What You Should Know About Windows

There are over 2000 window manufacturers on Canada, but to date less than 30 are certified by Window Wise.

More than 75% of the vinyl window manufacturers in Canada do not test their windows for air infiltration, water leakage and strength according to Government Standards.

There are literally thousands of window contractors and window installers in Canada…most of them haven’t been properly trained to install windows.


It is important to investigate before you purchase your windows because deciding on this purchase is a big deal. The cost can be quite high depending on what style of window you choose, so knowing the correct questions to ask is not only important but also essential.

Replacement windows are an odd home improvement item. They do not exactly replace your window at all. What replacement windows do is replace the majority of the window – the glass and moving parts – but the framed part of your window stays in place. It is nearly impossible and not at all advisable to rip out the entire window and replace it with a new construction window.
However there are few instances when you should do this. If you are completely replacing a wall or if the area around the window is so rotted out as to be structurally unsound, then you want to use a new construction window.

The replacement window installation industry has gained a reputation over the last several decades of being overly aggressive, comparable to the reputation that
door to door siding or encyclopedia salesman gained in the latter half of the 2oth century. This reputation is entirely unfounded. Consumers are advised to obtain at least three quotes and to educate themselves as much as possible before signing any contract to buy new toronto windows for their homes.

vinyl windows

Vinyl windows can be manufactured in almost any shape or style. Before deciding on a window style, I suggest looking at some existing vinyl window projects in your neighborhood for some ideas. Click the following link to see some vinyl window installations across Ontario. Vinyl Windows

Toronto Windows And Doors

Toronto windows and doors are a great way to improve your home's appearance and increase the efficiency of your Toronto home. If you are building a new home or replacing old windows or doors in the Toronto area, FM Windows And Doors specializes in installation and replacement of vinyl windows, casement and double hung windows in Toronto and surrounding areas - Mississauga, Oakville, Ajax, Brampton, Unionville, Woodbridge, Pickering, Thornhill, Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora and windows replacement in Toronto.
Toronto Windows And Doors

Casement Windows - Maybe Not The Best Choice.

Casement windows look nice to my eye, but when my friend installed them in his home last year I learned a few things. First dissapointment: can't fit an AC unit anywhere. His home is heated with hot water radiators, and although ductless AC units are widely available, it's just not something he considered. Usually a simple window unit in the bedroom is enough. In this situation, casement windows are not the best choice.

Casement windows are also more exposed to the elements than double hung windows.
Because casements open outward, the edges are exposed to sun, rain, snow, and more. The top edge particularly is exposed and gets weatherbeaten fast. Again, it's easy to rush to judgment and promise that you will religiously close your casement windows prior to the rain, think again.

Casement windows have mechanical parts that can break.
Most casement windows have a kind of crank which you turn to open and close the sash. Compared to the easy operation of a double-hung window (slide up, slide down) or a slider window (slide left, slide rigth), a window crank is very complex and prone to breakage.

Buy Windows For Home - In November??

Looks like home sweet home is going to feel a little winter chill this year, since I've missed the boat on buying new windows this year. Sure they are still available, I just don't want my house opened up in this cold rainy weather. But there are some hot deals out there that have almost got me convinced. The worst part about waiting till spring for new windows is that I know I'll end up researching this to death, which means my wife might have a nervous breakdown. I tend to go over board when it comes to finding the best deals. Will there really be any deals on windows in spring?

Window Replacement Increases A Home's Value

According to a recent CBC artical, homeowners get an 80% ROI if they install vinyl windows.
"By replacing your current windows with more efficient vinyl or wood ones, you can save on your utility bills, attract future home buyers and net a nearly 80 per cent (vinyl) or 77 per cent (wood) return on your investment."

View the entire article

My Replacement Windows - Vinyl Or What?

Vinyl windows are getting popular from what I'm reading. In fact, vinyl windows are what I've been finding most companies are selling. Here's what I'm being told over and over about vinyl by the various sales guys:

- Vinyl windows are more energy efficient
- They weather better
- They cost less
- They are low maintenance

But hey, there are some really cheap (and probably low-quality) replacement windows out there, and with such a price difference these products can't all be the same.
I think these promises can only be achieved with a high quality line of vinyl windows. I hate when I realize that if I price seems too good to be true, it probably is.