Frequently asked questions
At Portes et Fenêtres SK3, we understand that choosing the right windows and doors for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to help you optimize the energy efficiency, comfort and aesthetic value of your home with our high-quality, made-in-Canada products. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for a personalized consultation.
Plan your project to make informed decisions
Up to 25% of a home’s heat loss is due to windows and patio doors, which is why it’s so important to choose them carefully! Selecting the right window shapes and features, both energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing, is essential and an undeniable asset to the value of your home.
There are several signs of wear and tear that can tell you when it’s time to replace your windows. Obvious signs include difficulty opening or closing the window, draughts, excessive condensation or water leaks. Also, rot around a window frame often indicates that it’s time to replace your windows.
As a general rule, windows over 15 years old should be replaced. It’s a worthwhile investment, considering the energy savings you’ll make with new, more energy-efficient windows.
Need to replace your windows? Make an appointment for a free estimate.
Casement / awning windows
Casement and awning windows open outwards by means of a crank. Casement windows are vertical, while awning windows are horizontal. With their heavy-duty multi-chamber profiles providing superior rigidity and energy performance, the modular casement and awning window series have unique features that make them the perfect window!Sliding windows
Sliding windows feature two sashes that slide from side to side. Single and double sliding windows from Portes et Fenêtres SK3 are perfect for tight spaces. They are also renowned for their excellent value for money. Narrow profiles let in maximum light and offer unobstructed visibility to the outside.Sash windows
The sash window model is one of the most popular. Sash windows open by raising the bottom half or lowering the top half, and can feature one or two movable sashes. The series of single and double-sash windows from Portes et Fenêtres SK3 has been specifically designed for renovation and construction projects that demand high quality.Tilt and turn windows
Tilt and turn windows are multifunctional, high-performance windows. The top of the sash tilts inwards to provide excellent ventilation, while ensuring complete security when left open. The range of tilt and turn windows from Portes et Fenêtres SK3 has been developed for the North American residential, commercial and institutional markets.Wood windows
Portes et Fenêtres SK3 wood windows combine natural elegance with exceptional performance. Designed to offer incomparable warmth and beauty, wood windows are made from high-quality materials, guaranteeing durability and longevity. Each model is carefully finished to withstand the elements, while retaining the unique aesthetic appeal of wood. Equipped with advanced features such as energy-efficient glazing and a variety of customization options, our wood windows meet the highest standards for thermal performance and sound insulation. With their low-maintenance design and harmonious integration into any architectural style, wooden windows from Portes et Fenêtres SK3 are the perfect choice for those seeking a balance between tradition and innovation.
We are proud to offer window models that meet the requirements of the National Building Code (NBC) for bedroom egress. In order for windows to provide an adequate means of egress, the NBC requires that they offer a minimum clear opening area and can be opened from the inside without the need for tools or special knowledge.
Contact us to find out which window models from Portes et Fenêtres SK3 comply with the Code for bedroom egress.
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. This plastic is the most popular material for windows. PVC windows are the most economical and are renowned for their energy efficiency.
Hybrid windows offer the best value for money. It combines the strength and durability of an aluminum exterior finish with the energy efficiency and easy maintenance of interior PVC.
The main advantages of multi-pane glazing are that a very thin metallic coating (Low-E) is usually applied to one surface of the glass, reducing heat transfer through the glazing, and that the spaces between the panes can be filled with argon gas to enhance the efficiency of the glazing by reducing air circulation between the panes. In short, these types of glazing are highly effective in insulating your home and reducing energy loss.
In Canada, all homes should be equipped with at least double glazing. In some regions, it may be more advantageous to opt for triple glazing to further reduce heat loss, condensation and noise, and increase security. However, triple glazing is more expensive than double glazing, so the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Double-glazing with Low-E and argon gas consists of two panes separated by a thin layer of air and filled with argon gas. Low-E (Low emissivity) is a very thin metallic coating applied to a glass surface that reduces heat transfer through the glazing. Thus, the use of Low-E in glazing will reduce heat loss in winter and maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home. Low-E is generally applied to the inside of the glazing to maximize its thermal performance. Argon gas is used to enhance glazing efficiency by reducing air circulation between the two panes, thus minimizing heat or cold loss. Argon gas also has good insulating properties, which is why it is frequently used to fill the space between the two panes of glass. In short, double-glazing with Low-E and argon gas consists of two panes of glass with a Low-E coating on the inner face of one pane, and a space of air and argon gas between the two panes. This type of glazing is highly effective in insulating your home and reducing energy loss. The same principle applies to triple-glazed units.
