Want to increase the value of your home? Check out these tips on installing new siding!

Looking to update the siding on your home? Check out this guide for popular siding options, from vinyl to fiber cement to metal!

Give your home a much-needed facelift this fall with our top exterior renovation tips! From siding and trim to soffit and fascia, we cover it all.

Easy Steps To Properly Maintain Your Home’s Siding

A home’s front door is a welcome statement and a visual guide for guests to know where to enter. Shabby front entry doors lessen the aesthetic, which can degrade curb appeal and the home’s value. However, replacing exterior front doors has specific considerations. Homeowners must consider what style of door best suits their house. Whether the door is paintable or stainable, has durability, and provides security are also details to consider. To help you choose a new door, let’s look at the different types available. Wood Wooden doors are the ultimate choice regarding aesthetic design and curb appeal. Their beautiful colour and graining illustrate affluence like no other. These solid front entry doors are luxurious and sturdy in terms of protection. Keep in mind that while wooden doors may be adding value and instant curb appeal to the home, they have the price tag to match. Homeowners are additionally in for regular maintenance when choosing wooden doors Depending on the climate and weather patterns, there may need to be annual adjustments, reframing, stain, and protective coating applications. Wood naturally reacts to moisture, heat, and cold, which means it expands and contracts. Furthermore, direct sunlight will eventually cause the finish and colour to fade, requiring regular refinishing to return the door to its original glory. Fibreglass Fibreglass exterior front doors are an excellent alternative to wood doors. can have a wood grain texture, giving the appearance of wood without the challenges of expansion or contraction. Fibreglass doors still come with a higher price tag compared to other non-wood models, but they are an optimal choice for homeowners wishing to add curb appeal without the regular labour associated with wood In addition, fibreglass doors are often stainable using a unique gel stain technique and clear coat application. If you use quality products, applying a protective clear coat may be all that is required for maintenance to reduce the appearance of wear and tear or sun damage. Some fibreglass doors are paintable and come in a smooth finish. However, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer’s warranty and instructions before staining or painting fibreglass doors to prevent warping or voiding the warranty. Steel Steel front entry doors are one of the most economical and secure options on the market. Moreover, manufacturers are keen to keep up with homeowners’ demand for aesthetically pleasing trends; steel doors have surprisingly pleasant designs over past commercial or rudimentary styles. Steel doors offer ultimate security, and with the proper primer and paint, homeowners can customize their doors to suit the style. Glass A home that boasts a glass front door creates a delicate, crafted look for dramatic curb appeal. Glass improves the home’s lighting and adds style, especially in modern designs with crisp architectural features. Glass door pricing is dependent on the type of glass and its intricacies . When considering a glass front door, homeowners must ensure enhanced security measures are in place. You may want to install a security system and have a means to cover the windows when you want privacy. Extra light also brings additional considerations. Excess heat, cold air, and sun damage to flooring, can increase costs and maintenance needs. Install Your Door for Immediate Curb Appeal  After selecting the perfect door for your home, professional installation is essential to guarantee an ideal result. The experts at Manalco Contracting Ltd. have the expertise to guide you through your front entry door installation with over forty-five years in the GTA and Ottawa trading area. Schedule your consultation online today. You may also call our GTA office at 905-428-6291 or our Ottawa location at 613-838-6060.

In the realm of home renovations, innovations come on the market every day— including deck and front porch railings . Creating the perfect aesthetic for your porch and deck comes with several considerations that can significantly impact your pocketbook and the look of your home. In terms of coming up with porch railing ideas, it is easy to create a wish list of all your must-haves, but without understanding the best choices for your home, you can quickly run into trouble. Let’s do a deep dive into the basics of porch railing design to help you make the best possible decisions. Material The first consideration in porch railing design is what material is the best choice for you and the look of your house. There are several railing options available on the market, including: Aluminum Stainless steel Wrought iron Metal cable Plexiglass Wood Composite decking While you think about your options, consider ongoing maintenance as well as the overall visual effect. Colour The next consideration is colour. As you form a mental picture of how your home will look with the different material types, you will want to incorporate a colour that complements the house’s siding and eaves. It is easy to choose a white or black porch railing, as they generally go with most homes’ exteriors; however, you can also choose from the manufacturer’s pre-fabricated aluminum, metals, and composite decking colours. In addition, should you select treated wood, you can leave it natural or choose an exterior stain. Style Coordinating your house’s style with your front porch railing is essential to maintain an aesthetically pleasing flow between the siding, eaves, soffit, and shingles. After all, curb appeal includes the full visual effect from across the street. Modern choices could include the minimal sleek lines of aluminum and plexiglass or more robust wrought iron posts. Homey or casual railings could include pressure-treated posts and rails with a mixture of metal for contrast. In the end, railing styles come down to what you love most that also fits within your budget. Budget Budget always comes into play when considering what kind of porch railing materials to use. Yet understandably, some materials are more costly than others. With lower porch railing costs ranging from $25-80 per linear foot, you can undoubtedly find cost-effective options to enhance your home. However, if your porch railing ideas include aluminum, wrought iron, or plexiglass, costs can range from $150-800 per linear foot. While these choices could add considerable curb appeal and property value to your home, they may be out of the scope of your budget. Legal and Building Codes When applying for your building permit, ensure you have a complete set of plans, including all materials and railing designs. It is better to know what is permissible before starting construction than to make the costly mistake of not meeting building code requirements and having to tear everything down and start over. If you are unsure what railing styles or materials are acceptable, speak to your local contractor who should be well-versed in porch and railing building codes, such as the experts at Manalco Contracting Ltd. in Ajax, Ontario. Install Your Porch Railing Today! Once all your planning is in place, it is time to bring in the team at Manalco Contracting Ltd. for professional installation. Our team brings exceptional service and skill with all porch railing materials, with over 45 years of experience serving Ajax and the surrounding area. At Manalco, we take your porch railing ideas and transform them into the deck of your dreams! Get a free estimate by contacting us online or by calling 905-428-6291 today!

