Vinyl windows are designed to be low-maintenance and provide a clear view with little to no attention. In many cases, rain or a spray with water alone will provide enough cleanliness to satisfy owners. However, for deep cleaning options, there are some supplies that owners of vinyl windows should have on hand. A soft cloth and soft brush can be used to wipe away grime and dirt. Water-based window cleaners can also polish and shine the glass. If there is any mold or mildew, use 25 percent vinegar and 75 percent water. This also prevents mold and mildew from growing back..
In general, cleaning vinyl windows is easy. Spray the windows with a hose to clean off dirt and grime. Do not use a pressure washer or a high-powered spray. Mineral spirits will clean off oil, tar and other sticky solutions that get stuck to both the outside and inside of windows. A squeegee works well to eliminate streaks and leave a perfect shine on the windows both inside and out. The windows do not need to be cleaned more often that once every 1 to 2 months.

Vinyl Windows Replacement and Installation: http://www.gtawindows.com

Vinyl windows are made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a product that offers many advantages. Even five years ago, these windows had that unmistakable look of plastic, but today, vinyl window manufactures have closely replicated the texture of wood and other materials in the production of many vinyl windows.

Vinyl windows in the early days were manufactured in only white or off white, which left little artistic choice in exterior complements. But today, vinyl windows are produced in a myriad of colors and textures to meet almost any design. Because of the quality and design capabilities of modern vinyl window manufacturing, some of our most famous historic sites that have required window replacements in past years have used vinyl windows as the window of choice.

Our goal is to improve the appearance, efficiency, comfort, and ultimate value of any home that has our vinyl windows installed with services in the Greater Toronto area includes Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Ajax, Pickering, Markham, Unionville, Thornhill, Woodbridge, Richmond Hill and Aurora. Replacement windows are a major investment in your home, so take the time to consider all possibilities. This is one of the many reasons GTA Windows has become recognized as the leader in quality and customer satisfaction in the vinyl window business. The innovations built into our products make them unsurpassed in performance and design. As installers of vinyl windows and doors, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest quality possible for complete satisfaction of you, our customer.

Energy Star

ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products. It was first created as a United States government program in 1992, but Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the European Union have also adopted the program. Devices carrying the Energy Star logo, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, buildings and other products, save 20%-30% on average. ENERGY STAR-qualified vinyl windows and doors save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants. Save money and energy. Installing ENERGY STAR-qualified windows from GTA Windows and Doors lowers energy bills and saves you money over new double-paned, clear glass vinyl windows and vinyl patio doors.

• More than just dollar savings. ENERGY STAR-qualified windows from GTA Windows and Doors protect from the winter cold and summer sun, while also reducing condensation and interior fading.
• What makes a window or door energy-efficient? Thanks to a host of new technologies, ENERGY STAR-qualified windows, doors keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making you more comfortable.
• Purchasing tips to help you buy with confidence. Every ENERGY STAR-qualified window, door is independently certified to perform at levels that meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines.
• Energy-saving tips. Proper windows installation, doors replacement, tree planting, and home sealing can help you save even more energy and money!
• Find Rebates. Search for local rebates in your area and learn about the 2009 tax credit.Climate Change In Canada
  Climate change is a serious environmental problem that could have significant consequences for our health, our economy and our children’s future. All Canadians contribute to the problem and we all need to be part of the solution. Making smart energy choices around the home – including installing ENERGY STAR qualified fenestration products – is a great way to start.

  Cost Savings
  How much money can I expect to save by installing
  ENERGY STAR qualified fenestration products?

  Homeowners who replace all of their old windows and doors with ENERGY STAR qualified products will typically save about 7 per cent on their energy bills, depending on the number of windows and doors replaced, how old they are, and how much air leakage was occurring. Buyers of new homes with ENERGY STAR qualified fenestration products can save up to 12 per cent on their energy bills compared to standard products (the savings tend to be greater for new homes because they are typically larger and have more windows and doors than older homes).

  Strict Technical Requirements
  To qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark, fenestration products must meet strict technical requirements for both thermal and structural performance. Products are qualified based on either their U-value (rate of heat transfer from the warm area to a cold area) or their Energy Rating (a scale that takes into account a product’s U-value, potential solar gain and air tightness). The colder the climate zone, the more stringent the requirements. Windows, doors and skylights must also have good air tightness to qualify for ENERGY STAR. To ensure the integrity of the ENERGY STAR mark, all product testing is done by accredited laboratories under standardized, quality-controlled conditions.

