As we prepare for more cold and rainy weather in California, you may be dreaming of warmer, sunnier days and eagerly waiting for spring and summer to arrive! You might feel like the cold just isn’t subsiding and like you can’t break the chill in your home. Constantly running your heater can lead to expensive utility bills, and it might be a waste if your doors and windows are not energy efficient!

If you notice it takes a long time for your home to heat up, or your home loses warmth quickly, you might want to consider investing in energy efficient patio doors and windows. Energy Solutions Bi-Fold Patio Doors and French Swing Doors have excellent energy ratings and can prevent heat from escaping your home during these chilly, rainy months of winter. With energy efficient patio doors, your home can stay warmer and you can save money on your utility bills!

Energy efficient patio doors aren’t just good at keeping the heat inside during the winter—they can also resist unwanted heat gain during the hot days of summer. Less heat gain in your home means less cooling time needed, which means lower electric bills! Energy efficient patio doors can reduce your utility bills and increase your home value, making them an excellent investment in your home. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to meet with a sash and door expert to learn more about your energy efficient patio door options! AG Millworks lead times are the best in the industry, so if you start your project now, you can plan to have your energy efficient patio doors installed in as little as four weeks!

Investing in energy efficient patio doors is a great step in living a greener life and reducing your carbon footprint, but there are other things you can do to ensure your home is environmentally friendly. Make sure you turn lights and TV off when leaving a room—large glass energy efficient patio doors allow plenty of natural light in to illuminate the space, limiting your need for artificial lighting during daylight hours! To learn more about reducing your carbon footprint, click here.

To learn more about energy efficient patio doors, please visit the Energy Solutions Product Page. To find a sash and door expert in your area who can help you through the ordering process, please fill out our contact form, or contact customer service at: 800-559-9995 or customerservice@agmillworks.com.

California has been experiencing a lot of stormy weather lately. Our days have been filled with rain, wind, and even snow for those of us in the mountains! As the end of winter grows near, we are catching glimpses of the sunny days that come with Spring and Summer. Because the storm season will be ending soon, it is the perfect time to meet with your sash and door expert to plan your door and window replacement! Planning a small remodel with door and window replacement takes time—you must choose your patio door design, have plans and engineering done for the patio door and window openings, and place your order with an AG Millworks certified dealer.

Your first step in planning a window and door upgrade is finding the perfect patio door for your home! You can visit an AG Millworks certified dealer near you to test our Bi-Fold Patio Door and Multi-Slide Patio Door displays to help you decide on a door type. Deciding between Bi-Folds and Multi-Slides is tough because each system is so unique, but your sash and door expert will help you review the different features and options that each door type offers so you will be confident with your final decision. If you are replacing multiple patio doors, you may consider pairing both Bi-Fold and Multi-Slide Patio Systems for the ultimate patio door package! To learn more about our patio door features, please visit the Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page or the Multi-Slide Patio Door Product Page.

Once you decide on what type of patio door system will be best for your space, you will need to meet with a contractor or architect to determine door size and if any special engineering will be required before door installation. With dimensions determined, you can then focus on door configurations, colors, divided lites, hardware, retractable accordion screens, and every other customizable feature that makes each AG Millworks patio door so beautiful and unique! All AG Millworks products are made to order—there is no upcharge for custom sizes! To learn more about what makes AG Millworks patio doors so unique, please review the AG Advantage. Our AG Millworks certified dealers are reliable door experts who will make the ordering process smooth and easy for you and your contractor! To get matched with an AG Millworks certified dealer near you, please fill out our contact form, or call or email customer service: 800-559-9995 or customerservice@agmillworks.com.

You should start the planning now because once your patio door is ordered through your dealer, we custom-build your door system!  Although AG Millworks has some of the fastest lead times for Bi-Fold Patio Doors in the industry, quality and beauty take time! We hand-make your patio doors with the utmost skill and care to provide you a high-quality product with a dependable lead time. If you place your order soon, your patio doors will be ready for install just in time for spring! To save you time and money, we deliver your patio door frames built-up to expedite the install process.

