Set amid the Canadian prairies and the Rocky Mountain foothills, Calgary has some of the most impressive sights of raw natural beauty. It offers a delightful mix of grassy plains, mountains, hills, lakes, and shorelines where people can explore and engage in various activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. With plenty of good neighbourhoods within the city, it has also become one of the best places to live and raise a family.
If you live in Calgary or are considering building a home in it, make sure to give importance to your windows. Windows also play an essential part in ensuring a good quality of life in the city. Aside from making your house look aesthetically pleasing, it also shields you and your family from environmental elements.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Windows in Calgary
Beautiful Sights
Many neighbourhoods in Calgary have fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains or the vast grasslands of the Canadian Prairies. If your home is in one of their neighbourhoods, get windows that let you enjoy the view. Picture windows, bay windows, or box windows give you an unobstructed panoramic view of the beautiful outdoors.
Keep in mind, though, that building codes in Alberta require the use of tempered glass for big windows. If your window area is more than 0.5 square meters, have impact-resistant tempered glass installed for your safety. For smaller windows, you may opt for laminated glass. The laminated plastic between the glass panes can catch broken glass in case one side shatters due to high winds, hailstorms, or wildfires.
Unpredictable Weather
Calgary is one of the sunniest places in Canada, but it can also have frigid winters. While it receives sunshine almost throughout the year, it experiences light rainfall in summer and snowy periods in most months. When Chinook, a hot and dry Foehn type of wind, blows down from the Rockies, the temperature can rise by 15 to 30 degrees Centigrade within just a few hours. Because of its unpredictable weather, durability and weather-proofing should be foremost when choosing windows in Calgary.
Vinyl is a popular choice in the area because it is not vulnerable to moisture, is low maintenance, and is very affordable. Although it costs more than vinyl, fibre glass is more durable with its stronger and more flexible structure.
Room Function
It may be nice to have the exact same window throughout your home visually for the sake of uniformity and symmetry. But you should also consider the function of each room when deciding which type of window to install. Awning or casement windows are ideal for high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms as they provide better airflow. Opt for sliding windows for small rooms with limited access to natural light.
Whatever window type you choose, look for low E-glass, which reflects UV and infrared heat. The coatings on each side of the window can be customized to provide the proper insulation and protection for each room.
Energy-efficiency
The type of window you choose impacts your carbon footprint. Minimize your contribution to climate change by choosing energy-efficient windows that reduce the emission of harmful gases. Double or triple glass windows are great options because the gas-filled space between the panes reduces heat gain and loss. Choose a low U-factor, low SHGC, and high ER rating for glass panes. Look for Energy Star-certified windows to increase energy efficiency by about 40 percent and reduce your annual energy bill.
Types of Windows Calgary Homes Should Have
The aesthetic appeal may be foremost in your mind, but you also have to consider the erratic weather in Calgary when choosing your windows. Then, of course, you’d also want to enjoy the wonderful Calgary views.
Awning windows that open outwards and upwards can be kept open even when it’s raining or snowing lightly. These tend to have better water resistance than other windows too. Casement windows that open widely on both sides let the fresh outdoor air in for more ventilation. Large pictures or bay windows allow you to enjoy the view the most. You can also get custom windows such as double tilt sliders or lift-out sliders to combine the benefits of different window types while keeping the architectural style of your home.
How Much Do Windows in Calgary Cost?
Windows in Calgary can cost anywhere from $250 to over $2,000 per window. The actual cost varies depending on the window type, size, material, and other features. High-efficiency double or triple-glass windows with specialized treatments cost higher, but their durability and energy efficiency will save you more in the long run. You can consider these as worthwhile investments that reduce your energy bills and increase your quality of life.
Where to Get Windows in Calgary
When having windows replaced or installed in Calgary, it is always best to look for reputable and trusted window solutions providers like Arctic Star Windows and Doors. Choose contractors that have expertise and knowledge in the area to get windows that best fit your home aesthetics and local climate.
