Focusing on customer services has paid off for Sudbury Windows and Doors - Polar Bear .
The Seeley's, who own the city’s longest-running window and door manufacturing and installation company since 1980, says it’s been a team effort that’s propelled his team to the top, culminating in a recently won award for the best windows installation company of 2023 in Sudbury.
The main ingredient of their success, Seeley said, is treating everyone – staff and customers alike – like they’re part of the Sudbury Windows and Doors family.
“We’re a very family orientated operation, through and through,” Seeley said, noting that his father, sister, fiancee, and other family members all play major roles in the day-to-day operations of the company.
“All the installers, all the employees, everyone's like family to us,” he said.
But the product itself – quality, not to mention the craftsmanship – has also made an impact on Northern Ontario homeowners.
Sudbury Windows and Doors manufactures some of its own product right here in the Nickel City, your new front door especially.
“We make Polar Bear doors a little bit better than your standard front door,” Seeley said. “They’re made with better weather seals and thicker frames. Fully insulated steel doors are necessary in our northern climate. We even have insulated glass options as strong as your car windshield for extra security".
If desired a Polar Bear door can also be Energy Star certified to meet the government grants currently available.
Apart from the know-how in building the proper products, Seeley said his team is also the go-to when it comes to installation projects. This makes sense after being awarded best installation company in Sudbury of 2023.
Seeley adds that his team also ensures that the product – be it a new door or new set of windows – measures up to the best installation standards.
“One of the biggest things is making sure that it’s a proper installation,” Seeley said. “That means recessing the window lightly and not just putting it in the front foremost hole.”
“Once you’ve got the window properly recessed, we spray foam, making sure that we’re insulating it properly, and making sure that the gaps between the studs of your walls and your window are as snug as possible to prevent air leakage.”
We also make sure that you’re getting the best types of doors or windows for your home in Sudbury,” Seeley said.
Steel doors are best for the long, cold days of northern Ontario’s winters, he said.
“We don't recommend other versions of doors,” he said. “For example, fibreglass expands and contracts too much between our hot and cold temperatures, there’s quite a bit of movement between 30 degrees in July and -40 degrees in February.”
"As well, we use vinyl chambered windows to help prevent heat loss. With Energy Star insulated glass units with these options we can be sure to meet your home energy needs."
“We can also supply parts and perform repairs, install and repair screens and screen doors,” he said, adding that many repairs can be completed in one-two days, on-site.
Seeley says that Sudbury Windows and Doors is also getting rave reviews from customers for its glass-sealed units, manufactured in Sudbury – two or more glass panes separated by a spacer material and sealed together at its edge. The insulating airspace is filled with air or a noble gas, such as argon or krypton.
That makes the windows stronger – and warmer – than traditional windows.
It can be more cost effective to repair or upgrade an older or failed window than to replace the whole window.
How do I know the time is right for new windows?
Like many cash-conscious homeowners, knowing when it’s time to make the investment in new windows can come with more than a few questions.
Seeley advises customers, especially those living in older homes, to take a good look at the area around the perimeter of each window.
“One of the biggest concerns we see with older windows is air leakage,” Seeley said. “The glass may still have high insulating value, but the wind resistance value has declined.”
“If you have actual cold air leaking in through your windows or doors, that is way worse than any insulating value. Essentially, it's just like having a door open or a window open.” he said.
“If your windows aren't properly insulated, you’ll have cold air pouring into your house all winter long.”
Seeley also likes to remind people that several government rebates are softening the blow for consumers.
The Canada Greener Homes Grant is being co-delivered by Natural Resources Canada and Enbridge Gas in Ontario under the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program.
Grants are provided to eligible homeowners for recommended and eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows and doors, heat pumps and renewable energy systems.
Sudbury Windows and Doors also offers its own financing program for eligible customers.
“One of our best financing options is 9.99% for 36 months,” Seeley said. “And it's $0 down.”
But first, Seeley says make sure you place that call to Sudbury Windows and Doors to book a consult.
“Customers are more than welcome to give us a call and have a free estimate or a free consultation,” he said.
“Our team will come out, and advise the customer on the quality and adequacy of their current windows and what they can do to either increase their current window insulating value, or look at getting a quote for new windows to increase their homes’ comfortability.”
Tips for your fall and winter installation
While it may not seem like the season for renovations, Seeley says the first days of autumn and early winter are prime time to book a custom installation from Sudbury Windows and Doors.
“Why wait until spring to get new windows? Our team can install new windows right up to -20 degrees,” Seeley said.
With our Polar Bear expertise, the team has the installation process down to a science, even in winter.
“During the installation, customers really don’t have an open hole for very long,” Seeley said. “As quick as the window comes out, the new one goes right back in.”
That means less heat loss, and customers get the benefit of getting through a cold northern winter with new properly insulated windows.
“Some customers say they’d prefer to wait for spring to get them installed, but I say- ‘you’re buying them for comfort cost and savings, let’s get them in quick as we can.”
For a free consultation, visit Sudbury Windows and Doors by clicking this link.
