Have questions? Our FAQ section is here to help! Discover detailed answers to the most common inquiries about our products, services, installation, and more.
Windows FAQs
Find answers to all your questions about windows, including styles, materials, energy efficiency and maintenance tips. Everything you need to make an informed decision!
No! In fact, not only will new windows make your home more energy efficient and visually appealing, but they should increase the overall value of your home.
Here are some sure signs that your old windows need to be replaced:
- Drafty, with air leaking through or around the window
- Excessive condensation or icing on the inside of the window panes
- Windows rattle in the wind
- Paint chipping or peeling
- House is always too cold in winter – or too hot in summer
- Difficult to open or close
If you still have old leaky windows, the money you`re losing would pay for new custom windows every month! The problem is you`re not enjoying new windows that you`re paying for already.
There are three ways you pay the price:
- Infiltration
Wood sashes shrink in winter which ultimately opens gaps. In fact, just a very thing 1/16 gap around a window is like having a hole the size of a brick in your wall. How many brick size holes do you have in your house? - Radiation
Heat naturally radiates to cold. In winter, heat goes out. In summer, heat comes in. Radiations through window panes cause at least 25% of total energy loss. The result is that your furnace and air conditioner are working overtime, wasting hard earned dollars! - Conduction
Conduction is straight energy waves which also seek extreme temperatures. They can waste even more energy than infiltration and eat up your energy dollars without remorse.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners. In comparing price, it is critical for you to understand what you are getting for the money you will be investing. Be sure that you are making an “apples-to-apples” comparison. If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and some critical ingredients will be missing. Extensive dry rot or other damage around existing windows may require repairs before new windows can be installed. Depending on the type of repairs needed, this will add to the cost of your new windows. Be sure the estimate includes disposing of the old windows. So, why the diversity in price? While some companies are only in the business to engage in a “one-shot” transaction, the more reputable companies are in business to build relationships and make a small profit. These companies build their business slowly through word of mouth and an impeccable reputation for integrity, honesty and service. This type of window company has clients who know that at any given moment they can call on their company where someone will answer to immediately help solve any problems they may have.
There are no short cuts. You get what you pay for. Most windows will perform during the initial months since their installation. However, time exposes the lack of quality. Low priced windows will not include the better glass packages to ensure energy efficiency. Low price windows have a reputation for hidden charges. In the end, the window that you want and the window price that was marketed will rarely be the same. You will pay more. It is recommended that you deal with a company that will offer you “reasonably” priced windows that offer options that low priced windows can not offer.
Energy efficient windows increase the comfort level in your home by reducing cold drafts and making a house feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They help control condensation because the interior surfaces of energy-efficient windows stay warmer, allowing you to maintain a higher level of humidity without worrying about condensation on your windows. They also last longer because condensation can cause premature deterioration of windows, walls and finishes leading to high maintenance and replacement costs. Most importantly, energy efficient windows save a lot of money. By minimizing air leakage and improving thermal performance of your windows, you could reduce heat loss through windows by up to 50 per cent and reduce your energy bills.
This is a question for YOU to answer for yourself. Window replacement is a big investment, and one you`ll live with day in and day out for as long as you own your home. Think about the importance of appearance, performance, and durability before you choose.
A replacement window is a window that`s custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It`s built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window.
It is not a new-construction window, which is typically what builders use on new homes. It is not the type of window that you routinely see at Lumber Stores or on the racks at Home Depot or Lowes. Replacement windows are available only by special order and are made in 1/8” increments to assure a perfect fit.
Vinyl withstands assaults from moisture, heat, cold, humidity, salt, pollutants and acid rain; assaults that can and do affect wood and metal. Vinyl windows and patio doors never flake, blister, stick, rot, rust, peel or corrode. Vinyl`s color is integral throughout the material, so scratches go virtually unnoticed. You never have to paint, strip and sand or lubricate vinyl windows or patio doors. Vinyl is truly the most durable, lowest maintenance window and patio door material available.
Windows can be responsible for unnecessary heat loss, high-energy consumption and cold drafts and can be the reason for condensation problems within homes. Windows and the area around them are the biggest single area of heat loss in the home.
Custom replacement windows give you the perfect fit. Stock windows are available only in standard sizes. When your window opening is larger than a standard size, you’re left with an opening around the perimeter of the window. This opening is often filled with sheet rock or molding and you are left with extra all space to patch and paint. Custom replacement windows allow you to maximize your viewing area without jeopardizing the visual esthetics of your home.
