Fog trapped between the panes, a cold draft at the front door, ice forming on the frames in January: these are usually the first signs that it’s time to look at window replacement in Brossard. Done right, new windows and doors make your home more comfortable and cut heat loss. Done wrong, they’re an expensive disappointment. Here’s how to get it right.
When should you replace windows and doors?
Old doesn’t automatically mean “replace”. Walk around the house and check every opening.
- Condensation between the panes of a sealed unit (failed seal).
- Rotten, swollen or cracked frames, worn weatherstripping.
- Sashes that stick, broken hardware, bent screens.
- An entry door that rubs, lets light through or lets cold air in.
- Water seeping around the frames after heavy rain.
If the issue is a single sealed unit or weatherstripping, a repair may be enough. A good contractor will tell you.
Picking windows that suit our climate
In Quebec, the ENERGY STAR symbol shows which climate zones a product is certified for. According to Hydro-Québec, the Montreal area is in Zone 2, where a product with an Energy Rating (ER) of at least 29 is recommended. The ER combines heat loss, solar gain and airtightness, so it’s a handy way to compare two quotes.
- Check the ENERGY STAR label and its climate zone.
- Choose the opening style (slider, casement, awning, fixed) room by room.
- Ask for the same efficiency details on entry and patio doors.
- Think maintenance: frame material, exterior colour, glass warranty.
Installation matters as much as the product
A top-rated window that’s poorly installed loses much of its value. Hydro-Québec recommends having windows and patio doors installed by a specialist to prevent air leaks around the frames. Ask how the contractor insulates and seals the gap between frame and wall, and how interior and exterior trim will be finished.
RBQ licence and permits: check before you sign
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) lists replacing doors and windows among jobs you should give to a contractor holding a valid licence. Before signing, look the company up in the RBQ’s licence holders registry: you’ll see the licence number, categories held and bond. Hiring a licensed contractor also gives you access to a financial guarantee if there’s a dispute.
At the municipal level, some changes to openings or the façade may need approval. Read our guide to Brossard renovation permits and check with the City of Brossard before work starts, especially if an opening is being enlarged.
What a quote should include
- The company’s legal name, address and RBQ licence number.
- Each opening listed with size, type, brand and model.
- ENERGY STAR certification and climate zone for each product.
- Installation method, insulation, sealant, trim and finishing.
- Removal and disposal of the old units.
- Manufacturing lead time, scheduled date, payment terms.
- Written warranties: product, glass and labour.
Red flags
- A door-to-door salesperson pushing for a signature the same day.
- A “today only” discount.
- No RBQ licence number, or one you can’t find in the registry.
- A very large deposit before ordering, or cash only.
- A verbal or vague quote on models and installation.
If you sign a contract at home with an itinerant merchant, Quebec law generally gives you 10 days to cancel. The Office de la protection du consommateur explains your rights.
Getting the house ready on install day
- Clear roughly a metre of space in front of each window, inside and out.
- Take down curtains, blinds and anything fragile near the openings.
- Leave room for the truck and a spot for the old units.
- Keep kids and pets away from the work area.
When the crew is done, do a walk-through with the installer. Every window should open, close and lock easily, and all trim should be finished before you make the final payment. Keep your contract, product labels and warranty papers together in one folder; you’ll need them if anything goes wrong down the road or when you sell the house.
Getting quotes in Brossard
Because of manufacturing lead times, plan several weeks ahead and compare at least three detailed quotes. You can send a free request through our quotes page. For more, see our guide to winterizing your home and our tips on home renovation quotes in Brossard.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.