Who Makes the Best Windows in Canada? Key Features to Consider

If you’re looking for replacement windows, you probably feel overwhelmed, considering how many products are on the market, right? How to choose the best? Which ones are right for your property? What manufacturers sell the longest-living windows? Ultimately, who makes the best windows in Canada?

The answer to any question you might have lies in understanding the features you should look for in a window. That’s why we’ve decided that the most efficient way to help you choose the best windows out there is by telling you more about what the best windows should be capable of.

Key Takeaways

• When assessing who makes the best windows in Canada, consider things like frame and glass technologies, energy-efficient features, hardware quality, warranty conditions, and additional features, like screens and blinds.
• Consider checking customer reviews and visiting the manufacturer’s showroom. In addition, don’t forget about their products’ ease of use and maintenance level.
• Magic stands out among other window manufacturers in Canada thanks to our award-winning Parallex Hardware, highly durable and efficient Hybrid Fusion Frame, 40-grade locking systems, retractable screens and blinds, and a 40-year warranty for all our windows and doors.

Frame Technologies

When it comes to windows, the magic is hidden in the frame. In Canada, window frames are typically made from:

• Vinyl, which is efficient, affordable, and low maintenance. However, it isn’t too strong and will warp over time, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions.
• Wood, which is one of the most aesthetically pleasing window materials. It delivers superior insulating performance, and is quite durable. However, wood windows require regular maintenance because the material is prone to rot, mildew, and insect infestations.
• Aluminum, which is a lightweight yet strong window frame material. It is also fire-resistant and easy to clean. Nonetheless, aluminum does not excel at energy efficiency.
• Fiberglass, which is a robust window frame material. It is also rot-resistant but requires regular maintenance. In addition, fiberglass window frame corners can’t be welded.
• Fibrex material, which is a combination of wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer and has a higher durability and a lower thermal expansion rate.

When choosing a window frame material and a manufacturer that offers what you’re looking for, the first thing to assess is the climate in your region – this will influence the degree of energy efficiency you seek and the additional layers of insulation your windows might need. Furthermore, you should consider maintenance requirements and budget. For example, wood windows are quite expensive and require regular maintenance. If this is not an option for you, consider choosing vinyl windows. They are more budget-friendly and do not need to be painted, for example.

Last but not least, you should consider the preferred window design. Most manufacturers sell bulky frames that reduce natural light and can affect the design of a space. Instead, look for window manufacturers that aim higher – and here’s where Magic excels!

Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame

Magic has thoroughly studied the disadvantages of the materials mentioned above and has found a way to eliminate them – that’s how we came up with our Hybrid Fusion Frame. It consists of uPVC reinforced with anodized aluminum and galvanized steel.

Our goal was to make good use of the advantages of vinyl and exponentially prolong its lifespan by using an aluminum-steel skeleton, as both materials are extremely sturdy. As such, the Hybrid Fusion Frame is highly energy-efficient and much more resilient than other windows on the market.

This unique material combination allows us to make the thinnest frames you can possibly find!

Glass and Insulation Technologies

Now that we have tackled the frames, let’s shed some light on the glass and insulation technologies used for Canadian windows.

Here are some essential energy efficiency-related things to consider when choosing windows in Canada:

• The climate in your region can influence the decision between double- or triple-pane windows.
• The location of each window – for example, some are under the sun in the afternoon, when it’s the hottest, while others are always in the shade.
• Whether the window manufacturer offers the possibility to add low-E coatings. They can improve your windows’ energy efficiency.
• Whether the manufacturer offers the possibility to add privacy window films or other window treatments.
• Whether the window frame material offered by the manufacturer can withstand the triple-pane glass in case you choose it.
• How long-lasting the gas added between the glass panes is.
• The quality of the spacer added in double pane windows as it significantly influences the level of insulation and energy efficiency.

Magic’s Approach

Magic has brought glass production in-home. This is a major advantage because we can use products of the highest quality for our Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). To sum it up, here’s why Magic offers the highest standards in terms of glass and energy efficiency:

• The in-house glass production allows maximum quality control.
• Our Hybrid Fusion Frame allows us to manufacture windows with welded frames. This makes for excellent energy efficient windows.
• We are using the best-performing warm-edge spacers.
• Most window manufacturers produce IGUs with a space between window panes of only ½ – ¾ of an inch; Magic, on the other hand, has a 1-inch gas-filled space, so we can add 25%-30% more gas, which exponentially improves the energy efficiency of an IGU.
• Our windows can be equipped with retractable solar shades and blackout blinds; the blackout blinds act as a third glass pane and lower a window’s U-Factor to 0.17 when in use.

