We’re all in the Christmas spirit around here these days. Since the beginning of December, we’ve been all about the holidays.
Of course, it goes without saying that we’ve all been singing, humming or just listening to carols and Christmas songs all throughout the office — so it isn’t too surprising that we came up with our own version of a Christmas classic.
We hope you enjoy it!
The Twelve Windows of Christmas
(Sung to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas)
On the first day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
a unique door for my entry
On the second day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the third day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the fourth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the fifth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the sixth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the seventh day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
seven doors a-folding
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the eighth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
eight shutters rolling
seven doors a-folding
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the ninth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
nine pleated blinds
eight shutters rolling
seven doors a-folding
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the tenth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
ten archtop dormers
nine pleated blinds
eight shutters rolling
seven doors a-folding
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the eleventh day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
eleven window handles
ten archtop dormers
nine pleated blinds
eight shutters rolling
seven doors a-folding
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
On the twelfth day of Christmas
my builder installed for me:
twelve insect screens
eleven window handles
ten archtop dormers
nine pleated blinds
eight shutters rolling
seven doors a-folding
six casement windows
five tilt & turns
four tilt & glides
three French doors
two bay windows
and a unique door for my entry
PLEASE NOTE:
EuroLine Windows will be closed for the holidays
from Friday, December 22nd, 2017 until Tuesday, January 2nd, 2017
We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Two weeks ago, on August 14th, the results were finally revealed – Passive House box: 639 kg, BC Building Code: 407 kg.
In a period of 18 days, the ice block in the PH box had melted off 361 kg, while the ice block in the BCBC box lost 593 kg. That’s a difference of 232 kg, meaning almost 65% more ice melted in the BCBC box than in the PH box.
That’s pretty impressive – or is it? Some people have questioned whether the result was really all that remarkable. After all, Passive House construction is claimed to be up to 90% more efficient.
Such criticism is fair, but one should take into consideration that the structures were small and temporary. Both affect performance.
These days, windows keep getting larger and larger. The elevation these windows are on is rarely taken into consideration – except when building a Passive House. Large windows on the North or East elevation result in larger heat losses, which is why in PH construction, fewer windows are used on these elevations, and their size is relatively small. However, on the BCBC box, the window used was also a small window, hardly the size of an average window these days. With windows still being the weakest part of the building envelope, this gave the BCBC box an advantage over a typical house built to the code.
The window choice, too, gave the BCBC box an advantage. Rather than choosing a low end sliding window with an inferior seal, a high end EuroLine 1400-series casement window was used. This window not only has a tighter seal than the average window being used these days, but at 1.53 W/(m^2*K) the u-factor of the window used also far surpasses the u-factor required by the BCBC (1.8 (W/m^2*K)).
On the other hand, the PH box was at a disadvantage, as in a temporary structure it is much more difficult to achieve the same kind of seal and insulation as in a permanent structure. Of course insulation plays an integral role in the PH standard. Much attention and care is paid to not create any thermal bridges, and a smoke test is perform to find and seal even the smallest air leaks.
Finally, building codes all across the world are improving, with many cities, and entire countries, aiming to adopt the Passive House building standard as their national building code standard. While a Passive House can still be 90% more efficient than an older building, the difference will be less, compared to a new home being built to current standards. And that’s a good thing.
We still think that the results achieved in the Ice Box Challenge were pretty impressive – but we look forward to the day when both structures will perform exactly the same.
With Vancouver on its way to becoming the Greenest City by 2020, the province following closely with its BC Energy Step Code – both embracing the Passive House standard as a way to achieve the desired outcome – and events like the Ice Box Challenge bringing the concept of Passive House to downtown Vancouver, it can be difficult to believe that just a few years ago, Passive House was a foreign concept to most here in Canada, including in the building industry.
Rob Bernhardt, CEO of Passive House Canada, describes his and his family’s 3 1/2 year experience living in their Passive Home for The Province (read about it here).
Let’s travel back to 2013, when Bernhardt Contracting was recognized by the District of Saanich as a Carbon Champion.
Everyone is talking about Passive House! You’ve heard the buzz around this energy-efficient building standard — and now is your chance to see first-hand what goes into attaining these rigorous ratings during the Mid-year International Passive House Open Days – June 16-18, 2017.
