Sharing is caring!
Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
Did you know that windows alone are responsible for 25% to 30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy bills? upgrading to energy-efficient windows and keeping them well-maintained will help save much more long-term and cut down those monthly bills.
Finding the best window company and producer is important. different types of windows, materials, and certifications will affect how efficient and long-lasting your new windows are. once you choose a company and product and start browsing windows, you’ll see numerous options and styles from which to choose.
To help make the process easier, read this guide for the five best window brands for your home. This guide will also breakdown some particular suggestions and elements to consider with a new window:
Four essential considerations
Choosing the best window brand can be broken down into four essential factors: frame, glass, design, and installation. knowing what to look for in each of these areas will make the final purchase a much simpler decision.
The frame
Window frames are much more than just a visually aesthetic factor; they affect how well the window stops energy transfer. wood is a conventional choice because it’s a natural insulator, but there are other materials to consider that can offer better thermal performance.
Vinyl: As far as budgets go, vinyl is a long-standing popular choice among homeowners. developments in manufacturing make some vinyl windows top of the line for best windows insulation and efficiency. It provides outstanding energy efficiency and firmly seals to avoid any leaks. The colours are limited, though, which may or may not be an essential element depending on what you want.
Wood: Well-kept wood frames can last for numerous years before ever needing to be replaced. Still, wood does come with a much higher maintenance demand than other materials. If you don’t maintain your wood frames they could decrease in efficiency and function. That will imply extra costs over the years, which is something to consider.
Aluminum: If you live in coastal areas or where rain and humidity are common climates, aluminum is the go-to choice. It doesn’t rust from salty weather and won’t swell like wood, making it a robust choice. Aluminum frames are also easy to customize, so it’s a great choice all around.
Fibreglass: These frames blend glass fibres and polyester resin, which gives them great benefits across multiple factors. The frame is robust, incredibly energy efficient, highly durable, and easily customizable. The only downside is that they are much much more expensive than other materials, but the long-term benefits do pay off.
The glass
Glass is the next thing to consider and comes down to two choices. Double-pane windows are the current standard across homes and make a big difference in monthly bills. The panes are sealed with argon gas that keeps heat or cold air in and boosts overall efficiency. They also safeguard against harmful UV rays, which can wreak havoc on flooring and furniture.
Triple-pane windows Canada adds an extra layer of glass, increasing the overall efficiency and save even much more than a double-pane window. choosing an energy STAR-certified window, identifiable by the stickers, is the easiest way to choose a window. It guarantees the highest ratings and quality for guaranteed savings. Both U-Value, window’s resistance to heat loss, and solar heat acquire coefficient, how much heat enters, are better the lower the number. With an energy star window, those low number savings are a standard.
The design
Window design comes down to visual aesthetics and also home security. Some windows are much more protected against intruders, while others just look better and fit particular home architectures. the most popular styles include double-hung, casement, awning, slider, and bay or bow windows.
Double-hung: This window has two frame units of glass that slide up and down to let air in. They are a very popular design across many houses and are a good price.
Casement: These use a crank deal with to open the window at a horizontal angle, much like a door opening. Casement is especially great at catching breezes and directing fresh, cool air into your home. They are also quite protected against intruders.
Awning: Like casement windows, awning windows open with a crank but pivot upwards from the bottom instead. They are ideal when you want to open the window even if it’s raining or to install in basement rooms.
Slider: Just like its name, slider windows open on a sliding horizontal track. In some styles, only one side opens, but in others, both frames can be opened. These are much more popular in older homes and are budget-friendly with a long, resilient lifespan.
Bay or bow: Despite the designs looking similar, bay and bow windows are two different styles. Bay windows extend outside the house in varying angles and include three or much more windows, although three are typical. Bow windows also extend outside and include up to six windows but curve in a gentle arc and not sharp angles.
Fixed and skylight windows are two other popular styles. fixed windows are mostly for aesthetics as they don’t open, while skylights bring in light from above.
The installation
Windows are never a diy job and ought to always be left to a professional. between the work involved and the skill required, it’s always best to hire someone who has those years of skill and knowledge. A company can also deal with the work in a few hours or a day, so you don’t have to leave your home open to the elements. Unlike DIY, a company guarantees you have legal protection and a warranty on any work done. That way, if any repair work or damages come up in the future, the costs will be covered and won’t become an unplanned expense.
5 Top-rated windows in Canada
Now that you know the breakdown of what goes into a good window, it’s time to find the best window brands. any of these five top-recommended brands are great options for your next window renovation.
1. Pella 350 Series
Best: Most energy efficient windows
The Pella 350 series window brand is developed to be a top-of-the-line competition to other vinyl windows. It’s highly energy-efficient with an energy star certification to show it. The windows come in Low-E triple-pane glass, so there’s less heat loss and less cold air sneaking in. It also guarantees the windows will last for a long time, upwards of 15-30 years. The only maintenance it may need is the occasional cleaning.
As far as efficiency savings goes, this is a top-of-the-line choice. The windows can be even more customized with different grill styles, extra safety and security sensors, different designs, and a range of colours. Whether a replacement or an upgrade, these windows are guaranteed to add major value.
Cons: Depending on how numerous windows you are planning to replace or upgrade, the cost can creep up and become quite expensive. The same goes for how much customization you choose to add to the windows.
