Need Help Choosing Between GAF or Certainteed Roof? Here’s How to Decide

In need of a new roof? At Three Sons Window & Door, we can help with that. For more than 36 years, we’ve been providing top-of-the-line roof installments and replacements to Massachusetts residents. Whether you’re looking to get a new CertainTeed or GAF Roof, we’ve made a helpful guide to make your decision a little easier. Read more below!

Why You Should Install a New GAF Roof for Your MA Home:

Rated North America’s Leading Roofing Manufacturer, GAF roofs are some of the best on the market. All of their roofs are known for their lasting durability, with their shingles built with fiberglass to ensure extra protection. No need to worry about hurricane winds, hail, or flying debris, as your GAF roof will remain without a scratch. If sustainability is your thing, a good thing to note is that GAF is “investing in the future.”  Its singles are 100% recyclable, and they also offer solar-powered shingles. Best of all, installing one of their roofs won’t break the bank. Why should protecting your home be expensive?

Why You Should Install a New CertainTeed Roof for Your MA Home:

As Good Housekeeping’s 2025 “Reliable Roofing” winner, CertainTeed roofs live up to their acclaim. The company is the top manufacturer of super-premium asphalt and offers a variety of luxury shingles. Outside of aesthetics, their shingles are built to last in the worst of storms, resistant to fading, cracks, and warping, and also resistant to algae and mold. The company is also dedicated to promoting sustainability, with its recent “circular roofing shingle” program. (They recycle asphalt shingle waste and restore it for a new purpose.)  While CertainTeed roofs are typically a more expensive option, it’s worth it in the long run. 

Which One Should You Choose for Your Home: GAF or CertainTeed?

Your budget and design style will ultimately determine which roof you decide on. For more help deciding between the two, you can contact Three Sons Window & Door! Our team of home-installation experts will assist you with all of your roofing needs.

Ready to Get a New Roof for Your MA Home Today? Contact Three Sons Window & Door, a Leading Home Improvement Company!

For over 36 years, Three Sons Window & Door has helped Massachusetts residents with all of their home improvement needs! Our services include insulation installations, new siding, replacement windows and doors, home and kitchen remodeling, deck and porch installments, and new roof installations! (Click here to view our past projects, including our recent “Burlington home” makeover!) We hire the best contractors in the state & use only top-of-the-market products, including CertainTeed, James Hardie, and Harvey Windows. To learn more about our home services today, contact Three Sons Window & Door on our website or call us at 781-899-6353. We’ll be in touch soon!

A home renovation

3 Renovations to Prepare Your Home for Summer Heat in Massachusetts

Summers in Massachusetts are getting hotter. Last year, the state recorded one of its warmest summers of all time, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. This year, meteorologists are warning residents to prepare for another scorcher. To prepare you for the heat, Three Sons Window & Door has put together a guide to make sure your home stays cool all summer long. 

Upgrade Your Insulation to Survive the Heat in MA This Summer:

With proper insulation, your home’s temperatures will stay warm when the heat is on and cold when an AC/ fan is on. Without it, your home’s temperature will be cold when you want it to be hot, and hot when you want it to be cold. This summer, make sure your home isn’t hot while the AC is on. Book an insulation appointment before temperatures start to rise. 

Install New Energy-Efficient Windows (and Shades) to Improve Circulation This Summer in MA

Energy-efficient windows use low-emissive glass, which helps block sun rays, reducing heat transfer by up to 90%. For maximum cooling, you can also install energy-efficient shades that regulate temperatures while adding style to your home. Options include shutters, roller, cellular, and solar shades, and drapes. 

Install New Ceiling Fans to Cool Down in MA This Summer

Looking to add a breeze to your home? Add some fans. As suggested by HouseBeautiful, the home interior magazine, you can also add accessories to make your fan’s air even colder. One tip: placing a bucket of ice in-front of your fan. “As the air passes over the ice it will be chilled and will circulate refreshingly cold air around the room,” the magazine writes

Ready to renovate your home in Greater Boston? Contact Three Sons Window and Door for all your home renovation needs!

As Waltham’s #1 home contractor company, we’ve been improving homes all across Massachusetts for over 36 years. Our services include insulation installations, home siding and re-siding, roof installments , deck, railing & porch installments, home & kitchen remodeling, replacement door services, and window treatments. (Check out our before and after page!) Not located in Waltham? No worries– we can come to you! Three Sons proudly serves all areas within 40 miles of Waltham, from Westwood to Worcester. (Our service areas page can be found here.) To learn more about how you can transform your home today, contact us on our website for an instant, free quote or call us at 781-899-6353. We can’t wait to help you with your home! 

