There are many choices to be made when you decide to have a window replacement done, one of the main ones being the material used to construct the window frames. Much is made of the pros and cons of each available option, but if you have settled on a vinyl window replacement, it’s time to start thinking about the type of windows that you would like to have installed. As they occupy such a prominent position on all sides of your home, your windows can have a considerable impact upon how aesthetically pleasing the exterior of your home is perceived to be. As a company that has been in business for over 40 years, we’ve built a reputation that many of our competitors envy through hard work and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Part of the process when having a vinyl window replacement carried out at your property is getting to know each window style and determining which would be the ideal fit.

Which Option Should You Choose for Your Vinyl Window Replacement?

There are simply too many different types of windows to list on a single page, but below we are going to discuss some of the main ones you should consider for your vinyl window replacement. If you go for a walk around Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham or Durham, you are likely to see numerous examples of each of these window styles.

• Casement – You may see casement style windows installed singly, but they are often installed in pairs and feature a hinge on one of the sides. Due to the type of hinge and its placement, casement style windows open very much like a door, swinging either inwards or outwards. They were the window of choice hundreds of years ago (at a time when a vinyl window replacement definitely wouldn’t have been available), before the sash window was invented, but nowadays are relatively undervalued given the number of advantages they offer, which include their ability to form an air-tight deal and an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism. .
• Awning – Awning windows are very much like casement style windows except the hinge is located on the top of the window rather than on one of the sides. In most cases their width exceeds their height and they open in an outward direction. The main advantage that this type of window provides is that it allows for full side-to-side ventilation as the sash opens fully; something casement windows can’t claim to do. Awning style windows are most commonly selected for basement areas to ensure sufficient light and air is able to enter the space. .
• Single-Hung – If you live in a newer property it most likely has single-hung windows as they are the “default” option for homebuilders nowadays. With this type of window, rather than the window moving outwards or inwards horizontally, it moves up and down vertically. The main advantages of this type of window is that they are generally cheaper to install than most other options (coming in at as much as 20 percent cheaper than double-hung windows), but you do have to put up with restricted ventilation and the fact that the design makes them harder to clean. Just in case you were wondering, it’s nearly always the bottom sash that moves, not the top one. .
• Double-Hung – If you didn’t know what double-hung windows were before you started reading this page, you can probably take a pretty good guess now. That’s right, on a double-hung window both of the sashes can be moved (again, they move upwards and downwards), which not only improves performance in terms of ventilation (double-hung models can often be tilted too, whereas single-hung windows can’t!), but it makes them easier to clean and increases the number of design options available. .
• Bay – This type of window is tailor made for a living room area and really opens up the space, allowing bucket-loads of natural light to flood through into your home. If you’re not sure what they are, bay windows jut out from your exterior walls (so serious modifications to your home may be required if you select this style for your vinyl window replacement) and are made up of either 3 or 5 different sections which connect to form a bay. In addition to making your home lighter, bay windows extend the room and make it feel bigger. .
• Picture – If you’re thinking “how am I going to be able to see through a picture,” don’t worry! Picture windows don’t actually feature a picture; rather they form a frame around the views outside your home. Contrary to all of the other options we have described during this article, you can’t actually open or close picture windows, which is why you often see them installed alongside other types of windows to provide adequate ventilation (rooms without ventilation can feel very “stuffy”). We’ve installed numerous picture windows in homes across Scarborough, Markham, Durham and Richmond Hill, and people often comment how they like the fact that due to there being no part of the window that moves, they are likely to remain trouble-free for much longer periods of time.

Need help deciding on what style of window you would like for your vinyl window replacement? Why not tap into the decades of industry expertise that the staff at Superior Home Improvements has? We are friendly, honest and reliable, and guarantee to exceed your expectations.

Contact us today for vinyl window replacement in Scarborough.

Are you still struggling to make your mind up with regards to the type of window replacement that you are going to select for your home? That’s not actually a bad thing, as it shows that you are taking the decision very seriously. All of your research up to this point may have pushed you towards a vinyl window replacement, since there are a lot of benefits to choosing this option and virtually no drawbacks. If you still feel like you need some additional information about vinyl windows, don’t feel like you are being indecisive; you are going to have to stare at these windows day in, day out for 15 to 20 years after all, so it’s important to get the decision right. Superior Home Improvements serves Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham, and has been an industry leader for nearly 40 years, working with vinyl windows on hundreds of different jobs. We are going to attempt to share some of our experience with you during this article and provide some more information about vinyl window replacement, which will hopefully help you to come to an informed decision.

