After a long, chilly winter, Trail residents might be noticing that their home’s windows are just not what they used to be.
Replacing the windows in your home can not only save money on your energy and heating bills but can also increase the resale value of your home.
Of course, one of the biggest questions for homeowners considering any major home maintenance project is, ‘How much will this cost?’ Generally, for windows, three major factors affect the overall cost of the project:
- The type of installation
- The style of the windows
- The size of the windows
The window experts at Ecoline Windows share an insightful look at how each of these factors plays into the final cost for Trail residents looking to replace their windows this spring.
1. Retrofit vs. Full-frame Replacement
When it comes to repairing or replacing windows, two options are available to homeowners: either retrofit or full-frame replacement.
- During a retrofit, the old window sashes (the inner part of the window that holds the glass in place) are replaced, but the original frame (the outer part of the window that supports the sashes) is left intact. Generally, a retrofit is only possible if the window frame is in exceptional condition with no signs of moisture damage or rot.
- During a full-frame or tear-out replacement, the entire window, frame and all, is removed right down to the studs. This allows installers to address rotten and damaged wood around the window before installing brand new frames, jambs, brick moulds and trim.
Understandably, a full-frame replacement is going to cost more than a retrofit due to the additional work, material and skill required – on average, about 15 to 20 per cent more.
2. Window Styles
While a vast variety of window styles are available, generally crank and slider windows are the two most popular styles.
Crank windows use compression seal technology that allows for an even seal in the spaces between the sash and frame. As a result, they’re an airtight and efficient window option that generally costs 15 to 20 per cent more than slider windows.
Instead of a compression seal, slider windows rely on weatherstripping to fill in the gaps, so are overall less efficient but more cost-effective.
A few other popular window styles include picture windows, fixed windows, bay windows and custom-shaped windows.
3. Window Sizes
Window prices by size can vary just as much as window pricing by style does and are another important variable in determining the overall cost of window replacement.
Window sizing is generally categorized by small, medium and large-sized casements. While larger or oversized windows are growing in popularity, it’s important to remember your budget and other factors – for example, larger windows need additional structural support and enhanced glazing technologies to ensure energy efficiency.
B.C. rebates and grants available for window and door replacement
Designed to motivate homeowners to upgrade their homes’ energy efficiency, rebates and grants can be a great way to reduce the overall replacement costs for new windows and doors.
Trail residents may be eligible for provincial window rebates like the CleanBC Income Qualified Rebate, which offers up to $9,500 per home or $950 per window and/or door. Various requirements must be met to receive the rebate, which can be.
Residents may also qualify for the B.C. Energy Efficiency Rebate, offering up to $2,000 to replace up to 20 windows and/or doors, or roughly $100 per unit. To qualify, residents must reside outside of Vancouver and have a residential utility account with FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility. The new windows and doors must be installed by a licensed contractor with a GST number, a valid B.C. business license, and have a U-factor of 1.22 (W/m2-k) or lower.
A third program for homeowners is offered directly from Ecoline Windows. The Ecoline Green Grant provides up to $3,750 for window and exterior door replacement and, unlike traditional grant programs, offers significant freedom and flexibility to homeowners. Choose from a wide range of Ecoline products without restrictions on R-values or glass types.
Whether you’re upgrading your primary residence, mobile home or rental property, or undertaking new construction, the Ecoline Green Grant provides financial support to offset the costs of window and door replacements.
Ecoline Windows offers exterior door and window replacement in Trail as well as several other communities throughout Western Canada. Find more information about their services and your eligibility for rebate and grant programs online today at ecolinewindows.ca or by calling 778-400-2063.