Begin the process now, and by late spring you will be relaxing on your patio with your new Bi-Fold or Multi-Slide Doors open, enjoying your new indoor-outdoor living space! To find inspiration on creating indoor-outdoor living spaces with AG Millworks patio doors, please visit our Photo Gallery.

Having a newly built or remodeled home can be exciting, and getting settled in to your upgraded space is probably a huge relief—you finally have a new, finished space to entertain in. Before you move in your furniture and put the final decorating touches on the space, you’ll want to make sure everything is clean and dust free. This is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the care and maintenance plan for your brand-new aluminum clad Folding Patio Doors! Keeping your clad Bi-Fold Patio Doors clean and well-maintained is essential to preserve their beauty, quality, and functionality.

Interior

About once a month, the interior wood surface of your Folding Patio Doors should be cleaned to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Using a clean, damp cloth, gently wipe down the interior wood surface of your Bi-Fold Doors. Without regular cleaning, the accumulated dust can scratch or damage the wood finish, resulting in a dull and dirty appearance. You should never use abrasive cleaners on the interior wood surface of your patio doors—a dampened cloth is sufficient for regular upkeep. It is important to remember that wood surfaces are not designed to be exposed directly to water and should be gently dried immediately if direct water exposure occurs.

To clean the glass of your Bi-Fold Doors, you may use a non-abrasive cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Spray the cleaning solution directly on the cloth to avoid overspray onto interior wood surfaces, and carefully clean the glass. Never use a razor blade (even a brand ne one!) to clean glass. Contrary to popular belief, razor blades will absolutely scratch the surface of glass.

Exterior

Don’t neglect the exterior of your Bi-Fold Patio Doors! In a general environment, the exterior aluminum clad surface of your patio doors should be regularly cleaned every three to six months. You should use a clean cloth to wash the exterior clad with a mild detergent soap and water. This will remove any built-up dirt, grime, and cobwebs from the aluminum and preserve the smooth, painted surface!

In harsher environments, like that of coastal homes (within one mile of the ocean), it is critical to clean the exterior clad surface of your Folding Patio Doors monthly. Saltwater and sand are highly abrasive, and if allowed to build-up on the aluminum clad surface, can cause corrosion, discoloration, and damage.

Sill, Tracks & Weep System

An important component of your Bi-Fold Doors that is often overlooked is the door sill and tracks. You should use a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent soap to regularly wipe down the visible track surfaces. To ensure smooth folding of your patio doors, you should always keep the bottom guide channel free of debris. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush nozzle to remove hard to reach debris from the guide channel. If you have a raised sill, it is crucial to keep the drainage holes (weep system) free of debris to ensure proper drainage and prevent water blockage—if the weep system is clogged, water can accumulate in the sill and enter the home during periods of heavy rainfall. To clear the weep system, you may use a pipe cleaner or a can of compressed air to force dust and debris from the sill.

Retractable Screen

If your Folding Patio Door System is equipped with a retractable accordion screen, you will want to keep the screen channel clean and remove any debris build-up using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush nozzle. You should also gently dust the screen mesh to remove dirt and maintain air flow. Care should be taken not to tear or rip the mesh during regular maintenance.

To download the door care manual for your aluminum clad Bi-Fold Patio Doors, click here. To learn more about using Folding Patio Doors to create indoor-outdoor spaces, click here.

Did you know January 10^th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day? This holiday encourages people to look for ways to reduce energy costs and save on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Making your home more energy-efficient can save you money while lessening your impact on the environment. In honor of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, here is a list of things that can be done to conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint!

One way to create an energy-efficient home is by replacing old windows and doors with new, energy-efficient ones. Old windows and doors that don’t meet updated energy requirements could be raising your energy costs—if the doors are not energy-efficient, they may cause heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, resulting in increased use of heaters/air conditioning. You can replace old patio doors and windows with Energy Solutions Bi-Fold Patio Doors that are Title 24 compliant. Energy-efficient folding doors can keep heat in during the winter and resist unwanted heat gain during the summer and can save you money on heating and cooling bills. Aside from their resistance to heat loss/gain, Energy Solutions Bi-Folds can increase airflow and natural light in your space, limiting the need for air conditioning, electric fans, and lights during peak daylight hours.

