Elevated Screens & Outdoor Living, Reinvented

From Barrie to Muskoka, we're upgrading homes, protecting cottages, and turning everyday doors and windows into quiet little luxuries.
Explore expert tips, screen upgrades, and design ideas that make your home (and second home) feel just right.
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The Ultimate Guide to Off-Season Screen Storage (Stop Shoving Them in the Shed)

Cottage season’s over. The leaves are turning, the dock is stacked, and you’re standing there holding a patio screen that’s suddenly about as useful as snow tires in July. What do most people do? They wedge it behind the shed, lean it against a pine tree, or cram it between the snowblower and that box […]

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How Long Should a Good Bug Screen Actually Last in Simcoe? (Or Is Mine Just Cursed?

Let me guess—your bug screens didn’t make it through the season, and now you’re questioning life… and mesh durability. You’re not alone. Around here, busted screens are practically a rite of passage—but is yours failing too soon, or are you just cursed? So, How Long Should a Bug Screen Last? The boring answer: It depends. […]

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How Many Mosquitoes Does It Take to Make You Regret Cheap Screens at the Cottage?

Look, I get it. You finally bought that dreamy little cottage in Muskoka. The sunsets? Stunning. The lake? Crystal-clear. The bugs? Oh, they’re not just thriving—they’re plotting. You probably figured, “I’ll save a few bucks on screens,” because hey, how bad could it be? Answer: Really bad. Like, “I’m Googling screen upgrades from under a […]

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If Screens Were Superheroes: Mosquitoes, Thieves & Bears Edition

You thought your window screen was just a boring piece of mesh? Think again. Every screen has a secret identity. Some are protectors of peace. Others crumble under pressure. Let’s meet the real Avengers of the mesh world—and maybe a few that need to hang up the cape. 🦟 The Bug-Blocker (aka No-See-Um Mesh) Superpower: […]

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Year-Round Protection: Insulated Security Shutters Explained

Most people think of shutters as summer-only upgrades—keep out the heat, block the sun, add some privacy. But in Ontario, where winter hits hard and spring brings every type of weather in 24 hours, insulated security shutters aren’t just seasonal—they’re year-round essential. Here’s how they protect your home, cottage, or rental property all 12 months […]

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Can Security Screens Stop a Crowbar? Testing Myths vs. Reality

You’ve probably seen the ads: security screens that supposedly stop break-ins cold, resist crowbars, and keep your home or cottage safe while still letting in the breeze. But can they really stop a crowbar? Let’s test that marketing claim and separate the facts from the fiction—Ontario-style. What’s the Big Deal About Crowbars? If you live […]

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Repair vs. Replace: Making the Call on Your Sliding Door Screens

You walk up to the patio door. Gently pull the handle. And… nothing. It groans. It drags. It stutters like a toddler learning to skate.Sound familiar? If your screen door is on life support, you’ve probably asked yourself:Should I just repair this thing—or junk it and start fresh? Let’s break it down like we do […]

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Installing Window Security Bars: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Security bars are one of the most effective ways to protect your windows—but the real question is, should you install them yourself or hire someone who does it for a living? The answer depends on your tools, skills, and tolerance for risk.Let’s look at the pros, cons, and real-life risks of both approaches for Ontario […]

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Do Security Shutters Actually Lower Your Energy Bills?

Security shutters aren’t just for break-in protection—they also happen to be one of the most underappreciated energy-saving upgrades you can make to your home or cottage. That’s right: these sleek, roll-down panels can cut down your heating and cooling bills, especially here in Ontario, where the weather goes from “toaster oven” to “cryogenic freezer” within […]

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Cottage Security Screens: Safety Without Sacrificing Your View

Your cottage is supposed to be your peaceful escape. It’s where you unwind, recharge, and—ideally—don’t worry about someone breaking in while you’re away. But heavy bars or ugly metal grilles can spoil those tranquil lake views. So, what’s the middle ground between secure and scenic? Two words: security screens. Here’s how security screens keep your […]

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