Yes! Windows are one of the most important aspects of regulating home temperatures. Most windows in older homes were designed when energy was cheap and new energy efficient materials were unknown. Today’s newer energy efficient windows are designed with overall thermal efficiency in mind; keeping the heat in and the cold out. Typically, an older home can lose up to 50 percent of its energy heat through leaky, drafty windows and doors.
New replacement windows ranging in the $300-380 range will leave you with what is called a “rental window”. A “rental window” means that you put a band-aid on your home and in the near future you will be replacing your window again. Yes, you CAN buy a window for less than $300, but that doesn`t mean you SHOULD! We all love a deal, however, in the home improvement industry as well as many other industries, there`s a famous saying: “Buy cheap – Buy twice.” One thing is for sure: Stay away from the cheap windows!
Some companies may be offering a seemingly low price, but remember the lowest price is not always the best value for money. A good price is one where you are receiving quality products, expert installation and a strong warranty. There are always cheaper alternatives out there, however, our goal is to provide our customers with the best value. At WELDA, we decided a long time ago that we would much rather explain price than have to make excuses about quality. “Is price important, yes it is…but no price is a good price if you don’t like the quality! ”
Windows Installation FAQs
Get all the details about window installation, from preparation and timelines to costs and what to expect during the process. Find expert answers to your installation questions!
It is strongly recommended that you have a professional install your custom windows. It is critical that the measurements of your windows be exact. Otherwise the new windows will not fit. A professional installer will also have the necessary tools to do the job correctly.
Actually we install windows year round. During the warmer months we remove several windows at a time. During the cold months, we remove one window at a time. The weather slows down the installation but the quality never suffers.
Estimated installation date 4-6 weeks. Additional 2-4 weeks for custom orders. The customer is responsible for any painting needed, the removal and re-installation of all blinds and curtains, as well as alarm and security systems.
In most cases, we normally install 10 to 15 windows per day.
Retrofit means leaving the original (old) window frames in and installing the new vinyl frames within the existing. Full replacement means removing the existing (old) window frames.
Window Condensation FAQs
Learn why condensation forms on your windows, how to prevent it, and what it means for your home’s energy efficiency. Get expert tips and clear answers here!
No. Windows do not cause condensation; they simply are doing what they are designed to do.
By keeping the warm air in your home the windows also stop the humidity from escaping and that humidity becomes visible on the glass. No, condensation on windows is not the fault of the window.
Water and/or frost on your windows is called condensation. Condensation happens when warm moist air comes in contact with cooler dry air. Just the way a cold can of soda will turn wet, or your mirror will steam up after a nice hot shower. Your windows can sweat the same way when there are temperature changes around them.
Windows do not cause condensation, but because glass will generally have the lowest temperature in your home, it is the place that you will almost always notice condensation first. Just like the mirror or pop can, neither of which is defective or leaking, they are just a cool surface on which the moisture in the air will condensate on.
Condensation is best controlled by controlling the source of humidity and by ventilating your home. Common sources of humidity are gas burners and clothes dryers. Make sure these are vented to the outside of your house. Sometimes with new windows, condensation occurs which wasn’t occurring before replacing the windows. This is because properly installed dual pane windows seal air leaks that may have been present before the installation; thus air is no longer leaking through or around the windows. Replacing the windows has now reduced a source of ventilation. If you have a lot of humidity within your home, you may find cracking open your windows helps reduce the condensation.
Windows themselves do not cause condensation, but they are an indicator that humidity levels are too high. Keep in mind that new homes release moisture from new construction materials through several heating and cooling seasons. Newer, “tighter” homes trap humid air inside; older drafty homes allow exchange of drier outside air with inside more humid air.
One of the reasons you had new windows installed was because you wanted windows that were more efficient than your old windows. Chances are that your older windows were drafty and leaking air. That air leakage keeps your home “breathing” and allows excess moisture to leave the home before it reaches the dew point and collects on your window. So the reason your old windows did not accumulate moisture is because they were doing very little to keep the heat (moist air) inside of your home. The condensation on your windows is an indicator that your new, energy efficient window is working by locking in the warmer, moister air inside your home, not allowing it to leak out like it did with your old windows.
