Your Questions About
Replacement Windows & Doors

Replacement window costs in Calgary typically range from $800 to $2,500 per window installed, depending on the window type, size, material, and glass package. Premium aluminum-clad wood windows with triple-pane Low-E glass are at the higher end, while standard PVC casement windows with dual-pane Low-E are more affordable. At Cossins, we manufacture all our windows locally in Calgary, which eliminates shipping markups from Ontario or overseas manufacturers. A typical full-home replacement of 15–20 windows ranges from $15,000 to $45,000. We provide detailed, transparent quotes during your private consultation — no pressure, no hidden fees.

There are several clear signs that your Calgary home needs replacement windows: persistent drafts even when windows are closed, condensation or fog between glass panes (indicating seal failure), difficulty opening or closing windows, visible rot or deterioration on wood frames, noticeably higher energy bills during Alberta winters, excessive outside noise penetration, and single-pane glass that no longer meets modern insulation standards. If your windows are more than 20–25 years old, they likely lack modern Low-E coatings and argon gas fills that dramatically improve energy efficiency in our -30°C Calgary winters.

It depends on the condition of the wood frame and the window construction. A sound frame may allow repair or sealed-unit replacement; signs of rot or water entry need an assessment. Read our guide to wooden exterior windows for the repair-or-replace checks and aluminum-clad wood options. Read the wooden exterior windows guide.

Cossins manufactures and installs a complete range of replacement window styles: casement (crank-out), awning, single-hung, slider, picture/fixed, bay and bow configurations, and custom geometric shapes including circles, trapezoids, and arches. We offer two premium material lines — aluminum-clad wood (hemlock interior with extruded aluminum exterior in 6 standard colours) and fusion-welded PVC (maintenance-free with multi-chamber construction). All windows are available with dual or triple-pane Low-E glass with argon gas fill.

The timeline has two phases. First, after your consultation and order, manufacturing takes approximately 6–8 weeks since we build every window to your exact specifications in our Calgary facility. Second, the actual on-site installation typically takes 1–3 days for a full home, depending on the number of windows and any complications like frame damage or structural modifications. Our in-house installation teams work efficiently to minimize disruption to your home. We never leave openings exposed overnight — every window is fully sealed and operational before our team leaves for the day.

Full-frame replacement removes the entire window including the frame down to the rough opening, allowing inspection of the surrounding structure and insulation. This is ideal when existing frames show damage, rot, or when you want to change the window size. Retrofit (or insert) replacement installs a new window unit inside the existing frame, which is faster and less invasive but only works when the existing frame is structurally sound. At Cossins, we assess each opening individually during our consultation and recommend the approach that delivers the best long-term performance for your specific situation.

Yes. According to Canadian real estate studies, quality window replacement typically returns 75–85% of the investment at resale, making it one of the highest-ROI home improvements. Beyond the direct financial return, new windows improve curb appeal, reduce energy costs by 15–30%, eliminate maintenance on deteriorating frames, and enhance comfort — all factors that make your home more attractive to buyers. In Calgary's competitive real estate market, premium windows from a reputable local manufacturer like Cossins are a recognized quality indicator.

For Calgary's climate — where winter temperatures regularly reach -25°C to -35°C — we strongly recommend triple-pane glass with Low-E coatings and argon gas fill. Triple-pane provides approximately 30–50% better insulation than double-pane, significantly reduces condensation on interior glass surfaces during cold snaps, and offers superior sound reduction. The typical 15–20% cost premium over double-pane pays for itself through energy savings within 7–10 years. Double-pane with Low-E remains a solid choice for budget-conscious projects or south-facing windows that receive significant solar heat gain. During your consultation, we'll recommend the optimal glass package for each window based on its orientation and exposure.

Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has a microscopically thin metallic coating that reflects infrared heat radiation while allowing visible light to pass through. In Alberta's climate, this serves two purposes: during winter, it reflects your interior heat back inside (reducing heat loss by up to 50% compared to uncoated glass), and during summer, it blocks solar heat gain to keep your home cooler. All Cossins windows include Low-E coatings as standard — we use high-performance Low-E 366 glass that blocks up to 95% of UV rays, protecting your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading while maintaining crystal-clear views of the Rockies.

