Tips and Tricks

Up to 25% of heat loss in a home is caused by windows and patio doors, which is why it's important to choose well! The selection of a window’s shape and characteristics – while keeping energy and aesthetics in mind – is very important and remains an uncontested plus in the value of your house.

Take advantage of our tools to guide you in selecting the window type best suited to your needs:

• Interactive Guide: Choosing Your Windows in 5 Steps
  How to choose your Concerto windows from all the available choices? Follow our interactive guide in 5 easy steps.
• The Planner
  Discover the advantages and specifics of the different types of windows.

Several signs of wear let you know when it's time to change your windows. Some of the most obvious signs are difficulty opening or closing windows, drafts, excessive condensation or water leaks. Also, rot around a window frame often indicates that it's time to replace your windows.

As a general rule, windows older than 15 years old must be replaced. It's a worthwhile investment, considering the energy savings you'll make through new, more energy-efficient windows.

We are proud to offer window models that meet the requirements set by the National Building Code (NBC) for bedroom evacuation.

In order for windows to be an adequate means of escape, the NBC requires a minimum clear opening area and that the windows can be opened from the inside without tools or special knowledge.

Contact us, we will tell you which window models comply with the Code for Room Exit Outlets.

PVC means polyvinyl chloride. This plastic is the most popular material for windows. PVC windows are the most economical and are known for their energy efficiency

The hybrid window offers the best value for the price. It combines the strength and durability of an aluminum exterior finish with the energy efficiency and easy maintenance of interior PVC.

The main advantage of multiple glass layers is a Low-E (Argon gas) film layer can be inserted In the space between the panes. In Canada, all houses are required to have double glazing at minimum. In certain regions, triple glazing can prove more advantageous to further reduce heat loss, condensation and noise.

Low emissivity glass (Low-E glass) is a clear Thermos glass, double or triple, that can be used with argon gas. Its main advantage is the reduction of energy costs. The insulating properties of this glass help reduce heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer, by reducing solar energy input.

Argon gas is an inert, odorless and colorless gas. It is used in the manufacture of windows to replace air between glass panes because it is an excellent thermal insulator.

The energy-efficient window is an essential part of quality homes. Among other things, it makes it possible to significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while ensuring effective control of indoor heating to increase residents' comfort.

ENERGY STAR® qualified Concerto windows are a sustainable and energy-efficient choice. They allow you to save on heating while helping to maintain the comfort of your home throughout the year.

These performance ratings indicate the performance of doors and windows in the following tests:
A = Air tightness (levels A1 to A3)
B = Water resistance (levels B1 to B7)
C = Wind resistance (levels C1 to C5).

All windows sold in Canada must be rated for these three key performance standards. All of these tests must be conducted in an accredited testing laboratory and are essential to obtain an acceptance number from the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC).

See The Planner to learn more about performance standards.

The Energy Rating (ER) number measures the overall energy performance of a window. It is based on various factors, including air tightness and U-value (heat transfer rate). The higher the ER number of a product, the more energy efficient it is. The ER value thus allows you to compare fenestration products in order to choose the most energy-efficient option.

The price of the windows varies according to the model, dimensions and materials that compose them.

PVC and its hybrid model are the most economical materials.

For your custom-made windows, get a price quickly using our online tool!

Our products are made to order, according to your specifications.

An expert Concerto technician will be happy to take the exact measurements of your doors and windows at home. However, if you wish to obtain a rough estimate, we recommend taking the measurement inside the interior frames of your doors and windows, as follows: width X height.

Although delivery times vary depending on the options chosen, in the current context, you can count on 8 to 12 weeks for the delivery of your fenestration products.

You can install your Concerto windows. Remember, however, that this work requires precision and care and that proper installation is just as important to the overall performance of a window as the way it is made, and the materials used. Have windows and patio doors installed by a specialist to prevent heat loss and air leakage around the frames. Windows manufactured and installed by our technicians are backed by the best warranty in the industry, covering all parts and labor.

