Windows and Doors in Calgary: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Planning on stepping into the world of windows and doors for some shopping?
You’ll need to start becoming fluent in the language of fenestration then, so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding the terms will help ensure you get the perfect fixtures for your home in Calgary—the ones that enhance the comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics of your space, all while adding value to your property.
Here at Western Windows, we’re sharing the most important factors you need to take into consideration before you finalize that checkout for those windows and doors in Calgary.
Table of Contents | Windows and Doors in Calgary: What You Need to Know Before Buying
- Climate Considerations
- Energy Efficiency Factors
- The Various Materials for Windows and Doors Available
- Types of Window Materials
- Types of Door Materials
- The Various Kinds of Windows and Doors in Calgary
- Windows in Calgary: Types
- Doors in Calgary: Types
- Window Glazing
- Security Features
- Style and Aesthetics
- Customization Options
- Opt For Expert Door and Window Installation in Calgary
- Ready to Get The Finest Windows and Doors in Calgary?
1. Climate Considerations
Calgary has a unique climate with cold winters and hot summers—and your windows and doors play a major role in ensuring your home stays comfortable amidst these conditions. When selecting new windows and doors, it’s important to consider the energy efficiency ratings to maintain optimal comfort in your home. Look for windows and doors with high energy efficiency ratings to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
2. Energy Efficiency Factors
Make sure the windows and doors in Calgary you’re considering meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR® ratings suitable for the city’s climate zone. High-efficiency units can lower heating and cooling costs while providing better comfort.
Here are some of the most important you’ll need to evaluate as you read through the labels of your prospective windows and doors.
| Energy Efficiency Elements | ||
| Term | Meaning | How It Affects Efficiency |
| U-Factor (U-Value) | Measures the rate of heat transfer and indicates how well a window insulates. Lower values mean better insulation and less heat transfer. | A lower U-factor signifies a more energy-efficient window, reducing the amount of heat lost during winter and gained during summer, leading to lower energy costs. |
| R-Value | Indicates the resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power. | A higher R-value means better insulation performance, resulting in improved energy efficiency by keeping indoor temperatures more stable. |
| Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) *more specific to windows | Measures the fraction of solar energy transmitted and how well a product blocks heat from the sun. Lower SHGC means less solar heat is transmitted. | A lower SHGC helps reduce cooling loads during summer by blocking more solar heat, while a higher SHGC is beneficial in colder climates by allowing more solar heat to help warm the house. |
| Air Leakage (AL) | Measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. Lower values represent less air leakage. | Lower air leakage results in better energy efficiency by minimizing drafts and heat loss, leading to more consistent indoor temperatures and lower utility bills. |
| Visible Transmittance (VT) *more specific to windows | Measures the amount of visible light transmitted through a window. | While VT doesn’t directly affect insulation, higher VT means more natural light, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. |
| Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coating | Microscopically thin coating on glass that reflects infrared energy (heat) while allowing visible light to pass through. | Low-E coatings can lower U-factor and SHGC, thus improving a window’s overall energy efficiency by reflecting heat back into the room in winter and out of the room in summer. |
| Gas Fills | Inert gases like argon or krypton used between panes in double or triple glazed windows to reduce heat transfer. | Gas fills have lower thermal conductivity than air, leading to better insulation and lower U-factors. |
3. The Various Materials for Windows and Doors Available
If you’re looking for all-weather doors and all-weather windows in Calgary, then they’ll have to withstand the city’s varying conditions, from hail and strong winds to extreme cold.
Windows and doors come in a variety of materials, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Learn more about them below:
Types of Window Materials
| Types of Window Materials | ||
| Material | Benefits | Average Price Range (CAD) |
| Vinyl | – Affordable- Low maintenance- Good insulation properties- Resistant to moisture | $250 – $800 |
| Wood | – Natural insulator- Aesthetically pleasing- Can be painted or stained | $300 – $1,200 |
| Fiberglass | – Durable- Low maintenance- Can mimic the look of wood- Excellent insulation | $500 – $1,500 |
| Aluminum | – Strong and durable- Slim profiles for more glass- Low maintenance | $300 – $1,000 |
| Composite | – Blend of wood fibres and plastic- Resistant to rot and decay- Good thermal properties- Can resemble natural wood | $400 – $1,200 |
| Steel | – Very strong and secure- Good for fixed windows- Low maintenance | $500 – $1,30 |
Types of Door Materials
| Types of Door Materials | ||
| Material | Benefits | Average Price Range (CAD) |
| Wood | – Warm, natural aesthetic- Can be customized with various stains and paints- Good natural insulator | $800 – $4,000+ |
| Fibreglass | – Low maintenance- Resists warping, denting, and rotting- Good insulator- Can mimic wood grain | $700 – $3,000+ |
| Steel | – Strong and secure- More affordable than wood- Energy-efficient with insulation options- Resistant to shrinking, swelling, and warping | $500 – $2,500+ |
| Aluminum | – Lightweight and strong- Resistant to corrosion- Modern look and feel<br>- Low maintenance | $600 – $2,500+ |
| Composite/Vinyl | – Resistant to moisture and decay- Energy-efficient- Low maintenance- Often contains recycled materials | $800 – $3,000+ |
| Glass (Patio Doors) | – Provides abundant natural light- Creates a seamless transition to outdoor spaces- Can be energy-efficient with proper glazing options | $1,200 – $5,000+ |
4. The Various Kinds of Windows and Doors in Calgary
Apart from materials used for windows and doors in Calgary, there are also a plethora of options in terms of types.
