Whether you own a pre-war bungalow in East York, a Victorian semi in Leslieville or a 1950s brick ranch in Scarborough, you are likely familiar with the fact that window replacement is not an easy task. Older homes in Toronto have a distinct structural character: uncoursed masonry walls, layers of stucco, warped or settled frames, and openings which are not square for decades.
Standard window replacement methods that are used in newer structures just do not consider these things. This is why homeowners are seeking the services of professionals with a background in window replacement in older Toronto homes; each window might have a story to tell and requires a unique approach.
We’re going to go over all you need to know about window replacement in brick, stucco, and irregular-opening homes – and you can do so with confidence.
Why Older Toronto Homes Require a Different Approach
Toronto’s housing stock is one of the oldest in Canada. Homes from the 1880s to 1960s fill neighbourhoods such as The Annex, Roncesvalles, Riverdale and High Park. The homes were built with techniques and materials seldom used in today’s home building.
Here’s what makes old home window replacement more complex:
Thicker wall assemblies. Older brick houses may have double-wythes or triple-wythes as the depth of brick wall structure from interior trim to exterior brick face can range from 12 to 16 inches or more. The typical replacement windows are for 4 to 6 inch depth walls. Otherwise, you will end up with gaps, air infiltration and moisture issues.
No standardized sizing. Window openings were frequently not pre-cut but were cut to fit on-site from pre-war windows and were not necessarily the correct rough opening size. The 36 x 48 inch window may actually be 35.25 x 47.5 inch – or worse, trapezoidal because the foundation has settled over the years.
Masonry and stucco complications. Brick home window replacement can be a delicate task in Toronto that involves the removal and/or alteration of surrounding masonry or stucco. If handled improperly, it will result in cracked lintels, intrusion of water behind the stucco layers and in expensive repairs to the exterior.
Heritage or character restrictions. Other homes in Toronto are subject to window changes in the conservation district guidelines that limit visual changes from the street. Partnering with the right contractor helps you to achieve local requirements while maintaining energy performance.
Brick Home Window Replacement in Toronto: What You Need to Know
Older Toronto homes are most likely clad on their exterior with brick, which poses particular challenges in installation and necessitates brick home window replacement in Toronto expertise.
Assessing the Lintel
In brick buildings, a lintel is a structural part that is situated above each window, and supports the bricks above the window opening, typically steel or stone. The lintel should be checked for rust, cracking or failure before the replacement of any windows. If the lintel is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced in order to install the new window. This is one of the most common – and costliest – homeowner blunders.
The Brick Mould and Flashing System
Window frames are designed to fit within the brick construction and use particular anchoring systems to secure the window in place. The exterior perimeter should be flashed and sealed with compatible materials. For older homes in Toronto, custom windows generally demand longer sill pans, custom brickmould profiles and flexible flashing membranes that can span the gap between the old window frame and the old brick.
Maintaining Brick Integrity
When it comes to window replacement in Toronto brick homes, one of the most important considerations is the need to prevent damage to the adjacent mortar joints and brick faces. Professional installers prefer to use oscillating power tools and hand chisels in place of forceful power saws. Mortars which is disturbed should be re-pointed with an equivalent mortar in colour and composition – harder modern mortars can crack older soft bricks over time.
Stucco Window Replacement: A Layered Challenge
If it is not installed correctly, stucco siding on the exterior of a building may be at risk during window replacement, particularly on the three-coat stucco siding typically found on many of the homes in Toronto built between the 1920s and 1950s.
Understanding the Stucco System
A traditional stucco is made of three layers: a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finish coat. The overall thickness of the assembly is usually 7/8 to one inch. A casing bead or stop bead forms a transition between the stucco and the window frame. If the window is removed, this bead may detach from the window and leave a raw edge of stucco which can crack and let water in if it is not dealt with right away.
Cutting and Patching Stucco
When installing a stucco window replacement, the installer must be adept at scoring the stucco carefully to ensure a clean cut line when removing the original window pane. Once the window is installed and flashed, the remaining gaps in the stucco are patched and re-textured to closely match the existing texture finish. The ideal situation is one in which a match is possible, but it is a weathertight, aesthetically pleasing repair that keeps the wall assembly dry.
Waterproofing Is Non-Negotiable
Water management behind stucco is of paramount importance. The new window should be joined to the drainage plane of the wall with a weather-tight barrier and gaps around the window should be filled with a high-performance sealant that is rated for exterior use. The process of avoiding these steps in stucco window replacement is a guaranteed route to rot, mould and structural damage behind the walls.
