Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the type of glass involved.

Single pane glass | We’ll cut and install a replacement on the same day.

Sealed unit with one broken pane | Since sealed units need to be ordered, we’ll make the area safe by removing the broken glass and taping the sharp edges, or covering the opening with Coroplast to hold it intact until the replacement unit arrives.

Sealed unit with multiple broken panes | We’ll board up the opening using OSB to secure the area until the replacement is ready.

Yes, one-way (reflective) window film is an option — but there are a few important things to understand before going ahead.

How it works | The film has a reflective surface on one side. The key is the difference in light between the two sides: the brighter side reflects like a mirror, while the darker side allows visibility through. In a typical daytime office setting, it’s brighter outside than inside, so people outside see a reflection while you can see out clearly.

Limitations to be aware of

Lighting conditions | The one-way effect only works when the outside is brighter than the inside. At night, if your interior lights are on and it’s dark outside, the effect reverses — people outside may be able to see in.

Commercial glass compatibility | The film works best on standard single-pane and insulated glass units. On Low-E or tinted glass, performance may be slightly reduced, and reflectivity can appear uneven.

Professional installation | Large commercial panes require careful installation to avoid bubbles, peeling, or inconsistent reflectivity. Improper installation can affect both appearance and effectiveness.

Building codes and restrictions | Some reflective films can affect visibility in emergencies, so it’s worth checking local fire egress requirements. Certain buildings also restrict reflective coatings for aesthetic or energy-related reasons.

If you need consistent, all-day privacy Reflective film alone may not be enough. Consider combining it with frosted or patterned film in areas where privacy is critical, or look into dual-pane window systems with built-in reflective coatings, which tend to be more reliable long-term.

Please also note that applying after-market window film will void our sealed unit warranty.

It depends on whether the window or door is considered part of your unit or part of the building’s common property, and this varies between condo corporations.

As a general rule:

• If the damage affects the exterior or a structural part of the building, the condo corporation is typically responsible.
• If it’s within your unit, it’s usually your responsibility as the owner.
• That said, every condo corporation operates under its own bylaws, and the line between owner and corporation responsibility isn’t always the same. For a clear answer, your best starting point is your property manager or your condo’s bylaws.

In most cases, no. If your frame is still in good condition, we can replace just the glass or sealed unit without touching the frame. This is typically more cost-effective than a full window replacement and will restore both the performance and appearance of your window.

Tempered glass can occasionally break without impact due to tiny imperfections formed during manufacturing, such as nickel sulfide inclusions. These particles can expand over time and cause the glass to shatter. Other causes may include edge damage, thermal stress from temperature differences, or pressure from the frame or building movement. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small pieces for safety. To reduce the chance of tempered glass spontaneously breaking, adding a heat soaking step to the tempering process reduces the imperfections in the tempered glass. If you’re concerned about spontaneous tempered glass breakage (for example, highrise balcony glass railing), ask us about heat soaked tempered glass.

The most common causes of glass breakage are impact, heat stress, and building settling. Glass breaks differently depending on what type of glass and the cause of the breakage. If you’re curious about what caused your glass to break, feel free to email us a picture!

Glass breaks from heat stress when different parts of the pane heat up or cool down at different rates, creating internal tension that the glass can’t absorb.

Thermal expansion | Glass expands when heated and contracts when cooled. When one area of a pane heats up faster than another — near a sunny spot or a metal frame, for example — the uneven expansion creates stress within the glass.

Uneven temperature distribution | Dark-tinted glass absorbs more heat, which increases the temperature difference across the pane. Areas near edges, holes, or scratches also heat differently than the rest of the glass, adding to the unevenness.

Stress concentration | Existing flaws like chips, scratches, or improper installation points act as weak spots where stress concentrates. Even tempered glass can fail if the stress at these points exceeds what it can handle.

Rapid temperature changes | A sudden shift, like a hot sunbeam hitting a cold window, causes stress to spike quickly, which can sometimes result in spontaneous breakage with no visible cause.

Heat stress | Fractures typically start at the edge of the glass and run inward, which can help distinguish them from impact breaks.

The difference comes down to how well the frame manages heat transfer.

Thermally broken frames have an insulating barrier between the interior and exterior sections of the aluminum frame. This slows heat transfer, improves energy efficiency, and reduces the chance of condensation forming on the inside of the frame, which is a common issue in colder climates like Edmonton.

