FAQs

Contact us at Bayview Windows Ottawa if we installed the product for you. We are familiar with all characteristics of North Star products and install windows and doors according to North Star's stringent guidelines. We will make an on-site inspection and perform adjustments as necessary to alleviate the problem.

Many groups now assess performance and set standards in order to assist consumers and the industry. But you need a program to know the players.

Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) has an insulated glass unit (IGU) standard assessing durability of window and door sealed units.

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has a voluntary certification program. Independent auditors determine whether windows comply with CSA-A440, The CSA constantly monitors and certifies that North Star's manufacturing and testing process meet or exceed CSA standards. All North Star products are CSA certified. Please contact a North Star dealer for complete details about the certification process and the performance testing results on all North Star windows.

Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) is a North American association of insulating glass manufacturers, suppliers of component materials and other industry professionals dedicated to upgrading product performance by promoting awareness of technological developments in the industry.

CSA-A440 is the window equivalent of a final exam - it doesn't matter how good you say you are because now there's evidence. The Canadian Standards Association established CSA-A440 for windows. It describes how to measure and rate windows for airtightness, watertightness and wind resistance, even susceptibility to forced entry. All North Star windows have been tested - and the excellent results speak for themselves. Be wary of windows that have not been tested toCSA-A440 standards.

There are several factors to be considered.

Energy loss: Perhaps 25 per cent of your energy bill is lost through windows. A 3'X5' window with a 1/16" gap around the sashes is like having a hole the size of a brick.

Condensation: Energy-efficient windows stay warmer on the interior surface, so humidity can be raised without getting moisture on windows, which can eventually damage walls. Less condensation also helps reduce growth of mould.

Air quality: Tight windows keep out dust, bugs, pollen and sound - so the indoor environment is healthier.

Low-e glass has a near-invisible coating that reduces the amount of heat lost while letting in all the light. North Star windows have Low-e as a standard feature.

Vinyl is a relative newcomer but gaining rapidly through advances in energy efficiency, strength and versatility. Vinyl is resistant to moisture, doesn't need painting and has a very good insulating value. Wood windows have similar insulating value but they will warp and rot if not painted, resulting in poor efficiency. Vinyl is an attractive low-maintenance option for renovators and homeowners.

Condensation can be a serious problem. The moisture produced by everyday activities such as cooking and showering shows up first on cool dense surfaces such as windows. Over the long term, this dripping can damage windows and nearby surfaces such as drywall and promote growth of mould, a potential health hazard.

One solution is to reduce humidity but levels can't always be lowered sufficiently, especially in the winter when moisture is needed to prevent drying.

A better solution lies in the windows themselves. North Star windows feature Super Spacer® technology which boosts window R-values by 30 per cent. The advanced warm-edge technology in North Star windows keeps the glass much warmer so they are less likely to fog.