Let’s Develop your Eye for Worn Windows

All windows have a life expectancy. Many homeowners are content allowing their windows to be wear well past that date. This can lead to higher energy bills, seasonal hot or cold spots near windows, and a general lack of comfort in your home. To answer, “When is it time to replace your old windows?” ask yourself these questions:

• Do I see cracks in the glass or window frames?
• Does condensation pile up on my windows?
• Do my windows leak when it rains?
• Have I had any difficulty opening or closing these windows?
• Are parts missing from my windows?
• Do I have high heating and cooling costs?
• Is my house going on the market?

If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, you should consider new windows.

What Do Old or Damaged Windows Look Like?

Look at this rotation of stock photos. Each of them shows very common and very late-stage signs of issues with the windows. They show condensation – or fogging – on the glass, broken panes of glass, and peeling paint with wood rot. If you see any of these signs, they indicate issues with the windows that require correction. They all also imply that further damage may have occurred that might need replacing underneath the windows. Call your window professional and have pictures ready to send them for immediate assessment.

“I’ve Looked and I Don’t Have Those Problems. What’s Next?”

If your window problems are not obvious on a quick glance then we have to do a more thorough investigation. You know your home better than anyone else does. Only you can properly answer these questions. Be honest. Do you ever feel a draft in a room? Has it ever felt like no matter how much you heat your house it stays cold? In the summer, does the sunlight cause you to draw your blinds or move from the most comfortable spot on the couch? Have you ever put up reflective foils to block sunlight?

A “YES” to any of these questions tells me that your current windows might not be a great fit for your house or your needs. We have the technology to tailor windows to how you want to enjoy your home. These problems also mean that you are losing a lot of energy.

What Are My Window Needs?

Every salesperson wants to answer this for you. If you ask, “When is it time to replace my old windows?” every salesperson will answer that there is no better time than the present. How can you make sure that they are being honest and respectful? Let us do an assessment without technical babble.

Here is a checklist of questions to answer so that you can personally evaluate your needs:

• Is your house frequently changing temperatures seasonally?
• Do you have lots of shade or trees nearby that blocks direct sunlight from your home?
• Do you want to change the aesthetics of your house?
• Are you planning any other renovations in the near future?
• Are you qualified for the government fund programs? Double-check by clicking here!
• Do you want to change how your windows open?
• Are you looking to soundproof certain windows?

Energy

Generally the more that the sun shines directly on your home the more energy efficient you want your windows to be. That often means that higher-efficiency glass options are required to reflect heat away from your windows. If you have high heating and cooling costs, you want to maximize your temperature retention.

Installation Methods

There are two most common installation methods in the residential business: the renovation installation and the new-construction installation. With the renovation installation, the labour costs are lower – because the installation is easier and faster – but doing other upgrades can be more difficult. In a renovation installation, the window has an additional flange that goes over your existing siding. In a new-construction method, the windows are finished with new wooden trims (or other materials!) If you plan any other renovations to the exterior, we recommend doing the new-construction finish.

Sound-Proofing

If you live near a busy street, next to a skytrain rail, or anywhere that noise is a concern then windows can be upgraded to have sound-resistant glass. Upgrading the glass to sound-resistant laminated glass will reduce the sound more than any other upgrade, but it can be combined with others too. For the most sound dampening that is realistically affordable you can buy triple-glazed windows that qualify for rebates that have this upgraded glass. Hinged windows also reduce sound more than sliders.

How the Windows Move

In terms of functions that are available for windows there are two primary opening mechanisms: hinges and sliders. Hinges have many different configurations while sliders are mostly straight-forward (and less expensive!). I hope to illustrate the different options clearly in this blog soon, but for now I would recommend going into the showroom and playing with the windows. See how they move and operate and consider the different options from the manufacturer.

Convinced? Still Not Sure?

We can help you figure out what windows are the best fit for your goals. Give our team a call or click the button below to reach out.

