In the last decade, Canadians have invested more money on home renovations than on new construction. The major renovation segment belongs to windows and doors. These days, Canadians living in Calgary are paying equal attention to architecture, aesthetics, energy efficiency and energy economics. Modern and high-performance doors and windows render better improvements in energy efficiency, solar and thermal comfort.
A home is sweet home when you live in it with your family members. Moreover, a home becomes beautiful and enchanting when it has perfect and the most accurate doors and windows that improve the overall look of the home. Like walls, floors, roof and ceiling, doors and window also play a vital role in making your home a perfect place to dwell in. Mentioned below are some common types of window and door that will help you make informed decisions about purchasing. This information will add more excellence and uniqueness to your existing home. Let’s start discussion to gain more from the information.
Know your windows
Fixed and operable are the two common types of windows having their own advantages and disadvantages. Factors like air tightness, safety and security make fixed windows more efficient and better for domestic uses.
It is said that floors with bedrooms must have at least one operable window for emergency exit. Awning, casement, hopper, horizontal slider, vertical slider and turn-and-tilt are the six common types of operable window. With a compression or a sliding seal, it is easy to seal operable windows that help you minimize air leakage. Operable windows become more air tight with compression seals. On the other hand, window types such as casement, awning, hopper and turn-and-tilt windows are equipped with a closure/locking mechanism to pull the unit tight against the seal.
Know your doors
Doors are the main part of any concrete structure as they allow you to easily enter into any specific space. When compared to windows, doors are less complicated as they are:
- Solid
- Solid with an insulated core
- Solid with glass insert
- Solid with an insulated core and glass insert
Patio doors operate like a large horizontal sliding window whereas hinged French doors are more energy efficient with a compression-fit. Some door materials are capable of reducing heat flow better than other materials. When compared to metal-clad, insulated core doors, doors made of solid wood are not so good. Like windows, doors have a frame, sill, optional glazing, and rough frame opening in a wall.
Glazing: An essential material in your doors and windows
Glazing relates to the transparent or translucent materials used in both windows and doors. A window may have one or more sashes. A double-hung window has 2 moveable sashes whereas a single-hung window has single moveable sash. A window can also be classified on the basis of glazing.
- Single glazed—one pane.
- Double-glazed—two panes.
- Triple-glazed—three panes.
It is said and advised that all windows in Canada should be at least double gazed windows as they lose minimal heat. The number of glazings in a particular window can be checked out on the basis of reflections. Different types of glazing affect window’ insulation value and condensation forming on the glass. These days, transparent plastic films are widely used to increase energy efficiency.
When compared to a standard triple glazed window, plastic film coatings on the surfaces a double-glazed window increase window’s insulating value at a high level. It is also quite clear that coatings are often used with gas fill.
To prevent air or moisture from entering the air space, eliminate dirt and condensation between glazing’s, most windows integrate sealed, insulated glazing (IG) units. If you already have such units and you are experiencing leakage from the sealed air space, make sure it is high time to replace the IG unit.
Accomplish your doors and window with frames and sashes
GI, frame and sash are the three main components that complete the structure of a window. The GI fits into the sash and the sash is held by the frame. Both the sash and the frame are major sources of heat loss, due to conduction through the materials. Air leakage is also responsible for the heat loss. That is why highly conductive materials are incorporated with thermal breaks in order to
reduce the heat loss. If heat loss occurs through the sash and frame, it will result in the formation of condensation and frost on the surfaces of windows.
Variety of materials
Aluminium, fiberglass, vinyl, wood, and combinations of these materials are widely used to make a variety of frames and sashes. These materials have their own properties and drawbacks in terms of insulating value, strength, longevity, durability, cost, aesthetics and maintenance. That is why these materials are widely used to make high quality windows and doors of all sizes and types. Whether you are looking for modern doors or steel doors in Calgary, make sure you prefer Canadian Energy Rating (ER) standards.
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