For a successful installation, consult the Guide Chantier (Windows Installation Guide - French only)

If a defect occurs, contact us to verify if your product is eligible for warranty repair. If necessary, we will open an after-sales service order and arrange a date for the repair technician to visit you.

The average life of thermos windows is 15 years. If your window installation goes back a few years, it is completely normal for them to show certain defects. Contact us to verify if your thermos jugs are eligible for warranty repair.

Examine the spacer inside the two glass panes of the window for the year of manufacture. For a casement window, look at the opening sash.

Tips and tricks for the maintenance of your windows

Proper care of your windows will prolong their life.

PVC maintenance

PVC is a material that is easy to clean. It doesn't need a coat of paint or special treatments to protect it from the elements.

However, to keep your windows looking good for years to come, there are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Do not paint on PVC
• Do not use abrasive products such as degreasing detergents, products containing chlorine, nail polish remover, furniture polish and cleaner, or detergents containing organic solvents. You risk scratching and damaging your PVC.
• Call in a specialist to repair your window to prevent further damage.

Restoring the shine to unpainted PVC

To clean the PVC window frame, turn to commercially available non-abrasive cleaners.

You could also make a homemade solution using vinegar and warm water or water and mild soap.

Here are the steps to follow to clean your window:

1. Open the window and use a vacuum cleaner on the grooves and sills to remove the dirt.
2. Spray a solution of half vinegar and half warm water with a spray bottle over the entire PVC window.
3. Wait five minutes.
4. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Depending on the type of window, unclog the water drainage holes.

PVC and aluminum - Hybrid window

The hybrid window system combines the best of both worlds: the durability of aluminum with the proven energy efficiency and ease of maintenance of PVC.

To clean the aluminum window frame, use warm water and a non-abrasive detergent. Do not use scouring sponges.

Now you can wash the glass!

Glass window care:

For cleaning, use commercial products such as Windex® or Fantastik® or homemade solutions of water and mild soap or water and vinegar.

To reduce the risk of thermal breakage, it is recommended that you allow good air circulation around the glass.

Glass maintenance in winter:

Some precautions to follow during very cold weather:

• Do not clean your windows at extreme temperatures.
• Avoid spraying hot water directly on the surface of the glass, as this may cause the glass to crack. It is better to use lukewarm water.
• To keep the cleaning solution from freezing, add 50% antifreeze to the mixture or use a low temperature cleaner.

Hardware Care:

Clean the hardware with a simple damp cloth. You can also use compressed air.

Avoid using ammonia or vinegar on metal parts. To keep the mechanisms working properly, consider spraying an acetone-free silicone-based lubricant on locks, hinges, lock points and rubber annually.

Condensation on the exterior surface of insulating glass units is a normal phenomenon that may occur under certain atmospheric conditions. It is caused by heat exchanged between the glass and the surrounding environment. The quality of the glass unit is not a factor.

Under certain conditions (clear night sky, light wind, high humidity), the temperature of an insulating unit’s exterior glass can drop enough so that the humidity in the air condenses on its surface. These conditions may occur several times throughout the year. As soon as the exterior glass warms up, usually early in the morning, the condensation clears.

Under equivalent conditions, less efficient insulating glass units allow more heat to enter than highly energy-efficient units. This heat warms up the exterior glass, making it less likely that condensation will form. Accordingly, condensation is less likely to occur on less efficient insulating glass units. However, highly energy-efficient units help save energy, reduce condensation on the interior glass, reduce the risk of mould on the interior edges of windows, and enhance the comfort of your home year round.

Source : ROBOVER

There are several ways to remove mould on window frames, gaskets or silicone:

• Vinegar
• Alcohol
• Anti-mould product
• Use of a professional

Chlorine-based and bleach-based cleaners are NOT recommended.

To prevent the reappearance of mould, be sure to remove the nets before winter arrives. The screens left on the windows form condensation in the lower corners of the windows which, along with dust, forms a perfect environment for mould growth.