Further Information About Vinyl Window Replacement that Could Be Useful

Most websites simply ram the pros and cons of different products down your throat without explaining too much more. That’s all well and good, but sometimes you want to know more.

When Were Vinyl Windows First Created?

Wood was completely dominant in the windows and doors industry before vinyl windows arrived on the scene. They were actually first introduced half-way around in the world in Germany in the mid-fifties and were supposed to solve the wood shortage problem that was being experienced at the time. Aluminum prices were sky high and so vinyl was created as a low cost alternative. Vinyl windows were first introduced to North America in the sixties, but it wasn’t until the seventies and the time of the energy crisis that their popularity really exploded.

What Exactly is a Vinyl Window Replacement?

During the manufacturing process of vinyl windows, ethylene and chlorine are used and combine to form polyvinyl chloride (vinyl is the shortened name). The end result is a tough, synthetic plastic-like material that has a lot of favourable characteristics when used for vinyl windows. A vinyl window replacement may also feature other materials and hardware to make the end product even more robust.

What Styles Can I Choose for My Vinyl Window Replacement?

Vinyl windows offer an unrivalled level of design versatility and can be produced in practically any size and style that you require. Some of the most popular styles that window companies typically install include single-hung windows, double-hung windows, awning style windows, casement style windows, bow style windows and bay style windows.

Are Vinyl Windows Easy to Install?

A vinyl window replacement is generally considered to be “easier” than the installation of other types of windows, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should ever attempt to do by yourself. A vinyl window replacement needs to be completed to exacting standards otherwise it may result in reduced energy efficiency and comfort levels inside your home.

Will My Home Need to Be Modified to Accommodate My New Vinyl Windows?

Window companies should never need to make modifications to your home’s structure during a vinyl window replacement, since the windows themselves can be made to fit the current opening perfectly.

How Do I look After Vinyl Windows Once They’ve Been Installed?

There’s not a whole lot to do after your vinyl window replacement has been done; that’s one of the main plus points. Vinyl windows are dyed the colour of your choice during the manufacturing process and don’t really fade, so you won’t need to be applying new coats of paint every year. If your windows do get dirty, make sure you use non-abrasive cleaning tools and a mild cleaning solution.

Can Vinyl Windows Cope With Extreme Temperatures?

If you live in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham or Durham, this is a very relevant question since it can get very cold in winter and equally as hot during the summer months. The good news is that a vinyl widow replacement will cope excellently with this range of conditions and won’t experience a drop in insulating performance like other materials will when damaged by local weather conditions.

How Much will a Vinyl Window Replacement Cost?

There are too many variables involved to provide you with an accurate estimate, since the style of window you select, the size of the windows and the hardware that you have fitted, will all influence the final cost of a vinyl window replacement. However, vinyl windows are certain to cost less than the installation of wooden windows and are available for a similar cost to that of aluminium windows.

Arrange a free consultation about a vinyl window replacement in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham or Durham.

Are you thinking of investing some money into your home? You might be struggling to decide where to invest it, as there are so many home improvement projects that you can have done nowadays, from bathroom and kitchen renovations to having a new garage door installed to hiring a landscaping expert to sort out your back yard. Each of these projects can improve your quality of life in a different way. Having been one of the leading window companies in the Greater Toronto Area since 1973, completing hundreds of installations and repair jobs in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham, we often get asked about the merits of a window replacement by homeowners. “Is it really worth the investment” many people ask us. We always reply with a resounding YES! During this article we are going to explain why.