Sounds good? Contact us to discover all the features of our windows and doors!

Window Hardware

It’s not just the frame and glass that make a window; the hardware plays a crucial role too. High-quality window hardware is key to ensuring you won’t spend too much time on regular maintenance. The secret is to find a window manufacturer that takes window hardware to another level, providing innovative technologies that improve functionality and ease of use.

Window hardware parts usually include:

• hinges
• cranks
• handles
• locks
• fasteners
• lifts
• tracks
• rollers

For example, casement and awning windows are operated by a crank mechanism. They have hinges on one side that hold it in place when it’s open. The crank handle is used to open and close the window. However, crank windows are mechanically flawed. They strip, break, and loosen over time. In addition, they can lead to the infamous sash-sag that shortens the lifespan of the window sash, glass, and eventually the whole window unit.

As such, although crank windows are quite easy to use and can be installed in hard-to-reach spaces, their hardware can malfunction, and the windows will last much shorter than other windows, especially considering the weather in Canada.

Magic’s Crankless Windows – an Award-Winning Parallex Hardware

At Magic, we wanted to keep the concept of casement windows and simultaneously eliminate the risks associated with the crank mechanism, so we developed the Parallex Hardware. What does it imply? No cranks and no hinges and, therefore, maintenance-free windows! So, how do our windows open? Easy!

Our sash has a galvanized steel rod running through its internal part. This galvanized steel rod connects the sash at the top and bottom. When you open the window, it slides along a horizontal axis. This galvanized steel rod connects the top and bottom parts of the sash, allowing them to move in complete tandem along the frame. This system eliminates the risk of sash-sag and hardware malfunction and makes our windows almost maintenance-free! In addition, you won’t have to climb the ladder anymore to clean your windows! Magic hardware gives you access from the inside to both the interior and the exterior glass panes. As easy as that!

Furthermore, we are using the Zytel track for our window units. The Zytel track is a unique composite material that sheds itself molecularly at a very granular level. This means that the tracks of our windows and doors do not require lubrication and will only improve over time!

Last but not least – the window locks. Magic’s multi-point locking systems are made of durable stainless steel. The American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association (AAMA) granted our locking systems grade 40 – the highest attainable security rating for this industry.

Screens and Blinds

Moving on from the windows themselves, let’s talk about their accessories: screens and blinds. They may seem like simple add-ons, but they play a significant role in enhancing window functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

First things first – the insect screens. Most manufacturers in the window industry offer screens that are attached to the frame and always in use. This standard insect screen design limits natural light, obstructs views, and can even affect indoor air quality. Therefore, you should look for a manufacturer that can offer a creative solution to these issues. For example, we’ve made our Magic insect screens completely retractable. When not in use, they’re hidden within the frame, so you don’t have to worry about them! When the bugs start bothering you, just slide it open and enjoy summer evenings without being bothered by mosquitoes!

Furthermore, Magic windows can also be equipped with solar shades and blackout blinds. The former are designed to block sun rays, thus allowing you to stay in the living room, for example, even when the sun is at its highest point. On the other hand, our blackout blinds improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40% and serve as an excellent privacy feature because they block the view completely. The blackout blinds can also contribute to less noise pollution and, therefore, better sleep.

Have we convinced you that our products are worth your time? Contact us today for a free consultation!

Other Things to Consider When Choosing Windows

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to discuss some other factors to consider when selecting the best windows for your home. These include:

• Warranty. Considering the initial investment in energy-efficient and high-performing windows, we suppose you’ll want to find the manufacturer that provides the best warranty. Magic offers a 40-year warranty for all our products – this says it all about how much we believe in them, doesn’t it?
• Energy Star certification. Energy star-certified windows excel at energy efficiency. They can significantly contribute to lower energy bills and can help you be more considerate of the environment. In fact, Energy Star certification is essential for Canadian homeowners to mitigate energy losses.
• Customization. If you have a particular design in mind, go for a window manufacturer that can meet your expectations. At Magic, we take into account all our customers’ preferences and needs. Have we mentioned we can paint our windows in any color you want? And we can make them, let’s say, white on the interior and black on the exterior. How cool is that?! Also, if you want a wooden finish – it’s not an issue!

Performance and Energy Efficiency Metrics

Last but not least – let’s talk about performance and energy efficiency metrics. If you’ve already chosen a window manufacturer, make sure you check the following metrics pertaining to the product of your choice:

• U-factor, which measures the rate of heat transfer; the lower, the better; it is measured from 0.20 to 1.20
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which determines how much solar heat passes through a window; the lower the SHGC, the less heat enters through a particular window; it is measured from 0 to 1.
• Visible Transmittance (VT), which determines how much daylight passes through a particular window; the higher the VT, the more natural light; it is measured from 0 to 1.

