Author: Valaria

On Tuesday, November 24, 2015, EuroLine Windows Inc. joined with a group of BC companies, organizations and cities calling for a bold new Climate Leadership Plan that will include resolute actions leading to, among other things, a robust economy with opportunities for all British Columbians, support for our environment and communities by providing cleaner air and water, and the development of clean energy sources.

As well, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the Urban Development Institute Pacific Region, and the Pembina Institute have initiated a more in-depth declaration that calls on the BC government to set clear energy performance targets for new homes and buildings. EuroLine – along with more than 70 signatories including the cities of Vancouver, Victoria and Powell River – has also acted to support the Call For Action on Energy and Climate in the Building Sector.

“At EuroLine Windows, we believe that now is the time to make a real effort to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings, and we welcome the initiative taken by the Pembina Institute for a Call for Action on Energy and Climate in the Building Sector. As an industry, we can leverage innovation and efficiency to drive profitable economic growth, and at the same time reduce our carbon footprint. We recognize that strong policies and regulations are needed to fight climate change and we believe it is our responsibility, as a business, to join in the effort to reduce carbon emissions. It is an honour for EuroLine to be a signatory on the BC call to action on energy and climate.”  — Isbrand Funk, President and CEO, EuroLine Windows Inc.

The following is the Pembina Institute media release:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2015

B.C. COMPANIES, ORGANIZATIONS AND CITIES CALL FOR BOLD NEW CLIMATE LEADERSHIP PLAN

Province can’t afford to delay the transition to a clean energy economy 

VANCOUVER — As Premier Christy Clark prepares to attend the United Nations climate-change conference in Paris, British Columbia’s government is also gearing up to release its draft Climate Leadership Plan. Following Alberta’s positive announcement over the weekend, groups representing over 1,000 companies, organizations and cities are asking the B.C. government not to squander this opportunity to bring forward ambitious new measures to fight climate change.

Released today, the Call for Action on Energy and Climate seeks bold measures that will lead to a “province powered by clean energy” and provide “protection from a changing climate”. Its 145 signatories include the cities of Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, Clean Energy B.C., the Canadian Wind Energy Association, Concert Properties, the Pembina Institute, UBC, and National Geographic Society explorer-in-residence Wade Davis.

“We can’t afford to delay. Now is the time to lead the transition to a clean energy economy,” the joint declaration states.

Meanwhile, 77 companies, organizations and cities have thrown their support behind a more detailed statement urging the province to take action to reduce carbon emissions from homes and buildings.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Urban Development Institute Pacific Region, and Pembina Institute spearheaded the Call for Action on Energy and Climate in the Building Sector. Its signatories would like to see the province set clear targets for the energy performance of new buildings. The cities of Vancouver, Victoria and Powell River have endorsed the statement. The City of North Vancouver, Richmond and Smithers are tabling resolutions to endorse it as well.

“By pursuing these opportunities, we can reduce our carbon footprint while saving money, creating local jobs, and opening export markets for B.C.-made components and designs. We can also ensure all British Columbians live and work in buildings that improve community health, happiness, and productivity,” the buildings statement says.

The B.C. government is expected to release the draft Climate Leadership Plan in December, followed by a 60-day public consultation. The final Climate Leadership Plan is slated for public release in March 2016.

Read the Call for Action for Energy and Climate

Read the Call for Action for Energy and Climate in the Building Sector

Pembina Institute

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)

Urban Development Institute Pacific Region

Organizations are still welcome to sign on to the Call for Action

For more information and updates on the Climate Leadership Plan, please sign up at ClimateLeadership@pembina.org

Photo Electic Towers: Designed by Freepik

Feature photo: At a foggy lake by Todd Quackenbush

Definition of Factoid : /ˈfakˌtoid/ (noun)  A brief or trivial item of news or information.

Doors and windows are the most important architectural features of our homes and buildings. But, we often do not stop to think about them unless we are thinking of building or renovating our houses, and then we think mostly about their style, composition and energy efficiency…and the cost!

However, history is filled with amazing stories of fascinating doors and windows and our language and culture has many references and adages about them. We’ve always heard that: “eyes are the windows to the soul”, “no one knows what goes on behind closed doors”, “if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”, and “when one door closes, a window opens”.

