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Royal Centre South

June 26th, 2017

High-end visual appeal in beautiful south-end Edmonton.

The Task at Hand

The client came to us with a need to create a visual appeal within a building in the south of Edmonton. The building needed to maintain a high-end look, and the products chosen would need to be of the highest quality.

The Solution

Our sales representatives recommended the flexibility and diversity of the Vivacé line of doors and windows, which perfectly suited the needs of a light commercial project such as this. Furthermore, the quality of the Vivacé line was exactly what the client was seeking.

Thoughts from Our Client

The client was incredibly impressed with the Vivacé line, and their residents could not be happier with the outcome.

In our World Scheduling is Key. Quality is Key. Durabuilt has Shined in Both of these Areas

June 6th, 2017

We have chosen Durabuilt windows for 3 of our buildings, and I expect to continue to use their products.

At IronClad, our typical project has tight timelines, with fixed schedules and move in dates. When leases are signed, we need to deal with reliable suppliers to ensure tenants get in on assigned move in day.

In our world, scheduling and quality are key. Durabuilt shines in both of these areas. Each delivery we have requested has come exactly on the scheduled date. Management has been helpful, and the pricing structure has been effective.

We look forward to a continued relationship together.

– Steve V., Project Manager, IronClad Developments Inc.

Great Product, Great Service.

June 6th, 2017

Great product, great service, great sales team and an overall great experience.

– Nik S., Contractor Direct

How Does Super Spacer® Keep Energy Costs Down?

May 1st, 2017

All Durabuilt insulating glass units, across our various Window Collections feature the same premium grade all-foam, no metal Super Spacer®.  Thermal efficiency through no presence of conductive metals is the Super Spacer® hallmark and one of the cornerstones of our high performance window solutions, here’s why:

Blocks Heat Escape

The all foam formula of Super Spacer® blocks the heat escape path and provides one of the best thermal performances in the industry.

Resists Condensation & Mold

Condensation can lead to more than mold it can increase the likelihood of fungi, viruses and mites that cause respiratory infections, allergies and asthma. Durabuilt’s Super Spacer® helps keep the glass surface warmer, reducing the risk of condensation and all that follows.

Blocks Unwanted Noise

Improved sound absorption over traditional metal spacers is achieved as a result of the closed-cell polymer foam in the Super Spacer® that transmits very little sound, keeping the decibels down.

Adapts to Extreme Temperature Variances

Our all foam formula offsets the effects of temperature changes, barometric pressure, wind load and glazing pressure. The end result is less seal failure and fewer stress cracks.

Withstands the Test of Time

Super Spacer units withstand 60°C temperatures, 95 – 100% humidity and constant UV bombardment in the world’s toughest durability test – The P-1 Chamber. Considered by many engineers as the world’s toughest simulation, one week in the P-1 Chamber is equivalent to one year in field; Super Spacer survives 75+ weeks *.

* Source Test: RLS08006B

 

Foam vs. Metal

Metal can’t bounce back the way Super Spacer® can. As a result of Super Spacer’s® 100% memory formula (TSS technology), it will expand and contract, but always return to its original shape. Rigid metal and plastic spacer’s cannot compensate for the natural expansion that occurs daily in insulating glass – especially with western Canada’s extreme temperature fluctuations.

Super Spacer® will Outlast and Outperform

Many of today’s windows offer glass packages with “warm edge technology.” The problem with these highly conductive metal-based insulating spacers, is that they can cause heat/cold transfer to flow through a window the same way you see heat conduct from the stove to a hot skillet.

 

Durabuilt’s Premium grade Super Spacer® can provide up to +10.2˚C warmer temperature at the edge of the glass.

 

Outside Temperature: -17.78˚C ± -1.1˚C
Inside Temperature: 21.11˚C ± -1.1˚C

Simulations performed by Enermodal Engineering Ltd. using window 5.2 and Therm 5.2 as per NFRC100-2001. Outside temperature -17.8°C, inside temperature 21.1°C. Double-glazed Low-E glass with Sungate 400 with argon fill. Temperature results shown are average temperatures. [Test Reports EIG10009w, Oct. 15, 2010 – doubles and EIG11001w, Dec. 9, 2010 – triples.] Keff is per NFRC 101-2010.

 

The Differences Between Dual and Triple Pane Windows

May 1st, 2017

Dual Pane

All Durabuilt windows come with dual pane insulating glass as a standard (two individual pieces of glass separated by a sealed airspace). Installing new dual pane windows with our high-performance PVC frames will significantly improve your window & doors performance; especially when old single pane metal systems were previously in place.

Triple Pane

Triple pane insulating glass (three individual pieces of glass separated by two sealed airspaces) provides added performance benefits, especially in extreme climates, as it features additional glass and airspace for improved insulation. All of our Casement Collection windows support triple pane glass as well as selection of our slider series.

