As a homeowner in Edmonton, what should you know when looking for window companies? Realistically, the price of a window and door replacement is a big determining factor for most households. But unfortunately, cheaper rarely means better when getting new windows.
If you want to get the most from your window company consider companies that carry quality windows that are ENERGY STAR rated, perform credible installation work in accordance with CSA standards, and offer post-installation service and warranty to match the expected lifetime of the product.
You can see the list of ENERGY STAR rated windows in Canada and CSA compliant window companies at these links.
Check out:
Casement Windows in Edmonton: A Comparison
Slider Windows in Edmonton
In this post, we will compare two of the bigger window companies in Edmonton: All Weather Windows Edmonton and Lux Windows and Glass, and see why you should consider getting a quote from either of them.
If you want to read about other window companies in Edmonton, then visit these publications: Hometech and Sunrise windows, Allweather Windows and Cambridge, Durabuilt, Mcleod, Canadian Choice, Luxwindows.
All Weather Windows
Homestars: 8.8
BBB: A+ (accredited since 1992)
About
All Weather Windows is one of the biggest window companies in Edmonton and all of Canada. They have been in business since 1978. This window company has two manufacturing facilities with a head office in Edmonton and works in most provinces in the country. You may have the advantage of quicker service times because the company is located in the city.
Product
All Weather specializes in aluminum clad PVC and full vinyl windows. They also manufacture and supply entry, garden, and patio doors. All Weather Windows also offer their own installation services. Unlike dealing with a supplier, going with a full-service approach company is often better for any potential warranty service you may need. Because everything is done in-house, these kind of companies is usually more committed to resolving installation related problems than companies that just supply the product.
Certifications
– CSA certified and ENERGY STAR rated
– Window Wise and Installation Masters Certification for installers
– Best of Homestars ’10, ’11, ’12
Warranty
The company offers a 20-year comprehensive transferable warranty on their sealed units and a 5-year warranty on installation labour. You can find their full warranty package information in this guide.
Conclusion
As we mentioned above, All Weather Windows is one of the biggest window companies in Canada. When you go to bigger companies you can usually trust that their product and installation will be of good quality. These kinds of companies will also usually have all the necessary paperwork and certification to back up their legitimacy. As you can see All Weather Windows is both CSA Certified and ENERGY STAR rated. Where a lot of big window companies struggle across the country, is in the quality of their post-installation service. The Internet review boards are filled with complaints about the lack of urgency when it comes to getting service from All Weather Windows. Because big window manufacturers have a higher volume of sales they also generally have a longer backlog of service requests to be processed. Shopping for windows in Edmonton might make it easier as the company’s head office and manufacturing is also located within the city. Take this into account when considering All Weather Windows.
Lux Windows and Glass
Homestars: 8.9
BBB: A+ (accredited since 1994)
About
Lux Windows and Glass was created in Calgary in 1969. They are one of the oldest window companies in Western Canada. The company has their own manufacturing facility and produces all their own windows and glass. They specialize in both renovation and new construction projects. Lux is an example of a full-service company as they manufacture, sell, install, and service their own windows. The company also has a designated service department which is important for companies like this, as it helps process and make repairs much more efficiently.
Product
Besides the standard range of PVC windows, Lux also has aluminum-clad casement and awning windows. The company also offers choices in privacy glass, Low-E coating, and customization options.
Certifications
– CSA certified and Energy Star rated
– 2013 SAM Awards Winner: Supplier of Best Products
Warranty
Lux Windows provides a twenty-five-year warranty on its sealed units, frame, sash and hardware components. The company also offers a five-year warranty on labour or issues related to the installation.
Labour warranty from Lux deserves a special mention here. Currently, there is a BBB complaint about how the company offered a client one price for additional service, only to send them a much higher final quote. Unfortunately, this is quite common in the industry. Lux ultimately resolved the problem in client’s favor, but it just further goes to show that you should hold project consultants accountable by making them put what they say in writing. You can read the negative review and the company’s resolution on their BBB page. It is worth mentioning however that the company has not had any BBB complaints or negative claims in the last year.
Conclusion
Lux boasts a good score on Homestars with overall great levels of satisfaction from the clients. The customers who did leave negative feedback on the company’s Homestars page complained about a lack of follow-up regarding service or warranty issues. This is quite a common problem with all window companies in Canada. What matters is whether the company is working to improve their customer relations, and it does seem so in the case of Lux Windows and Glass.
Conclusion
As you can see, both of these window companies are probably some of the oldest and most trustworthy on the Edmonton window replacement market. In an era where many window companies lie about how long they have been in business for, having a BBB accreditation from the early 90s speaks favourably for both of these companies.
Both of these companies carry the common ENERGY STAR and CSA certifications. You get the benefit of knowing the performance ratings of the product you’re buying, and the comfort of knowing exactly what you spent the money on. The windows and doors these companies carry rate in the mid-high range for performance and prices.
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