Moisture between the panes of glass is an indication that the seal around the windowpanes has failed. This is an unlikely occurrence; however, if it does happen, most window manufacturers will replace the sealed glass unit.
Condensation occurs when humid air comes in contact with a surface that is cooler than the air itself. In winter, when your high-quality vinyl windows are efficiently keeping cold air out and warm moist air in, condensation may appear as fog or moisture on the glass. Condensation does not indicate a problem with your windows; quite the contrary. It means you’re holding in warm air like never before. But you’re holding in humidity, too. That’s the problem.
There are many activities happening inside your home that raise the level of humidity. They include but are not limited to:
- Showers
- Dishwashers/Clothes Washers/Dryers
- Dripping Faucets
- Open Fish Tanks
- Cooking with Gas – moisture is a product of gas combustion
- Overuse of humidifiers
- Excessive plant containers that require watering
- Damp basement/crawlspace
- Simple breathing – a family of four generates 12 pints of water vapor a day
Windows typically are the coldest objects in the house in wintertime. Room side condensation is caused by excess humidity in your home.
In-Home Consultation FAQs
Learn everything about our in-home consultations, including what to expect, how to prepare, and how our experts help you choose the perfect windows for your home!
As much as we would like to serve all of our customer’s or potential customer’s requests, we will not provide “guesstimates” over the phone or the Internet. Because all of our products are custom made and individually tailored, we work out costs according to your exact requirements rather than giving standard prices. To receive an accurate price, please arrange an appointment with one of our representatives.
Depending on the size of the project, developing an estimate probably only takes about 30 – 45 minutes. However, what does an estimate tell you about the company and the way it interacts with its customers? What does an estimate tell you about product selection and the options you have? What does an estimate tell you about the options you have for finishing the interior and exterior of the windows? What does an estimate tell you about the company’s record of repeat and referral business? As you can see, there is a lot of information you need to have and understand. It is your hard earned money you’re going to be investing. You don’t invest in new windows and doors everyday. In most cases, consumers don’t know what they don’t know. Take all the time you need to get your questions answered to your satisfaction. After the job is done is too late to deal with issues such as, “I thought it was going to look like …” or “I thought I was getting …” It is your home and your money, make sure you invest wisely. Fifteen minutes is not enough time for you to assess whether or not you are getting everything you need. Conversely, it shouldn’t take more than an hour unless you have a significant number of questions. It’s okay if you do have questions, because you should.
Our consultations are entirely geared around your needs, so the length can vary. Generally speaking, we often need 45 minutes or so to find out what you want, measure up, price and provide a quotation.
It’s a relaxed, convenient way for you to gather the information you’re looking for and get all your questions answered from the comfort of your own home. During your consultation, we’ll talk to you about your project, measure, and walk you through your options. We can give you a price quote while we’re there, and we’ll go over what to expect during the installation process.
Q. There are so many product choices, manufacturers, and suppliers of windows, doors and siding. We’re confused about what is the right choice for us. How can your company help us simplify this decision at a price we can afford?
A. Our in home consultants focus on you first. We begin by asking questions, listening to your answers, and offering choices based on the input we’ve received from you. We don’t believe in a high pressure approach – we strive simply to get you what you want at a price you can afford.
There are many elements to the decisions that need to be made, including appearance, colour, style, technical specification and of course price. In order to make sure we provide you with an accurate price, we need you to make these decisions, and for this we need both partners present.
If we have an appointment without the partner there, we may not be able to give an accurate quote, and often will need to return at another time when both partners are present. This adds to our costs and means that we will not be able to offer you such a competitive price on the second visit.
Referral Program FAQs
Discover how our referral program works, from earning rewards to sharing with friends and family. Get all the details to start benefiting today!
Good question! Yes! They will automatically be eligible for “referral pricing.” And while we hope that a job well done is a reward in itself, we’ll deduct $150 from the cost of their project, too.
To be eligible for a reward the referred person(s) must purchase products from WELDA Windows & Doors.
Begin by completing the Referral Form.
For one referral -Yes. The more referrals you submit, the more rewards you could earn!
The sooner the better!
Absolutely not! You can refer as many potential friends as you like. We just ask that they be in the market for one of our products, so no one’s time is wasted
No. Please feel free to pass on the names of those who will need products in the future, too.
Immediately! As soon as you refer your friends, neighbours, and relatives to WELDA Windows & Doors as prospective customers, a referral file will be started for you, and we’ll do the rest!