Windows in Calgary: Types
When it comes to windows in Calgary, you’ll find diverse offerings right here at Western Windows. Allow our table below to help you figure out what’s best for your home.
| Windows in Calgary: Types | ||
| Window Type | Average Price Range (CAD) | Brief Description |
| Casement | $350 – $1,000+ | -Hinged on the side, open outward with a crank. -Good ventilation and seal. |
| Awning | $450 – $1,200+ | -Similar to casement, hinged at the top, open outward to allow airflow while protecting from rain. |
| Single Slider | $200 – $800+ | -One sash slides horizontally over another fixed sash. -Easy to operate and save space. |
| Single Hung | $150 – $600+ | -Vertical version of a slider, one sash moves up and down while the other is fixed. |
| Tilt-Turn | $500 – $1,500+ | -European style, can tilt inwards from the top or swing in like a door for versatile ventilation. |
| Fixed | $100 – $400+ | -Non-operable, designed to let in light and provide expansive views. |
| Picture | $250 – $1,000+ | -Large, fixed windows designed to provide clear, unobstructed views like artwork. |
| Bay/Bow | $1,500 – $4,500+ | -Protruding window structures with three or more panels that create additional space and panoramic views. |
| Specialty | $500 – $3,000+ | -Custom shapes and designs for aesthetic appeal or unique architectural needs. |
Doors in Calgary: Types
From patio doors in Calgary to front doors in Calgary, we offer various options as well. Not sure about which one will make the perfect match for your home? Take a deeper dive by looking at the table below:
| Doors in Calgary: Types | ||
| Door Type | Average Price Range (CAD) | Brief Description |
| Front Doors in Calgary | $800 – $3,000+ | The main entrance door, often decorative and sturdy to provide security and curb appeal. |
| Fibreglass Doors | $600 – $2,500+ | Made from fibreglass, these doors are durable, energy-efficient, and low maintenance, often used for entry or exterior doors. |
| Patio Doors in Calgary | $1,200 – $3,500+ | Doors leading to a patio or deck, usually sliding or French doors, offering large glass panes for natural light and views. |
| Exterior Doors in Calgary | $500 – $2,500+ | Any door that connects the interior to the exterior, can be solid or have glass inserts, comes in various materials including wood, steel, or fibreglass. |
5. Window Glazing
Don’t underestimate the power of glazing when it comes to choosing the right Calgary windows. From improving insulation to reducing noise transmission, this element can truly transform the efficiency of your fixtures.
| Types of Glazing for Calgary Windows | ||
| Type of Glazing | Features | Benefits |
| Single Glazing | – One layer of glass- Standard in older homes | – Least expensive option- Minimal insulation and noise reduction |
| Double Glazing | – Two layers of glass with a space between- The space can be filled with air or inert gas like argon | – Improved insulation over single glazing- Better energy efficiency- Reduction in noise transmission- Less condensation on interior surfaces |
| Triple Glazing | – Three layers of glass with spaces between them- Spaces can be filled with air or inert gases | – Superior insulation properties- Highest energy efficiency among glazing types- Excellent noise reduction- Ideal for extreme climates |
| Low-Emissivity (Low-E) | – A microscopically thin, transparent coating applied to one or more layers of glass- Reflects infrared energy | – Reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer- Allows for high levels of natural light while reflecting heat |
| Tinted Glazing | – Glass with added coloration or tint- Absorbs a portion of solar radiation | – Reduces glare and heat from direct sunlight- Provides additional privacy- Can reduce fading of fabrics and furniture |
| Reflective Glazing | – Coated with a reflective film- Reflects a significant amount of solar radiation | – Reduces solar heat gain, beneficial in hot climates- Offers privacy during daylight hours- Can reduce the need for air conditioning |
| Laminated Glazing | – Two or more layers of glass bonded with an interlayer, typically PVB (polyvinyl butyral) | – Improved safety and security; holds together when shattered- Blocks UV rays, protecting interior furnishings- Can provide sound insulation |
| Tempered Glazing | – Glass that has been heat-treated to increase strength- Breaks into small, rounded pieces rather than sharp shards | – Enhanced safety due to the way it shatters- Often required by code for doors, low windows, and bathrooms |
6. Security Features
Security is one of the most important features that shouldn’t be overlooked. To ensure safety for your home, look for the following elements in your prospective Calgary windows and doors:
- Multi-point locks
- Reinforced frames
- Impact-resistant glass
Ultimately, these can help protect your home against break-ins and extreme weather.
7. Style and Aesthetics
Windows and doors play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your home. Before finalizing a purchase, take your time to consider the style and design that best complements your home’s architecture. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, or rustic styles, there are a wide variety of options available to suit your preferences—and the options are truly almost endless.
8. Customization Options
Don’t hesitate to incorporate your personal style into your Calgary windows and doors—and that’s exactly what customized options are for.
Also, if your home has unique sizing or you have specific design preferences, you may need custom windows and doors.
9. Opt For Expert Door and Window Installation in Calgary
While you may be tempted to tackle window and door installation as a DIY project, it’s recommended to hire a professional for the job. Proper installation is essential for ensuring optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity of your windows and doors. Look for reputable window and door companies in Calgary with experience, expertise, positive customer reviews, and solid warranty to ensure a seamless and successful installation process.
Ready to Get The Finest Windows and Doors in Calgary?
Since 1977, Western Windows has been a go-to source for the finest windows and doors in Calgary—offering 100% client satisfaction.
From top-tier products to dedicated customer service, our team consistently offers a seamless experience.
Request a free estimate today for window and door installation in Calgary.
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