Why and when should you install casement windows? We’ve already mentioned that casement windows are the most popular choice for comfort and efficiency in Edmontor. We’ve also discussed how sliding windows can offer an acceptable level of performance at a lower price.
But what makes sliding casement windows so special? How do they compare to other types and when are they best installed when replacing windows?
Keep reading to learn all the details and choose the most appropriate window models for your upcoming replacement project!
Awning Windows vs. Casements: What and When to Install?
As previously stated and reiterated in this article, casement windows are superior in terms of performance and efficiency. What accounts for this superiority? The answer lies in their unique construction.
Contemporary casement and awning windows make use of a compression seal at the juncture where the operable sash connects with the frame. When the window is closed, this compression seal forms an airtight barrier, effectively turning your window into a sealed unit that significantly reduces drafts and air infiltration.
By ensuring that there are minimal gaps, this design not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment. The innovative features of casement windows make them an ideal choice for those seeking both functionality and energy savings in their homes.
Traditional casement windows and modern slider designs utilize fiber weather stripping in place of compression seals. This type of weather stripping is significantly less effective, leading to diminished performance ratings for the windows.
Essentially, awning and casement windows are the same window that opens a different way. This operational difference gives awnings a unique advantage: these windows can be open year round without letting precipitation into the home. That’s why awnings are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. They allow you to circulate the air in your home with ease.
Another important feature of both awning and casement is the crank hardware that operates the window. Because sashes in new windows can often get quite heavy, putting windows above counters or in hard to reach places, can create problems with their operation. Crank windows require about 1/10th of the force needed to open a slider window.
0% Interest Rate Loan Program
Get Entry Door for free*
Winter Discount up to 25%
- These are limited time offers. Some offers do not stack. Ask your project manager for details.
How to Choose Energy-Efficient Awning Windows?
Regardless of the window type or style, in order to get the most out of your replacement project all windows you consider should meet local ENERGY STAR performance requirements. ENERGY STAR rates household appliances and building products based on whether they help reduce energy consumption in your home.
As of January 2020, homeowners no longer have to consider a Climate zone when shopping for windows that are ENERGY STAR® certified in a particular area. A product in Canada is either ENERGY STAR® certified or not, with a single standard applied nationwide.
But keep in mind that if you are looking to purchase new energy-efficient windows, you should only consider models with a minimum ER (energy rating) of 34 to make sure that these windows meet the Canadian government fenestration standards.
ER Ratings or U-Factor: What’s more important for comparing windows?
Both of these values are crucial in determining whether any window is efficient enough for your local area. But which is a better representation?A window’s ER number can be significantly improved by higher SHGC factors. U-Factor, on the other hand, measures how resistant the window is to lose heat.
- An ER number is a more encompassing measure of how a window “transfers” energy.The more heat it gains rather than loses, the more efficient a window is considered. Therefore, it is always important to look at the SHGC number to see how it plays into the window rating. Windows with higher heat gain ratings will be considered more efficient.
- The U-Factor, on the other hand, assesses a window’s resistance to heat loss.This is especially important to consider in Canada as we often have longer nights in the winter where it is essential for a home to retain as much of its heat as possible.
When comparing performance ratings from top Calgary window companies, you can use Natural Resources Canada website to analyse a full list of Energy Star approved companies and all their windows and doors energy ratings to understand whether their products match your expectations in terms of energy-efficiency for your house.
There are plenty of window companies in Edmonton that offer a great variety of products. When you are considering who to go with, remember one more thing: the success of your replacement project depends just as much on correct installation as it does on the quality of the windows you purchase. Any advantages of efficient windows can be nullified if the unit isn’t installed properly.
How Much Do Awning Windows Cost in Edmonton?
As of 2024, the starting price for awning windows is around $1425 per unit. However, the total cost can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Size: Larger windows will naturally cost more due to increased materials.
- Colour: Custom colours increase the price.
- Glass Type: Upgrading to energy-efficient double or triple-pane glass adds to the cost.
- Installation Complexity: Difficult installations in hard-to-reach areas can raise labour costs.
FAQs
The time depends on the scope of work and the complexity of the project. On average, window replacement in a typical apartment can take 1-2 days. For a private house, the process may take 3-5 days. However, large or complex projects may require more time. It is better to discuss exact terms with our managers.
Yes, it can be done at any time of the year, including winter. Modern technology and materials allow work to be carried out even at low temperatures. However, winter installation requires additional precautions and may take a little longer. The advantage of winter replacement is the ability to immediately assess the quality of the thermal insulation of the new windows.
The main signs that it’s time to upgrade your windows:
- Drafts and heat loss.
- Condensation between the panes.
- Difficulty opening and closing.
- Visible damage to frames or glass.
- Increased noise from the street.
- Significant increase in heating bills.
Yes, quality replacement windows can increase property values. New energy efficient windows make a home more attractive to potential buyers because they promise savings on utility bills and increased comfort. By some estimates, replacing windows can increase property values by 5-10%.
Usually the windows themselves (profile and double-glazed units) are guaranteed for 3 to 5 years. The installation work is usually guaranteed for 1 to 3 years.
HAVE A QUESTION?
