Safety, comfort and energy efficiency levels affect both the quality of a house and the well-being of its occupants. Window standards have a significant role to play in complying with these sought after criteria. It’s highly recommended to be up to speed on existing guidelines and implement them on new builds and renovations. Let’s explore current standards to learn more about the choices out there when it comes to windows.
Window insulation standards and regulations
Difference between standards and regulations
Choosing windows requires a lot of careful consideration and due diligence. Design details matter, of course, but you have to pay attention to standards: while not legally binding, their purpose is to supplement and provide clarity to existing regulations.
Any construction or renovation specialist undertaking installation work must comply with them. Standards address common problems with windows like air and water infiltration, which can have serious consequences on the building envelope and residents’ health. These technical requirements are established by standards organizations, including the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the Quebec Construction Code (QCC).
Flouting these standards may not always lead to legal penalties but not following them may very well result in a lower quality build or renovations. And that could come back to haunt you during an inspection or in the event of a dispute.
As for regulations, they’re mandatory, established by government bodies – provincial and municipal. They sometimes include certain standards, have the force of law and are strictly enforced.
For comprehensive details on best practices, refer to local construction standards and guides developed by companies like Hydro-Québec. These sources provide invaluable information about proper window installation in terms of safety, energy performance and insulation.
Checking compliance
Some municipalities impose even stricter rules than those outlined in the National Building Code. Reach out to your municipality to figure out the specifics of your project. It’s strongly recommended to get the right support when installing or replacing windows.
Call on the RenoAssistance team to help you make this process go a whole lot smoother. They’ll put you in touch with Verified Contractors who will support you and carry out work in full compliance. Their expertise not only guarantees high quality work, but also strict compliance with local and national standards and regulations.
For comfort: insulation standards
When it comes time to install windows, keep in mind the features of various models that enhance energy performance and acoustics.
Three types of insulation
1. Thermal insulation
It keeps heat inside during winter and prevents it from becoming excessive in the summer.
Efficient windows maintain a pleasant temperature in a dwelling by limiting energy losses. To achieve this, it’s crucial to satisfy thermal conductance requirements, which measure the capacity for heat conservation and gain.
While some features are optional, others may be required in certain regions or certain types of housing (such as passive houses, which use little energy to remain comfortable all year long).
Know that Energy Star-certified windows are more energy efficient thanks to materials and glazing technologies that control heat loss. Installing them will help you save on your heating bill, especially during the colder months.
2. Acoustic insulation
It prevents exterior sources of sound and noise pollution from being heard indoors, like road traffic.
3. Soundproofing insulation
Similar to acoustic insulation, it prevents interior sources of sound, like conversations or music, from passing between rooms.
For security: Egress standard, window wells and guardrails
To safeguard against accidents and promote safety, applicable standards are factored in when designing windows, openings and associated spaces.
Egress standards
It specifies the accessibility requirements for exit routes (a.k.a. emergency exits) in rooms used as bedrooms, including those located in the basement. Windows have to be big enough and easy to open from the inside to enable a quick evacuation in case of emergency.
Criteria to respect
The National Building Code (NBC) lists several points:
Direct access outside Each room must have a window or door with direct access outside unless a room is equipped with automatic sprinklers.
Minimum dimensions A clear opening that measures at least 0.35 m², including 38 cm on each side of the opening.
Installation height A maximum installation height of 150 cm from the ground unless there’s a unit attached to a wall to facilitate evacuation.
Window well A 76-cm clearance is required where there is a window well (exterior barrier of a basement window).
Keep clear in winter Top of the winter chore list is to shovel around basement windows to remove show and ice.
Window well
A window well is a structure installed around a basement window. Its primary purpose is to prevent water infiltration and ventilate enclosed spaces. A window well saves the day when a window is quite low, even under ground level.
It could also be a small hole dug in front of a basement window in order to allow air and light to enter. It also serves as an emergency exit in case of emergency.
Window wells direct water runoff and prevent it from leaking indoors. They protect the building envelope from moisture that could damage the foundation and internal structures.
Window guardrails
To prevent falls, guardrails (or balustrades) must be installed in front of windows at a height of 60 cm or more above the ground. According to the Quebec Construction Code, a guardrail must be at least 90 cm high if a window is between 60 and 180 cm from the ground, and 107 cm if it’s more than 180 cm.
Current standards require guardrails to be made with resistant materials that can support a heavy load without buckling. A vital consideration is spacing: the bars must be narrow enough to guarantee children’s safety (10 cm or less), so there’s no way a little body could squeeze through.
Bedrooms and bathrooms: applicable standards
Bedrooms
After complying with the Egress standard in all bedrooms, it’s time to focus on other details. First up, windows should have a reasonable glass surface to let in adequate natural light, in order to contribute to a healthy and bright environment.
Well-insulated windows will improve a home’s energy efficiency. Their mission is two-fold: limit significant heat loss and prevent cold air infiltration. Hence the current widespread use of double and triple-glazed models.
Since bedrooms are supposed to be a relaxing space, soundproofing insulation is recommended to cut down the transmission of noise between rooms. There is, however, no legal requirement to use it. That being said, windows with superior acoustic insulation would contribute to ensuring occupants get a restful night’s sleep.
Bathrooms
Bathroom windows should meet thermal and soundproofing insulation standards but, more importantly, must allow proper ventilation. Choose models that have an opening to recirculate air (casement, awning or sash windows), especially in rooms without mechanical ventilation (MV). Materials such as PVC or aluminum are popular choices to avoid moisture problems.
Need to replace your windows?
If you feel a slight draft, notice condensation buildup or even a crack in one of your windows, add it to the replacement list.
At RenoAssistance, our advisors are at your service to shed light on the grants available to replace windows. The team will assist you in exploring government programs that may offset the cost of work.
As an added bonus, this decision will have a positive impact on the market value of your property. Looking to sell? New windows can attract potential buyers.
Contact us today for some quotes and benefit from the expertise of a Verified Contractor to get your work done. You can expect to receive personalized and professional service, whether you want to replace all your windows or just a few.
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