Excited for the first snow of the year? With the end of the fall season, you will soon start experiencing the chill winds and frost.
But are your doors and windows prepared to withstand the upcoming harsh weather? If not, then it’s time to choose new materials for an upgrade.
But how to choose windows and doors for Canadian weather? To simplify this process, you need to consider the following factors:
- The weather conditions in your home location influence the choice of windows and doors.
- How you want to decorate your home, such as the color of the window and door, can influence the aesthetic appeal.
- Understanding energy efficiency and maintenance.
Want to get into the comprehensive guide on choosing doors and windows? Keep reading!
How to Choose Windows and Doors for the Next Season
Not all the available window and door options are suitable for use in all seasons in Canada. Canadian homes need an exceptional option that can deal with the melting heat of summer and the bone-chilling winter.
Here’s how to choose the right windows and doors:
Consider the Climate in Your Location
The first thing you should consider is your home location. How is the weather in the area you’re living in?
Living in southern Ontario, like Toronto, Barrie and Hamilton, means the weather stays really cold almost all year round. In this case, you should change your windows and doors with solidly manufactured ones.
On the other hand, if you’re living in the less cold cities like British Colombia, Ontario, or Victoria, you can change the window and door according to the weather.
In short, depending on your location, the climate can throw diverse challenges. Therefore, it’s necessary to select doors and windows that meet the challenges of the weather in your city.
Types of Challenges Canadian Homes Deal with
The decision to select doors and windows partially depends on the types of challenges that your home’s windows and doors will go through. Generally, the challenges are —
- Extreme stress on the frame caused by heavy snowfall
- Compromised doors and windows installation due to aggressive freeze-thaw
- Weaken seal due to evaporation during high humidity level
- Temperature differences between summer (above 35°C) and winter (below -25°C) which change the comfort inside your home
Your Design Preference
Now, it’s time to choose the look that resonates with you—traditional, modern, or something uniquely yours.
Each material brings its own character and benefits to your design. For instance, wood has a warm, timeless charm but requires regular care. Vinyl, on the other hand, captures details beautifully and keeps upkeep minimal.
But the crucial factor is that you need to select a material ideal for the harsh nature of the weather. There are many materials available in the market, but vinyl has secured a highly favorable place.
Vinyl windows are sturdy and are highly resistant to moisture damage. Besides, this material prevents the heat from escaping your home through windows and offers noise insulation.
Therefore, vinyl windows are apparently the best pick to withstand harsh weather in winter.
But what if you don’t prefer vinyl windows? The best alternative material is — fiberglass windows.
You can increase the sophisticated look of your home with this material. It offers pretty much the same characteristics as vinyl windows with low maintenance facilities.
However, we suggest you pick wood material for summer as it’s vulnerable to moisture damage in winter.
Material of Doors
Whether you’re looking for door material options for winter or summer, steel and fiberglass doors are the popular choice for homeowners.
Steel doors are durable, and offer added safety against potential intruders at affordable prices. This strong material can withstand storms, and a strong wind blows easily.
However, you must follow proper maintenance as steel is prone to dents and rust. During winter, the moisture from snow can cause rust, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you can maintain regular cleaning.
On the other hand, fiberglass doors are the peak choice for its exceptional features and aesthetic appeal. Fiberglass is comparatively more expensive than steel, but its features justify its premium price tag. This material offers —
- You can take a break from maintaining your fiberglass doors as these are resistant to rust and rot damage, requiring minimal maintenance.
- That is an excellent insulator that will keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer.
- It’s ideal for extreme weather conditions, like storms, snow, and strong winds, due to resistance against dents, scratches, and warping.
Factor in Energy Efficiency
When considering new windows and doors, focus on features that lower your utility bills month after month. But it doesn’t only save a few Canadian dollars but also makes your living space more cozy and comfortable.
Go for standard products with double or triple-paned glass, as these glasses have argon or krypton gas between the panes for improved insulation.
Consequently, the strong thermal barrier in the glasses can hold warm air during winter and repel hot air in summer. Some standards for energy-efficient products are —
- ENERGY STAR® certification according to Climate Zone
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) between 0 and 1
- Energy Rating (ER) of 40 as it’s the most efficient
- U-factor of 1.22 W/m2 or lower
- Visible Transmittance (VT)
Additional Considerations
Struggling to decide which windows and doors will be the best pick according to Ontario’s weather? Then, you can consult a professional like NUVO and get help.
We’ll listen to what type of windows and doors you’re actually for and find you the best one considering your budget.
In addition, you should focus on proper installation, as poor installation may lead to repair the next day. While you have a professional to install your new doors and windows, make sure you ensure —
- Proper water drainage system
- Caulking and sealing
- Right coating in the frame
- Appropriate vapor barrier integration
- Thorough inspection right after installation
Lastly, you should take care of your windows and doors to make your investment fruitful and long-lasting. Though some materials need low maintenance, you still have to follow the basic care of cleaning and lubrication.
Conclusion
So, how do you choose windows and doors for your home? You need to consider the location, home style, materials, and energy efficiency. The weather conditions should be considered first when picking the best one.
Once you set up the budget, do research on the materials to gather precise knowledge about it. Keeping all these things in mind should help you come up with a decision that will increase comfort, value, and aesthetic appeal for the future.
FAQs
Following are some of the frequently asked questions about how to choose doors and windows:
Q: How long do windows and doors usually last?
You can expect a service life of 20 to 30 years, probably more, with proper maintenance and care. Generally, it depends on the quality of materials, how well weatherstripping is maintained, and the quality of applied coatings.
Q: What is the ideal size of windows and doors in Canada?
Measure your existing openings carefully and check for square or plumb frames before removing them. Consider any necessary modifications, like interior or exterior trim. However, the standard door size in Canada is usually 24 by 36.
Q: What window and door styles work best for my home type?
Colonial and other historic homes often suit single-hung, double-hung, or casement styles. Modern architecture is a good fit for large pane windows or sliding glass doors. Consider your home’s aesthetic and layout.
Q: Should you match my existing windows and doors?
For consistency, continue with matching styles if in good shape. Blend new with old if necessary by replicating dimensions, materials, and decorative elements like grilles. Updating improves efficiency too.
