Windows / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Usar masilla para sellar, pero ¿cuál es el mejor tipo?
Air and vapour barriers

Which is the best caulk or sealant for caulking windows and bathrooms etc?

...windows in some of our previous green home projects and found not only was specialized joint tape cleaner, but it did a better job at air sealing. Watch our DIY how to install windows properly video to see more.  What is caulking best for? As a general rule, exterior caulking prevents moisture penetration, while interi...

Reflective Window Film to Reduce Overheating
Windows and doors

Window Film Treatment to Reflect Heat and Lower Air Conditioning Bills

...windows. In Reality, rarely does the cost of window replacement purely for saving money actually translate into more money in your pocket, as the cost of purchasing and installing windows usually far exceeds the added energy savings. Read more here about when to replace windows and when to repair them. Windows are, wit...

Condensation on windows in our homes - why is it there? - how to stop it?
Walls and Roofs

Condensation on windows is a pain but is it a problem & how to stop it?

...windows, and the best way to keep on top of condensation around windows is to be on the lookout for any damage to the sealant around the window frame as this can allow water in – to learn how to fit and seal windows properly, see here.  Also, if there is some condensation, try to wipe down windows and window sills prom...

Suspended-film insulating glass windows are high-performance windows
Windows and doors

Suspended-film insulating glass windows - A definitive guide for these high-performance windows

...windows can get a little pricey too. But don’t get us wrong here, better-quality high-performance windows are very much worth the money. Windows are the weakest performing point in a building envelope (one would hope at least), so that’s why we used triple-glazed argon-filled passive house performance windows when we b...

When should you replace windows
Windows and doors

When should you replace old windows?

Windows, replace or repair? We often get asked if it is a good idea to replace old windows with new and better performing windows to save money. Usually to the surprise and relief of homeowners we most often tell them to stick with the ones they've got. Not to say that the idea of replacing windows is always 'green was...

Los tragaluces pueden ser problemáticos en una casa de alto rendimiento.
Windows and doors

Are skylights an asset or a liability?

...windows and doors correctly Which window frame is best, wood, aluminum or PVC / vinyl?  Learn when to repair windows and when to replace them  Learn all about the benefits of signing up for a free Ecohome Network Membership.       Members get great Discounts - sign up today...  

Correct window installation details
Windows and doors

How to install windows

...windows on the south side you can gain more heat in the daytime than they will lose at night. For how to choose the best windows for your house, see here. The Demo House has triple-glazed argon-filled wood frame windows from Quebec high performance window manufacturer Elite. Windows on the north, east and west have bee...

Correctly installed Triple pane south facing windows on Ecohome's Demo House
Windows and doors

Installing Doors & Windows for the Best Performance in High Efficiency Homes, LEED & Passive House

...windows: position windows towards the center of the rough opening rather than installing them flush to the outside. Windows that are installed at the exterior point of openings have a lot more thermal bridging around the frames. Windows in the centre of the opening reduce the risk of condensation by keeping window peri...

How to choose Triple pane, high performance windows
Windows and doors

Our top tips for buying high-performance windows

...windows on the market. Read more about high performance suspended film windows here.  How to install windows properly: Proper installation is the key to long window life and high performance. Buying the best windows in the world will be a waste of money if  you install them poorly. Windows should be installed airtight ...

Wood frame triple-glazed, argon-filled windows in the Ecohome Demo House
Windows and doors

Choosing windows - which window frame? wood v aluminum v vinyl

...windows (the ones that open) can work in several ways. Casement and awning windows wind open with a hand crank, sliders slide open sidesways, single and double hung windows open by sliding vertically. Single hung windows only slide up from the bottom, double hung means both sashes move, allowing you to slide them to th...