Replies

1. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | May 31, 2019 04:55pm | #1

   Alex,

   How far you go with the windows is in large part by two factors. What percentage of the exterior walls they represent, and what the R (or RSI up here) value of the walls is.

   If the windows represent a large part of the walls, it may make more sense to put in higher performing ones. And similarly, if the windows represent a large part of your heat loss, there isn't as much sense in going nuts on well performing walls.

   These sorts of decisions are a lot easier if you model the building performance. Then you can make informed choices based on both trade-offs and cost.

1. 
   AJ__ | May 31, 2019 08:09pm | #3

   Thanks Malcolm, I was hoping you would see this! Over half our windows are south east facing. The designer wants me to select a manufacturer before modelling performance, I had assumed he would be doing something similar to what you suggest with a few manufacturers.

1. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | May 31, 2019 09:51pm | #5

   Alex,

   I'm reluctant to chime in on anything more than general terms as I've not been particularly happy with any of the windows I've used over the years. They have all been fine, but nothing you would want in a high-performance house like you are describing.

   Over the past several years there have been a couple of Passive-H0use projects from the Lower Mainland and Island here on GBA, and some discussion about good Canadian manufacturers. That might be where to start. Sorry I can't be of more help.

1. 
   AJ__ | Jun 01, 2019 11:52pm | #7

   Innotech, Westek, Fenstur, Cascadia and Euroline were all suggested to me by a dependable resource as having a window line suitable for our project. Do you have any experience with these manufacturers? What issues have you noted with those you have installed?

2. 
   rockies63 | May 31, 2019 07:44pm | #2

   Well, you need an egress window in each bedroom (and probably bathrooms where there is only one exit door). These have code mandated sizes. You also need to decide on the frame material (metal clad, vinyl, wood or fiberglass). Each material expands and contracts at a different rate but fiberglass seems to change in size the least (this helps prevent the seal between the glass panes and the window frame from cracking).

   One thing I have read in articles on this site is that people tend to put in too many operable windows. One is sufficient for smaller rooms and probably two for larger rooms (cross ventilation). All the rest can be fixed (and much cheaper).

   Euroline in North Vancouver is a good company that makes fiberglass framed windows.

1. 
   AJ__ | May 31, 2019 08:12pm | #4

   Thanks Scott, that's a great point and now I look at the plans I think we have more operable windows than we need. I will look in to that some more, as well as Euroline. Thank you

3. 
   user-6798160 | Jun 01, 2019 12:16am | #6

   I'm pretty much in the same boat. I was starting to look at Cascadia windows as well as Zola. Thankfully, I only have a few windows to replace, so it won't break the budget if I pay a little extra. I do worry that if I get a triple pane, I won't be able to operate the windows. I can't change the size, because these windows are replacements, so that may end up being the deciding factor.

4. 
   kenmoremmm | Nov 12, 2021 09:53pm | #8

   Alex: what did you ultimately choose for your window and are you happy with it?