Category: Blog

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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Windows and doors are important elements of our homes and buildings — not only do they provide us with access and egress — they also give our buildings character and showcase architectural style and trends.

Throughout history, windows and doors have symbolized hope, opportunity, safe haven and coming home.

We put a “light in the window” as a welcoming beacon for our loved ones who are away, we look for “windows of opportunity” to advance our good fortune. We believe that when one door closes another one opens, and we lay a welcome mat at our front entry as a sign of hospitality, warmth and inclusion.

Architectural styles, like fashion, change with the design modes of the day. There are many examples of classical, traditional and modern styles of windows and doors in every country and city in the world. At EuroLine, we have a special interest in window and door trends, past, present and future. You might say, we have an obsession!

Two of Our Favourites From the Past

The Marine Building, in the heart of downtown Vancouver, boasts one of the most striking entrances in the city.

One of the best examples of Art Deco architecture, the 321-foot high Marine Building was the tallest skyscraper in the city when it was erected in 1930. The brown brick building with its white terra cotta trim was designed to resemble a great promontory rising out the sea, draped with carvings and etchings of marine life, sea plants and transportation motifs.

The marine-themed structure features a massive arched entryway with two sets of etched-glass and wood revolving doors framed in brass. A flock of Canada Geese in bas-relief grace the front entry above the doors, while a stained glass window, picturing Captain Vancouver and his ship, allows sunlight into the impressive Grand Concourse lobby. We can’t help but be wonder-struck every time we walk by this iconic site.

You may recognize the Marine Building, from movie and TV productions, including: Timecop; Blade: Trinity; Fantastic Four; and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer; and in the TV series: Smallville. As stunning as it looked in its movie roles, nothing can compare to walking through those big revolving doors yourself. When you are in Vancouver, make sure you plan to visit this classical structure.   See more photos here.

 

 

Another favourite of ours, is the Sam Kee Building located on West Pender Street at the entrance to Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.

The structure, built in 1913, is famous world-wide for being a fully functional commercial building with a depth under 5 feet. Sam Kee, owner of the hugely successful Sam Kee Company, constructed the building after the City of Vancouver expropriated a large portion of the company’s standard size lot, ostensibly in order to widen Pender Street. The building, considered to be one of Vancouver’s “spite houses” was named the “shallowest commercial building” by the Guiness Book of World Records.

We love the row of bay windows on the second floor. So clever of the architects to project them over the sidewalk — they look great and they effectively boosted the depth of the building to 6 feet!

Take the video tour below of the Sam Kee Building and check out the links at the bottom of this article for more details about both of these historical sites.

Do you have a favourite door or window? Maybe it’s a gorgeous door of a house in your neighbourhood or maybe it’s an ornate window you’ve seen on a vacation. We’d love to hear about it – share the details in the comments section below.

More Information:

Marine Building — Wikipedia

Time Overtakes Marine Building — Vancouver Sun

Marine Building — Vancouver Architecture

Sam Kee Building — Wikipedia

The Sam Kee Building — Atlas Obscura

A Place You Should Know — by Vancouver Heritage Foundation

When shopping for windows and doors, it is helpful to understand the terminology. We’ve compiled this guide and accompanying infographic to help you learn the “lingo” and understand the different components of a window or door.

 

For more information about our windows and doors, please visit our project pages.

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So you’ve decided to build your dream house! It’s an exciting venture and a complicated one — there is so much to consider requiring a lot of patience, flexibility and decision-making throughout the entire construction process.

There are basically five stages of home construction:
Phase One: Design/Pre-Construction
Phase Two: Foundation
Phase Three: Framing
Phase Four: Interior and Exterior Work
Phase Five: Hand-Over

In Phase One, your builder, designer or architect will begin to develop the plans for the design of your house, incorporating your ideas and wishes. The design will take into account the size and shape of your lot, the size of the house, and all the municipal requirements and permits needed.

Deciding where to place your windows is critical to the aesthetics, ventilation, lighting, and thermal performance of your home. In discussions with your builder, think about your lot — where will you position your house? Look at how the sun moves across your property throughout the day — think about your design’s orientation, shading, and where the windows and doors are placed. 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.

This is also the time to plan for the size of the rough openings of the windows and doors for framing requirements. Also, consider the type of windows and doors you would like. Do you want double or triple glazing? Are ENERGY STAR® qualified windows/doors important to you? Do you prefer North American style casement windows or European tilt and turn? Do you want single patio doors or double French doors? The answers to these questions may have an impact on the size of the rough openings.

Think about the building code requirements that must be met throughout the construction process. In Canada, provincial and territorial building codes are based upon the national building code. Your builder should be familiar with the codes required in your province or territory. There may also be municipal bylaws governing residential construction in the city you are building in.

Windows and doors are also subject to standards and regulations. For instance, windows in basements and bedrooms that do not have an alternate exit directly to the outside must meet egress requirements for emergency exits. Egress windows must have an unobstructed open area of at least 3.76 square feet, with both the clear width and height being at least 15 inches. They must be operable from the inside without the need for special tools or knowledge.

Windows and doors must also meet certain performance standards for energy efficiency and moisture control. Exterior doors and windows close to the ground floor – including the frames, locks, latches and hinges – must provide resistance to forced entry. These standards may vary depending on your location. Talking to your builder about building code requirements, regulations, and permits that are required for your dream house at this time will avoid construction delays, ease frustration, and save you money.