Another investment you can make to live a greener life is by converting your home to solar energy. Solar power is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels and can significantly impact your energy costs. Although it requires a larger investment upfront, running your home on solar energy will pay for itself and reduce costs in the long run. Clean solar energy will reduce your energy bills and give you peace of mind knowing that you have decreased your carbon footprint!

If you are one of the 128 million Americans that commute to work on a daily basis, this section is for you. You can greatly reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint by carpooling to work. If your coworkers live nearby, you might consider establishing a carpool group and taking turns driving each other to work. This will relieve your gas and car maintenance expenses while reducing your energy consumption, pollution, and road traffic! When it’s time to buy or lease your next car, you may want to invest in an electric or hybrid vehicle that can lower (or completely eliminate) fuel costs and limit your carbon footprint.

Other small ways that can have a large impact on reducing energy costs and living ecofriendly:

• Conserve water by taking shorter showers
• Be conscious of running water while brushing teeth, shaving, and washing dishes
• Install low-flow shower heads to conserve water
• Run dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded
• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Replace lightbulbs with energy saving bulbs
• Lower your thermostat while away from home

If you can implement even just a few of these habits, you will be conserving resources, creating less pollution, and helping to build a greener community. Some options require a larger investment but will also have a bigger impact on energy cost reduction! To learn more about replacing old doors and windows with energy-efficient Bi-Fold Patio Doors, click here.

If you keep up with the latest home design trends, you know that indoor-outdoor kitchens are highly desired among homeowners and prospective homebuyers. Architects and designers are seeing a spike in indoor-outdoor living space designs, and that open-air design has reached the kitchen! There are many ways to create an indoor-outdoor kitchen in your home, so you can enjoy an al fresco experience every time you cook a meal or do the dishes!

Folding Glass Walls Open Kitchens to the Outdoors

Bi-Fold Patio Doors can open kitchens to the outdoors by simply folding the doors away, leaving a large open space behind. Folding doors create an al fresco cooking experience with plenty of airflow, natural light, and unobstructed views. The transition from inside to out is seamless, and perfect for indoor-outdoor entertaining. With the application above, the kitchen and bar seating enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle while expanding the space to an additional dining area on the large, expansive balcony! Your door may also be equipped with a retractable accordion screen to protect your home from insects while maximizing airflow.

Investing in a large folding glass door? Don't make these common mistakes.

Folding Glass Windows Create a Kitchen Passthrough

Another way to create an indoor-outdoor kitchen is by installing a Bi-Fold Window to create a kitchen passthrough window! Passthrough windows are perfect if creating a larger opening with Bi-Fold Doors is not possible or desired in the space. A passthrough window connects kitchen to outdoor patio—a typical passthrough window design provides additional dining space in the form of an outdoor breakfast bar. With the servery window seen above, appetizers, meals, beverages, and snacks can be passed from inside to outside with ease! It creates the ultimate entertainment space with the possibility of use as a buffet table or cocktail bar.

Folding Window-Door Combinations Make Walls Disappear

A Bi-Fold Window-Door Combination is a unique and interesting way you can create an indoor-outdoor kitchen in your home. The Window-Door Combination consists of Bi-Fold Doors and Bi-Fold Windows which connect at the center and transform an ordinary space into an indoor-outdoor paradise! On this window-door system, the window locks to the counter and head jamb, and the door and window lock together without additional framing to impede the view. With a Bi-Fold Window-Door Combination, you can still enjoy the luxury of a kitchen passthrough window and breakfast bar dining counter!

Corner Bi-Fold Doors Create Indoor-Outdoor Living

When you want to open multiple walls to the outdoors, opt for a Zero-Corner Bi-Fold System—this unit opens at a 90-degree angle and does not require a supporting post at the corner, leaving you with unobstructed views of the surrounds. To meet design needs, Zero-Corner Bi-Folds may also be inverted! This is the perfect solution to creating an indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining experience in a narrow space. With such a unique and tasteful style, the Zero-Corner Bi-Fold will take your home design to the next level!

Be sure to do your research and consult an architect or contractor before deciding on a design. Professionals can help you find out which design will enhance your space and create the indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining experience you desire! With numerous design options and features, AG Millworks can make Bi-Fold Doors and Windows to fit your specific design needs! Click here to learn more about Bi-Fold Doors and Windows!

