5 costly mistakes to avoid when choosing doors and windows in Quebec
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The 5 costly mistakes to avoid when choosing doors and windows in Quebec
Whether for a renovation or a new house , the 5 costly mistakes to avoid when choosing doors and windows in Quebec will have a direct impact on the energy performance, comfort and durability of a building.
In Quebec's climate, characterized by harsh winters, strong winds and significant temperature variations, the quality of the chosen system becomes essential.
However, many decisions are still being made based on incomplete or poorly understood criteria. As a result, some windows need to be replaced much sooner than expected.
However, replacing windows often represents a much bigger project than one might imagine.
A correction may require:
the complete removal of the existing windows
the installation of a new unit
the re-insulation of the opening
the reworking of interior and exterior finishes
These works can quickly represent costs much higher than the savings made on the initial purchase .
That's why it's best to choose your windows carefully from the start and do things right the first time.
Here are the 5 most common mistakes when choosing or replacing doors and windows in Quebec.
Summary
1. Compare only the price
When a window replacement or new construction project begins, price is often the first criterion analyzed.
However, the purchase price does not necessarily reflect the actual performance of a window.
Low-cost products may include:
less rigid profiles
a simplified hardware store
inferior quality glass units
limited assembly precision.
In a climate like Quebec's, these factors can quickly affect:
waterproofing
energy performance
the durability of the system.
A less efficient product can therefore lead to much higher replacement costs in the medium term.
2. Confusing Energy Star certification with overall product quality
The Energy Star certification indicates that a window meets a minimum level of energy performance established for a given climate zone .
Quebec is located in a cold climate zone , where the requirements for heat loss are higher.
In Canada, windows must also meet the requirements of the NAFS/CSA A440 (North American Fenestration Standard) , which establishes performance criteria for doors and windows, including:
airtightness
water resistance
wind resistance
structural performance.
However, the Energy Star certification focuses primarily on energy performance .
It does not guarantee:
structural durability
the quality of installation
acoustic performance
security
long-term wind resistance.
In other words, a window can be Energy Star certified and comply with the NAFS/CSA A440 standard , while exhibiting significant differences in design, profile rigidity, hardware quality, or manufacturing of the glazed units.
Certification therefore constitutes an energy indicator , but it does not replace a complete analysis of the design and quality of the system.
3. Neglecting the quality of glazed units (thermos)
Glazing typically represents 70 to 80% of a window's surface area . Therefore, the quality of the glazing unit directly influences overall performance.
Several technical elements are crucial:
the presence of argon gas between the panes of glass
the use of an insulated (warm edge) interlayer
the quality of the thermos seal
the manufacturing process of the glazed unit.
A low-quality glass unit can lead to:
a gradual loss of argon gas
moisture infiltration
the appearance of condensation between the panes of glass
a premature unsealing of the thermos.
The quality of the sealing and assembly process is essential to ensure long-term performance and durability.
4. Underestimating the importance of the window profile
The profile forms the structure of the window.
Its design directly influences:
frame rigidity
dimensional stability
thermal performance
resistance to wind loads.
More advanced profiles typically include:
multiple isolation chambers
improved management of thermal bridges
superior structural rigidity
improved assembly precision.
These characteristics become particularly important in a northern climate like that of Quebec.
5. Neglecting the hardware and locking system
Hardware plays a crucial role in the overall performance of a window.
Higher-performance systems use multi-point locking mechanisms , which allow:
uniform compression on the seals
improved airtightness
improved resistance to water infiltration
increased security.
Simplified hardware can lead to loss of sealing over time and reduce the system's durability.
Conclusion: Choose your windows carefully from the start.
Whether for new construction or a renovation project , the actual performance of a door or window depends on several technical elements:
the quality of the glazed units
the presence of argon and isolated interlayers
the rigidity of the profiles
the quality of the hardware
assembly precision
the quality of the installation.
An energy certification is a useful indicator, but the overall system design and manufacturing quality remain the determining factors to ensure durability in Quebec's climatic conditions.
Are you planning to replace your windows or build a house?
At VST , we favour door and window systems designed according to advanced engineering standards, recognized for their thermal performance, robustness and durability in northern climates.
Contact our team to discuss your project and discover high-performance solutions tailored to the Quebec market.