Argon is an inert, non-toxic gas that is denser than air. When sealed between glass panes, it reduces heat transfer (conduction and convection) by approximately 30% compared to air-filled units. Argon gas fill is standard in all Cossins sealed units. For our triple-pane configurations, argon fills both cavities between the three glass panes, creating two separate insulating barriers. Over time, some argon may slowly dissipate through the seals (approximately 1% per year), but the window remains significantly more efficient than air-filled units for decades. Our sealed units are backed by a comprehensive warranty against seal failure.

Calgary homeowners typically see a 15–30% reduction in heating costs after replacing old single-pane or failed double-pane windows with modern triple-pane Low-E units. For an average Calgary home spending $2,500–$4,000 annually on natural gas heating, this translates to $400–$1,200 in annual savings. The exact savings depend on your home's size, the condition of your existing windows, your heating system efficiency, and the number of windows replaced. Beyond direct energy savings, new windows eliminate drafts that force your furnace to cycle more frequently, reducing wear on your HVAC system and extending its lifespan.

Under current Alberta regulations, if you are replacing existing windows in an existing home, you are not required to meet the current energy efficiency standards that apply to new construction. However, we strongly recommend exceeding minimum code requirements regardless — the performance difference between a code-minimum window and a premium unit is substantial in Calgary's climate, and the incremental cost is modest relative to the total project investment. For new construction, Alberta adopted Tier 1 energy efficiency standards as of May 2024, which require specific U-value ratings for windows and doors. All Cossins products meet or exceed these requirements.

U-value measures how much heat passes through a window — lower numbers mean better insulation. For Calgary's climate (Zone 7A), we recommend windows with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or lower for double-pane, and 1.0 W/m²K or lower for triple-pane. For reference, a single-pane window has a U-value around 5.0, and a standard double-pane around 2.7. Our premium triple-pane aluminum-clad wood windows achieve U-values as low as 0.8 W/m²K — among the best available in Canada. During your consultation, we'll explain how U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Energy Rating (ER) work together to determine real-world performance in your home.

Aluminum-clad wood windows feature a solid hemlock wood interior (warm, paintable, stainable) protected by an extruded aluminum exterior cladding that withstands Calgary's UV exposure, chinooks, hail, and temperature extremes without maintenance. They offer the beauty of natural wood inside with virtually maintenance-free performance outside. PVC (vinyl) windows use multi-chamber fusion-welded frames that are entirely maintenance-free, excellent insulators, and typically more affordable. Both are manufactured by Cossins in Calgary. The choice often comes down to interior aesthetics — if you want the warmth of natural wood visible inside your home, aluminum-clad wood is the premium choice. If you prefer a clean, painted look with zero maintenance, PVC is excellent.

Yes — modern fusion-welded PVC windows are an excellent choice for Calgary. Unlike older vinyl windows that could become brittle in extreme cold, today's premium PVC formulations are engineered for Canadian climates with UV stabilizers and impact modifiers. Cossins PVC windows use multi-chamber frame construction (not hollow) for superior insulation and structural rigidity. The fusion-welded corners create a seamless, watertight bond that outperforms mechanically-joined frames. Our PVC windows carry the same warranty and performance standards as our aluminum-clad wood line — the difference is primarily aesthetic, not performance.

Cossins offers 6 standard exterior colours for our aluminum-clad wood windows, ranging from classic white and sandstone to contemporary dark bronze, black, and charcoal. Our PVC windows are available in white, tan, and select dark colours with co-extruded colour technology that won't peel, fade, or require repainting. For aluminum-clad wood interiors, the natural hemlock can be stained or painted to match any interior décor. We bring colour samples to your consultation so you can see how they look against your home's exterior materials.

