When you see moisture on your windows, it isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. While interior condensation can sometimes result from a failing windowpane seal, most often, it’s simply a result of humidity in the air. The water you see is condensation from the warm air meeting the cooler glass, like when a cold beverage sweats on a hot summer day.

In fact, condensation may be more noticeable on high-quality windows since they are so energy efficient, indicating that your windows have good tight seals. The things that make homes more energy efficient—weather stripping, high-quality insulation, vapor barriers, and windows and patio doors that reduce air leakage—also lock moisture inside your house.

Moisture is a part of everyday life. Anytime someone takes a shower or cooks, it increases indoor humidity. In British Columbia, where the fall and winters are especially wet and cold, it’s important to keep indoor humidity only as high as you need it. When you see interior window condensation, it’s a sign to lower the humidity.

A few quick and easy ways to do this include:

1. Opening the blinds and drapes to let moisture-laden air escape.
2. Raising the air temperature in your home (turning the heat on will decrease relative humidity).
3. Turning on ceiling fans to improve air circulation.
4. Running exhaust fans in the kitchen while cooking and in the bathroom while showering or bathing. Leave the fan running for 15 minutes after you’ve finished to clear out lingering moisture.

It’s essential to manage humidity inside your home for its overall health, not just to manage condensation. Excess interior moisture can lead to swelling wood, mold or mildew, musty odours, discoloration, and cracking or blistering paint. Remember that wiping condensation off windows, especially wood or vinyl, is essential. Prolonged condensation can lead to mold, rot, or leaky seals. Use a towel, paper towel, microfiber cloth, or squeegee to wipe away excess moisture.

Want to know more? Take a look at this short video on understanding condensation.

Are you considering upgrading some of your older windows with new, energy-efficient ones? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer window and door replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and the Okanagan.

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Cold Climate Doors

There are many options when it comes to choosing doors. When considering doors for a cold climate, however, you need to narrow it down to those with great weather sealing and even better insulating properties.

Steel and fiberglass will resist the destructive nature of severe cold and are an ideal building material for the bulk of the door. A thermal efficient insulating material should also be used to fill out the interior of the door.

A great example of this is ProVia doors. They have steel or fiberglass frames packed with excellent insulating material. Their weather seals are the best on the market—they won’t peel or crack after a couple of cold snaps like many other weather seals do. They come in a wide range of styles and colours and can even feature large glass sections without compromising insulation or quality.

On top of their cold weather application, these doors are an excellent, sturdy, and secure option to keep your family safe at home.

Cold Climate Windows

Regular windows are typically made out of a single sheet of glass with either wood or vinyl for a frame. When it comes to cold climates like you encounter in B.C., these are not the best option.

Firstly, single-pane windows are very poor insulators. They let out a lot of heat in the winter and let in a lot of heat in the summer. This drives hydro bills sky high as you try to combat the forces of nature outside.

Instead, you should go for double-pane windows. These use two sheets of glass with a layer of gas between them. This layer of air traps cold air in winter and hot air in summer, preventing your home from freezing or overheating.

Secondly, the glass and its coating is also important. Uncoated glass lets in full light, full heat, and full UV radiation. Special coating like Low-E4 SunSmart glass adds additional insulating properties to the glass. This is particularly important in the winter; double-pane SunSmart glass can cut electricity bills by up to 25%.

And lastly, the frames. Vinyl is cheap and easy to clean, but will crack and deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather. Wood is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, but also does poorly over time in cold environments. Your best option is a material like our exclusive Fibrex; it combines the ease of vinyl with the strength of wood. Even better, it insulates 700x better than aluminum!

Did you know that our windows are also ENERGY-STAR® certified? If it’s time to replace your windows or doors, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you get the best cold climate windows and doors for these chilly winter months. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

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1. Combine window treatments

For protection against the elements, combine blinds, sheer curtains, and heavy drapes. Keep everything closed when it’s cold outside. If it’s cold but not frigid and the room gets sunlight, raise the blinds, open the drapes, and let some sunlight into the room to warm it up.