If your primary living space is smaller than you’d like, and you feel cramped with the current setup, it might be time to reconsider the design. When a large addition to the space to add extra square footage isn’t possible, there are still things that can be done to maximize the living space and make it feel more spacious than it is! Use these tips to make the most out of your compact living area and turn it into a cozy, comfortable room while utilizing every inch of the space!

Extend It with Custom Patio Doors

One way to make your living space feel larger is by using Bi-Fold Patio Doors to connect the inside living space to the outdoor patio area. These custom patio doors can eliminate entire walls and can extend your space to the outdoors to make it feel larger and more open! With just a simple remodel and installation of folding doors, you can enjoy enhanced views and maximize your living space!

Mount Your TV

Mounting your TV on the wall is a great way to eliminate the need for a bulky TV stand and recover some extra square footage. A slim, modest-sized floating shelf beneath the TV is perfect for storing the cable box, remotes, and other necessities! If possible, keep wires hidden to maintain a clean and organized look—clean lines and minimal clutter is optimal for making a room appear larger!

Mirrors for a Spacious Feel

You can hang mirrors to trick the eye and make the space feel more open. When hanging mirrors and other artwork, be sure to hang them slightly above the eyelevel to stretch your walls and give the illusion of a tall ceiling.

Take Advantage of Wall Space

Utilizing your wall space by hanging floating shelves is a great way to add additional storage and display your favorite décor pieces, while eliminating space-eating furniture.

Minimize Clutter

You want to keep small spaces free of mess and clutter to create a fresh, open space that won’t feel compact. Strive for a minimalist look when decluttering the space and use your favorite décor and design elements to add pops of color and charm!

Furniture That Doubles as Storage

Invest in some furniture pieces that will do double duty—an ottoman that doubles as storage, or a window bench that folds open to store extra blankets, or even a couch with storage underneath! This will give you a place to store the clutter, DVDs, magazines, and anything else you may need to hide away while providing extra seating and design.

Shrink Your Dining Table

When your kitchen and living spaces connect, you can maximize space by opting for a smaller dining table. A dining table is a large piece that takes up a lot of space, so choosing a small 2 or 3 seat dining table or counter seating can free up a lot of room!

Stick to Light Walls

Painting walls white or another light color, will make the room feel open, spacious, and bright. Sticking to light colors and a neutral palette for the interior design will help create an open and airy feeling. You can still use pops of color here and there to prevent a monotone look!

You have probably seen divided lite doors and windows on many homes and buildings in your area, but you may not have known what they are called. Doors and windows can be custom made with decorative grids to create multi-lite doors and windows. There are two different types of lites: true divided lites and simulated divided lites.

True Divided Lites

True divided lite doors and windows, available only in all-wood doors, have multiple panes of glass that are separated by actual wood bars, called mullions. The AG Multi-Slide Door pictured above has eighteen true divided lites in each door panel. This means that each door panel consists of eighteen small pieces of glass held together by wood mullions. At AG Millworks, solid wood Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors, and French Swing Patio Doors are available with custom true divided lite configurations. AG Millworks can create almost any true divided lite pattern, adding character and uniqueness to any home design!

Simulated Divided Lites

Simulated divided lite doors and windows have one pane of glass with grilles attached to the interior and exterior of the glass to simulate the look of true divided lites. The AG Bi-Fold Door pictured above has ten simulated divided lites on each panel. This means that each window consists of vertical and horizontal grilles the create the appearance of ten divided lites on the door panels. At AG Millworks, all-wood or aluminum clad Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors, and French Swing Patio Doors are available with custom simulated divided lite configurations. With three bar widths (5/8”, 7/8”, and 1-1/8”) offered, and the option of ovolo, bevel, or square shaped lites for the interior wood bar surface, AG Millworks offers the most divided lite options in the industry! AG can build patio doors with lite configurations that match existing windows and doors already installed in the home.

Why Divided Lites?

