Content courtesy of Fenestration Canada

Energy Efficiency Code Update Report

There has been a lot of work done at the Standing Committee on Energy Efficiency (SC-EE) in 2024 as the standing committee works to complete the 2025 National Energy Code for Building (NECB) and the Part 9 energy code in the National Building Code Section 9.36 (NBC 9.36).SC-EE held multiple face-of-face meetings and countless virtual committee and task group meetings so far in 2024.

As the work of SC-EE is coming to an end this report will provide a list of all the Proposed Change Forms (PCFs) that SC-EE has worked on for the 2025 energy codes, with a focus on the PCFs impacting the fenestration industry.At the time of writing this report there are only two remaining PCFs impacting the fenestration industry that will be going out for public review this fall.This report will summarize the PCFs impacting the NECB, and the NBC 9.36 related to fenestration and includes a spreadsheet listing all the PCFs SC-EE has worked on for the 2025 codes.

Access the report on the Fenestration Canada website by clicking here:

Content courtesy of NFRC

NFRC advises of coming changes to label format for manufacturers selling in Canada and the US

Ongoing NFRC PCP accreditation efforts necessitated changes to the NFRC Certification Mark.As mentioned previously on webinars and at the NFRC Conferences, one requirement for accreditation through the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a market designator for those that sell product in the Canadian market.This is accomplished by adding a "C", and "US", to registered NFRC Certification Mark, creating a combined mark for those selling in both the Canadian and US markets.

In working with SCC, NFRC committees, and members of the NFRC Board Accreditation Workgroup it was decided that the combined mark, shown here, was a good alternative.This mark must be used by participants, as defined in the NFRC – 7018 Labeling and Mark Usage Requirements, selling NFRC Certified products into both the United States and Canadian Markets, as well as those selling only into the Canadian Market.This mark is undergoing registration in both the United States and Canada and acceptable for use in both.

For those participants selling NFRC Certified products into only the United States, no changes are required.Those participants can simply continue utilizing the current NFRC registered mark shown here.

Understanding the challenges in making changes to labeling and labeling practices, NFRC Staff, working with the Board Workgroup with final approval from the NFRC Board of Directors, developed the following plan for implementation of the "NFRC 7018: Labeling and Mark Usage Requirements" and moving to the combined mark for those that require it.

Moving forward, the "NFRC 7018: Labeling and Mark Usage Requirements" document will be the governing document for labeling and mark usage for all NFRC programs.As it relates to the Product Certification Program and certified product labeling:

1.The "NFRC 7018: Labeling and Mark Usage Requirements" document can be found on the NFRC website Program Documents page.

2. Those selling into the both the Canadian and US markets, as well as those selling only into Canada, may request artwork for the combined mark using this form, or by reaching out to Compliance@nfrc.org.

3. Participants required to make the change are given up to 18 months, starting on January 1, 2026, to transition to the combine mark.However, we encourage participants to begin making these changes as soon as possible.

4.Any new manufacturers entering the Product Certification Program will be required to follow the NFRC 7018 immediately upon authorization to label.

For questions concerning this bulletin and labeling requirements please reach out to Compliance@NFRC.org.

Content courtesy of WDMA

The market for windows and doors in the US is expected to grow to $35.9 billion by 2026.

The market for windows and doors in the US is expected to grow to $35.9 billion by 2026.This forecast follows a significant price surge in 2021 due to product shortages and rising raw material costs.

Several factors are driving this growth.One key driver is the increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings.This demand has led to more installations of energy-efficient windows and doors.The growth in residential construction and home improvement projects is also boosting the market.Urbanization and population growth are increasing the need for new residential and commercial spaces.The trend towards renovation and retrofitting of existing buildings is further enhancing market growth.Lastly, innovations in materials and designs, such as uPVC window systems, are attracting consumers looking for durable and aesthetically pleasing options.

Innovations in materials are significantly impacting the windows and doors market by driving growth and enhancing product performance.Manufacturers are increasingly using advanced materials like uPVC, fiberglass, and composite materials.These materials offer superior durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.They help create windows and doors that can withstand tough weather conditions and provide better insulation, reducing energy costs for homeowners.Additionally, the development of smart glass and other high-tech materials is attracting consumers looking for modern, innovative solutions.Overall, these advancements are making windows and doors more appealing and functional, contributing to the market's growth.

The increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings is a major factor driving the growth of the windows and doors market in the US.Energy-efficient windows and doors help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, making them an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.The growth in residential construction and home improvement projects is also contributing to the market's expansion.As more people move to urban areas and population growth continues, the demand for new residential and commercial spaces is increasing.This trend is also growing because people are renovating and updating old buildings.

Innovations in materials and designs are playing a crucial role in the growth of the windows and doors market.Advanced materials like uPVC, fiberglass, and composite materials offer superior durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.These materials help create windows and doors that can withstand tough weather conditions and provide better insulation, reducing energy costs for homeowners.The development of smart glass and other high-tech materials is also attracting consumers looking for modern, innovative solutions.These advancements are making windows and doors more appealing and functional, driving market growth.

In summary, the US windows and doors market is set to reach $35.9 billion by 2026.This growth is due to several factors: the rising demand for energy-efficient buildings, more residential construction and home improvement projects, urbanization and population growth, and the trend of renovating and updating old buildings.Innovations in materials and designs are also playing a significant role in driving market growth, making windows and doors more appealing and functional for consumers.

Content courtesy of Financiet & Fenestration Review

The 2024 Canadian Homeowner Renovation Report findings released.

The 2024 Canadian Homeowner Renovation Report  by Angus Reid and FinanceIt Canada Inc. found that most Canadian homeowners (94%) plan to stay in their current homes over the next year.Nearly a quarter (25%) of those homeowners plan to renovate.

"With the high cost of living, many Canadians are choosing to stay put and renovate instead of moving," said Michael Garrity, executive chair of Financeit."Renovating can be more economical and satisfying in the long run."

Homeowners Seeking Stability
The rising cost of living has made it harder for Canadians to buy groceries, gas, pay bills, and even mortgage payments.Despite the Bank of Canada cutting the key interest rate in June, people are still cautious about big financial decisions like buying a new house.A huge 94% of Canadian homeowners plan to stay in their current homes next year.Of those, 24% say the cost of living has stopped them from looking for a new place.People aged 35-54 are the most cautious about moving during tight financial times (30%).

Homeowners Looking to Renovate
With the cost of living rising, many Canadians are choosing to update their current homes.The report found that 53% of homeowners want to renovate to improve their home's functionality.Homeowners in Ontario are the most likely to do so (63%).

Of those polled, 21% want to renovate to increase their home's value.In Manitoba, a surprising 65% of homeowners want to renovate for the same reason.Among those planning to renovate next year, 37% want to remodel their kitchen, bathroom, or basement, 24% want to landscape, and 17% want to replace windows and/or doors.

Investing in Energy Efficient Upgrades
The report also found that homeowners are looking for ways to save money through renovations.It revealed that 62% of Canadian homeowners are likely to invest in energy-efficient home renovations to save on utility costs.Homeowners in Atlantic Canada are the most likely to invest in energy-efficient upgrades.

Many homeowners in British Columbia are quite likely to upgrade their homes, especially with the availability of various incentive programs.Programs like the Home Renovation Rebate Program by BC Hydro, CleanBC, and FortisBC offer rebates and grants for energy-efficient upgrades.These incentives make it more appealing for homeowners to invest in renovations.

Additionally, the rising cost of living has led many Canadians, including those in BC, to stay in their current homes and opt for renovations instead of moving.This trend is supported by the availability of financial assistance programs that help make home improvements more affordable.

Installing a Multi Slide patio door system in a modern home can offer several benefits.With high thermal performance, contributing to saving on energy costs.And when it comes to enhancing the view and updating the overall aesthetic.

Benefits of Installing a Multi Slide Patio Door System

Enhanced Views:  Multi Slide patio doors provide expansive views of your outdoor space, making your home feel more connected to nature.This can be particularly appealing if you have lake or oceanic views.

Increased Natural Light: These patio doors allow more natural light to flood into your home, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.This can also help reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, saving on electricity costs.

Improved Indoor-Outdoor Flow:  Multi Slide patio doors create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, by opening up your home and for entertaining guests.

Energy Efficiency: Modern patio doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind like low-emissivity (low-E) glass, multiple panes, and improved insulation help maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.