2. Use window snakes

Window snakes are long tubes filled with sand or water-absorbing material that are placed at the bottom of windows to block drafts and/or absorb condensation. You can also use a rolled up towel or blanket instead. Change these often if they become wet after absorbing moisture.

3. Cover windows with plastic

Window insulation kits, which seal the window with a plastic film, are available at your local hardware store or online. These kits include plastic sheeting that you affix to the jambs with double-sided tape. Once in place, heat the plastic with a hairdryer. The shrinking action will make it look like another glass pane.

4. Fill in any gaps around windows

If you have spaces in your window frames that you can fit your finger into, fill them with a gap filler. A popular choice is foam rope that comes on a roll and in various sizes to fill both small and large gaps. Press it into the spaces and trim off the excess with scissors.

5. Reglaze loose window panes

If your windows are old and wooden, check to see if any of the glazing is missing or loose. If so, reapply glazing in these areas to create a better seal around the glass. Just be sure to do this before the temperature dips below 10 degrees Celsius, as the putty won’t cure properly when cold.

6. Lock windows and apply weatherstripping

Last but not least, one of the most vital steps when winterizing your home is to lock the windows. Window locks pull the sashes together, closing up the space that cold air leaks through. Most of a window’s heat loss occurs through gaps between the sashes and the frame. You can reduce drafts by weather-stripping where two surfaces push together (the horizontals of a double-hung window and the verticals of a casement or gliding window) or where two surfaces slide against each other (the verticals of a double-hung window and the horizontals of a gliding window).

A word of caution: If you are planning on using rope caulk or other sealants that permanently render an operable window non-operational, make sure that you keep at least one working window in each room. Building codes require that basements and sleeping rooms have at least one functioning means of egress.

Our windows are ENERGY-STAR® certified and custom-made with a variety of glass options. If it’s finally time to replace your windows or doors, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post 6 Easy Fixes to Stop Drafty Windows in Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. Look for damage and gaps.

When winter comes, it’s easy for cold air and drafts to penetrate through door frames and window sills that aren’t properly sealed. To prevent this from happening, check your entry doors and exterior windows to see if they close all the way, with no gap left. Additionally, check if there are any damage or cracks in these areas. Regular inspection of your windows and doors will go a great way in presevering them. A routine examination will alert you when the damage is minimal and can be easily fixed.

2. Inspect for air leaks and caulk.

Drafts are the most common complaint you hear about windows during winter. The good news is you can often eliminate the issue by simply caulking your windows. Air leaks most often appear around your window or door frame, so inspect the frame for any cracks or visible gaps. Sometimes you may not be able to see the crack but can feel the outside air seeping in. Once you have identified the areas that require caulking, clean and remove any old caulk. Use the caulking on stationary joints and around the frame. Caulking can play a big role in preventing air leaks and help save you money on hydro bills.

3. Check the condition of weather stripping.

When weatherstripping wears out, cold air will leak through the spaces, and warm air from inside the home will slip out. The damage may not be easily visible in some cases, so you should check carefully that the stripping is intact, preferably after every season. If there is minimal wear and tear, the stripping can easily be fixed, but if there’s extensive damage to the weather stripping, you should consider getting it replaced. In most cases, repairing the weatherstripping will be cheaper than the increase in heating bills.

4. Remove exterior window screens.

When snow starts to fall, you may notice that your windows get covered in snow and ice. In particular, you may notice a build up of snow between the glass and the screen. When snow builds up on the sills it can cause damage to screens and windows. The moisture around your windows could do some serious damage to its parts and could also lead to mold and mildew. Luckily, there is one easy way to prevent this from happening: remove your exterior window screen before the first snow fall. Removing the screen ensures less snow will collect on window sills and allows more warmth and natural light into your home during winter months. Bonus: removing the screen will prolong its life!

