Choosing the Right Windows for Calgary’s Climate

By EconoShieldPublished On: October 8, 20162.3 min read

Choosing the right window for your home is not easy. You need to do a lot of research before deciding on getting a particular one. Merely going by the looks of a particular window style might be an invitation for various problems in the future. You need to pay close attention to the weather conditions in your area when choosing the right windows for your home. Here are some of the things you don’t want to miss out on when choosing the right windows for Calgary’s climate:

Window Frame Materials

The best window frame materials for Calgary’s climate are:

Vinyl – Vinyl windows are the most famous in Calgary because they are least expensive and largely maintenance free. Vinyl windows do not have to be painted on the exterior. However, if you wish to paint them, you have the freedom to do it
Wood – Wood window frames have a lot of maintenance requirements. Also, it is susceptible to weather and requires regular painting in order to protect its sheen
Metal clad – Cladding means that the composite or wood core is covered with a material like vinyl. Vinyl protects the wood from the outside weather so that it does not have to be painted again and again

You might also find aluminium window frames but they are not suitable for Calgary’s climate.

Window Features

Double or triple glazed windows – Double glazed windows have two glass panes with a sealed space between them that is filled with gas. Gas provides better insulation. Triple glazed windows have three glass panes. This extra glass pane contributes to making energy efficient windows. They are great to keep Calgary’s cold climate out
Low-E glass – It is the transparent treatment that reflects the ultraviolet and infrared heat to improve the insulation of the windows. Each side of the window has different coatings to achieve different cold and heat reductions. In Calgary’s climate, they help to keep the cold out and the heat in
Gas insulated windows – Generally, all modern windows have an insulating gas pumped into the chambers between the window panes to minimize heat transfer and increase energy efficiency. Argon gas is commonly used because of its insulating qualities. Also, argon is safe and is available at a low price. Although, Krypton is better than Argon, it is very expensive

Window Types

Here are some of the common window types to choose from:

Awning windows
Casement windows
Single hung windows
Double hung windows
Sliding windows

There are many more types of windows available. You can get in touch with the window replacement experts to choose the best window style for Calgary’s climate and your needs. If you consider all the above mentioned things, you will be able to make the right choice.