For 40 years, Magic has provided Toronto and the GTA with some of the most advanced residential windows in the world. Our innovative replacement windows, patio doors and Window Walls can add style and performance to any home. Welcome to our blog, where we provide consumers with the information and inspiration they need to make informed decisions about buying and installing high-performance replacement windows.
For many homeowners, thinking about windows takes up very little of their time. For us? That’s not the case. Since the start, we’ve concerned ourselves with one thing above all else: developing and installing the best, most innovative replacement windows and doors for our customers in the GTA. And while many of our competitors will claim to offer better prices, going with us means installing a product that’s more innovative, more durable, more efficient and more aesthetically-pleasing than almost any other residential window you’ll find.
Looking for the hows and the whys? Here are the four main features behind our high-performance replacement windows.
1. Out with cheap, hollow vinyl PVC frames; in with hybrid reinforced frames.
Standard hollow vinyl replacement windows may be a cheaper purchase upfront, but they have the potential to cost homeowners more down the line. Why? These windows are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is simply plastic — nothing more, nothing less. These frames are a combination of different plasticizers, pigments and chemicals with hollow chambers that allegedly make for a lighter, more flexible product. In truth, hollow vinyl PVC frames lack strength, rigidity and durability. They are disposable products that are highly susceptible to wear and tear as well as expansion and contraction in Canada’s drastically fluctuating climate.
Structural flaws aside, however, PVC is an energy-efficient material that allows window manufacturers to weld corners to create a perfect seal. With that in mind, we sought to create better frames by leveraging our experience as a manufacturer of aluminum frames. While aluminum is an incredibly strong, durable material, it’s high thermal conductivity makes it quite inefficient. In combining aluminum and vinyl PVC — along with the added strength of galvanized steel — we sought to make a frame that’s stronger and more efficient than anything else on the market.
What You Get With Hybrid Fusion Frame® Windows & Doors:
- A rock-solid frame constructed from anodized aluminum and galvanized steel
- An outer surface of specially-formulated and patented U-PVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride)
- The long-lasting strength and support of galvanized steel and aluminum
- A durable and efficient vinyl frame that won’t expand and contract
- A stylish, ultra-slim profile that places visual emphasis on the window’s glass
- A cost-effective, high-performance window frame material that we guarantee will last 40 years or more
2. Our Parallex Hardware system makes crank windows obsolete
A staple of North American window design for years, the window crank is an outdated, flawed piece of hardware that can lead to casement window issues down the line:
Uneven Weight Distribution & Motion: Crank systems work by opening the window sash from the bottom. This causes two problems. First, the thin arm of the crank system has to hold the weight of the entire window sash. This issue of weight is even more pronounced with triple-glazed windows, which are used commonly in residential window applications. More weight means more continuous strain on the crank system. Second, the top of the sash and the bottom do not move in tandem; instead, the top of the sash reacts to the movement at the bottom.
Over time, the force of gravity causes the sash to warp, sag and bow within the frame.
Wear and Tear: Crank mechanisms have a propensity to strip, break and loosen over time. They also face seasonal-specific issues such as frozen gears and hinges as well as rust.
To get around these issues, we developed ParallexTM hardware — an award-winning system that eliminates the crank, easing operation and improving durability, performance and functionality of your casement windows.
How does Parallex Technology lead to high-performance replacement windows?
With ParallexTM hardware, a large galvanized steel rod runs through the internal part of the sash, connecting to two extremely durable nylon/brass shoes. These shoes then sit in tracks that run along the top and bottom sections of the window frame. By securely fastening the sash to these parallel tracks, ParallexTM technology forces the top and bottom of the sash to move in complete tandem; the bottom shoe cannot move without the top shoe actively moving along with it. This equal distribution of torque and movement is what allows our casement windows to operate without any risk of warping, sagging or distortion. Ultimately, this technology is an essential factor in our high-performance replacement windows.
3. Enjoy fully retractable insect screens, solar screens and thermal blinds on your high-performance replacement windows
Dusty, dirty, static insect screens obstruct views, restrict natural light and collect allergens over time. And at the end of the day, homeowners should be able to choose exactly when they make use of these screens. Our patented Retractable Slide ‘N’ Hide® Insect Screen comes standard in all of our high-performance replacement windows, patio doors and Window Walls.
For added performance, homeowners can also opt to add retractable Solar Screens and Thermal Blinds. Whether it’s the Insect Screen, the Solar Screen or the Thermal Blinds, this innovative system gives homeowners an unprecedented amount of control over things like insects, dust, natural light, and heat. It allows our blinds and screens to seamlessly retract inside the frame and remain fully out of view when not in use.
4. Custom-Formulated, Energy-Efficient Glass
Whereas many window companies outsource their glass production, our engineers made the critical decision to bring glass production in-house. It’s a decision that reaffirms our commitment to providing our customers with windows and doors that work for their homes.
By bringing glass production in house, we are able to incorporate the best-performing energy-efficient technology. This includes high-performance warm-edge spacers, low-E coatings, gas fills and more. Collectively, this ensures that your replacement units are efficient year after year and in any season.
Learn more about the features and factors that lead to energy-efficient windows:
A Guide to Purchasing Energy Efficient Replacement Windows in Toronto
Looking for high-performance replacement windows? Let’s talk!
Whether you’re just curious about window replacement, beginning the process in earnest or facing an urgent situation, we can help! Through an in-home or virtual consultation, one of our representatives will walk you step-by-step through the window replacement process. Afterwards, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision.