The type of front door you choose will depend on a number of factors ranging from security to décor and style.

Of course if your front door leads straight the street, or to an unenclosed yard, then security will be the prime consideration, wherever in the world you live. But style is vital in other ways. Not only will you want a door that matches or blends with the architecture of your house, but you should also aim for it to have some sort of relationship with the interior of your home. For example, while you might be yearning for a sleek, modern chromed metal door, if you have traditional furniture, or if the house is built in a traditional Colonial style, it isn’t going to work.

So before you go shopping for a new front door – whether you are planning to have it custom made or not – be sure you know what you are looking for.

Wooden Entry Doors

There are front doors that are made of wood, and then there are custom-made wooden doors designed to take pride of place at the front of your home. If you’re keen on the latter, then look for well established companies that really do produce good looking, high quality products. And since you’re going custom-made, dare to be a bit different.

The US, West Virginia-based Emerald Doors specializes in both original design and reproduction doors using traditional methods of construction. It is not surprising to find that many of their doors feature stained glass or leaded glass panels, since the business started out as a stained glass company. Having made countless glass panes for other people’s homes and for churches in various parts of the world, the owners wanted their own stained glass front entry door. Unable to find the quality they wanted, they made their own. Now they have a full-on factory and they specialize in doors – not all of which feature stained glass.

YesterYear’s Vintage Doors (www.vintagedoors.com) which is based in Northern New York, also manufactures custom entry doors, all of which are beautifully handcrafted. There is no mass production in their factory. If you have seen a design you like, perhaps in a magazine, they will even build it for you. They are pet lovers too, and will incorporate a wooden pet door in your custom-made solid wood door.

The Canadian-based Secondwind Timber company also manufactures custom entry doors, but theirs are from wood that has been reclaimed. Some are solid, while others incorporate glass panels of various types. The wood used includes old Douglas Fir, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and Western Red Cedar.

Metal Entry Doors

Metal front doors may be made of various types of metal, including both iron and steel, and aluminum.

Whilst wrought iron might seem a more obvious option for garden gates than house front doors, an ornamental wrought iron entry door can look absolutely charming. Based in Alabama, Old Iron Doors has been custom-making new iron doors for more than four years. Crafted using a combination of tried and tested engineering techniques and modern technology, the doors are solid, safe and extremely good looking.

Another New York company, Universal Iron Doors (www.iwantthatdoor.com) hand forges steel entry doors and then hand paints them to give them special effects. These doors feature dual-paned glass that is hinged on frame so that it can be opened and cleaned. The doors themselves are filled with polyurethane foam for insulation purposes. Their door jambs have an integrated threshold that won’t wear like wood tends to do.

Synthetic Materials for Entry Doors

Various synthetic materials are also used to make front doors. One of the most popular is fiberglass which can be molded to make it look just as though it has a wood grain.

Launched in Ohio in 1962, Therma-Tru Doors (www.thermatru.com) has been making entry doors from fiberglass for quarter of a century. To prove that their doors are as any other type of door – if not stronger – the company has had the doors impact-rated, tested to make sure water won’t infiltrate them, wind tested and also tested for thermal deflection. They maintain that the fiberglass entry door type is “the only growth area within the door industry”.

Pay Attention to Style

We don’t all live in houses that have been built in a specific style, but if you do, or if you are building a traditional-style home of some sort, aim for accuracy in terms of front door styles. Here are a few guidelines:

• Late Georgian entry doors were made of solid wood, often with six panels. They were painted a dark color, normally bottle green or black.

• Front doors of Victorian houses were also often painted bottle green or white, and they frequently incorporated stained or etched-glass panels on the sides.

• Panels of Edwardian doors were often painted in a lighter shade to the panels.

• Art Deco entry doors also often feature stained glass, but usually at the top of the door. They often had vertical panels as well.

• The sky’s the limit with contemporary designs, so you can have a lot of fun choosing your custom made front doors.

Pay Attention to Quality

Custom-made should spell well made, so make sure you get what you are paying for.

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If you live in an older home with single glazing or have outdated windows needing a refresh, here are compelling reasons to replace them this autumn:

Added Warmth
Double glazing marked a significant advancement in keeping homes warm by preventing heat loss. Previously, homes with single glazing were often draughty and cold. Although many lacked gas central heating, the introduction of double glazing made a substantial difference.

The key to double glazing’s effectiveness lies in the insulating layer between the two glass panels, which hinders heat escape. However, in many homes, aging double glazing or worn fittings can compromise this insulation, reducing its efficiency.

Additional Benefits of Double Glazing

Lower Energy Bills
By preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from entering, double glazing reduces reliance on artificial heating, such as gas or electricity. Maintaining a naturally warmer home without constantly turning up the heat to extreme levels can lead to significant savings on energy bills, especially during winter.

Environmentally Friendly
Using less electricity for heating improves your home’s energy efficiency and reduces your carbon footprint, making double glazing an eco-conscious choice.

Further Advantages
Beyond warmth and energy savings, high-quality double glazing enhances your home’s value and aesthetic appeal. In busy urban areas, it also reduces noise from bustling streets, promoting a quieter, more peaceful environment. Homeowners near busy roads particularly notice the improved tranquility double glazing provides.

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When selecting internal doors for your home, the primary choice is between solid and hollow core doors. Beyond this, consider style, appearance, price, and availability. If sustainability is a priority, the environmental impact of the door’s materials will also be a key factor.

Solid doors, made from solid wood or dense board materials, are generally more expensive. However, they are often preferred in smaller homes where noise between rooms can be disruptive. For example, closing a bedroom door at night to minimize noise requires a door that effectively blocks sound.

How do you choose between solid and hollow core doors for your home’s bedrooms? Beyond aesthetics and cost, personal needs—such as soundproofing and privacy—are critical for determining how the door will perform.

Hollow Core Doors

Retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot (www.homedepot.ca), and Door Crazy Ltd. offer a wide selection of hollow core doors. Photos or in-store displays won’t reveal their construction. A paneled hollow core door may look identical to a solid core door, but the price tag and a knock on the surface will reveal the difference: hollow core doors are not solid inside.

Not all hollow core doors are entirely hollow. The simplest and most affordable versions use a basic lumber or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) framework with plywood (often veneered) attached, sealed with thin strips of plywood or lumber at the top and bottom. These are designed for internal use and should not be exposed to rain or snow. Planing the top or bottom can expose the hollow center.

Some hollow core doors are built for both internal and external use, such as for garden or patio access. Always verify with the manufacturer before purchasing.

Companies like CraftMaster (www.craftmasterdoors.com) use materials such as lightweight corrugated honeycomb, standard corrugated paper, or expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) between the door’s faces. This “sandwich technology” glues two strong face sheets to a lightweight core, eliminating the need for a solid frame. Solid material is incorporated where hinges, striker plates, and handles are attached, and the doors are hinged to support inward or outward swings.

A 2008 Canadian survey found that 99% of people buying wooden doors for their homes chose lightweight hollow core doors. These doors are more affordable and eco-friendly due to their minimal wood use. Their light weight makes them easier to transport and install. However, be cautious: hollow core doors that are significantly cheaper than average may be of inferior quality.

Solid Core and Solid Wood Doors

Solid Core Doors

Solid core doors are much heavier than hollow core doors and are more effective at reducing noise. For example, a 24-inch by 96-inch hollow core door weighs about 30 pounds, while a solid core door of the same size can weigh roughly double. This weight can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your needs.

Cheaper than solid wood doors, solid core doors offer better dimensional stability, durability, and longevity compared to hollow core doors. Some are rated with a Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC), indicating their soundproofing ability. Higher STC ratings mean better noise reduction. According to CraftMaster, their 1⅜-inch thick doors have STC values ranging from 27 for less hollow core doors to 29 for solid core doors.

Construction methods vary, and some solid core doors are more solid than others. CraftMaster also produces semi-solid core doors, using wood blocking or particleboard instead of corrugated paper. These are heavier than hollow core doors but nearly as costly as solid core doors, making them less popular.

Solid Wood Doors

When referring to “solid” doors (distinct from “solid core”), we mean doors made entirely of solid wood. Choosing solid wood doors often comes down to aesthetics, as the wood grain is visible and can be stained to highlight its beauty. Painting a solid wood door may seem wasteful, as both hollow core and solid core doors look similar when painted.

Carefully consider your priorities when deciding between solid, solid core, or hollow core doors for your home’s bedrooms. Each option offers distinct benefits in terms of cost, soundproofing, durability, and environmental impact, ensuring you can find a door that meets your needs.

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1. Design and style
2. The material used to make the windows
3. Quality
4. Cost

However, you may find that the availability of a particular design and style can limit your material choices. Additionally, the material used to make the windows can impact their quality.

Materials for Windows
Essentially, there are three basic (generic) materials used for windows and window frames: wood, metal (including both mild steel and aluminum), and various synthetic materials such as PVC, vinyl, and fiberglass. When comparing wood versus vinyl windows, the major differences are appearance and cost. However, vinyl introduces an additional factor: performance. Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t warp when it gets wet, and it doesn’t require painting or varnishing. This means no peeling or flaking, making vinyl windows much easier and more effortless to maintain.

That said, vinyl windows were originally designed as “replacement windows” to fit over an existing frame, filling a significant gap in the market. They’re also often considered inferior to wood, as they typically don’t last as long, especially in areas with major temperature fluctuations. Because of this, it’s rare to find vinyl windows in architect-designed homes. Styles are somewhat limited, and vinyl windows tend to look less sturdy than wood when viewed up close. However, if cost is a primary factor, vinyl windows are definitely worth considering.

If you’re involved in selecting materials for your new house, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the available window options in your region.

Wooden Windows

Wooden windows come in various sizes and styles, and they open and shut in different ways. Some examples include:

• Casement windows, which are hinged on one side
• Awning windows, hinged at the top and opening outwards
• Double-hung or sash windows, with two sections that both slide vertically
• Gliding windows, which slide horizontally
• Picture and transom windows, which don’t open but are included to match double-hung and casement windows
• Bow and bay windows, designed to project outwards from the wall, increasing space in the room

There are many companies that manufacture wooden windows, with variations within all product ranges. One well-known North American manufacturer is Marvin (www.marvin.com and marvincanada.com), which has outlets across the USA and Canada. The company prides itself on producing energy-efficient products that meet or exceed the tax-credit ENERGY STAR guidelines. These features relate primarily to glazing and include:

• U-factor: This measures insulation and the rate of heat loss. The lower the number, the better the U-factor.
• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): This measures how efficiently the glass blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number, the better the block factor (although in colder climates, you might not want to block out the sun).
• R-value: This measures resistance to heat loss and is important for insulation.

Another factor is the design pressure (DP) rating, which measures the pressure a window can withstand when it’s closed and locked tight. This is important for preventing air leaks and ensuring structural integrity. It also plays a role in resisting forced entry. Generally, wooden windows have a higher DP rating than vinyl windows, meaning they perform better under pressure.

Independent consumer reviews of Marvin windows are generally positive, but there are many companies that do not produce high-quality designs. Joints should be tight and well-finished, and the wood should feel smooth and look appealing. At the end of the day, discerning customers often believe that quality vinyl windows are a better option than cheap, poorly made wooden windows.

Vinyl Windows

Although vinyl windows were initially designed as replacement windows, they are now widely manufactured as “new construction” windows and are available in a variety of superior designs and styles. For instance, Window City (www.windowcity.net), one of Canada’s largest vinyl window manufacturers, offers a range of styles that suit houses of all sizes, fitting the typical Canadian heritage look.

Then there’s Vinyl Window Designs (www.vinylwindowdesigns.com), which was founded in Ontario 25 years ago. The company, now also manufacturing aluminum windows, prides itself on producing top-quality vinyl windows. Their commitment to excellence is demonstrated by the Canadian ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year award they received in 2006.

Like wooden windows, vinyl windows are made in various sizes and styles, including casement, awning, double-hung, and various sliding options.