The Main Reasons to Consider Window Replacement for Your Property

Windows perform a multitude of different functions in your home. They allow natural light to flood into your property during the daytime, provide a clear view of your outdoor area, maintain a pleasant temperature indoors by trapping heat energy and shielding you from the elements, and they also stop outdoor noise from making its way inside your property. If the important roles that windows fulfil aren’t enough to persuade you to invest in a window replacement, here are a few more reasons:

• Home’s Value Takes a Jump – The best home improvement projects improve the functionality of your home while at the same time retaining a high percentage of the investment you made. In terms of a window replacement, in Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value” report it was stated that a vinyl window replacement retains 78.7 percent of the value of the investment made, which is higher than a bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel and a roofing replacement. So should you decide to sell up and move in the future, the market value of your property would likely be considerably higher as a result of the window replacement.
• Save $$$ on Energy Bills – It’s fairly well documented that a window replacement can cut your annual energy consumption by as much as 25% (or more depending on local weather conditions), saving you considerable amounts of money in the process. This figure would be even higher if you currently have single glazing and have double or triple glazing installed. Are you wondering how windows are able to save you electricity? Older, less efficient windows allow heat energy to escape from your home in a number of ways, with convection and conduction being the main ones, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder and consequently consume more energy.
• Improve Comfort Levels – You don’t want to be constantly wrapped up inside your home as well as outside your home during the cold winter weather that we get in and around Toronto every year. Another benefit that many homeowners have commented on after we’ve completed a window replacement at their property, is the improvement in comfort levels inside their home. A new window replacement will improve the insulation of your property (as we just mentioned), which results in better heat retention and warmer rooms.
• Better Home Security – Older windows are a serious security risk as they can be broken into relatively easily, providing an intruder with easy access to all your worldly possessions. This is because the windows installed several decades ago didn’t have to meet the same strict requirements that today’s windows do. Not only are the frames and locking mechanisms much improved, but there is a vast array of glazing options available nowadays that are much harder to break.
• Improve Usability – Another common complaint we hear from owners of properties that have ancient windows, is that they are extremely difficult to open and close. You shouldn’t have to strain yourself to open or close a window; if you do have to there’s something seriously wrong. A new window replacement will fix all that and can be installed in a variety of different styles to suit your own preferences. Whether you prefer sliding windows or swinging windows, there’s a window replacement for everyone.
• Enhance Aesthetics – Windows are an important part of your home’s exterior, and old windows can definitely negatively affect its appearance. A new window replacement however can change all that, and providing the correct colour and finish is selected, can help to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property.

The list of benefits that a window replacement will bring to your home could go on and on, but we’ve already pointed out many of the main advantages. With a single improvement you can positively influence your property in several different ways. If you would like to set up a free on-site consultation with a member of our team, or you simply require further information about the products that we offer,

Contact us today for your Scarborough Window Replacement questions.

When contacting window companies, just as with other types of skilled trades, there are certain signs to look for that indicate quality. A window replacement doesn’t exactly come cheap and consequently you need to collaborate with a provider that you know isn’t going to produce a poor standard of work or bail on you at the earliest opportunity. While the implications of a “cut-and-run” effort are blindingly obvious, it’s the consequences of a poorly done job that you really need to consider (which is the more likely scenario out of the two). If windows aren’t installed absolutely perfectly, the energy efficiency of your home can plummet, causing significant increases in heating and cooling bills, and your home will be more vulnerable to break-ins too. Don’t take a chance on an unproven firm; know exactly what to look for when contacting window companies and don’t accept anything less.

Not All Window Companies are Equal: Tips to Help You Find the Ones that Excel in Their Field

If you’ve been a homeowner for a number of years, you’ve likely had to call upon the services of numerous skilled tradesmen during that time, so some of the tips shown below may already be known to you, but for first-time homeowners, this advice could prove invaluable.

Look for Windows Companies that Demonstrate Real Knowledge

We would strongly advise you to do as much research as you can before you start contacting windows companies, as if you don’t have any real knowledge of the product that you are interested in or what’s involved in the installation process, anyone will likely be able to dupe you with some slick sales spiel. Spend some time on the internet researching different framing materials, different glazing options and the different types of window styles etc. Entering the conversation with some background knowledge can allow you to really test window companies and provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate their industry expertise. Ask lots of questions and see how they respond. If they are overly evasive, hang up and move on.