If you own a home in the Lower Mainland built between 1995 and 2005, you are likely feeling the effects of aging window systems: drafts, fogging glass, and rising BC Hydro bills. You know you need an upgrade, but the “ticket shock” of modern window pricing is real.

At A1 Windows, we understand that for a discerning homeowner, this isn’t just a purchase, it’s a performance investment. You deserve to know exactly how, and when, new windows actually pay for themselves.

The long-term benefits of windows, though, are worth the price. Here is a quick list of what windows do now that will

The Math of Comfort: Energy Savings as an Investment

In British Columbia, windows are often the primary culprit for energy loss. While a 5–15% loss is common in newer builds, homes with aluminum windows from the early 2000s often see 22–30% of their heating and cooling escape directly through the glass.

Investing in high-efficiency vinyl windows transforms your home’s envelope. By meeting the strict U-Factor 1.22 compliance standards required in 2026, you can access significant financial offsets:

• BC Rebate Programs: Access standard rebates of up to $2,000 or income-qualified programs reaching $9,500.
• Reduced Utility Overhead: Immediate reduction in monthly energy bills by stabilizing indoor temperatures year-round.

Acoustic ROI: A quieter home environment by significantly reducing street and transit noise.

Engineered for the Sea-to-Sky: Why Installation is Everything

A window is only as good as its seal. In our climate, moisture is the “silent tax” on your property value. Installing a window without proper rainscreen detailing is like wearing a high-end waterproof jacket but leaving it unzipped in a Vancouver downpour, the material is great, but the system fails.

To ensure your investment lasts for decades, we prioritize Built-Right Performance:

• Rainscreen Assemblies: We follow the British Columbia Housing Best Practices Guide for every installation.
• Triple Barrier Protection: Modern compression seals provide multiple layers of defense against water penetration.

Condensation Combat: Advanced glass and vinyl technologies eliminate the moisture buildup that leads to mold and rot.

Preserving Your Interior Assets

New windows act as an insurance policy for your interior. Standard modern windows now block up to 70% of UV light, and our high-efficiency options can reduce UV transmission to as low as 1%. This prevents irreversible sun bleaching on your hardwood floors and upholstery, extending the life of your furniture by decades.

Maximizing Resale: The Realtor’s Secret Weapon

When it comes time to sell, savvy buyers in the Lower Mainland look for “Single Point Accountability”. They want to know that the windows were manufactured locally and installed to code by a COR-certified team.

Key Takeaway: Real estate data suggests that energy-efficient window replacements offer one of the highest returns on investment, often recouping 70–80% of their cost in home valuation. This is because they signal to buyers that the home is efficient, healthy, and professionally maintained.

The A1 Difference: Complete Accountability

We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics or disappear after the check clears. As a locally owned manufacturer and installer, we manage your project from engineering and permitting to the final walkthrough.

Built Right. Installed Right. Locally Made

Author: Brandon P. – Sales Manager

Credentials: 25+ years working within the window installation sector, leading a team of installers for various residential and large-scale commercial installation projects.

If you’re sitting in your living room in Burnaby or Coquitlam feeling a chill despite the heat being on, you’ve likely realized your windows are the culprit. But as you start researching, the technical jargon starts piling up.

“Frankly, most people don’t choose their glass, their manufacturer does.” At A1 Windows, we want to change that. We believe homeowners shouldn’t have to be glass engineers to have a comfortable home. As a local BC manufacturer, we don’t just “sell” glass; we evaluate your home’s specific exposure, whether you’re facing the North Shore winds or the afternoon sun in Surrey, to recommend the ideal configuration for your lifestyle and budget.

The Origins: Why We’ve Retired Single-Pane Windows

For a multitude of millennia, humanity relied on single-pane windows, a single layer of glass separating us from the elements. We’ve colored it, leaded it for decoration, and used it to invite light into our homes. However, in contemporary building practices, single-pane glass is leaving for good.

Why it’s time to move on: Glass alone is a poor insulator. In our British Columbia climate, single-pane windows are the primary cause of sky-high BC Hydro bills, mould caused by excessive condensation, and frustrating street noise.