5. Install storm doors and windows.

Storm windows and storm doors are specially designed to protect your house from the harsh elements of the weather. They include extra insulation layers, which increase their energy-efficiency. In most cases, storm windows are installed over your existing internal and exterior windows, which is why they help conserve indoor heat.

6. Add heavy curtains and drapes.

Heavy curtains are an excellent heat preservation option during the cold winter months. They act as an extra layer of insulation between your home and windows, keeping you warm and cozy. And since quality drapes are relatively cheap compared to other options, it’s a great way to help save on winter heating costs. Another great feature is that they’re easy to adjust; you can open them when it’s warm out or close them when it gets cold.

7. Install energy-efficient windows.

Last but not least, we recommend upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Single pane windows and old doors lose a lot more heat, significantly raising your energy bill. An excellent and long-term solution is investing in energy-efficient windows and quality doors. While they may cost more, they will make up for it in the energy, and money, saved during winter. Double-paned windows, for example, offer twice as efficient insulation as single-paned ones, and triple-pane, if you’re in a frigid environment or wish to maximize insulation, offer triple the insulation.

Renewal by Andersen’s custom-made windows are designed to fit your home perfectly. Installed by experts, you can be assured that drafts won’t be a problem. In addition, our windows are ENERGY-STAR® certified, with frames made from our exclusive Fibrex® material which insulates 700x better than aluminum. If it’s time to replace your windows or doors, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post 7 Easy Ways to Maintain Windows and Doors in Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

How we help

• We manufacture responsibly.  

Our Fibrex® material frames includes wood fibers made of at least 40% reclaimed wood fibers sourced from Andersen’s woodworking facilities. Our High-Performance Low-E4® glass also contains at least 12% recycled glass by weight.

• We’re sustainable.

Our replacement windows have longer than average lifespans and are supported by our Transferable Limited Warranties. These products help slow down the rate that landfills get filled.

• We reduce carbon footprints.

Our energy-efficient replacement windows can help reduce energy usage, thus reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

• We work with environmental partners.

We are partners with the National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC); ENERGY STAR® ; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

In addition to these benefits, often energy-efficient upgrades to a house are eligible for tax credits. Not only are our products environmentally friendly, but they also protect our customers’ wallets. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post Our Environmental Commitment appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

Here are six things you can do to prepare your home for fall:

1. Check your roof and gutters

It’s a good idea to look over your roof and gutters now before winter sets in. Look for any shingles that are bent, cracked or missing, and replace them. Check for leaks in these areas as well as around chimneys and skylights. While you’re up there, clear the leaves and debris from your gutters while the weather is still good.

2. Clear your yard

To protect your backyard furniture from the cold, clean and cover it and store in a dry place. Move grills, barbeques and other outdoor tools such as lawnmowers into a shed or garage. Disconnect and drain your outside hose while you’re at it.

3. Get your HVAC serviced

This time of year, it’s a good idea to get your heating and air-conditioning system inspected and serviced. You don’t want to be stuck with a dirty filter that will let allergens into the air around your home during the cooler months. If you have ceiling fans, reverse direction to a clockwise motion to create an updraft to move warm air down.

4. Clean and weatherproof outside surfaces

Summer’s end is the last chance to rent a power washer you’ll need to clean your patio, driveway, deck and home exterior. You should also renew weatherproofing on decks, fences, and other exterior structures as well as insulate any pipes in unheated locations.

5. Check your home’s exterior for cracks

Take care of the exterior of your house before the fall rains, winter snows, and spring melt have their way. Openings in the structure can let water in where it will freeze, resulting in cracks and mold. Caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding and where pipes or wires enter the house before it gets too cold.

6. Check window and door seals

To save money on heating and cooling costs, check your windows and doors for drafts. Apply weather stripping or caulk around the frames to cut down on drafts. Make sure the seal between your garage door and the ground is tight too, to prevent drafts and small animals from entering. While you’re at it, clean windows of summer grime before cold weather sets in.

