Incorrect windows and doors installation can mean an endless series of problems.

Insufficient ventilation, poor insulation, breakage, leaks, and so on.

Ensure that you have the right product and workers who are skilled at windows and doors installation. For example, it’s typical that a homeowner wanting new windows happens to be in discussion with a dealer that only carries vinyl windows and is convinced that is the way to go. Meyer & Zapp will note the wood floors, oak window trim, etc., and will recommend what looks best. As a result, the finished product looks stunning at the best price. We place a lot of focus on design, matching design of house, analyzing your individual needs, and so on. Also, let’s say the family is moving in 5 years, we might suggest something that is lower on the cost scale. We would not recommend investing in something long-term if your requirement is for the short duration.

Window and door installations are among the top three requirements of any renovation project or new construction. A window or door that does not match your home style and satisfy your needs or is installed incorrectly means money down the drain.

Meyer & Zapp Windows and Doors insists on getting the job done right the very first time. Our technicians have over 25 years of industry experience and guarantee problem-free installations.

Request a consultation for your windows and doors replacement in Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and Greater Toronto Area.

Our installation process – and why it’s to your advantage!

Brick to brick or full frame replacement

This highly recommended type of window installation involves:

Removing the entire window including the frame and leaving the original rough opening in which to size the new window.
Accommodating the full depth of the wall, using the required jamb extension to the inside and any necessary brick mould or other exterior molding that is needed, made of the same material as the window frame (i.e. vinyl or aluminum).
Making the space between the rough opening and new window air tight with the application of low expansion foam and trimming the inside with new casing all around.
Applying a new bead of caulking on the exterior, between the window and the house siding, brick or stucco to complete the job.
Applying new interior casing

Advantages

More glass and less frame!
Window is properly sealed between the rough opening and the window.
Exterior has one material
Less caulking makes the exterior look cleaner.
Window size is maximized for better ventilation and easy cleaning.
Opportunity to upgrade size and style of replacement interior trim.
All old materials are removed including any rotting wood sills and frames.
Removal of insects like ants, wasps and termites which are feeding off rotting wood.
Inspection of rough opening for rot or structural issues before the new window is inserted.
Better resale value for the homeowner.

Things to consider

Interior trim is removed requiring the new trim to be finished. We ensure a clean and neat finish.
Total cost is higher than retrofits or inserts but product is longer lasting.
Installation takes longer as there is more work involved. We guarantee completion within the committed timeframe.
Installers must have necessary skills to complete the work. At Meyer & Zapp, our installers are trained to deliver the best window and door installation.
Some damage to walls may occur (although, rare) requiring patching. We take the utmost care to prevent damage and will do the needed repairs in the rare case it does occur.
More dust is created with removal of entire window. Our thorough clean-up after installation ensures that you are not left with a pile of dust.

Retrofit or insert

Although a retrofit installation is cheaper for you and easier for the installer, it has significant drawbacks that you need to be aware of, like:

The existing window frame will be left in place and a new window (including a new frame) will be inserted into the space that the old sash/glass occupied.
The new window is smaller (less glass) because now you have two frames (the old one and the new one).
The exterior is usually capped with aluminum (because it is bendable on site) to create a maintenance free exterior.
The inside is either caulked or a quarter round trim is applied to hide/finish the joint between the new window and the existing frame.

Advantages

Interior trim can stay intact
Less expensive
Quicker installation
Less skills required by trades people
Window treatments like shutters are not affected
Installers use less foam to seal around the gap
Easier to measure
Less waste to dispose of for the installers

Disadvantages

Approximately 20% reduced amount of glass
Window framing appears chunkier
The exterior aluminum work is susceptible to dents, scratches and "oil canning" - has a wavy appearance on large pieces
Space between rough opening cannot be properly sealed behind the existing trim
Air tightness is not maximized as in full frame replacement
Aluminum and vinyl exterior mixture makes it look "cheap"
Greater use of caulking that can look dirty after a while
Rotting sills or frames are not removed, just covered

In some cases, like very old homes with ornate special stain grade trim, retrofits or inserts are the best option. However, for most homes built after 1950 a full replacement is the best way to go.

Meyer & Zapp Windows and Doors uses only qualified tradesmen with years of experience and attention to detail because irrespective of your choice of windows and doors installation, we won’t compromise on the quality of our service.

Our customers appreciate the fact that although there might be an easier way to install their windows and doors, we opt for the right way to do it. Cindy Cherry is happy to refer us and wrote, "Dear Mike, Just a note to say what a great job your window installers, Jason and Scott did in my home. It is such a rarity in this day and age to get such service. I’d be happy to give you a reference if ever you need one."

Don’t settle for less with a windows and doors installer who operates from the back of a truck with a bunch of catalogs. A big store selling everything from cookware to apparel and windows to anything in between will also not offer the range of products, quality of consultation and depth of service you need. Instead, visit our showroom to make your selection for windows and doors in Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. As authorized dealers working with top manufacturers, we assure you of brand name products, perfect installation and top notch customer service.

Download our guide on "How to Buy the Right Windows" to learn which replacement windows are right for you.