Windows
- Will new house windows stop the drafts in my home?
- How can I tell if I need new house windows?
- Will my new windows get rid of my condensation problems?
- I have water coming in through the top and/or sides of my windows! What do I do?
- Will new house window products really pay for themselves over time?
- You just installed my windows and the white caulking is pink! Why is that?
- Why do windows sweat?
- What is relative humidity?
- What can be done to reduce high humidity?
- What is the EcoENERGY Retrofit Program?
- Who is eligible for the EcoENERGY Retrofit?
- How can I apply for the EcoENERGY Retrofit Program?
Will new house windows stop the drafts in my home?
New windows and a good installation will stop the draft but the installation has a lot to do with it. By using a professional installer who uses proper techniques and proper materials, you will maximize your energy savings.
How can I tell if I need new house windows?
There are many different signs that can point in this direction, but here are a few:
- Your old windows are difficult to operate
- They is always a draft coming through when they are shut
- You often find condensation even when the humidity level is low
- They shake when it’s windy
- If there is condensation in your thermo
- If the outside frame is rotten
- If the paint is “peeling” off your windows
- Your home is always hot in the summer and cold in the winter
Will my new windows get rid of my condensation problems?
Condensation is caused by the humidity of the inside air and the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside. Keep the humidity low inside your house, and your chances of seeing condensation will also be low. With that said, energy efficient house windows do cut down on humidity because they have inside glass temperatures that are much closer to the actual air temperature inside the house.
I have water coming in through the top and/or sides of my windows! What do I do?
Please consider the laws of gravity: water goes down so the problem is probably above the window (siding, drip cap, bad caulking, window above, roof, etc.). You can do a water test by spraying water from up and down. If you can find the source call a professional.
Will new house window products really pay for themselves over time?
If you buy efficient window products and have them installed by the experts at Verdun, you will see a substantial drop in the money you have to spend to heat and cool your home month-to-month. This savings may vary by location and according to other factors such as the insulation in your home, but can be as much as 30 to 40 percent.
You just installed my windows and the white caulking is pink! Why is that?
Caulking usually takes a few weeks to dry completely. Sometimes when our caulking is still wet it has a pink hue to it. Compare it to ceiling paint: when it is applied it’s pink but dries white.
Air is composed of several gases, one of which is moisture vapor. When air comes in contact with the dew-point temperature, the air is chilled and condensation takes place with a residue of water on the surface of the glass.
When air will hold no moisture it is said to be saturated. Relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air in relation to complete saturation. For example: 100% relative humidity would be raining, 0% relative humidity would be excessively high inside humidity, and 20% relative humidity would be comparatively dry air.
What can be done to reduce high humidity?
Control or elimination of some of the following offenders will tend to reduce excessive humidity:
- If furnace is equipped with humidifier, turn off until sweating subsides.
- Open faced gas heaters should be used as little as possible and, by all means, connected to a chimney.
- Basement floors and walls should be treated with efficient waterproofing.
- Kitchen exhaust fan, used while cooking, is helpful. At least close kitchen door to rest of house and open window slightly for ventilation.
- Windows in laundry room should be opened for ventilation when laundering.
- Bathroom door should be closed and window ventilation provided after hot showers.
- Radiator pans should be removed until sweating has been eliminated.
- Large numbers of plants should be concentrated in sun room or other seldom used rooms during critical cold weather.
- The entire house may be ventilated briefly once a day to empty humid air to outside and replace with drier air.
What is the EcoENERGY Retrofit Program?
Only one to two percent of Canada’s housing supply is built new each year. Therefore, an important way to reduce household energy use is to make existing Canadian homes more energy efficient. It is expected that the EcoENERGY Retrofit Initiative will promote smart energy use in more than 140,000 homes. As a homeowner you are affected by energy costs. Beginning in April 2007, National Resources Canada introduced the EcoENERGY Efficiency Initiative to monetarily help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. This includes the repair of broken windows or exterior doors.
Who is eligible for the EcoENERGY Retrofit?
Owners of low-rise residential properties in Canada.
How can I apply for the EcoENERGY Retrofit Program?
For more information, please call 1-800-622-6232, or refer to the following websites:
