Are there signs that your windows have reached the end of their useful life? Such as:
Are your heating costs higher than you expected?
Is there air coming in through your windows? Do the blinds or curtains move even if the window is closed?
If your windows are more than 20 years old, it may be time to replace them. New windows are sure to improve the appearance and functionality of your home. Keep in mind that replacing your windows is one of the renovations with the highest return on investment (after kitchen and bathroom renovations). When put up for sale, your property will more easily find a buyer if the windows have been replaced.
Get a folder or any other method of filing where you can file the documents you will collect: leaflets, quotes, warranties when the project will be completed, etc.
How many windows will I replace?
All or just a few? Make a list of the windows you want to replace, their location, and their approximate dimensions.
What is my budget?
It is best to establish your maximum budget before collecting bids. By doing so, you will quickly be able to estimate the number of windows you want to replace.
How will you pay?
Cash, line of credit, mortgage credit, etc.
Check with your municipality if special conditions apply to your renovation project.
Now is the time to start researching potential businesses. There are hundreds of potential points of sale in Quebec. You need to narrow your search.
Ask your friends and work colleagues if they recently replaced their windows? With whom did they do business? How did it go? Were they satisfied with the end result? Do they recommend the company?
It is important for you to use their experience to help you make informed decisions.
Also do a search on the Internet. Find out which companies in your area can replace your windows. The number of companies to consider may vary depending on how much time you are willing to invest. We believe four or five companies seem to be sufficient. Study these companies in more depth.
Factors to consider
You can check if the company is the subject of complaints with the Consumer Protection Office in the “Get Information About a Merchant” section at www.opc.gouv.qc.ca
To check if the company has a valid licence (to install your new windows) or if it has been suspended, go to the Régie du logement du Québec website at www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca
The goal of this exercise is to choose two or three companies that will bid on your project.
It is important to consider the benefits outlined in each quote. You need to consider quality and price. It is completely normal to be price-sensitive; however, remember that this is an investment for the next 20 years.
Identify which company offers the best combination of price, product quality, professional installation, customer service, warranties, the level of trust that the company inspires in you.
There are two key points you need to focus on:
1 – The product
Look for the balance between its energy efficiency (ER Factor) and structural test results (NAFS Standard 08).
Thermal testing puts great emphasis on thermal gain from the sealed unit.
For the same window size, the system with the narrowest profiles has an energy advantage (more solar gain). This seems contradictory, since quality products are likely to have more massive PVC profiles (more material).
For ENERGY STAR, the smaller/narrower the frame and sash(es) of a window, the better its energy efficiency since the glass area is larger. This is why the ER factor of sliding/sash windows is often higher than for a casement window. It is important to always compare products of the same model: casement with casement, sliding with sliding, etc.
In Canada, thermal testing is conducted for all window systems. Only one dimension is tested (e.g., for a casement window of 600 mm width x 1,500 mm height) and a single ER factor is obtained. Your windows will obviously have different dimensions than those assessed, and their ER factor will probably be slightly different.
Therefore, it is unwise to base your choice solely on the ER factor of a window. By also checking the performance of the window in structural tests (DP/CP rating), you will have a better idea of the real quality of the product.
2 – Installation
The best product in the world will not give you satisfaction if it has been installed incorrectly. Give as much importance to the installation as to the product itself.
The contract that will be signed between you and the chosen company is essential. The contract should include:
To avoid unpleasant surprises and costs for you and/or the other party, check the options chosen for each window before signing the contract:
Be present during the installation, at least at the beginning. Despite your best efforts, decisions may need to be made on site. Your presence will make things easier.
The installer must check the dimensions of a new window one last time before replacing the old one. When an existing window has been torn to pieces to remove it from an opening, it is too late to discover a measurement error. If the installer does not carry out this check, please remind them to do so.
As soon as the installation has been finalized, remove the labels that are stuck in the windows. Keep the ENERGY STAR program labels.
