If you’re planning or renovating an existing property and want to know more about egress window requirements, keep reading! Below we have outlined everything you need to know about these important components of your building and how they will affect its safety standards:

What is an Egress Window?

Simply put, an egress window is a window designed to be an emergency exit. When designing a building and choosing windows, architects and engineers need to consider accessibility in every decision they make. For instance, they need to decide how many windows are required per floor, how big the windows should be, and how each one should be opened. All of these factors come into play when planning emergency egress from a building.

An egress window is a special type of window designed for quick and easy escape. It’s located in a place that allows the building’s occupants to escape in the event of an emergency and is large enough for people to climb out of. Egress windows are required in almost all buildings with more than one story. They often need to be large enough to accommodate people regardless of their size or what they are carrying. They also usually need to be near the ground so that the escaping people don’t injure themselves. Egress windows are a critical part of any emergency plan.

What are the Egress Window requirements?

Article 9.9.10.1 of the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)) requires the following:

• Except where the suite is sprinklered, each bedroom or combination bedroom shall have at least one outside window or exterior door openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge and without the removal of sashes or hardware.
• The window shall provide an unobstructed opening of not less than 0.35 m2 (3.77 sq ft) in area with no dimension less than 380 mm (1’3”), and maintain the required opening during an emergency without the need for additional support.
• Where a window opens into a window well, a clearance of not less than 760 mm (2’6”) shall be provided in front of the window.
• Where the sash of a window swings towards the window well, the operation of the sash shall not reduce the clearance in a manner that would restrict escape in an emergency.
• Where a protective enclosure is installed over the window well referred to in, the enclosure shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism.

Egress Window Well Requirements in Alberta

An egress window that is situated below ground level must open into a well that meets certain standards.

• The well must extend 760 mm beyond the fully open window (for an out-swinging window) or the wall (for an in-swinging window).
• The bottom of the window must be no more than 1 m above the ground, but ‘ground’ may include benches or steps as long as they are used.

Egress Windows for Fire Safety

Egress windows are an important part of any building design. These windows must be as accessible as possible so that occupants can escape quickly in the event of an emergency. Egress windows are an important safety feature in any building design and can save lives in an emergency situation.

If you project includes an egress window, call us at 403-235-5400 for a free estimate.

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We live by our customer’s satisfaction, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Our Pledge to Our Customers:

• We pledge to respect your environment
• We pledge that you come first at all times
• We pledge to listen and understand your needs
• We pledge to build long term relationships based on trust and respect
• We pledge to supply value pricing
• We pledge to provide the best products and services available
• We pledge to provide solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s needs

Our Pledge to Quality Service:

• We pledge to fix it right the first time
• We pledge to respond at your convenience
• We pledge customer satisfaction each and every time

Our Pledge to our Local Community:

• We pledge to be involved with making our community a better place to live, work and raise our children
• We pledge to give of ourselves at all times

We have:

• Full liability insurance
• Full Workers’ Compensation on all our employees
• Full bonding on job (if required)

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It is a big job that requires plenty of attention to detail and logistical planning from beginning to end. Your project will inevitably involve some unexpected events. At times, this can be a stressful experience – especially when it comes to meeting deadlines, managing budgets and juggling multiple vendors. We are a trusted professional who specialize in these services, so you won’t have to stress as much about the details of your project.

First comes the inspection

A windows and doors project begins with an inspection of the building. Inspection is used to take careful measurements, identify issues and discuss options. The Project Manager will also take photographs of the property so the client can see areas of concern. Depending on the scope of work required, it’s important for the contractor and the client to fully understand the issues so they can be addressed properly and effectively.

Client provided with a detailed quote

Once the scope of work is determined, the Project Manager will create a detailed quote. This quote is a document that comprises all the materials and costs required to complete the project. The Project Manager will provide the client with a copy of the quote. This will give the client a good idea of the cost of the project and when it is expected to be completed.