These quips about windows and doors illustrate how important these features are in our lives —they represent a passage into or out of spaces, a way to see things clearly, or a means to keep things private.

 

We’ve done some digging and come up with five amazing factoids — enjoy!

The Largest Pivoting Window in the World

When Sculp [IT] architects Pieter Peerlings and Silvia Mertens renovated a tiered townhouse in Antwerp, Belgium, they envisioned an updated building that offered all three levels maximum natural light and views of the beautiful terrace below. The structure, named “Lalo”, features a pair of custom-made two-storey French windows that pivot out towards the back facing the garden. They weigh approximately 4 tons and are 19.7 feet high! That’s a lot of glass and quite the view!

How Many Windows?

From 1696 to 1891, residences in England were required to pay a window tax from 2 to 8 shillings depending on the number of windows. For example, the estate where Winston Churchhill was born, Blenheim Palace, has 1,000 windows, so the Churchills would have been required to pay a tax of 8 shillings (£48.43 or $73.55 US in today’s money). Some owners of large estates, at that time, chose to board up many of their windows to avoid paying the tax — that saved on cleaning costs, too!

Buckingham Palace, by comparison, has 1,514 doors and 760 windows — which are cleaned every six weeks to keep them sparkling.

Window cleaners have a much easier time in Washington, DC, as the White House has only 147 windows and 412 doors.

The Largest Doors in the World

Many of our customers purchase large (very large) picture windows, or huge patio doors. They are beautiful pieces that offer stunning views and lots of natural light, but we haven’t even come close to building a door the size of the operating doors of Nasa’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The VAB was designed to assemble large space vehicles such as the massive Saturn V moon rocket that are used for manned space exploration. The high bay of the VAB, the tallest part of the structure, houses four vertical corridors. Each corridor has its own door which is 456 feet high — they are the largest doors in the world. It takes approximately 45 minutes for these doors to open or close completely. Wow!

 

 

Do Your Windows Have Good Feng Shui?

If you follow Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art and science that explains how to balance the energies of your home to facilitate health and good fortune, you will find that windows and doors are important elements to consider when building or renovating your house.

This concept maintains that some window shapes are more favorable than others for facilitating the flow of chi in a positive manner. For example, a square or wide rectangular shaped window (earth element) will promote stability whereas a round window (metal element) fosters determination.

Another method of ensuring good Feng Shui in your home is to keep the walkways to your doors tidy and free of obstacles. This will, according to the practice, increase prosperity and wealth as the flow of chi will naturally follow the path from your door towards you and  your family.

The Gods Must Be Crazy!

Doors and windows were important elements in ancient times, too. One of the earliest known deities in Roman mythology was Janus, the god of beginnings and endings. He was a key figure in Roman religious traditions and was known as the gatekeeper, the god of doorways. Janus watched over all entrances and passageways and was often depicted with two faces, because all doorways look in two directions.

There were five shrines built in Rome, to honour Janus, with the most important one situated at an entrance to the Forum. According to the mythology, the Roman army had to exit the Forum in the correct, prescribed, ritual manner in order to return victorious from war.  It is believed that the bronze doors of this shrine were kept open during times of war so that Janus could aid the army in its fight, and would be closed only during times of peace.

These interesting factoids may come in handy the next time you play Trivial Pursuit! Do you know any amazing facts about windows and doors? Share them in the comments section below; we’d love to hear about them!

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Check out our project gallery for photos of our amazing windows and doors!

 

 

 

You’re thinking about replacing your existing windows and doors — they are drafty, prone to condensation, leaky and definitely not energy efficient. You also want to improve security, reduce outside noise, and increase natural ventilation and light.

There is a lot to consider when deciding on a big undertaking such as a window and door replacement. Do you want your new products to be fixed or operable? Do you want/need more natural ventilation? Are you looking to increase security and/or noise reduction? Is energy efficiency a major goal?

Once you have decided what kind of windows and doors you want to purchase, the next step is to decide which method of installation will be appropriate for your house.

There are two types of installation for replacement windows and doors — a complete tear out or a retrofit.

