Choosing Windows and Doors for Your Next Project
Across all makes, climate and engineering conditions, a quality installation for new or retrofitted windows and doors begin with a qualified, experienced installer who conforms to national and provincial best practices. Caliber West Renovations windows and doors team is a leader in this regard that are motivated and understand architectural, building and engineering ‘big picture’ in order to become experts for custom or standard window and door installs.
There are several factors to consider – a brief discussion of the most important issues will ensure that you have all the information available when you meet with your installer for the first time.
Commercial window installation? High-rise? Residential?
The size and scope of your project is one of the first factors that will inform the choices that you make. Caliber West is responsive – we hand-pick our installation to meet the needs of your project while avoiding extra costs and we start this process by gathering information as part of our planning phase.
Is your next project a new home? A multi-family dwelling? Or perhaps a commercial/industrial endeavour? Is this a new build or a retrofit? Do you have a particular aesthetic or maintenance needs that you’re trying to meet?
Your Microclimate and Structure
As you might have noticed, elevation and microclimate are consistently inconsistent through our area – it means that the best thing you can do to ensure the right kind of installation is to have your first meeting with our team on-site at your premises. Meeting strategically like this actually saves you money – it informs your Caliber West team if you have particular humidity, light, structural or engineering conditions, or even a certain architectural ‘look’ that you’re trying to meet or match.
Even in beautiful British Columbia, there are temperature extremes – if this is your site, then window and door thermal performance is key. More commonly, building owners are concerned with existing condensation and seepage in our damp climate. You’ll be pleased to know that window and door technology has come a long way and Caliber West’s windows and doors team can recommend specific manufacturers, products, and processes to help combat our damp climate. Maybe your new frames must match an existing colour or aesthetic. We have exactly what you require and we provide, install, and service your new and retrofitted windows and doors with a minimum of fuss.
Vinyl Windows and Doors or Aluminum Windows and Doors?
Aluminum products are different from vinyl products. Truly durable, aluminum is designed to take constant use and yet maintain appearance and operation over decades. In a multi-family dwelling, doors like these can add exciting visual elements and allow more glass area than other types of doors – consider how much you may save on energy costs with a well-lit foyer from the right kind of door. For excellent durability and appearance, consider anodized finishes. If that doesn’t suit the look you want, painting and glazing options have flexibility to provide the ideal finish for your project.
Vinyl products on the other hand can have a shorter lifespan if they are not cared for properly. Difficult to paint, stain, or glaze, the material is extruded in the finish colour which is ideal for masking wear and tear. Designed primarily for ease of use for the residential homeowner, vinyl products have a simple but appealing aesthetic.
Our Expert Installation Team
At Caliber, we recognize that you are busy just as we are. We pride ourselves to be as efficient but non-intrusive as possible while we’re improving your space, which makes us ideal for commercial retrofits as well as residential. We assign a project manager to each project – a veteran of builds and renovations, this person is responsible as your point of first contact.
- Make sure you know the project timeline
- Are a reference point for budget and payment details
- Discuss design and aesthetics
- Solve problems throughout the project
In new commercial projects, Caliber West scales our team size in order to ensure we’re working at maximum efficiency – we understand the balance between too many people on site and too few and strive to find best efficiency for our commercial customers.
Retrofittting and When to Replace
For many people, replacement windows and doors is a decision that is made when the budget allows but consider whether up-front cost should be the primary deciding factor. Savvy business owners consider the following elements on an annual basis in order to ensure that their windows, doors, and other structural assets are still meeting their business needs.
Consider lost revenue due to:
- Curb appeal
- Energy costs
- Limited functioning
- Health and safety
- Security
Like other business expenses, windows and doors are a tangible asset. If you’ve seen any of the following, it’s time to start collecting quotes:
- Immovable or ‘difficult’ window sashes
- Panes with cracks
- Rotten muntin bars (also called “glazing” or “sash” bars) between glass panes
- Missing or damaged drip edges
- Trim that is cracked, rotting, or loose
- Trim that is missing entirely
- Cracked or damaged putty
- Water leaks
- Humidity visible between panes
- Condensation on interior window or trim
Choosing a Reputable Contractor
Glass is more than something to look through – an expert installation company like Caliber West is able to leverage modern technology and broad expertise from years in construction in order to give you best value.
The best contractor for window and door installations – either commercial or residential will be able to advise you on the following elements. The experts will be able to tell you about:
Your HDD (Heating Degree Day) and how this factor should help you choose which Energy Star product is right for you.
Varying degrees of glass thickness and how the right product will reduce drafts and control interior temperature
Various architectural and engineering points when it comes to the type of building and the amount of use the windows and doors get. For example, did you know that there are specific product recommendations for different types of buildings? Don’t be afraid to engage the contractor for a one-hour consultation specific to the type of project you have.
Consider all Product Offerings and Related Products
Consider the full range of products offerings – balcony railings, curtain walls, entrance system, storefront systems, and historic window replication, skylights, and sun tunnels, as well as custom-engineered solutions. If you’re not sure what your solution might entail for the best look and value, then your solution should probably include Caliber West for home renovation projects including:
- High-rises
- Homes
- Apartments
- Condominiums
- Storefronts
- Restaurants
- Offices
- Hotels
Caliber West is the best solution for any window or door project
Are you looking to have your kitchen or bathroom remodelled as well? We do whole home improvement.
Contact Us
To learn more about our services, please call us at 778-785-7395
Online Client Access
We provide each of our clients with access to a secure website with all of the details of their project.
Whether you are at home, at work, on the road, or on vacation, Caliber West Renovations puts information at your fingertips about your selections, upgrades, financial decisions, questions, documents, photos, and more.
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Caliber West Home Renovations Windows and Door Installation – Our aim is your ultimate satisfaction.