Non-thermally broken frames are hollow aluminum with no insulating barrier, meaning heat and cold pass easily through the frame. This makes them less energy efficient and more prone to condensation.

For commercial buildings in cold climates, thermally broken frames are generally the better investment. They perform significantly better in winter and help avoid the comfort and condensation issues that come with solid aluminum frames.

Yes, we can look after your window tinting needs! Reach out to discuss the details of your project.

Sealed units are covered by a five-year warranty, including all labour and materials needed to replace any unit that fails within that period.

Please note that this warranty is void if:

• Repairs are made to the windows by another party
• After-market window film is applied to the glass
• New hardware is covered by a one-year warranty. This does not cover damage or misuse.

Glass breakage is not covered under warranty unless it was caused by a defect in our installation.

Yes, we offer warranty on sealed unit failure.

Most sealed units last between 10 and 20 years, though high-quality units that are properly installed and maintained can last 25 years or more.

Signs your sealed unit may be failing:

• Condensation or fogging between the panes
• Noticeable loss of insulation or increased drafts near the window

Factors that can shorten the lifespan:

• Harsh weather or extreme temperature fluctuations
• Poor installation or frame issues
• Low-quality seals or glass

For commercial properties, routine inspections are a good way to catch early signs of seal failure before they become bigger problems, and can help you get the most out of your units.

Yes. If you’re able to bring your window or patio door screens to our shop, we can repair them or build new ones to match.

If your screens are missing and you’d prefer an on-site quote, we can send a technician to measure and provide a replacement quote for commercial properties and condo boards. Please note that we don’t offer site visits for homeowners.

It depends on how your window system is designed. Some windows are built for interior installation, others for exterior.

When we come to measure your glass for replacement, we’ll determine the best approach for your specific windows and plan the installation accordingly.

No. Once glass is scratched, chipped, or broken, it should be replaced.

Once moisture appears between the panes, the sealed unit has failed and replacement is the right call. Here’s why:

Energy efficiency | A failed seal compromises the unit’s insulation, allowing heat to escape and driving up heating costs.

Visibility | Over time, trapped moisture causes fogging and mineral buildup between the panes, gradually reducing the clarity of the glass.

It won’t improve on its own | The seal can’t be restored once it’s broken. The longer a failed unit is left in place, the more moisture accumulates and the worse these issues become.

Replacing the unit promptly is the most cost-effective way to restore both performance and appearance.

Unfortunately, a failed sealed unit can’t be repaired — once the seal breaks, moisture gets trapped between the panes and the unit’s thermal performance is compromised.

The only reliable solution is to replace the sealed unit entirely. This restores proper insulation and eliminates the condensation issue. We can assess the unit and provide a replacement that matches your existing window system.

Yes, we maintain COR certification by completing an audit of our safety program every year.

Yes. All of our installation and repair technicians are trained and experienced commercial glaziers, and many hold journeyman-level certifications in glazing. This ensures work is done safely, efficiently, and to industry standards.

No, we do not bid on new construction projects.

We don’t work directly for homeowners, but we will take on residential projects if the customer is a property manager or condo board. We specialize in commercial glazing, including storefronts, curtain wall, and sealed unit replacements. But we have a team of residential experts that are great at repairing windows and doors to extend the lifespan.

Yes, we specialize in commercial glass projects.

No, we do not provide automotive glass services. We specialize exclusively in commercial glazing for buildings, including storefronts, curtain walls, and sealed unit replacements.

Yes, if you would like delivery, let us know to include this option when you ask for a quote.

In most cases, yes. Standard glass colours are straightforward to match.

If your glass is a custom colour, the best way to get as close a match as possible is to provide us with the original specs from your installer. If the colour is still available from the original manufacturer, we’ll do our best to match it. That said, exact matches on custom colours can be difficult to guarantee, and some variation is possible.

Our minimum call-out fee is $450 + GST, plus the cost of any materials used.

If the job takes longer than 2.5 hours, additional labour charges will apply.

No, estimates are free. We’re happy to visit your commercial property and assess the work at no cost.

For larger, more complex projects that require more than three hours to assess and prepare a report, we may charge an hourly rate. We’ll let you know in advance if that applies to your project.