A complete tear out involves the removal of your old windows including the frame. This technique is usually recommended because a completely airtight insulated seal between the product and the rough opening can be constructed once the old window and frame are gone. This method can be pricey as it entails more work and may reveal problems, such as deterioration or rot, which may not have been evident before.

A less expensive method, called a retrofit, is to install your new window or door into the existing frame. A retrofit can be done only if the existing frame is in good condition and the new products can be properly sealed and insulated.

Your contractor can assess your home and help you to decide which method is best for your situation.

If you are handy with a hammer, doing the installation yourself is tempting because of the initial cost savings. However, replacing windows and doors is not as simple as changing your flooring or swapping out your old leaky faucets. Installing new windows and doors is a complicated process that requires more than a little know-how.

Need convincing? Here are four reasons to have a professional installer replace your windows and doors.

Get the Benefit of Trained and Experienced Professionals

Windows and doors are a major source of heat loss in your home, and while new technology and improved design has greatly increased thermal performance, improper or poorly done installation can adversely affect the energy efficiency of your products. For example, not every window is installed in the exact same way, and some openings may not be square and may need to be completely reframed. Any error in the installation, such as a slight opening in the seal, can diminish the performance of your new windows and doors.

Professional installers have extensive training and experience when it comes to replacing windows. They have the hands-on expertise to recognize potential problems. They have the tools and skill needed to do the job quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your windows and doors are level from side to side and top to bottom and that the installation has provided an airtight, insulated seal. Most window companies have their own installers who know the product well, and choosing someone who understands how to properly install your windows and doors will help avoid any problems that might arise.

Safety First

Windows can be located in awkward or hard to reach places. This can make window replacement a daunting task. Handling glass can be dangerous at the best of times, but you don’t need to worry as your installer will have the necessary safety equipment, is well trained on how to avoid injuries, and knows what to do if an accident happens.

Your Time is Valuable

A professional installer can complete your job more efficiently and in less time than you can. Unless you are experienced in window and door installation, there can be a steep learning curve for you to get your products installed properly in a reasonable amount of time, and with little or no frustration.

Your Replacement Windows and Doors Are a Major Investment

Your new windows and doors represent a significant monetary outlay. You have put a lot of thought into the decision, and you want your products to perform as you expected — keeping you comfortable year round and saving you money on your energy costs. Remember: proper installation is crucial to the performance of your new windows and doors. In some cases, doing it yourself may void your warranty. A professional installer has the expertise to put in your new products precisely to ensure optimum energy retention  — isn’t your investment worth it?

Take a look at our products page. All of our windows and doors are custom made to your specifications and are available in a wide range of options, including glass type, colors and finishes. We have everything you need for your replacement windows and doors — including qualified installers!

Visit our showroom and talk to our renovation expert for information and helpful advice.

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We definitely feel a chill in the air now that summer has gone  — especially at night. Have you turned on your fireplace, cranked up your heat and snuggled up under your coziest blanket while reading or watching TV these past few weeks?

We’ve hauled out our winter woollies and put away our shorts and flip flops, we’re getting ready for the cold front to hit.

Aside from switching up our wardrobes, we’re also getting our homes ready to withstand the chilly weather. Here are six ways that you can keep the heat in and lower your energy bills this winter.

1. TAKE A LOOK AT THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOUSE

Now is a good idea to clean and inspect your roof. Get rid of accumulated dirt and other organic material that can contribute to rot or add extra weight to your roof, especially if you live in a region that experiences heavy snowfall. While you are cleaning, watch for missing or damaged shingles, soft spots, and other items that may need patching up. Call in a professional for any required repairs.

Prevent major water damage to your roof and walls by cleaning your gutters and keeping them free of debris so that melting snow and ice can flow freely from your roof to the ground below.

Turn off the water to your outside faucets to prevent your pipes from bursting during freezing temperatures.

Check to see if any caulking is needed on the outside of your house, especially around openings for pipes and wires.

2. INSPECT YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS

Your windows and doors let in sunlight and fresh air, but did you know that they are a major source of heat loss? Leaky windows and ill-fitting doors can account for 30% of your home’s energy loss.  That’s a big chunk of your heating bill!