If required, financing is available

Any homeowner can benefit from professional services, but they can also be quite expensive. Window and Door Replacement services don’t always come at a convenient or expected time. Sometimes, unfortunate events or natural disasters can cause damage and require these services. Fortunately, service companies like BW Windows and Doors are equipped to provide financing, making the process of restoring your home easier. If you need financing, you should discuss this with your contractor when they provide an estimate of the cost. Together, you can determine the best way to handle financing the project.

Problems are solved and failures are fixed

Once the project has been completed, the Project Manager will make a final inspection. They will review the work to verify that it has been completed properly. If there are problems, they must be solved. If there are failures, they must be corrected so they won’t re-occur. This is often a time-consuming process, especially when complex issues must be addressed. When problems or failures are found, it is important to take the necessary steps to solve them or it can be even more costly to correct in the future. At the same time, it is important to finish the work as quickly as possible to minimize the cost of the project. When all of the issues have been addressed, the project is considered completed.

Work is completed on time and on budget

All projects have a timeline and budget associated with them. Project timelines are sometimes affected by weather conditions, availability of materials, or other unforeseen events. The Project Manager should anticipate some delays, but they shouldn’t be excessive. When the project has been completed, the Project Manager will submit a final invoice, detailing any changes that were made to the work plan and what caused them. It should also include details about the cost of the project and an itemized list of any additional expenses. If the project was completed on time and within the budget, there should be no additional charges. If there were changes to the work plan, the Project Manager will explain why they occurred.

Warranty is provided

Our warranty is your assurance that we will correct any problems caused by our work for a period of 5 years after the project has been completed. Keep in mind this warranty only applies:

1. To the property only as long as it remains in the possession of the original owner named above
2. To the construction work that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse
3. To the construction work that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by others
4. That contractor be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent
5. That contractor shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction at no cost to owner within a reasonable period of time
6. Under no circumstances shall contractor be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the construction defect

Conclusion

A windows and door replacement process is a critical one, and it requires meticulous attention to detail. At BW Windows and Doors, we are well-trained to deal with every aspect of a project such as this. Give us a call at 403-235-5400.

The post What to Expect from us on Your Windows and Doors Replacement Project appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

We schedule a Project Manager for a site visit and strive to fit that appointment into your schedule as best as possible. Sometimes arrangements need to be made for access to the building, or people need to meet at specific times, or there may be time-sensitive conditions or inspections to satisfy. We can do that. If you need someone right away, we can usually accommodate you within 24 hours. Need to reschedule? No worries, we understand that life happens and will adapt for that too.

An email is sent out to confirm your appointment, which includes a bio, picture, and contact information of your assigned Project Manager.

Our Project Managers will then arrive on time or will call you if they are delayed.

You can expect a professional to arrive, dressed appropriately and ready to greet you with a friendly smile. He can assess your window and door requirements, discuss options with you, and take proper measurements. The Project Manager will prepare a detailed quote within 24-48 hours of the site visit.

The contact information of your Project Manager is included in any communication. You have direct access to discuss issues and the progression of your project.

You have choices. You decide who you want in your home. You choose the right contractor who provides quick, professional, expert, and friendly service. Choose BW Windows & Doors.

Call us for all your window and door replacement projects at 403-235-5400.

The post We Value Your Time appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

Let’s take a look at some of the causes of holes in vinyl siding:

Pests

Pests tend to find their way into areas of our homes that many homeowners wouldn’t even imagine to be possible. So, it is not really surprising to hear that they are some of the most notable causes of holes in vinyl siding. These pests use different mechanisms to make holes in vinyl siding.

Woodpeckers, for example, will focus on the corners of your home where the corners of two pieces of siding meet. They will peck the areas and make holes that will allow them to penetrate the siding. Carpenter bees create tunnels into the siding of your home. These tunnels will enable them to make nests on the backside of your siding. Similarly, carpenter ants usually start from the inner walls, insulation, and other interior parts of your home, as they expand their colonies, they will eventually work their way out and make holes in your siding.

It is worthwhile to note that other birds, insects, and wild animals are capable of wreaking similar havoc on your vinyl siding.

