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Your choice of doors and windows will have a major impact on the look of your new home. It’s also a choice that will affect the comfort level and energy efficiency of your home, an increasing concern for our customers.
This section of our Website features handy tips and offers a selection of products for your new home ranging from classic to contemporary. Our products are perfect for all construction projects, regardless of whether you’re looking for modern or traditional appeal.
How to choose? You’ll find all the information you need in our “Products” section.
Asking the Right Questions
When deciding which windows are right for you, you first need to ask yourself the right questions about the desired style of the window, upkeep requirements, and any accessories or other additional elements you might wish to install.
Here are a few questions that may help you make an informed decision:
- Is the style of your home better suited to the classical look of wood or the modern appeal of PVC?
- If you choose wood, will you want to minimize upkeep with PVC or aluminum cladding, or do you prefer the natural look of wood?
- Does your window arrangement require modular assembly (e.g., bay windows)
- Based on your needs in terms of efficiency, ventilation, and look, should you choose casement, awning, hung, or sliding windows?
- What types of window locks and handles should you choose?
- Should you choose energy efficient or standard glass?
If your blueprints allow, try to place as many windows as possible in south-facing walls and minimize windows facing the north to optimize your home’s energy efficiency and natural lighting.
As for which glass to choose, keep in mind that energy efficient glass can double efficiency, while increasing the comfort level of the room. The difference in price is about 10%, a small investment considering the lasting benefits you’ll enjoy.
Installing the New Product
The advantage of installing windows in a new building is that the process tends to be fairly predictable—the opening will probably be square and the frame won’t be hiding any unpleasant surprises caused by prior renovations. However, keep in mind that some aspects of installation may be different from one window type to the next. For example, Elite Horizon casement windows, which are a structural assembly, are equipped with nailing flanges and J-strips to make it easier to install exterior cladding.
Before installation, you also need to look into the various finishing options:
- Do you need windows with integrated moulding or with no moulding?
- Do you want a colored exterior finish (five choices in extruded aluminum)?
- What blowing method should you use to fill the gap between the window and the wall?
- Should you use windows that are solid wood, PVC-clad wood, or solid PVC?
- What type of casings will you choose to match the window model?
- Do you want to add rosettes or other decorative elements?
Pressure on the Frame
Also note that the window frame must not come under pressure. This means that the building’s weight must not rest on the windows, but also that undue pressure that could twist and damage the frame must not be put on the window during installation and insulation.
To avoid pressure, leave about ¼ inch (6 or 7 millimeters) of play on each side of the window. You can fill this space with an insulating material (mineral wool or urethane foam), but be careful not to apply too much, as this could twist the frame. If you use urethane, opt for non-expanding foam, and apply it in small quantities in two or three applications.