Replacing windows in Ontario's Gingerbread Capital
Vankleek Hill is known across the province for its Victorian homes, many trimmed with the ornate woodwork that earned it the Gingerbread Capital of Ontario title. Much of the town was rebuilt in local red brick after a major fire in the 1850s. The result is a streetscape where window shape and placement matter as much as the trim.
Replacing windows here is a design decision as well as an energy one. Tall, narrow openings and symmetrical façades look wrong with wide modern frames and bare glass. We start every Vankleek Hill project by looking at the house from the street before talking about specifications.
Grilles, profiles and colours that suit Victorian brick
Divided-light patterns are one of the quickest ways to bring back a period look. We offer grille options that recreate the classic multi-pane appearance while keeping the insulated glass unit intact. Colour choices on the frame let you echo the trim instead of fighting it.
For openings with rounded or pointed heads, we manufacture specialty shapes to the real curve of the brickwork. Double-hung styles keep the familiar vertical sash look many owners want on the front of the house. Casements can then be used on the back and sides where ease of opening matters more.
- Arched and specialty-shape windows for curved brick heads
- Double-hung windows with grille patterns for a traditional front façade
- Casement windows for side and rear walls
- Bay windows to restore or rebuild a projecting front room
Modern comfort behind a period look
Old single-pane sashes and tired storm windows are charming until the heating season starts. Behind the heritage styling, our units are ENERGY STAR certified with Low-E coatings and argon-filled sealed glass. Triple glazing is available when you want the quietest, warmest result.
Better seals also help protect the house itself. Less air leakage around the frame means less cold air and moisture reaching old plaster and wood trim. Our installers seal and insulate each opening carefully so the brick and interior finishes are respected.
- Compare options in our triple-glazed windows guide
- UPVC and hybrid aluminum-clad frames, both low-maintenance
Doors worthy of a gingerbread porch
A Victorian veranda frames the front door, so the door becomes a focal point. Fiberglass doors can carry a convincing wood-grain finish with far less upkeep than solid wood. Decorative glass, sidelights and transoms help recreate the welcoming entrance these houses were built with.
At the back of the house, a sliding patio door or garden door can open the kitchen to the yard without affecting the street-facing façade. Everything is measured, built and installed by Unisson Groupe, with a free in-home estimate to start.
- Entry doors in steel or fiberglass with period-style glass
- Patio and garden doors for rear additions
- Book a free estimate or ask about financing
Areas We Serve Around Vankleek Hill
Vankleek Hill village core · Main Street and Highway 34 corridor · L'Orignal · Hawkesbury · Chute-à-Blondeau · Saint-Eugène · Cassburn · Dalkeith · Alexandria
Vankleek Hill Windows & Doors — FAQ
Can new vinyl or hybrid windows look right on a Victorian brick house?
Yes, if the style is chosen carefully. Grille patterns, frame colour, sash style and a shape that follows the original opening all make a big difference. We bring samples to the in-home visit so you can judge the look against your own brick.
Are there heritage rules I should check before replacing windows in Vankleek Hill?
Some properties may be subject to heritage designation or local guidelines, so we recommend confirming with the Township of Champlain before ordering. We are happy to provide product details and drawings you can share with the township.
Can you reproduce a tall, narrow window with an arched head?
Yes. We manufacture specialty shapes to measure in our own factory, so tall proportions and curved heads can be matched to the existing brick opening.
How do you avoid damaging old brick and plaster during installation?
Our installers remove the old units carefully, work from the existing opening and finish with proper insulation and sealing. Any condition issues we notice, such as rotted sills, are pointed out before work goes ahead.