Unless you are preserving a designated historic heritage site or a specific stained-glass fixture, single-layer glass no longer meets the BC Energy Step Code. If your home still has them, upgrading isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s a necessary step for the health and safety of your building envelope.

The Advent of Double-Pane: The Versatile BC Standard

Back in the 1950s, during the peak of the energy crises, architects and builders looked for a way to reduce consumption. The innovation wasn’t just the second layer of glass; it was the sealed air in between.

Double-pane windows (or dual-glazing) revolutionized the construction industry by trapping a layer of Argon gas between two panes. This creates a thermal barrier that dramatically slows the transfer of heat.

Why Double-Pane is the “Sweet Spot” for the Lower Mainland:

• Balanced Value: These offer significant energy savings and noise reduction without the higher price tag of triple-pane.
• Customizable Coatings: With two panes, we have four surfaces where we can apply Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coatings. We “tune” your windows to reflect heat back into your house in the winter or keep the sun’s glare out in the summer.
• Muntin Bars & Aesthetics: We can include decorations between the glasses to imitate the classic look of wooden windows without the maintenance headaches.
• Weight & Fit: They fit easily into most existing residential window frames, making them the ideal choice for most Lower Mainland retrofits.

Key Takeaway: For most homes in the coastal region, high-quality double-pane glass offers the best balance of cost-to-comfort ROI.

The Modern Miracle: Triple-Pane Windows

Triple-pane windows are everything double-pane is, and more. By adding a third layer of glass and a second chamber of insulating gas, we reach the pinnacle of window technology.

The “Winter Coat” Analogy: Think of window panes like winter layers. Single pane is a t-shirt; double pane is a high-quality fleece; and triple pane is a technical Gore-Tex parka. You don’t always need the parka for a quick walk in a Vancouver drizzle, but if you’re living in Whistler, Kelowna, or a high-exposure coastal cliff, you’ll be glad you have it.

Is Triple-Pane Worth the Investment?

1. Maximum Rebate Eligibility: Triple-pane systems are almost always required to hit the highest tiers of CleanBC Better Homes rebates.
2. Unmatched Silence: While double-pane is a significant upgrade from single-pane, triple-pane turns “busy street noise” into a distant hum. If you live on a transit route, this is a game-changer.

Future-Proofing: As BC building codes become stricter (moving toward Net-Zero), triple-pane ensures your home remains “Built-Right” for decades to come.

The Verdict: Comparing Your Options in Text

Deciding between these styles depends entirely on your project priorities. Here is how they stack up:

• In Terms of Energy: If your primary goal is the lowest possible heating bill and meeting the highest BC Energy Step Code requirements, Triple-Pane is the only choice.
• In Terms of Sound: If you are dealing with average neighborhood noise, Double-Pane is excellent. However, if loud sounds from highways or sirens are your main frustration, Triple-Pane (or specialty sound-resistant glass) is the better fit.
• In Terms of Value: If you are working with a strict budget but want a massive upgrade over your current drafty windows, Double-Pane provides the best “bang for your buck” in the temperate Lower Mainland.
• In Terms of Location: For Coastal BC (Richmond, Delta, Vancouver), double-pane is usually sufficient. For the BC Interior or Sea-to-Sky, we almost always recommend triple-pane to handle the extreme temperature swings.

Which Glazing Style is Best for Your Project?

The first step is figuring out what you want from your windows. Do you prioritize aesthetics, energy, safety, or sound? Once you have an idea of your order of priorities, our team can guide you through the choices.

Our Promise: We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics or shortcuts. We follow the BC Housing Best Practices Guide for every installation, ensuring that whether you choose two panes or three, your home is protected from water ingress and energy loss.

“If energy is key, you must go for the three. If loud sounds won’t do, then it’s two’s for you, but we’ll help you decide which is true.”

Ready to feel the difference?

Don’t guess when it comes to your home’s comfort. Visit our local showroom to see the cross-sections of our glass for yourself, or book a site assessment with one of our technicians.

