Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Poor operation. If your windows stick or have to be forced shut, it’s a sign that they may have poorly installed weather stripping. This allows air to escape through the frame and can allow moisture into your home during rainy seasons or winter months.
2. There’s a draft. If you feel a draft coming through the edges of your windows, it usually means that the seals are faulty through bad weather stripping or faulty caulking.
3. Utility bills are high. For maximum energy efficiency, make sure your windows are double-pane. Many older homes have single-pane windows that don’t provide enough insulation from outside temperatures. If this is the case, upgrading to double-pane windows will help improve energy efficiency.
4. There’s fogging. When you see moisture between the panes of a window, it’s usually caused by seal failure, which is the loss of air between the two panes of glass. Not only does this let in outside moisture, but it reduces the window’s insulation.
5. There’s water damage. Water damage from condensation or leaks occurs when windows aren’t properly installed or if the weather stripping is faulty. If you notice water leaking into your frame or wall, it is likely that mold and mildew will grow, leading to peeling paint or wallpaper and more significant damage.
6. Window panes are cracked, chipped, or warped. If your window glass is cracked or chipped, it’s time to replace it. Broken window glass can be dangerous if not replaced promptly because it poses a risk of injury. Cracked or broken windows also let in more of the outside environment and make it easier for someone to break into your home.
7. Window frames are rotten. If the wood around your window is soft, spongy, or waterlogged, it’s rotten. This can happen when windows aren’t properly sealed and too much moisture has come in contact with the wood. Check where your window frame meets the wall or siding; if there’s rot or decay, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.
8. Windows look old or outdated. If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, we recommend replacing outdated or unappealing windows. Our custom-made replacement windows offer a variety of styles and colour options so you can find the perfect fit for your home.

Give us a call today or fill out our contact forms to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River

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1. It warps in the Vancouver weather.

Vinyl is the worst material out of aluminum, wood, glass, or Fibrex® for holding its shape when it comes to temperature changes. It will expand and contract readily under heat and cold. In Vancouver, temperatures can change by up to 10 degrees Celsius in just a few hours. This relatively rapid change puts stress on your vinyl frames.

The problem is that over time, the shape of your frame will change. You’ll end up with bent lines rather than the sharp ones you originally ordered. And it doesn’t just look bad; this reshaping and constant warping of the vinyl can result in some issues, explored below, that can get very costly very quickly.

2. The glass can sheer through the vinyl glazing. 

Like we said, vinyl expands and contracts more than glass. Seven times more, in fact. So when you have a glass element attached to a vinyl element, you have one piece that’s moving around a lot and one that’s staying fairly still. This creates a lot of friction and can result in the glass sheering through the glazing.  

3. Poor vinyl joinery can leak.

It’s not uncommon for older vinyl windows to have poor joinery. Between human error and inherent problems with the material itself, vinyl joinery is notoriously leak-prone. Poorly sealed vinyl window joints can cause water infiltration and lead to a host of problems. Leakage compromises the window’s energy efficiency and may damage walls, flooring, and furnishings. Over time, persistent dampness may result in mold growth and wood rot or structural damage which are all costly and time-consuming to repair.

4. Vinyl insulated glass seals can fail.

Vinyl-insulated glass seals are prone to the same problems that afflict all vinyl products: they weaken with age, they warp or crack in extreme temperatures, and they deteriorate in harsh weather conditions. These issues can cause the seals to weaken, crack, or deteriorate, compromising the window’s energy efficiency. When these seals fail, moisture enters the space between the glass panes, leading to condensation, fogging, and a reduction in the overall effectiveness of the windows.

All of the reasons above are why we use Fibrex for our window frame material. This patented composite material combines the strength and beauty of wood with the maintenance-free durability of vinyl. Fibrex will never require painting or sanding, and it won’t crack under the extreme conditions found here in Vancouver. It lasts for decades!

Want to learn more about our durable, easy-to-maintain windows? Give us a call today or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post Four Reasons to Replace Vinyl Windows in Vancouver appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

Glass Care

Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are equipped with High-Performance Low-E4® glass, which works together with our Fibrex® frames in providing long-term performance, beauty, and energy savings. The Low-E4 glass coating has been specially formulated for easy cleaning although there are things that even a high quality class coating can’t prevent, like dust, dirt, and the occasional stain from spills and splashes.

Cleaning the glass really couldn’t be easier. First, wipe the glass down with a soft dry cloth. This will remove dust and grime that might have built up.

Once you’ve wiped the window down, apply a mild cleaning solution. We recommend you use soapy water, diluted vinegar, or a liquid window cleaner. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the window in a circular motion.

To minimise residue on the glass, we recommend not applying glass cleaner in direct sunlight. Instead, clean between temperatures of 4°C-29°C.

Avoid abrasive cleaning products, scrub pads, and rust removers containing hydrofluoric acid, as they can cause permanent damage to the coating.

That’s it! It’s really that easy to keep your window glass shiny and clean. For best results, you should check your windows about once a week or so. The longer grime and dust have to build up on the glass, the harder it’ll be to remove them.

Fibrex Frame Care

We use our patented Fibrex material for all of our window frames. One of the biggest selling points of Fibrex is the ease of cleaning and maintaining it compared to other materials such as wood.

Simply wipe down frames, sash, and grilles with a mild solution of soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive rag or brush.

There is one catch: do not use newspaper or other ink-based papers. They can — and will — stain and discolour the Fibrex material. (Keep this in mind when wiping down your glass as well!)