Argon gas is inert, odorless and colorless. It is used in the manufacture of windows to replace the air between the glass panes, as it is an excellent thermal insulator.
Energy-efficient windows are an essential component of quality homes. Among other things, they significantly reduce heating and air-conditioning costs, while providing effective heat control to enhance residents’ comfort.
ENERGY STAR® qualified windows from Portes et Fenêtres SK3 are a sustainable, energy-efficient choice. They help you save on heating costs while maintaining the comfort of your home all year round.
These performance ratings indicate the performance of windows and doors in the following tests:
A = Airtightness (ratings A1 to A3)
B = Water tightness (ratings B1 to B7)
C = Wind resistance (ratings C1 to C5)
All windows sold in Canada must be tested against these three performance criteria. All these tests must be carried out in an approved testing laboratory, and are essential for obtaining a Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) acceptance number.
The ER index (Energy Rating) measures a window’s overall energy performance. It is based on a number of factors, including air tightness and U-value (heat transfer rate). The higher a product’s energy rating, the more energy-efficient it is. The ER value allows you to compare fenestration products and choose the most energy-efficient one.
Window prices vary according to model, size and materials. PVC and its hybrid model are the most economical materials. Ask for a free consultation for your custom windows.
Each order is custom-made to your specifications.
One of our expert technicians will be happy to take the exact measurement of your doors and windows in your home. However, if you’d like to get a rough estimate, we recommend measuring inside the frames of your doors and windows, in Width X Height format.
Portes et Fenêtres SK3 does business with trusted suppliers of windows and doors from here in Quebec.
Our windows are designed to meet North American climatic requirements. The profiles and glass used comply in every respect with the most stringent Canadian window and door standards.
Portes et Fenêtres SK3 offers the following standard colors:
Numerous criteria are used in the industry to assess the energy efficiency and thermal conductivity of windows and doors. Ideally, you want windows that can retain heat inside during the cold winter months and block it out during the hot summers.
A key indicator is the U-value, defined by experts as the ratio that measures the amount of heat lost through a specific thickness of material. For math fans, it’s calculated by dividing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the material by the rate of heat transfer. The U-value generally varies between 0.25 and 1.25. As it indicates the amount of heat lost, a lower value is always preferable!
So, when choosing your next windows and doors, it’s essential to take the U-value into account, especially if you want to save energy (and money!) during the harsh winters and scorching summers to come.
Delivery and installation
Windows are made to measure. They will be delivered 6 to 10 weeks after the order, depending on the time of year.
Yes, and it’s even recommended. A properly installed window ensures better energy performance. That’s why we install our products ourselves. What’s more, we offer a one-year installation warranty.
Yes, of course, but don’t forget that this work requires rigor and meticulousness, and that for optimum performance, the installation must be well done. With the help of the experts at Portes et Fenêtres SK3, you benefit from an installation warranty.
Warranties and after-sales service
We guarantee labor for one year. For materials (parts and mechanisms), the warranty varies according to the product. For example, Artik offers a 10-year warranty on materials. For PVC and energy glass, the warranty is 20 years. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It applies only to the original purchaser.
In the event of a defect, contact your Portes et Fenêtres SK3 dealer to check whether your product is eligible for warranty repair. If it is, we’ll open a service ticket and schedule a visit from a technician to carry out the repair.
To find out the year of manufacture of your windows, look at the spacer between the two panes. The year should be indicated. For casement windows, check the sash
Maintenance
Proper care of your windows will prolong their life. Here are a few maintenance tips:
PVC maintenance
PVC is easy to clean and doesn’t need painting or special treatments. To keep your windows spotless:
- Do not paint on PVC.
- Do not use abrasive products such as degreasing detergents, products containing chlorine, nail polish removers or cleaners containing organic solvents.
- Call in a specialist for repairs.
To clean PVC frames, use non-abrasive cleaning products or a homemade solution of vinegar and hot water or mild soap. Here’s how it works:
- Open the window and use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.
- Spray a solution of half vinegar and half hot water all over the window.
