As you are considering buying new windows, make sure you check out a few companies to see which one is right for you. Believe it or not, it’s not just about the product when it comes to getting what’s right for your home:
– Make sure both, the windows and installers, are certified to Canadian standards.
– Familiarize yourself with reviews for Edmonton window companies on websites like Homestars or Better Business Bureau. This will give you a better idea of what they do well, and areas where they fall short of customer expectations.
– Know what the warranty information is, and that it’s clearly stated and explained. Does it seem like the company will be there when things go wrong, or something breaks?
Check out these window company reviews:
All-Weather Windows vs. Cambridge Windows
JELD-WEN vs. All Weather WindowsAll Weather Windows vs. Ply Gem
Durabuilt vs. Cambridge Window Manufacturing
As we build our own brand and look for ways to improve our business, we often ask ourselves whether we fulfill all the criteria that would make us a desirable company. We also compare ourselves against other Canadian window suppliers you may be interested in. Here are a couple in your area:
Durabuilt Windows
Homestars: 7
BBB: A+
About
Durabuilt is one of western Canada’s largest private window and door manufacturers. The company has been in business since 1988 and manufactures their windows in Edmonton. Durabuilt prides themselves on their attention to customer service and “all about you” approach. The company manufactures and works with commercial, new construction, and residential windows.
Product
A big advantage that companies with their own production line have, is a wide variety of product they offer. Durabuilt carries not only all standard PVC windows, as well as choices in hybrid windows, tilt-and-turn windows, and entry, garden, and sliding patio doors.
Certifications
– CSA certified and Energy Star rated
– Canada’s Best Managed Companies 2013
– IMS Certified Manufacturer. The company performs periodic audits on their Quality, Environmental, and Health and Safety.
Warranty
The company offers 20-year warranty on glass sealed units, and two year limited warranty on labour. See their full window and door warranty in the links.
Consider Durabuilt if you think your project requires special designs or unique windows. Their big production line could accommodate your specific needs. Most of the negative reviews about the window company have to do with poor customer relations when it comes to getting service or replacing damaged windows.
All Weather Windows
Homestars: 8.9
BBB: A+
About
One of the older companies in Canada, All Weather has been in business since 1978. This window company has two manufacturing facilities with a head office in Edmonton.
Product
All weather carries a wide selection of standard vinyl windows. They also manufacture and supply entry, garden, and patio doors. They also have some options when it comes to hybrid windows with aluminum cladding.
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.
Like Durabuilt, All Weather Windows have their own production line. But they focus on a more narrow line of product. This may have both positive and negative results. Companies that do fewer things, also tend to do them better and to a higher standard. The biggest areas where customers felt All Weather could improve was following up, scheduling, and providing service on the damaged product.
Conclusion:
Both of these companies deliver the product that is in line with Canadian standards. They do both seem to have issues with properly managing service workflow, and getting repairs done in a timely manner. The longevity and worry-free maintenance of your windows is an essential factor in making them a worthy long-term investment. Ideally, you want to pay for the project once, and not again for a long time. Consider a company’s servicability to make sure you get the full value for your replacement purchase.
In the last couple of years, we had to significantly expand our service department. That isn’t to say, the quality of our work has diminished. We just learned that inevitably, no matter how good the installer or product, there will eventually be installation issues. We also learned that while customers may get upset when things go wrong or break, they become absolutely LIVID if nothing is done about it. That’s why we’ve increased our commitment to ensuring your investment is well worth it, not just a month or two down the road, but for years to come.
Check out these window replacement articles:
Casement Windows in Edmonton: A Comparison
Replacement Window Warranty in Edmonton: What You Should Know