Product Frequently Asked Questions

A true replacement window is a window that is custom-built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It's built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window. Since custom windows are made to fit precisely, they provide the best energy efficiency. Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—such additional labor and disruption—outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock window may requires the addition of brick or siding, or require a fair amount of caulk to create a fit. Custom-made replacement windows allow you the comfort of improving your energy efficiency and the value of your home with windows made exactly for your home.

You should select a window company that manufactures their own energy-efficient products, has a proven reputation for quality products and customer service, and provides a comprehensive warranty on every product they sell – including installation and labor. It also makes sense to work with a company that manufactures their products locally, saving a significant amount on shipping charges. You will avoid the run-around between the contractor, distributor and manufacturer when you buy windows from Thompson Creek because we control the entire process from beginning to end, and are 100% accountable for providing a top quality product with outstanding customer service. Additionally, we participate in the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification and labeling process and the ENERGY STAR^® program.

Low-e means low-emissivity glass, which is a very thin coat of material on the glass to make it more efficient. This is important during very hot and cold seasons. Low-e coatings help reflect heat away from the surface, keeping heat out in the summer and inside in the winter. Low-e glass is the most cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of your windows. It can also help reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering your home, reducing discoloration or fading to your furniture and carpet.

Yes, our replacement windows reduce noise from the outside, help reduce unwanted heat in the summer, and in general help keep your home comfortable – and energy affordable – all year long.

Unfortunately there is no rate card or formula. The best thing to do is make an appointment to have a professional consultation in order to learn about all the options available. You will then receive a written proposal that details exactly what you would get, the finished price, and any available financing options.

In most cases, our factory-trained crews can replace every window in a typical home in one day. Since each window is custom sized to fit your current opening, there is no need for "wall surgery," so you'll avoid the mess and inconvenience of a lengthy installation process. When replacing siding, the average job for a typical ranch home, including window and door trim, and soffit/fascia can be completed within two days. Whenever possible, we remove all existing siding to start with a smooth, flat surface.

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) sets all performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the window industry. When a product passes AAMA tests, it guarantees reliable performance if properly installed. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization created by the Department of Energy and the window and door industry. The NFRC provides consistent ratings on windows and doors relating to the energy performance of that product. The NFRC label on a window or door informs consumers about a product's U-factor, which takes into account a product's ability to block warming caused by sunlight, light transmittance and air leakage through cracks in the product's assembly.

ENERGY STAR^® is an independent U.S. government program establishing a set of guidelines to recognize the energy efficiency of various products. ENERGY STAR guidelines are used for a variety of building materials including windows and doors. Over the past 10 years, ENERGY STAR guidelines have helped double the efficiency of the windows they endorse.

The easiest way to compare energy performance in different windows and doors is to read the NFRC label. The label contains valuable efficiency information about the product including the U-factor, solar heat gain and visible light transmittance values. When our representative visits your house, they will explain all of these metrics to you and what they mean for your particular application.

If you have single-pane windows, upgrading to Thompson Creek's energy-efficient double- or triple-pane windows with low-e coating will result in savings on your energy bills of up to 30%. Our double-pane windows are 78.57% more efficient than a single pane wood window. Values are based on U-Factor comparison for clear glass non-metal frame window default values from the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

As the manufacturer, we warranty every product we sell and install.

Click here to request an in-home estimate. There is no cost and no obligation to buy. We will send out a well-trained, well-informed and courteous representative who will answer your questions, make recommendations, and show you working samples of our products for you to examine. We will provide a detailed, written proposal, which is good for one year.

The amount of energy you can save depends on various factors, such as how many windows you currently have, the windows' age and condition, as well as how you use other items in your home that require and impact energy levels. We can greatly increase the energy efficiency of your current windows, which usually translates up to a 30% reduction in fuel consumption.