Type and Style of Windows

The type and style of windows you choose should complement the design of your home. For example, if you’re building a cottage-style home, you’ll likely want windows with small cottage panes. On the other hand, if your home’s design calls for large sliding windows that open up to the garden, cottage-paned windows wouldn’t be appropriate. This is another good reason to explore the product ranges offered by local manufacturers.

If you’re working with a professional designer or architect, they should be able to make suggestions for suitable window styles. However, it’s still a great idea to do some research on your own. Browse current magazines and search online using keywords that are likely to lead you to helpful resources. For example, if you want to know more about wood versus vinyl windows, simply type that phrase into Google and see what results appear. If you’re just gathering ideas, you don’t need to worry about assessing quality yet—just focus on the type and style of windows that appeal to you.

If you’re still in the design phase, check out Andersen Windows’ website (www.andersenwindows.com), which features a helpful design guide that allows you to see what different types of windows will look like on a wall. This illustrative tool can help you make an informed decision, which you can then discuss with your architect or designer.

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When it comes to eco-friendly windows, several factors must be considered. These include the material used for the frame, insulation, and their ability to keep the rays of the sun in or out of the home, depending on what is required. It’s about comfort as much as it is about reducing our carbon footprint and going green for the planet, because it’s the right thing to do. There’s another factor too: homes that are energy-efficient are cheaper to run.

In addition, some governments offer incentives to encourage less enthusiastic home builders to think and act green. In the US, there are at least eight different financial incentives, ranging from tax credits and home loans for replacing old windows with energy-efficient windows, to tax rebates for installing a solar hot water heater. There are also local incentives in most US states. Manufacturers and green-savvy builders can earn energy-efficient tax credits as well.

In Canada, the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada offers federal grants and incentives as part of its ecoENERGY Retrofit program. Although this is more relevant to upgrades and refurbishments than new homes, it’s still a valuable resource.

Since the average person may not have the technical know-how to judge whether windows (or other products) are eco-friendly, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy launched a joint program to improve energy-efficient products and practices. Called ENERGY STAR, this program awards products specific ratings. By using products with an ENERGY STAR rating, you know they meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines established by the EPA and the US Department of Energy.

In 2010 alone, North Americans saved enough energy to avoid the greenhouse gases that would have been caused by 33 million cars. According to ENERGY STAR, they also saved nearly US$18 billion on combined utility bills.

Energy Efficient Factors

In addition to ENERGY STAR ratings, Canada has an EnerGuide rating service (ERS) that determines the level of efficiency in homes on a scale from zero to 100. The higher the rating, the better, indicating that the house is well-insulated and airtight, meaning the owner won’t need to buy additional energy. It’s easy to see how windows can help improve a home’s rating. For a brand-new house, the ideal rating is at least 80—if possible, higher.

Windows are among the growing list of products that qualify for the international ENERGY STAR energy efficiency symbol. However, different climatic zones have different needs when it comes to suitability. For example, the type of window that suits a northern Canadian home will differ from the needs of a home in northern Australia. Within a single country, there can also be variations. For example, Canada alone has been divided into four climate zones, as explained on the Natural Resources Canada website: www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca. So, the most suitable eco-friendly window for your home will depend on where you live.

Whether you’re buying windows from an outlet like Lowes or Home Depot (www.homedepot.ca), or directly from one of the manufacturers, there are some other important factors to consider.

First, there’s the U-factor, which measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping and how well it insulates. Ratings range from 0.20 to 1.20, and the lower the number, the better the U-factor.

Then there’s the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which measures the window’s ability to block out sunlight and maintain a cool interior environment. The lower the SHGC, the better the window is at blocking heat.

Another rating to consider is visible transmittance (VT), which measures how much visible light passes through the window. The higher the value, the more light you’ll see, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

The R-value measures resistance to heat loss. Since windows can account for up to 30% of the heat lost from a house, according to Natural Resources Canada, it’s clear how important the R-value factor is. High R-value windows are the most energy-efficient.

According to Serious Windows (www.seriouswindows.com), the most cost-effective energy-saving option is R-5 windows. As their experts point out, windows are one of the biggest sources of heating and cooling energy loss in our homes.

