Got a big window replacement quote? Get a second opinion before you sign.

Yes, a second opinion is worth getting before you sign a whole-house window replacement quote. Window Restoration Experts (WRE) gives them across the Greater Toronto Area. We look at each window and tell you honestly which ones need replacing, which can be restored, and which are fine as they are.

Plenty of windows get quoted for replacement when the real problem is a failed glass seal, worn hardware or a tired perimeter seal, and the frame is still sound. Some windows really do need replacing. The point of a second opinion is to find out which is which, window by window, before you commit to a number.

What we do in a second opinion

We start with an assessment, not a sales pitch. Our approach is called the Dual Pathway™: restore, replace, or a mix of both, whichever fits each window.

For every window, we check seven things:

  1. The glass (is the sealed unit fogged, cracked or failing?)
  2. The frame (wood, vinyl or metal: solid, rotted, warped?)
  3. The hardware (cranks, hinges, locks, handles)
  4. The weather seals
  5. The exterior perimeter seal
  6. The interior perimeter seal
  7. The installation itself

You then get our recommendation for each window: restore, replace or both. If the answer is "replace them all," we'll say so. We also replace windows (see our full window replacement page).

The diagnostic assessment is paid, and the fee is credited toward any work you approve.

Our 25-year standard

We only recommend restoring a window if we believe it can perform for 25 years or more. That is our standard for a long-term fix. It is not a warranty, and we don't present it as one. If a window can't meet that standard, we'll tell you it should be replaced.

What we can and can't restore

Often restorable (when the frame is sound):

Usually a replacement conversation:

  • Frames that are badly rotted, warped or structurally compromised
  • Windows with water damage that has spread past the window itself
  • Frames that can't hold a seal or operate properly even after repair

A checklist for comparing replacement quotes

Whether you show us your quote or not, these questions help you compare any quote you're holding:

  • Is it itemized by window? A single lump-sum figure makes it hard to see what you're paying for.
  • Why is each window being replaced? Ask for the reason for each one: failed glass, rotted frame, broken hardware, or just age.
  • What type of replacement is it? A retrofit (new window into the existing frame) and a full-frame, brick-to-brick replacement are different jobs with different results.
  • What's in the glass? Ask about Low-E coating, gas fill and spacer type.
  • What's included? Removal and disposal, interior trim and finishing, exterior sealing, and any permits.
  • What if there's hidden damage? Ask how rot or water damage found during the job is handled and priced.
  • What's the warranty, in writing? Ask who stands behind the glass, the frame and the installation, and for how long.
  • Who does the work? Their own crew or subcontractors?
  • Are they insured and covered by WSIB? Ask for proof.
  • Was the house assessed before the quote? A quote written without looking at each window is a guess.
  • Did anyone mention restoring anything? If every window is "replace," ask why.

What you get with WRE

  • Restore first, replace when it's right. We don't make more by pushing one answer over the other.
  • A diagnose-first approach using the seven-point check above.
  • Low-E glass as standard at no extra cost, with argon fill and desiccant spacers, from an IGMAC-certified fabricator.
  • A 10-year warranty on sealed-unit seal failure, including the labour to redo the glass, plus a 1-year workmanship warranty. Both transfer to a new owner.
  • A family-run company, fully insured, with WSIB in good standing and a certificate of insurance available on request.

Where we work

We serve Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Thornhill, King City, Oakville, Milton and Burlington. See our service areas.

Next step

Book an assessment at program.windowexperts.biz/bookacall or call (437) 320-4667. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed Sunday. Email: info@windowexperts.biz.

Have a quote in hand? Bring it. You don't have to use it, and we won't pressure you either way.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need new windows if I got a big replacement quote? Not necessarily. Many windows quoted for replacement have a sound frame and a failed sealed unit, worn hardware or tired seals. An assessment shows which windows need replacing and which can be restored.

Can you give a second opinion if I already have a quote from another company? Yes. Bring the quote and we'll go through it with you window by window. You're under no obligation to hire us.

Will you tell me if I really do need to replace my windows? Yes. If a window's frame is rotted, warped or failing, we'll tell you it should be replaced. WRE also does full window replacement.

What does a second opinion involve? We assess every window against a seven-point check: glass, frame, hardware, weather seals, exterior seal, interior seal and installation. You then get our recommendation for each window: restore, replace or both.

What is the 25-year standard? We only recommend restoration if we believe the work can perform for 25 years or more. It's our standard for recommending a repair. It is not a warranty.

What warranty do you give on glass replacement? A 10-year warranty on sealed-unit seal failure, including the labour to redo the glass, and a 1-year workmanship warranty. Both transfer to a new owner.

Is the assessment free? No. The diagnostic assessment is paid, and the fee is credited toward any work you approve.

Which areas do you cover? We serve Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Thornhill, King City, Oakville, Milton and Burlington.

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