To help reduce your energy costs and keep your home toasty warm this winter, check your windows to make sure that the glass is in good condition and fits securely in its frame. Inspect your doors — are they structurally sound? Do they need any adjustments? Look for any gaps around the door and window frames and fill any cracks with a little spray foam insulation.

If your windows and doors are old or in disrepair consider upgrading them to high-performance,  ENERGY STAR^® models that can save you as much as 12 percent on your heating costs and help keep the heat in. Call our office and speak to one of our sales consultants – we can help you determine the type of windows and doors that will best suit your needs.

3. TURN DOWN YOUR THERMOSTAT

You can save up to 5% on your heating bill just by turning your thermostat down 2 degrees. Reducing the temperature to 19°C or 18°C (2 or 3 degrees below 21°C — the average Canadian room temperature) is the best range for optimum savings. TIP: Setting your thermostat lower than 18°C  may raise the humidity in your house and reduce your furnace’s efficiency.

 Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. You can save up to 10% on your energy bill by programming your thermostat to lower the temperature while you are away during the day, or at night while you sleep. For more information on using your programmable thermostat, click here.

4. TUNE UP YOUR FURNACE AND CHECK YOUR INSULATION

Make an appointment for a furnace cleaning and tune-up. Have the filters changed. This will optimize your furnace’s performance and help to keep heat in during the cold months.

Check your attic and basement to see if your insulation has settled or sagged over time. It may be a good idea to replace your insulation with newer, more efficient methods that can save you money and keep your home draft-free.

5. WRAP YOUR WATER HEATER

Heating hot water is the second largest portion of your energy bills, accounting for between 15 and 20 percent of your total energy costs. This winter, if your water heater is an older model, wrap it with insulation or in a blanket designed especially for this purpose. For more details about water heaters — how to buy, which kind to choose, etc. — read the Natural Resource of Canada’s Water Heater Guide.

6. MAKE THE SWITCH

If you have a ceiling fan, flip the switch so that the blades turn counter-clockwise. This reverse motion will push the warm air back into the room, helping to keep the room warmer and can save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. Find out more here.

 

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Take a look around our site: our product pages describe our range of custom-made windows, and doors along with the wide array of options and accessories that are available. On our gallery pages you can see photos of our products and projects.

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REMEMBER: The Vancouver Home + Design Show is on this week! Visit us at Booth 1129 – Drop by and say hello! Ask us how our windows can give you the best thermal comfort AND reduce your energy costs!

Dog in Sweater – Photo Credit: TPS 12
Icy Window – Photo credit: Lemsipmatt / Foter / CC BY-SA

We are fascinated with windows and doors — from their earliest history, when doors were simply animal hides and windows were made of paper to the contemporary designs and style of our modern day systems. We live, breathe and dream windows and doors!

Cathedrals and Palaces

Founded in 960, Westminster Abbey is an important historical landmark in England and is still used today as a place for daily worship and royal ceremonies.

The Chapter House, an octagonal building in the east cloister of the abbey, was added to the Abbey when Henry III rebuilt the monastery in the “new” Gothic style and was originally used by Benedictine monks for daily prayers.

In 2005, a study by English Heritage found the outer vestibule door of Chapter House to be the only existing Anglo-Saxon door in the UK. The timeworn relic dates back to the 1050s, during the reign of Edward the Confessor, founder of the Abbey. From the ring-pattern, archaeologists have determined that the five-paneled, 6.5 ft door was fashioned from a single oak tree that most likely grew in eastern England around AD 1030. Read what Reverend Canon Dr. Nicholas Sagovsky had to say about this amazing discovery.

Incredible to think that the door is almost a thousand years old! We hope it will endure another thousand years.

Fun Fact:

According to legend, pieces of skin that were found on the hinges of the old and battered door were from someone who was caught committing an act of sacrilege inside the Abbey. Supposedly, he had been flayed for his crime and his skin was nailed to the door to serve as a deterrent! Creepy, right?

Turns out, the skin was actually from cow hides that were hung on the door — most likely for decoration. Phew!!

 

Stained Glass Windows of Chapter House

The history of glass stretches back thousands of years — Egyptian glass objects have been found dating back to 3,000 BC. Historians believe that the first glass window panes were made near the beginning of the first century AD.