Thorough Planning For Your Window Replacement

As we’ve already hinted at, the installation of new windows is a delicate process and needs to be done to strict specifications, meaning thorough planning is absolutely vital if the project is to be a success. Window companies should always insist on an on-site inspection if they are serious about their work, and if they try and get you to commit to the project before they’ve done this, it’s not a good sign. During this inspection they will firstly assess the condition of your existing frames, just to check that you genuinely do require a window replacement (not much point in paying out if a minor repair will do, is there?!), before going on to discuss the various options available to you and making a recommendation based on the design of your home, local weather conditions and your budget, among other things.

Good Customer Service Skills from the First Moment

There’s one thing you need to remember when contacting window companies: You are the customer, and you are the one that’s paying. That automatically means you command the company’s respect and they should do their best to make you feel at ease and accommodate you to the best of their abilities. This means arranging appointments around your schedule, not theirs. They should also be committed, and shouldn’t be trying to juggle other projects on the same day as your installation; you want to know that you have their undivided attention. You can usually tell from the first couple of conversations whether a window company is going to be a good fit.

Large Upfront Payments are a Big No-No

Some smaller window companies may ask you to make a minimal down payment to “lock you in” and ensure that they have their own backs covered when they buy all required materials upfront using their own funds, but generally speaking you shouldn’t have to pay anything upfront when working with window companies. If you are asked to either make payment in full or pay a hefty chunk of the total fee before any work has been done, take our advice and walk away. This is definitely not the norm!

Insurance is a Must and Professional Memberships are Desirable

There’s probably hundreds of homeowners that have been burned by uninsured window companies in the areas we serve (Scarborough, Durham, Markham and Richmond Hill) and it’s something that you have to be very careful about. If a contractor doesn’t have general liability insurance, should they damage other parts of your property when installing your new windows, they may not cover the subsequent repair costs; you’ll be left to take care of that as well as the cost of your window replacement. You should also look out for window companies that are members of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada, as this demonstrates that they are both involved in industry developments and committed to the work that they carry out, and it is also a good indication that they take their obligations to meet minimum quality standards seriously.
If you would like further guidance on how to spot window companies that are strong candidates for the work you need doing, or if you would like to set-up a free consultation with industry experts that meet all of the criteria above and more,

For the best Window Company in Call 416-287-0333 Today.

If the windows at your property are showing signs of wear and tear and their condition is starting to affect the level of comfort that you are used to inside your house, it could be time to invest a bit of money in a new window replacement. Windows perform various roles inside the house, letting natural light filter into your home, while keeping the cold weather outside and minimizing the impact of nearby noises. Replacing them is not as straightforward as it once was, as there are now multiple different framing and glazing options to consider and dozens of window companies that you could potentially hire. Every decision you make has to be carefully considered, and each option comes with its own set of pros and cons attached, but today we’re going to talk to you about one option you have in particular; vinyl windows.

Dozens of Homeowners Have Opted for Vinyl Windows & Here’s Why You Should Too

While home and business owners were cautious about using vinyl building products when they first entered the market back in the 1970’s, these same products are now overwhelmingly popular, with vinyl windows laying claim to 58 percent of the market in 2005 according to statistics released as part of a joint study conducted by the AAMA and the WDMA. What has caused vinyl windows to become the number one choice and how have they managed to dominate the market? You’re about to find out…

They are Built to Last

Unlike alternatives, vinyl windows are specially engineered to withstand even the harshest types of weather conditions and the most extreme levels of physical abuse (this is the main reason why so many of our clients in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham chose them over other options), which ultimately results in them “sticking around” for much longer than wooden or aluminum windows. You don’t have to worry about one day unexpectedly finding out that the frames have rotted, rusted, warped or cracked and their colour/appearance isn’t affected by years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays. A window replacement isn’t the cheapest home improvement you can have done, so the fact that vinyl windows have such an extended lifespan in almost all cases is a huge selling point.

Guaranteed to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

The majority of homeowners (including ourselves!) waste energy. There you go, we’ve said it! You can save serious amounts of money simply by using energy in your home more efficiently. That sounds a lot better than “cutting down” on your consumption by not using the various electrical devises that you own, doesn’t it?! Did you know that roughly 60 percent of your annual energy spend goes towards heating and cooling? That’s why having a new set of vinyl windows installed can have such a big impact on your bills. Vinyl windows do a great job at insulating your property, keeping both the warm air produced by your heating system and the cool air produced by your air conditioning unit, trapped inside. The end result? You use these systems less!

