A window is a familiar and foremost construction element, which emphasizes the house's architectural style and gives it an exceptional appearance. Ultimately, windows are no less a vital part of a house than the roof or walls. Suitable window installation plays a key role in ensuring their functionality and durability. It is crucial not only to choose reliable windows but also to install them correctly to ensure that smells are effectively drawn into the window opening maximizing energy efficiency and safety.
It might seem that replacing windows in your household is a straightforward process. You need the necessary parameters, and later, compare options from various manufacturers. However, everything is not as rosy as it seems. Without specific technical information, you risk depriving your home of energy efficiency and prime appearance. In this article, we will discuss how to select replacement windows for a private house or an apartment smartly, based on the reality of living in Ontario.
What Are the Essential Parameters for Windows Installation in Ontario
In Canada, windows frequently receive insufficient attention, despite the northern country’s tough weather conditions. From urban centers like Toronto to rural areas, homeowners seek long-term solutions to gain comfort while reducing energy consumption. Among the plethora of available window options, eco windows in Ontario have gained smashing popularity due to their versatility, practicality, and effectiveness in guaranteeing severe weather protection.
Specifically, in northern Ontario, climatic conditions vary drastically from areas near the Great Lakes, where frost-free periods last more than 100 days per year, to Hudson Bay, where calm weather can last less than 40 days. In the eastern part of the province, which is farther from the lakes with their moderate microclimate, it is cooler and wetter than in the south and southwest. As well, Ottawa receives approximately 35 inches (900 mm) of precipitation annually, preferably in the form of rain.
Consequently, replacing windows is a smart investment solution that improves energy efficiency, enhances curb appeal, and adds value to your Canadian premises. Let's take a closer look at the requirements a contemporary window system must meet for life in Ontario:
- It should provide warmth in the apartment or house.
- It must protect the residents from outside noises.
- it should safeguard the premises against external natural conditions, including rain, snow, and wind.
- It should be convenient to use, allowing for easy opening and closing.
- It should be reliable and designed to serve for many years without getting additional maintenance.
- It should be aesthetically appealing, maintaining its attractiveness over the years.
Popular Window Systems: Pros and Cons
Let's compare the pros and cons of the two most common systems in Canada.
1. Casement and Awning Windows
It is believed that this type of window originated in Scandinavian countries with a harsh climate just like in Ontario. This casement system can be regarded as the most widespread type throughout Canada.
Pros:
- They withstand the harshest weather conditions, such as frost and strong wind. It is the outward opening that allows you to protect your home from strong gusts of wind.
- They allow you to save space inside the room. Moreover, it is possible to place anything on the windowsill and ventilate the room without interference.
- Contemporary windows with this type of opening are easy to clean since the sash can be turned inward with the outer side.
Cons:
- The opening mechanism of a casement window is pretty capricious. A torn-off handle or a jammed mechanism is a common occurrence.
- If it starts to rain or sleet outside, and you leave the window open, there is every chance that all the flowers on the windowsill will be watered, and the floor will be washed without any extra effort.
- Windows are often installed crookedly because of them being heavy. It is not easy for craftsmen to work with such a profile, and the frame is sometimes deformed under the weight of the glass.
- Recycled plastic is considered an eco-friendly option. However, it can come with a drawback in terms of appearance. The secret is that over time, these windows tend to become yellowish, leaving homeowners to contend with this major issue.
2. Slider Windows
These are windows with either a vertical-sliding mechanism or a horizontal-sliding mechanism.
Pros:
- They provide the largest possible glazing area due to the narrow frame profile.
- Slider windows don't occupy a lot of space inside the room.
- These windows feature reliability and simplicity of design that can even withstand strong winds. In the horizontal version, there is no limitation on the number of glass panes in the sash, meaning there are no weight restrictions.
Cons:
- Being short-lived, brush seals dry out over time and require maintenance or replacement.
- They are difficult to use in winter, as snow and ice freeze on the guides prevent normal opening and closing.
- The quality of assembly and welding of plastic leaves much to be desired.
- Secondary plastic is often used in the manufacture of the profile, that's why such windows turn yellow over time.
Eco Windows: A Trend To Come Into Vogue
The issue of achieving significant energy savings is to be effectively solved by installing double-glazed windows equipped with low-emission glass, also called energy-saving or E-glass. In the case of Ecoline windows, energy-saving glass diminishes heat loss compared to conventional glass. In addition, it significantly reduces the likelihood of condensation and casement fogging.
Energy-saving glass is obtained by spraying several layers of various chemical compounds onto a glass surface in a vacuum. These layers form an ultra-thin metal film that acts as a kind of screen for thermal radiation, but the glass itself remains completely transparent. Spraying energy-saving glass reflects long-wave infrared radiation from heating devices and warm objects, helping to preserve the heat. Ultimately, eco windows are a durable, versatile, and sustainable choice for those customers who want to lower energy costs.
Have we inspired you to reconsider your window replacement option? We want to ensure you can provide the best level of comfort for your loved ones, and enjoy your upgraded accommodation to the fullest.
