FAQ

The appearance of mist on the windows has nothing to do with your window. The appearance of mist on the glazing is due to a completely normal phenomenon: condensation. Water is always present in the air in moisture form. The hot air can absorb a higher level of moisture than the cold air. For this reason this phenomenon occurs especially during the winter. The colder the air is, the more the "dew point" (the point to which water condenses) is low.

Often, condensation appears first of all on glazed or metal surfaces. The reason is simple: Glass and metal are excellent conductors and cool more quickly. It is not a question of a "defect" but of the nature of the material.

How to correct this situation ?

The best way to prevent condensation is to control the level of moisture in your house. An adequate distribution and a good circulation of air are normally sufficient to regulate this problem. The chart below indicates the relation between the outside temperature and the relative humidity inside. If you can reduce the inside humidity at the indicated levels below, that can help to solve the problems of surface condensation.

(Source: CMHC: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).

Small tricks:

a) During the winter, remove the interior screen of your window. The air will circulate more freely on the glazing, preventing condensation especially in the lower corners. If your windows are installed with hangings or curtains, open them regularly.

b) Hot humid air from drier fully vented outside the house.

c) During the preparation of meals, the hood of the cooker can contribute to control moisture. The heat loss which results from it is negligible.

d) At bath or shower time, turn on the fan of the bath room. For lack of fan, immediately open the door of the bath room after your bath or shower to increase the circulation of air.

There are several ways of controlling the distribution and the moisture of a house. If none of the solutions which precede regulates the problem, it would undoubtedly be necessary to consult an heating/air-conditioning specialist.

For a new building or a restoration, certain principles remain the same and apply as well to the installation of a door as of a window.

They are :

a) The opening must be clean and, if possible, square.

b) There must be a reasonable space between the product and the frame. This opening will be used to insert holds and insulation.

c) The product must be centered in the opening (A), square level (B). (see the drawings below).

d) The product must shimmed and fixed on each side, under the sill and under each mullion if necessary. Never install shims at the head (C).

* Except P.V.C. windows.

e) If the height or the width exceeds 11 inches (775 mm), use 3 or more wood shims.

f) Spacing around the venting parts must be uniform and parallel in order not to harm the action of the weatherstrip.

g) The wood windows are preservative treated. However, it is necessary to immediately treat ALL SURFACES after the installation with a dye or an external paint for wood. These surfaces must be regularly maintained. The hardware and the weatherstrip; SHOULD NOT BE DYED OR PAINTED this could affect their operation.

h) For P.V.C. windows, carefully follow the installation instructions which accompany each product.

i) For steel doors, use the screws provided to fix the top hinge. This will guarantee a solid and durable installation.

There are several factors to take under consideration.

Factors out of your control :

a) Orientation of your openings. The north-eastern elevation exposed to winds and colder temperatures requires glass of more energy efficient glass.

b) Orientation of the dominant winds: that can affect the choice and the direction of opening of your doors and windows.

c) The relative harshness of the climate.

d) The saline air affects the exterior finish; it will undoubtedly be necessary to use a more resistant materials.

Factors which you can control :

a) The type of material: natural wood, clad wood, P.V.C. and aluminum. Natural wood is aesthetically warm and appropriate for a traditional decoration; however, it requires more maintenance. Aluminum is rigid with backed enamel finish; it requires little maintenance and the choice of colors is limited. The P.V.C. windows require also very little maintenance but are available only in white.

b) The type of opening: casement, awning, hung or sliding. Here, all is question of personal taste and budget.

c) Architectural style:
Windows: square, rectangular, round, half-round, in ellipse, polygonal ­ the choice is vast.
External doors:
Choice of steel, fiberglass or French doors, simple or double, and you can choose among a vast range of decorative inserts (with grilles, stained glass) and add a transom or sidelights.
Patio doors are available wood natural, aluminum cladded or P.V.C. cladded, all aluminum, all PVC and wood/PVC frame, with or without decorative grilles. Once again, the range is vast and all is a matter of taste.

d) Conformity to the national standards: all the manufacturers are subjected to very precise manufacturing standards. Thus, Canadian standard CAN/CSA-A-440-M90 recognizes 4 criteria of performance, each one being subdivided in several levels.

Doors can be painted either hanging in the opening or removed from the frame (recommended). Should you remove the door, take care to protect it from damage. Read instructions (PDF, 128 KB)

Doors can be stained either hanging in the opening or removed from the frame (recommended). Should you remove the door, take care to protect it from damage. Read instructions (PDF, 122 KB)