Choosing the “Best” Windows and Doors for the Calgary Climate

Calgary’s climate presents unique challenges for homeowners regarding windows and doors. With harsh, often long winters and surprisingly warm summers, choosing the “best” options means prioritizing energy efficiency, durability, and features that can withstand significant temperature swings, high winds, and even hail.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best windows and doors for your Calgary home, focusing on features that provide optimal performance in this specific environment:

Key factors for Calgary’s climate

These important elements directly impact your home's comfort, energy bills, and the longevity of your investment in the face of Calgary's dynamic weather conditions. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions that ensure your new windows and doors perform optimally throughout the hot summers and cold winters year after year. Choosing the right products tailored to our unique conditions is the first step to a more efficient and comfortable home.

Energy efficiency (U-factor, SHGC, ER)

This is extremely important. Look for windows and doors with excellent U-factors (a measure of heat loss – the lower the better), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) (a measure of solar gain – the lower the better for blocking heat in the summer, but a balanced SHGC can be useful in the winter for passive solar gain), and a high Energy Rating (ER), which is a composite measure.

• Triple Glazing: While double glazing is common, triple glazing is highly recommended for Calgary’s cold winters. The extra glass and additional inert gas filling (such as argon or krypton) create excellent insulation, significantly reducing heat loss and increasing comfort. Many leading Calgary window companies, including CalgaryWindows.ca, specifically highlight the benefits of triple glazing for the local climate.
• Low-E Coatings: These microscopic metal coatings reflect infrared heat, keeping heat inside in the winter and reflecting unwanted solar heat in the summer. They are essential for year-round efficiency.
• Inert Gas Fill: Argon or krypton between the panes of glass acts as an insulating barrier, further reducing heat transfer.
• Airtight Seals and Gaskets: Proper sealing is critical to preventing drafts and air leaks, which can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency.

Frame Materials

• Vinyl: A popular and cost-effective choice, vinyl offers excellent insulation and low maintenance costs. Modern vinyl frames, especially those with multiple air chambers and foam infill, can be very energy efficient.
• Fiberglass: Known for its exceptional durability, strength, and resistance to warping and rotting, fiberglass is becoming an increasingly popular option in Calgary. It offers better insulation than aluminum and is more stable than vinyl in extreme temperatures.
• Wood (clad): While beautiful and a good insulator, solid wood frames require more maintenance. Wood-clad windows (wood interior, durable exterior cladding such as aluminum or vinyl) offer the aesthetic appeal of wood with better exterior protection.
• Avoid straight aluminum: Unless specifically designed with thermal breaks, aluminum is a poor insulator and can lead to significant heat loss and condensation in Calgary’s climate.

Durability and impact resistance: Calgary is prone to hail and high winds.

• Tempered or Laminated Glass: Consider tempered glass (heat-treated for strength and safer shattering) or laminated glass (multiple panes bonded together with a film that holds the glass together if broken) for added impact protection.
• Durable Frames: Make sure the material and frame design you choose can withstand Calgary’s weather conditions.

Window Styles

• Sliding Windows: These outward-hinged windows are typically the most airtight due to their compression seal when closed, making them a great choice for energy efficiency in Calgary. They also provide excellent ventilation.
• Awning Windows: Tilted from the top, they open outward, allowing for ventilation even during light rain, and provide good insulation.
• Sliding and bi-fold windows: While they are great for ventilation, make sure they have high-quality seals to prevent air leakage.

How to Find the Best Window Company in Calgary

When searching for the "best window company Calgary" or the "best window replacement company Calgary," consider factors beyond just product features:

1. Local experience: A company with extensive experience in Calgary understands the specific climate challenges and local building codes.
2. Product quality: Look for manufacturers and installers that offer high-performance windows designed for the Canadian climate. CalgaryWindows.ca, for example, claims that their products are manufactured on a fully automated production line, undergo rigorous in-house testing, and are Energy Star® qualified, emphasizing their suitability for Calgary's diverse climate. They highlight Cardinal's high-efficiency heat units with argon gas and Super Spacer technology.
3. Quality of installation: Even the best windows will not perform well if they are not installed correctly. Ask about the installer's experience and certifications. CalgaryWindows.ca emphasizes that their professional installation team has “5+ years of experience and WCB” (Workers' Compensation Board).
4. Warranty: A reliable, full product and installation warranty provides peace of mind.
5. Customer reviews and reputation: Look for positive reviews and a solid reputation for customer service and project satisfaction.
6. Certification: In addition to ENERGY STAR®, look for certifications such as Window Wise, which indicates compliance with industry standards for quality and installation.

CalgaryWindows.ca appears to position itself as a strong contender in the Calgary market, emphasizing energy-efficient solutions (especially triple-pane), durable materials like UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride), and a focus on professional installation. Their commitment to exceeding Energy Star requirements and offering high-performance thermal units suggests they are well-equipped to provide windows and doors suitable for Calgary's unique climate.

By prioritizing these factors, Calgary homeowners can confidently choose the "best" windows and doors that not only enhance their home's aesthetics but also provide lasting comfort, energy savings, and protection against the elements.