Divided lites are mainly a design feature. They have a historical aesthetic reminiscent of the colonial time period. Many people opt for divided lites to personalize the home design and make it more unique. Different home styles will use different lite patterns to accentuate a theme. Some of the most common lite patterns are listed below.

Cottage Style Lites

Pictured above is a AG Folding Patio Door with cottage style divided lites. This lite pattern is popular on beach, cottage, and craftsman style homes. Designers often match doors and windows with the same lite pattern to keep a consistent look throughout the home.

Equal Lites

Pictured above is an AG Bi-Fold Door with an equal lite pattern. Equal lite patterns are commonly used on modern and contemporary style homes. This pattern often features three or four equal divided lites, created by horizontal grilles.

The Robert Young Estate Winery builds a new tasting room, “The Scion House,” on its 206-acre estate featuring three AG Bi-Fold Door Systems which create the ultimate indoor-outdoor tasting experience.

The Robert Young Estate Winery is in Geyserville, California, in the Alexander Valley, and has been family owned for six generations. As you approach The Scion House, you begin to see the indoor-outdoor experience this new space offers, and you enter a new world filled with gorgeous views, fresh air, natural light, and delicious wine.

Two AG Bi-Fold Patio Door Systems are parallel to each other on opposite ends of the room, optimizing light and cross-ventilation in the space.

Built on a hilltop, the new tasting room is surrounded by hills, vineyards, and mountains. The AG Bi-Fold Doors create expansive vistas of the estate, visible from every corner of the tasting room.

The high ceilings and farmhouse design create a rustic look in the tasting room. The wood interior, traditional stiles, and simulated divided lites of these Custom Folding Patio Doors perfectly complement the rustic atmosphere of the space.

The Scion House is filled with plenty of cozy nooks and comfy lounge chairs for guests to relax and enjoy their wine tastings and cheese boards—this is every wine lovers dream space! Bring your friends and your favorite boardgames, taste some wine and buy your favorite bottle to share, and spend the day playing games and bonding over good wine.

For larger groups or parties, the Scion House has a private room with tons of seating and more views through the third AG Folding Patio Door. This is the perfect spot to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or bachelorette party—spend time celebrating while indulging in wine and charcuterie and taking in the lovely views.

The best spot in the house is on the huge back patio where the comfy lounge chairs are especially inviting. You can sit back and relax, enjoy the view, sip on wine, and catch the sunset! The Scion House offers small bites, but you might also consider packing a picnic for an all-day trip.

The Scion House has plenty of seating but be sure to schedule a tasting in advance and arrive early to ensure seats at the outdoor spots. If you’re looking for a shady spot, there are two gazebos on either side of the patio space with plenty of seating in the shade. The expansive lawn surrounding the tasting room is perfect for laying down a blanket and basking in the sunshine while enjoying a tall glass of wine.

The firepit on the back patio is the perfect spot for cozying up with a blanket and a large glass of wine on chilly fall and winter days and evenings.

Design is in the details, and the new tasting room at the Robert Young Estate Winery features the most unique and special design details. From the three AG Bi-Fold Patio Door Systems, to the rustic farmhouse interior design, to the expansive patio, this space was built to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor wine tasting experience. With delicious wines, tasty bites, and breathtaking views, this winery should be on every wine connoisseur’s list. Click here to learn more about visiting The Scion House.

To get started on your outdoor living project and learn more about folding door systems, complete this form to hear from a folding door expert.

Open plan dining is one of 2018’s hottest home design trends. This design is suitable for both big and small families and can be accomplished in any sized space! Featured on HGTV.com, Designer, Cynthia Spence, says this floor plan “creates a sense of flow throughout the space, and brings socializing back to the dinner table.” Below are five reasons you should make the conversion to an open plan dining space in your home.

1 | Central Location

As Cynthia Spence said, an open dining floor plan creates a central location where you and your family and friends can gather and enjoy a meal together. In 2018, we all have busy lives—the day is consumed by work, school, sports, volunteering, working out, running errands, and hopefully a little play time. An open plan dining design reminds us to seize the opportunity to sit down, take a moment to forget about our responsibilities, and enjoy some quality bonding time with family and friends. It is also great for entertaining—it creates a flow in your home where guests can mingle in the dining and living spaces, but not feel separated from the party, because both spaces are connected!

