Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
What is aluminum capping on Ottawa window trim?
Aluminum capping (also called aluminum cladding or coil cladding) is the process of wrapping existing wood window trim,...
Hoe do I stop drafts coming through my windows?
Drafts coming through windows are one of the most common complaints from Ottawa homeowners, especially during our brutal...
What are the best windows for soundproofing a room?
Soundproofing is one of the most common reasons Ottawa homeowners upgrade their windows, especially near busy roads like...
When does Ottawa window installation season run?
Ottawa's window installation season runs year-round, though the busiest and most ideal period is late spring through ear...
Can vinyl windows be recycled when they eventually need replacing?
Vinyl windows can be recycled, but the reality is more nuanced than a simple yes — the infrastructure for doing so isn't...
Does a drip cap sit above an Ottawa window?
Yes, a drip cap sits above a window — it's installed at the top of the window frame, between the window and the exterior...
What does an ER rating mean for Ottawa windows?
The ER (Energy Rating) is a Canadian-specific performance metric that measures the overall energy efficiency of a window...
Do quad-pane windows exist and would they even make sense in Ottawa?
Quad-pane windows do exist, though they're quite rare and not widely available through most window manufacturers. Whethe...
Does the OBC set egress sizes for Ottawa bedrooms?
Yes, the Ontario Building Code (OBC) sets minimum egress window requirements that apply to bedrooms in Ottawa and across...
Does a failed desiccant explain a cloudy Ottawa window?
Yes, a failed desiccant is almost always the reason for a cloudy or foggy window in Ottawa homes. When you see that milk...
How long should a window company have been in business before I trust them?
That's a smart question to ask before hiring anyone to work on your home. Experience and business longevity are among th...
Does Ottawa brick mould need replacing too?
Brick mould often needs replacing during a window or door swap, but not always — it depends on the condition of your exi...
What is a nail fin on an Ottawa window install?
A nail fin (also called a nailing flange) is a thin, flat extension that runs around the perimeter of a window frame, us...
Is window condensation worse in newer airtight homes?
Yes, window condensation is actually more common in newer, airtight homes — and it's a sign your ventilation system need...
Should I wait for the spring sales or buy windows now?
Great question that comes up a lot from Ottawa homeowners. The honest answer is: buying in late fall or winter often get...
How far ahead should I book window installation if I want them done in spring?
For spring window installation in Ottawa, you should book 2 to 4 months in advance — meaning January through February is...
I keep seeing ER rating and U-factor - what's the difference and which matters more?
Both ratings matter, but they measure different things — and for Ottawa homeowners, ER (Energy Rating) is often the more...
Why is there such a big price difference between standard and custom window sizes?
The price gap between standard and custom window sizes comes down to manufacturing efficiency. Standard sizes are produc...
Is there a big efficiency gap between argon and air-filled panes?
The efficiency gap between argon and air-filled windows is real, but modest - argon-filled units typically improve therm...
Do window prices typically jump up at the start of the year?
Window prices do tend to increase at the start of the year, though the timing and size of increases can vary depending o...
Do I legally need security bars on my basement windows in Ottawa?
No, Ontario Building Code does not generally require security bars on basement windows for existing residential homes. S...
Are sliding windows less secure than casement windows for ground floor rooms?
Sliding windows do have some security differences compared to casement windows, but the gap is smaller than most homeown...
I own a rental property - does it make financial sense to upgrade the windows?
Upgrading windows in a rental property can absolutely make financial sense, but the answer depends on a few key factors...
My house has brick exterior - can window installation crack or damage the brick?
Brick exteriors do require extra care during window installation, but an experienced installer can complete the job with...
What window style works best for a stairwell?
Stairwell windows are one of the more interesting design challenges in a home — they need to provide light and visual ap...
What does a window warranty actually cover and what's usually excluded?
Window warranties can be confusing because manufacturers often make them sound comprehensive when they actually have sig...
What actually happens to my old windows after they haul them away?
Great question — most homeowners never think about this, and the answer is more interesting than you'd expect. The shor...
My house has stucco siding - is window installation more complicated because of that?
Yes, window installation in stucco homes is more complex than standard vinyl or wood siding, and it requires extra care...
How much extra will it cost me to add a transom window above my front door?
Adding a transom window above your front door typically costs $800 - $2,500 extra in the Ottawa market, depending on whe...
I'm buying a house - what should I check about the windows before closing?
Buying a house is exciting, and windows are one of the most important things to evaluate before you close — they're expe...
Are there windows that automatically tint darker when the sun hits them?
Yes, these are called electrochromic or photochromic windows, and they absolutely exist — though they're still a relativ...
Are there grants available for accessibility window modifications in Ontario?
Accessibility window modifications can qualify for several grant programs in Ontario, though the specific eligibility de...
Does that self-cleaning glass actually work or is it just marketing?
Self-cleaning glass actually does work, but it's important to understand what it can and can't do — because "self-cleani...
Can I replace the ugly side door in my garage with a nice entry door?
Yes, you can absolutely replace a garage side door with a nicer entry door — it's one of the more straightforward door u...
I'm selling in 3 years - is it worth upgrading windows now or not?
Great question, and the honest answer is: it depends on your current windows and how bad they are. If your windows are...
Is that security film I see at Canadian Tire as good as getting actual security glass?
Security film and actual security glass are quite different products, and for most homeowners the distinction matters a...
Can I install a peephole in a fiberglass entry door?
Yes, you can install a peephole in a fiberglass entry door — it's one of the more DIY-friendly door modifications and do...
Does the spacer bar between the panes actually matter for energy efficiency?
Yes, the spacer bar matters more than most homeowners realize — it's one of the most overlooked components in window ene...
Do I need impact-resistant windows to get a discount on my insurance?
Impact-resistant windows can sometimes qualify you for home insurance discounts, but this depends entirely on your speci...
What happens if the new window doesn't fit the opening exactly?
When a new window doesn't fit the opening exactly, the installer uses a combination of shimming, framing adjustments, an...
What's the typical deductible for a window damage claim?
That's a question better suited for your home insurance provider rather than a window installer. Deductibles vary signi...
Can my tenant force me to replace drafty windows?
In Ontario, yes — your tenant has legal grounds to demand window repairs or replacement if the drafts are affecting habi...
Can old brick homes handle the weight of triple-pane windows?
Triple-pane windows are heavier than double-pane, but the good news is that most older brick homes in Ottawa are actuall...
What's the best way to insulate under a bay window seat?
Bay window seats are a common source of heat loss in Ottawa homes, and insulating them properly makes a real difference...
How often should I re-caulk around my window exteriors?
Exterior window caulking should be inspected annually and typically needs refreshing every 3-5 years, though Ottawa's ha...
What the heck is solar heat gain coefficient and why should I care?
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is basically how much free heat from the sun your windows let into your house - and i...
I have a big picture window facing the street - how do I make it more secure?
Large picture windows can be secured through several effective methods, from reinforced glass to security film and prope...
Do home inspectors actually test if windows work properly or just look at them?
Home inspectors typically perform basic operational tests on windows, not just visual inspections. Most qualified inspec...
Do installers move my furniture away from the windows?
Most professional window installers will move lightweight furniture and items away from windows as part of their service...
Is the installation warranty separate from the window warranty or the same thing?
Installation warranty and window warranty are typically separate coverages - the window manufacturer covers the product...
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