Moisture between window panes? The truth about regassing and resealing

If your windows are fogging up or showing moisture between the panes, it may be due to a broken gas seal in your insulated glass unit (IGU). While some companies offer regassing and resealing as a quick fix, it's important to consider whether this will provide a long-term solution.

What is Air Leakage (AL)?

Image showing air leakage scale
Air leakage (AL) is becoming an increasingly important factor when selecting energy-efficient 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

a brown front door with side lite
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 Best Window for Me
When it comes to replacement windows, the term "BEST" often gets misunderstood. It’s easy to assume that the best windows must be the most expensive or highest quality, but that's not always the case. BEST is subjective — it's about finding the right balance of factors that fit your specific needs as a homeowner.

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

Winter Screen Storage
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)

Canada Window Energy Star climate zones for windows
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?

The lower the U-value, the better the window is at keeping the heat in during the winter and the better it insulates
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)?

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.

A homeowner's guide to energy ratings & efficiency

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.

Energy Star (ER) rating - An overall measure of energy efficiency?

The higher the ER rating number, the more energy-efficient the window or door.
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.