Vancouver Windows: Frequently Asked Questions

The weather in Vancouver is nice for much of the year, but the winters can get chilly. You may be wondering if replacement Vancouver windows would be a good option before the next cold season arrives. Many homeowners have questions about window replacement, including the expense and the window styles available. Here are some answers to those and other questions that you’ll find helpful.

What’s the Best Window Style for a Vancouver Climate?

There are many window styles to consider, but a few options do provide more climate control during the cold winter season while still being excellent during more moderate ones. You’ll also want to factor in the basic cost, ease of operation, and the projected energy savings.

Single hung windows might provide the look and the energy efficiency that you want. Casement windows are also good on all these fronts. For fixed windows, bay or bow windows with double or triple pane glass is a good idea. A contractor can help you explore the merits, including the energy savings and the cost, of each window style.

Could Repairing Rather than Replacing the Windows Be an Option?

The condition of the existing windows will determine if repairs are feasible. Frames that are warped, rotted, or broken are beyond repair. The same is true if the double or triple pane glass is damaged. In this scenario, replacement is the only practical choice.

If the frames are in acceptable condition, you could retrofit the windows. That means the frames remain in place but all the other window elements are replaced. Retrofitting generally costs less and still provides excellent protection from the Vancouver weather. Should the frames be below standards, you’ll need to go ahead with a full frame replacement.

What Will a Vancouver Window Replacement Cost?

The average cost for basic window replacement will be somewhere between $250 and $750 for each one. That’s just the starting point. Factors like whether you have a retrofitting or a full frame replacement will affect the unit cost. Full frame replacements for some window styles may run more around $1000 each. That means you could spend as much as $12,000 if you have twelve windows to replace. The window style will also have some affect on the unit cost. A contractor can provide a good idea of what to expect based on your individual needs.

How Often Should Residential Windows Be Replaced?

The duration varies based on a number of factors, including the materials used. Generally, replacing the windows every 25 years is a good rule of thumb. Why? Technological advances mean the windows of tomorrow are more likely to offer more in the way of energy efficiency and other advantages.

Do consider window replacement if your current windows begin to require frequent repairs, don’t work properly, begin to warp, or negatively impact the look of the home. This is true even if the windows have not been in place for a quarter-century.

House window replacement cost

Is It True That New Vancouver Windows Will Save Money?

The short answer is yes. Installing new windows reduces the cost of heating and cooling the home’s interior. How much depends on the condition and features of the old windows versus the new ones that you install. In some cases, you may experience savings of up to 25% on your energy bills per year. That’s the more likely scenario if you had single pane glass before and now have double or triple pane glass. Having window insulation now versus none in the past will also generate greater savings.

Our goal at Canadian Choice™ is to ensure that clients have all the information they need to make informed choices about replacement windows. Thanks to our years of experience, count on us to help you choose windows that are ideal for the home. Through each step of the process, we’ll be right there with you.