Yes. A purchase of $2000 or more will result in $150 cash reward FOR YOU!
All payments forwarded at month end, after installation date and final payment by customer. It’s that simple.
Other FAQs
Have questions that don’t fit into a specific category? Explore our Other FAQs for a variety of helpful answers on topics we haven’t covered elsewhere!
Many people are inspired to replace their windows when they see a great sale at a local home center store. Be careful! Usually, the great prices you see are for the bottom-of-the-line windows. Some well-known manufacturers make top, middle and “bargain” lines of windows. You’re better off avoiding the so-called bargain line. Many homeowners can’t get someone to install bargain windows because the pros don’t want to be associated with an inferior product.
Yes. We have many references available in various areas of Ontario. All of the pictures on our website are of actual installations we have completed, unless otherwise noted. If you would like to see our work in person please e-mail us. Make sure to tell us what city you would like the references to be in.
Typically, you will get a 30 – 40% noise reduction with a regular double paned window over a regular single paned window. Please note that new windows cannot reduce the noise completely, since there are many ways of sound entering your house; fireplaces, walls, doors, and vents all allow sound into your home.
Surprisingly, uPVC can actually make indoor air quality better over the long run. How? With its smooth easy-to-clean surface, allergy-causing materials such as dust and pet fur don’t get a chance to become ground in. Plus the surface resists build-up from common household pollutants. Hospitals and other healthcare institutions often choose uPVC or vinyl for flooring, wall covering and upholstery fabrics for these exact reasons.
I don't know if I can afford to pay for my new windows or doors all at once, do you offer financing?
We sure do. We offer financing with competitive interest rates that our salespeople would love to tell you about when visiting you in your home. Just ask!
It can be tempting to shop just based on price for large ticket items for a house that isn’t in the long term plans; however there are several things to consider when attempting ‘pre-sale’ renovations:
- Higher quality windows and doors are more efficient and better for the environment. Preventing unnecessary energy consumption is good for your pocketbook, the pocketbook of the future owner(s) of your home, and not to mention the environment
- The ever-rising real estate market is forcing home buyers to make smarter more educated decisions regarding their purchases. It is no longer enough to claim your house has “brand new doors” if they will have to be replaced in 3 years. Putting in quality doors and windows will help maximize the value in the selling price of your home.
Most home buyers know if things look cheap they probably are cheap.
If you have an alarm system connected to your current windows, you should notify your alarm company. We have experience removing the contact sensors from the sashes and can do that if you wish. Your alarm contractor will be responsible for reestablishing the system with your new windows.
Argon is a safe, odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable inert gas that is commonly used in place of air between the glass panes of an insulated Low-E glass unit. Argon`s heat conductivity is lower than that of air, and thus it is a better insulator and contributes to a lower U-factor. Argon is not an effective solar performer by itself; that is why it is only used in conjunction with Low-E glass.
Low Emissive or “Low-E” glass has a special thin-film metallic or oxide coating on its interior surface, which allows the passage of short-wave solar energy (light) but prevents the passage of long-wave energy (heat) from the sun or heating systems through the glass. Low-E glass thus allows light to enter while also providing thermal insulation. This type of glass cuts the loss of heat during the winter and cuts the absorption of heat during the summer by reflecting the heat back to its source, thus providing year-round savings by lowering utility bills. Low-E glass also selectively filters the sun’s energy, blocking up to 84% of the sun`s ultraviolet rays in the summer, thereby reducing the degree of fading of upholstery, carpet and drapes. Low E also reduces heating costs reflecting room side heat back into the room resulting in a lower winter U-value.
R-value and U-value are reciprocal to one another. The term U-value is measured by the amount of heat that escapes a surface-a wall, ceiling, or window. R-Value is measured by insulation value. How many glass layers there are in a window to the type of gas that is between the panes of glass, are some of the basis of this measurement. The higher the R-value, the better insulated are walls and ceilings. The lower the U-value, the better job a window does in keeping out heat and cold.
Because each home is unique, the price quoted by the window dealers varies widely from home to home. The best thing to do is to:
Click Here to schedule a free, in-home consultation online today, and get an Instant Money Saving Coupon. We will make the proper product recommendations and help you choose which products are best for your home. We estimate your job and then give you one price based on our current discount. We know what the job will cost and we are in business to make a living, so the price we quote you includes labour, material and a profit for our company.