THE FREE PRESS RENOVATION AT IT’S BEST APRIL 27, 2000
11
Windows: A job you can tackle
          With thoughtful planning and good advice
There’s a lot more to windows than you might think. So say Jon Wagner and Dan Berg, sales consultants at Woodland Window Centre.
   “There’s a lot involved in replacing windows, and there are many different ways of tackling the job," explains Jon.
   But if you’re an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer don’t let this scare you. With thoughtful planning and good advice, Jon says replacing windows is a job you can tackle. “The role of our sales staff is to help you replace your windows. If you want to have them installed by a contractor, we can help you find one. We also cater to the do-it-yourselfer. We can walk you through all the steps and tell you everything you need to know.”
   “The first thing we’d ask,” says Dan, “is who is doing the work? If you are hiring a contractor to install the windows, then you don’t have to spend time measuring accurately and figuring out the thickness of your walls. That is something they will do.” Instead, you can concentrate on just what type of window you want.
   Before you decide on a style of window, Jon suggests taking a good look at the exterior and the interior of your house. “The key to a good renovation is matching up the new window as closely as possible to other windows. You don’t want people to be able to tell which window is new. It should blend with the others,” he says.
   There are many materials to choose from - vinyl, wood, metal-clad wood, and fiberglass - depending on the look you
want, the amount of money you want to spend, and the amount of maintenance that is required. There are also several different trim styles to choose from in order to finish your windows so they match your existing windows.
   Another consideration in choosing windows, is whether you want them to open or to remain fixed. “We don’t install too many fixed windows, but you may just want to add light and not need extra ventilation,” explains Dan. If you want opening windows, then you’ll have to choose from four types; vertical or horizontal sliding, awning, or casement. Awning style and casement widows tend to be a little more expensive, but they are better at encouraging air flow, says Dan. Casement windows are slightly more energy efficient.
   The next factor to consider is the type of glass you want in your window. While your choice may be in terms of purely decorative elements (such as beveled or frosted glass, or grills between panes) you may also consider the energy efficiency factor. “This seems to be the most important factor to people. When they come in to talk about installing new windows, they’re always talking about heat loss,” says Dan. You can from choose low-E glass (a coated glass which keeps heat in), windows that contain argon gas between layers of glass, or what’s called SunStop (tm) glass. Sunstop glass (tm) retains heat in winter and reflects it in the summer. It also cuts out about 84 per cent of ultraviolet rays, reducing the fading effects of sunlight on dark coloured furnishings.
   Questions to ask yourself before installing windows
1. Who is installing the window?
2. What material do you want?
   - what are your existing windows made of?
   - what material is the house exte rior?
   - do you want maintenance free
   windows?
3. Do you want the window to open? If so, how?
   - vertical or horizontal sliding
   - awning
   - casement
4. What type of glass do you want?
   - energy efficient?
   - decorative (bevelled, frosted, grilles etc.)
Woodland SPRING INVENTORY SALE!
            NEXT WEEKEND
 WINDOWS & DOORS
 Picture Perfect.
                                                          (Noon - 6:OOpm)
                                                      SAT., MAY 6TH
                                                         (9:00am - S.OOpnt)
mu
CRASHERS
                                  6 ft Vinyl Patio Doors
    *399
            Selected Exterior Garden Doors and Double Doors
                                                                                                      $399
                                             Selected Exterior Single Doors
                                                      *99 V
WINDOW CRASHERS
36” x 16” Vinyl         24" x 36” Fir
Picture Windows         Casement Windows
     $49                      $09
            Custom Wood Rake Windows
 $
29
                        ALL VINYL WINDOW INVENTORY IS
                      %
                                                              OFF LIST PRICES
                                      JOIN US FOR HOT DOGS AND POP AU WEEKEND PROCEEDS TO PG HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
                 SELECTED WOOD WINDOW INVENTORY IS UP TO
                      90%
                     OFF LIST PRICES
 Woodland               562-1396
 WINDOWS & DOORS 3596 MASSEY DRIVE
 Picture Perfect.  1-800-663-4399