first know your style.

Decorative glass inserts are an excellent way to add style to your front door and curb appeal to your house. ProVia knows no two homes are alike and offers a beautiful collection of designs from which to choose. The possibilities are endless, with the customer being able to choose from clear beveled glass or panels that offer more privacy. A pleasing array of colors will complement any home.