Superior Windows in Scarborough, Markham, Durham & Richmond Hill

Preparing Your Vinyl Windows for the Toronto Winter

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The freezing temperatures and snow that is associated with Toronto winters are already upon us and if you’ve not done so already you would be well advised to take certain measures to protect your home from the cold. One of the best money-saving steps you can take this year is to winterize your vinyl windows. Why? Well, during the winter period we use our home heating systems just about every single day, but if the heat that this system produces is allowed to escape, your home heating has to work doubly hard to heat the interior of your home. And where does heat typically escape from the average home? You guessed it; through the windows!

Steps You Can Take to Winterize Vinyl Windows

The amount of work required to fully winterize windows will largely depend on the type, condition and material that the window frames are made from. For example, if you have an old set of wooden windows that were installed at your home over 30 years ago, the work required to protect them from wintery conditions will be far more extensive than if your house is fitted with relatively new vinyl windows. Here are a few steps to follow:

  • Carry Out a Thorough Assessment – The first thing to do (and this is something that you should really do periodically throughout the year) is to carry out a thorough assessment of the condition of your windows, both inside and outside. You need to pay careful attention and look for any cracks, chips or dents in the frames of your vinyl windows, as these are issues that could potentially lead to air leakage.
  • Apply Caulk Where Necessary – If you do happen to notice any damage to the frames, one solution is to apply caulk, which will fill cracks and chips and allow your windows to do a better job at insulating your property. You may come across old “battle scars” if your vinyl windows are of a certain age and rather than ignoring these, it’s important to check on the condition of the caulk and replace if necessary. Always apply caulk on a dry day and wipe away any excess. It’s also a good idea to remove the old caulk that lies around the perimeter of the windows on the exterior side and apply a fresh bed; just make sure the caulk you use is weatherproof!
  • Weather strip the Interior – After you’ve finished with the caulk, weather stripping is the next step. This can be applied to the interior of both windows and doors and can further reduce the loss of warm air. This should be applied around the sash area of the windows, as this where air loss is most likely to take place. There are many different types of weather stripping that you could use, but some of the most common include adhesive-backed foam, spring v-seal, felt and tubular rubber-gasket weather stripping.

If you require further advice on how to winterize your vinyl windows or require our help for either repair work or a vinyl window replacement in Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill or Durham, please get in touch with our team today.

Vinyl Window Replacement Mistakes to Avoid

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vinyl window replacement TorontoIf you’ve never been through the process of a vinyl window replacement project before, it can be difficult to know which way to turn. You are faced with many different choices and with no experience, you are more prone to making mistakes. The trouble is, mistakes with a vinyl window replacement can be very costly, which is why it’s so important to consult with a reputable contractor before you make any decisions. As one of those reputable window companies (we have over 30 years of experience in this industry), we’re going to help you out during this post by outlining some of the biggest mistakes that you must avoid at all costs.

Biggest Vinyl Window Replacement Errors Based on 30 Years of Experience

  • Buying Based on Price Alone – Everyone is looking for a great deal, we understand that. The economy is still recovering and many people that need a vinyl window replacement only have a limited budget to work with. But opting for the cheapest option around will often cost you dearly in the long run, through poor insulation and less durability. There are many window companies that will try and take advantage of this “it’s fine as long as it’s cheap” mentality and will offer you an irresistible quote by cutting corners on product quality and installation standards.
  • Being Pressured Into Buying – This problem is just as common as the one outlined above. After all, surely window companies, who are experts in the subject, know exactly what you should be buying, right?! While that’s definitely true, some companies will abuse this “authority” and use it to sell you a vinyl window replacement that you don’t really need, i.e. one with features and finishes that are totally unnecessary. The aim here is to get you to part with as much money as possible. You’ll know this is happening if staff from the window replacement company push you to make a decision straight away and won’t seem to take no for an answer. The “unique” windows they pitch you are usually just very generic mass-produced products, meaning they pocket a huge mark-up.
  • Skimping on Installation – Many homeowners think that as long as they invest into high quality windows, they’ll be fine. For this reason, they put all their time into researching the different variables relating to the windows themselves, but pay very little attention to who will be installing the windows. This is a very big mistake. Almost 90% of all the warranty claims that a window manufacturer receives are related to the installation. This is because the process of carrying out a window replacement is very difficult and it’s imperative that everything is done extremely precisely; even a few millimetres can cause air leakage and cause energy bills to skyrocket.
  • Not Doing Enough Due Diligence – Rushing the decision on who to hire for your vinyl window replacement project can be a very big mistake. You need to be thorough and do all of your due diligence if you don’t want to be left disappointed. This means taking the time to check references, insurance policies, that licences are valid, how good communication is etc. While this might require some effort initially, it can pay off in a big way in the long term.
  • If you’re looking for a reputable contractor in Toronto, Markham, Durham or Richmond Hill and would like some more information about a vinyl window replacement, contact Superior Home Improvements.