Handling Irregular Window Openings
One of the less talked about problems when replacing windows in older homes in Toronto is the irregular opening. Decades of foundation movement, wood shrinkage and warping, and uneven masonry settlement can occur. This results in windows that are out of square, out of plumb, or both.
Measuring for Custom Windows
Most irregular openings require special sizing. To measure custom windows in an older Toronto home, a professional will take several measurements across the opening, both width and height, to use the smallest measurement as the window size. The installer then shims and expands the joints to get a weathertight and structurally sound installation.
Custom-Fabricated Frames
In some instances, the opening is too uneven to shim out of shape. This is where custom windows for Toronto older homes are not only recommended, but essential. Custom fabricated windows can be designed to non-standard sizes, including special thickness in the frame profiles to fit thick wall assemblies and special corner profiles for adjustments to out of square openings.
Interior Finishing Considerations
When the window is put in an irregular opening, the interior work of the opening itself is a project. Extension jambs need to be scribed and fitted into the non-flat, non-square walls. This is particularly sensitive work in older homes with plaster walls: improper installation can lead to cracking of irreplaceable or costly to repair plaster.
Choosing the Right Window for an Older Toronto Home
Not all windows work for all older homes. Aesthetics and compatibility with the original architecture are important, not just for aesthetic purposes, but sometimes because of adherence to heritage guidelines, beyond performance.
Casement windows work in many pre-war Toronto homes and are excellent air sealers. Double hung windows are a traditional window style for Victorian and Edwardian homes and can be used to ventilate in multiple ways. Fixed windows are appropriate for openings that do not require ventilation and for simplicity of structure.
When it comes to heritage window replacement Toronto, it’s important to find profiles with narrower sightlines that mimic the appearance of original wood windows. Today’s vinyl and fibreglass windows can do this and offer the thermal performance and low maintenance of older wood windows.
Why Professional Installation Makes the Difference
Window replacement in an older Toronto home is not a project that a window replacement crew that works exclusively on new construction can handle. Errors in the variables are too important, and the fallout from errors in insulation, water damage, and structural issues are too expensive.
When you work with a window replacement company in Toronto that is experienced, you will receive an accurate pre-installation evaluation, correct product specification, professional waterproofing and interior finishing that considers your home’s character. It also implies guarantees which do not fall through due to proper installation from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions: Window Replacement in Older Toronto Homes
Q: How much does window replacement cost in an older Toronto brick home?
When performing window replacement on older brick homes in Toronto, the cost is usually higher than for newer homes because of the extra work required to work with masonry, custom sizing, installing flashing etc. Window sizes, window styles, and the condition of the existing window opening will affect the price. An in-home assessment and quote is best since the costs vary greatly from one opening to another.
Q: Can I replace windows in my older Toronto home without damaging the brick exterior?
Yes – if it is installed by professionals who specialize in brick home window replacement in Toronto. Good practice is about careful removal, correct anchoring system and correct flashing, all of which ensure the protection of the surrounding masonry.
Q: Do I need a permit to replace windows in my Toronto home?
For most situations, a Toronto building permit is not required for like-for-like window replacement. If you are increasing the size, changing the type of window or if your property is in a heritage conservation district, however, you may need a permit or approval. Prior to starting work, confirm with The City of Toronto as to what work is allowed.
Q: How do I know if my older home's window openings are irregular?
This will be evident from a professional measurement. If gaps can be seen at the frame, the opening may not be square or plumb, or if the windows have been painted shut for years, then it is a good indicator that the opening is not plumb or level.
Q: What window material is best for an older Toronto home?
Older homes are increasingly being built with fibreglass because it is dimensionally stable, does not expand or contract as temperature changes and can assume the appearance of painted wood profiles. High quality vinyl is another great choice and is available throughout Toronto because of its durability and thermal properties.
Q: How long does window replacement take in a brick or stucco home?
Single window replacements may be finished within a few hours per window. The amount of windows and the complexity of the individual window openings are crucial to whole-home projects. A project schedule should be clearly explained to you by your installer when the project is being quoted.
Q: Will new windows improve my older home's energy efficiency?
Absolutely. Many older homes in Toronto have single pane or early double pane windows with broken seals that allow a lot of heat to escape. With low-E glass and argon gas filling, properly installed replacement windows can significantly cut down heating bills, and help to keep everyone comfortable year round.
Milano Windows has been helping Toronto homeowners navigate the complexities of window replacement in older homes – from Victorian-era brick to mid-century stucco. Contact our team for a professional in-home assessment and custom quote tailored to your home’s unique needs.