- Many of your competitors regularly offer discounts of 30%, 40% or even 50%. Why don't you?
- Some companies claim that they build their own windows and doors, or that the windows and doors are built "especially" for them in accordance to their own specifications. Why doesn't Siderite do the same?
- We see your flyers, but you don't advertise much, and you don't attend home shows, fairs, malls, etc. Why not?
- We notice that you do a lot more than windows and doors. How is it possible to be proficient in all these areas?
- We notice the B.B.B lists Siderite as having just one employee. How is that possible?
- Why do most roof shingles not last as long as advertised?
- Why is there so much ice damming and damage caused to trough systems?
- Can ice damming be eliminated?
- Why should I be concerned about windows and doors?
- What are the benefits of an energy efficient windows and doors?
- What is a high efficiency energy rating?
- What does Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coating mean?
- What is Argon gas?
- What does the R-value mean?
- How much money can I save by installing energy efficient windows?
- How can I find out more about energy efficient windows?
- How much does it cost to replace windows?
- What are the harmful effects of excess moisture or condensation?
- What causes condensation?
- Why does condensation form on the window?
- underside of the exterior paint. The building materials through which the water vapour has passed are porous; paint is not. As a result, moisture gathers underneath the paint, forms blisters, and eventually the paint peels away from the wood
- Damp spots on ceilings or warm-side surfaces of exterior walls
- Moisture on basement walls and floors
- Ice and frost on the underside of roof sheathing boards
- Fungus moulds and mildew growth
- Delamination of plywood materials
Many of your competitors regularly offer discounts of 30%, 40% or even 50%. Why don't you?
Because there are no free lunches! If these offers were true, then would that mean a client who bought from that company in a prior period paid 30%, 40% or 50% too much?? Is that fair and equitable? We think not.
From time to time we are able to pass on seasonal benefits made available by the manufacturer. An example might be free factory paint on a steel door entrance system from Dorplex.
Some companies claim that they build their own windows and doors, or that the windows and doors are built "especially" for them in accordance to their own specifications. Why doesn't Siderite do the same?
Because we do not produce sufficient window and door sales to enter into such an arrangement. Most claims of this type are not completely true. This was vividly demonstrated in January 2012 when scores of customers in South Western Ontario and their deposits when a company mailings such claims abruptly closed their doors.
Window manufacturing is a constantly evolving, highly technical, expensive undertaking, to be successful the manufacturer must produce and sell tens of thousands of units. Siderite installs state of the art, Window Wise approved, products manufactured by acknowledged industry leaders VWD and Northstar. Go to the links provided for technical data. You will be impressed by these world class companies. Buy Canadian, buy quality. Remember – the installation is a critical part of the job – see Window Wise
We see your flyers, but you don't advertise much, and you don't attend home shows, fairs, malls, etc. Why not?
Consumers are bombarded with thousands of advertising messages each every day. Effective advertising requires a well thought out plan applied consistently, which is costly and eventually has to be reflected in the selling and pricing of jobs.
We are a medium sized local company that has a limited geographical range and moderate sales volume expectations. We do not need, or indeed want, mega sales numbers. We want to control sales and installations, so as to be profitable while maintaining high quality installations and customer satisfaction. A large portion of our sales come from our well established customer base and referrals.
We notice that you do a lot more than windows and doors. How is it possible to be proficient in all these areas?
In today's renovation market, contractors must be diversified to thrive. The siding boom has passed, so to the replacement window boom, and to a large extent the same is true of the “insulation” business.
Our installers are talented, well rounded individuals that have many years experience and long time associations with Siderite.
Sort of like “millwrights” that can fix just about anything. Our window installers are Window Wise certified and if you wish, just ask us and we will invite you to visit a job in progress to see firsthand the quality of their work.
We notice the B.B.B lists Siderite as having just one employee. How is that possible?
Actually we have zero employees. All of our team are by legal definition independent agents – both sales and installations. Accounting is handled by a outside C.A firm and the owner does most everything else. All team members are long time associates which surely demonstrates loyalty and consistency.
Why do most roof shingles not last as long as advertised?
Because the vast majority of roofs are not adequately ventilated. It is not good enough just to replace your worn out shingles. You need proper soffit ventilation. You need to be sure the air that is entering through the soffit actually enters into the attic envelope. Finally the air has to exit the attic via adequate roof vents.
Why is there so much ice damming and damage caused to trough systems?
Ice damming is promoted by attics that are too warm in the winter.
Can ice damming be eliminated?
Not entirely, but it can be reduced and the damage that is often created can be reduced significantly if not completely eliminated.
Why should I be concerned about windows and doors?