Almost without exception, new windows, siding, doors and gutters will add significant value to your property. This happens in two ways. First, when it's time to sell your home, the new buyer will negotiate your asking price downward when they factor in the cost of windows, siding or gutters that will need to be repaired or replaced. Second, studies show that the two most important items on a new homebuyer's list are energy efficiency and less exterior maintenance. According to the 2009-2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, a homeowner can recoup 88.2% of the cost of a typical window replacement project.

If your entry or sliding door is made from wood, both the door and the door frame require regular maintenance including fresh paint every three to five years. Wood doors expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, resulting in gaps and drafts and leading to higher energy costs. When you install a fiberglass, steel or vinyl door, you eliminate these issues as these materials require no maintenance. Your door and frame won't warp, and will demonstrate little to no expansion or contraction – making the door more energy-efficient.

No matter what the material, builder-grade doors tend to be much more susceptible to the elements. Over time, you'll see the effects of UV rays, as well as fading, cracking and erosion. Lower-quality doors are also less energy-efficient than higher-quality doors made of fiberglass, steel or vinyl.

A typical entry, storm or sliding door installation can be completed in just a few hours.

All Thompson Creek doors – entry, sliding, patio and French doors – are the strongest and most energy-efficient doors in the industry. Available in fiberglass, steel or vinyl, they are custom built to your exact specifications. It is also important to know that we replace your entire entryway – the door frame and threshold, wood framing and casing. Our doors are backed by our transferable double lifetime guarantee. If you, or the next owner of your home, experience any issues at all with your doors, we fix or replace it at no charge.

Wood or cement fiber board require regular maintenance, including fresh paint every three to five years. In addition to being expensive, cement fiber board is very difficult to install properly. Wood or cement fiber board are both very susceptible to moisture if not painted or sealed on a regular basis. By installing Thompson Creek vinyl siding, it's an investment that not only improves your home's curb appeal, it will add to your home's value.

Not all vinyl siding is created equal. Builder-grade vinyl siding is susceptible to fading from UV rays. Because it's thin, it has a tendency to cup and warp, as well as reveal seams. Higher-quality vinyl siding like ours will not fade. It is made of thicker vinyl, therefore will not warp or show seams. Our vinyl is 300% more impact-resistant than ordinary siding. And our vinyl siding looks more like real wood than inferior products on the market. And like all of our products, our vinyl siding comes with a transferable double lifetime guarantee, so you never have to worry about painting, maintaining or replacing your siding for as long as your house is standing.

Proper installation of vinyl siding is as critical as the product itself. The quality of the labor, workmanship and materials ensures your new siding looks great and lasts a lifetime. Quality companies like Thompson Creek know the best combination of materials and installation processes to ensure the quality of the finished project. Materials like moisture barriers, quality insulation and non-flammable materials all contribute to a quality finished project. When Thompson Creek replaces your siding, we first remove all the old siding, inspect your underlayment and wrap the home with a moisture barrier. Then we install the vinyl siding with attached non-flammable foam insulation, whereas most insulation products are flammable.

A typical siding replacement takes about two to three days to complete.

The Thompson Creek gutter system completely encloses and protects your gutters. Whereas traditional gutters allow leaves and debris to enter and clog gutters and screens, our gutter system allows water to flow over and around the nose of the gutter system. Our gutters offer protection against the elements with our exclusive high-back system with eight flow reducers, preventing unwanted overflow and completely protecting the fascia.

The system works on the physical principle of water tension. If you hold the lip of a drinking glass under a running tap, the water will follow the contours of the glass, even changing the direction of the flow. Water curves around the hood of the gutter system and flows into the gutter portion, while leaves and debris flow over and off, never clogging the system.

We remove your old gutters and downspouts and custom-make a premium aluminum seamless gutter on-site at your home. We attach our gutter brackets every 24" to either the rafter tails or fascia boards of your home, ensuring your system withstands heavy ice and snow. The gutter hoods are anchored to the gutter brackets every 24", making it impossible for the hood to separate from the system. All of the elbows curve, allowing water to flow freely and not collect and angle points.

The Thompson Creek gutter system is fully guaranteed to never clog or pull away from your home for as long as you own it.