Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
Someone tried to break in and damaged my window - how do I report that?
Contact Ottawa Police immediately if you haven't already - break-ins are serious crimes that need to be reported right a...
Is there really glass that switches from clear to frosted with a button?
Yes, switchable privacy glass is real technology that can change from clear to frosted instantly with the flip of a swit...
It's going to be -15 when they install - will the foam insulation even work in that cold?
Yes, professional spray foam insulation will work at -15°C, but the installer needs to use cold-weather formulations and...
Everyone keeps trying to upsell me on warm edge spacers - are they actually worth it?
Warm edge spacers are genuinely worth it in Ottawa's climate - this isn't just sales hype. The upgrade typically costs $...
My house is over 100 years old - what should I know about replacing those original windows?
Replacing windows in a century-old home requires special consideration for heritage character, structural integrity, and...
Will they match my existing wood trim or do I need to buy all new trim?
Most professional window installers will work with your existing wood trim whenever possible, but it depends on the cond...
I want to replace windows in my condo - do I even have the right to do that?
Yes, you typically have the right to replace windows in your condo, but you'll need approval from your condo corporation...
Should I lubricate my window hinges every year?
Yes, annual lubrication of window hinges is excellent preventive maintenance that will extend their lifespan and keep yo...
Do I need to take down all my curtains and blinds before the installers come?
Yes, you should remove all curtains, blinds, and window treatments before your installers arrive. This gives them clear...
What's the best window for a mudroom that sees a lot of coming and going?
Vinyl or fiberglass windows with low-maintenance features are your best choice for mudrooms - they handle moisture, temp...
Are fixed picture windows cheaper than operable ones?
Yes, fixed picture windows are typically 20-30% cheaper than comparable operable windows because they have fewer moving...
My business is in the ByWard Market - do I need a permit just to replace a window?
Most window replacements in existing openings don't require permits in Ottawa, including for businesses in the ByWard Ma...
Can windows be installed when it's raining outside?
Window installation should not be done during active rainfall due to safety concerns and potential damage to your home's...
Can I add a doggy door to my fibreglass entry door without wrecking it?
Yes, you can add a doggy door to a fiberglass entry door, but it requires careful planning and the right tools to avoid...
How do I know if my window frames are still salvageable?
Window frames can often be salvaged if the structural integrity remains intact and any damage is primarily cosmetic or m...
The seal failed on one of my windows - how do I actually make a warranty claim?
Start by locating your original purchase documentation and warranty paperwork - this will have the manufacturer informat...
How soon after installation can I lock the new windows?
You can typically lock your new windows immediately after installation is complete and the installer has tested all func...
Why do my windows fog up only on the coldest mornings?
Window fogging on cold mornings happens because of the temperature difference between your warm, humid indoor air and th...
Why do corner windows cost three times as much as regular ones?
Corner windows don't typically cost three times as much as regular windows - that pricing seems unusually high and may i...
What's the best weatherstripping for an entry door in Ottawa?
EPDM rubber weatherstripping is the best choice for Ottawa entry doors, offering superior durability against our harsh f...
What's the difference between soft-coat and hard-coat Low-E?
Soft-coat Low-E offers superior energy performance but requires more careful handling, while hard-coat Low-E is more dur...
How much do those decorative window grilles add to the total cost?
Decorative window grilles typically add $50-150 per window depending on the style and complexity you choose. Grille-bet...
Can the company refuse my warranty claim if I cleaned the windows the wrong way?
Most reputable window manufacturers won't void your warranty for using incorrect cleaning products, but they can refuse...
My new windows make loud popping and cracking sounds - is something wrong?
Loud popping and cracking sounds from new windows are usually normal thermal expansion and contraction, but the timing a...
Do mobile homes take standard window sizes or do I need special ones?
Mobile homes typically require special windows that are different from standard residential windows. Most mobile homes u...
Can I get smart blinds that work with my window opening sensors?
Yes, you can integrate smart blinds with window opening sensors, though the setup depends on your specific smart home sy...
