A Guide to Replacing Your Cottage Windows and Doors

Cottage-style houses have always been popular among Ontario homeowners—so much so that cottagecore is now considered an aesthetic and almost a lifestyle. Its whimsical yet rustic style brings an almost countryside-like vibe to any home, focusing on cozy and earthy designs. These homes also put an emphasis on large windows to let more light in and simple doors to better accentuate the home’s natural and grounded design.

So, whether you’re in the process of building your cottage house or renovating your cottage windows as well as the doors, with better-performing units, it’s crucial to keep some factors into consideration.

Now, let’s discuss what you need to know. 

How To Know if Your Cottage Windows and Doors Need Replacing 

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, how can you tell if these home fixtures need replacement? Some indications that you need new windows and doors include:

• Increase in energy bills
• Air seeps through the gaps in your doors and windows
• You notice condensation on your cottage windows
• Finding moisture inside the glass panes of your door
• Wood rot on the frames of your cottage doors and windows, or mould on the wall near your home fixtures

Carefully observe if your log cabin windows and doors are showing any of these signs, aside from normal wear and tear. If they are, then it’s time to replace your units.  

Key Considerations Before You Begin

Before you begin, think about what your priorities are when it comes to this home improvement project. 

Style, Purpose & Maintenance 

Do you want a more rustic look for your cottage windows or are you going for a modern aesthetic? Would you like unobstructed views of the outdoors or do you want to prioritize your privacy? Do you want more natural air in your home or want to keep out the cold during winters in Ontario? Do you prefer low-maintenance windows and doors or are you okay with regularly maintaining your home features? Answering these questions can help narrow your choices—a good way to think about these is by reflecting on how long the previous windows lasted and what was the main issues, if any.  

Materials 

What your doors and windows are made of determines how insulated, durable and energy-efficient they’ll be. 

For instance, vinyl is one of the most popular window materials since it is durable and prevents moisture build-up. This advantage makes it a perfect choice for any homeowner who owns cabins near the coast or in damp climates. However, they cannot be painted over, limiting your design choices. 

Wooden doors are also a popular choice among log cabin homeowners because they fit the design theme and provide a beautiful and natural look to your entryways. However, they are susceptible to wood rot and decay, meaning you must be diligent with maintaining your wood doors. 

Best Choices for Cottage-Style Windows 

Since log cabin windows are easy to style, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular styles for your cottage: 

Casement Windows 

Though commonly found in traditional homes, casement windows can also be found in log cabins. These cottage windows are big, have hinges on the side, and can fully open outward. Due to their designs, casement windows can enhance air circulation in your home. They’re also easier to clean and don’t take up much space in whatever room they’re installed in. 

Image source: Canva

Awning Windows 

Awning windows stand out as a versatile and practical choice for many cottage-style homes. This window type has a sash that opens outward from the bottom and is secured thanks to a hinge located at the top of the window. 

Its sloped design allows ventilation even when it rains, and prevents water from getting into your room. Although it can’t function as an egress window because of its narrow opening, it’s still a good choice for many spaces in your cottage—especially for those rainy summer days in Ontario. 

Bay and Bow Windows 

https://buranodoors.com/blog/wood-door-maintenance-tipsThese are the best cabin windows to have if you want to let in an abundance of natural light into your room. Bay and bow windows utilize multiple panels to form a structure that juts out from your home’s exterior wall and adds more depth to your home’s design.

While these windows may seem better suited for modern homes, they can fit cottage-style homes with modern designs just as well. These homes may use bricks or wood or a combination of both, but these windows are available in multiple styles to complement every type of architecture. Be sure to select window or door trim that features rustic styles so you get plenty of natural-looking elements, shapes, and edges. 

Best Options For Cottage Front Doors

Steel Doors 

One of the most popular front door styles is a stylish steel door—they are both attractive and durable, making them a top choice among Ontario cottage owners. Ontario cottages with a modern aesthetic can also benefit from these doors as they are offered in sleek and minimalistic designs without compromising on security. 

The energy-efficient steel doors are also low maintenance and are available in multiple colours and designs, making it easy for you to find something that matches your style. 

Image source: Canva

Fibreglass Doors 

Fibreglass doors can mimic the look and texture of actual wood without its common issues like warping or rotting. They make great cottage front doors that you can customize to fit your cottage’s inspiration, design and aesthetic appeal. 

More than those, fibreglass doors are also highly durable and energy-efficient, which means hassle-free upkeep and low energy costs for you.

Find the Right Cottage Window and Door Replacement With Burano 

When you find fenestration options that fit your standards like a glove, replacing cottage windows and doors becomes a breeze. That’s what Burano Doors is here for! As Ontario’s trusted manufacturer of stylish and sturdy windows and doors, we guarantee customizable options all offered at affordable prices. 

Burano Doors provides lab-tested, Energy Star-certified, and NFRC-approved products that can withstand Canada’s extreme weather conditions. With a lifetime warranty included, trust that your cottage windows and entry doors can serve you for years to come with little maintenance required.

Count on Burano Doors to make your cottage designs a reality. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!