Let’s say that you’ve decided on a combination of sliders and casement window replacements for your home, choosing triple glazed windows with ecoGain Glass. Very good choices, but you’re not quite done. Your last significant decision is to choose from the three types of window replacement installation available to you, beginning with the retrofit vinyl window installation. This procedure uses the existing frames of your current windows. If they are in good shape, the retrofit is a viable choice; it is the most economic way of installing new windows, but because you’re keeping the existing frames, your new windows will be a little smaller. If that is no problem for you, retrofit might work for your budget.
On the other hand, a full frame installation removes the old window frames, jamb and casing, replacing them by either a wood or vinyl (maintenance free) jamb and casing. This preserves your window size and is especially recommended if the existing framework is compromised. The final method is brick to brick installation. Essentially it is the same as a full frame installation but with an exterior vinyl brick mould providing a custom exterior finish.
Other than some available finishing options for the interior and exterior and of course, your colour choice, you’ve done the heavy lifting.
Clearly, whichever type of window and installation method you choose, the actual installing of your replacement windows will determine the long-term success of your window renovation. A sloppy installation might be visible immediately, with perhaps scratches or gaps, but these are easily identified and rectified. Worse is when the structural installation is deficient and that unfortunately is not always visible.
Therefore, when you discuss installation with your representative, ask if the company hires and trains its own crew or if they subcontract the work. A subcontracted crew is one more layer which you are removed from because you pay the window company which in turn pays the subcontractor; you don’t want to be caught in the middle if there’s a problem.
However, if the crew is trained and employed by the window manufacturer itself, which is the case for Eco Choice Windows and Doors, then it is directly involved in the complete replacement and installation process. This is definitely something to consider along with your three main window replacement choices. Please visit ecochoicewindows.ca for additional details. For any questions you might have or for a consultation, call 416-690-9992 or simply visit EcoCHOICE’s showroom in Maple.