Author: Brandon P. – Sales Manager

Credentials: 25+ years working within the window installation sector, leading a team of installers for various residential and large-scale commercial installation projects.

What are Vinyl Windows?

Vocab for today: Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, or uPVC.

I am not going to type that every time, so we are going to use the common name: Vinyl. Vinyl windows are lightweight, and strong. The vinyl material is a durable and inexpensive material that we use to make our windows. Our industry is constantly innovating on the chemistry that makes this product a better fit for every market. These windows are almost always one of the best, if not the best, choices for most residential projects. Read through to know both the ups and downs of vinyl so that, when the time comes, you will make a confident purchase.

Trade-offs with Vinyl

When comparing vinyl frames to other frame materials it is best to compare and contrast the available options. In our market, aluminum is the competitor. In comparison to aluminum, vinyl loses on strength, durability, and flexibility. Aluminum windows can be much larger, have much more zany shapes, and be durable in those strange concoctions of configurations.

Composites are generally a premium product. In comparison, vinyl windows lack the structural abilities and are usually not able to achieve the Passive House Certification that composites can. Instead, vinyl options offer a compromise of affordability, excellent energy efficiency, and configuration for the vast majority of applications.

Vinyl is the all-rounder of the window world. They are the jack of all windows. However, specific cases do stump the abilities of vinyl and push past the limitations. In those cases, specialty or premium products are needed. When it comes down to value, vinyl will win where it can compete.

Where are Vinyl Windows the Best?

Installing Vinyl Windows as Replacements

Most vinyl windows sold in the Lower Mainland are replacing old aluminum or wooden windows. In almost all cases vinyl is a significant improvement for the comfort in your home. Window Rebates are available for when you are considering replacing older windows. The best vinyl windows available can qualify for the Energy-Star “Most Efficient” label. We take homes with old drafty or leaking windows and seal everything up with new vinyl window installations. Your home’s temperature will not depend on the outside weather nearly as much.

Lower Your New Building Costs

The Vancouver region is rife with new, green technologies. There has been a major push to adopt energy efficient vinyl windows as the successor to aluminum products. City codes and Provincial requirements are based off of double- or triple-pane vinyl windows. Wherever possible, using vinyl windows will lower the costs of your project and accelerate your project’s timeline. On time and on budget is how vinyl thrives.

Vinyl Window Shapes, Rakes, and Colours

Can A-1 Make Vinyl Windows In Fun Shapes?

Yes! Vinyl windows can be bent, cut, shaped, squashed, and stretched! Round-top windows and triangle windows are very common here. In the ‘80s & ‘90s everyone went crazy installing arched windows and bayed and bowed windows – even curved windows on circular walls. While some of the sharp angles and tight circles are too much for vinyl to handle, there are lots that vinyl is able to accommodate.  

Are Black Vinyl Windows Available?

Not just black: we can do any colour you want! Our most common colours are White, Black, and Brown. Vinyl windows are coloured in one of two ways: for very common colours some manufacturers will extrude their materials in that colour. For us, we extrude everything in white. Like most offerings on the market, we use the painting method to attach our colouring. Painting windows is not a DIY project. In order for the paint to last we have to use industrial processes to bond the paint to the vinyl. The colour you choose should be the colour for the window’s whole expected life.

4500 Ultra Series Windows

A-1 Windows offers a very versatile vinyl window system. We have a full product line that can accommodate both double- and triple glazed windows in the same frame. Our frames are rated up to Commercial standards and exceed the requirements for the Energy-Star “Most Efficient” label. We offer the competitive pricing for high efficiency vinyl windows. We can even help you qualify for all of the available rebate programs.

Our Windows are Made Specifically for the Vancouver Climate

We have invested a tonne of time and effort into ensuring that our 4500 Ultra series has excellent water-resistance and robust weather sealants. Our Engineers have revised our product to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck. We use premium sealant on our glass and installation to ensure our product lasts longer than we promise.  Our installers work all day to make sure that your windows are properly sealed for the kinds of weather that you expect. Even if the highways wash away, your windows will be in excellent condition.