Sponsored by the International Passive House Association, this world-wide event allows participants to experience Passive House in their own communities ahead of the IPHA main event held annually in November.
Visit the under-construction open house in Langley, Friday, June 16th, featuring EuroLine windows and doors. Details below (click on the image for larger display).
If you need a little inspiration for your renovation or new build project, our showroom is the perfect place to brainstorm ideas. With our full range of windows and doors on display — you can see, touch and feel the ultimate quality of our products.
Imagine a summer get-together where your guests can mingle seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors when you open up your living space with a gorgeous new folding door. It is easy to envision when you can experience one of these doors in action. Try it out. You will be amazed at how effortlessly it works.
Look at our tilt and turn windows— don’t be surprised at how simply you can open these windows fully to the inside or “tilt” them in for secure ventilation. Check out the robust multi-point locking system. Curious about blinds and roll shutters? We’ve got you covered! We have beautiful examples of our custom-fit blinds and screens for you to inspect.
New in our showroom
Interior Doors
We are proud to partner with Sapeli to offer you more options to complement your window choices for a consistent look and feel. Sapeli doors are manufactured in Europe and have a style and function for your every need. You can see a sampling of these attractive interior doors — open them, close them, stand back and admire them. Picture them in your den, your office…
Entry Doors
Have you seen the latest in entry door technology? State-of-the-art front doors with keyless entry, and LED accents. Pirnar handmade entry doors are modern and sophisticated, made for superior thermal comfort. Visit our showroom to explore the options, including Grande models — unparalleled elegance on a large scale.
We welcome you to our showroom where you can leisurely walk through our display rooms — browse a full range of our products and examine their quality up close and personal. Our custom-made windows and doors are available with an extensive array of options and accessories and can be configured to fit your unique style.
Try our sound booth and hear for yourself how our products can significantly reduce outside noise. Worried about security? Watch our amazing burglar test video — see how strong our windows are.
EuroLine Windows Inc. is a family-owned business with traditional values of honesty, integrity and quality at its heart. We pride ourselves on our modern, innovative products and our first-class services.
Our showroom is in Delta, BC, in the heart of the Lower Mainland. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm and open on Saturdays by appointment. Our friendly sales consultants can help you find the perfect solution for your dream home. Ask them anything — they love talking about windows!
Visit our Project Gallery for inspiration and ideas
Take a look at our Products page for detailed information on our windows, doors, options and accessories Sign up for our eNewsletter to stay up to date on news and events
After our long, cold, snow-bound winter, we are rejoicing in the warmer temperature and longer days. Now, with more sunshine, we can see the effects the past season has had on our windows.
Time for spring cleaning!
Your EuroLine windows and doors are virtually maintenance free, but taking the time to do a little maintenance and cleaning will ensure that they last a lifetime.
Safety First!
Don’t have tilt & turn windows? Too short to reach those outside windows? Make sure you take care when using that ladder during spring cleaning.
Wear protective eyewear and clothing when working with cleaning products. Always follow the safety precautions as recommended by the manufacturer.
What’s On the Outside?
Spring cleaning is a good time to inspect the caulking on the exterior perimeter of your windows and patio doors. This should be done regularly, but at least once per year. Look carefully for cracks and breaks as these will compromise the watertight seal between the window and door frames and your house siding.
Completely remove and replace the caulking that is cracked, broken or missing. New caulking will help to create a tight seal and prevent further damage.
A soft cloth and mixture of warm water a and a few drops of mild dish soap is all you need to clean your vinyl windows. Gently rinse, then dry with a soft, damp cloth. Consult your instruction manual for advice on cleaning heavily soiled areas.
Always use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products.
Check the weep holes — both inside and outside the windows and doors. Make sure they are clear of dirt or obstructions to ensure proper drainage.
Small scratches on your frames?
TIP: We have matching paint pens that may help repair small abrasions on foiled finishes. Call us at 604.940.8485 and speak to our service department for details.
NOTE: Never use a power washer when cleaning windows or doors as it may damage them, voiding your warranty.
Take a Look at the Hardware
Check all hardware for smooth operation — make sure locks, opening mechanisms, etc. are working properly. To keep the moving parts of your windows and doors at peak performance, we recommend you lubricate the hardware at least once a year. Every six months, check all hinges for tightness of fasteners and look for damage to hinges.