Stained glass — made by adding metallic oxides to molten sand or silica — was used in European churches as early as the third or fourth century AD. The oldest example of a stained glass window was discovered at St. Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow, England, built in 686 AD.

By the 12 century, stained glass had grown into an important art form and was used primarily in Gothic churches not only to beautify the building, but also as an aid in educating people on the tenets of Christianity. As the use of stained glass grew in popularity, the windows in churches depicted not only biblical stories but also displayed portraits of revered clergy and church benefactors.

Westminster Abbey is also renowned for its stained glass windows, and some of the most resplendent are located in Chapter House.

Little remains of the Medieval stained glass that once graced the Abbey windows, and most of the 19^th century glass was destroyed in World War II. In 1951, the glass that withstood the air raids was included as much as possible in the design of new stained glass panels.

These beautiful windows, displaying the history of the abbey and England through scenes from historical events, representations of monarchs, church officials, and Abbey benefactors, are present in Westminster Abbey Chapter House today.

 

In the “Cradle of Civilization”

One of our favourite doors is found in the ancient city of Fez. The medina of Fez is reminiscent of the Arabian Nights, with bustling market stalls, palaces, mosques and gardens. This city, founded in the 9^th century, was once the capital city of Morocco, and still remains the spiritual and cultural centre of the country.

The Medina of Fez has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site. This ancient city has preserved not only its architectural and cultural heritage, but has also conserved its traditional lifestyle even as society has modernized around it.

The Royal Palace, or the Dar el Makhzen as it is locally known, sprawls in the centre of Fes el Jedid, covering over 80 hectares of land. Tourists travel to this city from all over the world to get a glimpse of the 17^th century palace compound with its glorious Moorish arches and impressive bronze doors. The walls surrounding the doors are embellished with beautiful handmade Zelij tiles. The palace is closed to the public, so if you visit Fez you will not be able to see what lies behind those golden doors — but you can imagine lush gardens and intricately designed interior spaces hidden from view.

 

Have you visited any far away places and been impressed with a beautiful window or door? Share your experience with us! Leave a comment in below, we’d love to hear about it.

 

Sources:

The Chapter House

Abbey History

Roman Glass

The Chapter House Stained Glass Windows

Fez, Morocco

Medina of Fez, Morocco

The Heart of Fès

Form follows function is a principle associated with modernist architecture and industrial design in the 20th century. The principle is that the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose. ~Louis Sullivan, American architect (Wikipedia)

You’ve spent months thumbing through home style and architectural design magazines, and countless hours hunched over your laptop browsing through an infinite number of “ideabooks” on Houzz. You have three scrapbooks filled with photos, drawings, paint chips and fabric swatches. You’ve read hundreds of reviews on Homestars, compiling a long list of potential contractors, architects and interior designers. You’ve googled windows, doors, floors, fixtures, carpets, lighting. You now understand Passive House, LEED and Net Zero buildings.

You know what you want and you are ready to assemble your team — a group of experts that will bring your dream to life.

Right at the beginning stage of the planning process, it is a good idea to bring in your interior designer along with your architect and contractor. Your team will be knowledgeable and up to date on building codes and regulations and they will each bring a set of specialized skills to the table. They will thoroughly understand all the technical aspects of design required to create your dream so that it is structurally safe, functional and visually pleasing.

During the preliminary planning stage, your interior designer will be better able to create your living spaces to reflect your needs and wants, knowing the size and location of all the windows and doors in your new home. This will effectively reduce the likelihood of costly alterations to the structural design of your house, as your architect and designer can collaborate to bring all the elements of your vision together when drawing up the plans for your new house.

Architects and interior designers are trained in spatial design and planning. They can see the “big” picture — ensuring that the function of your windows and doors complement the form of your interior spaces — for example, choosing a folding door system to bring the outdoors in, or suggesting tilt & turn windows for the bedrooms for easy cleaning and fast emergency exit. It is important to balance aesthetic considerations with structural planning when designing your home — and your design and building team, working together, will ensure that your dream home is both beautiful and functional.