My sliding patio door is really hard to open when it gets cold - why is that?
Cold weather makes sliding patio doors harder to operate due to thermal contraction of materials and increased friction...
How long do I need to wait before I can paint around the new window caulking?
Most window caulks need 24-48 hours to cure before painting, but the exact timing depends on the type of caulk used and...
I love the look of Dutch doors - are they practical for Ottawa weather though?
Dutch doors can work in Ottawa's climate, but they require careful selection and professional installation to handle our...
Does it matter which direction my windows face for energy efficiency?
Absolutely yes - window orientation significantly impacts your home's energy efficiency and comfort levels. The directio...
Can landlords get the same Greener Homes rebates as homeowners?
No, landlords cannot access the same Canada Greener Homes Grant rebates that homeowners receive. The federal program is...
Can my landlord raise my rent to cover the cost of new windows?
In Ontario, landlords cannot directly pass window replacement costs to tenants through rent increases, but the situation...
What door options should I consider for my walk-out basement?
For a walk-out basement, you'll want a door that handles ground-level moisture, temperature changes, and frequent use wh...
What happens if they pull out the old window and find a bunch of rotted wood?
Rotted wood around window openings is a common discovery during window replacement, especially in Ottawa's freeze-thaw c...
Can I get glass that blocks UV rays without making everything look dark?
Yes, you can get UV-blocking glass that maintains clear visibility and natural light. Modern Low-E (low-emissivity) coat...
Are window sizes in Orleans subdivisions standardized or all different?
Window sizes in Orleans subdivisions are generally standardized within each development, but vary significantly between...
Can I make a window opening bigger or do I have to keep the same size?
Yes, you can make a window opening bigger, but it requires structural modifications and typically needs a building permi...
Can I replace the weather stripping on my windows myself or is that a pro job?
Yes, you can definitely replace window weatherstripping yourself - it's one of the most DIY-friendly window maintenance...
What's a fair deposit to put down on a $20,000 window job?
A fair deposit on a $20,000 window job in Ottawa is typically 10-25% of the total contract value, or $2,000-$5,000. Most...
What paperwork do I need to file a window damage insurance claim?
For window damage insurance claims, you'll typically need photos of the damage, proof of ownership, receipts for tempora...
Why do black vinyl window frames cost more than white ones?
Black vinyl window frames typically cost 15-25% more than white frames due to specialized manufacturing processes and ma...
Do window companies actually offer better deals in winter when they're not as busy?
Yes, many window companies do offer better deals during winter months, typically from December through February when dem...
What are the differences between triple-pane and double-pane windows?
Triple-pane windows have three layers of glass with two insulating air spaces, while double-pane windows have two layers...
Does seal failure count as a manufacturer defect for warranty purposes?
Seal failure can count as a manufacturer defect for warranty purposes, but it depends on the specific warranty terms and...
What's the best way to clean out the grimy tracks on sliding windows?
Regular cleaning of sliding window tracks prevents buildup and keeps your windows operating smoothly. Start by vacuuming...
I want to swap my sliding door for french doors - what's a ballpark cost in Ottawa?
Replacing a sliding patio door with French doors typically costs $3,000 to $6,000 in Ottawa, including removal of the ol...
Why is there ice forming on the inside of my windows even though they're only 5 years old?
Interior ice formation on 5-year-old windows typically indicates excessive indoor humidity combined with poor air circul...
Should I get different window specs for my south-facing windows versus north-facing?
Yes, you should consider different specifications for south-facing versus north-facing windows to optimize energy perfor...
What's the best glass option if I'm worried about break-ins on my ground floor?
Tempered glass or laminated glass are your best security options for ground floor windows, with laminated glass providin...
What's low-iron glass and why would I pay extra for it?
Low-iron glass is ultra-clear glass with reduced iron content that eliminates the greenish tint found in standard glass....
Have Your Own Question?
Get free, instant answers from Window IQ. No signup required!
Ask Free Question