- Wait five minutes.
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
- Unblock water drains if necessary.
Hybrid PVC and aluminum windows
Hybrid windows combine the durability of aluminum with the energy efficiency of PVC. To clean aluminum frames, use lukewarm water and a non-abrasive detergent. Do not use scouring sponges.
Glass maintenance
To clean windows, use commercial products such as Windex® or Fantastik®, or homemade solutions of mild soap or vinegar. In winter, avoid cleaning at extreme temperatures and use lukewarm water. To prevent the cleaning solution from freezing, add 50% antifreeze.
Hardware maintenance
Clean hardware with a damp cloth or compressed air. Avoid using ammonia- or vinegar-based products on metal parts. Spray locks, hinges and locking points with an acetone-free silicone lubricant every year.
The average lifespan of thermopane windows is 15 to 30 years. If your windows are a few years old, it’s normal for them to show signs of defect. We invite you to contact your Portes et Fenêtres SK3 dealer to check whether your thermos windows are eligible for warranty repair.
Condensation on the outer surface of insulating glass units is a natural phenomenon that can occur under certain atmospheric conditions. This phenomenon results from the exchange of heat between the glass and its environment, without calling into question the quality of the glazing. In fact, when conditions are favorable (clear night skies, low winds, humid air), the temperature of the outer glass of an insulating glass unit can drop sufficiently for air humidity to condense on its surface. These conditions can occur several times a year, and the condensation usually disappears as soon as the outer glass warms up, often in the early morning.
Under similar conditions, a less efficient insulating glass unit will let more heat through than a high-efficiency insulating glass unit. This heat warms the outer glass, reducing the likelihood of condensation. As a result, a lower-performance insulating glass unit is less likely to show external condensation. However, energy-efficient insulating glass saves energy, reduces condensation on the interior surface of the glass, reduces the risk of mold and mildew on the interior perimeter of the window, and improves the comfort of your home all year round.
The appearance of condensation on your windows inside your home is due to excess humidity in your home in relation to outside temperature variations. To reduce condensation, we recommend regulating the humidity level inside your home in relation to the outside temperature. The material of your windows, whether PVC or aluminum, has no effect on this phenomenon.
Humidity in the air of a home increases due to a variety of factors, including daily activities and the number of people living in the household. Actions such as taking a shower, washing dishes and clothes, cleaning floors, or cooking your favorite dishes, all contribute to the formation of water vapor in your home. Other factors, such as a very damp basement or a faulty ventilation system, can also play a role.
Indeed, when this excess water vapor comes into contact with a cold surface, such as the glass of your windows, it condenses into liquid or ice. The lower the outside temperature, the greater the risk of condensation inside.
Here are 5 tips to reduce humidity in your home and better control condensation on your windows:
- Ensure good air circulation in your home. Keep room doors open to promote air circulation throughout the house. Install an air exchanger or have yours inspected. Make sure kitchen and bathroom fans are working properly, and that their external ventilation grilles are not obstructed. We recommend using them during and after steam-generating activities to reduce humidity levels. Make sure your heating system is in good working order.
- Remove screens from your windows in winter and raise blinds when you’re away during the day and before going to bed. This allows your heating system to warm up the windows and reduce condensation. Warm windows significantly reduce the effect of condensation.
- Avoid lowering room temperatures too much when you’re away. Otherwise, window panes will become cold and excess water vapor will quickly turn to liquid or ice on the glass. Remember to heat your basement, too, so that the heat can spread to the upper floors. Check wall and attic insulation to prevent heat loss.
- Old, leaky windows can exacerbate the problem. Replacing your old windows with ENERGY STAR models can help reduce condensation, although it doesn’t necessarily eliminate it. Opt for energy-efficient double- or triple-glazed windows with argon (an inert gas) to keep glass surfaces warmer. Keep in mind, however, that the main culprit is humidity levels in the home.
- To monitor humidity levels, get a hygrometer. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends specific humidity levels inside your home during cold weather.
We hope these tips will help you restore optimum humidity levels in your home, reducing or eliminating the problem of condensation on your windows.
To remove mold from window frames, seals or silicone, you can use vinegar, alcohol or a mold remover. Chlorine- and bleach-based cleaners are not recommended. To prevent mold, remove screens before winter, as they can encourage condensation and mold growth.