A Burlington Home Gets a Major Makeover

At Three Sons Window & Door, your home matters to us. After receiving a message from a Burlington resident who was unhappy with their home, our team couldn’t wait to help. In just a few, short weeks, we installed a new bedroom, new bathroom, new flooring, new windows, new insulation, new paint, new electrical outlets, and a sturdy roof single to protect these new developments. Since then, their home has never looked better, and the resident couldn’t be happier! 

Bedroom: Carpet Installation, Walls Painting, & New Harvey Windows

Our team installed plush, cream-colored carpet and a new fan in the bedroom. On the walls, we painted a coral blue shade and a “herringbone” shade to match the carpet. We also added more air circulation to the room with new Harvey Windows. 

Bathroom: Modern Shower, Marble Countertops, & New Flooring

To give the feeling of a “hotel stay,” we added elongated hexagon tiles to the shower and a new, sleek shower head. We also created a shower niche into the wall for bathroom accessories. A new, marble countertop sink with teal cabinets, a medium-sized mirror, a new toilet, and a 3-light vanity light were also brought in. To match the countertops, the bathroom’s floors are also marble. 

Living Room: Remodeled, 21st Century Staircase

Varnished wood now features on all of the stairsteps. The railing was also updated with new, newel posts. 

Exterior: New CertainTeed Siding, Siding Exterior Paint

We used CertainTeed’s Landmark Asphalt Roof Shingle to make the home “pop” a little more. Coral paint coats the top of the home’s siding, creating a new “two-tone” accent to the home. 

We loved completing this project! If your home was recently remodeled by Three Sons Window and Door, we’d love to add you to our project gallery

Want your home to look like this Burlington home? Contact Three Sons Window & Door,  Waltham’s #1 choice for home improvement services.

Whether you need a new door, window, or just want to refresh your home, Three Sons can help. Our services include insulation installations, home siding and re-siding, roof installments , deck, railing & porch installments, home & kitchen remodeling, replacement door services, and window treatments. (Check out our before and after page!) Not located in Waltham? No worries– we can come to you! Three Sons proudly serves all areas within 40 miles of Waltham, from Westwood to Worcester. (Our service areas page can be found here.) To learn more about how you can transform your home today, contact us on our website for an instant, free quote  or call us at 781-899-6353. We can’t wait to help you with your home! 

single hung harvey window installed in home exterior for style and function

Types & Styles of Harvey Windows

Single-Hung, Casement, Bay, & More: Types of Harvey Window Styles

Harvey windows are known for their affordability, durability, efficiency, and style. For homeowners in Massachusetts looking to install or replace new windows, Harvey is a great option for keeping your home and wallet comfortable. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the style and function best for your home. From single and double hung to hopper and garden, Harvey offers a variety of window types and shapes to fit your needs. In this blog, we will discuss the look, functionality, and benefits of the different Harvey window styles.

Signs Its Time to Replace Your Windows

Before deciding on the best window style for your home, you must first determine the best time to schedule a replacement. Some of the most common signs you want to look out for are:

  • Drafts coming through the windows
  • Difficulty opening or closing the windows
  • Visible damage or decay on the frames or glass
  • Rising energy bills due to lack of insulation

If you are unsure if it is the right time, contact Three Sons Window & Door for expert advice on home exterior remodeling in Waltham and the surrounding areas.

Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows are one of the most popular window styles for homeowners. These windows take on the classic look of two glass panes, with the bottom being moveable for ventilation. Single-hung windows are a great choice if you are looking for a simple yet efficient option. They offer ventilation for smaller rooms or limited spaces, and their tilt-in design allows for easy cleaning from inside your home.

Double-Hung Windows

Similar to single-hung windows, double-hung windows also have two panes of glass, with both the top and bottom being moveable. This added functionality offers more ventilation options and makes it easier to clean both sides of the window. These windows are also affordable and offer low maintenance with their durable construction. Many homeowners add these to bedrooms, living rooms, or other frequently occupied areas for their versatility.

Casement Windows

For a more modern look and maximum ventilation, casement windows are the way to go. These windows open outward with a crank handle and can be easily opened or closed with one hand. They are perfect for hard-to-reach places like behind kitchen sinks or above furniture. Casement windows also offer energy efficiency with airtight seals, making them a popular choice for colder climates.

Bay Windows

If you want to add more natural light and a unique focal point to your room, bay windows are a great option. These statement windows extend out of the wall and create a nook that can be used for seating, storage, gardening, or just admiring the view. Bay windows are also customizable, allowing you to choose from different angles, sizes, and configurations to fit your home’s layout.

