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The Right Windows and Doors for New Home Construction

August 16th, 2017

Whether you’re building a home with one of our builder partners, hiring a general contractor, or are completing a project yourself, Durabuilt Windows & Doors can provide you with custom window and door solutions built right here in Western Canada for our unique Prairie climate and lifestyle.

We understand that building your dream home is an exciting process, but also a huge financial and personal investment. Although you have many details to consider, you’ll want to pay special attention to the type of windows and doors you choose, as they will play an important role in the performance, aesthetics and comfort of your home for years to come.

Why you’ll love building with us

  • We use proprietary new home building solutions like the X-Treme J-series, saving time and money
  • We have direct manufacturing with in-house shipping and service teams
  • We have knowledgeable Account Managers with new construction experience
  • You will deal with Canada’s only IMS Certified Window & Door Manufacturer, ensuring superior product quality, lead-times, and environmental responsibility
  • We are a proud Built Green Member, Energy Star Partner, and CSA Certified Manufacturer, meaning we’re subject to regular third party audits and stringent quality standards
  • We specialize in custom window and door solutions without the price tag, so you can get creative in your designs

Same Day Stain

July 29th, 2017

When it comes to staining or refinishing your wood grain entry door, Durabuilt highly recommends the Same Day Stain™ Door Finishing Kit designed exclusively for fiberglass doors. The Same Day Stain™ kit provides you with a long lasting finish that will bring out the authentic grain pattern in your fiberglass door. The finish will resist fading, bleaching and yellowing, and will complete the look of your door system. You are also able to layer the stain in order to achieve the desired look for your door. This kit includes step-by-step, easy to follow instructions, as well as a finishing DVD. The Same Day Stain™ Door Finishing Kit also has faster drying time than traditional oil and gel based stains.

Can I Replace My Windows and Doors in the Winter?

July 29th, 2017

Absolutely – if you’re experiencing heat loss and cold drafts, please do not put your comfort on hold any longer! Winter installations are a common practice and our teams typically work most days (as long as conditions are safe). Excessive wind chills do play a factor in this, and if they become too uncomfortable or dangerous for our teams we will simply reschedule your install for the next available day.

Will I Save On My Heating And Cooling Costs?

July 29th, 2017

If you’ve been experiencing inflated heating and cooling costs, we can guarantee that you will see a reduction on your energy bill once you replace your windows and doors with new high performance solutions from Durabuilt. Also, when you renovate with Energy Star® rated windows, studies have shown you can reduce your energy costs up to 12%*, so you can feel good about your beautiful window makeover while saving money and protecting the environment! Durabuilt offers many Energy Star® rated products to achieve optimal efficiency. Discuss with your Sales Consultant to determine the best solution for your home renovation project.

*Based on replacement of all windows in an average older home, household energy consumption would be reduced by 7%, saving three quarters of a tonne of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star website statistic 2006.

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.

Stainable Fir Clean

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.

Stainable Fir Stain

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.

Stainable Fir Topcoat

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.

All About Window Condensation

April 21st, 2017

It is important to know that windows do not cause condensation, they simply provide a visible surface for it. Here is an overview of common causes and remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Condensation?

Condensation is the point in which moist air turns into a liquid when surface temperatures fall below the “dew point” of the room. When warm air comes into contact with a cool surface, such as a window, condensation occurs.

What Causes Condensation?

Above average levels of humidity in a home will result in condensation. Window glass traditionally has a low surface temperature thus producing the first signs of condensation

Both new and older homes that do not comply with current building codes can also experience condensation in attics, inside exterior walls and within floors and ceilings.

Why Am I Experiencing Condensation With My New Windows?

A properly installed, new window will make your home more energy efficient, as it provides an air-tight seal. Original drafty windows commonly allow excess humidity and heat to escape, whereas your new windows provide a warmer surface for condensation to occur. Causes of condensation can include humidity levels that are too high, uneven heat distribution throughout the home and poor circulation around your new windows and doors.

How Do I Minimise Humidity and Condensation? 

Increase ventilation and control the source of excess moisture. You can mitigate humidity causing factors by performing regular maintenance, acquiring the services of a qualified inspector, installing a humidistat or by purchasing an inexpensive hygrometer that will measure the relative humidity in your home.

Causes of Surface Condensation

Windows

   

Visible Indication Possible Causes
Condensation on inside surface of inside pane High humidity
Sudden drop in temperature
Condensation on upper storey windows only Cool air leaking to lower level or storey windows only warm air leaking from upper level
Condensation on window frame Air leakage window frame
Rough opening space
Poor weather stripping

 

Doors

Visible Indication  Possible Causes
Condensation on door frame or threshold Air leakage around door
Condensation on lock, knob or hinges Air infiltration due to negative pressure inside

Walls

 

Visible Indication Possible Causes
Condensation on closet Poor air circulation around clothes
Condensation and staining below window Melted window condensation
Window in humid area
Mould on wall High humidity
Poor ventilation / circulation
Stains on celling Frost build-up melting in attic
Leaking roof
Bulging, buckled or rotting siding Warm moist, inside air leaking through break in barrier
Missing flashing, wind-driven rain penetrating wall cladding

How to Reduce Surface Condensation

Windows & Doors

• Replace or adjust weather stripping
• Replace exterior doors with new energy efficient models
• Replace your windows with CSA approved & Energy Star rated products
• Add fresh air duct to your heating system

Bathrooms

• Open windows after showering
• Install a ceiling vent exhausting outside
• Close the bathroom door when using the shower or bathtub
• Properly insulate walls and ceilings
• Use moisture proof paint or wallpaper

Kitchen

• Open windows to release stale, humid air and allow fresh dry air to enter
• Operate vented exhaust over oven range when cooking
• Install a ceiling fan
• Trim cupboard doors so air can circulate

Living Areas

• Seal light fixtures and insulate attic hatch
• Exhaust all vents to the exterior
• Install and seal a chimney fire stop

Exterior Walls

• Add insulation to wall cavity
• Run furnace fan continuously
• Install or repair flashing to direct rain away from the wall
• Caulk exterior siding corners, window brickmoulds, etc.
• Seal and insulate basement walls

Recommended Humidity Levels

Outside AirTemperature in 0C Relative Humidity withInside Temperature of 200C
-30° or below Not over 20°%
-24° to -18° Not over 25%
-18° to -120 Not over 30%
-12° to -6V Not over 35%
-6° to 0° Not over 40%

 

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