You've got questions, we've got answers...

We have answered some of the most common questions that we are asked by our customers here in our FAQ's.
If you have any questions that we have not already been covered here, be sure to submit them via the form block below the FAQ's.
Our goal is that everyone who visits our site is able to learn enough about us and the vinyl windows that we manufacture to make an informed and comfortable decision.

A: A true 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. This type of installation is more commonly known as a “Retrofit”

Existing wood frames are often rotten or twisted..
The area between your wood frames and the walls of your house are often poorly insulated.
Your existing wood frames have not been properly shimmed and secured to support the weight and stress created by a new vinyl window.
You will loose a certain amount of glass area due to the width of your new vinyl window.

The solution to all the above problems
By removing the old existing frames, we can inspect and repair any damage to your wall structure.
Factory installed vinyl brick moulds on your new windows eliminates the bulky look of exterior aluminum capping.
High density foam insulation is injected to fill and seal the space between your new windows and the house wall. - No more drafts.

What are the advantages of Custom Made windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at home centers and lumber yards?

Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency and install much more easily and with very little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom made windows allow consumers to design exactly the windows they need or want.
Installing stock windows requires that you add other materials like larger quarter-round trims to the interior, in order to make up for the smaller window size.

A: It's true , if you select high-performance thermal energy-efficient windows over first generation low-end recycled vinyl windows that are still available in the market place. Savings will vary depending on your homes original construction, but expertly engineered and well-built windows will lower your homes energy consumption. Window maintenance is virtually eliminated. No more need to scrape and paint windows every couple of years.

A: Years ago that may have been true. However, today—with the options available and with advances in window design technology—quality vinyl windows are both beautiful and unique.
For example, home owners can choose from sculptured or sleek window styles; a variety of colours; standard or diamond grids. And these are just a few of the options available.

Many high-quality windows are actually engineered to make cleaning easier. For example, double-hung windows with the latest internal constant force balance system allow a home owner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in—and lock securely in place—for safe, easy cleaning. “Quite a difference from old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and down”.

A: Vinyl is the ideal window construction material because vinyl:
Doesn't deteriorate or rot.
Can be extruded and shaped into brilliant window designs.
Doesn't damage or corrode when scratched.
Can be fusion welded to eliminate air and moisture leaks at the joints.
Offers excellent insulating properties—especially when used in multiple-cavity frame designs.

Absolutely - Vinyl’s are like any other man-made compounds. There are numerous components in vinyl compounds, there are many vinyl manufacturers that produce numerous types and grades (re-cycled and a combination of re-cycled & virgin vinyl) for window manufacturing. The best vinyls (100% virgin) are proprietary compounds formulated specifically for manufacturing high-quality windows.  City Window & Glass uses only 100% pure virgin vinyl extrusions.

A: The profile design and methods of assembly determine the strength of a window. Just as beams or roof trusses are designed for specific mechanical loads, so are window shapes.
The strength of the sash and frame dictate how the window will maintain its shape under high winds. A weak window can flex and reduce the effectiveness of the weather-stripping, resulting in air and water infiltration and, subsequently, higher energy costs. A weak window design also requires near-perfect window installation to ensure an effective seal.
You'll have windows with long-term strength and squareness if you select windows with:
All fusion-welded joints.
Glass sealed to the sash frame.
Large number of interior chambers
Thickness of exterior walls
Purity of vinyl

Until the early 1990's vinyl windows and siding were known to discolor and or chalk. This was due mostly to a lack of technical knowledge regarding ingredients that would inhibit ultra-violet, which caused the vinyl to degrade or fade. High amounts of titanium dioxide are now added to most vinyl compositions prior to the extrusion process to reduce the damaging effects of the suns ultra violet rays.

A: R-value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance.

U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.

A: Low E (Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent metallic oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface. The coating allows short-wave energy to pass through, but reflects long-wave infrared energy which improves the U-Value.

Argon Gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas which is six times more dense than air. It is used to replace air between the glass panes to reduce temperature transfer.

A: Insulating glass improves the quality of windows and doors by:
Improving the performance of the U and R values of your new windows and doors
Reducing condensation
Helping keep the heat in and cold out during winter
Helping keep the heat out and the cold in during summer
Minimizing noise transfer in to your home
Blocking UV radiation to keep your carpet and furniture from fading

How long can I expect to wait before my new windows are installed?

That depends on a few factors such as the size of the project, the weather and of course how busy we are. Unlike many contractors, we do not hire more crews just to rush orders through. Each project is scheduled at the time of order and we offer special pricing to homeowners who will give us some flexibility with the timing when we are busy. However, on average you can expect your new windows to be installed within 5 to 7 weeks.

 Either a two or three man crew, depending on the size of the job.

Again it depends somewhat on the weather and the method of installation but on average it will take 1 to 2 days for a Retrofit installation and up to a week for a Full Removal.

City Window & Glass warranties all workmanship, installation, sealed units, windows and  window hardware. Forty years on window frames, fifteen years on all sealed units and two years on window hardware.  FULL WARRATIES ARE ONLY OFFERED TO CUSTOMERS WHO OPT TO HAVE THEIR WINDOWS INSTALLATED BY OUR IN-HOUSE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS.

First, look at having another company or two come to your home to give you a quote. Just DON'T BUY from them! They should leave behind a detailed quote with all of the sizes and styles and the brand and model of all the windows you wish to replace. Simply enter all of this information into our free quote form or fax it to (905) 522-8551 and you will receive your pricing within 48 hours, which we guarantee will save you hundreds of dollars NOW!