Aging

All building materials can be weakened by aging, and vinyl siding is no exception. Over time, the material of your home’s siding will become weaker due to exposure to elements as well as other factors. If your vinyl siding has been on the side of your home for decades, you should expect that with aging there is an increased risk of damage.

Notably, the damage may lead to holes and even larger cracks in various areas of the siding. It is always a good idea to inspect your siding annually for any signs of damage such as small holes.

Weather Conditions

From the moment your vinyl siding has been installed, it is constantly exposed to all sorts of weather conditions such as ice storms, hail, high wind, rain and sunlight. Ice storms and hail can penetrate the siding and cause smaller and larger holes, high winds, on the other hand, are capable of tearing your vinyl siding; thus, causing holes.

Even though you know about the negative effects these weather conditions can have on your siding, there is very little you can do to stop it.

Poor Installation

Another possible cause of holes in your vinyl siding is poor installation. If your siding is not installed properly, the nails may be too tight or placed at a poor angle. When this happens, holes may appear in your vinyl siding. Poor installation can also make your siding bulge, bend, or warp.

This is why it is important to hire the services of experienced, professional siding technicians.

If you notice holes in your vinyl siding, call a professional to come inspect your home. If left unattended, these holes may lead to rot, mold growth, insulation issues, pest infestation and a whole host of other potential issues.

The post What Causes Holes in Vinyl Siding? appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

If you are not sure where to begin with a door replacement, it may be best to contact a professional replacement windows and doors company to help you figure out the best way to replace your door. They will let you know if an entire entry door unit is required, or if you can simply replace the door without replacing the door frame.

What is a Door Frame?

The door frame is what supports your door while it is open and shut. The frame consists of several key parts, including the jamb or the vertical posts on either side of the door, the head or the top of the frame and the sill or the bottom of an exterior door that helps keep water and air from entering your home.

Why Would You Want to Replace Just the Door and Not the Frame?

If your frame is in good condition, it is not warped, cracked, bent, or warn you may want to keep your frame and simply replace the door. In this case you will need to purchase a door slab that fits into your existing frame.

Before making the decision to replace just your door, it is good to understand why you are changing your door. If the door is not opening or closing properly or there are air leaks, you will want to ensure the issue does originate from just the door and not the frame. If the frame is bent or warped, chances are changing the door will not solve these issues.

Should I Replace Just My Door and Not the Frame?

Just because something is possible, it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. Yes, it is possible to replace just a door and keep your existing frame, but this can lead to additional work, time and maybe even cost more than just purchasing a pre-hung door.

Installing just a door, may require you chisel out the hinge cut out to match the existing hinges on your frame and to match up the holes for the handles and the deadbolt with the old door position as well. The new door will need to match up perfectly with where the old door was installed, and this will take time and patience. With a pre-hung door all you need to do is order a replacement that fits perfectly in your opening, remove the old door and frame and install the new one.

It is most definitely possible to replace a door without replacing the frame, but understanding the reasons why your door needs to be replaced is key to knowing if you should replace just your door. If you are not sure how to inspect your door and frame consult a replacement windows and doors company for a professional opinion.

The post Can I Replace A Door Without Replacing The Frame? appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

1. Configuration and Operation

Single hung windows are single-sashed windows with an operable lower sash, which moves vertically while the upper sash is entirely fixed or stationary. Double hung windows, on the other hand, have two operable sashes, allowing you to open either the upper sash or lower sash according to your ventilation needs.

2. Ventilation 

Another difference between single and double hung windows is the amount of ventilation both of them can provide. Both single and double hung windows provide ample air access for your home. However, double hung windows provide much more ventilation and air circulation than single hung windows. When you are looking for maximum ventilation and air circulation, double hung windows provide a perfect option. as you are able to open both the top and bottom sash allowing for air to enter from two different positions.

3. Cleaning 

Because of the ability for both sashes to move, double hung windows are much easier to clean and maintain than single hung windows. The reason for this is that the moving sash of a single hung window does not tilt, making cleaning the exterior almost impossible from inside of your home. On the other hand, both upper and lower sashes of the double hung windows can be tilted inward easily, making them easy to clean from the inside of the home.