Your house exterior has a huge impact on the curb appeal and value of your home. Siding, windows, and other elements are vital, but so is your home’s trim. The right trim can make a world of difference by accenting other features and tying together your home’s overall appearance. Choosing the right trim isn’t always easy. You need to take a careful look at your home’s style, your needs, and your budget. Balancing all of these can be a challenge, but a professional home exterior contractor can help you make a perfect choice. PVC Trim PVC trim is a standard option that many homeowners choose for its versatility and resilience. The material comes in many unique shapes and styles — essentially any that you can imagine. This diversity makes it a great option to match almost any home exterior style. PVC trim is also quite low maintenance, something that most homeowners are looking for in exterior trim . The durable material doesn’t chip or crack easily and resists cupping and bowing. You also won’t have to worry about any rot or pest issues with this type of trim. Thanks to its complete moisture resistance, PVC trim can be used just about anywhere. It’s particularly resilient in areas near or even touching the ground. PVC trim can provide excellent protection for your home for years to come. You can find PVC trim in a wide range of colors and textures, and the material is also easy to paint. No matter what style you’re looking for, there’s an affordable PVC trim option out there for you. Fibre Cement Trim Fibre cement trim is one of the latest home exterior materials on the market. This unique trim option is made from a blend of materials, including cement, wood pulp, ash, and sand. This combination offers excellent durability and resilience while also having an attractive texture. Fibre cement house trim is extremely strong and can withstand high winds, direct impacts, and other potential sources of damage. You’ll also enjoy some of the longest-lasting trim available today, with many types carrying 30-year warranties. Like PVC, there’s no need to be concerned about heavy maintenance requirements with fibre cement trim. There is no risk of rot or other water damage. This long-lasting trim also adds value to your home. The one major thing to consider here is cost. Fibre cement trim can be more expensive than comparable PVC options. However, you should consider the longer-expected life of fibre cement trim and the additional value to your home. Wood Trim Wood trim was the traditional option for centuries before the advent of modern trim materials. It’s still incredibly popular because of its unique style and natural look. Wood trim could be the perfect option to maximize the curb appeal of your home, but there are some downsides as well. Maintenance is incredibly important when dealing with wood trim. Wood naturally absorbs moisture, which can lead to warping, rot, and other issues. If you don’t keep your wood trim maintained with regular painting or sealing, it won’t last very long. The range of paint and other finish options makes wood incredibly versatile. Many homeowners still choose wood today despite the higher maintenance options, showing just how much wood trim has to offer. Professional Trim Installation in Ajax Manalco Contracting has spent nearly 45 years providing the residents of Ajax, Ontario, and the surrounding areas with quality home exterior renovations. We handle everything from siding to windows and, of course, professional trim installation. You can call us at 905-428-6291 or contact us online to get a quote on your new trim today.