You can find complete details on cleaning and lubricating window and door hardware in your maintenance manual. Or visit the Resources page on our website for detailed information.
TIP: If you live in a coastal area, more frequent cleaning and lubricating of your window and door hardware is required.
Sparkle and Shine
Abrasive or caustic cleaners are never recommended because they might cause permanent damage to the finish or the glass. Instead, clean glass with a mixture of water and mild dish soap or an approved glass cleaner. Rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with a soft, damp cloth to avoid water spots. (A damp cloth is recommended, as a dry one may create static which will attract dirt/dust to the frame.)
For best results, do not clean glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight.
STOP! Never use a high-pressure spray nozzle to rinse your windows — this could cause the glass to crack or possibly loosen the seals.
To avoid damaging the glass surface, the insulating glass seal, or component parts, never use any petroleum-based cleaners, or caustic chemicals on the glass, and never use a razor blade, putty knife or abrasive pad to clean the glass.
The Inside Job
Over the winter, fine dust and dirt has probably built up inside these areas and if allowed to remain, it can result in poor operation or even damage to hardware.
Use your vacuum to clean the sill and track areas. A soft, small brush may be helpful to loosen any dirt or dust from around frames.
Clean the interior frames with a small amount of mild soap in warm water and a soft cloth. Dish detergent such as Dawn is ideal.
Open windows and clean the inside of the frames. Also, wipe the edges of the sashes to make sure there is nothing obstructing their operation.
Don’t Forget the Screens
Bring out your window screens from their winter storage and lay them on a flat surface.
If necessary, wash them with mild soap and water using a soft brush, then rinse and wipe dry.
Check for any damage before you install them. If you need help putting your screens on, check out our helpful video for step by step instructions.
REMEMBER: Your EuroLine windows never need painting and will not rot, split, fade, yellow or grow brittle with age. With just a little TLC and regular cleaning, your windows and doors will have years of trouble-free operation. For more details on taking care of your EuroLine windows and doors, download our info sheet: Cleaning & Maintenance of Your Vinyl Windows and Doors
IMPORTANT! EuroLine window and door products are shipped with a protective plastic film that reduces damage from handling and installation. This protective film MUST be removed upon completion of installation. Failure to remove the protective plastic film upon completion of installation may cause film to bond to the frame and permanently damage the finish.
Want more information? Resources: Instruction and maintenance manuals, brochures, videos, FAQ, and more in our resource section. Products: Information and photos of all our windows, doors, accessories and options. Project Gallery: Photo slide shows of residential and commercial projects featuring our window and door products.
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In 17th century France, influenced by Italian Renaissance art and architecture, the French fashioned a new style of doors made with wood and wrought iron. Essentially, these double doors were floor length windows which usually led out to small balconies. Later, as the glass industry developed, individual glass panes were incorporated into the doors and held in by small frames. This style of door not only added visual appeal to the home, but also allowed more daylight into rooms. This innovative design was the precursor to our modern day French doors.
Today, French doors are still considered to be the ultimate in elegance and functionality.
Why Choose French Doors?
Let’s talk about some of the benefits of installing these charming doors in your home:
Flexibility
French doors are versatile — they can be inswing or outswing depending on your needs. Alternatively, you can have the “active” side on an inswing door made as a tilt and turn door. You can also combine them with fixed windows on one or both sides to create a stunning wall of windows.
Bring the Outside In
French doors allow you to open your home in a variety of ways. Use them to connect two interior rooms to each other, creating larger spaces for entertaining. Or bring the outdoors in by giving open access to your patio or garden.
Light and Space
These beautiful doors brighten your living spaces with natural light and provide lovely views of your yard. When your French doors are fully open, you can enjoy all the advantages that Mother Nature offers while making your interior feel incredibly spacious.
Performance
Modern French doors are energy efficient, secure and durable. With standard features such as double pane, LoE coatings and robust multi-point locking hardware, these doors will attract potential buyers, increase your home’s worth and help you save money on your heating/cooling costs.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at our Project Gallery for some stunning examples of our doors and windows in a variety of styles, configurations and finishes.
Want more information? Visit our showroom — and discover what we can do for you. Speak to one of our knowledgeable sales consultants. We love to talk about windows and we can help you to make the best choice in windows and doors for your project!
Condensation — the word itself is enough to strike fear in the most stoic of home owners. Let’s face it: no one wants to contend with leaky windows, or failed glass, or even mop up an endless trickle of water from our window panes.
