A home with James Hardie siding

Why You Should Choose James Hardie for Your Home’s Siding

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On a recent morning in Boston, a building lost part of its siding after strong wind gusts ripped it off. A few years before that, a high school’s roof (and siding) blew away during a storm. Your home could be next. If you’re looking to improve your home’s siding, consider installing James Hardie, the #1 weather-resistant siding. (It’s also good at, you know, being siding.)

Here are some things to know about James Hardie siding, and how Three Sons Window and Door can help install it for your home today.

Who is James Hardie? 

Yes, James Hardie was real. Hardie, a Scottish tanner, emigrated to Australia in 1888 and started a machinery and chemicals company. By 1980, the eponymous company had expanded, adding building and industrial materials to its products. It was around this same time that they started developing fiber cement technology, leading James Hardie to become the #1 high-performance fiber cement manufacturer today. 

Why You Should Install James Hardie Siding:

Weather Resistant

As mentioned earlier, James Hardie will last in all types of weather. Hardie products are able to withstand extreme heat conditions, hail, snow, rain, humidity, flooding, and even Hurricane 5 winds. 

Say Goodbye to Pests 

Good news: pests won’t like your James Hardie siding. Whether you have woodpeckers or termites, it doesn’t matter–as they won’t be chewing through this. James Hardie siding uses Portland cement, which rodents can’t digest. Additionally, JH siding is extremely thick, making for a difficult snack for pests.

Fire Resistant 

Rest assured, your James Hardie siding won’t catch on fire. All Hardie products have a Class A Fire rating (the highest fire rating a material can have) with a flame spread index of 0. Recently, after the Caldor Fire burned more than 220,000 acres in California, homes that had James Hardie siding were left still standing.  (Do keep in mind that while Hardie products are noncombustible, heat can transfer through them. Nonetheless, certain products “may qualify for 1-hour fire-related assembly (the amount of time a material can withstand direct flame exposure.)

Environmentally Friendly 

By choosing James Hardie Siding, you’ve chosen to go with the “Greenest Siding Brand.” All Hardie products are made from “sustainable raw materials.” As a bonus: James Hardie also recycles its siding up to four times. Go green. 

Ready to Get James Hardie Siding Installed On Your Home in Waltham & Across Massachusetts?

Contact Three Sons Window & Door, a leading siding services company in Massachusetts! For over 36 years, we’ve been providing professional home insulation, replacement windows, roofing, deck, and porch installments, home and kitchen remodeling, and, of course, siding services. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or replace your roof, contact us at 781-899-6353 or online today to get a free quote! We can’t wait to hear from you. 

A kitchen featuring large windows

The Biggest Kitchen Trends of 2025

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Every year, nearly 10 million Americans renovate their kitchen. (In fact, it’s the most popular room in a home to renovate.) If your resolution this year was to finally transform your dated kitchen, here are some of the top design trends of 2025 to keep in mind, and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with your renovation.

Veined Marble Countertops

According to Home & Gardens, veined marble countertops are going to have a big year. Design experts have compared owning these countertops to “owning a piece of natural art in your home.” Who wouldn’t want that? To get the “veined” look, there are three different styles to keep in mind: linear, tree, and breccia. If you’re feeling classy, go with the linear; if you’re a little more bold, go with the tree or breccia. 

Colorful Cabinets

Optimism is in. While white is still the most popular color choice for cabinets, designers are opting for warmer colors this year. Tones like “blissful blue” and “paddington yellow” are some options that can bring excitement into your kitchen again. (The Washington Post has called it “dopamine decor.”)

Dirty Kitchens

Unfortunately, this trend isn’t literal. Instead, “dirty kitchen” refers to a “back kitchen,” where the actual cooking happens. It can be useful for keeping guests out of your way while you’re cooking and also relieves any pressure of having to clean your “main kitchen” right away. But just because it’s a “back kitchen” doesn’t mean you should skimp on it any less; plan to include all of your typical kitchen essentials for this extra space.

More Natural Light

Cooking is always better with a view. Opting for more windows and skylights can bring more scenery and light into your kitchen. (Plus: it might even make the food taste better.)  Just remember to consider which direction you’re thinking about putting a window, as each way can make a huge difference. North-facing windows offer light without direct sunlight and glare while south-facing windows bring the most light for the longest amount of time; east-facing windows bring direct morning light, and west-facing windows bring afternoon and evening light. 

Hidden Features

Are your bulky appliances ruining your kitchen’s motif? Hide them. This year, “not seeing things” is the ultimate design trend. Installing appliance garages—which is exactly what it sounds like— roll-out shelves, and corner cabinet pull-outs can hide all of your accessories in a quiet and luxurious way. 

How Three Sons Window & Door Can Get Your Kitchen Looking Trendy Again

Ready to get some of these trends in your kitchen? Contact Three Sons Window & Door, a leading provider in home improvement services, to schedule your renovation today. Give us a call today or reach out to us on our website. New year, new kitchen. 

insulation in basement of home in process of being finished to increase living space and comfort

Should You Install New Insulation When Finishing Your Home’s Basement?