4. Energy Efficiency

Double hung windows have more moving parts than single hung windows. Due to fewer moving parts in single hung windows, the chances of air infiltration or heat loss are minimal. As a result, single hung windows are more energy-efficient than double hung windows. If you want to enhance the windows’ energy efficiency, double hung windows can be upgraded with additional energy saving features.

5. Cost

Double hung windows are more expensive than single hung windows because of the added features and enhanced functionality, irrespective of having the same size as single hung windows.

Hopefully, the above five differences between single and double hung windows have helped to give you a better understanding of the two. When selecting replacement windows for your home, keep in mind their functionality, features, style and cost.

The post 5 Differences Between Single and Double Hung Windows appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

However, if you are planning a window replacement project, it’ll help if you carry it out at the right time of the year. Since window replacement involves removing the existing windows before fixing replacement windows, it is crucial to consider the weather before deciding to replace your windows.

When considering what time of the year to replace your windows, your decision will be determined by many factors:

1. The urgency of the need for replacement

If your windows get damaged and need to be replaced immediately, waiting for a more suitable time of the year will expose you to discomfort in the home, such as extreme heat or cold, drafts, and security risks.

2. Cost of Waiting

Another factor that determines when to replace your windows is the ‘waiting’ factor. The summer is the busiest time of the year for window replacement. As a result, many homeowners have to wait for weeks before they can have their windows replaced. However, you can have your windows replaced almost immediately in the fall or winter because the demand is usually low during that time of the year.

What Time of Year Is Best To Replace Windows?

Summer or spring is the best time of the year for window replacement. The reason is that the weather is warm but not hot, which makes it easy to keep unwanted cold drafts out of the house. However, nothing stops you from replacing your windows any time of the year, depending on your preference.

The decision ultimately comes down to what is most convenient to you. Whether you choose to replace your windows in the summer or winter, make sure that you decide what will work best for you. Although, it may take a little longer in the winter, with a bit of planning, window replacement can take place any time of the year.

Why is it important to replace your windows?

Windows are an extremely important component of any home, beyond providing an aesthetic benefit and a view of your exterior environment, they also serve several functional purposes including regulating temperature and light within your home. Unfortunately, many home owners either ignore the fact that their windows require routine maintenance or are unsure how or what to do to maintain their windows. This leads to windows suffering from early damage and deterioration, ultimately leading to drafts, higher energy consumption and unattractive windows.

Below we highlight five reasons why a window replacement is important.

1. Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Energy efficient replacement windows offer a great return on investment for a home improvement project. Not only do energy efficient windows help you conserve energy by reducing air leaks and heat loss/gain, by doing so they also help you save on the cost of your electricity/utility bills. This means, over time your window replacement will help pay for itself by saving you monthly on your energy bills.

2. Improved Home Security

Replacing your worn, older windows, will eliminate any potential easy access points to your home. Replacement windows utilize new, stronger materials for the window itself, as well as new and improved locking systems, helping to keep your home secure. New windows act as a deterrent to would be burglars and intruders, whereas older windows can attract those looking to gain unauthorised access to your home.

3. Increased Curb Appeal

It’s no secret that new replacement windows can help increase your home’s aesthetic appeal  or curb appeal. As one of the only home improvement projects that affects the look and feel of both the inside and outside of your home, a window replacement plays a big role in your home’s ambiance. Older, damaged windows take away from your home’s beauty, new windows go a long way to refresh the exterior aesthetics of your home.

4. Property Value

Most home improvement projects, no matter how small or minor they may seem, will directly affect your property value. A larger project, such as a whole home window replacement can go a long way in increasing your property’s value, especially if you are planning on putting your home on the market in the near future. Potential home buyers will pay a premium for the convenience of not having to deal with a replacement themselves.

5. Living Comfortably

Above all else, replacing your windows is important for your very own comfort. Damaged windows allow air to pass through or around the window frames and get into your home, creating potential cold spots in your home. Replacement windows will eliminate any drafts and help keep your home at a consistent temperature, as well new windows will block exterior noise leading to less interruptions while relaxing at home.

