Ambia Windows & Doors

A house would not be complete without the windows and doors. Therefore it is vital to choose a window and door design that fulfills the main function and aesthetics of the house that is your home.
Although the windows and doors have their own functions, that does not mean you can be casual in their selection.   With the manufacturing methods today and our technology you can have it both.  You can select beauty, style and pleasing design without compromising functionality attributes such as security and energy efficiency.

Your front door defines and portrays so much about you and your family to the world outside.  Don’t believe it?  What do you think when you see strong steel shuttered doors or bars when you walk up the sidewalk outside a home?  When your guests visit it will be this door that greets them. Although traditionally made of solid wood today’s doors now work in concert with the jam to create a technological marvel.

• Flexible weatherstripping around the perimeter of the door jamb will ensure a tight seal to reduce heat loss.
• Frame members are selected wood species, kiln dried and finger jointed to minimize warping.
• The outside of the door is made of steel and the faces are wrapped around top and bottom edges. Look for double wrapping around vertical edges for rigidity. These steel faces should be hot dipped galvanized for resistance to rust & corrosion. Ensure that the door has factory applied primer.
• A solid wood lock block provides reinforcement in the critical lock area.
• Solid polyurethane foam core injected between the two steel facings help to fill every air space and permanently bond to provide outstanding insulation and stability.
• Check for a continuous wood perimeter.  This provides a thermal break between outside and inside surfaces to eliminate frost and condensation.
• Ensure there are bottom weatherstrip and corner seals. Some doors have a multi-finned adjustable bottom weatherstrip and corner seals which provide a positive seal against air and water infiltration
• An aluminum and vinyl sill, thermally broken will help to eliminate frost transfer. Together with the adjustable bottom weatherstrip this system provides a true barrier against water and air infiltration. Check that there is an internal drainage system.

By combining a realistic looking steel exterior and polyurethane interior you get a great looking – secure – door.

If you are reading this than chances are you are either in a cold room wondering where your heat is going (winter) or wiping the sweat from your brow thinking about the bill for you air-conditioning (summer).  You might also be thinking about knocking out a wall or building and addition and (what else?) thinking about windows.

Having been through about a dozen installations, over four homes, I’ve tracked down a few things you might want to consider before picking your dealer.

First the terms:

• Manufacturer .. the company that makes the windows and doors
• Dealer .. a separate company, distinct from the manufacturer.  A dealer may or may not have their own installers on staff.
• Installer .. a separate company, distinct from the dealer (maybe)

If your best friend, spouse, parents recommend someone – 100% – go with them.  You don’t need to read any further.  I believe in the power of recommendation and the dealer is the one who is the most important decision you will make.  They know windows, they have done installations and if they have been around for a while they are doing it right.

BUT .. if you don’t have someone who can give this level of guarantee, then read on.

Choosing the Dealer
Window dealers and their installers will work with a particular brand of vinyl window and window hardware that they support and trust.  They will install those windows through a combination of personal preference and training from the manufacturer.

I am a consumer and not in that business.  It’s window .. and I can see through it.  I’m good.  There is really no way for me to know if one window is really any better than the other.  I can guess by the price but even that can be deceptive.  If you trust the dealer than by extension you should trust his recommendation for windows and how it should be installed.  If the price is too high have a conversation and be open about your budget.

Have I convinced you?  Forget about the window, find the dealer you can trust.   Trust can be measured in many different ways but consider,

• The history of the company.  How long have they been around?
• Does the dealer stand by their installation?
• Do they have a warranty separate from the window?
• Is the warranty transferable between home ownership?

If the dealer has been around for some time, stands by the product and is trustworthy than the choice of window manufacturer and installer is secondary.

Any window dealer that still gets a thumbs up years after a window installation is worth checking out.  The power of word of mouth is amazing in this industry.

Check out the Warranty

• Check out the warranty.  The language is going to be all over the paperwork and will not be hard to find.  However there are aspects of any warrant which need to be considered.
• Who actually warranties the window? Manufacturers all offer a specific number of years warranty against problems in their product.
• The dealer will offer a warranty on their installation work.
• Who will you call if you see condensation inside your double pane windows is perhaps five or six years into a 10 year warranty?

This is something you will want to consider. The sales representative should tell you that the warranty is with the manufacturer and not with them.   However, what will they do for you in the event of a problem?  A good dealer will stand with the manufacturer as a team.  The dealer should step up years later to help and to manage the interaction with the manufacturer.  This is where the dealer rises above the competition.  Their goal is to make their customers happy.  In turn the window manufacturer will work to make their customer (the dealer) happy.  Everyone wins.

Window Options
Next consider the types of windows you see fitting in the space.
Window styles vary from sliders to double-pane to awning, casement and more.  Think about the amount of glass you want, the ease of reaching the window to open and close, cleaning options and energy efficiency.  All these aspects are covered in other articles.  Your dealer should help you through the budget and the options available.

