Whether you're finally getting started on that window replacement project you've been putting off or choosing windows for your new construction home, there are plenty of benefits to come with your new windows. They bring light and fresh air into your home, increase your home's value, enhance your home security, and improve the comfort of your home.
But how do you go about the process? Where do you start? There are many steps involved in getting new windows installed in your house, and for the inexperienced or those out of practice, it can be overwhelming to just dive in. Even if you've had a window replacement before, most windows last 15-20 years, and a lot has changed in that time in the wide world of windows. No matter what your situation, there's a lot to learn.
Windows are a significant investment and should last for quite some time. It's imperative that you take your time and make the right choices. At Golden Windows, our Kitchener windows services are more than just manufacturing and installing quality windows. We are also constantly striving to provide a better customer experience. That's why we've put together this guide.
We will explain the window installation process from A-Z. We'll provide a refresher of window types and terminology that you should know. Next, we'll explore good ways to find inspiration for the aesthetic you're looking for. We will list the differences between professional and do-it-yourself installation, what to look for in choosing a window company and why it makes sense to get windows installed by the same company that makes them. We'll end on what you should do to get ready for installation day and how to keep your windows at their best.
Window Terms You Should Know
In any industry, jargon and terminology make it easy for those in the know to communicate with each other. It also makes things intimidating for people who aren't in the know. If you know little to nothing about windows, starting your research and being confronted with terms like triple glazed and U-value can be confusing and overwhelming.
But it's helpful to familiarize yourself with window jargon so you can be empowered to make the best decisions during the shopping and installation process. Here, we'll go over some of the common terms you're bound to run into when looking for your windows.
Double and Triple Glazed
Once upon a time, there were only single pane windows. They were a single pane of glass, and they were highly inefficient. Double glazed or paned windows have two panes of glass, and triple glazed or paned windows have three. Between each pane is a chamber of argon glass, a low conductivity, colourless, odourless and harmless inert gas fill that improves thermal insulation by reducing heat transfer. Double glazed windows have one of these chambers, and triple glazed windows have two.
Low E Glass
Low E means low emissivity, and it limits the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light coming in through the windows without restricting the amount of visible light. This means that your windows will be energy efficient – reducing radiant infrared energy emissions – while still supplying your home with plenty of healthful natural light.
U-Value and R-Value
U-Value, or U-Factor, measures heat transfer through the glass due to the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. A lower number means the insulating performance is better.
R-value measures heat resistance in a specific material. With R-value, a higher number is best.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
SHGC measures the amount of solar radiation that can pass through a window and indicates how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 1, with values typically ranging from 0.25 to 0.80. A lower number indicates less solar heat transmitted and better shading ability.
Visible Transmittance (VT)
VT has to do with the amount of light that passes through a material. A relatively high VT value for a window means that you get lots of visible, natural light in your home; when coupled with a relatively low SHGC, it also means that the light isn't transmitting as much solar heat. Homeowners want to find a window with a good balance of a high VT and low SHGC.
Finding Inspiration
From style and colour to window materials, there are so many decisions to make! Start by finding inspiration for the look you're hoping to achieve. Browse our website and look at the different window styles and materials and find a look that speaks to you and complements your home. After taking the website for a spin, it's a great idea to come by the showroom. Many people want to see the products in person when making such a significant investment. It's also a great strategy if you haven't been able to decide on your windows by looking at pictures online.
Our showrooms feature a wide selection of windows and doors, so you can see with your own eyes what the colours will look like and test out the functionality yourself to better understand how the windows will look and feel in your home. We have showrooms conveniently located in London, Kitchener and Kanata, and our staff are happy to answer any of your questions or help you figure out which windows are the right choice for you.
Benefits of Professional Installation
With so much focus on choosing the windows you're going to have installed, not enough attention is paid to the installation process. But installation is a crucial part of the process. You can purchase the highest quality window available on the market, but if it's installed incorrectly, it won't matter. The benefits of your window's energy efficiency, noise control and security features will be negated through shoddy installation. Your investment will go to waste, or you'll have to pay even more to have the shoddy work corrected.
For those reasons and more, it's essential to choose professionals who know how to install windows and doors. Windows are an investment, and you don't want that investment to be diminished by trying to save a few bucks on installation by doing it yourself or hiring someone less than capable.