Windows and doors can be responsible for unnecessary heat loss, high-energy consumption,cold drafts and can be the reason for condensation within homes. Windows and the area around them are the biggest single area of heat loss in the home, next to inadequate insulation in your attic.
What are the benefits of an energy efficient windows and doors?
Energy efficient windows and doors increase the comfort level in your home by reducing cold drafts and making a house feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They help control condensation because the interior surfaces of energy-efficient windows stay warmer, allowing you to raise the level of humidity without worrying about condensation on your windows. They also last longer because condensation can cause premature deterioration of windows, walls and finishes leading to high maintenance and replacement costs. Most importantly, energy efficient windows save lots of money. By minimizing air leakage and improving thermal performance of your window, you could reduce heat loss through windows by up to 50% and reduce energy bills.
What is a high efficiency energy rating?
The Energy Rating (ER) of a window is a number ranging from 0-40, which provides a relative ranking of that window’s energy efficiency. A window with an ER of zero has poor energy-efficiency while a window with an ER of forty has very good energy-efficiency.
Generally speaking, a windows considered to be energy-efficient will have an ER of twenty or greater.
The ER number is calculated using a window’s air leaking, solar heat gain and u-value characteristics.
What does Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coating mean?
Low-E coating is a microscopically thin, metallic film that reflects radiant head back to its source. By using Low-E coating (hard and soft), it makes homes warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer, while reducing heating and air conditioning costs. Low-E coated windows stop approximately 40% of ultraviolet penetration.
What is Argon gas?
Argon gas is typically done in tandem with Low-E coating. Argon is an inert, non flammable, non-toxic gas that constitutes about one per cent of the air we breathe. When the space between the two panes of glass is filled with Argon gas instead of air, the heavier gas acts as a thermal blanket that stops the heat from escaping through the glass. Because it filters out ultraviolet rays, Argon gas can also save your draperies and carpets from fading. Using Argon gas instead of air provides increased insulation by about 30% and decreased heat loss.
What does the R-value mean?
R-value measures the resistance of thermal transfer or heat flow from the window. The higher the R-value the better. A typical R-value for the centre of the glass is 2.2, while the entire window would be 1.9. When Low-E and Argon gas are added, the R-value typically doubles to about 4, reducing heat loss by approximately 50%.
How much money can I save by installing energy efficient windows?
On average it costs Canadian homeowners approximately $1200.00 per year to heat a home. Of that, industry standards indicate that about 25% or $300.00 is due to heat loss through windows, if the windows are standard double paned units. By replacing drafty, old windows with energy efficient windows like Window Wise Approved units, a homeowner can save almost 60% of their energy costs, or $180.00 a year.
How can I find out more about energy efficient windows?
In addition to the information available on this website you can visit www.windowwise.com or call toll-free 1-800-813-9616. You can also visit the Office of Energy Efficiency energy publications department at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or call toll-free 1-800-387-2000.
How much does it cost to replace windows?
The style of window and type of frame material used greatly affect the price. Even when comparing one type eg: vinyl, the quality of the window and the quality of installation methods and workmanship vary widely. The installed price of a 3 foot by 5 foot vinyl window will range from $500.00 to $1000.00 or more.
What are the harmful effects of excess moisture or condensation?
If you have condensation on your windows you have a good reason for worry and good reason to act.
The problem is not the windows themselves, but what excess moisture may be doing elsewhere in your home.
Paint peeling or blistering may result from condensation of moisture within the house. Characteristically, the blisters will contain water and the room penetrates the wall until it reaches the
What causes condensation?
The source of condensation is humidity or invisible water vapour, which is present in all but the driest air. When this water vapour comes in contact with a surface that is below what is called the "dew point temperature" the vapour becomes liquid and is called condensation. This process of changing water vapour to liquid occurs on bathroom mirrors and walls after someone takes a hot shower. It also can occur on windows during the winter if the inside air contains enough water vapour.
This condensation can occur at any normal temperature, provided the moisture concentration (relative humidity) is high enough.
Water on windows is condensation – and can be a problem, and the solution usually doesn’t come from the windows.
Why does condensation form on the window?
The water vapour in the air tries to flow towards drier air and mix with it. This process is termed "vapour pressure". It is not an instantaneous movement, but a definite movement from an area of high vapour pressure to where the air is drier.
In the winter, vapour pressure is very strong in the house because the cold outside air holds very little moisture: This vapour pressure can force moisture easily through most of the materials we use to build our homes: wood, drywall, even cement and brick are susceptible.
Moisture in the bath, kitchen, and laundry areas is absorbed into the warm inside air and then rushes to mix with the drier outside air. The most obvious indication of this is condensation or frost on your windows. The moisture comes in contact with a surface of the window but cannot get through the glass or frame. It, therefore, condenses to form either frost or water, depending on the temperature of the surface.
