What is Air Leakage (AL)?
Air leakage (AL) is becoming an increasingly important factor when selecting windows and doors, especially for homeowners in cold climates like Ottawa. With rising energy costs and a focus on energy efficiency, understanding AL can help you choose products that reduce drafts and maintain indoor comfort. But what exactly is air leakage, and why should you care?
From summer sun to autumn charm: Energy-saving patio doors
As Ottawa residents enjoy summer and anticipate fall, patio doors symbolize the effortless blend of indoor and outdoor living. Available in sliding or swinging styles, these doors do more than connect spaces—they welcome sunlight, fresh air, and the beauty of every season into your home.
Keep cool this summer with Energy-efficient windows!
As Ottawa braces for the summer heat, homeowners seek ways to maintain indoor comfort without high energy bills. Energy-efficient windows, featuring technologies like low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, double-pane, and triple-pane glass, offer a smart solution. These windows reduce heat transfer, keeping homes cool in summer and warm in autumn, making them a valuable year-round investment. Let's explore their key features and benefits.
9 basics to consider before shopping for a new door
Doors, an ancient symbol of security and hospitality, have gracefully evolved over centuries, adapting to changing aesthetics and technological advancements. Today, replacing your entrance door is not merely a functional upgrade but an opportunity to infuse your home with a renewed personality.
The true meaning of BEST in replacement windows
The true meaning of 'BEST' in replacement windows goes beyond a mere premium price tag. BEST doesn't always translate to the most expensive or highest quality; it involves a personal, subjective aspect.
From comfort to efficiency - The art of window shopping
If you are contemplating the purchase of new windows for your existing home, navigating through the myriad of window companies requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some expanded tips to ensure you make a well-informed and future-proof choice.
Window maintenance - Winter screen removal & cleaning
Proper maintenance of your windows is essential for ensuring their optimal performance and longevity. One crucial aspect of this maintenance routine is the seasonal removal of window screens, offering a chance to inspect and address potential issues in the Fall and Spring.
CDN Energy Star climate zones (as of 2022)
Even though windows do not consume energy, they can be a significant source of heat loss in a home. ENERGY STAR qualified windows will save you money by reducing the overall annual energy costs. ENERGY STAR windows will also help keep your home more comfortable all-year-round and may have less condensation in cold weather compared with a conventional non-certified product.
What is an R-value?
Move over, traditional window specs – the R-value is becoming a popular measurement in the world of window sales! Though it's been around for a while, this rating is gaining traction as an indicator of window efficiency. But why the sudden surge in popularity? Keep reading to find out.
What is a U-factor?
When choosing windows, two key metrics to consider are the U-factor (or U-value) and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Understanding these can help you make informed decisions for better home comfort and energy efficiency.
What is a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?
Let the sun shine in, or not. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measurement can help you achieve a desired increase or decrease in the amount of solar radiation (heat) passing through a window into your home.
A homeowner's guide to energy ratings & efficiency
Navigating window and glass ratings can be perplexing, as higher numbers are preferred in some cases while lower numbers are preferred in others. To assist you, here are some helpful tips.
Energy Star (ER) rating - An overall measure of energy efficiency?
Although windows and doors don’t consume energy themselves, they can be a significant source of energy loss. If you're purchasing windows with energy efficiency in mind, the ER helps you make standardized product comparisons.
Energy Star product specification comparisons
When deciding where to buy your windows, finding comparative information is straightforward. However, interpreting this data can be overwhelming.
Moisture between your window panes? The truth about regassing and resealing
If your windows are fogging up or showing moisture between the panes, it might be due to a lost gas seal in your insulated glass unit (IGU). Some companies offer regassing and resealing as a quick fix, but it’s worth considering if this is truly a long-term solution.
Categories:
Windows
Entrance Doors
Patio Doors
Resources
Energy Efficiency
Extreme Temperatures
What’s the Difference
Installation
Bayview Windows
Keep cool this summer with Energy-efficient windows!
The true meaning of BEST in replacement windows
From comfort to efficiency - The art of window shopping
Window maintenance - Winter screen removal & cleaning
Moisture between your window panes? The truth about regassing and resealing
The ultimate window decision: 20 keys to optimal outcomes
Windows, you've got options
Installation - Full-Frame Window vs Pocket Replacement Window
The ins and outs of window grills
Top considerations when choosing windows
Choosing a window style - a practical guide
Typical custom window shapes
Trim, capping, cladding, brickmould, flushmount & nail fins
Is it time to replace your old windows?
Slider window configurations
Slider Windows - Pros & Cons
Casement Windows - Pros & Cons
Awning Windows - Pros & Cons
Hung Windows - Pros & Cons
What's to know about Bay and Bow Windows
What's to know about window jambs?
Waterproofing your windows starts with the flashing
Crystal Clear Living: The Magic of Self-Cleaning Windows Unveiled
Sound choices for windows
Make your basement safe and more comfortable
Weatherstripping (windows), sealing the deal!
Try our colour window imagination tool
Basic guide to residential window cleaning
