Looking to replace windows and doors in Oakville? Here’s what you should know.
Purchasing and installing windows and doors in Oakville is a major investment. If chosen and installed properly, replacement windows can:
- Improve home energy efficiency
- Keep homes sealed and more secure
- Improve style and aesthetics
- Perform well for decades
- Potentially increase home value and curb appeal
For homeowners, understanding the cost, technologies, features and styles of windows and doors can help them make smarter decisions for their home. Read on to learn more!
First, what is the cost of replacing windows and doors in Oakville?
Committing to quality replacement windows is a significant investment, but it’s one worth making. Investing in quality now can mean saving time, money, and energy in the long run.
The Cost of Replacing Windows and Doors in Oakville
| Type of Window | Poor Quality | Low Quality | High Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Casement | $300-$700 | $600-900 | $1300 - $2000 |
| Double Casement | $600 - $1200 | $800-$1300 | $2000-$3700 |
| Single Hung | $300 - $600 | $700 - $1000 | $800 - $1600 |
| Double Hung | $400 - $900 | $600 - $1300 | $1100 - $2080 |
| Single Slider | $300 - $700 | $800 - $1000 | $800 - $1600 |
| Double Slider | $400 - $800 | $600 - $1400 | $1040 - $2080 |
| Awning Window | $500 - $700 | $700 - $1000 | $1300 - $2100 |
| Hopper Window | $300 - $600 | $500 - $750 | $800 - $1600 |
| Bay Window | $1500+ | $1800+ | $4000+ |
| Patio Door 2-Panel | $900 - $1200 | $1200 - $2500 | $4200 - $8000 |
| Patio Door 3-Panel | $2000 - $3500 | $3500 - $5000 | $6000 - $11,000 |
| Patio Door 4-Panel | $2000 - $4500 | $5000 - $8000 | $9000 - $13,000 |
| French Doors | $1200 - $2800 | $1500 - $2500 | $4000 - $10,000 |
| Window Wall | N/A | N/A | $5000 - $30,000+ |
What replacement window and door styles should I consider?
Casement windows, hung windows, sliders, awning windows. There are plenty of window styles and models to choose from. Knowing which to install comes down to:
- Understanding how these models differ from each other
- Getting a proper window replacement consultation and home assessment
Here’s a breakdown to help you with the first one!
What is a Casement Window?
A highly popular window style, casement windows are attached to the frame by one or more hinges and traditionally swing outward like a door. Typically, they open and shut by means of a crank located at the bottom of the frame. When closed, locking mechanisms on the frame pull the sash up against the frame and lock it tightly in position. These windows can be hinged to open outward or inward and are excellent for natural ventilation.
What is a Sliding Window?
Sliding windows have two panes of glass in separate sashes mounted side by side in the frame. The sashes slide horizontally and are found in single-sash and double-sash designs. Most designs have at least one removable sash.
What is a Hung Window?
As opposed to horizontal slider windows, both single- and double-hung windows operate by sliding the sash up and down.
What is an Awning Window?
Awning windows swing outward from the bottom. They operate by means of a roto-gear and crank or a simple push-out lever. The hardware does not allow these windows to open all the way. Awning windows close by sealing up against the frame, which helps to create an airtight compression seal.
Patio Doors
Patio doors bridge the divide between window and door. They are functional, stylish window and door units that should offer security, natural light and a seamless transition between the indoors and the outdoors.
Window Walls: A whole new way to embrace the outdoors
Capable of covering walls up to 50ft in length, the Window Wall is constructed of glass panels that operate independently from one another. This allows homeowners to customize the versatile wall opening to whatever size they please. Yes, it can be as large as 50ft across, offering sweeping views and an open-air experience.
However, it can also serve the same function as a traditional window, albeit with a twist. As a window, it’s designed with two panels to mimic the functionality of a European casement. This means that when the window is open there is no middle mullion obstructing views. This design makes it the perfect option to elevate and modernize a traditional sunroom, veranda, or living room. That said, it can also feature much more than just two panels — for example, you could have a pass-through design with 3-6 panels. Ultimately, it’s up to you!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAGIC™ WINDOW WALL >>
What features can help me get the most out of my replacement windows and doors?
The window features you choose matter. They can mean the difference between bulky, flimsy windows with unnecessary hardware and fixed screens and durable, stylish, highly-operable windows that maximize natural light.
A Breakdown of Different Window Frame Materials
Vinyl Windows: Highly popular in the industry due to their low thermal conductivity and low price point. That said, unreinforced vinyl frames lack strength, rigidity and durability. They are prone to wear and tear as well as expansion and contraction in fluctuating climates.
Aluminum Windows: Strong, yes, but they have a very high thermal conductivity, meaning heat and cold pass through these frames very easily. In other words? They lack efficiency.
Wood Windows: Beautiful and sturdy. But also very expensive, require regular maintenance (painting, sanding, caulking) and are prone to rot and mildew.
Fibreglass Windows: Strong, durable and require little maintenance. That said, they are prone to expansion and contraction and, because their corners cannot be welded together, water and air penetration can become an issue in the long run.
Hybrid Fusion Frames: Aluminum, Steel and Highly-Efficient Vinyl U-PVC
We’ve established that vinyl frames are efficient, yet lack strength and durability. We’ve also established that aluminum frames are strong, but lack efficiency. The solution, then, is to combine these materials together to create a window frame that ticks all the boxes. In combining aluminum and vinyl PVC — along with the added strength of galvanized steel — Hybrid Fusion Frames are both extremely strong and highly efficient. Because of the added strength, these frames can have a slim, stylish profile that places visual emphasis on the window’s glass and the outdoors beyond.
