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Telling Good Vinyl Windows from Bad: How Do You Know?

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Vinyl replacement windows have led a revolution in energy efficient components for the home bringing to a close the long era where substantial heat loss through the windows was an accepted part of life. However, anything that is both revolutionary and popular is bound to attract those trying to cash in by offering cheap knock-offs and vinyl windows are no exception. In order to ensure you get the highest quality windows for your home you need to know what separates a good vinyl window from a bad one. In this post we’ll give you some tips to do just that.

Things to Look for When Shopping for Vinyl Windows

All vinyl replacement windows are not the same. One Toronto homeowner may install vinyl replacement windows that help reduce their energy bills by a quarter, while the homeowner across the street installs vinyl replacement windows that do little more than look good for a couple of years before they begin to warp and discolor. So what’s the difference?

  • Vinyl quality and thickness – Vinyl quality is all about the mix, yet it can be nearly impossible to tell the exact mix used to create the PVC a set of vinyl windows are made from. You can still do a rudiment vinyl quality test however, by comparing the thickness of the vinyl in different windows. Thicker is better in almost all cases and though it will cost a bit more than thinner vinyl it will also last significantly longer.
  • Quality of the joins – Vinyl replacement windows are held together one of two ways: either they’re screwed or they’re welded. Just as a weld will produce a better, more permanent seal in metal it will do the same with vinyl. So when you’re out there comparing the vinyl thickness in different windows make sure you check how the seams and joints are held together. If they’re screwed together you may have problems down the road.
  • Number of chambers – The inside of the vinyl window frame is divided into separate chambers. These chambers provide structural integrity to the window unit, preventing it from warping due to the combination of heat and time. Some manufacturers will cut costs by limiting the number of these chambers. You should try and find a cross section of the window you want and see how many chambers it has in the frame. The more the better.
  • Energy Star certification – Energy Star certification generally guarantees the designated product will save you an additional 20-30% over and above what is required by national standards. It’s pretty simple: if you’re looking to save money on your energy bills by installing vinyl replacement windows (and who isn’t?) and the windows you are thinking of buying don’t carry the Energy Star label, you should move on to another brand.
  • FYI – Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the primary ingredient manufacturers use to create the pure white of vinyl windows. But it’s expensive. Quality windows will have plenty of TiO2 in the PVC to prevent yellowing over time. Discount windows will not and will yellow. Some manufacturers try to delay the yellowing by tinting their windows a light blue. If you’ve taken a shine to a particular window but notice it seems to have a light blue tint to it, beware!

Toronto Doors and Windows sell and install only the highest quality Vinylguard premium vinyl windows. All Vinylguard windows meet Energy Star requirements and are made of 100% lead-free PVC. If you’re interested in replacing your current windows with the best vinyl replacement windows in the industry call us on 647-932-3667 and speak to one of our vinyl replacement window experts.

Never Rush into a Window Replacement: Here’s Why

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Replacing your windows is a big decision. It will affect the quality of life of everyone in the house and significantly impact the value of your home and the amount you pay to keep that home warm. It’s also very likely a decision you’ll only make once because if you choose well your new replacement windows should last a lifetime. Rushing the decision is not a good idea for a number of reasons we’ll outline in this post.

Window Replacement is a Process Not an Event

While delaying the replacement of your old leaky windows is not a good idea, it’s an equally bad idea to replace them with the first windows you see on sale at the big box. Window replacement is a process and there are many questions you should ask before selecting new windows for your home, including:

  • Are they a good match for my house? – Sure those casement windows in the bargain bin look snazzy but will casement windows look strange on your house? There are many different types of replacement windows available and many design variations within each type. Take the time to consider what the window will look like after it’s installed before purchasing it.
  • Are they really energy efficient? – Many discount replacement windows are cheap because second-rate materials and processes were used in their construction. Look for the Energy Star label and if you don’t see one don’t even consider buying the windows. A lot of replacement windows look good but are all looks and no substance.
  • Will they do what I want them to do? – If your home’s alignment lets a lot of direct sunlight in to bleach your rugs and furniture and raise the ambient temperature you’ll want windows that will help mitigate these problems. Taking the time to find windows with the right UV filter to protect your valuables or the right tinting to minimize solar heating is important.
  • Will they stand the test of time? – The same cheap materials that will make new windows energy in-efficient will also lead to them falling apart much quicker than you ever thought they would. Look at different materials and compare the price with their physical advantages and disadvantages before deciding on a particular make and model.
  • Are they safe? – One of the best reasons to invest in window replacement is because your old wooden windows are not safe. They’re an easy target for burglars because they’re rotten and loose. If you purchase replacement windows based solely on price however, chances are you may just be replacing security risk with security risk. Inspect a number of different windows carefully to see how solid they feel before you think about purchasing.