Fibreglass entry doors combine the best qualities of steel and wood without their drawbacks. Unlike steel, fibreglass won't dent, rust, or conduct cold (eliminating the frost line that forms on steel doors in Calgary winters). Unlike wood, fibreglass won't warp, crack, rot, or require regular refinishing in our harsh climate. Modern fibreglass doors feature realistic wood-grain textures that are virtually indistinguishable from real wood, accept stain beautifully, and maintain their appearance for decades. They also offer superior insulation values (R-15 to R-17) compared to steel (R-6 to R-8). At Cossins, our fibreglass entry doors are available with optional multi-point locking hardware and compression weatherstripping for maximum security and weather resistance.

We offer two premium sliding patio door lines: PVC sliding patio doors (maintenance-free, excellent insulation, smooth operation) and metal-clad wood sliding patio doors (hemlock interior with aluminum exterior, available in standard colours). Both feature dual or triple-pane Low-E glass with argon and heavy-duty tandem rollers for effortless operation even in large configurations. Optional multi-point locking hardware is available for added security and weather sealing. Our patio doors are manufactured to your exact dimensions — no standard sizes forced to fit.

All Cossins windows feature Truth Encore hardware — the industry standard for smooth operation and long-term durability. Our casement and awning windows use folding crank handles that sit flush when closed, and our sliders feature cam locks to promote a better seal, and brass rollers for smooth operation. For entry doors, optional multi-point locking systems engage at three or more points along the door frame (top, middle, bottom), providing significantly greater security than a standard single-point deadbolt.

No — you will not get an independent contractor who installs for Cossins one week, and a different window company the next. Our installers are trained in our facility, understand our products intimately, and take personal pride in their work. This means consistent quality, accountability, and a single point of contact from consultation through completion. When you call Cossins with a question after installation, you're speaking with the same company that built your windows, sold them to you, and installed them. One team, one standard, one warranty.

Our process follows four steps: (1) Private Consultation — we visit your home, assess your existing windows/doors, discuss your priorities, take precise measurements, and provide a detailed quote with no pressure. (2) Manufacturing — once you approve the order, we build your windows to exact specifications (6–8 weeks). (3) Installation — our in-house installers arrive on the scheduled date, protect your home's interior, remove old windows, install new units with proper sealants and insulation, and clean up completely.

No. Our installers work one window at a time, completing each opening fully before moving to the next. A typical window swap takes 45–90 minutes from removal to fully sealed and operational. We never leave openings exposed overnight or during breaks. In Calgary's unpredictable weather — where a chinook can shift temperatures 20°C in hours — this methodical approach protects your home, your furnishings, and your comfort throughout the entire installation process.

We ask that you clear a 3-foot workspace around each window being replaced — move furniture, remove curtains/blinds, and take down any wall decorations near the windows. Our installers will lay protective drop cloths over flooring and furniture that cannot be moved. Please ensure clear access to all windows from both inside and outside (trim hedges if they're tight against the house). If you have pets, we recommend confining them to a room where work isn't being done. We'll provide a detailed preparation checklist when we confirm your installation date.

Yes — we install windows year-round in Calgary. Our installers are experienced with cold-weather installation techniques and use appropriate sealants and expanding foams rated for low temperatures. The key is our one-at-a-time approach: each opening is exposed for less than 90 minutes, and your home's temperature drops minimally during that brief period. We do avoid installation during extreme cold snaps (below -25°C) or active snowstorms, as these conditions can affect sealant adhesion and make working conditions unsafe. We'll work with you to schedule around severe weather.

Cossins handles complete removal and disposal of your old windows and doors as part of our installation service. We carefully remove old units to minimize dust and debris, bag all materials on-site, and haul everything away at the end of each day. We recycle glass and aluminum components where possible through Calgary's recycling facilities. There's no need for you to arrange a bin or make trips to the landfill — it's all included in your project cost.

A premium fibreglass entry door installed by Cossins typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,000+, depending on the door style, sidelites, transom, glass inserts, hardware selection, and any custom sizing. Metal-clad wood entry doors are in a similar range. This includes the door slab, frame, hardware, weatherstripping, installation, and disposal of your old door. Custom configurations with double doors, arched transoms, or specialty glass can exceed $12,000. We provide exact pricing during your private consultation after assessing your specific opening and discussing your design preferences.