How to Choose a Window Company
When choosing a company for windows, one of the most important things is the quality of the products and services offered. Golden Windows is proud to be one of the rare windows and door manufacturers that is ISO 9001 certified, which means we've demonstrated the ability to consistently provide exceptional lead times and products and services that meet global regulatory and customer requirements.
Another critical thing to look for is the warranty information. Windows are a long-term investment, so you want to be sure you're purchasing quality products. And if anything does go wrong, you want to be sure you're working with a reputable company that won't leave you high and dry. At Golden Windows, we offer a robust warranty that includes window and glass coverage, craftsmanship and materials, and factory finish coverage. Of course, with all warranties, you should read through exclusions and limitations before purchasing.
With window products lasting on average 20 years, it's also essential to choose a company with a solid reputation that will be around to uphold your warranty or if you're ever in need of windows services. Golden Windows has been in operation for more than six decades and has gained a reputation for focusing on the needs and desires of our customers. Customers can trust that we will be around for anything they need before, during, and after installation.
Why You Should Get Your Windows Installed by the Manufacturers
Going even further than just any professional installation, it makes sense to have your windows installed by the same company that manufactures them. At Golden Windows, we manufacture our windows at our Kitchener facility and trust our Certified Installation Team to handle them during the installation.
Our installers are masters of their craft and have years of experience installing our windows and doors in various homes. They are equipped with the proper tools and know-how to install your windows correctly and carefully, ensuring that there are no air leaks or gaps between the window and the wall.
How to Prepare for Installation Day
Once you've found a reputable company, picked out your windows and scheduled your installation appointment, you might think your job is over. But there are several things you can do to prepare your home for installation day.
The first step is to clean up, both inside and outside the window. If you have any planters or lawn furniture around the window's exterior, these should be moved until after your windows are replaced. You may also need to trim landscaping if it's close to your windows. Installers will typically need about two feet of space to work. Inside your home, move all furniture away from the window and remove window treatments. The goal is to keep the area free from obstacles that will hinder the installers or, worse, lead to an accident.
Next, you want to protect your home and belongings. Some installation companies will bring a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect your floors and minimize the mess, but you should either check in advance or have these items close at hand to prevent your floors from getting scratched up and keep the dust out of carpets. Likewise, remove as many items and furniture from the room as possible to avoid dust and debris collecting, and cover what's left with plastic sheets for protection.
Finally, you want to ensure your home is accessible to the installers. Make sure to deactivate alarm systems that connect to your current window and ensure they'll have access to outlets in each room they'll be working in. Keep pets and children away from the work area for everyone's safety.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
The installation process should always begin with a free quote. At Golden Windows, once you request a quote from us, we send out an installation sales representative to your home whenever it's convenient for you. Our sales representative will take measurements, answer your questions, and discuss your options with you. They will also look at the types of windows required, any structural issues, or other problems that might surface during the installation process. After this appointment, we will provide you with our quote. Once you give us the go-ahead, we can book a convenient time for you for a final measure before placing your order.
When our installers arrive at your home on the scheduled day, you can let them know where to set up. An installer will walk you through the process, answer any questions you have, ensure the products are the ones you ordered and make sure everything is ready to go. You don't need to be on-site for the installation, but if you choose to leave, make sure the team is aware and knows how to get in contact. Set a time to do a final check once the installation is complete. Once everything is installed to your satisfaction, our team will clean up their work areas and haul away the old materials.
Keeping Your Windows in Good Condition
When you've invested in new windows, either new construction windows and doors or replacements, you want them to last as long as possible and stay in good condition. The best way to do that is to make sure you're cleaning and maintaining them to keep them in the best condition possible. An annual or bi-annual cleaning is best, giving them attention in the fall to prepare them for the winter and again in the spring to clean off that winter grime. Use a gentle cloth or microfibre towel dipped in warm, soapy water and be sure not to use any harsh cleaners.
Regular maintenance also provides plenty of opportunities to inspect your windows, so if anything does go wrong, you can catch it early before it turns into a significant issue. This will ensure your windows stay at their best so you can enjoy them for many years to come.