Replacing your old creaky windows with new replacement windows should be a net positive for your home and your wallet. If you rush the process of window replacement you could very well end up out a lot of money and no better off than when you started in some ways. Make sure you take the time you need to find the right replacement windows for you, your house and your budget.

Toronto Doors and Windows have been helping homeowners in the Toronto area determine the right replacement windows for their home for more than 15 years. Our job is to help you find the right windows and then install them for you in a timely, affordable fashion so that you can begin enjoying the savings and comfort they provide. If you have questions about the window replacement process give us a call on 647-932-3667 and talk to one of our replacement window experts.

7 Window Installation Factors that Will Determine the End Cost

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You drove by the big box on Saturday and saw a huge splashy sign that said “Vinyl Replacement Windows – $199 Installed!” and you’re understandably thinking that sounds like a pretty good deal. In this case however, the old adage “If it seems too good to be true it probably is” should be the first thing that comes to mind because once all the fine print has been invoked you can be 100% certain you’ll pay more than $199 for any type of quality replacement window.

Things That Drive up Window Installation Costs

So what are the things that drive up the cost of window replacement anyway? While each project is slightly different the 7 most common things that affect the final cost of window installation are:

  • Materials – Is it theoretically possible that a single pane window-only (no casement), that doesn’t open and is made of cheap materials may cost you only $199 to install? Sure. But if you want energy-efficient windows with full casements made by a reputable manufacturer from high-quality materials you’re going to pay more.
  • Labor – Labor costs are going to vary depending on the size, accessibility, and number of windows you’re having installed. The time of year you have the installation done will also affect the final labor cost. Also, a reputable contractor will likely cost you more than a newcomer or someone with scant references but will be worth the extra expense.
  • Glass type – Double-pane will cost more than single-pane windows and double-pane windows with Low-E glass will cost more than double-pane windows with standard glass. Triple-pane windows will cost even more. Also, the type of gas between the panes (if any) as well as the quality of the seals will all contribute to the cost of the window installation.
  • Style – The cost of your windows will also be affected by the style you choose. Double-hung windows will cost more than single-hung windows. A casement window will cost a bit more than a standard single or double-hung window and a bay window will be considerably more expensive than any standard-sized window, regardless of how it opens.
  • Customization – If you have a custom-designed home or an old Victorian with some oddly shaped windows you’ll need to pay more to have windows custom-designed and built to fit the openings. Custom-shaped windows are the most expensive type of replacement windows because they’re just that: custom.
  • State of the walls – The state of the walls surrounding the window can affect the cost of the installation. If the walls around your current windows are rotting and quite a bit of material needs to be replaced before the new window can be installed you’ll be paying for that material as well as for the extra labor involved.
  • Location – The cost of your window installation will be driven at least in part by where in the Toronto area your home is located. If the contractor needs to make an hour’s drive each way to and from your home the installation project will cost more than if the contractor is located in the same neighborhood.

Before you decide to take someone up on their miraculous price read the fine print; all of it, and then call Toronto Doors and Windows for honest pricing and first-class service. Our customers mean everything to us and we never engage in tricks or empty promises to get your business. Instead, we manufacture and install top-quality products that will increase your home’s value, reduce your energy bills, and make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Call us today at 647-932-3667 to find out more about our window installation services.

Windows and Doors in 2016: Trends You’re Likely to See

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Things are looking up for the residential windows and doors market in the coming year. Industry insiders predict growth in demand of some 10% over 2015. This marks in many ways the culmination of the rebound from the dark days of the recent past when difficulties in the housing market caused window and door demand to bottom out. So now that the market has returned to robust health what trends can we expect to see in 2016?