For innovative ideas and inspiration, plan on attending the Vancouver Home + Design Show from October 22 – October 25, where you can find designers, builders, and new products for your home building or renovation projects. Come and see us at Booth 1129. We love to talk about windows and doors!

Browse through our Project Gallery for photos of homes featuring our windows and doors.

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Did you know that, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, buildings consume approximately 40% of global energy, and are responsible for approximately 1/3 of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?

As we face soaring energy costs, environmental concerns and sustainability issues, it’s no wonder there has been a lot of buzz about Passive House and the big movement towards more sustainable and energy efficient construction methods.

Passive House, in case you don’t know, is a performance based building standard that dramatically reduces — or even eliminates — the need for an active heating/cooling system. This standard is achieved by the use of an optimized building envelope (try googling #thickwallsaresexy), the use of advanced, high performance window and door systems, and passive heating/cooling techniques.

Watch this video — it explains Passive House in 90 seconds!

A key component of the passive house concept is the window and door system. Windows and doors are areas where major heat losses commonly occur, which is why it is important to use high performance windows when building to Passive House standards. Our ThermoPlus™ system — with its patented hybrid fibreglass/uPVC core — is the strongest, most energy-efficient system in its class. Take a look at our products page and find out why ThermoPlus is used in residential and commercial Passive House certified projects across Canada and the US.

We have a passion for passive — check out some of the Passive House projects that feature our windows and doors:

Bernhardt Passive House: The Bernhardts have been living in their home for over a year now and their experience has only increased their commitment to Passive House construction. Their home was the first Passive House built on Vancouver Island and has recently received certification from the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, Germany.

 

 

North Park Passive House: Bernhardt Contracting, continuing on with their passion for passive, have built the first strata, multi-family building in Canada. Located in Victoria, BC, this 6-unit condominium structure is built to Passive House standards offering a comfortable living environment that is durable, energy-efficient, affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

 

 

Orchards at Orenco: REACH Community Development is committed to providing energy-efficient, affordable housing for low-income families. Their recent project, Orchards at Orenco Phase One, is the largest, multi-family building in North America that is built to Passive House standards. The 57-unit structure is built in Portland, Oregon in a work/live area geared towards affordability and sustainability.

Orchards at Orenco was recently honoured with Best Overall Project and Best Affordable Housing Project awards in the 2015 PHIUS Building Project Competition.

On October 1-2, we will be at the North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) 2015 Conference. This event will feature presentations, workshops, and project tours designed to promote the Passive House movement in North America. If you are interested in Passive House and want to learn more, join us next week at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Want to know more about Passive House in Canada? – Visit: Canadian Passive House Institute West (CanPHI West)
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Choosing windows and doors when you are building your new house can be a daunting task.

As an architectural feature, your windows and doors are one of the most important elements of your home. They give your home character, showcasing your unique sense of style and personality. They allow in light and set the ambiance for your rooms. They connect your interior living spaces with the outdoors. They also have a significant impact on the energy performance of your home.

It is essential for you to be aware of some of the common mistakes that can be made when considering your window and door options. Below are some pitfalls to avoid. We call them the 7 Deadly Sins of window and door planning.

 

1. IGNORING BUILDING ORIENTATION AND WINDOW/DOOR PLACEMENT
In today’s world, reducing energy consumption and costs are a priority for everyone. You can maximize the energy efficiency of your home by careful planning of how your house is angled and how the sun’s light hits the walls, windows, and doors. Ideally, your house should be orientated to the east-west (in North America), with the longest side facing south. Locating your most frequently used rooms and largest windows on the southern side will maximize the available light and heat energy from the sun. In the winter, this will lower your energy needs by helping to keep your home warm and cozy. To aid in keeping your home cool in the summer, plan for landscaping that provides shade or use an overhang to shield the windows from the sun’s rays.

Talk to your architect or building contractor on the best ways to accomplish this. For some in depth information about house site orientation and window/door placement, read these two articles below:
Siting with the Sun: Passive Heating and Daylighting from Green Building Advisor, and
Orientation / South Facing Windows from Green Passive Solar Magazine

2. CHOOSING THE WRONG TYPE OF WINDOWS AND DOORS
Technological advances in the manufacturing industry has afforded us with many choices in the types of windows and doors available to us. Doing a little research before you begin to narrow your options will help you make an informed decision. The three most common window and door materials are: vinyl, wood and fibreglass. Each of these materials have their advantages and disadvantages.