Another factor is the air leakage rating, which measures how much air can escape through the window. A well-made window will be airtight, while a cheap, poorly made window may have gaps and cracks at the joints, allowing air to pass through even when the window is shut.

Condensation resistance (CR) is another important factor. This measures the ability of the window to resist moisture forming on the glazed surface. CR is rated on a scale from 0 to 100, and the higher the number, the more resistant the window will be to condensation.

Lastly, there’s the design pressure (DP) rating, which measures the pressure the window can withstand when it is closed and locked. This is an important security factor, as well as an issue that relates to air entering and leaving the house and how strong winds may affect the window. The higher the DP rating, the more pressure the window can withstand.

Eco-Friendly Materials
Marvin (www.marvin.com and marvincanada.com) is a window manufacturer with outlets throughout the USA and Canada. The company prides itself on producing energy-efficient products that meet or exceed the tax-credit ENERGY STAR guidelines. In addition, they use quality recycled materials and make a point of recycling all their manufacturing by-products.

Their window frames are made of lumber or aluminum-clad wood. Products are FSC and/or SFI certified. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that the lumber was sourced from a sustainable, well-managed forest. Similarly, the SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certification guarantees that the wood comes from a certified sustainable source.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly windows made of wood, be sure to look for both of these certifications.

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The greater choice

We are going to help you identify the benefits of fiberglass doors and door and window frames. But before we even go there, it is a good idea for you to recognize the greater choice. In broad terms the choice incorporates wood, metal (either mild steel which isn’t very popular any more, or aluminum), plastic (including PVC and vinyl) and of course fiberglass. There are also windows that are made with a pre-cast concrete frame that you build into the structure of your house.

All these materials have their own benefits, ranging from eco-friendly factors to price. So how does fiberglass score?

The development of fiberglass as a building material

First off, be aware that building materials all have their own pros and cons. Some are more environmentally friendly than other, some are easier to work with, and some types are simply cheaper. You will also want to consider aesthetics.

Fiberglass is a material that was developed by the British company Fibreglass Ltd. during the 1940s. Known generically as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) in the UK and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) in the US, it was developed for use in aircraft construction. After World War II it became a popular material for boat building. Because it is extraordinarily strong and stable, it was soon being used within many industries, including construction.

Today it is the material of choice for spas and the inner skin of hot tubs, and is used for storage tanks and molded septic tanks. It is also used for relatively lightweight roof sheeting and for both window and over-door canopies and dormer windows. It continues to gain popularity in the door and window trade in the form of window frames, door surrounds and doors.

Fiberglass is basically made from chopped glass fiber that is loosely woven to form fiberglass matting. This, in turn, is saturated with resin pre-mixed with an appropriate catalyst that makes it harden. In some applications, including the construction of irregular shaped fish ponds and for sealing some building elements, fiberglass may be applied in situ. But more often it is either molded in a factory, or pultruded through a heat die to shape and form it.

Benefits of fiberglass as a building material

The main advantages of fiberglass include its:

• high strength
• low maintenance
• non-corrosiveness
• minimal conductivity
• energy efficiency
• eco-friendliness

Well-engineered fiberglass windows and doors will be incredibly strong. For example, a well-made fiberglass window frame will have a sheer strength that is eight times greater than a good quality PVC or vinyl window frame.

Not only is it strong, but fiberglass is also tough, and will withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It can be easily sprayed or wiped clean.

The fact that it doesn’t expand or contract means that it won’t split or crack. If you consider the punishing treatment fiberglass boats and bridge structures face in corrosive salt water, you will realize just how non-corrosive fiberglass as a material is. It has a longer lifespan than vinyl, which expands and contracts quite radically (more than eight times more than fiberglass and three times as much as aluminum). Because it is non-corroding, it is also considerable more durable than aluminum.

Fiberglass also has superior insulating qualities because it doesn’t conduct heat or cold. It is said to be a lot less conductive than vinyl, and around 500 times less conductive than aluminum. A solid fiberglass door has about five times the insulating value of a solid wood door.

