Which window company in Edmonton is right for you? Unfortunately, there is no single answer. While most homeowners tend to think that all companies are the same, in the end, some are better at certain things than others.
When choosing who to trust with your windows replacement or doors replacement you’ll want a company that carries quality windows, performs installation correctly, offers a comprehensive and honest warranty, and of course, does all of those things at a low enough price. Again, some companies are better at certain things than others, so ultimately you will be able to navigate towards one that best suits your needs.
What is universally important regardless of who you go with, is that you do your research about replacement windows, and know exactly what you’re buying instead of just trusting the salesman.
Learn everything here:
Window Manufacturers in Edmonton: How To Compare Windows
Window Installation Edmonton: Full-Frame or Retrofit
Windows And Doors Edmonton Warranty: What You Should Know
Unfortunately, there are plenty of examples of window companies in Edmonton selling cheap windows at premium quality prices, cutting corners during installations, and offering unrealistic warranty terms in an attempt to sweeten the deal.
If you want to read about other window companies in Edmonton, then visit these publications: Allweather Windows and Cambridge, Durabuilt, Mcleod, Canadian Choice, Luxwindows.
Today we will examine two replacement window companies in Edmonton, and see which ones you should consider.
Hometech Windows and Doors
Homestars Rating: 9.5/10
BBB Rating: A+
About
Hometech is a relatively small window company and has been on the Edmonton window market for almost ten years. The company only works in Edmonton and specializes in residential vinyl windows.
Product
Hometech uses numerous suppliers for their product, so there are advantages to choosing options on a different budget. The company carries all standard styles of custom windows in vinyl. They also offer a choice of entry and vinyl patio doors. The company’s windows are manufactured in Ontario.
Certifications
Warranty
Hometech Windows offers a lifetime non-pro-rated warranty on their vinyl components, and a ten-year warranty on labor and installation-related issues. Although Hometech claims to be the only company in the city to offer a 10-year labour warranty it is unclear exactly what is covered. If you are having problems with a broken sealed unit 3-5 years down the road, chances are you will still need to pay for the labour involved with replacing it, as most companies consider this “skilled labour” Remember, with most companies, the term “lifetime” really means the expected lifetime of the windows. For vinyl products, this usually means twenty-five years.
Conclusion
Hometech seems like any standard window company in Western Canada. Though they don’t manufacture their own product because the company works with different suppliers, it is possible to get a variety of choices to match your budget. As always, in this case, make sure that if you go with the company, the quality label on the product matches the one in the contract. Sometimes companies with different products from numerous suppliers charge for a premium option but install the standard, lower quality product. Be sure to also discuss how the windows will be installed. Sometimes companies promise a full-frame replacement but install a retrofit window. Though a retrofit installation may be suitable for your replacement, it is a much cheaper and less thorough way to replace windows. Remember, in a full-frame replacement your windows should come with new jambs, brickmoulds, and trim, not installed into an existing frame. If you’re still not sure what the differences are, check out the links at the beginning of the post.
Check out other Hometech Windows reviews:
Hometech vs. Canadian Choice: Edmonton Companies Compared
Sunrise Windows and Doors Depot
Homestars Rating: 8.3/10
BBB Rating: A+
About
Sunrise Windows and Doors has been in business for twenty years. The company serves Edmonton and surrounding areas like Sherwood Park and St. Albert. Today the company has its own local 25 000 manufacturing plant. Although it isn’t always crucial, Sunrise may appeal to Edmonton homeowners as they manufacture their windows locally.
Product
Sunrise manufactures their own windows and works primarily with vinyl windows. They make and install all major window styles available on the market today. Sunrise product generally meets and exceeds the criteria for energy efficiency in Edmonton.
Certifications
-ENERGY STAR rated
-National Fenestration Rating Council Certified
Warranty
The company offers a standard limited lifetime warranty on all its windows. Vinyl extrusion components are warranted for 25 years, insulated glass units are warranted for 20 years, and “skilled labour” warranty is two years.
Conclusion
Sunrise Windows and Doors seems like a worthy company to consider when getting quotes in Edmonton. Because they manufacture their own windows, there is little to worry about performance ratings and being misled about which windows are actually getting installed in your house. The company’s warranty is on par with industry standards.
Which window company should you go with?
As you can see, these two smaller window companies offer very similar services, but with a very different approach to window replacement.
When it comes to product quality, the companies are fairly close in their performance ratings. However, the main difference is that Sunrise manufactures their own windows and Hometech sources them from different manufacturers. When a company works with different suppliers there is often a lot of difference in the quality of windows. If you do go with Hometech, ensure that the windows that you pay for and are written in your contract have the same labelling and information on the day they arrive at your residence.
It is difficult to evaluate how each of these companies performs their installation, but the reviews for both companies seem to be generally positive. Although Hometech has a better score on Homestars (9.5/10) the reviews for Sunrise Windows (8.3/10) seem to be more genuine and generally better reflective of the customers’ experience with the company. Window companies often offer cash or discount incentives in return for positive Homestars reviews.
Consider both of these companies when you are getting quotes for new windows in Edmonton, but be mindful how the differences between the two may or may not play in your favour.
Check out these window replacement resources:
Find out how we price our windows
Learn some good questions you should ask at your window quote appointment
Find out about the window replacement process in our infographic