Rolling Windows

As their name suggests, rolling windows operate using a system of wheels and tracks, making them easy to open and close. These windows offer a large view into the outside and can be paired with other windows, like casement, for a creative style. They are also energy efficient and offer insulation to keep your home comfortable through the New England seasons.

Hopper Windows

Similar to casement windows, hopper windows open outward but are hinged at the bottom and tilt inward. If you are finishing your basement, these windows are a great option for bringing in natural light and ventilation without sacrificing wall space. They are also a safe choice, as they open from the top and can be easily closed in case of rain. This can help avoid flood damage and keep your basement dry and comfortable.

Contact Three Sons Window & Door in Waltham, MA for a Free Estimate on Harvey Window Installations & Replacements

As an accredited Harvey window installer, Three Sons Window & Door offers expert advice and reliable services to Waltham and the Greater Boston area. Using your individual needs, budget, and home layout, our team will help you choose the best Harvey window style for your home. To learn more and get a free estimate, visit our website or call us at 781-899-6353.

well insulated durable and affordable harvey windows on a blue home with a brown roof and white trim

white house with stone detailing on the front siding exterior in the winter with snow on the black shingled roof and lights on inside while the storm finishes passing falling down over the town

Top Tips to Prepare Roof for Winter in New England

In New England, we experience all four seasons to the fullest. While Winter is often welcomed as an escape from the brutal Summer humidity, it can also be harsh on our homes – especially our roofs. Heavy snow, sleet, ice, and wind can cause serious damage if your roof isn’t properly prepared for the onslaught. That’s why it’s important to take some time in the Fall to prepare your roof for Winter. In this blog, find out the best methods and tips to get your roof ready for the upcoming winter season.

Importance of Preparing Your Roof for the Winter

Famous for its wild weather, New England gets a lot of snow and ice during the winter months. This can cause major damage to your roof if not properly prepared. Small holes, gaps between the roof and chimney or wall, and cracks can all create an opportunity for water to enter your home. This can cause serious water damage to the interior of your home and make it difficult for you to keep warm during the winter.

Keep Your Roof Safe from Winter Weather By Following Our Top Tips

At Three Sons Window & Door, we understand the importance of preparing your roof for winter. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips to help you get your roof ready:

Throughout Inspect Your Roof for Any Damage, Big or Small

Every Fall, it’s important to inspect your roof for any damage, big or small. Even the smallest, most minor-looking damage can create a leak in your roof. Check for any broken shingles, cracked flashing, holes, gaps between the roof and chimney or walls, or other signs of damage. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to have them repaired by a professional to avoid more severe damage.

Clean Your Gutters Routinely

Your gutters are the first line of defense against damaging winter weather. Make sure they’re free of leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure they work properly. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze on the roof, causing major damage. Clean your gutters of any debris at least twice a year to ensure they’re working properly.

gutter on grey roof full of leaves and dirt that need to be removed by the homeowner to avoid any damage to the gutters or roof

Check the Insulation in Your Attic for Sufficient Protection

Insulation is essential for protecting your roof from cold winter temperatures. Make sure there’s sufficient insulation in your attic to keep the heat in and the cold out. If you’re not sure if your attic is properly insulated, have it checked by a professional.

Remove Any Tree Branches Hanging Over Your Roof

Tree branches can cause serious damage to your roof in the winter. Remove any tree branches that are hanging over your roof to avoid potential damage caused by heavy snow or ice.

Replace Your Roof If Necessary

It is usually recommended to replace your roof every 15-20 years. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, have it inspected by a professional and consider replacing it before winter sets in. A new roof will keep your home protected from the extreme winter weather and help you save energy.

Save on Utility Costs & Protect Your Home by Properly Preparing Your Roof for Winter in New England

Preparing your roof for winter is essential to avoid serious damage and keep energy costs low. When cracks and leaks in your roof are left without repair, your home’s insulation can become compromised. This can lead to energy loss, resulting in higher utility bills and a colder home. Follow these tips to prepare your roof for winter and save on energy costs while protecting your home.

Contact Three Sons Window & Door for Interior & Exterior Home Renovation Services in Waltham, MA

For homeowners living in the Greater Boston or South Shore areas of Massachusetts, Three Sons Window & Door’s experienced team of contractors offers a variety of interior and exterior home renovation services. Year-round, we provide homeowners with services that include window and door installation, siding, ice treatments, and more.

To learn more about how we can help you prepare your home for Winter, visit our website for an instant online quote or give us a call today at 781-899-6353!