How about that Referral?
Likely you have read this far because you didn’t have a referral (100%) to any specific installer.  Go ahead and find three companies to call.  Personally I would throw Ambia Windows and Doors into the mix if you are in the Toronto, Vaughan, Oakville, GTA area.
Consider the spread from the highest to the lowest quote.  Make sure you understand the differences from roughing-in, to warranty extras, Low-E and more.  If everything is equal the spread should be no more than 5%.  If it is more than that .. be suspicious.  A low quote indicates a lack of consideration for the work involved.  You likely won’t make it through the first winter without a problem.

Summary
You need to be comfortable with the window dealer. Reflect honestly on the conversation and discussion you had with the sales representative.  Did they fully answer all questions to your satisfaction?  Are all side deals clearly indicated on the contract (like special molding or work done only the weekend)?  Do your research, follow up on referrals they might give you and be prepared to start all over if no one makes the grade.  If in doubt call Ambia Windows and Doors.
If you did get a referral from someone .. take it.  Put it in the mix and don’t discount them even if the price is higher.  If you go for the lowest quote remember .. you get what you pay for and this is not the time to be skimping over a few dollars.
Remember the manufacturer is second to trusting the dealer.  Consider the warranty length and your trust of the person you are letting into your home.  Problems happen and you want the installer you can trust.  If your window dealer is in business 10 years from now you’ll do just fine with any manufacturer.

Low-e coatings, are microscopically thin layers of metallic oxide that’s bonded to the surface of a window’s glass.  These coatings are so thin you can see right through.  However, they prevent heat and ultra-violet (UV) rays from passing through glass.   This combination results in a window that does a better job keeping heat in during the winter and keep heat out during the summer.  Amazing.
Low-e coatings first appeared on the Canadian market in the early 80’s.  They came in response to rising energy costs and the costs of heating homes in cold climates.   Early low-e windows were designed to let light and solar heat pass through the glazing into the building and to reflect heat back into the building when it tried to escape through the glass. By lowering the U-value or heat loss rating of the glazing, a low-e coating reduces the amount of energy.
But how does it work?
Bringing the light to you
When someone looks outside on a sunny day, they are seeing the visible part of the light spectrum.  However, only 38% of the solar energy that actually makes it to the surface is actually visible. The balance of the energy that reaches the earth is invisible. Infrared energy makes up approx. 59% of the balance and 3% is ultraviolet (those darn UV rays).   But don’t be fooled.  Even invisible those infrared and UV rays impact both the exterior (shingles, paint) and interior (heat, faded curtains and more) of your home.  Infrared rays will pass in and out through traditional glass windows unimpeded.  This increases your home’s heat load in the summer forces the air conditioners and fans to work even harder.   UV light, the same rays that burn your skin (and why we need sun block) enter through the window to fade and impact your furniture, curtains, flooring, hanging pictures and more.
Coating Types
A low-e coating is an invisible mirror.  It is used to reflect specific portions of the light spectrum working its way in and out of the windows. There are three major types of coatings on the market you should consider.  These include soft, hard, and Heat Mirror.

• Soft coat is only found on the inside of the glass (indoor).  Applied to the surface of the glass it is not resilient enough to be exposed to the elements.

• Hard coat can be found on the outside of the glass (outdoor).  This is a very tough, strong coating that sacrifices energy efficiency for toughness.  Hard coating systems are introduced during the manufacturing stage.  Hard coat needs a hot glass surface to fuse metallic oxide.  Look for Hard coating in storm windows or removable energy panels.

Energy Ratings
The Energy Star program was developed by the U.S Department of Energy and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to help identify energy-efficient choices for your home. The Energy Star seal is only granted to products that demonstrate significant reduction in energy consumption in the home. Companies like Ambia Windows and Doors will only purchase their product from supplier who fulfills the energy Star program rating.  All windows and doors should meet or exceed U.S and Canadian regulations to be considered Energy Star compliant.
To find out if the windows you’re considering are appropriate for check out the Natural Resources Canada website (http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/business/manufacturers/search/windows-search.cfm)

In the early medieval period the center of life in castles and manors was the great hall.  This was a large multipurpose chamber safely built upon the second floor.  The great halls were dimly lit, due to the need for massive walls with small windows for defense from attack.  In the 14th century the hall descended to the ground floor.  At this time the windows grew in size.  This was both a sign of affluence but it also indicated increased security.  In the 1960’s the trend pushed windows back to smaller more fuel/cost efficient styles.  Smaller glass meant less heat loss in the house.  Security, heat conservation, light are all bound together in the choice of the designer.
Certainly there is a history behind the increasing and decreasing size of windows in homes.  However, today thanks to companies like Ambia Windows and Doors you no longer have to make the tradeoff.
Homeowners no longer have to trade off small windows for sunlight or that view of the back yard.  Even choosing those small windows in order to conserve heat is old news.  However, the cost of renovations is not so low as to be considered on a whim.  Upgrading single-pane, wood frame windows often found in older homes and buildings takes some thought and consideration.  Indeed these days perhaps you have too many options from which to choose.  Here are some familiar terms to help you with making a decision.