During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, excluding statutory holidays), call or email us to arrange a service call.

After hours, call our office at 780 483 9561 and press 1 to leave a voicemail for the on-call technician. We’ll call you back to arrange a service call as quickly as possible.

Yes, we offer emergency glass repair for commercial properties.

Our team responds quickly to restore the security and safety of your building, minimizing disruption to your business. We’re available 24/7 for commercial emergencies and prioritize urgent repairs to reduce downtime and address safety risks as fast as possible.

Lead times vary depending on the type of glass and current supplier demand.

• Single panes typically arrive within a week of ordering.
• Sealed units usually take 2–3 weeks, though lead times can stretch during busy periods.
• Custom or non-standard glass (including custom colours or specialty specs) may take longer. Some specialty coatings are only produced by certain suppliers once a year, so it’s worth flagging any unique requirements early.
• PVC windows and commercial storefront material generally take 6–10 weeks.

We’ll confirm the lead time for your specific order when you place it.

Installation time depends on the size of the glass and how accessible the area is. It can range from under an hour to a multi-day project.

Smaller, straightforward pieces can often be completed by one technician in under an hour. Larger or harder-to-reach installations may require multiple technicians and specialized equipment such as a swing stage, Genie lift, scaffold, or crane, which adds significant time to the job.

For a more accurate estimate, contact us to assess the specifics of your project.

Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has a microscopic coating that reflects heat back into your space rather than letting it escape through the glass. The result is a more comfortable, energy-efficient building, especially in cold climates like Edmonton.

For most sealed unit replacements, leak repairs, and commercial installations, soft coat Low-E is the right choice. It’s a higher-performance coating that’s sealed inside the insulated glass unit (IGU), which is what gives it its edge.

The benefits include:

• Better insulation (lower U-value means less heat loss)
• Superior heat reflection back into your space during winter
• Improved comfort near windows — fewer cold drafts and warm/cold spots
• Lower heating costs, which matters especially if you’re managing operating expenses across a commercial property
• Fewer condensation complaints in winter

A few things to know:

• Soft coat Low-E is more delicate than hard coat and must be sealed inside the unit. It can’t be left exposed
• It comes at a slightly higher cost than standard glass, but the energy savings and comfort improvements typically make it worthwhile
• Low-E glass is particularly well-suited for cold climates, commercial buildings looking to reduce heating costs, and thermally broken window systems. If any of those apply to your project, it’s worth including.

Argon gas isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s strongly recommended, and most modern windows include it for good reason.

Argon is a dense, inert gas that improves the thermal performance of a sealed unit by slowing heat transfer through the glass. In practical terms, this means better insulation in winter, reduced condensation on the inner pane, and fewer comfort issues near windows.

In most cases, argon-filled units are the right choice. The cost increase is minimal, the performance gain is noticeable, and argon is expected in modern specs. Skipping it can mean dealing with condensation or comfort problems that could have been easily avoided.

You might consider skipping argon if:

• Cost is the primary concern and budget is tight
• Your existing frame or system is thermally inefficient enough that improved glass performance won’t make a meaningful difference
• Outside of those situations, argon is worth including. The performance benefits outweigh the small added cost.

Ice on windows is usually caused by a combination of high indoor humidity, poor insulation, and cold exterior temperatures. Here’s a breakdown of the main causes:

High Indoor Humidity | Moist indoor air condenses on cold window surfaces. If the surface temperature is below freezing, that condensation turns to ice. This is especially common in kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with poor ventilation.

Poor Insulation or Low-E Issues | Windows with low thermal performance or damaged Low-E coatings allow heat to escape, causing the inner glass surface to get very cold and condensation to freeze.

Leaky or Failing Sealed Units | A broken or compromised sealed unit allows air and moisture to enter between the panes. That trapped moisture can freeze, causing frost or ice buildup.

Cold Exterior Conditions | Extreme outdoor temperatures (especially during Edmonton winters) combined with inadequate glazing make ice formation more likely.

Blocked Airflow | Curtains, blinds, or furniture placed too close to a window can trap cold air and prevent warm-air circulation, creating localized frost.

Prevention Tips:

• Use Low-E, argon-filled sealed units for better insulation
• Reduce indoor humidity through ventilation or dehumidifiers
• Ensure sealed units are intact and frames are properly insulated
• Avoid blocking airflow near windows