Material: vinyl
Style: single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, sliding, bay/bow, fixed, and custom
ENERGY STAR: Yes
Colours: white/almond, tan, brown, Hartford green, morning sky gray, black, brick red
Cost: $-$$
2. Andersen 400 Series
Best: replacement windows
The Andersen 400 series windows are a great choice if you are wanting to replace old, drafty windows with quality ones. The 400 series brand is vinyl-clad with a wood frame, so you benefit from natural wood insulation with vinyl’s durability. thanks to the cladding, you won’t have to worry about wood damage, repainting, or high-maintenance hassle over its 20-year lifespan. Efficiency-wise, you get higher efficiency than just a wood window, so you save much more long-term. everything from the style of window, size, colour, and extra accessories can be customized to suit your home. Andersen’s brand best windows are also sustainable and green.
Cons: The air infiltration rating is <0.30, which is a poor rating compared to other brands. Without skilled and proper installation, that can result in long-term issues and extra expenses. Material: pine wood Style: double-hung, awning, casement, gliding, picture, bay/bow, custom ENERGY STAR: Yes Colours: interior includes white, black, dark bronze; exterior includes white, sandstone, canvas, dark bronze, and black Cost: $$ 3. Marvin signature Series Best: two-in-one and window customization If you are searching for the best of two materials in a windows Canada brand, the Marvin signature series is the way to go. This window brand uses a wood interior with exterior aluminum cladding for twice the protection and efficiency. On top of that, it’s the most customizable brand range for any design, type of wood, accessories, colours, and more. If aluminum isn’t what you want, there’s also the option to use fibreglass instead. The wood quality is top of the line and thoroughly sourced to guarantee just that. In-house experts also monitor wood trends and grading to guarantee that quality is never subpar. thanks to the aluminum cladding, any weather from rain, snow, salty air, or heat won’t cause damage. All colours will last at least ten years, plus all windows come with a 20-year warranty for peace of mind with these top-rated windows in Canada. Cons: The sheer range of customization and options can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. While a deterrent to some, speaking with a professional will help narrow down the ideal choice. Material: aluminum clad exterior with wood interior Style: awning, casement, bay/bow/ double-hung, corners, gliders, picture ENERGY STAR: Yes Colours: Wide range of colour options; wood options include mahogany, pine, and Douglas Fir Cost: $$$ 4. Milgard Ultra Series Best: fibreglass performance windows Fibreglass is a long-standing top contender when it concerns efficiency, cost, and durability. The material resists any swelling, rotting, or warping, so it’s a long-lasting option for even longer savings. The windows are also resistant to heat and cold, so there’s no risk of unwanted drafts or heat loss. The glass is even more insulated, and the frames contract and expand with the glass to avoid excess strain on the frames. once installed, you also get a lifetime warranty on the window, so there’s never any tension of future repair costs or problems. aside from window customization, you can also customize the hardware for top-of-the-line materials or feature colours. Cons: Milgard has various product lines, each with different benefits and features. picking the best one can be hard, and the cost tends to vary towards high-end prices depending on the brand line. Material: fibreglass Style: single-hung, slider, casement, awning, picture, bay/bow ENERGY STAR: Yes Colours: black bean, bark, harmony, white Cost: $-$$ 5. Jeld-Wen contractors V-2500 Best: affordability windows Canada Window replacements aren’t always cheap, especially if you want to invest in long-lasting, quality replacements. Jeld-Wen contractors V-2500 brand series is known to be a inexpensive but high-quality vinyl window brand. The contractors V-2500 series is built to be low-maintenance by design, so there’s little extra cost to budget into future upkeep. The vinyl material guarantees that the windows won’t fade, chip, or peel over their lifespan. The frames are also built to be sleek and narrow for a modern, streamline design. despite being low-cost, there is still a range of styles and aesthetic accessories to add on. The windows are installed with a limited lifespan warranty and will last upwards of 20 years. Cons: These windows are standard, budget-friendly options, so there are fewer colours and design customization options than other brands. Material: vinyl or wood Style: double-hung, single-hung, sliding, picture, bay/bow, custom ENERGY STAR: Yes Colours: interior includes white, desert sand, and almond; exterior includes chestnut bronze, dark chocolate, almond, white, and desert sand Cost: $ What else to look for Now that you are familiar with the different types of best windows brands, designs, colours, and options, there are a few final factors. With window brands, it’s essential to find the best manufacturer/company, warranties, and trusty reviews. Manufacturer and installer: Windows are manufactured by a certain company, but then they are also sold and distributed across numerous other sellers. as with any remodelling process, finding a qualified company with the best window brand goes hand-in-hand. A company with a solid reputation, skilled professionals, and the best warranties and insurance will guarantee a quality installation. Likewise, the best producer behind the window brand will guarantee the materials and design going into the windows are top-notch. The brands noted above are all trusted and quality choices, so you can choose any one that suits your needs. Warranties: Top-rated windows in Canada warranties give you peace of mind and insurance ought to the worst ever happen, and the window fails. quality warranties will help cover defections, the cost to remove and replace, or any repairs. just because a brand says it has a warranty, though, don’t stop there. always check to make sure that the warranty provides all the protection you want for your windows. Trusty reviews: Take the time to see what past customers of the window brands have to say about the window. It’s the best way to find any flaws, deficiencies, or just above quality features. You can find which type is the most efficient, looks the best, or just suits your budget the most. In addition to reading any information on the producer or company website, customer reviews give you first-hand and truthful accounts. Find RenovationFind certified window companies now! RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.