When choosing an exterior door, homeowners often weigh options between fibreglass and steel, two popular materials with distinct properties. Each has its strengths depending on design preferences, location, and intended use.
Imagine you're replacing all the windows in your home. Do you go with a big, established name or a solo contractor recommended by a friend? The answer isn't always clear-cut, but understanding the distinctions between the two is worthwhile.
At first glance, window hardware from China and North America may look alike — they often operate similarly and fit comparable window systems. However, there are significant differences beneath the surface in design approach, materials used, and certification standards.
When it comes to window finishes, choosing between matte and glossy finishes has a bigger impact than many homeowners expect. While the structure and placement of a window influence the room’s layout, the finish subtly guides how the room feels and behaves under different lighting conditions.
Vinyl windows are crafted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic compound known for its strength, durability, and resistance to moisture. This material offers an alternative to traditional window frame options such as wood, aluminum, and fibreglass. Let's break down the defining features and differences between these types.
A hopper window is a type of inward-tilting window hinged at the bottom. It opens from the top and swings into the room, unlike an awning window, which is hinged at the top and opens outward. Hopper windows have been used for centuries in basements, cellars, and utility rooms, providing natural light, ventilation, and, in many cases, a code-compliant egress solution.
Choosing windows for your home goes beyond picking a style or frame colour. While affordable options may seem attractive initially, poor-quality windows can lead to long-term issues, including high energy bills, discomfort, and frequent repairs. Understanding the signs of cheap windows is essential to protect both your home’s value and your living comfort.
While most of us remember to protect ourselves from the sun with sunscreen and sunglasses, it’s easy to forget that our interiors face similar risks from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, unfiltered sunlight can cause considerable damage and financial loss if proper protection isn’t in place.
European windows are most often tilt‑and‑turn systems, while North American windows are primarily double-hung, casement, or sliding. While the look differs, the critical differences for Canadian homes are airtightness, glazing packages, hardware, and how the product is tested and labelled.
Conventional windows can be surprisingly inefficient, allowing valuable heat to escape during the colder months and letting unwanted heat in during the summer. This not only drives up heating and cooling costs but also places additional strain on HVAC systems, shortening their lifespan.