Soundproofing? Obscure Windows? What is the Limit?

For most people, the limit is your budget. That is why we always want to be assisting you in making the best cost-efficient choices with our products. We can help you choose products specifically suited to your needs. You may have been “up-sold” by other window suppliers, but we don’t do that here. At A-1 Windows we make sure that you get what you want and what you need.

This month, A1 Windows is featured in Canada Window and Door’s print magazine with a manufacturer profile.

We’ve been proudly serving our market for almost thirty years and the publication looks back on the success we’ve had. It talks about our award-winning service, our leading edge vinyl and aluminum windows and our investment in industry and technology.

The team behind fabrication, marketing, selling and installing windows and patio doors is what makes A1 Windows a success and the piece celebrates this.

Read on to get a sneak preview of some upcoming and exciting changes happening here. The full article is below.

A1 Windows exemplifies expertise, innovation, quality and service. Like many start-ups, A1 Windows Manufacturing Ltd began in a small shop. Nearly 30 years ago, former employees of Humphrey Aluminum purchased the substantial assets of the defunct company and in 1992, started producing aluminum windows on Beresford Avenue in Burnaby, British Columbia. It didn’t take long before the owners recognized the success of their new venture. In the first of many milestones, the product line was expanded to vinyl windows. Its impact was significant. “With our award-winning service and focus on the residential replacement market, rapid growth ensued,” says Company President Sarb Kaler.

The year 2005 marked the next milestone, a new manufacturing facility on a three-acre site, strategically located in central Barnaby. Equally as significant as its size was its capability.

“We invested heavily in both industry and technology. With recent upgrades to the CNC system, processing welders and corner cleaners, like new machinery, we established a state-of-the-art company complex to produce innovative products from our own technologies” adds Kaler.

Quality control that meets, or exceeds, industry standards is at the heart of the operation. Testing and certification is done by QAI, a leading independent, third-party inspection organization. Another milestone was the company-designed Ultra series of vinyl windows, a key factor in the company’s growth. Constructed from multi-chambered, impact-resistant and polyvinyl chloride – PVC won’t warp, yellow or fade over time – the Ultra series has been developed to accept “True Canadian” triple-glazing, with a true 1/2” air space/Argon gas, between the panes of glass and overall sealed units up to 1-3/8”

Stylish design features enhance street appeal, and other features, that may not be as visible, also make a difference. The Ultra series is offered in a full line of casements and sliders, in both the new construction nail-on-flange and renovation flange. It includes a unique, integral decorative brickmould; a 4.5 inch depth frame for true rain screen installation; and, more apparent, acoustic glass to help reduce excessive street noise. Among the options with the Ultra series are: horizontal sliding, vertical sliding, awning windows, casements, shaped windows and fixed windows, in a wide range of paintable colours.

The introduction of the thermally broken, aluminum 350 series window/wall system was beyond another milestone. It became the gateway to the commercial market. Designed according to rain screen principles, the 350 series is based on a company technology that has become a standard in waterproofing most types of building envelopes. The system is heavily thermally broken with polyamide struts that are optimally located within the perimeter and sash framework to greatly limit conductive energy transfer and provide superior energy performance. All windows are interior-glazed and face-sealed with Vision Strip. The glazing bead is made of extruded aluminum, for long-term durability, performance and colour matching. The entire system, including seals, barriers, corners and coupled connections, is sealed with durable gaskets and engineered to accommodate structural and wind load, inter-storey drift and seismic activity.

The 350 series is available as casement, awning and fixed windows. Whether vinyl or aluminum, for residential or commercial use, all models are ENERGY-STAR certified® for Zone 3 and are fully NAFS-08 compliant. In fact, they exceed the premium level of energy efficiency. They also provide many attractive advantages… added comfort by reducing drafts; better control of condensation, which can cause premature deterioration; significant cost savings because air leakage is minimized and that improves thermal performance; and better indoor air quality because energy efficient windows can prevent mold growth.

