Did you know: the windows and doors on your home are responsible for up to 25% of your home’s energy loss? With the Winnipeg winters being notoriously cold, and the summers scorching hot, losing so much energy – your heating/cooling systems will be working overtime. That also means higher bills. In fact, the cost to replace your home’s windows and doors can be recouped across the lifespan of the replacement.
In this article, we’ll take you through the benefits of replacing windows and doors in your home. We’ll include insight into how to check your windows and doors for leaks, when the ideal time is to replace them, and why you’ll want a home contractor to complete the work. Finally, we’ll cover the basic estimated costs to have the windows and doors replaced. However, with any pricing – please realize that these are merely estimated costs – and are not legally binding in any form. To receive an official quote for any work on your home, please contact our qualified contracting team at 204.509.7574 or through our website’s contact us page.
Now, we have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Benefits for replacing windows and doors
Why is it so important to replace your windows and doors? Although it may seem like a costly investment at first, replacing windows and doors will save you a lot of money on bills in the long run. That’s not all. Here are just a couple of additional reasons to do so:
- You’ll increase the levels of comfort in your home
- Improved curb appeal and value of your home
- Reduced potential for condensation problems and fading of furniture
You now know the benefits, and you want to replace your windows and doors. However, you’re still wondering, is it the right time to do it? Here’s how you check if the time is right.
How to check your windows
All the windows in your home need to open and close smoothly. Inspect the panes of glass, frames, as well as any hardware. In some situations, your windows may only need glass repairs. However, some will need complete replacement which includes the window casing.
When to replace your windows
When inspecting, here are a few things to pay attention to:
- Check for visual indications of damage, leaks, moisture between the panes
- Feel the edge of the glass pane and the edge of the casing for air leaks
- If your window can open, inspect the controls and operation of the mechanism
- Find out what type of window you have – style, number of panes, etc. through online research.
Since Winnipeg observes extreme climate, we recommend upgrading to triple-pane windows that are focused on energy retention and are manufactured specifically for our northern climate. Seek out windows that are triple pane, thermal pane, and come with a favorable energy-star rating. While these windows cost more, they will also give the best performance. As well, if the window is meant to open but doesn’t – you can seek our repairs or look to replace it. Finally, depending on the style of window you select, or how poor of condition your previous windows were, you’ll receive a bonus of improving the curb appeal.
How to check your doors
While checking your windows, it would also be wise to check your doors. Inspect them for ease of operation, the condition of glass inserts, and any holes. If they’re in reasonably good working order, it may be more cost-effective to repair the defects. Also, it might be a good idea to jot down the type of material the door is constructed from.
When to update your doors
Here are a couple of signs that the doors on your home need replacement:
- There’s visible damage to the door that prevents them from closing normally
- You see wide gaps between the frame of the door and the door itself
- You find it hard to close and lock the door without giving them an extra push
- The door appears dated either in the material used or other ways
Like windows, we recommend seeking door replacements that focus on energy-saving construction and materials. Doors that can offer the best energy efficiency are fiberglass and vinyl. If you opt for a glass door, source glass that is a triple-pane. In most situations, you’ll get what you pay for. The more costly the door is the better quality it will likely. However, even more so than windows – replacing the doors can have a massive impact to curb appeal and visuals.
What time of year should I schedule my window or door renovations?
We’ve talked about the climate in Winnipeg many times in this article, however, when is the best time to have your windows or doors replaced? From a homeownership standpoint – when the temperature outside matches your preferred indoor temperature. For most, that mark is around 12-25 degrees Celsius. This is because for a short period your there will be open airflow as we work on the replacement.
There is also considerations like bugs can be less active as we work in a cooler temperature. Extreme weather conditions can also be a factor – we will reschedule your appointment if a snowstorm or rainstorm is occurring. However, with all the factors at play, sometimes a situation ends up as an emergency (IE: a pane of glass is smashed). We can accommodate most weather conditions to make the updates happen for our clients.
When possible, though, it’s best to review windows and doors semi-annually with a quick inspection to ensure you stay onto of any sort of maintenance required.
What are the estimated costs of replacing windows or doors?
Surprisingly to some, the cost associated with replacing a single window or door can be greatly varied. In fact, between all the different options available to a consumer, it’s nearly impossible to give an estimated cost without discussing the job’s specifics and reviewing dimensions, style, or operational components.
At Dash, we will always recommend quality product suppliers so the cost can feel expensive. On top of the cost of the products themselves, there is also a cost to install the product at your home.
Window costs
For most windows, you’ll be looking at a budget of anywhere from $250.00-$1,500.00 or more per window. Again, the cost will be determined by your window’s brand, style, casement, features, ability to open/close, and a multitude of other factors – including dimensions. All these factors also play a role in the cost of installation – which ranges from $200-$1,500.00 or more per window.
Door costs
Perhaps, even more influences by one’s style and preference – door costs for quality can differ from $400.00-$2,500.00 or more per door. There are likely even more factors to choosing a door – all the quality, energy-savings items, style, color, brand, casement, features, glass, material, hardware – and the list could go on. Doors can also come with their own set of challenges to install and can differ in costs from $500-$2,000.00 or more per door.
Our final thoughts on costs
While these costs might come with some sticker shock – when we install a window or door for a customer – it’s selected and installed with quality and longevity in mind. Another strong selling point to this type of renovation can be that it offers a near 100% return on investment.
You can take your replacement one step and a time. Only replace the most critical window or door or match the amount of work to any sort of budget limitation you might encounter. More work can always occur in the future. But it can be important to address small issues with maintenance before they turn into larger problems.
Finally, check for local programs focused on home energy efficiency renovations including any Manitoba Hydro programs available to you.
Contact Dash Builders for window and door replacements in Winnipeg today!
Here at Dash Builders, our workers can help you get new windows and doors in no time. Get an estimate by contacting us today at our Winnipeg office or calling 204.509.7574 today!
