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Why do builders use cheap windows?

bayviewwindows.ca - Builders grade vs premium grade windows - Bayview Windows

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Blog > Category Post > Posted: 2017-Jul-26, Updated: 2020-Sep-21

If you are looking to replace your windows and you're shopping around, you may have heard the terms "Builders Grade Windows" and "Premium Grade Windows". Can you see the difference?

Most people can’t see the difference

Builder grade windows look great when they are new, they are clean, bright and the glass is clear and bright. But fast forward 5-10 years, and you may begin to see a different story.

Builder grade windows

The terms “builder grade windows” or “contractor windows” refer to stripped-down no-frills lower-quality windows. Builders and land developers purchase these lower-end windows to trim costs so they can be more competitive. And wow! don’t they look great in a brand new house!!! Many builders around Ottawa have used and still use builder grade windows for new home construction. These windows are typically made with standard-grade materials and components and often fall short of meeting the minimal energy-efficiency Energy Star standards. Builder grade windows typically begin to fail within 5-10 years after installation and if warranted, are usually prorated within a 10 year period. Characteristics of builder grade windows: They lose their seals prematurely, often many windows will go at the same time

Hardware rusts and breaks down quicker

Windows become difficult to operate

New windows usually only meet minimum energy-efficiency standards

Glass may become less clear over time

Little or no interior UV protection that can damage or fade furniture

Installation is often done by the builder who may not be installing windows correctly

Plain Jane screening

Premium custom-grade windows

Premium grade windows are the best windows that a window manufacturer has to offer, they typically come with twenty-year to lifetime warranties and can be customised with glass and colour options that allow the buyer to configure a window to their aesthetic and energy-efficiency requirements. To keep an already complex building process under control, very few builders offer premium custom-grade windows as an option.

A comparison

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Details Builders Grade Premium Grade Typical warranty 10 years prorated 20 years to life Special glass coatings Standard Options Glazing options 2 pane 2 panes + Premium vinyl No Yes Hardware Standard Deluxe option Exterior & interior colors White Colour options Gas fills Standard Options Caulking Standard Premium Installation Framers Professional Installers Sizing Standard Custom Grills Standard Options

Replace or repair? That’s a good question!!!

If you own a house with failing builder grade windows there are only 2 options to solve your problem. Replace the glass or operational parts as needed on a seemingly never-ending ongoing basis. Most replacement glass suppliers will only give you a prorated 1-3 year warranty. Replace the entire window, frame, glass, hardware with up-to-date energy-efficiency that will save you money over time and eliminate your future window worries with a 20 to a lifetime warranty. Your assignments, should you decide to take it! Not all premium grade windows perform at the same specifications, be sure to do your homework. Compare ratings and ask about the best options to meet your requirements. Compare Product Specifications Some local companies wrongly refer to their competitor’s products as builder grade windows. If you are thinking about purchasing or replacing the windows in your home, one of the best indicators that you are not buying builder’s grade windows is the warranty - if the warranty is over 20 years or a lifetime, they are more than likely “premium grade” not “builders grade” windows. If you would like to know more, give us a call or send us a request for more information. We’d be happy to address all of your questions or concerns.

bayviewwindows.ca - Builders grade vs premium grade windows - Bayview Windows

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