You don’t have to wait for your windows to wear out completely in order to start thinking about Toronto window replacement. Replacing windows gives your home a new and better look, more energy efficiency and enhanced security. You also get rid of the old designs. It is essential to consider some new important features like energy efficiency in the recent windows.

Due to the many types, designs, and materials in the market to choose from, doing Toronto window replacement project can be pretty confusing for most homeowners. That is the reason here at Window Tech Windows and Doors have decided to compile this simple guide that will help you through your replacement project. Consider the following when buying your replacement windows in Toronto.



1. How to Save When Replacing Windows
When carrying out Toronto window replacement, it is vital to do a cross-examination of your entire window. Check if the frames are okay. Sometimes only the windowpane is broken, but the frames are intact. In this case, you can save on the cost of buying new frames and also labor. However, if the frames and the window are all in a bad state, there is no shortcut but replacing the whole window.

2. Window Materials
The common types of window materials available for windows replacement are wood and vinyl. Fiberglass is very durable, although it is not as common as these two. Aluminum windows are also available, but the vinyl and wood have outdone them. However, these materials are not a guarantee for performance.

a. Wood Frames
Wood frames are covered with aluminum or vinyl on the outside to protect the window from unfavorable conditions like water and insects. This helps in reducing the maintenance cost because you will not keep repainting.

b. Vinyl Frames
They have low maintenance because they don’t need repainting. They are also very affordable. They are white in color. To match your house, you can compromise and paint the outside the color you feel would suit well.

c. Fiberglass Frames
They are made from a combination of wood and plastic materials. They are also long-lasting and do not require repainting hence low maintenance cost. Their parts are made from solid wood and plastic embedded with wood fibers. This combination is what makes this window strong and stiff.

3. The Types of Windows
Besides the materials used to make the frames, there are different types of windows categorized by the number of panes, how they operate, and how they are hinged. Here are the different types of windows you can consider for your Toronto window replacement project.

a. Double-hung Windows
These are the most common types of windows used in most Toronto window replacement projects. They open by sliding the lower sash upwards and the upper sash inwards for air circulation. They are the right choice for air conditioning, and they are also easy to clean.

b. Awning-style Windows
They open to the outside because they are hinged at the top. When closed, the sash presses against the frame tightly.

c. Casement-style Windows
They have their hinges on one side, and they open to the outside. They are common in the market. These windows also provide an unobstructed view and give adequate ventilation and lighting. When closed, the sash holds tightly to the frame, making them more airtight than the double-hung windows.

d. Single-hung
These windows resemble double-hung. The difference is that only the bottom sash moves to open for the single hung. The top sash cannot move because it is fixed. This makes them less costly and are mostly used windows replacement.

e. Hopper-style Windows
These windows are hinged at the bottom and can open to the inside or out.

Features to Look Out For

Cladding
Wood materials are the most expensive but more attractive. The windows made of this are covered with aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass to protect the wood from harsh climatic elements and keep the paint intact.

Double or Triple Glazing
These windows have two panes of glass filled with air or argon for heat insulation. Triple paned windows have insulation for noise. More energy costs are cut but not enough to justify the cost.

Tilt-in Sashes
These are mostly found in single and double-hung windows. The sashes are tilted for easy cleaning.

Low-E Coating
They reflect heat away and let in the light. Low-E coating is applied outside to keep the heat at bay on hot days and maintain the warmth during cold seasons.