Updating Patio Doors and Removing Windows
In older homes, retrofitting with a Multi Slide Patio Door System will increase the over-all aesthetic of the home.In some cases, where there is a window and an existing smaller patio door, this can be updated to include the whole space of the window and the patio door, creating a big, beautiful patio opening.

When updating your patio door and removing windows, consider the following:

Space Utilization: Replacing windows with a Multi Slide patio door can open up your space and make it feel larger and more open.This is especially beneficial in smaller rooms where maximizing space is crucial.

Structural Considerations: Ensure that the structural integrity of your home is maintained during the conversion.Consulting with a professional is essential to address any potential issues and ensure a smooth installation.

Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient Multi Slides to maintain comfort and reduce energy costs.Modern patio doors often come with features like weather stripping and insulated frames to enhance energy efficiency.

Westeck offers the 江南app官方入口 .A modern design, with high thermal performance, oversized options and a panel design that provides a uniform aesthetic allowing the system to be seamlessly integrated.

This system allows the client to open up their home with large unobstructed expanses bringing the outside in, with tested sizes up to 20′ wide and 9′ tall.

To learn more about our 江南app官方入口

Content courtesy of Pembina Institute

Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate

In Pembina's latest report, "Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate", underscores the urgent need to retrofit existing buildings to protect Canadians' health and safety.As extreme weather events grow in frequency and intensity, strategic investments in deep retrofits are essential to mitigate health risks and ensure resilient homes and buildings now and for generations to come.

Buildings constructed for yesterday's climate are no longer able to handle today's extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, flooding, and wildfire smoke.Deep retrofits, which include upgrades to ventilation, heating, cooling systems, and building envelopes, can significantly enhance occupant health and resilience.Investing in these upgrades now is crucial to safeguard our communities.

Deep retrofits offer numerous benefits beyond energy savings.They enhance occupant health, safety, and resilience to extreme weather.Improved insulation, air sealing, and smart electricity grid integration contribute to lower utility bills and reduced demand for new electricity generation.These holistic home energy efficiency upgrades also make housing more affordable by lowering heating and cooling costs.

Key findings

Increased health risks:  As extreme weather events surge, the health risks to building occupants grow.Improved ventilation and air filtration systems can protect against airborne pollutants like wildfire smoke and radon, while advanced window technologies and insulation can regulate indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

High-return investment: Deep retrofits not only improve health and safety but also provide significant financial benefits.They make buildings more energy-efficient and affordable to heat and cool, offering a high-return investment for Canadians.Decarbonizing our homes and buildings reduces emissions while protecting against extreme weather events.

Protecting vulnerable populations: Vulnerable groups are at greater risk due to increased sensitivity and exposure and reduced adaptive capacity, which is exasperated for low-income households.Prioritizing retrofitting efforts for these populations is essential to ensure equitable health outcomes.
Report recommendations

Governments and utilities: Should provide incentives and concierge services and include resilience measures in codes and standards to support deep retrofits.

Insurance and investment sectors: Must develop products that reward building owners for investing in upgrades that reduce health and safety vulnerability.

Building owners: Need to collaborate proactively with occupants to identify vulnerabilities and exposure risks and implement appropriate climate adaptation measures.

Effective retrofitting  requires coordinated efforts from all sectors.Governments, utilities, insurance, and investment sectors, along with building owners, must collaborate to proactively plan to improve occupant health and safety.This includes incorporating climate adaptation measures into capital renewal plans, developing financial products that reward proactive adaptation, and offering public incentives to ease the costs of deep retrofits.

Pembina's report  provides a starting block for understanding the relationship between our homes and our health, in the hopes of making our homes and buildings reliable, climate-safe, and more affordable to heat and cool.By investing in deep retrofits, we can protect Canadians from the growing threats of climate change, ensure healthier living environments, and support a sustainable future.

Click here to Download the Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate Report

Keeping your home cool during hot summer days is essential for comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

High-quality windows play a crucial role in maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment, especially during hot weather.Here are some key features and technologies that help these windows keep the heat out:

1.Low-E Coating
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are thin, transparent layers applied to the glass.These coatings reflect infrared light, keeping heat outside while allowing visible light to pass through.This helps to reduce the amount of heat entering your home without compromising natural light.

2.Double or Triple Glazing
Windows with double or triple glazing have two or three layers of glass with air or gas-filled spaces in between.These layers act as insulators, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.The gas, often argon or krypton, further enhances insulation by minimizing heat conduction.

3.Argon and Krypton Gas Fills
Filling the space between glass panes with argon or krypton gas improves the window's thermal performance.These gases are denser than air, providing better insulation and reducing the amount of heat that can pass through the window.

4.Vinyl Frames
Vinyl window frames are excellent insulators.They help to reduce heat transfer and maintain a consistent indoor temperature.Vinyl is also durable and requires minimal maintenance.

5.Tight Seals
High-quality windows have been tested and come with tight seals that prevent air leaks.This ensures that cool air stays inside and hot air remains outside, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of your home.

By incorporating these features, high-quality windows can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home, keeping it cooler and more comfortable during the summer months.Plus, they can help lower your energy bills by reducing the need for air conditioning.

Content courtesy of FGIA

FGIA Releases Updated Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles Specification

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has updated a specification establishing performance requirements for fiber reinforced thermoset profiles for use in fenestration products.

Fenestration products made with fiber reinforced thermoset profiles that meet the requirements of this specification are expected to perform well in actual use, assuming adequate product design.The requirements include flexural strength, flexural modulus, water absorption, coefficient of thermal expansion, heat deflection temperature, weight tolerance, dimensions and lead content.These requirements define structural performance, physical requirements, weight and dimensional requirements and lead content to ensure that profiles do not contain lead in excess of U.S.safety standards.

"The minimum performance requirements established in this specification are based on the experience and many years of research and testing by the fiberglass fenestration industry," said Robb Plagemann (Marvin Composites), Chair of the Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles Update Task Group."The fiberglass fenestration industry is comprised of resin, glass, additive and coating suppliers, profile manufacturers and fenestration fabricators and is represented by the Fiberglass Material Council of FGIA."

This specification will assist the architect, contractor, manufacturer, designer, and owner in specifying fiber reinforced thermoset profiles for interior and exterior use in fenestration products, which may have to provide and maintain a standard level of weathering performance.This specification applies to profiles including the main-frame, sash, and all structural components related to glass retention and/or structurally divided lites.

AAMA 305-24, as well as other documents available from FGIA, may be purchased from the online store at the discounted member rate of $20 or the non-member price of $60.NAFS, which references AAMA 305, is also available for purchase.

For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit FGIAonline.org.

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors.All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland and Bellingham in Washington State.  As each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal.Enjoy our latest line of energy efficient windows and doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.

Content courtesy of Government of Canada

Keep Comfortable Temperatures In Your Home

Keeping the heat in during winter and the cool in during summer by upgrading windows and exterior doors.

Windows and doors can account for up to 25 percent of total house heat loss.Windows and doors can be repaired, however at times it is best to replace them with more energy-efficient models.Proper installation and maintenance also play a key role in saving energy and improving comfort.

For older windows, the best choice is total window and frame replacement with new, high-performance ENERGY STAR® certified windows.Westeck's lines of energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR® certified windows include:

2300 VINYL SLIDER
The 2300 series window system is a high-performance PVC framed slider and fixed window system.This innovative window is designed for color, ease of operation and impressive thermal performance.Thermal values outperform many PVC casement and tilt turn window systems.

江南app官方网站下载安装
江南app官方网站下载安装 The 4300 Combo series window combines the advanced stainable simulated Douglas-Fir interior laminate with the 4300 Casement.The warm and authentic interior wood look combined with PVC creates a beautiful and low maintenance window.This innovative window is designed for maximizing the view, ease of operation and impressive thermal performance.Thermal values reach Passive House and Net Zero targets.

4300 SERIES CASEMENT
The 4300 series window is a high-performance PVC framed casement, awning and fixed window system.This innovative window is designed for maximizing the view, ease of operation and impressive thermal performance.Thermal values reach Passive House and Net Zero targets.

