At this point in our window company review journey, it’s safe to say we learned that regardless of the installation type or order size Canadians want one thing from their window replacement experience.
And you’ll be wrong if you guessed that it’s product and installation quality.
Because more than that all customers want for the windows company they go with to keep their promises.
If that will be right so will everything else, because most Edmonton window companies don’t shy away from talking about how great they are compared to the competition.
Yet especially in Edmonton time and time again we see negative reviews about unreturned phone calls, delayed deliveries, and unfollowed promises of additional discounts when things go wrong.
If you want to read about other window companies in Edmonton, then visit these publications: Hometech and Sunrise windows, Allweather Windows, Mcleod, Canadian Choice, Luxwindows.
Today we look at two local companies and see how they stack up:
Durabuilt Windows
Homestars: 7.4
BBB: A+ (accredited since 2006)
About
Durabuilt is one of Alberta’s biggest window and door manufacturers. The company has been in the province since 1988 and manufactures their windows right 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 vinyl window styles, as well as choices in hybrid windows, tilt-and-turn windows, and entry doors, 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
Durabuilt offers a 20-year warranty on glass sealed units, and two years limited warranty on labour. See their full window and door warranty in the links.
One of the common problems outlined in the BBB complaints filed against Durabuilt is the lack of follow up with customers from the head office. Several customers who had issues with their order have expressed their frustration over having to repeatedly track down the project consultants and people from the head office in order for their problems to be resolved.
The company’s Homestars review has improved somewhat since our previous review post about them. Durabuilt does use the Assisted Review option on the Homestars, so at the very least you can say they are invested in getting positive reviews from their customers.
Interestingly enough most negative reviews have to do with either entry or patio doors being ordered wrong, coming in late or missing parts. If you are considering this company and want doors with your window order pay special attention to the contract and make sure everything is written down how you want it.
Cambridge Window Manufacturing Ltd.
Homestars: 9.4
BBB: A+ (accredited since 2004)
About
Cambridge has been operating in Edmonton since 1996. The company has its own 25 000 sq ft manufacturing facility. The company prides itself on their “100% satisfaction guaranteed” approach.
Product
Cambridge specializes in the manufacture of custom made PVC windows. There are two lines of product, the high-end awning and casement style windows, and budget end slider windows. It is important to note that the company doesn’t manufacture double slider or hung windows, for customers looking to get the most out of those designs. They also manufacture steel and fiberglass entry doors, garden doors and sliding patio doors.
Certifications
– Energy Star Rated
Warranty
Cambridge has a detailed outline of what is covered under their warranty on their website. Their warranty covers PVC extrusions for the lifetime of the product (usually twenty-five years). There is no specific mention about the lifetime of the insulated glass units though there is one difference between Cambridge and other companies. Although the company offers a five-year labour warranty on installation issues, the labour on replacing sealed units or any warranty related parts is only for two years.
Cambridge holds an interesting place in the world of online reviews. Although they hold a perfect 10/10 score on Homestars with 17 reviews, it is somewhat suspicious that all the ratings given to them were a perfect ten. Even more suspicious is the fact that all of these reviews were added to the site in the last three months.
It isn’t very different with the company’s BBB score. Although they have a perfect A+ rating and have been accredited for over 10 years, there have only been 4 complaints filed against them, and three of those were in the last year. That being said, however, the two complaints that are currently public on the company’s BBB page show that the company has worked with the client toward resolving the disputes the way the client wanted. Perhaps there is some merit to their 100% satisfaction guarantee, and willingness to work with their clients.
Conclusion
Both of these companies are fairly similar in how they are set up, making it easier to compare. For customers looking for local Edmonton windows, it will be important that both of these companies manufacture windows locally.
Durabuilt has a slight edge when it comes to product selection as they go beyond just the standard PVC options and offer some hybrid windows as well. They also offer tilt and turn windows which can sometimes be hard to find through other Alberta window companies.
Both companies also have very similar warranties. What’s more important is that they do a good job of outlining all the specifics on their websites in writing, so you can see the fine print for yourself before you even speak with a product consultant.
It is hard to judge either company purely on their online reviews and ratings. Undoubtedly Cambridge has a more pristine record with only positive reviews, but at the same time it just doesn’t seem as genuine as Durabuilt. Though Durabuilt has more negative feedback about them, the reviews in general span several years, and not just the last few months as is the case with Cambridge.
Both of these companies are already two of the bigger window suppliers and installers in Edmonton. Consider either or both of these companies when getting a quote, but as always be sure to do your research so that you can see how well they can deal with problems specific to your window replacement.
Check out these window replacement articles:
Casement Windows in Edmonton: A Comparison
Replacement Window Warranty in Edmonton: What You Should Know
Find Out The Cost of Replacement Windows
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