What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?

the higher the SHGC, the number, the greater the solar gain
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.

What is visual transmittance?

Understanding Visible Light Transmittance
The amount of light you let into your home is a matter of personal taste. When replacing your windows, understanding the VT will help you get it right.

What is Low-e Glass?

LoE-glass-the-basics
LoE glass, also known as Low-emissivity glass or low-E glass, is a glass with properties that reflect radiant heat, thus potentially improving the thermal efficiency of a window. Emissivity is a measure of how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat through it.

Energy efficiency - breaking down energy ratings

Energy Rating Example
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.

Keeping your energy costs down and comfort level up

Window Optimization - Maximizing comfort and energy efficiency
Windows provide light, warmth and ventilation, but they also decrease home energy-efficiency and can affect the comfort in your home. Choosing the right glass option will allow you to find a balance between energy costs and the desired level of home comfort.

Condensation's year-round semblance - Unmasking a mystery

4 Seasons of condensation
Have you ever wondered why your windows get all fogged up or drippy? It's not just a winter thing! From humid summers to chilly winters, condensation can form on your windows any time of the year.

Today’s window technology fights the climate

What does it take in today’s window technology to become a climate fighter?
Windows are an important element in the passive solar management of your home, potentially providing heating, cooling, and lighting. How efficiently they do this can have a profound effect on your home energy costs. There are a lot of things a window manufacturer can do to make windows more efficient, but it's up to you to decide which ones are worth the cost.

Winter humidity and temperature guidelines

Image of optimal thermo-hygrometer reading
As the winter chill settles in Ottawa, maintaining a cosy and healthy indoor environment becomes paramount. Your home's temperature and relative humidity are not just matters of personal preference; they play crucial roles in both your well-being and the integrity of your living space.

Understanding what causes window condensation

In Ontario, winter can bring beautiful sights, but not when it comes to the condensation and ice that forms on your windows. This visible issue can be uncomfortable and even harmful to your home's energy efficiency. Let's explore the common causes of this problem and learn how to prevent it with our expert advice.

Why should you take condensation seriously?

Ice buildup on patio door due to condensation - hard wood floor damage
It's tempting to downplay the effects of window condensation as just a small amount of water, isn't it? However, in reality, these seemingly trivial water droplets can slowly seep into hidden spaces, where they can wreak havoc that may lead to home damage and health issues over time.

How to prevent condensation problems

Condensation on windows is a common problem that many homeowners face, especially during extreme temperatures. Not only can it be unsightly, but it can also cause damage to your home over time. In this article, we will discuss the causes of condensation and provide you with tips on how to prevent and manage it in your home.

New windows: a condensation solution?

Image of hand washing condenstaion moisture off window
If you've diligently followed recommendations to decrease humidity in your home but still find yourself grappling with persistent condensation issues, there might be underlying problems at play.

Window replacement - During the Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19 has transformed so many aspects of our day-to-day life - what we do - what we don’t do - what we can do. And for many of us, we’ve pondered the question of what we should do with all the money that we would normally spend on vacations, restaurants, sports events...

Infographic - Window installation - What to expect

Buying windows is not always an easy decision… and what should be a very simple process, can be more complicated than most of us would care to deal with. To help put your mind at ease, and so you know what to expect, you’ll find the typical steps and procedures that are required to get you through the entire process.

Video - Typical door Installation

Considering door replacement in the Ottawa area? Here's a short video that shows some of the installation steps from the removal of an old door to the installation and finishing of a new steel Dimensions Doors entrance door.