Let’s face it: Ontario climates are harsh — and increasingly unpredictable. It’s crucial that we keep warm air inside our buildings during the winter and cool air inside during our hot summers.
At Casa Bella Windows & Doors, we’re keenly aware of how high-performing window technology can help home builders and contractors ensure a well-insulated interior while still offering eye-catching aesthetic appeal.
This post offers a quick guide for how builders can select windows that provide optimum insulation and contribute to the energy efficiency of homes built for the extremes of today’s northern climate.
Getting Started
Good insulation reduces the energy required for heating and cooling, in turn lowering utility bills and minimizing the carbon footprint of the home. Therefore, properly insulated homes offer greater comfort, savings, and peace of mind for homeowners.
Getting this right with windows means home builders focus on three critical elements: the frames, the glass, and the installation and design.
Frame the Issue Properly
Frames need to withstand the natural expanding and contracting that happens with both rapid and steady fluctuations in temperature and humidity. As a premier window supplying company, Casa Bella Windows & Doors offers a range of window frames designed with this in mind — another reason why we often choose vinyl for its durability and insulative properties.
Here are two popular options for frames to ensure insulation:
- Awning Windows. These are ideal for Canadian climates. By opening outward with their hinged top, they’ll allow ventilation even during rain. Builders and contractors looking to buy awning windows will be pleased to note they come with a continuous hinge and multi-point locking system, offering an airtight seal that reduces drafty breezes and energy loss. Our awning windows are Health Smart™ certified, ensuring they contribute to healthier indoor air quality, too, which is essential during long winters when our homes are sealed (hopefully tightly!) against the cold.
- Casement Windows. Favoured for their ability to seal off tighter than any other window type, our casement windows also come with a multi-point locking system that gives a snug, weather-tight seal. When you lock new casement windows like this, there are no intermediary slides or channels that could otherwise allow for heat exchange. Casements are great for keeping warm or cool air trapped inside as required.
A Clear Path with the Right Glass
When builders are considering glass, the best choice for insulation is double- or triple-glazing: two or three panes of glass with a space between them, usually filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton (an additional layer of insulation). Casa Bella offers Energy Star® rated glass that helps maintain a consistent internal temperature, with options for Low-E coatings that reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside or outside, depending on the season. These glazings also reduce the UV light penetration to better protect interior materials and surfaces from fading.
Seal the Deal with Professional Installation and Design Thinking
Adequate, professional installation is also a factor. We can work closely with builders and contractors to ensure windows are manufactured to exact specifications for a perfect fit (which is critical to prevent thermal leakage and to keep cold air out).
Builders also need to consider that the design of a house can affect window choice. For example, what’s the wind exposure (and prevailing winds) for that part of the building? Certain window styles can resist stronger winds and still maintain good insulation. Consulting with our specialist team can help determine the best-suited window types for various areas of a home, considering environmental factors, local climate, and the house’s orientation.
The Final Pane
Well-insulated windows are a key component in the architectural integrity and sustainability of new homes. Home builders and contractors who partner with us gain access to a rich selection of window types and styles that align with their needs for optimal insulation. Doing so, we’re proud to be in the business of helping builders deliver long-term value to all future or current homeowners.