Taking the time to research the available options for your windows and doors in the initial design stage will help ensure that the construction process is less stressful and more satisfying in the long run. Talk to your builder or architect and ask for their recommendations. Visit window companies, make appointments to see their showrooms and talk to sales representatives. Ask about gas fills, glass options, finish types and colours. Learn about the different kinds of windows and doors that can meet all your requirements — for performance, durability and appearance.

The best time to purchase your windows and doors is after the final design has been completed and the working drawings have been signed off. Make sure you have ordered them with enough lead time so that they will be at your building site when the house is framed and roof is on. Typically this is around the time that the foundation is dug.

Your windows and doors will be installed in Phase Three of the building process. Consider having the window manufacturing company install your products if they offer this service. Company installers are trained in the correct installation procedure. Your windows and doors are crucial to the overall energy efficiency of your home, and a poorly done installation will reduce their performance and may, in some instances, prevent you from being able to operate them. An improper installation will also void your warranty.

Have questions? Check out CHBA’s list of things to ask your builder.

For detailed information about the construction process, read the document: Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction

For information regarding energy efficiency ratings, check out ENERGY STAR^® in Canada.

Want to know more about building codes in Canada? Visit the Canada Business Network  on the Government of Canada site.

See our Products page for details and information about EuroLine windows, doors and accessories.

Come visit us at our showroom and talk to one of our knowledgeable sales consultants.

We all know someone who has experienced a home robbery — maybe you’ve had the misfortune of experiencing a break-in yourself? Not only is it frustrating to deal with the aftermath of a home invasion — the damage to your house, the loss of property — but this type of crime can leave you and your family feeling vulnerable and afraid.

In 2013, police recorded more than 156,000 break-ins in Canada.  Residential burglaries are one the most common type of property crime and are usually committed by amateur thieves without the use of high tech tools. Most break-ins occur during daylight hours and in the summer months, when doors and windows may be left open or people are away for extended periods.

While statistics show that break-ins and robberies are decreasing across the country, you still want to take care to ensure the safety of your home and family. So, other than surrounding your house with an electrified wire fence, what can you do to make your property less of a target to thieves and intruders?

Try some or all of the following deterrents:

Check your curb appeal.
Take a look at your landscaping. Are your plants or outdoor furniture providing places where a would-be thief can hide? Are there heavy objects within easy reach that could be used to break a window or door?

Keep your yard tidy — never leave expensive items such as bicycles, sports gear or power tools in plain view. Make sure that packaging and boxes from expensive purchases are deposited in the trash or recycling cans and not visible to potential thieves. Mowing your lawn regularly avoids the impression that your house is vacant.

Prune shrubs and plants so they don’t obscure your doors or windows. Make sure that tree branches are trimmed back so thieves cannot use them to climb to an upper-level window.

Thieves and intruders tend to stay away from well lit places. Install motion sensor lighting in your yard and have your doorways brightly lit to deter criminals.

Do not hide your spare key anywhere on your property. Leave one with a neighbour you trust. Make sure that valuables inside your house cannot be seen from the outside.

Make it difficult to break-in to your house.
Get to know your neighbours.  Arrange to have them keep an eye on your home when you are at work or away. Return the favour. Think about starting a neighbourhood Block Watch program. Statistics show that areas with attentive, organized residents have fewer burglaries and break-ins.

Install a monitored alarm system, especially if you live in a high-risk or isolated area. Avoid displaying a specific alarm company decal or sign; instead use a generic alarm sticker. Any information about the brand of security system you have may allow a thief to disable your alarm. You may even consider purchasing a home security system that can be accessed and monitored through your smart phone.

Always lock your doors and windows when you leave your house, even if you will only be away for a short time. Never leave the garage door open.

Windows and doors are typically the most vulnerable parts of your home. Consider replacing them with stronger, more secure products. For example, our windows and doors are equipped with a robust, multi-point locking system, and our tough, impact resistant uPVC profiles are steel reinforced and firmly resist intruder attempts.  Click on the photo of the burglar to watch our break-in test video.

Going on a summer trip? Follow these tips for a worry-free vacation:

Refrain from publishing your vacation plans on your social media plaforms. Wait until you return home to post all those photos on your Facebook page!

Arrange to suspend your mail and newspaper deliveries for the duration of your holiday.

Tell a trusted neighbour that you will be away, ask them to keep an eye on your property and to pick up any flyers or other deliveries that may arrive while you are gone.

Install a timer inside your home to turn lights on and off automatically, maintaining your normal lighting patterns. Leave your blinds closed to give the impression that you are at home.

Arm your security system and notify your alarm company that you will be away.

Double check that all your windows and doors are locked before you leave.

Chances are you will not be a victim of home robbery, but being aware and following the advice above will give you peace of mind knowing that your family, home and belongings are better protected.

What to do if you are burglarized.

If you are inside your home and you suspect someone has broken in – do not try to investigate on your own — instead find a secure hiding place, or try to find a safe way to leave your house. If possible, call 911. Do not yell out that you have called the police – this may cause the intruder to panic and it will also give away your hiding spot.

Never enter your house if you suspect a robbery is taking place. Do not confront the thieves or attempt to stop or detain them. Leave your premises immediately, go to a safe location and call the police.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the robbery. Call your sales consultant to arrange to replace your damaged windows and/or doors if necessary.

Want more home security tips? Vancouver Police Department has this advice.

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