Don’t Sweat Over Maintenance!

Everybody is trying to come up with the next best thing that saves us a ton of time on a regular basis, but vinyl windows have been doing just that for over 30 years. How? Well they are about as maintenance-free as they possibly could be, only requiring an occasional wipe down. When you compare this to the tasks you would have to carry out if you had wooden or aluminum windows installed, you are saving hours of your free time every single year.

Options, Options, Options

If you can’t find a style that suits the exterior of your home when opting for vinyl windows, then you’re probably just about the only person in the entire world that can’t; that’s how much choice there is. In recent years the options have really grown and there are a whole range of different colour and texture options available to ensure you get the appearance of your new windows “just right.” To demonstrate just how versatile the design options are with vinyl windows, you can select a finish that imitates the appearance of natural wood very closely.

Are You on a Budget?

Everyone has a limit to how much they can afford to spend on a window replacement project, but the good news is that a vinyl window replacement is usually more affordable than most others. And when you consider the vast number of benefits that vinyl windows offer, it’s almost a no-brainer! Economical production costs and their easy-to-install nature results in a low end cost for the consumer.

Do Your Bit for the Environment

As you’re probably all too aware, the current generations that reside in Canada (and the rest of the world) have a responsibility to protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. Vinyl windows are the “green choice” since it’s possible to have them recycled when they are stripped from your property, rather than them being dumped in a landfill site and leaching harmful toxins into the surrounding soils.
Superior Home Improvements has been offering vinyl windows of an exceptional quality since 1973 and serve the areas of Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham.

For more information on vinyl windows Replacement in Scarborough call Today.

Windows that are aged or otherwise in poor condition can lead to a whole number of problems and are considered to be one of the biggest culprits when it comes to poor energy efficiency. For this reason, a window replacement is considered to be a home improvement project that you can’t really afford to “put off” otherwise the financial implications could be serious. We serve clients in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham and we always like to remind them that some of the weather conditions that their window frames are exposed to during the course of an average year are absolutely brutal, and this wear and tear can eventually result in a drop in performance. This information is often greeted by a response such as “But how will I know when to replace my windows?” There’s no hard and fast rule with regards to when a window replacement is necessary, but there are a number of signs you can watch out for that might be indicative of the drop in performance we just mentioned, some of which we are going to discuss during the course of this article.

You May Be in Need of a Window Replacement If…

As a homeowner you have a responsibility to maintain your property in good condition and part of that involves inspecting the condition of your windows periodically (one or two times per year is recommended). Here are a few things to watch out for when you carry out those checks:

• The Paint is Peeling – If your window frames have been painted (common if they are made from either wood, aluminium or steel) and are peeling, it’s a sign that they are no longer able to resist moisture, which is a “must-have” attribute for window frames. If this problem is spotted quickly, it may be a problem that can be solved relatively easily with little expense, simply by applying a fresh coat. However, if this has gone unnoticed for some time (which is exactly why regular checks are important), excessive amounts of moisture could have soaked into the frames, causing rot or rust and rendering the frames damaged beyond repair. This is not just an aesthetic problem either, like many people think; it can have a negative impact upon your home’s energy efficiency too.
• You Can Feel a Draft Blowing Through – If this is something you now consider “normal” in your home, you need to take action. This draft means air has a clear passage from the exterior of your property to the interior of your property, allowing heat energy to escape, driving up energy bills and reducing the level of comfort in your home. It could also provide moisture with a clear route into your property, which can often lead to the development of mold (take it from us, this isn’t nice!). Sometimes, a draft might not actually be that noticeable and it’s always worth carrying out the following test on each of your windows. Simply hold a candle close to each window and check to see whether it flickers; if it does, you’ve got air blowing through. Sometimes you might be able to fix this with a bit of caulk, but if the problem is severe you will probably need a window replacement.
• Your Windows Always Seem to Cloud Up – Moisture should never be able to get inside your window panes. However, over time, as the condition of the seals deteriorates, this is something that can happen and your windows will “cloud up” as a result. At this point, it’s fairly safe to say that you’ll need to start ringing window companies in the area (remember we cover Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham) for a quote for a window replacement. You have to be sure that your windows are steaming up inside though, as they can also steam up on the outside, but that’s just water vapour condensing on the nearest cold surface.
• Are Overly Hot or Cold to Touch – When windows are in good condition and are doing an efficient job at insulating your property, they shouldn’t be overly hot or cold to touch. If you notice that they feel boiling hot in summer or freezing cold in winter, it’s a good sign that they are performing poorly and a window replacement could be a wise move as your current windows are probably bumping your heating and cooling costs up significantly.
• A Pain to Operate – While the manner in which they do so varies, the majority of windows are able to open and close (picture windows being one exception). You should find them relatively easy to operate and there should be very little resistance. However, if you really struggle to either open or close your windows, and there are no obvious solutions to this problem, a full window replacement may be your only option.
• You Experience Frequent Ice Build-Ups in Winter – Icy build-ups occur as a result of warm air escaping through your windows in the winter months. This warm air then condenses on the exterior of the windows and freezes. This wouldn’t happen if your windows weren’t allowing the heat to escape in the first place and a window replacement may be necessary in order to resolve this issue.