Vinyl windows are low maintenance, energy-efficient, and available in many styles. Since the corners are welded, they do not leak. Vinyl ranges from cheap PVC to high-end uPVC, and pricing varies depending on quality. However, they are not as strong as wood or fibreglass unless they are steel-reinforced, and the colour cannot be changed later on.*

Wood windows are versatile, energy efficient, and convenient for retrofit projects. The cost of wood windows varies widely depending on quality, but are usually expensive as softer wood is aluminum clad on the exterior, adding to the cost. They also require a lot maintenance, and are vulnerable to moisture and insect damage.

Fibreglass window are also low maintenance, available in many styles. They are strong and durable, and can usually be re-stained or re-painted. While fibreglass has low thermal conductivity, window profiles are usually extruded with fewer chambers than vinyl windows, making them less energy efficient. Mechanically connected corners also mean that the seal will deteriorate over time, leaking air and water.

Learn about the pros and cons of these types of window systems, and talk to your builder or window sales consultant to determine which type of system will best suit your needs. Ask about our 1400-series casement windows and our 4600-series tilt & turn windows – made from high-quality REHAU^® uPVC, and our uPVC-fibreglass composite 4700-series which uses GENEO^® profiles made from high-tech RAU-FIPRO^®.

*Our windows are available in many colour options and finishes — including our popular EuroWood™

3. OMITTING ENERGY SAVING OPTIONS
We all want our windows and doors to be as energy efficient as possible. Understanding the basic concepts of thermal performance will go a long way to make sure that you will be getting what you expect from your investment. Find out what climate zone you live in and check to make sure that the windows and doors you choose meet the requirements of your particular area. Read about Energy Star ratings and what they mean for your choices. Ask your sales consultant about the energy-saving options that are available for their products, such as LoE glass, gas fills and triple pane units. The initial cost of a higher performance window and door system will pay off in the long run.

Energy Efficient Windows & Doors — A Guide to Thermal Performance from REHAU (pdf)
Consumers’ Guide to Purchasing Energy Efficient Windows and Doors – National Resources Canada (pdf)

4. NOT THINKING ABOUT THE FUNCTION OF THE WINDOW OR DOOR
Think about the purpose of the window or door in the room it is located in. Do you need the window to open for ventilation or cleaning? What about safety? Do you require enhanced safety glass or restrictors? What about the view — do you want an unobstructed view of your back yard or frontage? Don’t forget about egress requirements and other bylaw restrictions you may need to know to ensure that your home passes inspection. Talk to your architect/contractor for advice about the codes in your area.

Check out our Products page — from European-style tilt & turn windows to North American-style casement windows, we manufacture quality custom-made windows and doors made to your specifications.

5. FAILING TO CONSIDER SECURITY
No one wants to think about an intruder entering their home. Learn about the security features of the windows and doors you are considering before you buy. How easy would it be for a burglar to break into your home through a window or a door? Is the glass shatter resistant? What about the frame, can it withstand an attempt to smash through it? Consider the hardware — is it made from steel — does it have multi-locking points? Watch our Break-In Test video.

6. DECIDING ON YOUR WINDOWS/DOORS BASED ON PRICE ALONE
That old adage “you get what you pay for” applies to window and door purchases, too. Quality, high performance window and door systems may cost a little more, but will usually last longer and be more energy efficient, increasing the comfort inside your home.

7. NOT UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER INSTALLATION
Windows and doors are an investment and you want them to function properly — open easily, close or latch properly, fit plumb and square. Making sure that your contractor knows the correct method of installing your windows and doors is crucial. Better still, have the window company who sold you your windows install your products if possible. Their installers understand and are experienced in working with their products. Remember, improper installation may void your warranty.

By avoiding these “seven deadly sins” you can make informed choices and have the windows and doors that are perfect for your dream home — both in function, performance and aesthetics.

Visit our showroom – we love to talk about windows and doors!