Renewal by Andersen offers a wide range of window and patio doors that can improve the look, feel, and functionality of your home. Whether you’re looking for new windows to make your home comfortable and energy-efficient or want an upgrade that will increase the value of your property, Renewal by Andersen provides premier products and installation services.

The post 6 Tips to Transition Your Home From Summer to Fall appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. What is Fibrex made of?

Fibrex is a composite material that is made of wood fibers and polymer. It is stronger than fiberglass, which is made of polymer and extruded glass fibers, and has a lower maintenance requirement than vinyl. Andersen® Corporation started developing Fibrex® in 1958 and patented the material in 1991.

2. Are all your window frames made of Fibrex®?

Yes. This composite gives our technicians the ability to build custom windows of any size, shape, or profile without sacrificing aesthetics and long-term performance. When we were founded as a full-service window replacement company, one of the key decisions we made was to use Fibrex® in our window frames and in some of the structural components of our patio doors.

3. Is Fibrex® eco-friendly?

Absolutely! Andersen windows are one of the most sustainable building products available. Approximately 40% of the wood fibers used in manufacturing come from reclaimed wood trimmings at our woodworking facilities. We also have control over our own supply chain, including raw material and logistics, which helps keep our carbon impact low.

4. Is Fibrex® protected by warranty?

The warranty that backs a product says a lot about its quality. All Renewal by Andersen windows are backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Our windows include a 20-year limited warranty for the window and a 10-year limited warranty for parts.

5. How can Fibrex® help me save on utility bills?

Our replacement windows are double pane at a minimum, which, when combined with the insulation of Fibrex®, slows down thermal transfer. Our replacement windows are certified by ENERGY STAR® for energy efficiency. They help maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce indoor heating and cooling requirements which reduces the workload on your HVAC system and helps you lower your energy bills.

Take a look at our video for a more detailed look at Fibrex^®:

At Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia, we combine the advanced technology of Fibrex^®, expert window and door installation, unique design combinations, and a start-to-finish process that revolves around your needs. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post 5 Common Questions About Fibrex® Answered appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. USE FANS

Ceiling fans, table fans, and tower fans all help to circulate air throughout the home. Fans are a more affordable option than air conditioning because they use significantly less energy.

2. USE AWNINGS OR SHUTTERS ON SOUTH AND WEST-FACING WINDOWS

Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. These outdoor window treatments still have the benefit of allowing a breeze to pass through open windows.

3. CHECK FOR AIR LEAKS

Doors, windows, vents and other openings in your home, even small cracks in your home’s foundation, can let in the heat. Make sure all doors and windows are properly weather-stripped, and consider installing an energy efficient door sweep on all exterior doors to create an airtight seal, preventing cool air from escaping.

4. USE LIGHT COLOURED PAINT

Use light colours on the walls and floors of rooms that face south and west. Additionally, painting your home’s exterior in white or light colours will reflect most of the sun’s heat away.

5. USE WINDOW COVERINGS

You can keep the heat out by using shades and blinds to control sunlight coming into your home during the hottest part of the day. However, keep coverings pulled back during cooler times to let in air flow. Try to create a cross-breeze by keeping multiple windows open.

6. INCREASE YOUR GREEN SPACE

During hot weather, grass, trees, and plants lower air temperature significantly. Water them regularly. Water also lowers air temperature. A misting system is an efficient way of watering plants while keeping water use, and temperatures, low.

7. REPLACE SINGLE-PANE GLASS

Double-pane glass significantly reduces heat transfer due to the insulating air space between the glass layers, making it especially good for south and west-facing rooms.

Helping you find the right windows to make your home comfortable while still enjoying the view is what Renewal by Andersen does best. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post 7 Simple Solutions to Keep Cool Without an A/C appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

What is tested?