Its lack of conductivity as a material makes fiberglass energy efficient which, in turn, makes it eco-friendly and cost effective. In fact fiberglass has been heralded as the most environmentally friendly material for doors and windows that is available.

Companies that manufacture fiberglass windows and doors

There are companies all over the world that design and manufacture fiberglass doors and windows.

A fully integrated Canadian window and door manufacturer, Inline Fiberglass (www.inlinefiberglass.com) has been operating for quarter of a century. Not only do they design and produce windows and doors, but they also assemble them.  The company produces a range of ready-glazed window frames including casement, sliders, both single hung and double hung, bay/bow windows, picture windows and those that tilt and turn. Their range of doors is currently limited to sliding, patio and tilting doors, all of which are glazed. The company is a member of both the Canada Green Building Council and the U.S. Green Building Council and they manufacture according to ENERGY STAR standards. Their products are also rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

The Canadian owned Cascadia Windows & Doors (www.cascadiawindows.com) produces dual-action, outswing and awning, inswing and hopper, fixed and strip, and both vertical slider and horizontal slider windows. They also produce single and double leaf dual action, single and double leaf outswing and slider doors. All these frames are supplied with high-performance glazing and all either meet or exceed ENERGY STAR standards for their ability to save energy and meet LEED criteria. The company tests all its windows and doors to the required US and Canadian standards and is rated by ENERGY STAR and the NFRC. They have also opted to have products additionally rated for resistance to condensation.

Another Canadian company, the family-owned Toronto-based Bella Vista Windows & Doors (www.bellavistawindows.ca), also manufactures glazed products that boast superior fiberglass frames. In addition to casement, awning, fixed, single slider and single hung, double slider and double hung, and bay and bow windows, and sliding patio doors, they manufacture good-looking fiberglass entry doors. Available in a number of sizes and styles, the doors are designed to look like solid wood. There is a choice between a finish that imitates wood grain, and a finish that may be painted or stained. They also manufacture to ENERGY STAR standards.

Yet another Canadian company, Accurate Dorwin Fiberglass Windows and Doors, boasts top ratings from both Natural Resources Canada and the US Department of Energy. Their products are also rated by ENERGY STAR and the NFRC. They produce awning, casement, single hung and double hung, bay and bow, as well as tilt and slide and picture windows. Their range of doors includes single entry, patio, garden and terrace designs which range from solid material to energy efficient glazed frames.

So you will see that windows and doors made from fiberglass are certainly worth considering when you build your home. The choice is enormous and quality generally great.

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So the million dollar question if you are building a new home is: what to look for when buying windows?

While cost is always a factor, you should not be driven by price alone. You also need to consider:

• the material used to make the frames,
• the type of glazing used,
• the style and size of frames,
• and probably most importantly, energy efficiency.

Materials for frames

The range of materials used to manufacture window frames is surprisingly varied and includes various types of wood, metal, plastic-type materials and man-made composites. Within each of these categories there are many choices.  For example you will find frames made from many different types of wood. They may also be made of mild steel (although this material is not common nowadays because the frames are heavy and tend to rust) or aluminum. They may be made of vinyl or uPVC, or they may be made of a combination of materials; a wooden frame clad with vinyl or aluminum for instance.

Vinyl frames are low maintenance and when made from superior materials, durable. Some are made by an extrusion process, which produces a frame with internal air cavities. Others have a reinforced inner structure, usually wood.

Wood, when used on its own can of course be stained or painted, or simply sealed or varnished, while aluminum frames are normally factory coated, which makes them easier and less costly to maintain. Clad frames also require less maintenance than straightforward wooden frames.

Fiberglass is the newest material to be used to make window frames. They are generally light and strong, and remarkably durable – again provided they are well made. They generally don’t expand and contract with heat and cold as much as some other frames, but they are relatively expensive.

While manufacturers often specialize in certain types of windows and window frames, there are numerous suppliers that offer a range of different types. For example, the Calgary-headquartered Gienow Windows and Doors (www.gienow.com) offers metal clad wooden and vinyl windows as well as straightforward wood and just vinyl frames. Concord Windows and Doors (www.concordwindowstore.com) in Toronto sells PVC and wood windows.

