Frequently asked questions

Our business is built on answering your questions about windows and doors. Here are some of the most common ones we get.

  • What windows require the least amount of maintenance?

    While all window materials are designed to be as low-maintenance as possible, fibreglass composite, all vinyl and architectural aluminum windows require the least maintenance.
  • What are the least expensive windows?

    All-vinyl windows are typically the least expensive.
  • What is considered a good warranty for windows and doors?

    While most warranties offered by our suppliers are exceptional, our typical warranty is transferable between homeowners on the sale of the property and offers varying amounts of coverage on glass, non-glass parts and other materials. Things that can break under regular wear and tear, such as latches, will generally have a shorter warranty than things such as window frames and glass.
  • What are the most thermally efficient windows and doors?

    All of the products we sell have excellent thermal efficiency. The most thermally efficient window or door is one that is installed professionally – that is why Muskoka Window and Door Centre offers professional installation for all products we sell. Windows and doors installed by homeowners or third-party contractors may suffer from mistakes in installation that throw any efficiency benefits quite literally out the window. Windows made with the most energy efficient materials such as a wood frame with fiberglass composite materials make for the most weather-resistant and energy efficient products on the market. See our Andersen A-Series section for more details.
  • What is the extra cost to have triple pane and is it worth the extra cost?

    The typical cost difference between double-pane and triple-pane can be 40-60% more depending on the size of the window. Triple pane does have size limitations and will take approx. 10+ years to recover the extra cost of purchasing. However, it is the one of the most efficient glass package we have available today.
  • How long will my new windows last?

    As long as you follow the care instructions given to you by Muskoka Window and Door Centre and the manufacturer of the window, your windows should last beyond the life of your warranty. This varies from a set number of years to lifetime depending on the manufacturer and materials used in the window construction.
  • Can I repair my existing windows?

    As long as you follow the care instructions given to you by Muskoka Window and Door Centre and the manufacturer of the window, your windows should last beyond the life of your warranty. This varies from a set number of years to lifetime depending on the manufacturer and materials used in the window construction.
  • Can you fix or repair fogged glass?

    We can replace glass on products we have sold. We do not do repairs to units that have lost their seal or replace glass on products that are not ours. Please contact the company who put the windows in for assistance.
  • What are the best windows for me to buy?

    The best windows for your home or cottage depend on your needs and wants and will vary from client to client. Let us know what is important to you and what materials you prefer to see and we will guide you to a product that best suits your needs.
  • Do you have windows in stock?

    We do not carry “stock” product but we do have some product that has been miss ordered or abandoned. We offer these products at a discount so you may find a gem perfect for your project! Most of these items are not standard size.
  • What are the ratings on your windows?

    All of our products are very energy efficient and meet or exceed building regulations as a standard. We have many options to further increase the efficiency of each window or door such as adding extra layers of the heat and cold repelling Low E (up to three layers with an extra layer of I89) or triple pane options that can utilise the same Low E technology. With triple pane and low E we can reach U-Values of 0.90 on certain products.
  • Why should I go for another patio door? They always stick and do not slide over time, plus they never lock properly. Should I go double doors in place of the patio?

    Cheap sliding doors will fail over time. When it comes to windows and doors the concept of “you get what you pay for” is very true. Even the least expensive patio doors we offer will not have these issues and will operate smoothly for decades. Normally you can replace sliding doors with french doors if that system works better for the flow of your home or cottage.
  • Would it be better for you to install my windows or a contractor? If the contractor puts them in will it affect my warranty?

    There are two products that ONLY we can install, those products are Centor and Bigfoot. With respect to our install team, they are the most experienced and qualified group of window and door installers in Muskoka to install our products. Our team will do a better job than a contractor will, as we follow the installation guidelines set out by our manufacturers. That being said, many experienced and reputable contractors are no strangers to window and door installations and we have worked with many of them. Our service department is available for installation questions regarding our products if your contractor has any concerns. No warranties would be affected unless the person installing them damages the product.