Contact Superior Home Improvements at 416-287-0333 for window replacement.

As we always tell clients that come to us for advice about window replacement, we urge you to make sure you leave no stone unturned. That means checking out all of the available options so that when you do come to a decision you are 100 percent sure that it’s the right one. For all of the innovative building materials that seem to burst onto the scene every few years, with windows it’s the old-guard that still reign. Wood was once the undisputed first choice when it came to windows, but when vinyl windows were introduced in the 1970’s that brought about a big change, and they now account for roughly two-thirds of all window installations. Then there are aluminum windows, which complete the “top three” and represent another viable option if you are contemplating having new windows installed at your property. Want to know how these different types of windows compare against each other? Keep reading to find out.

Just How Good are Vinyl Windows Compared to Wood and Aluminum?

Of the hundreds of window replacement jobs Superior Home Improvements has taken on in the last 40 years, the majority of them involved vinyl windows. This fact in itself is a good indicator of the quality that these windows possess, and we are now going to take a look at the various characteristics of vinyl windows and compare them to wood and aluminum.

Appearance

Vinyl windows are available in just about every style you can imagine; even in a “wood-type” finish. Wood has been popular for hundreds of years mainly due to its unique aesthetic qualities, but vinyl windows have managed to bridge this gap (we are referring to aesthetic finish here) in recent years. Both of these options are generally considered to be more attractive than aluminum windows, which feature a special coating that has to be carefully maintained otherwise the metal may show through.

Longevity

This is where vinyl windows really excel, being able to resist scratches, cracks and dents much easier than either wood or aluminum windows. You generally won’t be able to see visible signs of superficial damage, whereas with the other two options this damage is obvious, and more importantly, very difficult to fix.

Energy Efficiency

Vinyl windows don’t just look great and resist damage well, they are also highly capable of insulating your property, trapping heat energy inside your home and lowering heating and cooling bills in the process. Wood is considered to be a good natural insulator, and while it’s still a good choice with regards to energy efficiency, it can’t match the performance of vinyl windows, which are as much as 5x more energy efficient. Aluminum windows are well known for being poor insulators as they allow heat energy to escape via conduction (they are usually hot/cold to the touch depending on the outside temperature). In order to prevent this from happening, it vital that you have thermal breaks installed with aluminum windows, but consequently this drives up the cost of your window replacement.

Maintenance Requirements

This is something that many people overlook initially, only to realize later that the windows they chose need maintaining regularly to remain aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient. If you are looking for a “hands-off” option, vinyl windows are your best bet, as the only maintenance they require is a quick clean from time to time. With wooden windows you have to re-stain the surface periodically to protect the wood from local weather conditions and the paint on aluminum windows will often crack and start peeling, at which point it’s important to apply a fresh coat of paint. The cost of not carrying out these maintenance tasks can be very expensive, since wood can rot and aluminum will rust.

Cost Involved

Wood is by far the most expensive type of window replacement you can choose, and this combined with their high maintenance requirements are the main reasons why vinyl windows have “taken over” the industry in recent years. Aluminum windows are the most affordable type of windows and are an option you might want to consider if you are on a real tight budget, while vinyl windows typically fall in the middle.
You can probably now see why so many homeowners in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham (the areas that we serve) have opted for vinyl windows in recent years. They offer all-around performance, are easy to maintain, typically outlast other options and look great too.