• U-factor: a measure of the rate of heat loss
• R-value: a measure of how well a specific type of insulation can resist heat flow
• Visible transmittance (VT): a measures of how much light passes through glass
• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): a measure of how much heat enters through the glass from the sun
• Condensation resistance rating (CR): a measure of how well the window prevents condensation from forming on its inside surface
• Air leakage rating (AL): a measure of how much air leakage is in and around the frame of a window or patio door

What do I look for?

ENERGY STAR^® certified windows have a sticker. The sticker has product identification information printed on it including the manufacturer’s name, model number, testing metrics such as U-factor, certification number, as well as the blue ENERGY STAR^® logo. This permanent label should be visible on the outside of the window, near the hardware. There may also be a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label with five numerical ratings on it.

What if there’s no sticker?

In rare cases, you may not see a sticker on your window because it was installed before ENERGY STAR^® certifications were required for windows. In this case, you can contact the manufacturer directly to find out if your windows meet this criteria. You can also look online at the manufacturer’s website or marketing materials for the ENERGY STAR^® logo.

Are Renewal by Andersen’s windows energy-efficient?

Yes! Renewal by Andersen displays the NFRC label on all of its windows. This label means that the entire window, not just the glass, has been rated and certified. All of our window frames are made from exclusive Fibrex^® material, greatly limiting thermal transmittance. In addition, Renewal by Andersen is also listed as a retailer of ENERGY STAR^® certified products on the nrcan.gc.ca website.

Lastly, because our windows are fully customizable, you can choose from different types of high-performance Low-E4^® glass or enhanced triple pane windows. Select Renewal by Andersen windows with enhanced triple pane glass were designated as one of the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR^® certified products in 2021.

We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post How do I Know if my Windows are ENERGY STAR® Certified? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

Tip 1

Turn off lights when you leave the room and unplug appliances, or choose energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs, such as LED. Don’t forget to turn down the temperature on your water heater!

Tip 2

Air conditioners use more energy than other types of cooling systems, so if you have a choice between central air conditioning and portable units, choose the latter. Parts of BC are hotter than others; if you’re in a region where the temperature isn’t consistently above 25 degrees Celsius, you might not need central air conditioning. A fan could be all that you need.

Tip 3

Of course, energy-efficient windows can go a long way in reducing those hydro bills! Our windows are made from high-performing Fibrex® which is twice as strong as vinyl and blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum. They’re also ENERGY-STAR® certified, exceling even in the harshest of climates.

Tip 4

Change the air filter regularly on air conditioners and fans. Air conditioners draw in large quantities of dirt and dust from the outside, which eventually builds up on your unit’s cooling coils and reduces its efficiency. A dirty air filter leads to higher hydro bills as it reduces airflow through the system.

Tip 5

Open windows whenever possible to allow cross breezes into your home. This can help with air circulation and reducing humidity levels. Opening windows at night is particularly effective at cooling a house down, just make sure you have a screen to keep the critters out!

Tip 6

Install solar panels on your roof. These panels use natural sunlight to generate power and do not require any fuel or external source of energy to produce electricity. You’ll have to spend some money upfront to install them, but you’ll be able to enjoy free energy for decades without incurring any additional expenses!

Tip 7

Make sure your thermostat is set correctly for the season. In winter months, turn it down as low as possible while still being comfortable indoors. In the summer months, turn it up as high as possible. This will allow you to save money on heating costs during winter and cooling costs during summer by only turning on your HVAC system when necessary.

These strategies will help keep your home cool this summer without breaking the bank. Cutting down on the amount of energy used in your home is important to reducing your carbon footprint as well as helping during a time when many of us are feeling extra pressure on our wallets. We hope that these tips accomplish both of these goals for you this summer, and if so, we encourage you to share them.

We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post 7 Ways to Keep Your Hydro Bill Under Control in Summer appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.