Common signs include: visible daylight around the door edges (indicating failed weatherstripping or warping), difficulty locking or latching (frame shifting), cold drafts at the threshold, peeling or bubbling finish, rust spots on steel doors, wood rot on the frame or sill, condensation or frost on the interior surface during winter, and a door that sticks or won't close properly after Calgary's freeze-thaw cycles. If your entry door is more than 20 years old, modern replacements offer dramatically better insulation, security, and weather resistance.

A standard entry door replacement takes approximately half a day (4–5 hours) for our installation team. This includes removing the old door and frame, preparing the rough opening, installing the new pre-hung door unit, shimming and levelling, insulating, installing interior and exterior trim, and adjusting hardware. More complex installations — double doors, doors with sidelites, or situations requiring structural modifications to the opening — may take a full day. Your home is never left without a secure, locked door at any point during the process.

Multi-point locking systems engage the door at three or more points along the frame — typically at the handle height, near the top, and near the bottom. When you lift the handle or turn the key, all points lock simultaneously. This provides significantly greater security than a standard single deadbolt (which only secures one point), better compression of weatherstripping along the entire door edge (improving air sealing and weather resistance), and reduced warping over time because the door is held firmly at multiple heights. Multi-point locking hardware is available as an upgrade on all Cossins entry doors.

In some cases, yes — if your existing frame is structurally sound, level, square, and in good condition, we can install a new door slab into the existing frame. However, in Calgary's climate, door frames often show wear after 15–20 years (rot at the sill, shifting from frost heave, deteriorated weatherstripping channels). In most cases, we recommend a complete pre-hung replacement (door + frame as a unit) for the best long-term performance, proper weathersealing, and warranty coverage. We'll assess your specific situation during the consultation and recommend the most appropriate approach.

Calgary's chinook winds create extreme temperature swings — sometimes 20–30°C in a single day. This rapid thermal cycling causes materials to expand and contract repeatedly, which can stress seals, cause condensation, and accelerate wear on inferior products. Cossins windows are specifically engineered for this challenge: our sealed units use flexible warm-edge spacer bars (not rigid aluminum) that flex with temperature changes without breaking the seal, our aluminum cladding is designed with thermal breaks to prevent condensation, and our frames accommodate expansion/contraction without warping. After 40+ years manufacturing in Calgary, we understand chinook stress better than any out-of-province manufacturer.

Interior condensation occurs when warm, moist indoor air contacts a cold glass surface and the moisture condenses — similar to a cold glass of water on a summer day. In Calgary's dry winters, this typically indicates either excessive indoor humidity (from cooking, showering, humidifiers, or new construction moisture) or windows that aren't insulating well enough (the interior glass surface is too cold). Modern triple-pane Low-E windows with argon keep the interior glass surface significantly warmer, dramatically reducing condensation. If you're seeing condensation between the panes (inside the sealed unit), that indicates seal failure and the unit needs replacement.

Significantly. Triple-pane windows reduce exterior noise by approximately 35–40 decibels compared to single-pane, and 8–12 decibels more than standard double-pane. For Calgary homes near major roads (Crowchild Trail, Deerfoot, Macleod), near the airport flight path, or in neighbourhoods with ongoing construction, the difference is immediately noticeable. The combination of three glass panes, two argon-filled cavities, and tight weatherstripping creates multiple barriers to sound transmission. For maximum noise reduction, we can specify laminated glass on one or more panes, which adds a sound-dampening interlayer.