A window replacement project offers more than just a clearer view or prettier windows to your home. They help improve your standard of living and will increase the overall property value of your home.

What are the benefits of replacing old windows?

 There are two main reasons for homeowners to complete upgrades in their home, the first is to update the design or the convenience of an item or area and the second is because there is an issue or a malfunction. Window replacement for the most part falls under the second reason. Most homeowners do not consider replacing their windows unless they are damaged, are difficult to operate or are allowing air to flow through. However, replacing your windows has many benefits, some that you may not have even thought of.

Below we highlight some of the key benefits related to replacing old windows.

1. Increased Security

Windows and doors are the key entry point for burglars and intruders, so ensuring they are secure also ensures your home, family and property are also well protected. If you have old, damaged windows, they can attract unsavory individuals, as they may view them as an easy entry point.  By replacing your windows, you eliminate the temptation of the easy entry point and also get the advantage of new locking mechanisms ensuring your home is secure.

2. Improved Comfort

Replacement windows will help improve your comfort within your own home in multiple ways. First, replacement windows will reduce the amount of external noise that penetrates the inside of your home, meaning you will be interrupted less by barking dogs and screeching brakes versus your older windows and second, they help maintain a constant interior home temperature eliminating hot and cold spots within your home.

3. Better Energy Efficiency

New windows will incorporate new energy saving features such as gas filled and Low-E coatings, they will also have a tighter seal ensuring that air isn’t able to pass through and helping to keep heat loss/gain at a minimum. All of these features will help keep the temperature in your home more consistent, meaning that your heating and cooling systems will not need to work as hard to keep your home’s internal temperature consistent.

4. Increased Aesthetics and Curb Appeal

New windows not only improve the look and feel of your home’s interior, they also increase the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior design helping to increase your home’s curb appeal. New windows will help highlight the architecture of your home and your overall design.

5. Boost Property Value

Everything you do to your home is reflected in the real estate market value and that’s why it is important to consider the return on investment of any home improvement project. New windows offer a great ROI as potential home buyers are willing to pay a premium for a home where the windows and doors have been replaced, as this is a project that they will not have to look after themselves. Taking both the cost of purchasing the replacement window and the cost of installation into consideration, your property value is sure to reflect a positive return on your home’s value.

Choosing to replace your windows for your next home improvement project has many benefits, including making your home more comfortable, increasing your home’s curb appeal and boosting your home’s value.

5 tips on choosing the right window installer

Making the decision to get a window replacement is a great step towards home improvement. But, as important as it is to choose the right type of window, the most essential part of the process is the installer. Without the right window installer, all your time, effort, and money towards getting a window replacement for your home may go to waste. Ready to get your new windows installed? Here are five tips on choosing the right window installer for the project:

1. Experience

The experience that the contractor has goes a long way in validating the outcome of their work. A contractor who has not gotten a lot of firsthand experience may be incompetent when it comes to handling replacement projects. With experienced replacement window contractors, you can also get expert consultation. They may offer services such as helping you pick the perfect window material and frame to fit your replacement purposes and the structure of your home.

2. Reviews and Testimonials 

Any contractor can claim to be experienced but only reviews and feedback from their clients will help you confirm the quality of their services. If you can, get reviews and testimonials from any project they have previously worked on and use that as a form of insurance to ensure that they do a proper job for your window installation. Licenses and permits are other documents that the contractor must have to verify their validity.

3. Guarantee

You can ask your potential window installers to provide a customer satisfaction guarantee for the installation project. The most common guarantees are for weeks or months after the installation is done to ensure that the windows are fitted in properly without damage.

4. Communication 

Another thing that can help you know when you are choosing the right window installer is the communication you have with them. A good installer should be able to provide you with ample information about the installation process, requirements that you have to fulfill to make the job seamless, and they should be able to answer your questions promptly and professionally.

5. Insurance

Window installation, like most general contractor projects, has its risks, however minimal. Any reputable windows and doors company should have insurance to cover for any damages that occur during the project.

Inexperienced window installers may improperly install the replacement windows, cause damage to the structure of the house, and leave you with more expenses than you started out with.