When the project has been completed, make sure you receive and file the following documents in your folder:
Copy of the contract
Copy of the warranty
Receipt proving final payment
ENERGY STAR labels
Now all you have to do is relax and enjoy the view.
This step is especially important in terms of the performance that the window will subsequently offer. Without fixing it permanently, the window is put in the ideal place in the opening. It is imperative to always install a window set with the back inwards (minimum ¼’’) in relation to the exterior finish. This aims to reduce heat loss as well as condensation inside. It is preferable to leave the sash in the frame to check that there is no pressure and that the openings operate freely. Check the light all around the shutter to make sure it is equal and correct if necessary.
There are three important points to observe: Clearance, squareness and level.
Clearance means that once installed, the window must be able to accept normal frame movements without being stuck.
Squareness is obtained by installing the shims on the jambs 4 to 6 inches from the corners to allow thermal expansion. The shims must be cut shorter than the total thickness of the window to allow for better insulation. Never put wedges at the top of windows.
Lastly, the windows must be level, i.e., the corners must be exactly 90 degrees since this is essential to ensure proper operation.
The window must be wedged at the threshold level, at the ends and in the centre opposite the mullion(s). It is essential that the threshold is perfectly level and straight, as well as the jambs.
The final assessment involves measuring the top and bottom, as well as the centre of the window as indicated by points a, b and c. As well, ensure that the dimensions are identical. It is also necessary to check that the two diagonals are identical (see Point d).
Secure the frame to the wall by screwing through the interior blown wood and shims or using the installation straps if the window is not blown.
An insulating product (foam or mineral wool) must be applied everywhere around the perimeter of the window and to the entire depth of the wall. To avoid deformation of the frame, do not use excessive insulating materials. If you use foam, please choose one with low expansion to avoid deformation of the frame. Take special care not to overflow the urethane (insulating foam) onto PVC or aluminium surfaces. The chemical components of urethane will damage surface finishes. The energy efficiency of the window will be reduced in the event of poor insulation.
Caulking ensures the watertightness of the frames. You must take special care with the condition of the flashings. Depending on the case, you must use a caulking product compatible with PVC whose elasticity accommodates the differences in expansion of the materials in place without removing it. The size of the joint is especially important, because if it is too thin, the joint lacks adhesion, and if it is too thick, it lacks elasticity.
When a window is installed in brick, the brick moulding must always be recessed towards the inside, it must not exceed the exterior cladding. This recommendation is necessary to avoid any risk of water infiltration into the wall. This way of proceeding also allows for better insulation and higher energy efficiency.
In the case of a covered moulding, it is inserted into the opening provided for this purpose. Naturally, the covering moulding exceeds the thickness of the wall, but the risk of water infiltration is then non-existent.
In addition, please note that the sides of the brick moulding are not considered an aesthetic part of the window (supposed to be hidden in the wall). The sides of the brick moulding may be scratched during shipping or installation.
At the top of a window, there must always be a discharge of water, which exceeds the width of the window by at least one inch.
When a window has been installed in a concrete foundation, the plaster should extend beyond the window to cover the entire surface at the perimeter of the exterior frame.
Clean windows as soon as installation has been completed to remove dirt from the construction work.
Clean your windows twice a year, ideally in spring and fall, with a soft, clean cloth. PVC should be cleaned with a mild detergent (e.g., dish soap) or one designed for PVC.
To clean the hinges, you must use a damp cloth. It is recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant (Jig-a-loo®) twice a year, ideally in spring and fall, on hardware parts (hinges, locks, operators, scales, casters) and on weather stripping. This will make it easier to open and close the sashes.
For all casement windows, it is recommended to remove the screens during winter. The absence of screens promotes air circulation and reduces the risk of condensation. For sliding and sash windows, this precaution will prevent breakage due to accumulation of snow given the screen is usually on the exterior of the window.
Thermoses can be cleaned with a commercial product (e.g., Windex®).
Find a distributor