Could your home's front entry benefit from a bit of curb appeal? Your home's exterior is where you can make a great first impression on neighbours; it sets the tone for your home's interior decor and overall style. Adding some decorative touches to your front entry is a simple and inexpensive method to make your house look prettier and increase your property value. Read on to learn a few helpful tips that can make a difference in the appearance and overall ambiance of your home's front entry. Replace Your Front Door The focal feature of your home's curb appeal is the front entry door. While your current door is serving its purpose, a new entry door gives you the chance to do something spectacular. Select a style, design, and material that complements your home's architecture and enhances the exterior of your home. There are several popular front door ideas for you to consider. Craftsman and mid-century design styles give homeowners a vintage charm to their house. If you are interested in the minimalist modern approach, opt for a sleek design with glass panels to let some natural light shine through. You can even add a pop of colour to make your door stand out. Choose a steel door for better security and something between old-fashioned and contemporary. They are durable and come in various styles and colours, some even with a glass panel for that extra flair. Replace Your Windows There is something genuinely modern and opulent about a home with exceedingly large and tall windows. Imagine the amount of natural sunlight that can paint the house's interior with a golden hue during sunset. If you want to let your home stand out, consider replacing your windows for a striking new appearance. However, replacing your existing windows with the exact dimensions can also give your home a much-needed facelift. Your home will look cleaner and more inviting. Switch up Basic House Number Design House number design has come a long way from the ubiquitous serif font numbers devoid of any real personality. Today, you have more choices to find the right lettering style for your house number. Today's most significant trend is to go large with a clean, sans serif font. Consider having a small spotlight to add a touch of luxury to your front entrance and make it easier to read your address at night. Spruce up Your Front Entry Landscaping It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a green thumb because having a well-maintained front lawn is enough to make your home stand out. Every spring, ensure you rake your grass and then spread some grass seeds, fertilizer, and soil enhancers. Water as frequently as you can, and watch your lawn transform into a luscious green colour. You can also spruce up your front entry with some seasonal flowers. Whether you plant them on your property or in a beautifully designed pot, your home will look more appealing to any neighbours passing by. Another lovely addition to your front entry would be a fountain. The slow but constant water flow gives you a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. If that is not in your budget, you can also add a birdbath. Update Your Front Entry Accessories Like Entrance Hardware, Mailbox, Porch Lights, Etc. Your outdoor hardware will need replacing because it is exposed to the elements. Think of your mailbox that has seen better days, or perhaps the porch lights surrounding your home that have quickly become a haven for dirt, dust, and spiderwebs. Replacing these entry accessories is the final touch to giving your entryway a complete makeover. Get in Touch With the Experts Do you have plans on updating your entryway? We can help with your front door replacement along with installing new windows. At Manalco Contracting Ltd., you can depend on our trained and experienced team to handle the job professionally and efficiently. Call us at 905-428-6291 or fill out our contact form to get a quote on your next home project or to book an appointment. 

A well-maintained window does not only make your home look attractive, but it also increases curb appeal and provides more security and comfort. Damaged windows may allow inserts into your home and even allow heating and cooling to escape, leading to higher energy bills. These are important reasons why you need to ensure that your windows are in good condition all the time. Cleaning regularly, doing frequent checkups, and doing prompt window replacement can help you keep your windows in great condition. Spring cleaning presents the perfect opportunity to carry out some of these maintenances. Clean Regularly Create a schedule for your window cleaning. It is ideal to clean it monthly. Remember to clean the windows that are not in sight. A lot of people tend to forget about the windows that are covered with drapes, curtains, shades, and blinds. The answer to the question of how to clean windows is simple. Just use all-purpose cleaner and water to get rid of all the dirt. Repair or Replace Damaged Window Parts When you notice rots, cracks, and other damages, you need to take action quickly since it can present unsafe conditions. You will need to decide if you should replace or repair the window. There are several factors to consider since both options have their advantages. A window repair is cheaper, but a window replacement will allow you to upgrade to modern, energy-efficient options. If your window is relatively new, it’s better to repair it. If it’s an old window and you know it could use an upgrade, install a new one. Keep an Eye on Window Frames When cleaning your window with water, clean the frame with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. You must also paint them at least once every two years to provide proper protection against the elements of the weather. If there are gaps in the window frames, use caulk to fill those gaps. Check Window Seals When checking windows for damage, check the seals between the window and frames and the seals of double and triple glazing. Ensure that the seals are tight. Inspect them at least twice a year. You can take advantage of spring cleaning to check. Maintain Window Tracks You can start by vacuuming the tracks to get rid of dead tiny insects, and leaves. Then use a wet disposable towel to clean the surface of the tracks. If the surface is extremely dirty, add some liquid dishwashing detergent. Disposable towels are ideal because these tracks are usually really dirty and it will be difficult to wash the dirt out. If you have an old cleaning cloth you intend to throw away, you can use it as well. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub if the dirt won’t come off. Use a narrow stick to reach crevices. It is easier to wrap a disposable towel around it and use it to clean all hard-to-reach areas. Use this opportunity to clean the window sills as well. Make sure you wipe the tracks and sills dry. Do Yearly Checkups When you are doing your spring cleaning, inspect every part of your window. Check the glass, frames, tracks, seals, and sills to ensure that they are all in good condition. A regular check will help you to fix damages in time and prevent expensive repairs. Get in Touch With the Experts Do you need help fixing a damaged window? Manalco Contracting Ltd. is the right team to call. We have fully trained and experienced installers who will handle everything from start to finish.  Call us at 905-428-6291 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.