Purchasing new windows and having them installed, or replacing old ineffective ones, is not an easy job, but if you hire the right people to do it, it’s a job you’ll only have to do once to reap the benefits for the rest of your life. Even if you don’t plan on living in the same house for the rest of your life, you’ll be glad you invested in high-quality windows and installation when you do choose to sell your home. Quality windows that have been appropriately installed are one of the first things a potential buyer will look for, and having that work done right the first time instantly increases the curb value of your home.
The window industry has changed drastically in the last 10 to 15 years, so chances are, if your windows are older than that, you may benefit from an upgrade. Many of the advancements have to do with energy efficiency, both in terms of the environment and the savings these considerations provide for you, the consumer. Any company that is committed to energy conservation will carry Energy Star certified products from quality manufacturers. This designation means that all home improvement products installed meet rigorous technical specifications for energy performance, an important consideration considering the cold winters that residents of Ontario experience every year.
Private label windows like Enerview provide outstanding features for a high price—contractors and installers who know the business and have kept up with the advancements will carry their products. Ener-view has the unique Fly Maze feature that prevents insects from entering your home. As well, each window comes with primed jambs and vinyl casing trim, so you never have to paint again. Energy Star certified windows for Zone C or D in Canada have options for foam-filled frames and sashes for even more excellent insulation ratings. Even more state of the art advances like “neat glass,” a solar-activated mechanism that keeps your windows clean for you, are also available and provided by up-to-date window installers.
Other things that savvy consumers should look for when buying and installing replacement windows is a lifetime labor warranty on the original installation, as well as a guarantee for materials and labor on lifetime glass breakage—this is more than what big box stores offer. Check out the George Kent blog for all of the information you need. Quality installation is also essential. When searching for a great home improvement company, look for installers that are Window Wise certified and are part of the GAF Master Elite program, a distinction held by less than two percent of Canadian companies. You’ll also want to check that the contractor you work with has the proper WSIB and general liability insurance certifications in place. These assurances not only protect workers but also homeowners in the rare occurrence that something should go wrong during the installation.
