If you have new vinyl or aluminum-framed windows installed in your Toronto home and you want to check whether the installers have done a good job, there are a number of tell-tale signs you can look out for both before, during, and after the installation process. For your convenience, we have listed these signs below. If you are about to have new windows fitted, you can check this list as the work is being carried out.
Signs That Your Window Installation Was Performed by Professionals
While it is of course important to do your research before deciding upon a contractor to supply and install aluminum or vinyl windows, you should still take note of how they go about their work once you have made your choice. Even if you are sure you have picked the best firm in the area, there is no harm in double checking.
• Measuring Up – The first thing you will notice when dealing with window installation professionals is that they will carefully measure your existing windows to ensure that your new ones will be a perfect fit. If they are not custom made for your home, there is a good chance you will end up with gaps between the frame and the wall.
• Careful Removal of Existing Window Units – Your current windows, whether they are manufactured units or separate panes of glass and wooden frames, will of course need to be removed before the new ones can be installed. Watch your contractor perform this task and see how careful they are. An experienced installation team will be take great care not to damage the surrounding walls and any mouldings that may need to be put back later.
• High Quality Shims – To make sure the units are level, it is often necessary to insert shims between the frame and the wall when performing a new window installation. However, these shims should be made for this purpose and not random pieces of wood that are just lying around. If your Toronto contractor uses purpose-made shims, you can be fairly sure they know what they are doing.
• Exterior Caulking – The join between the frame and siding on the outside wall should be properly caulked to ensure that water is not able to seep through. You can perform a basic water test with an ordinary garden hose, once the caulking is fully cured, to make sure that a watertight seal has formed. However, a visual inspection of the contractor at work should give you some clues beforehand.
• Post Installation Inspection – A professional team will perform a thorough inspection once the window installation process has been completed. While performing the inspection, they should explain what they are doing and show you how to use your new windows. There is no need to feel insulted if they offer to show you how to operate the opening and closing mechanisms: it may seem obvious to you but there are various different types of mechanism on the market today and a consummate professional will always cover all the bases.
• Maintenance Tips – Something else a professional installer will do is to take the time to explain how best to maintain your new windows. Again, this will not, in all likelihood, be a particularly complicated process but the fact your contractor takes the time to go through it with you is a very good sign.
If you have yet to choose a contractor for your new window installation, call or email us to request a free estimate. Our installers are experienced professionals and know exactly what they are doing.