Magic windows feature the following energy ratings:

• U-factor: 0.26 – 0.30 and 0.17 with our retractable screens and blinds
• SHGC: 0.17 – 0.48
• VT: 0.36 – 0.53

Installation Matters: Professional vs. DIY

While it’s tempting to install windows yourself, remember that installation matters. Professional window installation is crucial to maximize window performance and reduce the likelihood of energy loss through drafts. It will also ensure proper functionality and extend your windows’ lifespan. Attempting a DIY installation can void the warranty and potentially lead to incorrect alignment and sealing issues.

Moreover, window installation typically ranges from one to three hours per window. Larger projects could take a full day or more. Professional installation comes with labor warranties and legal protections that cover various errors.

In this regard, you should check whether the window manufacturer you’d like to collaborate with offers installation services. Not all window companies are full-service, so our recommendation is to go for the one that can help with installation as well.

At Magic, for instance, we offer complete installation services. Our installers are professionally trained to tackle any issue that may appear during the process. This guarantees perfect insulation, alignment, and performance!

Understanding Window Styles and Functions

Window styles are more than just a matter of personal taste; they play a significant role in a window’s functionality. In Canada, the prominent window styles encompass double-hung windows, casement windows, and awning windows. Bay windows are quite sought-after as well, as they can significantly improve a house’s curb appeal.

Each window type offers distinct design elements and functional benefits to suit various homeowner needs. When choosing a window manufacturer, make sure that you’re happy with the mechanisms of all window types you’ve chosen. Don’t compromise on functionality and efficiency!

Cost vs. Value: What to Expect When Investing in Quality Windows

Window replacement can be a significant investment, but it’s essential to understand its value. In Ontario, the average cost to replace windows ranges between $350 and $5,000 per window. The price depends on the window type, its quality, and customization in terms of IGUs, glass treatments, and other high-end features.

We do know that the price for high-quality windows may seem high. Nonetheless, investing in energy-efficient windows can provide homeowners with savings on their heating and cooling bills, demonstrating long-term value beyond the initial purchase price. In addition, windows that are equipped with low-E coatings and window films can protect the interior of your house from UV and infrared light, which can minimize furniture damage. Over time, this can also contribute to savings.

Some Other Tips On Selecting the Right Window Company

In the process of choosing the manufacturer who makes the best windows in Canada, consider checking the following:

• A website with a professional logo
• Contact information
• Product details
• Customer testimonials
• Solid search engine presence showcasing their investment in advertising

These factors indicate a professional online presence and can help you assess the reliability of a window company.

Customer experience and quality of service can also be gauged through:

• Interactions at showrooms
• Reviewing the company’s brochures
• Examining customer reviews and complaints on reputable websites like Homestars.com

Contact Magic Today – We’ll Tell You Why Our Windows Are the Best!

If you’re still not sure who makes the best windows in Canada, why not contact Magic? This way, you can discover all our windows’ features and see for yourself how they stand out among others on the market. We’re convinced you’ll be enchanted when you witness their magic!

Magic offers a free, in-home consultation during which one of our experts will assess your current windows, budget, and preferences. Then, we will develop a window replacement plan fully tailored to your needs.

Are you ready to install windows that will last 40+ years?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right window company?

To choose the right window company, you should assess their products’ features and whether they can offer a solution to standard window issues. For example, crank windows are mechanically flawed, so you should look for companies like Magic that offer crankless windows. You should also consider the frame material, glass features, hardware quality, and warranty.

What are the benefits of Energy Star-rated windows?

Energy Star-certified windows can help save money on energy bills by keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They can also protect your home interior from fading by 75% and contribute to reduced condensation.

How do custom windows enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal and potential value?

Custom windows can enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal and potential value by featuring various colors, non-glare textures, and finishes. Custom energy efficient windows make for a valuable investment for homeowners.

Why is professional window installation important?

Professional window installation is important because it ensures maximum window performance, reduces energy loss through drafts, preserves functionality, and extends a window unit’s lifespan.

What factors affect the cost of windows?

The cost of windows is significantly affected by factors, such as material, window style, energy efficiency features, and customization options.

What is the importance of warranties and guarantees when investing in new windows?

Warranties and guarantees for replacement windows provide peace of mind and insurance for window failures, covering defects, removal and replacement costs, and repairs. A good warranty equals a satisfactory return on investment.