Trends to Look for in Windows and Doors for 2016

As we head into the new year let’s take the pulse of the windows and doors industry to find out which features and styles will be trending upward in ‘16.

  • Fiberglass and vinyl increase their market share – Sales of vinyl windows and fiberglass doors are expected to grow at a healthy rate during the coming year as they continue to push other materials into the ‘also ran’ column. Vinyl windows are now the overwhelming choice of Toronto homeowners who are also discovering the many aesthetic and practical advantages of fiberglass doors.
  • Uncommon window choices – Uncommon window styles have begun to make inroads among homeowners lately and will likely find more followers in 2016. This includes increased sales of large sliding and casement windows as well as an uptick in the sale of awning windows. Homeowners have taken to cranking open their windows and have also discovered how these uncommon styles can aid in home ventilation efforts.
  • Metal doors make gains – Like fiberglass doors, metal doors are also expected to make gains in 2016. Steel doors are second to none when it comes to enhancing home security and today’s steel doors have become virtually indistinguishable from their wooden counterparts. This combination of beauty and high-level security is driving the ever increasing trend toward metal entry doors.
  • The emergence of color – The overwhelming majority of replacement windows sold will continue to be white, since it goes with virtually any home color scheme. But in 2016 an increasing number of adventurous homeowners will buck the prevailing winds by choosing other colors for their replacement windows. To be honest, it’s a bit surprising this trend has taken so long to take hold but the world will only be a more beautiful place now that it has.
  • Wood continues to slide – The trend toward durability and value means that as fiberglass, vinyl and metal continue to gain market share they will do so at the expense of wood. While this development may not make some purists happy it is likely to brighten the day of conservationists and others who appreciate a living tree’s ability to absorb CO2 and prevent it from reaching the upper atmosphere where it can create environmental mischief.
  • Bonus trend: Colorful entry doors – Lots of folks are taking a shine to the idea of making a color statement with their entry doors. It’s hard to know exactly where and when this trend took root but it’s expected to blossom in 2016 with all manner of obscure but intoxicating custom-mixed colors finding their way onto the front doors of homes from coast to coast.

2016 is shaping up to be a banner year in the windows and doors industry with homeowners seeking more diverse and compelling styles and colors while at the same time demanding ever more environmentally friendly, durable materials. At Toronto Doors and Windows we look forward to serving the needs of our clients in the coming year with our own growing line of highest-quality windows and doors. Call us on 647-932-3667 and talk to one of our specialists about how you can take advantage of the latest advances in window and door technology.

7 Reasons to Replace Your Entry Doors this Year

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The entry door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. It’s the place all eyes should come to rest on the front of your house and it’s also the place where your world begins and the outside world is left behind. If the front door is old and weathered, is a leftover from a previous owner who had questionable taste or is simply leaking warm air like a sieve you’ll want to consider replacing it during the coming year.

Entry Doors: The Biggest Small Investment You’ll Ever Make

Whether you’re selling your home, renovating it or simply looking to ramp up the curb appeal an entry door is perhaps the most cost-effective investment you can make. Here are 7 reasons why you should consider replacing your entry door in the coming year.