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Low Emissivity (LoE) Coatings are an important factor in the energy performance of your windows and doors. These coatings have been developed to increase the energy efficiency of your windows by reducing the emissivity of one or more of the glass surfaces.

How LoE Works

LoE is a thin, nearly colorless metallic coating that allows most natural light to enter freely through the window but absorbs a significant portion of short-wave heat energy.

In the summer, long-wave heat energy radiating from the sun is reflected back outside, helping to keep the interior of your home cool. In winter, internal long-wave heat energy is reflected back inside, keeping your home warm and lowering heating costs.

Types of LoE Coatings

There are two basic types of LoE coatings for windows and doors: soft coat and hard coat.

Soft Coat LoE, or sputter coating, is applied in multiple layers in a vacuum chamber and provides the highest level of performance and a nearly invisible coating. Soft coat offers optimum winter u-factors, and up to 70% less UV transmission compared with standard clear glazing.

Hard Coat, or pyrolitic coating, is a coating that is sprayed onto the glass surface at a high temperature. This coating is relatively durable, and can be tempered for increased safety after the coating application. While it has higher u-values, resulting in reduced thermal performance compared to soft coat LoE, it has a higher SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), which may be desirable in some applications.

For information on Low Emissivity Glass and other glass options we offer, visit our “Glass Options” page. 

Every EuroLine product comes standard with a soft coat LoE and the space between the panes is filled with argon gas, which offers even greater thermal performance.

Visit our products pages for information about our windows, doors, options and accessories to help you choose the most energy efficient products for your particular needs.

For more information about LoE and gas fills, visit Efficient Windows.

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It’s been a while since EuroLine hosted a golf tournament — so it was with a lot of excitement that we were looking forward to the EuroLine 2015 “Invitational Tournament.” A good game of golf is always so much fun and what’s better than whacking a little ball while enjoying the company of co-workers out on the links? A little exercise, a LOT of laughter, and a great deal of camaraderie, while strolling about in the glorious sunshine.

An eager EuroLine group and some of our suppliers met at the Delta Golf Club on Friday, August 21st for an engaging 18 holes. Some of us are avid golfers (experts — I would say), and some of us are absolute beginners, but we all arrived at the club ready for an enjoyable experience. We grabbed some clubs, carts, balls and tees and tromped out to the practice area. We stretched our bodies, swung our clubs, and tried to sink some balls, all while joking and chatting with each other.

The sun was shining brightly, and there was no hint of rain. Luckily, Nolan remembered to bring sunscreen and he generously shared it with everyone who held out their hands. Thank you, Nolan — what would we have done without you?

We gathered into our foursomes, and posed for group pictures, then headed out to the first tee-off! As the teams started out, we all applauded and encouraged every “golfer” as they took their opening swing. High fives and loud cheers all around!

As we made our way through the course, our teams had good shots, bad shots and hilarious shots — there were birdies, eagles and bogey putts! We were goofy, funny and determined. As a group, we only lost a few balls, there were just a couple of shouts of “Fore!” and no one got marooned in a sand trap. The novice golfers had support, encouragement and mini-lessons, while the experts had the chance to share their wisdom, and play a relaxing round of their favourite game! Everyone had a terrific time, as evidenced by the smiles, happy faces, and boisterous antics.

By the time we all reached the 18th hole, we were tired, hungry and feeling GREAT, ready to share a meal and our best golf stories of the day!

Esther won the prizes for the ladies events: KP and Longest Drive, Norm won the men’s Longest Drive and Dale took the men’s KP. Peter won first prize for the Best Photo at the REHAU-sponsored hole (see his winning pose on the left). His prize? — a Samsung tablet! There were many other great prizes — gift cards, ball caps, portable device chargers and more. Everyone took home a prize — we were all winners!

A BIG Thank You goes out to our suppliers, who donated the prizes:
Cascade Aqua-Tech, Fastenal, Flexiforce, Mirage Retractable Screen Systems, Rehau, and Roto Frank. Your generosity made the day extra special!

It was a lively, pleasant and entertaining day — the game was so much fun, the grounds were beautiful and the barbeque at the end was delicious! We can’t wait for the next tournament! Until then, I’m going to work on my swing!

Check out all the photos of the 2015 Golf event on our Facebook page.

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