What exactly is condensation, and are your windows to blame for all that moisture?
Let’s look at ten common questions or concerns about this phenomenon:
What is condensation?
Simply put, condensation is the process by which water vapor (gas) in the air turns into a liquid state (water). The water droplets that you may see on your window panes in cold weather — that’s condensation.
What is exterior condensation?
Condensation on the outside of windows generally occurs in the summer months. It is caused by three main conditions: high outdoor humidity, little or no wind, and a clear night sky. It forms in the same way as interior condensation when the temperature of the glass falls below the dew point of the outside air (as opposed to inside air in interior condensation).
What about interior condensation?
Fog, water droplets, or frost on the interior of your windows forms on surfaces when the humidity in the air is too high and surface temperatures are too low. Think of how “steamed up” your bathroom mirror is after a hot shower, or how water beads form on a drinking glass filled with iced tea on a hot summer day.
What causes condensation?
There are three important elements that combine to cause condensation:
The level of moisture in the air The temperature of the air in your home The surface temperature of the windows
When the heated air from the interior of your home comes into contact with the cooler surface of the glass in your windows, condensation forms. The change in temperature of the air causes the moisture to condense onto the pane.
My windows are foggy and wet! Are my windows causing this condensation?
Windows do not cause condensation — moisture on the interior pane of your windows is caused by excessive humidity in your home. Because the surface of your window panes typically have the lowest temperature in your home, you will usually notice condensation there first. This doesn’t mean that your windows are defective or leaking, they are just a cool surface on which the moisture in the heated air of your house will condensate on.
Are my new windows defective? My old windows didn’t have condensation, but my new windows do.
Condensation can be an annoying problem. While it may seem natural to blame the windows and/or doors, interior condensation is really an indication of excess humidity in the home. It is sign that your high performance, energy-efficient windows are doing their job.
Modern homes – and high performance windows – are better sealed against air leakage and natural ventilation to the outdoors is reduced. Energy efficient building designs, techniques and products keep cold air outside and, also, keep warm, moist air inside. High performance windows and good insulation provide a barrier to the air exchange of your home, and along with additional water vapor from breathing, cooking, showering, etc., homes now have a high relative indoor humidity level, which can result in interior condensation. Older homes were less energy-efficient and allowed the excess moisture to escape through cracks and leaks, resulting in little or no condensation but much greater heat loss.
What is raising the humidity level in my home?
Did you know that every day up to 50 litres of moisture is being released into the air in your home? There are many things that generate indoor moisture: humidifiers, heating systems, washers and dryers, aquariums, etc. Everyday activities — such as cooking meals, washing dishes or taking showers — also contribute to the humidity level in your home. Pets, and even plants, add moisture into the air.
What can I do to reduce the humidity in my home?
Controlling the humidity in your home will help to reduce or eliminate condensation on your windows. Try these eight tips to help reduce humidity levels:
Open a window or door daily to air out your house.
Turn off all humidifying devices and make sure that your clothes dryer is vented to the outside.
Install and use a dehumidifier.
Use exhaust fans and proper venting in rooms with high moisture levels such as the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom. Exhaust fans should be used during every shower or bath, and run for at least 15 minutes after.
Keep drapes and blinds open as much as possible to allow air circulation against the windows.
Plants can contribute to condensation — they add moisture to the air. Consider moving plants away from your windows.
Do not hang wet clothes to dry inside.
Opt for better insulated windows — the higher the R-value of a window, the better it can handle humidity. For example, condensation is less likely to form on the inside of triple glaze windows than double glaze.
Can condensation be temporary?
There are three occurrences where your home may experience temporary condensation:
Condensation can occur in newly constructed houses. Wood, plaster, cement and other building materials used in new construction and renovations produce a lot of moisture. When the house is heated during the first cold season, this moisture will gradually flow out into the air in the home, thereby raising the relative humidity of the interior. The moisture from these materials usually dissipates during the first year and is not a cause for further concern.
Your house can absorb moisture during humid summers. This will result in condensation when you start heating your house again when the weather turns cooler. This condensation should clear up in the first few weeks of turning up the heat.
Also, during the colder months, sharp, quick, and sudden drops in temperature can create temporary condensation problems in your home.
