Mitchell in Toronto

In 2014, Eco Choice replaced all the windows in my house with high-end European Tilt & Turn windows for about $22,600. I had these same kind of windows in previous houses I've owned and consider them the best. This August, (9-years later) my fixed unit Living Room window broke at the edge from thermal stress in the hot weather. Unfortunately, glass breakage of any kind wasn't covered by the original warranty. I wonder if all window companies are the same in that regard? Nonetheless, my broken window was replaced about 6 weeks after my first contact with Eco Choice. The removal of the old window and replacement only took about a half hour and the workspace was left clean. The window installer said there was likely some defect from a poorly cut glass edge during manufacture. He said even the smallest chip can lead to heat stress cracking from expansion and contraction over time, especially on larger sized windows. The use of Low-E coatings can also increase the solar absorption rate of windows. These coatings are designed to reduce heat transfer to improve energy efficiency. Unfortunately, this also leads to higher glass temperatures and increases the risk of thermal stress. Such cracking can occur at any time, even shortly after a window is installed. At least, I got 9 years out of mine. In summary, check your warranties and be aware you may take on glass breakage risk with any installation. Also, minimize shading and non-shaded areas on the glass at any one time to reduce stress.