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Finishing your basement is a great way to add living space and increase the value of your home. One of the important decisions you will need to make when finishing your basement is whether or not to install new insulation. Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and helps with soundproofing. By replacing your current insulation or adding new insulation when finishing your basement, you can save money on energy bills and create a more comfortable living space. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of installing new insulation for a finished basement and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with our professional services in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Benefits of Installing New Insulation

1. Improves Energy Efficiency

One of the more effective reasons you should add insulation while working in the basement is to increase your energy efficiency levels at the house.

This increases energy efficiency in the basement since it is usually the area of a home that is warmest in summer but coldest in winter; thus, it is most likely to experience extreme temperature changes due to outdoor conditions. So, your home’s HVAC system must work to counteract this temperature variation, and energy efficiency will decrease.

In a basement that is not covered with insulation, there are many ways for heat to escape – walls, floors, and ceilings; hence, new insulation is required to ensure that your heating and cooling costs do not become excessive.

2. Moisture and Mold Prevention

As part of a building, basements are likely to be the most enclosed part of the home in terms of sunlight and the most humid. Such conditions are the best place for the development of mold, and it is so as basements are mostly the places where mold grows the most in a house.

Because of its location, there is little difficulty for water to porosity through the walls, and water vapor situated above the piper overhangs condensation, so there can be the development of mold and even the risk of abuse of your assets. Through insulation of the wall and plaster of the bathroom, more or less, moisture invasion into the basement area is optimally limited. It is accomplished by reducing the heat storage capacity of the basement walls and, therefore, lowering the possibility of condensate being deposited on the wall. Another option would be fibrous slag or spray foam type, which would serve as supplementary moisture penetration restraining agents.

3. Soundproofing

Your finished basement can serve as a living space to entertain, watch movies, or host guests. It can also serve as a studio; in such situations, you need good soundproofing. Basements tend to amplify sound due to their hard, concrete surfaces and enclosed space, and by insulating the walls, floors, and ceiling, you can reduce noise transfer from inside the basement to the rest of the house and from external sources into the basement.

This can be especially important if your basement is turned into a home theater, music studio, or playroom where noise control is important. Soundproofing your basement with insulation helps minimize disruptions between the basement and the rooms above it, offering more privacy and less disturbance.

4. Enhanced Comfort

Proper basement insulation increases energy efficiency for heating and cooling and minimizes outside noise, culminating in better comfort. In simple terms, if winter makes your basement too cold, it could risk making the rest of the house colder since the temperature below ground level will affect the floors above. Insulation is vital as it eliminates cold drafts in certain places, thus ensuring comfort regardless of the reason for using a finished basement.

5. Increased Property Value

Good insulation is a good selling point, as a home with a well-insulated basement will cut down costs when it comes to heating or cooling. The home will be more comfortable, the basement will be soundproof, and it will most likely be mold-free due to the new insulation. 

A home free from mold and moisture is certainly attractive to potential buyers because it requires fewer repairs, which helps increase the home’s overall value. This indicates that the sale of the property will compensate for the investment. Therefore, the expense related to the application of fresh insulation will be more than made up by the proceeds from the property’s sale.

Get a Free Quote on Combination Renovation & Insulation Services in Waltham, MA, & Greater Boston with Three Sons Window & Door.

At Three Sons Window & Door, we provide comprehensive home renovation services, including insulation installations. Our team of experienced professionals can assess your home’s needs and provide you with a free quote for a combination renovation and insulation project. We use top-quality materials and techniques to ensure your home is properly insulated and energy-efficient. During your basement construction, we will simultaneously install insulation to make your space more comfortable and energy-efficient. To learn more and get a free quote, submit an online estimate request or call us at 781-899-6353!

cleaning a kitchen countertop after choosing the best type of material for family with kids

What Are the Easiest Types of Countertops to Clean?

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Picking up materials for your kitchen countertop renovation is not just about making it look good; it also depends on how easy it is to maintain. For a busy kitchen, picking countertops that are easy to clean can save much time and energy. This not only makes day-to-day maintenance more manageable, but it also ensures that your countertops stay in good condition for years to come. In this blog, we will discuss some of the easiest types of countertops to clean and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with our custom kitchen renovation services.

1. Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel countertops remain in demand among those who consider low maintenance essential. They are sanitary, never discolored, and never need to be sealed or refinished. They are so durable that they can withstand extremes in temperature and impact, which makes them perfect for even the busiest kitchens. Generally speaking, this countertop demands only a simple wipe-down with soap and water to preserve its good appearance.

2. Quartz

Quartz Countertops: Where Beauty Finally Marries Strength This is an engineered stone with a non-porous surface that neither stains nor needs sealing; hence, it is pretty easy to clean. Quartz will come in a wide range of colors and patterns that quite effectively imitate such natural stones as marble and granite, minus the headaches of caring for them. Indeed, it takes just a simple routine of regular cleaning using mild soap and water to keep it brilliant.

3. Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops are not only eco-friendly but also low-maintenance. Since resin binds the crushed glass, the surface becomes nonporous and resistant to stains and heat. Also, due to the sleek and smooth finish, cleaning up spills won’t be a challenge anymore; it only requires proper wiping. They add sparkle to any kitchen and require the least maintenance.