Simulations performed by Enermodal Engineering Ltd. using window 5.2 and Therm 5.2 as per NFRC100-2001. Outside temperature -17.8°C, inside temperature 21.1°C. Double-glazed Low-E glass with argon fill. Temperature results shown are average temperatures. [Test Reports EIG10009w, Oct. 15, 2010 – doubles and EIG11001w, Dec. 9, 2010 – triples.] Keff is per NFRC 101-2010.

Save on Energy Cost

Durabuilt’s triple pane windows deliver superior air-tightness and protection, preventing winter heat loss and summer heat gain. The dual seal combination keeps the entire glass surface warmer / cooler, especially on the inside, which helps retain energy. As a result, triple pane windows can insulate up to 60%* better than their dual pane counterparts.

* Study based on a double and triple pane window comparison under controlled circumstances featuring Super Spacer ® and Low E Glass with argon.

Reduce Noise & Improve Comfort

In today’s housing market, neighbours and distractions are often in close proximity. Triple pane windows are equally as effective at blocking unwanted noise as they are in retaining energy. By trapping sound waves in the first chamber and keeping cool drafts outside, your home will become the tranquil haven you long for.

Reduce Condensation

Triple pane insulating glass can improve your relative humidity levels (the point before surface condensation occurs) by almost double due to warmer window surface temperatures. Triple pane is highly recommended if you live in a cold dry climate and desire more moisture and humidity in the home.

 

The Benefits of Low E Glass Windows

May 1st, 2017

Of all the options and accessories to consider for your windows, the most important is really the most obvious, the glass. Accounting for up to 80% of a window’s real-estate, glass can make or break the overall performance of your system.

Durabuilt offers two high performance Low E Glass solutions, Sungate® 400 and Solarban® 60 with argon fill. Both offer performance enhancing benefits for year round comfort and savings:

Keeps the Heat Inside

Both Low E options will significantly reduce the amount of heat lost through your windows to help save on your heating energy costs. Lower U-values and higher R-values are an indication of greater performing windows.

Controls Solar Energy

The most unique attribute between our two Low E offerings is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) or the amount of solar heat gain through the glass relative to the incident solar radiation (equal to 86% of the Shading Coefficient). Higher SHGC numbers provide natural energy in the winter to reduce heating costs, while lower numbers block heat gain in the summer to reduce cooling costs.

Clear Appearance

Visible Light Transmittance is the percentage of visible light that passes through a glass product. Durabuilt’s Low E glass solutions are highly transparent providing an aesthetically pleasing interior / exterior appearance similar to clear glass.

Fade Protection

Shading Coefficient is the ratio of total solar energy that passes through, relative to standard clear glass. Low E coatings block damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays to help protect your fabrics, furniture and carpets from fading.

Choosing the Right Low E Glass

Argon Gas is a colourless inert gas that is injected in the airspace of your insulating glass unit to improve energy efficiency. Argon is recommended with both Low E glass solutions and is a minimum requirement to meet Energy Star criteria.

Durabuilt Low E Glass Performance

Note: Tdw-ISO represents potential fading damage caused by both UV and visible light. It is considered by the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Standards Organization (ISO) to be a more accurate barometer of fade resistance than UV transmittance alone. All comparisons are center of glass based on an insulating unit containing 3/4″ insulating units; two 1/8″ (3mm) glass lights and a 1/2″ (12mm) air-filled space for the standard clear insulating glass and argon gas-filled space for the Sungate® 400 and Solarban 60 insulating glass. Actual glass performance may differ due to glass thickness, gas fill and glass to frame ratio. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a ratio of how much solar heat is transmitted through the glass compared to 1/8″ (3mm) thick clear glass. (Lower numbers mean less summer heat). Figures may vary due to manufacturing tolerances. All tabulated data are based on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) methodology, using the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Window 5.2 software.

Durabuilt Overall Glass Performance

* Figures may vary due to manufacturing tolerances and controlled circumstances. The number in brackets indicates the position of the protective Low E coating; multiple numbers indicates a double application. All tabulated results are based on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) methodology, using the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Window 4.1 software.

* Comparisons are based on centre of glass measurements against a clear 3/4″ insulating glass units; two 1/8″ (3mm) glass panes and a 1/2″ (12mm) air space. Actual glass performance may differ slightly due to glass thickness, gas fill, and glass to frame ratio. Clear glass allows 81% of visible light.

Get Grants & Rebates on Your Windows

May 1st, 2017

Durabuilt Windows & Doors provides energy efficient, high quality products that will improve the comfort, look and value of your home. In addition to ongoing savings, energy efficient home improvements and building practices may also help you qualify for government grants and rebate programs.

To find out what incentives are available nationally you can visit National Resources Canada.

Complementary regional programs and provincial grants are also available. Click here for more information.

