Blog
Legal Basement Window Size: Ensuring Safety and Compliance
The proper basement window sizing is not just about aesthetics or energy efficiency; it’s a matter of safety and legal compliance, especially when it comes to installing a basement egress window. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the legal requirements for basement window sizes in Canada, focusing on egress windows and their crucial role in home safety.
Vinyl Windows: Pros and Cons
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.
Hopper Windows: A Complete Guide for Canadian Homeowners
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.
How to Choose Fire-Rated Doors for Enhanced Home Safety
Fire-rated doors may resemble regular, heavy-duty doors, but their internal structure is engineered to resist fire and smoke for a specified period. Fire-rated doors are designed to withstand high temperatures and slow down the spread of flames and smoke for a specific duration, often giving building occupants and first responders crucial time to act.
Sliding Doors vs. Bi-Fold Doors: Pros, Cons & Design Impact
When choosing a door system for your home or renovation project, understanding the fundamental differences between sliding and bi-fold doors is critical. Each type brings unique mechanical designs, spatial requirements, and aesthetic outcomes.
How Do I Know If My Windows Are Cheap?
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.
Impact-Resistant Glass: Benefits and Applications for Home Security
During a Canadian windstorm, traditional glass may crack or shatter under pressure. Impact-resistant glass is engineered to withstand exactly these conditions. Regular glass might crack or shatter on impact. Impact glass is specifically designed to resist impact and forced entry. Its layered structure sets it apart from traditional glass.
How to Protect Your Home from UV Rays
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.
Casement vs. Sliding Windows: Making the Best Choice for Your Space
When deciding between casement and sliding windows, it helps to understand how they function, how they’re built, and what day-to-day use looks like. These two popular styles differ significantly in mechanics, appearance, and performance.
European vs. North American Windows: 2025 Comparison Guide for Canadian Homes
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.
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