4. Laminate

Laminate countertops are among the cheaper types, affording owners extensive leeway in choice while doing the designs. They could resemble natural stone and remain lightweight while low maintenance as well. The surface neither stains nor scratches; mild soap and water keep it in order. Hence, they come in quite useful in families where toughness is desired.

5. Soapstone

Other ultimate low-maintenance options include soapstone, which is hard against extreme heat and harsh chemicals. Since they barely get stained, cleaning them from cook spatters or food prep is easy. Unique texturing and variation in color add rusticity to your kitchen, making it easy to clean with just simple soap and water.

6. Corian 

Being a solid surface material, Corian is great and retains a reputation for being low-maintenance. Since the countertop is nonporous, cleaning requires no more than mild soap and water for ease of daily use. Besides, Corian is resistant to staining, heat, and daily wear and tear. One more critical factor is that it offers easy scratch repair through light sanding of the surface.

Get Professional Help Choosing the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen & Get a Free Quote with Three Sons Window & Door in Waltham, MA

At Three Sons Window & Door, we provide high-quality countertop installation and remodeling services to homes across Waltham and Greater Boston. Our team of experts can help you choose the best countertop material for your kitchen based on your budget, style preferences, and maintenance needs. During your consultation, we will provide a free quote and guide you through the entire process, from selection to installation. To learn more and get a free quote, contact us online or call us at 781-899-6353.

fiberglass insulation being installed in a home to improve energy efficiency and comfort

How to Choose the Best Type of Insulation for Your Home

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Insulation is your home’s first defense against the outdoor elements and keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It fills the gaps in your walls, floors, and ceilings, preventing heat transfer and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Depending on your home’s size, structure, and location, there are various types of insulation to choose from. It is important to install the right type of insulation in your home to ensure maximum energy efficiency and cost savings. From fiberglass to spray foam, each type has its pros and cons that may fit your specific needs and budget. In this blog, we will discuss how to decide which type of insulation is best for your home and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with our professional insulation services in Greater Boston.

What Are the Different Types of Insulation?

There are several types of insulation on the market, but the four main types are fiberglass, spray foam, blown-in cellulose, and soundproofing insulation. Each type comes with its own set of benefits and costs, and the ideal type for your home will depend on your home’s individual needs. Spray foam insulation can also come in open and closed-cell, while blown-in cellulose can be loose-fill or dense-pack. With so many options, choosing the best type of insulation for your home can be overwhelming.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Insulation?

To determine the best type of insulation for your home, you should consider several factors. These include:

R-Value

The R-value is the measurement of an insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation prevents heat from getting in or out. Different areas of your home may require different R-values, so it is important to consult with a professional to determine the appropriate type of insulation for each area. Insulation with higher R-values includes spray foam and blown-in cellulose, while fiberglass typically has a lower R-value. A lower R-value also does not necessarily mean poor insulation, as it may still be suitable for certain areas of your home.

Size & Layout of Your Home

The size and layout of your home can also impact the type of insulation you need. Larger homes with multiple levels may benefit from soundproofing insulation to reduce noise between floors. If you have a basement or attic, spray foam or blown-in cellulose can be ideal for filling tight, hard-to-reach spaces. Homes with open-concepts and larger rooms may benefit from spray foam, while smaller rooms may do well with fiberglass or blown-in cellulose.

Budget & Timeline

If you are working with a strict budget or timeline, this can also affect your choice of insulation. Fiberglass is typically the most affordable option but may require more time and labor to install properly. Spray foam tends to be more expensive but provides superior insulation and may save you money on energy bills in the long run.

Location of Home

Homes in Massachusetts are exposed to various weather conditions, making it important to consider the location of your home when choosing insulation. When snow storms and heat waves come, proper insulation can be the difference between having a comfortable and energy-efficient home and an uncomfortable and costly one. If you live in a colder climate, insulation with a higher R-value may be necessary to keep your home warm, while those in hotter climates may benefit from insulation that helps keep the heat out.

Should You Use the Same Insulation in Every Area of Your Home?

It is not required to use the same type of insulation throughout your entire home, so it is important to assess your needs and choose the appropriate insulation for each specific area. If you have a room that is used more frequently or requires more temperature control, such as a bedroom or home office, you may want to consider using a higher quality insulation in that specific area. Additionally, areas of your home that are prone to moisture or mold, like basements and bathrooms, may benefit from special types of insulation that are resistant to these issues.

Consult with an Insulation Professional to Choose the Best Type for Your Home in Massachusetts with Three Sons Window & Door

At Three Sons Window & Door, our insulation experts can help you choose and install the best type of insulation for your home in Greater Boston. We offer a variety of insulation options, including spray foam insulation, blown-in fiberglass, and cellulose. During your consultation, we will walk through your home to assess its specific needs and discuss the benefits of each type of insulation. Our team will also provide a free cost and time estimate so you can start planning your insulation project as soon as possible. To learn more about our services and get a free quote, submit a request online or call us at 781-899-6353!