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.