Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about windows, doors warranties, service, installation, maintenance, and more. We welcome your questions if they are not answered here.
General Questions
Yes. High quality replacement windows/doors, properly sealed and installed, can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs. According to the latest National Research Council of Canada report, replacing all the windows and doors in your house by high energy efficiency products can reduce your energy bill by up to 16%. For an average home with 150$ energy bill per month and an annual increase of 7.5% in energy cost in the last 10 years , the saving equals 12,000$ over 20 years.
Today’s high-performance windows and doors are far more energy-efficient than products built 25 years ago. Today’s products are more airtight, with advanced technology such as low-emissivity (low-E) glass, inert gas between the panes and better-designed hardware.
The short answer is yes – depending on the condition of your existing windows and doors. They can reduce or eliminate uncomfortable drafts, allow you to have a higher indoor humidity during the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer.
Look for the Energy Star® symbol and label. It indicates that a window or door has been certified to meet strict technical requirements that make it one of the most energy-efficient products on the market.
You should only buy windows or doors that are Energy Star® certified. Energy Star® is a program administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) where manufacturers submit their products to be tested and certified as Energy Star® compliant. Typically, an Energy Star® certified product is in the top 15 to 30 percent of its class for energy performance. Saving energy saves you money and reduces your impact on the environment. For more information on the program and testing methods please visit this website: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/energystar/12519
Vinyl is by far the most popular type of window because of its energy efficiency, durability, cost and because it is virtually maintenance-free. Many companies use high quality virgin powder vinyl that is resistant to moisture and will never crack, peel, fade or need to be re-painted or stained.
Most older doors are primarily wood construction. Today, the most popular entry doors in Canada are steel construction doors. Steel is highly durable and won’t crack, warp or come apart and steel doors provide the highlest level of protection from severe storm damage including heavy winds, rain and flying debris. If security and durability are top priorities for your home’s entryway, a steel door is your best choice. A steel door is far stronger than either fiberglass or wood. Steel provides unmathed protection from burglary and forced entry. Steel doors are also very cost-effective to manufacture and offer significant cost advantages over wood and fibreglass doors.
A vinyl frame with multi-chamber construction and fusion-welded corners is one of the most energy efficient windows available. A wider frame (i.e. 4 1/2 inches versus 3 1/4 inches) is also better because it provides more strength and allows the glass unit to sit closer to the inside wall, increasing the energy efficiency of the window. Finally, on windows with multiple panels, a one-piece frame will provide you with more visibility and less air leakage than a window that consists of multiple panels that are glued or screwed together.
To determine if your windows are functioning properly you should look for the following:
- Is there moisture, condensation or fog between your panes of glass. This usually indicates a seal failure?
- Are there areas on your carpet or furniture that are faded because of the suns ultraviolet rays? This is an indication that your windows need Low E glass to block the sun’s harmful rays.
- Do you have the properly rated windows for your climate? Windows in the colder Canadian climates required higher ER rating to increase their Energy Efficiency.
- Poor operation. Are you having difficulties opening or closing your windows?
- Rotting and pealing around your window frame may indicate it is time for your windows to be replaced.
To determine if your doors are functioning properly you should look for the following:
- Are there drafts or cold air coming in from around your door area?
- Poor operation. Are you having difficulties opening or closing your doors?
- Rotting and peeling around your door frame may indicate it is time for your doors to be replaced.
- Is your main entry door more than 25 years old?
To know whether a new window or door is needed or a replacement part (glass unit, hardware, etc) is all that is required, contact your local window and door company. Look for a company with a solid reputation that will offer a free in-house estimate and that won’t try to get you to change windows or doors unnecessarily.
Replacement grade windows and doors are typically higher quality products than New Home Construction (or Contractor) products. The reason is that new home builders and contractors are looking for the cheapest products they can buy to maximize the return on their project and they usually only offer the minimum warranty by law which is 2 years. Most companies offering replacement windows offer a warranty of 15 years or more because their products are better designed, built and installed.
You can replace windows and doors all at once or over time as your budget allows. The sooner you replace your windows the sooner you will maximize your energy savings.
In-Home Consultation
Our typical appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes. That includes discussing your needs, taking measurements, answering your questions, discussing options and providing you with a written quote before we leave. Of course, if you have more questions or you need more time for the consultation, we will be there for as long as you need. Watch the video below to learn what to expect during your in-home consulation.