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Best Maintenance Practices You Should Follow After a Vinyl Window Replacement

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One of the main reasons that so many people opt for vinyl window replacement these days is that this type of window is extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance. However, doing a little maintenance from time to time can help you to save money in the long run, as it will extend the lifespan of your new windows. On average, it is best to perform an inspection and maintenance at least once a year after investing in a window replacement in order to make sure that your new windows remain in good condition. During the inspection, check to make sure that the windows and frames are not cracked or damaged in any way and that smooth operation is maintained.

What Should You Do After a Vinyl Window Replacement?

When carrying out maintenance on vinyl windows, there are several things you should take into consideration. For example, you should not use high-pressure sprays or power washers, should avoid using strong soaps or liquid grease remover and should not use sharp objects at any point in the cleaning process, as all of these items can cause serious damage. For the best results, follow these steps:

  • Keep the Glass Clean – Clean your vinyl window replacement gently with plain water and a soft cloth that is free from lint, taking particular care to clean the outside of the window. Fingerprints can be removed from the inside of the window with a solution made from a quarter of a cup of white vinegar added to a bucket full of warm water. Simply dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe your window, then dry it with a soft cloth.
  • Keep the Frames Clean – Plain water and a soft cloth that is free from lint can also be used to clean the frames. Any stubborn stains on the frame can be removed with a solution consisting of 70% warm water and 30% white vinegar.
  • Keep the Screens Clean – Regularly using the soft accessory brush on your vacuum cleaner to gently clean the screens can save you a lot of time and trouble. However, if a lot of dirt builds up on the screens, remove them and place them on your lawn and then clean them with warm water and a brush with soft bristles.
  • Keep the Tracks Clean – Frequently cleaning the tracks of your vinyl window replacement will help to ensure that the sashes remain fully operational. Again, the soft accessory brush on your vacuum cleaner can be used to clean the tracks regularly, while heavy dirt build up can be removed with a stiff nylon brush or an old toothbrush dipped in a solution consisting of 70% warm water and 30% white vinegar. After debris such as sand, leaves, dirt and grease has been removed, you can then wipe the tracks clean and dry them with a soft cloth.

To find out more about maintaining your windows, contact our vinyl window replacement experts, who have been proudly serving the areas of Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham since 1973. Our website comes complete with dedicated information to help you with maintenance procedures that you can follow to help ensure any windows that are installed as part of a window replacement last and look their best for many years to come.

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It’s Not Just About the Frames: We Discuss the Glazing Options Available for Your Vinyl Window Replacement

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It’s Not Just About the Frames: We Discuss the Glazing Options Available for Your Vinyl Window Replacement

 Windows, and more specifically glazing, has evolved significantly during the past couple of decades. The improvements in quality, security and energy-efficiency properties have been vast. Many homeowners place a great emphasis on the actual window frames. The frames are an important part of any window replacement project because they can be used to complement the appearance of the existing architecture of a home. Aside from considering the visual aspect, it is also necessary to understand the importance of selecting suitable glazing. Attributes such as security, safety, sound reduction, UV protection and thermal insulation are just some of the ways in which glazing can benefit your home. What we’re trying to say is that glazing is just as important as the frames in a vinyl window replacement project.

Some of the Most Popular Glazing Options Available to You

 There are a number of popular glazing options that are available to homeowners who may be considering vinyl window replacement. You should consider each available option and decide upon which one most closely matches your requirements. Below we are going to briefly discuss some of the most popular options.

  • Low-E Glass Helps to Insulate the Home – This type of glazing is particularly useful in locations such as Durham, Markham, Richmond Hill and Scarborough, where temperatures can drop well below freezing during winter. The glass benefits from a thin coating which reflects the heat back into your home instead of letting it escape outside. The result of this will invariably be seen with a decrease in your energy bills. Additionally, the Low-E glass also provides protection against UV rays which can cause interior fabric to fade.
  • Reduce the Amount of Times You Clean Your Windows – Self-cleaning glass benefits from a coating that works in conjunction with UV rays to decompose organic materials on the surface of the window. When it then rains, the decomposed material is simply washed away.
  • Safety is Paramount – In the unfortunate event of an accident occurring involving a glass window, you undoubtedly want to reduce the risk of injury to yourself, your family, friends and pets. Tempered glass is one of the safest glazing options available and can easily be incorporated into any vinyl window replacement project. The glass does not break into jagged, sharp pieces when it is broken which reduces the risk of injury to those in the immediate area.
  • Security and Sound Reduction Properties – If you live in a home that suffers from excessive outside noise pollution, then laminated glass may be the perfect solution. This type of glass has two vinyl layers which cushion the effect of noise within the home. Additionally, laminated glass is exceptionally strong which reduces the risk of unwanted intruders gaining access to your home. Window companies also recommend this type of glass due to its UV protection properties, which helps to preserve interior fabrics such as curtains, furniture and carpets.

 Before deciding upon which type of glass to use in your vinyl window replacement project, it is advisable to contact a reputable window company such as Superior Home Improvements. Our experienced and friendly staff will discuss the glazing options available to you and answer any other questions you may have. Call us on 416-287-0333 for an informal chat about your window replacement requirements.

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