Vinyl Windows in Ottawa
Vinyl is the usual choice for replacement windows, and from the outside, most vinyl windows look much the same. They aren’t. Two white vinyl windows can differ in the plastic, the corners, the glass, and the hardware, and those differences show up after a few winters. Here’s what to check, and how ours compare.
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Vinyl, Wood or Aluminium?
|
|
Vinyl |
Wood |
Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Upkeep |
Wash it; no painting |
Repaint or restain every few years |
Low, but the finish can chalk |
|
In the cold |
Frame stays near room temperature |
Good insulator |
Conducts cold; frost and condensation on the frame |
|
Moisture |
Won’t rot or swell |
Rots if the paint fails |
Won’t rot; can corrode |
|
Cost |
Usually the lowest |
Usually the highest |
In between |
For most Ottawa homes, vinyl gives the best mix of warmth, cost and low upkeep. It’s the only frame material we install.
Five Things to Ask About Any Vinyl Window
Ask these at every estimate, whoever you get quotes from. Our answers are underneath.
- Is the vinyl virgin or recycled? Recycled compound can vary from batch to batch in colour and stiffness. Ours: 99% virgin uPVC.
- Are the corners welded? Welded corners make the sash one solid piece; screwed or crimped corners can loosen. Ours: welded.
- How thick is the glass? The common pane is 2 mm. Ours: 3 mm or 4 mm, stiffer in wind and harder to break.
- What is the hardware made of? Plated steel can rust where it sits outside the seal. Ours: about 90% stainless steel.
- Can I see the test report? A real window has a CSA A440.2 report with its Energy Rating and air leakage.
Dark Colours on Vinyl
Vinyl used to come in white or almond only. Ours can be factory-painted in over 100 colours, including black and dark brown, or finished in a wood-look stain. We apply the paint at the factory, and it carries its own 10-year warranty, separate from the 25 years on the white vinyl underneath. Ask us before painting vinyl windows yourself: site-applied paint isn’t covered.
Looking After Vinyl Windows
- Wash frames with mild soap and water. Skip solvents and abrasive pads; they dull the surface.
- Once a year, usually in the fall, clear the small drain holes at the bottom of the frame so water can get out.
- Wipe the weatherstrip and check it hasn’t been pinched or torn.
- If a crank or lock starts to stiffen, call us. Hardware is covered for life.