• Awning - Awning windows provide functionality yet must blend in flawlessly as a component of the overall home architecture. Awning windows open out from the bottom, allowing air to circulate freely into the home. When opened, the window acts as an awning to keep rain out. They can be matched effectively with picture windows. Imagine an awning window in the basement opening.  Ambia Windows & Doors offers Awning Windows in single, stacked or side-by-side styles.
• Bay or Bow window – a window style which protrudes from the exterior wall of a room. For added design consideration put a window seat in to fill the space in the interior of the room
• Casement – These are the most common architectural component for living rooms, bedrooms and other rooms where you want an expansive view. The graceful styling and visual appeal of the vinyl frames are evident. A host of unseen energy-efficiency, operational, hardware and security features make our casement windows the perfect, practical choice.  Casement windows hinge on one side of the window frame so they open like a door. These are widely used in both traditional and contemporary design. Casement windows are typical of the Tudor style of architecture and are particularly convenient over a kitchen sink where it’s easier to open a window with a hand crank than to lean over a countertop and push up.
• Clerestory – When the room has a high ceiling or area which is just ‘dark’ clerestory windows are those windows that are placed high on a wall and below the roof line and above eye level.  Typically they are small, horizontal, and used in multiples to allow sunlight.  They are not there for the view .. indeed the only time you will look out them is when you grab the ladder for cleaning.
• Double-hung (and Double-hung tilt) – This is the traditional window style seen in so many homes. Far from being simply practical, Double Hung Tilt Windows offer a home-enhancing classic appearance. Both sashes tilt inward to let in fresh warm air, yet close securely and are thermally efficient on the coldest days. They come with a full size screen.  You can open it a little or a lot from either the top or the bottom.
• Hopper windows - Hoppers are hinged at the bottom and open inward toward you. Hopper windows are popular in commercial buildings (restaurants come to mind) or in residential applications where an open-out window would not work because of clearance, space restrictions, security grills, etc.
• Louvered windows (Jalousies) – These are made of glass slats set in metal clips that can be opened and closed in unison. Also called a Jalousies window, a louvered window is made like a glass shutter. This type of window is manually rotated to open or close the overlapping panels as required and can be opened by degrees to control how much air or light is allowed to pass through. They are very common in tropical regions where they allow breezes but prevent rain from entering.  You’ll need to check with your installer if you want them here in Canada (who knows .. maybe they can order them).
• Palladian - Palladian windows are named after the 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, who used this window design in developing what is known as the Palladian style of architecture. This window will be a focal point in a room and has been widely used in a variety of traditional architectural styles.
• Profile windows - A profile window is a fixed pane of glass that does not open or close. The shape and size are custom-made for your needs. They come in low or high profile fixed designs.
• Low Profile Fixed Windows are appreciated by architects and home renovators.  The narrow frames enable viewing areas to be maximized. There are standard sizes and shapes, but companies like Ambia Windows and Doors also offer an unlimited selection of custom architectural requirements, including curves. This unrivaled engineering makes it easy to replace existing windows with this distinctive design.  Low Profile Fixed Windows can be gracefully combined with most other windows styles for architectural creativity.
• High Profile Fixed Windows create spectacular window effects in a home. They can also be combined with other windows styles, such as Casement and Awning windows, to create an elegant expanse of glass and achieve a higher level of architectural sophistication. The frames on our High Profile windows are designed to accommodate larger openings.
• Slider (and Slider tilt) – This classic window design is appropriate for the side of homes or for smaller rooms within the home. It combines appealing appearance with functionality. In a Single Slider window, only one sash operates, opening inward and tilting. This allows fresh air to enter your home when desired and makes exterior cleaning easily accessible from the inside. The rest of the window is fixed to ensure thermal efficiency. Single Slider Tilt windows are available in two and three lite combination units. For security and operational reliability, compare the many additional features that can be built into these windows. A sliding window unit consists of two sashes: one that’s stationary, one that slides left or right in a track. Screens can be placed on the exterior or interior of the window unit. Also called “gliders”. Patio doors are also called “gliders” and are simply larger versions of sliding windows.

There are many more terms available in the windows glossary.  Indeed be careful when discussing these terms because you’ll find that they change from country to country and even region to region.  Your choice will be to find a style that combines the right amount of light, a view or your surroundings and the insulating qualities necessary for your environment.  At the end of the day windows help to define your home so take the time to make the right decisions.