2 | Open-Air Dining

An open dining plan creates natural flow inside your home, but it doesn’t have to stop there. With Bi-Fold Patio Doors or Multi-Slide Patio Doors, you can eliminate entire walls and connect your dining and living space to the outdoors. As doors fold or slide open, the line between inside and outside is erased. This creates an alfresco dining experience for you and your family to enjoy. Folding doors or sliding doors can expand your space and create an open and endless atmosphere.

3 | Efficient Use of Space

Smaller spaces can oftentimes feel confined, especially with a boxy, closed-off dining room. Creating an open plan dining design in your home is an efficient use of space that will make your home feel and appear larger than it is! Combining dining and living spaces creates a little extra room that would normally be occupied by walls and doorways. This extra space can be utilized and transformed into a cute seating area, window bench, or reading nook!

4 | Increased Natural Light

Open plan dining can increase the natural light in your multi-use space. Less walls mean more light flow—natural light can illuminate your space and be absorbed into the room when obstacles aren’t blocking the way! Sunlight helps to lighten your mood; it makes you more productive, happier, and healthier. With folding patio doors or sliding patio doors, an abundance of light flows through the large glass panels and further illuminates your home!

5 | Resale Value

Open plan dining is an ongoing trend that will be desirable for years to come. According to Time Magazine, an open floor plan is the number one feature homebuyers want. If you are planning a remodel, open dining is a good investment—if/when you sell your home, it will make your home more appealing to buyers.

Living rooms are a big deal—they are a central location where you and your family gather and watch movies, play board games, entertain guests, and maybe even eat the occasional meal. This is a space that should offer comfort and accommodate your lifestyle. If your living space isn’t everything you want it to be, there are some things you can do to liven up the space and create a room that you and your family will love spending time in.

1 | Window Bench

You can liven up your space by incorporating a window bench in your living room. Window benches create the perfect reading nook and provide additional seating when you have a house full of people. Add comfy cushions and reading lamps to create a cozy spot for anyone to curl up and read a book! The best part is, you can create additional storage inside the underneath compartment for blankets and board games. This comfy spot can be created with a built-in bench, or you can purchase a bench to achieve the design.

2 | Natural Light

The doors in your living room that lead to your patio can have a huge impact on the look and feel of the room. By installing large Bi-Fold Patio Doors or Multi-Slide Patio Doors, you can expand your living space by connecting it to your outdoor entertainment area. These luxury patio doors will let in an abundance of natural light through the large glass window panes, illuminating the space entirely; and with doors open you can enjoy the beautiful weather and fresh breeze! Doors that slide or fold away are perfect for entertaining because they blur the line between indoors and out.

3 | Bookshelf

A bookshelf is both aesthetic and functional—it creates a unique focal point in the room, and can also be used to store books, games, and other items. Bookshelves are a design element we love, especially those with a matching ladder to safely reach high shelves. If space allows, a built-in bookcase is ideal. However, the look can still be achieved with a smaller, free-standing bookcase.

4 | Tabletops

Your coffee and end tables can dramatically change the style and feel of your living room. It is important to consider what your tables will be used for when choosing a design—will you use this table to play card and board games, build puzzles, and eat meals? Knowing how you will use your table will guide you in selecting a bigger or smaller coffee table, which may have extra storage underneath (hidden storage in your coffee table is great for hiding your 10 different TV remotes)! Your end tables should be large enough for a table lamp, décor, and a glass of wine.

5 | Lighting

Lighting and fixtures contribute to the ambiance of your living space. If your family is big on movies, investing in dimmer lights with a handheld remote is a good idea. You can also liven up the space with interesting and unique light fixtures, chandeliers, and lamps. With plenty of natural light coming in from your Bi-Fold Doors, be sure to hang some thick blackout that will block bright sunlight when you want to watch a movie during the daytime.

6 | Hanging Swing Chair

A fun feature to include in your living space design is a hanging swing chair! It will immediately draw the eye of anyone walking in the room, and swing chairs are fun to lounge in. You can hang the chair from the ceiling, or if you want to keep the ceiling free of holes, you can invest in a free-standing swing chair.