Energy-efficient windows offer a multitude of benefits that can enhance your home's comfort and value while contributing to environmental sustainability.Here are some key advantages:

• Lower Energy Bills – Energy-efficient windows are designed to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature by reducing the transfer of heat.This means less energy is required for heating and cooling, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
• Improved Comfort – These windows help in stabilizing temperature fluctuations inside your home, providing a more comfortable living environment.They prevent drafts and cold spots, which are common issues with older, less efficient windows.
• UV Protection – High-quality energy-efficient windows can block a significant amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.This not only protects your skin but also prevents your furniture, floors, and curtains from fading.
• Noise Reduction – Thanks to improved insulation, energy-efficient windows can reduce the amount of outside noise that enters your home, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint – By lowering the need for heating and cooling, these windows help reduce your home's overall energy consumption, which in turn reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to a healthier planet.
• Increased Property Value: Homes with energy-efficient windows are often more attractive to potential buyers.They can increase your property value and may even help your home sell faster.
• Enhanced Durability: Modern energy-efficient windows are built to last, with materials that resist weathering and wear.This means they can maintain their performance and appearance for many years, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
• Aesthetic Appeal.With a variety of styles and finishes available, energy-efficient windows can boost your home's curb appeal.They can be tailored to match the architectural style of your home, enhancing its overall look.

In summary, investing in energy-efficient windows is not only a smart financial decision but also a step towards a more comfortable, quiet, and sustainable home.

 

Contact Westeck Today
If you'd like to learn more about our windows, doors, and patio openings contact us Toll-free (US/Canada): 1-877-606-1166 or email us at sales@westeckwindows.com for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors.All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland and Bellingham in Washington State.  As each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal.Enjoy our latest line of energy efficient windows and doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.

Governments across Canada are tackling the critical housing shortage while also addressing the climate crisis.We have a generational opportunity to build not just more housing, but to ensure residents live in safe, healthy, climate resilient homes that are affordable to heat and cool.Once operational, buildings emit up to 65% of municipal emissions, but carbon is built in long before the lights are turned on.As buildings become more energy-efficient and rely on cleaner energy sources, the emissions produced during operation (like heating and cooling with energy efficient windows) will reduce making those built-in carbon emissions all the more prominent in the overall carbon footprint of buildings.

It's critical we recognize that a building's lifetime worth of carbon starts with the materials used to build it.The emissions that come from manufacturing, transportation, construction, and disposal of building materials are known as embodied carbon.As buildings become more energy-efficient, embodied carbon will constitute a larger portion of their carbon footprint..Building new and retrofitting existing buildings with lower carbon or recycled materials can help reduce that lifetime of emissions.

Similarly, British Columbia's Minister of Housing recently announced updates to the B.C.building code to allow for greater use of mass timber in buildings.Embracing new opportunities to use mass timber in taller buildings, and in more building types, signals a positive shift towards greater use of lower carbon materials.Choosing materials with low embodied carbon, or those that sequester carbon, contributes to creating highly efficient, climate-resilient homes and buildings, while mitigating the environmental impact of construction.

In June,we'll be putting out our Towards net-zero concrete: A Canadian review report, in which we show that not only embodied carbon limits are needed, but also governments must fund the development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).EPDs leverage data from Life Cycle Assessments to determine the carbon intensity of building materials, verifying the overall embodied carbon of a building and allowing designers make informed low-carbon material selections.We also find that strategic government procurement is needed to stimulate market demand for made-in-Canada lower carbon building materials.

Governments across Canada have a generational opportunity to ensure new housing is safe, healthy, climate-resilient, and affordable to heat and cool.As operational emissions decrease with clean energy, the importance of embodied carbon grows.Setting ambitious targets, supporting low-carbon materials, and funding Environmental Product Declarations are key steps.As Canada addresses the twin crises of housing shortages and the climate emergency, all orders of government must implement coordinated green building policies and reduce embodied carbon in building materials to address lifetime carbon emissions.

A reminder that the federal Canada Greener Homes Loan is still open for application and applies to single-family homes.Provincial rebate programs for single-family homes also remain open for application.

 

Contact Westeck Today
If you'd like to learn more about our windows, doors, and patio openings contact us Toll-free (US/Canada): 1-877-606-1166 or email us at sales@westeckwindows.com for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors.All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland and Bellingham in Washington State.  As each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal.Enjoy our latest line of energy efficient windows and doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.