In short, the answer is the quality of the installation.
Here is why:
There are definitely window and door products on the market in Canada that do not hold the same quality and standards as our more locally built designs. Whether these products are made with inappropriate materials for Ontario’s climate, or simply built cheaply and defectively, they obviously do not hold the same high standards as our North American manufactured products. However, the majority of products available to Canadian customers are high-quality, long lasting, energy efficient options.
Every quality manufacturer in Canada offers an assortment of features and incentives for their products as a means of setting themselves apart from the competition, especially in terms of energy efficiency and technology. However, the reality is that in the last 20 years window and door technology and energy efficiency has updated very little, and the new features that are advertised for these products are not all that different than any we have seen in the past. Additionally, window and door manufacturing in regards to energy efficiency and technology is very similar, if not identical across manufacturers, meaning that the features and incentives offered by these manufacturers are more important for the marketing of the product, rather than the actual real world use of them.
Instead of focusing on the qualities of the window or door, it is much more important to focus on the quality of the installation. The quality of the installation of a window or door will have a much, much larger impact on the energy efficiency of that product (not to mention the aesthetic value and mitigation of home damage risk that comes with a quality installation) than any of the features of the product purchased. Look for a window and door installation company with extensive knowledge and industry experience when embarking on your next window or door installation project.
Arcana Windows and Doors has over 30 years of experience in window and door installations. We do not manufacture our windows or doors, but rather source our products from local, southern Ontario manufacturers who build quality products for the Ontario climate, at appropriate prices. We believe that by sourcing quality products, rather than manufacturing our own, allows us to be less biased, and source the most suitable products for our customers’ needs and desires (whether that is a traditional North American design, or a more modern European luxury design). If you have questions about your window and door needs, or would like to complete a free, no obligation assessment, please contact Arcana Windows and Doors. We are happy to serve the communities of Hamilton, Dundas, Guelph, Burlington, Mississauga, Ancaster, Oakville, Brantford, St. Catharines, Niagara, and beyond!
