Review of Duraco Windows
Duraco or Duraco Window Industries Ltd. has an A+ rating on BBB and they have been operating for over five decades now. It has a manufacturing facility spanning sixty thousand square foot in Winnipeg. The company specializes in PVC windows and deals with all standard styles of windows including bow and bay windows. There are as many as 26 colors of vinyl windows to choose from. Duraco manufactures different types of doors as well and all its doors and windows are designed in Winnipeg.
Duraco offers a lifetime warranty on all its windows. They advertise it as an unlimited warranty, as opposed to the limited warranty some windows companies offer. The warranty of Duraco covers the frames and sashes, glass and sealed units. Duraco does not define what their lifetime warranty mean but most companies make it clear that lifetime warranty is for a period of up to 25 years. Homeowners should clarify this with the company at the time of discussing their needs.
Review of Hi-Tech Energy Windows
Hi-Tech Windows or Hi-Tech Energy Windows Ltd. has an A+ rating on BBB and a score of 87% on HomeStars. Hi-Tech specializes in energy efficient windows. It assures unmatched insulation courtesy their proprietary SuperCORE technology. The company has over 35 years of experience. All their windows are designed and manufactured in Winnipeg. It specializes in making windows and doors that are suitable for the harsh freezing climate up north. The company has its own crew for installation and post installation services.
The brand has been one of the top ten manufacturers among windows and doors companies in 2017, as rated by Canadian Design and Construction Magazine and it was one of the top three windows and doors companies in Winnipeg. Hi-Tech offers lifetime warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee. The company offers a financing option.
Hi-Tech Energy Windows offers a free quote and it also provides enough information about its SuperCORE system. However, there doesn’t seem to be any third party or independent agency confirmed energy rating for its windows. The company claims to have better performing windows than those made from fiberglass and normal PVC and that the windows would look brand new even after a hundred years.
Duraco Windows vs. Hi-Tech Energy Windows
Duraco and Hi-Tech are both reasonably affordable. Hi-Tech is just slightly more expensive given its special technology but such a comparison would eventually have to be contextualized depending on the type of window and scope of the project. Duraco is known for its engineering prowess but its absence on HomeStars does raise some doubts. On the flipside, Hi-Tech needs to establish and prove its claims of energy efficiency as Duraco is actually CSA Certified and Energy Star Rated.
Hi-Tech has been in business since 1989 and it has served Manitoba right from its inception. The company has a long track record, although it is younger than Duraco. Hi-Tech has not had any major issues with the windows or hardware, installation or servicing, but Duraco has had some grievances. There are third party suppliers of Duraco products. This complicates the matters as not all dealers make the right kind of claims and many actually fail to deliver as per the expectations of the homeowners. You ought to be proactive with your assessment of such claims, especially if they are being made by dealers or third parties and not Duraco.
Both Duraco and Hi-Tech are easy to deal with. They offer free quotes and will provide homeowners with all necessary information. Duraco has had some issues with customers claiming their warranties and requests for service appointments. Hi-Tech does not have any teething concern in this regard. Eventually, the site visit and the consultation will become the two decisive factors. Of course the quote and the exact solution will be precursory priorities.