When making their homes more energy-efficient, people often focus on the big-ticket items — insulation, HVAC systems, and solar panels. However, one of the most overlooked (and most important) upgrades is right in plain view: their windows.
The performance of your windows doesn’t just depend on the glass or frame — it depends on how they’re installed. Proper window installation is non-negotiable for homeowners looking to save on energy bills, reduce drafts, and enjoy year-round comfort.
That’s especially true for homes with older or poorly fitted windows in Edmonton. Our city sees extreme seasonal swings — from sub-zero winters to sweltering summers — and if your windows aren’t sealed and installed correctly, your home becomes a sieve for energy loss. That’s more strain on your heating and cooling systems, and more money flying out the (literal) window.
Here’s why proper installation matters, what can go wrong when it’s done poorly, and how to ensure your next window upgrade delivers what it promises.
Poor Installation vs. Poor Window Quality — What’s the Real Culprit?
Let’s clear up a common myth: not all window issues are caused by faulty products.
In fact, improper installation is often the main reason homeowners experience drafts, leaks, or reduced efficiency, even with high-end windows. It doesn’t matter how good the product is — if it’s not installed level, insulated properly, or sealed at the right pressure points, your performance is compromised from day one.
Common signs of poor installation include:
- Cold spots or drafts around the window frame
- Condensation forming between panes or inside the wall cavity
- Water intrusion or visible mould along the sill
- Higher-than-expected heating and cooling bills
- Warping or movement over time due to uneven anchoring
These issues don’t just affect comfort — they impact the long-term health of your home.
How Proper Window Installation Improves Energy Efficiency
1. Reduces Air Infiltration
One of the biggest causes of heat loss (or gain) in a home is air leakage around window openings. A proper installation includes:
- Accurate framing and shim placement
- Low-expanding foam to fill gaps
- Weather-tight exterior caulking
- Interior sealing for air vapour control
This keeps conditioned air in and the elements out.
2. Optimizes Window Performance Ratings
Windows have energy performance ratings like U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and ENERGY STAR® certification. These ratings are only accurate if the window is installed as designed. Sloppy installation can:
- Lower the effective R-value
- Reduce thermal performance
- Shorten the window’s lifespan due to stress on the frame
Proper install = proper results.
3. Prevents Moisture Damage
In a cold-weather city like Edmonton, trapped moisture can lead to rot, mould, and insulation breakdown inside your walls. A high-quality install includes moisture management systems like sill pans and flashing tape — things that don’t come in the window box, but matter just as much.
Comfort Counts, Too
Beyond utility bills and energy scores, comfort is a major reason to invest in professional installation. With correctly installed windows, you’ll enjoy:
- Even room temperatures — no more freezing near the couch in winter or baking near the window in summer
- Quieter interiors — thanks to better acoustic seals that block outside noise
- Improved indoor air quality — no more mildew or condensation build-up that affects air purity
Edmonton homes need this — it’s a necessity. Our city’s winter wind chill can dip below -30 °C, and summer heat waves push above 30°C. Comfort isn’t just a feel-good factor — it’s part of your home’s resilience.
Why DIY or General Contractors Often Miss the Mark
Let’s be blunt: not every contractor who installs windows is a window specialist.
Homeowners are sometimes tempted to hire a general contractor or try DIY installs to save money. But window installation requires:
- Precise measurements and custom adjustments
- Knowledge of local climate and building envelope performance
- Familiarity with best practices for sealing, flashing, and insulating
- Proper use of manufacturer-specific installation techniques (especially for warranty compliance)
Cutting corners here can cost you far more in the long run — in repairs, replacements, or lost efficiency.
At Permanent Window Solutions, we specialize in windows and doors only, with a team trained to deliver industry-best results that align with Alberta building codes and manufacturer specs.
The Role of Window Replacement in Energy Retrofits
Window installation is a critical companion project if you’re considering broader energy upgrades, such as switching to a heat pump or adding new insulation.
Why? Because leaky windows undermine every other energy efficiency investment.
Replacing them with ENERGY STAR® rated models and ensuring a professional install can:
- Reduce your home’s overall energy loss by up to 30%
- Lower demand on HVAC systems, reducing wear and tear
- Improve indoor comfort for other upgrades to perform optimally
- Increase your home’s resale value and curb appeal
If you’re already exploring retrofits, it’s smart to talk to a window specialist early in the planning phase.
What to Expect from a Proper Window Installation
Not sure what a pro install looks like? Here’s what we include at Permanent Window Solutions with every project:
Pre-Install Site Inspection
We assess your home’s structure, measure precisely, and identify any framing or moisture issues that could interfere with performance.
Window Preparation
We remove old units carefully to preserve the integrity of the opening and prep the frame with insulation, flashing, and vapour barriers.
Precision Installation
Your new window is leveled, shimmed, and anchored correctly. We seal interior and exterior edges with appropriate materials for Edmonton’s climate.
Final Walkthrough and Testing
We verify the seal, check for airflow and water resistance, and walk you through the operation and maintenance of your new windows.
Edmonton Homeowners: It’s Time to Get It Done Right
If you live in Edmonton or the surrounding areas, you already know our weather is anything but mild. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to window specialists instead of general contractors for replacement and installation.
Whether upgrading for comfort, efficiency, or resale value, Permanent Window Solutions is your local window expert that Edmonton homeowners can trust.
We don’t just sell windows — we install peace of mind.
With over 27,000 windows installed, Permanent Window Solutions is Alberta’s source for the market’s most durable, energy-efficient windows. Permanent Window Solutions is proud to provide the highest quality tilt and turn windows, offering various easy-to-maintain styles. Whether you’re looking for a bay window or need a large contract, call us for all your commercial and residential window needs.
We exclusively supply European Rehau across Edmonton, Calgary, and beyond, and also offer over 100 styles of commercial/CW grade, ENERGY STAR-certified doors. Permanent Window Solutions is proud to serve Alberta the best: contact us in Edmonton at (780)292-2848 or Calgary at (403)554-2610, or email info@permasol.ca
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