  • ROI – No other alteration you can make to your house will generate a comparable ROI. Not kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, a deck addition or anything else. New exterior facing doors return nearly 100% of your investment while providing myriad addition benefits as well. If you’re looking to maximize bang for the buck entry doors are the way to go.
  • Curb appeal – You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Sure, it seems like an overused cliché but it’s absolutely true. Whether visitors or potential buyers, the impression people formulate of your home begins on the walk up to the front door. A shabby entry door will create a negative first impression the rest of your house will have to work to overcome.
  • Security – Approximately ⅓ of all home invasions occur through the front door. If your home has an old wooden door that’s frayed around the edges and is mounted to a rotting frame gaining entry will require little effort on the part of an intruder. A new entry door will keep your family safe and secure by keeping the burglar outside where he belongs.
  • Durability – New fiberglass entry doors will provide potentially decades of safety, energy efficiency and good looks for you and your family. They won’t rot, won’t warp, won’t crack and come with generous warranties (not that you’ll need them). Can you say the same about wooden doors?
  • Energy efficiency – The amount of energy that can escape through an old, leaky home entrance is astonishing. Some 5-10% of all heat loss in a typical home walks right out the door. Just by installing an insulated fiberglass entry door you could eliminate those pesky drafts you’ve been dealing with for years and save big on your energy bill.
  • Low maintenance – Fiberglass doors in particular are extremely low maintenance. Once installed you’ll just need to clean them periodically. No need to stain or paint them. No need to replace cracked panels or shore up rotting edges. No need to go to extraordinary efforts to keep the elements off of them either; just hang them and forget them.
  • Choice – Entry doors from Toronto Doors and Windows come in variety of styles and colors and it’s a safe bet that there is one that’s a perfect match for your renovation project. Whether you want something aggressively modern or something with more traditional restraint we have a style for every purpose, every design scheme.

Replacing your entry door is simply one of the smartest home improvement projects you can undertake. It adds curb appeal like new siding, energy efficiency like new windows, security like an alarm system and once in place they’ll last for decades without ever needing extensive maintenance. Call Toronto Doors and Windows today to learn more about our full line of beautiful, durable, affordable fiberglass entry doors.

Why Window Replacement is the Only Option If you Have Single Pane Windows

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Old homes have a lot of things going for them. Typically they were built with very high-quality natural materials that are largely unavailable today. They were also built to last with thick plaster walls and hardwood flooring throughout. If you’ve bought or inherited an older home you’ll likely want to preserve many of the quality materials and techniques employed in its construction. One thing you’ll want to ditch as quickly as possible however will be the leaky, drafty, energy black holes known as single-pane windows.

Your Old House is Crying Out for Window Replacement

Purists will insist that if you have an older home you should make every effort to keep the original windows. If your home is of historic significance there is probably merit to this argument. In most other cases though, unless those purists are willing to pay your energy bills you should look into window replacement asap. Here’s why.

  • Energy efficiency – There are a number of factors that cause a home to bleed energy. Among them poorly insulated walls, an uninsulated attic, a drafty unheated basement and lack of weatherstripping around the entry doors. However, just by replacing your old single-pane windows with multi-pane vinyl replacement windows you can cut your energy consumption by as much as 25%. In a city like Toronto that 25% can be a significant amount of money.
  • Noise reduction – If you live in the city noise can be a major issue. There’s no way around it. But did you know a lot of the noise you’re trying to ignore while sitting at your kitchen table could be left outside if you installed multi-pane windows? Depending on the type of noise and your proximity to the source window replacement using multi-pane windows can reduce noise transference from outside significantly over wood framed, single-pane windows.
  • Convenience – You’ll likely need professional window cleaners for the outside of those hard to reach single-pane windows on the third floor. By contrast, with vinyl replacement windows cleaning is a snap. Double-hung replacement windows can be tilted inward for easy access to both sides. No more ladders creating safety hazards. No more window cleaning bills.
  • Goodbye storm windows – Some folks will tell you that with storm windows they can achieve the same energy savings they would if they installed double or triple-pane replacement windows. Nonsense. More than half of the loss associated with older windows is the result of leaky casements. While storm windows will prevent some heat loss through the windows themselves they’ll do nothing to prevent heat loss around the edges of the window proper.
  • Safety – Old single-pane windows are more often than not rattling around in wooden casements that have begun to rot and are rife with cracks. As a result, any burglar worth their shady reputation can make quick work of getting one of these charming old windows open and gaining easy access to your home.

Do your older home a favor and replace the outdated, inefficient single-pane windows you now have with energy efficient, safe, durable and beautiful multi-pane vinyl replacement windows. Window replacement will enhance the safety, value and longevity of your home and help you consign outrageous energy bills to the past where they can rest in peace.

Call Toronto Doors and Windows today on 647-932-3667 to find out more about why window replacement is the best option for homeowners seeking to increase the energy efficiency of their older home. We’ll provide you with a free estimate regarding the cost of replacing your single-pane windows and answer any other questions you may have. So don’t delay, call today and start saving money.