The requirements and qualifications will vary by program, but there are a few common guidelines of how things often work and the required steps to access a government grant.

Registration

Participants may have register with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/register or 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) prior to starting your process. Always investigate the requirements before beginning your project.

Pre-Retrofit Evaluation

For renovations you will likely have to hire a certifi­ed energy advisor (licensed by NRCan) to perform an in-home evaluation before improvements begin. If your home has already been evaluated in the last few years, a new pre-retrofit evaluation may not be required.

Note: you can book your Durabuilt consultation and order windows and doors prior to your pre-evaluation to guarantee an installation date. It is important however, to schedule and complete your pre-retrofit evaluation prior to the actual renovation work.

Retrofit and Build with Receipts

Once you choose, purchase and install eligible products, participates must always retain and present receipts to access any government grant or rebate

Retain your Durabuilt Labels

Once you complete your project, be sure to retain all of your window and door labels that confirm your products meet the Energy Star requirements for your zone.

Post-Retrofit Evaluation

Typically you will also need to do a post-retrofit evaluation, to verify that eligible upgrades were purchased. Once this is complete, your energy advisor will prepare the proper documentation and often submit the claim. You’ll need to verify this with your evaluation company.

How ENERGY STAR® Means Energy Efficiency

May 1st, 2017

ENERGY STAR® is the international symbol for energy efficiency and an important consideration when building green and accessing government grants and incentive programs. Durabuilt is a proud volunteer partner of the ENERGY STAR® program and makes buying qualified windows and doors easy from the selection process, through to proof of purchase. Here’s how it works:  

1. Find Your Climate Zone

 

The ENERGY STAR® program divides the country into four climate zones based on annual average temperature. Zone 1 is the mildest and Zone 3 is the coldest.

Visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/ to find your town’s specific zone.

By installing energy efficient windows and doors in your home you can reduce energy costs by 7-12% or more*.
* ENERGY STAR® statistic based on controlled testing

 

2. Choose Windows & Doors that Qualify for that Zone

Once you determine your qualifying zone, you must select your windows, doors and performance options to meet that zone’s criteria. Low E with argon is a minimum requirement of the ENERGY STAR® program. Durabuilt windows can be configured to meet the most stringent ENERGY STAR® zones, especially our Casement Window Collections. To identify the qualifying zone of your windows:

a) Reference our Product Performance Charts

b) Visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca

c) Check your Durabuilt quote / order summary

d) Ask your Durabuilt Sales Consultant for more information

3. Retain Your Labels Upon Installation

As part of the new ENERGY STAR® program Durabuilt has implemented a labeling system that clearly summarizes your window’s CSA and ENERGY STAR® information. This includes the zone for which the product qualifies – 1, 2, 3 – along with the relevant performance data including the U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Energy Rating. It is important that you keep these labels for each product purchased as they can be used to qualify for government grants and incentives, as well as our warranty program.

ENERGY STAR® Requirements for Windows

 

 

 

 

Energy Efficiency: It All Adds Up

April 21st, 2017

Durabuilt window and door systems are built to withstand extreme weather variation and meet the most stringent Energy Star requirements. Not just one component makes our windows and doors energy efficient, but rather all of them work together as a cohesive unit, making our products the best in the industry.

Window Performance

  1. High Performance PVC and Hybrid Frames
    Fully extruded multi-chamber profiles provide barriers for cool air and moisture to enter the home.
  2. Solar Control Low E Glass
    Low-E is a specialized window coating that acts as a virtual gate, permitting and deflecting solar energy.
  3. Triple Pane Glass
    Triple pane windows improve comfort, help save on energy costs and reduce noise in the home.
  4. All Foam Super Spacer ®
    Durabuilt uses the premium all foam, no-metal Super Spacer ® in all our windows.

Durabuilt Window Performance

 

Salisbury Project

April 18th, 2017

An impressionable high-end home with an incredible view.

The Task at Hand

Eager to create an impressionable high-end home with an incredible view, the client came to Durabuilt in the planning stages of their project. They visited our Design Gallery showroom and fell in love with the Vivacé door but didn’t believe they could afford to install it in all of their bungalows. Their hearts were set on the stunning black laminate exterior, and they needed a way to make this work.

The Solution

A Durabuilt sales representative helped the client to understand the many configurability options, as many of the lines have products that complement one another. The representative developed options that seamlessly incorporated other lines that worked beautiful with the Vivacé door, keeping the prices within their budget without sacrificing their desired aesthetic. The 144” x 90” window became the stunning focal point of the home, complemented by black laminate Alpha sliding windows, and a spectacular door from the Therma-Tru Pulse collection.

Thoughts from Our Client

The client loved the feature window and think it really makes an incredible difference in the look they were trying to achieve, and they are so happy they were able to do this while staying within budget for the whole project.

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