Low-E, or low emissivity glass has been coated with a low-emittance material designed to reflect heat. A window made with low emissivity glass repels ultraviolet rays that cause heat during summer months, but absorbs them and lets the heat in during winter. This type of glass can help you significantly lower your energy bills all year long.

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary Canadian energy efficiency initiative that helps consumers identify the most energy-efficient products available. Administered by Natural Resources Canada, the ENERGY STAR program is internationally recognized and users include various levels of government, public service companies, manufacturers, retailers and environmental organizations. In addition to administering the program, Natural Resources Canada oversees the promotion of its symbol and compliance with strict certification standards. ENERGY STAR-qualified products include home appliances, office equipment, consumer electronics, heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, lighting and signage equipment, commercial and industrial products, and windows and doors. For more information on energy efficiency, visit www.energystar.gc.ca.

The U value measures the transfer rate or the thermal conductance of a product. The lower this value is, the more isolating value of the product is. The energy performance rating assesses a window based on 3 aspects: the solar heat gain contribution, heat loss by the frame, the glazing or the spare and the heat loss by air leakage, no matter the material and the assembly method. Also, the higher the ER value of a product is, the better its energy performance. In order to get the ENERGY STAR sign on a product, the U or the ER values must be certified by a third party.

A rough opening refers to the framed opening of a window. A window frame, however, has a header across the top, a sill plate across the bottom, and vertical trimmers on either side. Because these elements take up space, a window that measures, for example, 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall is listed as 3/0 – 4/0, but the actual window measurements will be slightly less than this to accommodate the installation system. The difference between rough opening and actual window size will vary by manufacturer.

When measuring for windows that will fit in your rough opening, follow these simple steps:

• Measure the width across the window top of your opening between the inside faces of the framing on each side.
• Measure the width across the bottom of your window opening between the inside faces of the framing on each side.
• Measure the height of the opening between the bottom of the header and the top of the sill on the left, right, and center of the opening.
• Measure the thickness of the flashing needed.
• Deduct ½ inch from the measured width and 5/8 inch from the measured height to allow room for paper flashing on each side of the rough opening.

Cladding is a covering or coating on a structure or material. Clad Windows utilize a wooden interior frame with an exterior cladding of either fibreglass, vinyl, or aluminum. With the exception of the glass, Non-Clad Windows are made from 100% wood, fibreglass, vinyl, or aluminum.

Benefits of Clad Windows Clad windows provide the warmth of real wood while offering additional benefits from the material it’s clad with on the exterior. Since materials like Vinyl, Aluminum and Fibreglass are not subject to warp, rot and seasonal expansion/contraction, Clad Windows offer superior strength and durability compared to wood. Clad Windows also offer low maintenance benefits while still offering a rich, warm wood look inside the home. Furthermore, Clad Windows have better resistance to air and water infiltration than wood windows, thus improving energy efficiency and ensuring optimal comfort at the same time. Benefits of Non-Clad Windows The biggest reason people choose Non-Clad Windows is the lower cost. With no expensive wood components, Non-Clad windows are a less costly investment when building or renovating your home. Other benefits include R-Value and Lower Maintenance. For example, since it expands and contracts at a lower rate than other materials, window frames made from Fibreglass do not require an additional thermal barrier, reduce air leakage which can help reduce energy bills. 100% Vinyl Windows are highly durable and since the colour is baled into the material you’ll never have to re-paint and they won’t fade, blister or peel. won’t blister, peel, or fade.

At the technical level, R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. In theory, the higher the R-value, the greater that resistance. That’s true to a point, but it’s just one of four key factors that determine the effectiveness of an insulation material.