Replacement Window FAQ's
After being in this business for so many years, we've heard them all, and here we've listed some of the most common questions we get. If you don't find the answer your are looking for, please feel free to fill in the following form in our Contact section.
- Typical Questions about Long Life
- Typical Replacement Window Questions
- Typical Replacement Door Questions
Typical Questions about Long Life:
Q:
How long has Long Life been in business?
A:
Over 18 years. The business was started in 1989 by partners who had many years experience in the home renovation industry.
Q:
Is Long Life a member of the Better Business Bureau?
A:
Yes, Long Life has been a member in good standing since 1991, as soon as we had fulfilled our “new business waiting period”. We have never had a complaint registered with the Bureau in all these years. A rare achievement for businesses in our industry.
Q:
Are Long Life trades people covered by Workers Compensation?
A:
Yes, and we try to ensure that they use proper safety procedures and always wear proper protective equipment. We also carry $5,000,000 in additional liability insurance to cover any unforeseen mishap.
Q:
What is your warranty?
A:
Quite simply we Warranty all the workmanship, the installation, the sealed units, the windows and the window hardware for as long as you own your home. It is also transferable for a period of 15 years from the date of the installation to a new owner.
Replacement Window Questions:
Q:
Could your home benefit from LONG LIFE Vinyl Replacement Windows?
A:
Just ask your self these half-dozen questions. If you answer yes to any or all of the questions, than you should seriously consider having LONG LIFE Vinyl Replacement Windows professionally installed.
Q:
Are the windows manufactured locally?
A:
Yes, our windows are fabricated locally in Delta utilizing one of the few systems that is extruded in Canada. Many of the local window manufacturers get their vinyl products from the US.
Q:
Are the vinyl windows you supply Power Smart?
A:
Yes the vinyl window products we supply are Power Smart approved. In fact they exceed the regular Power Smart requirements and are the only windows classified as “Power Smart PLUS”.
Q:
What does the average window cost?
A:
That depends on a number for factors such as the size and configuration of the window, the type of window style or it's operation, and what glass options you choose. However, the average for a standard slider window would cost approximately $475.00.(Based on a 48” x 36” sliding window) To replace a complete house full of windows will cost anywhere from $5000.00 to $20,000.00, or more, depending on the number of windows, the number of patio doors, the glazing options, etc.
What we have found works the best, is for one of us to come over to your home with actual samples of our windows and pictures showing various installations. We will measure your windows, answer all your questions and explain what options make the most sense for your specific application. We find that people often have more questions than they thought they would once they start to understand what is available in the marketplace. The best arrangement is for the homeowners to set aside 1 to 2 hours at their convenience (daytime, evening, or weekend). It is also ideal to have everyone who will be involved in the decision process ( e.g.: both husband and wife) so that all possibilities are explored, and everyone is crystal clear as to what is being proposed. Once you have decided what options you require, we will work out an estimate and be able to offer payment options that meet your budget.
Q:
How are the windows installed and will it make a lot of mess?
A:
Actually, there are three installation methods used here in the lower mainland. Piggybacking, Retrofitting and Full Removal the Window Wise Way. We don't use the Piggyback method as this requires leaving the existing aluminum frame in the wall. The systems that we have developed for replacing windows and doors are used precisely to minimize the disturbance. All our windows are custom sized and come with special trims and flashing to allow them to be installed into the existing opening.
Q:
How long can I expect to wait before my new windows are installed?
A:
That depends on a few factors such as the size of the project, the weather and of course how busy we are. Unlike many contractors, we do not hire more crews just to rush orders through. Each project is scheduled at the time of order and we offer special pricing to homeowners who will give us some flexibility with the timing when we are busy. However, on average you can expect your new windows to be installed within 4 to 6 weeks.
Q:
How many workers will be sent to install my new windows?
A:
Either a two or three man crew, depending on the size of the job.
Q:
How long does it take to install a house full of windows?
A:
Again it depends somewhat on the weather and the method of installation but on average it will take 1 to 2 days for a Retrofit installation and up to a week for a Full Removal.
Q:
What is your warranty?
A:
Quite simply we Warranty all the workmanship, the installation, the sealed units, the windows and the window hardware for as long as you own your home. It is also transferable for a period of ten years from the date of the installation to a new owner.
Replacement Door Questions:
Q:
If I replace my existing old wooden entry door with a new steel insulated door will it be more secure because it is made of steel?
A:
Not necessarily, this is a common misconception. Steel skin doors were introduced many years ago to overcome the two main problems of wooden doors: maintenance and warping. Almost all the steel skin doors have a relatively weak perimeter wood frame, called a stile, that the steel fits onto. This wood stile can be forced if someone tries to break in. The other weak point is the carrying frame that the door is hung on, as this is typically “finger-jointed” pine, which is very soft wood. To overcome these two potential problems we use “Protec” brand doors, which have strong, laminated stiles. We also strengthen the carrying frame with an extra long brass strike plate and then use high security locks.
Q:
Are steel doors the only option?
A:
Steel doors have become the product of choice for most projects over the years, and with proper attention to the strength issues as mentioned above, they offer a great solution for homeowners. However, wooden doors are certainly available and can look very attractive. Another choice that is not very common in British Columbia, but in wide use in Eastern Canada, are “fiberglass” skin doors. These doors offer the best of steel and wood, in that they are low maintenance but can be stained to look like wood.
Q:
Is it possible to just change the door “slab” in my home without changing the complete frame?
A:
This is possible, but not something that we recommend because it is difficult to make the new door fit squarely, and therefore be airtight, in an old opening that is no longer square. The resulting poorer quality installation is not worth the relatively small cost savings in our opinion.
Q:
I have seen a style of glass in a door that I like in a show home, would I be able to get something similar from LONG LIFE?
A:
There are literally hundreds of door glass, or “lite” styles available on the market. In most cases it is the cost of this door lite that will have the greatest impact on the final cost of your new door. The more elaborate the lite is, the more it will cost. Our door suppliers are able to access lites from all the manufacturers, and so if you know what you want we should be able to get it for you. Also, we deal with a specialty glass supplier that can make anything your imagination can come up with and your pocket book can pay for. We recently installed doors in an older home that picture breaching Killer whales, designed by the homeowner.
