Why should I renovate with Durabuilt?

July 29th, 2017

Durabuilt Windows & Doors is a local Edmonton based company that employs over 400 staff members. We are a CSA Certified manufacturer and Energy Star partner. We have over 25 years experience and back our products with a competitive warranty and local service teams. As a family-run business, we value our customer’s satisfaction and pride ourselves on providing quality products at a competitive price.

How Do I Know If I Need New Windows And Doors?

July 29th, 2017

It’s sometimes difficult to tell when you need to replace or update your windows and doors. To help, here are a number of indicators that you might need new windows or doors in your home:

Cool drafts or warm spots around the frame indicate your windows are allowing air to come into or escape your home. Windows should block drafts and preserve energy within the household.
If your windows are peeling, the aluminum is frail, or the glass is cracked, that is a very good indication that it is time to consider replacing them with new Durabuilt Windows & Doors.
Frost or ice build-up happens when inadequate insulation or poor thermal material allows too quick of a transition from hot to cold air to occur. As condensation continuously builds up over time, it can cause ice and frost to form on the windows. This is a strong indication that you might need new windows with proper insulation. Proper insulation also has the benefit of helping to reduce the sound of disturbances outside.
Poor operation of opening, closing, or propping a window open indicates it is time to put in new smooth operating windows from Durabuilt. Rotting, bowing, and warping around a doorframe not only pose functionality issues, but can also affect the integrity of the door itself. This then poses an unnecessary security risk to you and your family.
Skyrocketing heating and cooling costs are also one of the best reasons to look at making home improvements – including window and door replacements.

505 Hillcrest

June 26th, 2017

Breathtaking river valley views fit for an interior designer.

The Task at Hand

Our client was seeking an exemplary product that would be as incredibly breathtaking as the river valley views seen from this home’s unique vantage point. Their number one priority was uniqueness, as the client in an interior designer.

The Solution

Nothing but the functionality and appeal of Durabuilt’s exceptional Vivacé line of windows and doors would do for this fantastic home.

Thoughts from Our Client

The client adored the distinctive look of the Vivacé products, and is thrilled with their beautiful new home.

Stainable Fir Interior Finishing Instructions

June 15th, 2017

Rich-looking Douglas Fir interior laminate takes your choice of stain or paint beautifully – follow these instructions
for best results. The durable, vinyl film allows for a consistent, long-lasting finish.

Clean

Keep as clean as possible before applying finish.
If the vinyl becomes soiled, try cleaning with a general all-purpose household cleaner, such as Formula 409.
Do not sand as this may damage the film,
Tougher stains may be removed by commercial cleaners, such as TSP, in moderate concentrations.
For especially difficult stains or spills of wood stain and latex paint, clean with an industrial hand cleaner, such as Gojo.
Always test cleaner on a test piece prior to attempting to clean any vinyl.

Stain & Topcoat

Before staining, test any stain on an inconspicuous area or test piece.
For ease of use and consistency, gel-type stains perform best.
Read and follow the stain manufacturer’s instructions and warnings for preparation, application, and cleanup.
Mix stain well. Apply with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth, working the stain in the grain direction until desired colour is achieved – multiple coats may be required to create desired effect.
A small amount of stain is needed so be sure to wipe with a separate cloth to remove excess product.
Always finish with a high-quality urethane, using a clean brush.

Paint

Keep as clean as possible before applying paint.
Read and follow paint manufacturer’s instructions and warnings for preparation, application, and cleanup.
No primer is necessary but be sure to remove any foreign materials prior to painting and follow instructions for cleaning.
Latex and oil paints both apply easily with a brush, roller, or sprayer and usually only require one coat.
Thoroughly test any paint on an inconspicuous area or test piece.

Click here to download the instructions.

We could not be happier!

June 8th, 2017

We could not be happier! The installers (led by Dave) were fantastic.

They cleaned everything up so well, and the actual installation looks fabulous. We are so glad we went with Durabuilt. Everything from the initial consultation and early communication to the actual installation has been brilliant, so thank you!

– Kailey R.

Thanks again to Durabuilt.

June 8th, 2017

It was a great day last Saturday when Steve and Daniel arrived. Steve is indeed a fine craftsman in the art of window removal/installation.

He was very careful at not making too much of a mess in the house, and answered all my questions.The final result was worth every dollar I paid for the windows and especially the installation. Even when things didn’t go well with the kitchen bay window removal he had a solution for it. As I said we were very impressed, and the finishing work and capping the windows looks fantastic. Thanks again to Durabuilt.

– Dave and Ann P.

I LOVE my new windows!

June 8th, 2017

I LOVE my new windows! They look so fantastic.

Vlad and his install team were awesome and did a great job. Only problem is now my husband wants to do the remaining windows.

Thanks again. We will be in contact soon to do the last few windows!

– Shawna S.

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.

News

Why should I renovate with Durabuilt?

How Do I Know If I Need New Windows And Doors?

505 Hillcrest