LF: Deals on Efficient Windows (for a house)

[pluto]

I think the R value should be closest to zero (-1 is better than -10) you may even find some fixed windows with positive R values

[controlyar]

Those two windows are very similar.

CSA-A440 is the standard against which windows are tested.

A- resistance to air leakage
B - resistance to rain (from winds)
C - resistance to wind

F - forced entry
F1/F10 - pass
F2/F20 - better

S- screen strength

Refer to these links for more info:

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema...abhose_080.cfm
http://www.phtech.ca/www/english/ind...ance/tests.asp
http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ccmc/regis...ce/08500_e.pdf

I would decide based on ER rating, features, looks, price, etc. assuming both are WW certified.

[hammer]

I find that most windows are the similar in energy ratings.

What it really comes down to is the installer and the looks of the windows.

Gentek appears to be better welded and looks nicer...vinylbilt are butt ugly.
Northstars feel solid.

[udh]

Those two windows are very similar.

CSA-A440 is the standard against which windows are tested.

A- resistance to air leakage
B - resistance to rain (from winds)
C - resistance to wind

F - forced entry
F1/F10 - pass
F2/F20 - better

S- screen strength

Refer to these links for more info:

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema...abhose_080.cfm
http://www.phtech.ca/www/english/ind...ance/tests.asp
http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ccmc/regis...ce/08500_e.pdf

I would decide based on ER rating, features, looks, price, etc. assuming both are WW certified.

Thank you very much for the links. At least now I know what the numbers mean. From what I understand, the ratings are for comparison purpose only because it all depends on how the windows are installed.

[udh]

I find that most windows are the similar in energy ratings.

What it really comes down to is the installer and the looks of the windows.

Gentek appears to be better welded and looks nicer...vinylbilt are butt ugly.
Northstars feel solid.

Hammer, by reading the thread, I got to say that you have done a very thorough and excellent job of window shopping :-) Please post your final decision and let us know the before- and after-installation findings of yours. It would be interesting to learn from your experience.

I would like to replace my patio door and my front door (steel one with glass insert) and consider to have a glass closure for my front porch. If you know of any good installer with good price vs quality, please share with me. I am from GTA. Thanks.

[hammer]

Hammer, by reading the thread, I got to say that you have done a very thorough and excellent job of window shopping :-) Please post your final decision and let us know the before- and after-installation findings of yours. It would be interesting to learn from your experience.

I would like to replace my patio door and my front door (steel one with glass insert) and consider to have a glass closure for my front porch. If you know of any good installer with good price vs quality, please share with me. I am from GTA. Thanks.

Thanks, it is the biggest spending item this year, and I like to do my research. It will last 25 years so I better do it right in the first place. How many things can you say that about an item on RFD.

Update:

Went to visit a neighbour who had their windows done by window masters. They sell windows from Window City located in Woodbridge. The owners were happy with their job. But I still find their windows a bit ugly but strong with thick moldings.

Went to HD and found some garden doors on sale...$700 but found out that they are not painted and installation is $600.

[hammer]

Update,

I just came back from another window factory called HOMETECH Windows located in Concord.


Looks good from far, but close up the workmanship like welding and hardware look cheap...at least on the models displayed at the factory...just look at the sealers...some of them were uneven...and the excess plastic seem to have been sanded off....I was about to go with them because they had the lowest price...but looks like you get what you pay for at this place.

Stay away from these cheapo windows.

[hammer]

Did you ever get your windows done? What was your conclusion for best value in the GTA? Thanks for any info.

Yah...had a 20000$ job done. Went with a Brock because their northstar windows seem solid...built by manonites..but I am not completely satisfied as 2 windows were leaking and they have not fixed it yet.


Summery:

Payless...very sneaky, lied to us, ugly vinylbilt windows
Window masters/window city....crooks, russian mob?, not window wise
Prestidge windows......saleman was smking pot before he arrived
Consumer's choice...salesman has a criminal record for fraud, showed me his wife in bikinis on his cell phone screen saver.
Fosters..family run, trusty but expensive, uses gentek windows.
FM....absolutely not trusty as they don't seem to put argon in at the factory, ugly windows
Hometech....very poor workmenship, low quality

The reason some places are cheaper is because they cut corners. In fact anyone can "fit" your price range just by cutting corners here and there as I found out with my leaking windows...it is really a sellers market as the demand is high. Good luck but expect problems any choice you make.

[march38]

Do they fix your 2 leaking windows?
Is it something wrong with the windows?
Are you satisfied with their service guy?

Thanks

[raptorfan]

Do they fix your 2 leaking windows?
Is it something wrong with the windows?
Are you satisfied with their service guy?

Thanks

Yes, I want to know too, thinking of going with Brock for my windows. Need to get them done soon! Interesting thread, good info

[march38]

Got my windows done by Brock. Brick to Brick installation. No problem so far.
Very nice window! They are window wise but didn't use level at all.

[ohle]

Do they fix your 2 leaking windows?
Is it something wrong with the windows?
Are you satisfied with their service guy?

Thanks

.....really like to know too as I'm leaning to use Brock
Thanks