Is it normal for condensation to form between the panes of window glass?
No, condensation between the panes in an insulated glass unit can indicate that the airtight seal may have failed and require replacement. Contact your window company or builder if you notice this.
Since you are on our website, reading this blog, you most likely have heard of EuroLine Windows. Maybe you know someone who has used our windows. Perhaps, you have our products installed in your own home.
Orchards at Orenco. Photo courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Architects Inc.
1. Our company has been around for more than twenty years
We have been manufacturing high-performance, high quality windows since 1993, when we were known as A.N.G. Window Tech. We changed our name to EuroLine Windows Inc. in 1998 to reflect the advanced European technology we use to make our products.
2. EuroLine Windows Inc. is Canadian
We manufacture our fenestration products in our modern facility in British Columbia. EuroLine Windows Inc. is the largest manufacturer of uPVC European style tilt & turn windows and doors in North America. We have installed our window and door systems throughout North America and countries around the globe.
3. Our windows and doors are tested in our plant We rigorously test our windows and doors in our sophisticated in-house testing facility to ensure they always meet the highest standards.
4. We offer endless possibilities
Our custom-made products are available in a wide range of finishes for the aesthetics you want, and glass types for the performance you need. With a product range including North American style casement windows, European-style tilt & turn windows, patio doors, French doors, tilt & glide doors, folding doors and entry doors, the possibilities are virtually endless.
5. EuroLine has a Passion for Passive
We are committed to constructing products that provide unsurpassed thermal comfort, significant energy savings, and greater design flexibility. We are passionate about manufacturing window and door systems that exceed the latest standards for building codes. And, our ThermoPlus PHC tilt & turn window has recently been certified by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, Germany as a Passive House Component, making it the first Passive House certified window manufactured in North America.
Take a look at our project gallery for examples of our beautiful windows and doors. Come to our showroom and see what we can do for you. Our knowledgeable sales consultants can help you choose the perfect windows and doors for your dream home.
Are you considering a renovation or new home build in 2017? While you are dreaming up the design for your perfect dream house, you might want to check out what is trending in windows and doors this year.
Window & Door Systems
As in 2016, interest in energy efficient homes is still growing and the demand for Passive House, LEED and Net Zero building is strong. The call for high performance, flexibility and durability in fenestration products is expected to continue through 2017 and beyond. Look for high quality vinyl/hybrid windows and doors which offer exceptional energy efficiency and affordability to homeowners while maintaining a stylish and sophisticated look.
Windows
The focus on maximizing natural light by using bigger windows will continue to be in vogue. In addition, adding a large window as a focal point in a room is an emerging trend for 2017. Using bold window treatments to highlight this centrepiece is also becoming popular.
Doors
The theme for 2017 in front door design is “statement entrances”. Main entry doors will be sleek, stylish and built on a grander scale for that wow factor. The colour trend is bold – but sophisticated – inspired by palettes from the jewel tones of metal and sky to earthy shades of moss and forest greenery. Black is also a favoured colour this year.
With the demand for enhanced security, you will see more innovative safety features built into front entry doors. There is a fast-growing trend for keyless entry doors with electronic keypads and smart doors that are wired into your home security system and accessible remotely via your cell phone.
Motorized Window Coverings
Speaking about security, 2017 will see an increase in the demand for motorized window coverings such as rollshutters that can be operated by a switch or a remote. As well as added security, rollshutters protect your windows from inclement weather, reduce noise levels and increase energy efficiency.
Multi-functional Spaces
Last year, bringing the outside in by extending living room areas into outdoor spaces was popular with homeowners. This year will see that trend continue with expansive, multifunctional spaces for living and entertaining featuring prominently in home design. Windows will be wider to allow for more natural light and help to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Visit our showroom and speak with our knowledgeable sales consultants. They can show you the latest innovations in windows and doors and help you choose the perfect products for your project. Our products are custom-made to your specifications and available in a wide range of colours and sizes with many options and accessories.
Check out our Products page for information on the styles and types of windows and doors we manufacture
Curious about Passive House? Ask about our 4700-series ThermoPlus™ PHC, recently certified by the Passive House Institute in Germany as a Passive House Component
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Of course, it goes without saying that we’ve all been singing, humming or just listening to carols and Christmas songs all throughout the office — so it isn’t too surprising that we came up with our own version of a Christmas classic.