Insect Screens

TruScene® insect screens have been designed to keep the bugs out and the light in. TruScene uses a fine mesh that’s a perfect barrier for insects but is fine enough that you hardly lose any light coming in your windows. That being said, if dust and debris build up on that mesh, it doesn’t matter how fine it is. You’re going to start losing light.

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean all screens. No soapy water or cleaning product is required. For a complete clean, you’ll want to remove the screen from the frame first. To do this:

• Release the latches from the side jambs.
• Hold the screen tight and gently push outwards to clear the sill.
• Tilt the screen away from you and pull it inside.

Wipe down as needed and reverse the process to reinstall.

Lubrication and Corrosion Resistance

For those with casement, double-hung, gliding, or awning windows, or one of our patio doors, you’ll want to keep them well-lubricated. We recommend applying a dry lubricant once a year to all moving parts including hinges and rollers.

While our products are always designed to resist corrosion, you’ll need to give it a bit of a helping hand to keep it protected. Lubricants with corrosion inhibitors will keep your moving parts safer for longer in damp and humid environments.

Please note: do not use wet lubricants or harsh, solvent-based greases on your moving parts. These will not only damage your windows but will actually collect particles that promote corrosion.

With these simple steps, you’ll keep your Renewal by Andersen windows alive for longer. Don’t forget that all Renewal by Andersen windows come with our exceptional 20-2-10 limited warranty. That means 20-years limited warranty on glass, two-year limited warranty on installation, and ten-year limited warranty for all non-glass components.

Want your own easy-to-maintain windows? Give us a call today or fill out our contact forms to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post How to Care for Your RbA Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

As a reputable window company, we understand that quality replacement windows are only as good as the installers behind them. That’s why we follow a special installation process during winter. Here’s what you can expect from us:

Preparing the Work Site

Once we arrive at your home, we will prepare the worksite by protecting your floors and furnishings against snow, debris, and foot traffic. We’ll also only remove one window at a time and close off the room that’s being worked on to minimize heat loss.

Installing the Windows

After removing your old windows, we’ll make the necessary fixes should we detect any issue. If the open area has warped, for example, we will readjust the levels so your replacement windows will fit properly. Once we’re done with the installation, we will inspect the unit to ensure that it functions as expected. 

Adding Finishing Touches

Unlike other products, we manufacture your windows to perfectly match your window openings. This allows us to add an extra insulating foam around the framework to improve energy efficiency. We’ll then cover the foam with a trim to complete the look, and remove the protective film on the window and polish the glass.

Don’t let old, drafty windows keep you from enjoying the cold season. As your trusted window contractor, we’ll make sure your home stays cozy and energy-efficient with our swift and professional service. Get in touch with us today at (604) 373-9984 for more information. We serve homeowners in Delta, BC, as well as in Vancouver.

The post Renewal by Andersen®: Winter Window Replacement Process appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

How Our Windows Reduce Unwanted Noise

To dampen echoes and reverberations that cause noise, sound can be absorbed with soft surfaces and materials. These materials include padded curtains, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Hard materials such as tile and laminates aren’t ideal if you’re planning to minimize sound bouncing around a room.

However, only the right type of windows can easily suppress the sound waves when they pass through them. With our noise-reducing windows, you get a product that’s designed to prevent excessive exterior noise from coming into your home. To achieve this, our windows pair an impact-resistant glass with a PVB interlayer. The interlayer has a different density than the glass, interfering with sound waves to stunt noise transmission. This is why many homeowners trust our products as professional window contractors.

Choose Our Excellent Windows

A material’s ability to block sound is measured by a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. This rating roughly reflects the decibel reduction in noise provided by a partition or object. For windows, the STC range goes from 18 to 38, and each increase in point value is indicative of a high percentage of sound reduction. This means the higher the STC rating, the more noise the product can suppress. Some of our products such as our 400 window series have an STC rating of 34, so you can be sure that it offers great sound mitigation. 

As a trusted window company in Delta, Vancouver, and surrounding BC areas, Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia only provides the best products for your home. Call us today at (604) 200-1025 or online through our contact form!

The post Learn How Our Windows Reduce Noise Transmission appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

How Frost Forms on Your Windows

Frost forms on windows when the moist air on the inside is exposed to cold air on the outside. Moisture (or water vapor) is attracted to the windowpane, and when the outside surface temperature lowers past the dew point, that water vapor solidifies into liquid. This then freezes into ice crystals and forms frost.

If left unaddressed, the frost and ice buildup on your windows can cause several problems such as:

• Heat Loss – If the inside of the glass pane is frozen, then your window has lost its thermal protection. This means it won’t be able to retain the heat from your home.

• Mold – When the frost melts, the water can begin to crack the paint, rot the frame (if you have wood windows), and cause mold and mildew to grow around your windows.

• Higher Energy Bills – This is due to your HVAC working harder to replace the escaping heat and keep indoor temperatures comfortable.

Preventing Your Windows From Freezing Up

If you have single-pane windows installed at home, have them replaced with double- or triple-paned windows by a trusted window contractor. Air or gas is sandwiched between the panes of glass which act as a thermal barrier to slow the heat transfer.

Consider getting a space heater for a room that’s prone to collecting frost on windows to keep it within comfortable temperatures. This also prevents frost from forming even during nighttime. Making use of a dehumidifier also keeps the indoor air from being too humid, which reduces the chances of frost from forming on your windows.

With Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia, you won’t go wrong with choosing the best replacement windows for your project. Call us today at (604) 200-1025 or online through our contact form. We serve Delta, Vancouver and surrounding BC areas. 

The post Keeping Your Windows Frost-Free During Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.