Glazing

There are different types of glass used for glazing as well as different ways that the glass is installed. For instance tough tempered glass may be used to withstand breakage, or laminated glass which will shatter in such a way that it doesn’t become a risk of injury. National Building Codes all over the world govern minimum standards and specifications of glass including the type of glass and thickness that may be used in any particular sized window, and how it must be fitted. Safety glass is usually specified for patio doors and windows where there is any danger of human impact, either accidental or deliberate.

In Canada, windows are usually either double-glazed (with two layers of glass separated with a spacer) or triple-glazed (either with three layers of glass or two layers with low-emissivity film between them).

Style and size of frames

There is a vast choice when it comes to size and style of window frames, ranging from small fixed windows that do not open, to enormous sliding windows with a single pane of glass, or small cottage windows that are divided by secondary frames known as mullions.

Hinged windows are probably the most common type, although they may be hinged to swing from side to side or at the top, or even at the bottom. Sliding windows are popular because they don’t take up space. Some are made to slide vertically while others slide horizontally. However they are potentially the least energy efficient of all windows types because they are prone to water and air leaks.

Energy efficiency

When we consider the energy efficiency of windows, it is not only their ability to keep out the cold that we need to think of – although in cold winter countries like Canada, this is paramount. We also need to consider the ability of windows to block out heat and the harmful UV rays of the sun. Their ability to transmit visible light is another factor that we need to think about, as is their ability to prevent air from escaping in or out of the window.

As the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/) points out, performance standards and new technologies have changed significantly during the past two decades and so it really is important to know what to look for when buying windows for your home.

Wood frames, being made from a natural material, have high insulating properties, although the frame must be well made otherwise it won’t necessarily be airtight. Clad wood frames have similar natural insulating qualities and need less maintenance than solid wood that isn’t clad.

Aluminum frames are strong and undeniably more durable than wood, but they do conduct heat. For this reason, the National Building Code of Canada insists on them being made with a thermal barrier inside the frame to reduce heat loss and condensation. This should be made from rigid foam, polyurethane or from wood. Like wooden frames, if they are not well made, both water and air can leak through joints – particularly badly mitered corner joints.

Vinyl frames are regarded as being very good when it comes to insulation.

The type of glazing used also affects insulation. For example, air trapped in double-glazed windows aids insulation. Triple-glazed windows, though, are considerably more effective in terms of insulation. They are also effective when it comes to reducing noise from outside. But triple-glazed windows are heavy and more expensive than those that are double-glazed.

The low-emissivity film used for some triple-glazed windows may be used on the inside of double-glazed windows to stop heat from escaping. The advantage of this is that the window is lighter than one that is triple-glazed and not as expensive. This film also reduces condensation on windows and gives some protection from the UV rays of the sun.

A fairly recent innovation in window technology involves replacing the air in double- or triple-glazed windows with some sort of dense, inert gas. The gas has a much higher insulating ability and also lower thermal conductivity. While argon is the most usual gas used, Marvin Windows and Doors (www.marvin.com/windows/new-window-products/) recently introduced a product that uses krypton gas that has even better thermal qualities than argon.

Overall, this is what to look for when buying windows that are energy efficient:

• the U-factor for insulation – the lower the number the better,
• the SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) for blocking out the sun – the lower the SHGC the better,
• the VT (visible transmittance) factor – the higher the value the more visible light you will see,
• the R-value that measures heat  loss – the higher the better, with R-5 being optimum.

Remember that windows can account for as much as 30% of the heat lost from a house. That’s according to Natural Resources Canada (www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca) which promotes energy efficient products, including ENERGY STAR windows.

Supreme Windows in Calgary (www.supremewindows.net) is one that promotes added hard coat Low-E glazing options.

One of the world’s largest window manufacturers, Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors (https://en.jeld-wen.ca) makes wood, vinyl and aluminum clad windows. In 2010 they became the first Canadian door and window manufacturer to promote ecoENERGY Retrofit Homes in the federal government’s energy efficiency program. This program allows homeowners to get grants once energy advisors certified by Natural Resources Canada have done an official assessment.

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