Complementing the Ultra and 350 Series are high quality patio doors, vinyl and aluminum, offering many choices in styles, configurations, panels and multiple grid options.

“What Makes Us Different?” it begins with longevity, serving BC residents since 1992. “We have evolved into a full-service, independent window manufacturer and installer, specializing in residential, commercial and multi-family window replacement. Infact, we’re one of the few local manufacturers providing turnkey window replacement solutions in both vinyl and aluminum,” says Kaler.

The driving force behind this growth, however, is the family, those who fabricate, market, sell and install windows and patio doors. While training focuses on specific skills, what is just as critical is safety. “It’s a priority with everyone, and we are taking measures so that every job, of any size, is handled with care,” says Kaler. “In the case of installation crews, we think of them as consultants, all fully conversant with stringent building code requirements for both the City of Vancouver as well as the entire province.”

“Consider, for example, the BC energy step codes which The Building and Safety Standards Branch defines as the product of a multi-year collaboration among local governments, industry stakeholders, utilities and the provincial government. In the most recent development, the “Clean BC” initiative is to have new homes (single-family, condos, townhouses) be net-zero energyconsuming by 2032.

There is no shortage of challenges, Kaler points out. “We met and survived all of those related to Covid, although we did not anticipate what followed. Shortages, in manpower and now materials through supply chain issues, are what we face today; and an ongoing challenge that has been with us for decades is a changing and highly competitive market.”

The company is presently working in partnership with REHAU, a leading global designer and extruder of PVC window and door systems and one of the first companies to introduce fusion-welded, vinyl profiles in North America. The result will be a further expansion of the A1 Windows manufacturing capability to produce ASPEKT, a casement window with a sophisticated multi-chambered design, elevated by advanced triple-seal technology that outperforms alternative window solutions.

A1 will also strengthen its product portfolio with the GENEO® tilt-turn window and door system composed of high-tech RAU-FIPRO® glass-fibre-reinforced PVC. This system takes tilt-turn technology to its highest level of structural integrity, acoustical insulation and thermal performance and is capable of meeting the stringent requirements of Passive House construction. Soon to be introduced, the new products will be featured in the company showroom and website.

“This is our latest and one of the most meaningful milestones in our history;” says Kaler and, it is how A1 Window Manufacturing exemplifies expertise, innovation, quality and service, having served the market for nearly thirty years.

A1 Windows is a well-established (nearly 30 years) successful window and door manufacturing company based in Burnaby BC, which is growing and looking to expand their sales force. We manufacture both vinyl and aluminium windows and doors. Our projects include residential, commercial and high rises. We are looking for a strong experienced sales professional to help us grow our business.

Minimum requirements:
– 5 years outside sales experience in the window and door industry
– Experience in the construction industry
– Proven business sales success
– Ability to organize and plan time efficiently
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
– A strong drive to succeed, results-oriented, team player and a positive attitude
– Attention to detail is a must
– Personable, presentable professional presence
– Effective selling skills
– Reliable vehicle and an excellent driving record
– Ability to produce results in a competitive industry
– Attain sales objectives on a consistent basis.

Job description: To successfully grow the customer base. Plan and execute sales by advance planning of sales calls. Prioritizing business opportunities. Preparing estimates and presenting proposals to prospective customers.

What we offer: A friendly, supportive environment where you will be a valued team member. We provide
most leads, a lucrative commission and gas allowance. Benefits and pay structure based on experience.

If you have the requirements, experience and drive necessary to be successful, please forward your cover
letter and resume in confidence to sarb@a1windows.ca .

DON’T STAY WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED, GO WHERE YOU’RE CELEBRATED.

Door and Window Magazine speaks with Kaler on the Coronavirus pandemic to gather some ground-level perspective from Canada. Kaler offers his unique perspective from a company that does everything from manufacturing to installations. They also discuss the latest news, including the postponement of import duties and taxes in the U.S. and consolidations at PGT Innovations. Sarb also gives insight into some of the industry’s latest efforts to help frontline workers.

Listen to the podcast episode here.