Calgary is in one of Canada's most active hailstorm corridors. Our aluminum-clad exterior withstands hail impact far better than exposed wood or vinyl — the extruded aluminum cladding is impact-resistant and won't crack, chip, or dent from typical hailstones. The tempered and laminated glass options we offer provide additional impact resistance for exposed windows. After major hail events, we see many homeowners with damaged vinyl or wood windows calling for replacements — our aluminum-clad customers rarely need service. If damage does occur, our local manufacturing means faster repair or replacement

A thin frost line at the very bottom edge of the glass during extreme cold (-25°C and below) can be normal, even on newer windows — it occurs where the glass meets the spacer bar at its coldest point. However, significant ice buildup, ice on the frame, or ice covering large portions of the glass indicates a problem: either the window isn't insulating properly (failed seal, inadequate glass package), there's an air leak around the frame, or indoor humidity is excessively high.

Cossins provides product-specific warranty coverage: 20 years for qualifying insulating sealed glass, PVC profiles and metal cladding; 10 years for operating hardware; and five years for installation labour. Door handle sets have five-year coverage, and exterior door-slab terms vary by product. Coverage is subject to the applicable written warranty and its conditions and exclusions. Normal gradual fading of metal cladding is not covered. See our Warranty & After-Sale Service page for the full breakdown.

Compare the coverage for sealed glass, frames, hardware and installation labour separately. Check when each term begins, which defects are covered, the maintenance conditions and exclusions, and what documentation is needed if the home changes ownership. A longer component warranty does not automatically extend labour coverage. Cossins installation labour is covered for five years; after that period, the homeowner is responsible for labour associated with repairs or replacement. Keep your original receipt and written warranty documents.

Generally, no. We honor warranty-related work on our own windows when they are installed by a third party, but we do not service other brands.

Our windows are designed for minimal maintenance, but a few annual tasks will maximize their lifespan: (1) Clean the glass and frames with mild soap and water — avoid abrasive cleaners or pressure washers on seals. (2) Inspect weatherstripping and clean the tracks/channels of any debris. (3) For aluminum-clad exteriors, simply rinse with water — the finish is designed to be maintenance-free. (4) For wood interiors, inspect the finish annually and touch up any worn areas to prevent moisture penetration. (5) Ensure weep holes (small drainage slots at the bottom of the frame) are clear of debris.

Three fundamental differences: (1) Local Manufacturing — we build every window in our Calgary facility to your exact specifications. National chains ship from Ontario or overseas, adding weeks to your timeline and making warranty service a logistical challenge. (2) In-House Installation Teams — our installation teams work for Cossins full-time. They're trained on our products, accountable to our standards, and invested in our reputation. Big-box stores and national chains use subcontractors who may install a different brand every week. (3) Three Generations of Accountability — we've been in Calgary since 1978. We're not a franchise that might close, a startup that might fold, or a national chain that might exit the Alberta market. When you need service in 10 years, we'll be here.

Cossins is one of the few remaining companies in Calgary that actually manufactures windows — most 'local' companies are resellers who order from manufacturers in Ontario, BC, or overseas and mark up the price. Because we manufacture in-house, we control quality at every stage, can accommodate custom sizes and configurations without excessive upcharges, and deliver faster because there's no cross-country shipping. We also handle the entire process internally — sales, manufacturing, installation, and service — with our own employees at every step. This 'one team' approach eliminates the finger-pointing that happens when a salesperson, manufacturer, and installer are three different companies.

We understand that a full-home window replacement is a significant investment. We can discuss payment scheduling options during your consultation to find an arrangement that works for your budget and project timeline. Contact us at (403) 291-3960 to discuss your specific situation — we're flexible and straightforward about costs from the very first conversation.

While our manufacturing facility is in Calgary, we serve the entire Calgary region and surrounding communities including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Canmore, Banff, and the Crowsnest Pass area. We've completed projects throughout southern Alberta, from luxury mountain homes in the Bow Valley to rural properties in the foothills. Travel charges may apply for locations beyond a certain radius from Calgary — we'll confirm this during your consultation.

Absolutely. Our facility at 2908, 18 Street NE, Calgary includes a showroom where you can see and operate our full range of window and door products, compare materials and glass packages side by side, and view colour samples against different exterior materials. We welcome visitors Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Mondays and Fridays 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Seeing the manufacturing process firsthand gives you confidence in the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every Cossins product. Call (403) 291-3960 to schedule a visit.