Contact us for your Scarborough vinyl window questions today at 416-287-0333 now.

Due to the level of investment required in order to have a window replacement done, it’s not a decision that should ever be taken lightly. Every aspect should be carefully considered, from the window company that you work with, to the framing material used, to the style of the window itself. It’s always wise to try and do as much research as you can before you start to contact window companies, just so you have a general idea of what you are looking for and whether the information they are providing you with is accurate or not. We receive dozens of calls from home and business owners in Scarborough, Markham, Durham and Richmond Hill every single month and many times we get the sense that they aren’t really sure what they should be asking. That’s not exactly surprising when you consider that a window replacement is a process you might only go through 2 or 3 times in your entire lifetime, which is why we’ve given you a helping hand and listed a few of the questions you should be putting to window companies in your area (as well as our answers).

Questions That Are Worth Asking When Getting in Touch with Local Window Companies

With over four decades of industry expertise behind us, Superior Home Improvements employs some of the most experienced window replacement experts in the area and strives to offer valuable advice to each and every client that gets in touch with us. It doesn’t matter whether you’re fresh from buying your very first home or you have been in the same property for decades; everyone is treated the same! Here are a few of the questions we would advise you to ask window companies before saying “yes” or “no.”

Can I Replace My Windows One at a Time?

All reputable window companies that operate in and around Toronto should say “yes” in reply to this question. If you are told that you have to replace every single window at your property, hang up the phone and run, as you are most probably talking to a scammer! Most window companies will be willing to complete a whole range of installation and repair jobs, from a single window right the way up to a complete re-fit of your property. If you can afford to do so, we would recommend having all your windows done at once, as this reduces the labour costs involved, but if not, having them replaced one at a time, starting with the ones in the worst condition, is an economical way to go about it. Another factor that you have to consider when replacing your windows one at a time is that the new windows will most probably be noticeably different to the old ones, causing the exterior of your home to look very “mismatched.”

What Material Would You Recommend I Choose?

Not sure what the best framing material is for your situation? Good window companies will be able to clearly explain the pros and cons of each option and make a recommendation based on your local climate. Factors such as temperature fluctuations throughout the year and average rainfall will influence this decision, since the various materials available to you (vinyl, aluminum and wood are some of the main ones) react differently to different conditions. Wood is not ideal in extremely wet climates, since it’s susceptible to rot, while climates that experience severe temperature fluctuations can result in it warping. Vinyl windows are generally considered to be the best choice for the areas we serve (Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham) as they don’t warp, crack, rot, rust or fade and able to cope well with the temperature extremes we experience.

Can You Give Me an Idea of How Long My New Windows Will Last?

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that all the windows manufactured in Canada are equal. They aren’t! There are many factors that can influence how long your window replacement will last, including the quality of the materials used, the quality of the manufacturing process, whether the material used is suited to local weather conditions (as we just mentioned vinyl windows tend to fare best in the Toronto area) and how well the windows are installed. You can now see why it’s important to sift through the various window companies out there and select a top-quality provider, as there’s a direct correlation between the quality of the company’s work and the length of time that you can expect the windows to last. As a rough estimate, all windows installed by Superior Home Improvements will last a minimum of 10 years, but many times retain a high level of performance for well over 20 years.

Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Windows?

One of the most critical questions you can ask when negotiating with window companies is about the warranty they offer on their windows. Less reputable firms will more than likely try to avoid this question and you most likely won’t know anything about the warranty until you read the terms of service in the fine print, so it’s always important to bring this up before anything is agreed upon. Superior Home Improvements has built a solid reputation over the last 40 years based on trust and we always ensure you are aware of all the relevant details before completing the sale, including the length of warranty offered. A simple question now can prevent a whole lot of problems later on.
We know only too well that contacting window companies about a window replacement can be a bit of a minefield, which is why it’s imperative you find a provider that has your best interests at heart. Why not get in touch with Superior Home Improvements like so many homeowners have done before you; we won’t let you down.

Set-up a free on-site consultation by the best window company in Durham at 416-287-0333.