FAQ & Glossary
As you become familiarized with the quality work that RMW Exteriors delivers, you might have questions for us.
This page is divided into two sections:
If anything is unclear, or you have a question that is not answered on this page, get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Your quote will include the following: The work that needs to be done, how long it is expected to take, and warranty information.
A. Not necessarily. If one quote is a lot lower, it may be that there is a difference in the quality of materials used or the attention to detail that’s given during installation. It could also indicate the capability of the contractor. Make sure that all estimates are quoting for the exact same specifications. Ask questions and be sure you are knowledgeable and satisfied with the answers before hiring a contractor.
A. Absolutely not. A professional contractor would not suggest this. “Under the table” work is often inferior, completed with lower quality materials, and most importantly, it is illegal. Companies that work for cash tend to go out of business, leaving you with no recourse if the job is poorly done or a warranty needs to be claimed. Moreover, contractors who make cash deals may not have proper insurance, which could leave you liable if someone is injured while working on your property.
A. Yes. If we’re going to be working on the exterior walls of your home (e.g. siding installation), we recommend you take down pictures you have hanging on the interior walls and remove any delicate items from shelves. The vibrations from our team’s work could cause them to fall. With respect to your property, please remove all debris, obstructions, and waste. We also ask that you keep your pets inside. This will ensure our team is working in a safe, tidy environment.
A. Not necessarily. We do recommend that you are at home for the commencement of the work, so that if there are any questions, they can be addressed and work can begin. When we are replacing doors and windows, we will require access to the inside of your home. You can remain at home for the duration of the installation or you can provide us with access to your home — whatever makes you most comfortable.
A. Yes. We remove all existing siding and get the mess out of the way. Our team will always clean up so that your property is left clean.
A. The siding is designed to take the brunt of the water. The moisture barrier/house-wrap, in conjunction with flashing and window tape, will stop water from reaching the wall cavity.
A. We recommend moving your vehicles, bicycles, and other items away from the location where the work is being performed. Our crew performs regular cleanups to keep your property as neat as possible. Upon completion of the job, our crew will complete a final clean up — including the use of a magnetic nail sweep — around the areas we’ve worked.
A. Some homes have flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs near or up against the walls, railing, columns, and eavestroughs we’ll be working on. While our crew goes to great lengths to prevent damage to anything on your property, sometimes plants may experience some damage if they are obstructing the work area.
A. Yes. But all areas requiring extra work (e.g. wood rot) will be brought to the homeowner’s attention before any out-of-scope work is completed.
A. Unlike other providers, we will remove all rotten wood and replace it appropriately, ensuring the integrity of your home. This will result in extra charges that the homeowner will be made aware of before any out-of-scope work is done.
A. We offer a two-year workmanship warranty issued from the date of completion. For warranties on the material we use, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.
A. Absolutely! Our expert installation staff complete window replacements all year long with minimal disruption to the comfort level in your home. If multiple rooms or sections of your home require new windows or doors, we will seal off other areas of your home to prevent them from being disrupted by the weather.
A. Contact our office by phone or email to arrange an appointment for one of our team members to visit your home, measure your windows, and prepare a quotation. Our crew is ready to help you replace as many or a few windows as you need.
A. Low-e glass stands for low emissivity glass. Low emissivity refers to a surface condition that emits low levels of radiant thermal energy. Practically, low-e works by rejecting the sun’s heat and damaging solar rays in the summer. In the winter, it reflects the heat in your home back inside. This reflection of heat keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and it will help to reduce fading and discolouration of furniture, curtains, and flooring materials.
A. Yes. We have $2 million in general liability insurance. Our team is also trained and certified for Working At Heights.
A. Yes. As a matter of fact, we can custom-manufacture your desired window for you!
Glossary of Terms
If you’re unclear about any of the terms used on this website, this glossary will help to familiarize you with them.
Cladding
A trim that’s used around doors, windows, and garage doors. It is typically made from aluminum and can also be made from smart board (pressed wood) or cement fibre siding trimmings.
Eavestrough
Also known as a gutter, eavestrough is a passageway that’s used to carry rainwater off and away from a building.
Fascia
This term refers to the frieze or band that runs horizontally under the roof’s edge, forming the outer part of a cornice.
Fibre Cement Siding
A combination of non-combustible materials, including sand, cement, and cellulose fibres. This siding requires very little maintenance once installed and painted. Fibre cement siding is used for imitating wooden siding, clapboard, and shingles. It can be used as a soffit/eavestrough lining and can be a substitute for timber fascia. Fibre cement siding is available in horizontal, vertical, shakes, and board & batten options.
Gable
The triangular portion of a wall between the edges.
Red Cedar Shakes
One of the more durable home siding options with unmatched natural beauty.
Shutters
A movable cover or screen for a window or door. Sometimes shutters will also be decorative and attached to the exterior surface of your home.
Soffit
The material used to cover the gap between the home’s siding and the roofline.
Steel Siding
Provides superior protection to weather events such as high winds and hail. It also offers better durability with a low-maintenance finish. Steel siding is available in vertical or horizontal options.
Vinyl Siding
Nearly maintenance-free, relatively inexpensive, and a popular choice for a vast majority of our clients. There are many different colours and manufactures of vinyl siding to choose from. Vinyl siding is available in horizontal, vertical, shakes, and board & batten options.
Wood Siding
Manufactured in a variety of styles such as clapboard, rectangular plank, shingles, and plywood, wood siding is popular for its natural beauty and appearance. Some may consider it to be a more environmentally-friendly option compared to other siding materials. Wood siding is typically easy to install and easy to paint or stain. Wood siding is available in horizontal, vertical, and board & batten options.