A Crankless Window System Eliminates the Crank — an Outdated Piece of Hardware
While crank mechanisms have been a staple of North American window design for some time, they can strip, break and loosen as they get older. They also face seasonal-specific issues such as frozen gears and hinges as well as rust. Plus, the thin arm of the crank system has to hold the weight of the entire window sash, which can create issues down the line.
Crankless hardware systems like Parallex® Hardware can help you get around these potential problems by eliminating the crank altogether. By installing a large galvanized steel rod through the internal part of the sash, Parallex® technology forces the top and bottom of the sash to move in complete tandem. Without the need for cranks or hinges of any kind, mechanical failures are a non-factor with these crankless window systems.
Fully Retractable Screens and Blinds
For the most part, you only ever really need window screens when your windows are open. And even when the windows are open, there are certain days when you just want an unimpeded view outside. So during the colder months when windows stay shuttered, all fixed screens seem to accomplish is to impede natural light. In fact, fixed screens can block up to 50% of the natural light that flows into your home. With retractable screens and blinds, you can have complete control over when, where and to what extent your screens are in use.
Security Features
You should be 100% confident that your replacement units come standard with security features to keep you and your family safe. Be sure to inquire about these locking systems:
Multi-Point Window Locks: This secure locking system holds the window in place in two or more places simultaneously. These locks grab the sash and push it firmly up against the frame.
Window Cam Locks: A cam locking mechanism consists of both a base and a cam. The cam sweeps or rotates on the base before latching onto the sash, holding it locked in place against the frame. Look for cam and multipoint locking systems that are fashioned from stainless steel.
Energy Efficiency and Replacing Windows and Doors in Oakville
According to Natural Resources Canada, inefficient window units and doors can lead you to waste up to 35% of the energy produced in your home. This energy waste can lead to inflated utility bills regardless of the season. Instead of treating this unnecessary waste as an inevitability, look into replacement window and door units that keep your home secure, sealed and efficient.
So how to gauge energy efficiency? And what features can lead to more efficient replacement windows and doors? Let’s dig in.
How is a window’s energy efficiency determined?
These are the factors used by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to gauge energy efficiency.
U-Factor: U-factor determines the rate at which heat escapes through a window. The lower the U-factor number is, the better the window is at mitigating heat loss.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): SHGC represents how much solar radiation a window lets into the home or cottage. In other words, it determines how well a window can resist unwanted heat gain. The lower the SHGC number, the better the window unit is at reflecting and repelling heat. However, calling a SHGC number “good” or “bad” is not enough. It is a metric that largely depends on where the home is situated. Homes in hotter climates, such as the southwestern United States, would typically want a lower SHGC as they are exposed to so much sunlight year-round. Conversely, a home in a northern Canadian city like Winnipeg would want a high SHGC so as to allow as much added heat from the limited sunlight as possible.
Air Leakage: Air leakage infiltration measures the amount of airflow into the building via the window and exfiltration is the flow of air out of the building. The lower the number, the better your windows will be at preventing unwanted airflow.
Visible Transmittance: This metric determines how well a window permits the flow of natural light into a home. The higher the VT, the better. By allowing more natural light, a window helps reduce the need for artificial light sources.
What features should I be looking for in energy-efficient windows and doors?
Gas Fills: Gas fills help insulate window units and lower the U-Factor number. Manufacturers fill the space between the glass units with krypton, argon or xenon gas. These heavier, noble gases are preferable to filling the unit with air because they can better impede the transfer of heat through a window.
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coating: This transparent, incredibly thin coating helps the window reflect unwanted solar heat, allowing homes to cool more efficiently in warmer temperatures. It also reflects the radiant heat emitted by objects inside the home (such as an HVAC unit) back into the home. This helps reduce heat loss during the colder months. Low-E coating is effective because it can be tailored to deliver the right SHGC rating for specific climate regions.
Be sure to inquire about Gas Fills and Low-E coating with your window replacement representative to ensure that you are getting the right windows for your home. This brings us to our next point:
Glass formulation: find energy-efficient replacement windows that work for your home
Glass formulation is essential in the manufacturing of energy-efficient replacement windows. Go for a window manufacturer that formulates their glass units in-house. That way, you can ensure that your windows and doors are matched to your specific preferences, climate and home’s construction.
Finally, make sure your windows look the way you want them to!
Performance and efficiency aside, windows should be beautiful! When you’re going through the window replacement process, talk to your representative about the following customization options to ensure that you get the look you want
Grills: If you’re looking for a classic look, window grills can offer a traditional touch to your windows. There are endless grill variations to play around with including colonial, diamond, classic, cathedral, traditional and Victorian, just to name a few.
Textures: If you’re looking to maintain the classic look of wood, but would rather not deal with things like rotting, denting, peeling and termites, look into wood-laminated textures. All of the look, none of the hassle!
Colours: Windows don’t have to be black and white. Be sure to inquire about custom colours that suit the interior and exterior of your home. Even the frames and hardware on your windows can be painted to your liking.
Magic™ is a leader when it comes to replacing windows and doors in Oakville
We can help you realize your vision and redefine your space with stylish, innovative, high-performance replacement windows. One of our qualified representatives will be happy to help you find the configurations and styles that will work best for your home. So let’s talk! Call us today to book a free, no-hassle consultation or simply book one online.
Learn More About Window Replacement On Our Blog:
1. Energy-Efficient Windows: Here is What to Look For
2. The Benefits of Retractable Window Screens and Blinds
3. 6 Ways to Tell if You Need to Repair of Replace Windows
4. Why Crank Operated Casement Windows are Mechanically Flawed
5. 4 Stunning Panoramic Window Walls
6. The Main Issue With Hollow Vinyl Replacement Windows
7. 3 Factors That Lead to Secure, Durable and Efficient Replacement Windows
8. The Window Energy Rating Costs You Money: So Why Do Companies Promote It?