Our quotes are good for a full year and we will never use high-pressure tactics to push you into making your decision. You will not be required to come to a showroom for another appointment. We do not have time-limited deals and we offer the same volume discount to each potential client. Purchasing windows and doors is a big decision and you should never feel pressured to make a decision.
There are a wide variety of styles, configurations, colours and options available when chosing doors. Our in-home consulation process is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to make the right choice for your home.
Installation
You can get a very good idea of what to expect when we come to install your new windows or doors by watching this video. Here are some things that you’ll need to consider before we arrive:
- Someone will need to be home to allow our installers access to your home.
- We ask to clear the driveway when possible for our truck to park near the house.
- If possible, move furniture away from the windows and doors that are being replaced. If you require help to move anything we will gladly do it but we cannot be held responsible for any damages.
- Remove all blinds, shades, curtains and other window treatments from the windows.
- Turn off all security alarms.
We install runners and dropcloths on the floor of your home wherever we walk and we clean up carefully at the end of each installation. Although we try our best to keep your home as clean as possible during the installation, we are doing a renovation and opening walls. As such, you may find that your house will require a light cleaning to remove the last bit of dust after the installation.
When necessary, Verdun will remove and re-install shutters. We can also supply you with a quote to replace your shutters in our written estimate.
Verdun takes care of the removal of all of the old windows and doors that have been replaced and all related job debris.
Most of our projects are completed within one day, but some jobs can take up to 5 days if there’s a lot of work to do.
Our low expansion foam is designed specifically for window and door installations. It expands to fill voids that fibreglass batt insulation may not effectively reach. Unlike fibreglass, foam acts a vapour barrier that seals openings/gaps and reduce leakage. Stuffed into gaps, compressed fibreglass insulation loses its insulating value. It is also susceptible to moisture that penetrates gaps in the form of water vapour or liquid water from rain, snow and condensation. Over time, that moisture can lead to mold growth. In contrast, insulating foam sealant fills gaps with a water-resistant seal. It expands to take the shape of cracks and voids, forming a long-lasting airtight bond to the vinyl, wood, composite and metal surfaces.
Using foam to insulate replacement windows and doors takes more time than fibreglass insulation learning the proper application of foam takes some time to master.
We install our windows year round. Watch this video below to find out why installing your windows in the winter may be your best option.
Installing your own windows or doors is always an option. The products you purchase at a hardware store are typically new home construction grade windows/doors and are generally a lower quality than replacement windows/doors because contractors are typically looking for the cheapest option. You also should consider the benefits of a warranty. We manufacture and install windows and doors backed by an industry leading warranty that covers all labour and parts.
Not necessarily. Our in-home consultants will be happy to show you options and alternatives that suit the architectural style of your home and that fit within your budget.
If there is ever a problem with one of your windows or doors just give us a call and we’ll come right over to fix the issue. Our warranty covers 100% of both parts and labour, no questions, no hassles, no bull!
About Our Windows
Low-e (Low-emissivity) coatings have been developed to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that is transmitted. Low-e glass has a metallic coating on the inside surface to reflect the sun’s rays and to reduce damaging UV rays. Follow this link to find out more about how low-e glass works. http://educationcenter.ppg.com/glasstopics/how_lowe_works.aspx
Argon is an inexpensive, non-toxic, odourless gas that is used in residential windows to insulate the two panes of glass. Argon gas helps to prevent frost from occurring at the bottom of windows and also helps to increase sound proofing characteristics of your window. Argon gas is heavier than air and as such it offers increased R-values and minimizes heat exchange through windows. Argon gas usually improves the u-value by about 10% in a window.
U-value is the measure of the rate of heat loss and how well a product insulates. The lower the u-value, the better a product is at keeping heat inside your home.
R-Value measure the resistance to heat loss. R-value is used typically to measure the heat resistance value of home installation.
That one’s easy… we have the best warranty in the business. No bull, no tricks or hidden clauses, just a complete fully comprehensive warranty that covers all parts and labour. Click here to find out more.
About Verdun Windows and Doors
We are a family owned business that opened our doors in Ottawa in 1982. We started by manufacturing PVC windows under the brand name Nordik Windows and we’ve been installing our windows since 1996 under Verdun Windows and Doors.
Yes, we have three showrooms. One in Ottawa, one in Gatineau and one at our manufacturing plant in Vars.
Yes, we have an A+ rating with the BBB.
Yes, we carry full general liability and workers compensation insurance.
We have hudreds of testimonials from our customers and our sales consultant would be happy to provide you with references of customers from your neighbourhood.