FAQs Replacement Doors

Questions About Replacement Doors

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about windows and doors, warranties and service, installation and maintenance, and more. We welcome your questions if they are not answered here.

General Questions

Can replacing my old doors save me money on heating and cooling costs?

Yes. High quality replacement doors, properly sealed and installed, can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs. According to the latest National Research Council of Canada report, replacing all the windows and doors in your house by high energy efficiency products can reduce your energy bill by up to 16% . For an average home with 150$ energy bill per month and an annual increase of 7.5% in energy cost in the last 10 years , the saving equals 12,000$ over 20 years.

The doors in my home are more than 25 years old. How do they compare with new products on the market?

Today’s high-performance windows and doors are far more energy-efficient than products built 25 years ago. Today’s products are more airtight, with advanced technology such as low-emissivity (low-E) glass, inert gas between the panes and better-designed hardware .

Will energy-efficient windows make my home more comfortable?

The short answer is yes – depending on the condition of your existing windows and doors. They can reduce or eliminate uncomfortable drafts, allow you to have a higher indoor humidity during the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer .

How can I be sure I am purchasing an energy-efficient product?

Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol and label. It indicates that a window or door has been certified to meet strict technical requirements that make it one of the most energy-efficient products on the market .

What is ENERGY STAR® and why is it important?

You should only buy windows or doors that are ENERGY STAR certified. ENERGY STAR is a program administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) where manufacturers submit their products to be tested and certified as ENERGY STAR compliant. Typically, an ENERGY STAR certified product is in the top 15 to 30 percent of its class for energy performance. Saving energy saves you money and reduces your impact on the environment. For more information on the program and testing methods please visit this website: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/energystar/12519

Why is steel a good choice for my main entry door?

Most older doors are primarily wood construction. Today, the most popular entry doors in Canada are steel construction doors. Steel is highly durable and won't crack, warp or come apart and steel doors provide the highlest level of protection from severe storm damage including heavy winds, rain and flying debris. If security and durability are top priorities for your home’s entryway, a steel door is your best choice. A steel door is far stronger than either fiberglass or wood. Steel provides unmathed protection from burglary and forced entry. Steel doors are also very cost-effective to manufacture and offer significant cost advantages over wood and fibreglass doors.

How do I know if my door needs to be replaced?

To determine if your doors are functioning properly you should look for the following:

1. Are there drafts or cold air coming in from around your door area.
2. Poor operation. Are you having difficulties opening or closing your doors.
3. Rotting and pealing around your door frame may indicate it is time for your doors to be replaced.
4. Is your main entry door more than 25 years old.

How do I know if my door needs replacing or whether it just needs to be repaired?

To know whether a new door or window is needed or a replacement part (glass unit, hardware, etc) is all that is required, contact your local window and door company. Look for a company with a solid reputation that will offer a free in-house estimate and that won't try to get you to change windows or doors unnecessarily.

Should I replace all of my doors and windows at the same time?

You can replace doors and windows all at once or over time as your budget allows. The sooner you replace your doors and windows the sooner you will maximize your energy savings.

In-Home Consultation

How long does the in-home consultation last?

Our typical appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes. That includes discussing your needs, taking measurements, answering your questions, discussing options and providing you with a written quote before we leave. Of course, if you have more questions or you need more time for the consultation, we will be there for as long as you need.

Am I under a time constraint to make a decision on purchasing doors?

Our quotes are good for a full year and we will never use high-pressure tactics to push you into making your decision. You will not be required to come to a showroom for another appointment. We do not have time-limited deals and we offer the same volume discount to each potential client. Purchasing doors and windows is a big decision and you should never feel pressured to make a decision.

There are so many options available for doors - how do I chose?

There are a wide variety of styles, configurations, colours and options available when choosing doors. Our in-home consultation process is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to make the right choice for your home.

Installation

What do I need to do to prepare my home for the installation of my replacement doors?

Here are some things that you'll need to consider before we arrive:

1. Someone will need to be home to allow our installers access to your home.
2. We ask to clear the driveway when possible for our truck to park near the house.
3. If possible, move furniture away from the windows and doors that are being replaced. If you require help to move anything we will gladly do it but we cannot be held responsible for any damages.
4. Turn off all security alarms.

Will I have a lot of cleaning up to do after the installation?

We install runners and drop cloths on the floor of your home wherever we walk and we clean up carefully at the end of each installation. Although we try our best to keep your home as clean as possible during the installation, we are doing a renovation and opening walls. As such, you may find that your house will require a light cleaning to remove the last bit of dust after the installation.

What will happen to the shutters on the outside of my house?

When necessary, Lambden will remove and re-install shutters. We can also supply you with a quote to replace your shutters in our written estimate.

What happens to the old windows and doors that are being removed?

Lambden takes care of the removal of all of the old windows and doors that have been replaced and all related job debris.

How long does a typical installation take?

Most of our projects are completed within one day, but some jobs can take up to 5 days if there's a lot of work to do.

Why do you use foam insulation instead of fibreglass insulation?

Our low expansion foam is designed specifically for window and door installations. It expands to fill voids that fibreglass batt insulation may not effectively reach. Unlike fibreglass, foam acts a vapour barrier that seals openings/gaps and reduce leakage. Stuffed into gaps, compressed fibreglass insulation loses its insulating value. It is also susceptible to moisture that penetrates gaps in the form of water vapour or liquid water from rain, snow and condensation. Over time, that moisture can lead to mold growth. IN contrast, insulating foam sealant fills gaps with a water-resistant seal. It expands to take the shape of cracks and voids, forming a long-lasting airtight bond to the vinyl, wood, composite and metal surfaces.

Why don’t all window installation companies use foam instead of fibreglass insulation?

sing foam to insulate replacement windows and doors takes more time than fibreglass insulation learning the proper application of foam takes some time to master.

Do you install windows in the winter months?

We install our windows year round.

Can't I just buy the doors at the hardware store and install them myself?

Installing your own doors is always an option. The doors you purchase at a hardware store are typically new home construction grade doors and are generally a lower quality than replacement doors because contractors are typically looking for the cheapest option. You also should consider the benefits of a warranty. We manufacture and install doors backed by an industry leading warranty that covers all labour and parts.

What do I do if there's a problem with my new door?

If there is ever a problem with one of your doors just give us a call and we'll come right over to fix the issue. Our warranty covers 100% of both parts and labour, no questions, no hassles, no bull!

What should I know about your warranty?

That one's easy... we have the best warranty in the business. No bull, no tricks or hidden clauses, just a complete fully comprehensive warranty that covers all parts and labour.

About Lambden Window & Door

How long has Lambden been in business?

We are a family owned business that opened our doors in Ottawa in 1982. We started by manufacturing PVC windows under the brand name Nordik Windows and we've been installing our windows since 1996 under Lambden Window & Door.

Do you have a showroom where I can see your products?

Yes, in Carleton Place. Our showroom is located at 303 Ramsey Concession Road 2A, Carleton Place, ON K7C 3P1.

Are you listed with the BBB?

We are listed with our parent company Verdun Windows & Doors. We have an A+ rating with the BBB.

Do you carry Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance?

Yes, we carry full general liability and workers compensation insurance.

How do I check up on Lambden?

We have hudreds of testimonials from our customers and our sales consultant would be happy to provide you with references of customers from your neighbourhood.

Do you offer Payment options?

Yes. Please follow this link to find out more about our finance partner.