The post What Time Of Year Is Best To Replace Windows? appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

It is cracked or loose

Everyday wear and tear is one of the biggest causes of your vinyl siding needing a replacement. Conditions such as rain, hail, snow, wind or other debris hitting your vinyl siding, can cause it to crack or become loose. Additionally, extreme temperature changes can also cause your siding to crack or dent. If these cracks are left unfixed, they can cause damage to your home leading to very expensive repair costs. Therefore, if you notice any of these issues, you should consider replacing your vinyl siding immediately.

It is melting

The heat from the sun can promote the melting of your vinyl siding especially if you live in a hotter climate. In addition, grilling too close to your home is another major culprit that you should be careful of. Always be sure to place your barbeque at least two meters away from the side of your home to ensure it does not cause any damage. However, if your vinyl siding is already melted, it’s important to realize that the damage is irreversible. As a result, you should replace your siding immediately. 

It is rotting

Sometimes wood planks are put under your vinyl siding during installation. Unfortunately, when water and moisture reaches the wood underneath the vinyl it can cause the wood to rot. If the wood is left rotting for long periods of time, the vinyl siding may begin falling apart. Therefore, if you notice the wood underneath is rotting, it may be time to replace your vinyl siding. 

It has several holes

Holes in your siding often indicate that pests and rodents are responsible for causing damage. Termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and bees can create holes in your vinyl siding. Similarly, rats, squirrels, birds, and mice are capable of causing the same problem. If there are holes in your siding, water can seep through them and cause water damage to your home. Therefore, you should consider replacing any vinyl siding that contains holes.

It was poorly installed

It’s always best to use an experienced contractor when installing vinyl siding to prevent a poor installation job. If your vinyl siding was nailed too tightly or cannot move horizontally, you should note that the installer didn’t install it properly. Poor installation will make the siding buckle and warp after exposure to fluctuating temperatures. As a result, the siding may not last for extended periods of time. To prevent a poor installation job from causing additional problems it is best to just replace your siding.

Takeaway 

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is time to replace your vinyl siding. Consult an experienced contractor today for expert advice!

The post How Do You Know If Your Vinyl Siding Needs to be Replaced? appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.

In addition, knowing what causes the window failure of your old windows can help you to prevent the same things from happening to your new ones. Below are 5 common causes of window failure.

1. Poor Installation

Poor installation is one of the common causes of window failure, especially in windows that are relatively new. The quality of window installation matters, whether it is a new installation or a  window replacement. One mistake can affect its functionality and durability. As a result, you should hire an experienced window installer who has the adequate skill, experience, training, and tools for the task. Windows fail much faster when installed poorly.

2. Accidents

Accidents are another cause of window failure and can include incidents such as broken glass, cracked panes, removed weatherstripping or broken seals. These damages can affect the window’s efficiency, leading to higher energy costs. If you accidently break your window, contact an experienced installer immediately for a window replacement.

3. Negligence or Improper Maintenance

Although most windows are typically low maintenance, they do require some routine cleaning in order to remain in optimal condition.  However, many homeowners neglect to take care of their windows until it is too late. Be sure to regurlarly check for damage such as cracked glass, broken seals or even termite infestations. In addition, if you are cleaning your windows be sure to use gentle chemicals instead of harsh ones to prevent aesthetic damage.

4. Harsh Weather

Over the years, as windows are exposed to extreme weather conditions they can face signs of wear and tear. Exposure to high humidity or moisture, extreme heat or cold, temperature fluctuations and snowfall can wear down the effectiveness and durability of windows. Eventually, these conditions will cause the windows to fail and a replacement will be needed.

5. Wear and Tear

Another cause of window failure is age. Regardless of the quality of the materials used for making the windows, daily use can weaken their structures and cause further damage, making window replacement inevitable.

Takeaway

Look out for these five common causes of window failure. Protect your property by repairing or replacing your windows when needed. Also, be sure to contact an experienced installer for the best window replacement.

The post 5 Common Causes of Window Failure appeared first on BW Windows and Doors.