• Air Chambers – Air chambers are spaces built into a window frame that make the window stronger and being shaped like a honeycomb, they improve insulation.
• Air infiltration – Air infiltration refers to how much air can get through the window frame. It’s expressed as how many cubic feet of air pass through a square foot of the frame, per minute.
• Air latch – An air latch keeps a window open at whatever position you set it.
• Airspace – Airspace size is equal to ½” to ¾” between the panes of glass in a window.
• Argon gas – Argon gas is nontoxic, colorless, odorless and tasteless. Since it’s 6 times denser than air, it dramatically reduces heat loss when used between panes of glass in a window.
• Astragal – The center member of a double door, which is attached to the fixed or inactive door panel.
• Awning Window – This window has a top hinge that swings outward from the bottom for proper ventilation..
• Balance system – A balance system uses springs or weights to hold a window open at the position you set it.
• Beveled exterior – An angled extension from the frame on the exterior of a house.
• Bay window – The combination of three windows that stick out from the wall of the house, with the middle window parallel to the house is called a bay window. The other windows are set at 30- to 45-degree angles, connecting the front window to the house.
• Bow window – A bow window sticks out from a house like a bay window. The difference is the number of windows – there are 3, 4 or 5, attached at 10-degree angles, creating a semi-circular look.
• Brick mold – The brick mold is the exterior casing around a door or window that covers the jambs.
• Butyl – A hot rubber sealant, butyl, seals the glass to the spacer so no air or water can get in.
• Cam lock and keeper – A cam lock and keeper is the window handle part that keeps it in the locked position.
• Capillary tubes – Capillary tubes are small hollow tubes that penetrate the spaces of glass and allow pressure to be equalized at all times.
• Casement window – A casement window is hinged on both sides, allowing for a tighter fit, since the sash closes against the frame. A casement window can be opened outward, allowing for better ventilation.
• Casing – Inside casing is a flat, decorative moulding that covers the inside edge of the jambs and the rough openings between the window unit and the wall. Outside casing (or brick mould, above) serves the same purpose, while it also is an installation device through which nails are driven to install the window unit into the wall.
• Center of glass U- and R-values – The U- and R-values are measured from the center of the glass to 2-1/2″ from the frame.
• Condensation resistance factor – The condensation resistance factor tells you how well a window reduces condensation. The higher the number, the better it works.
• Conduction – Conduction occurs when two materials contact each other and pass energy between them.
• Coved exterior – A coved exterior is an arced extension of a window on the outside of a house.
• Dead-air space – Dead-air space is the air-space between the two panes of a double- or triple-pane window.
• Desiccant – Because of it’s water absorbency, desiccant is used in insulating glass to prevent windows from fogging up.
• Double-hung window – A double-hung window is a window that slides or opens up and down.
• Double-strength glass – Double-strength glass is about 1/8” thick.
• Dry glazing – An alternative method of placing glass in a door or window is called dry glazing.
• Egress code – The egress code is a law that specifies that a window must be able to open wide enough for a person to get out, or a firefighter to get in.
• Energy Star® – When you see an Energy Star® on a product, you know it conforms to energy-efficiency guidelines as set out by the government environmental agency.
• Fusion-welded – Fusion-welding melts materials together at 500º or more, thus creating one piece.
• Geometric Windows – Specially designed windows classified as either Straight line Geometrics such as rectangles, triangles, trapezoid, octagons, pentagons, etc., or Radius Geometrics which include half-rounds, quarter-rounds, full-rounds, sectors, ellipses, eyebrows, etc.
• Glass – Glass is a transparent material made up of sand, soda, and lime.
• Glazing – Glazing is the art of attaching a pane of glass to a frame, then sealing it in place.
• Glazing bead – A glazing bead is a strip of vinyl placed around the edge of a piece of glass. This holds it in place along with other sealants.
• Grids – Grids(grills) are bars put on a window to divide the larger pane into what looks like smaller panes.
• Head – The head is the part of the frame at the top of the window.
• Head expander – A vinyl shape cut the width of a product and placed on the head, fitting over it snugly. This piece is used as a filler to expand or lengthen the unit from the head and take up the gap in the opening between the unit and the opening in the unit.
• Hermetically sealed – Hermetically sealed windows are completely sealed against the escape or entry of air.
• Hopper – A hopper is a window that’s hinged on the bottom, allowing it to open inward.
• I.G. (Insulating Glass) unit – An I.G. unit is a double- or triple-pane window, with air-space between the panes, and sealed at the edges.
• Insulating glass – Insulating glass is two or more pieces of glass enclosing a hermetically sealed airspace to reduce thermal loss.
• Jamb – The jambs are the parts of the frame on either side of the window.
• Keeper Rail – The horizontal section of the sash where the keeper is attached.
• Keeper Stile – The vertical section of the sash where the keeper is attached.
• Krypton gas – Krypton gas is used for the same purpose as argon gas. The difference is that it’s twice as dense as argon, or 12 times denser than air.
• Laminated glass – Laminated glass is made by bonding a tough protective layer or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two panes of glass under heat and pressure.
• Lift handle – A lift handle is simply the handle used to open and close a window.
• Lift rail – A lift rail is the same as a lift handle, except it goes all the way across the sash.
• Lite – A unit of glass in a window.
• Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass – Low-E glass has a special clear coating on it that blocks infrared energy from passing through it.
• Main Frame – The head, sill and jambs sections of a window.
• Mechanically-fastened frame – A mechanically-fastened frame is put together using screws, as opposed to fusion-welding.
• Mesh – Mesh is a fabric made of fiberglass or aluminum used for screens on windows and doors.
• Mullion – A vertical or horizontal connecting unit between two or more windows.
• Muntin bar – A muntin bar, also known as a grille or a mullion, is a bar that’s used to divide panes.
• Obscure glass – Obscure glass is translucent, rather than transparent, and is used for such places as bathroom windows.
• Patio door – A patio door is made up of two panes of glass, slides open and closed but has only one operable sash.
• Picture window – A picture window is usually very large and has a sash that can’t be moved.
• Radiation – Wave energy transmitted directly from one object to another through the atmosphere or through transparent or translucent materials. The energy radiated is transmitted, absorbed, reflected or a combination of all three.
• Rail – The rail is the horizontal part of the sash.
• R-value – The R-value of a window refers to the amount of heat loss it allows. The higher the number, the less heat is lost. R-values today can go from 0.9 to 4.0, or even more.
• Rail - The rails are the parts of the sash that are horizontal.
• Sash – The sash is the part of the window that holds the pane.
• Shading Coefficient – The ratio of solar heat that is transferred through a glazing material relative to the solar heat transferred through 1/8″ clear glass. The lower the number- the more efficient the window is at reducing solar heat gains.
• Sill - The sill is the bottom part of the frame.
• Sill Extender – An extrusion that is attached to the bottom of the window to cover the gap between the sill and the rough opening.
• Single-hung – A single-hung window is the same as a double-hung window, except the top sash doesn’t move.
• Single-strength glass – Single-strength glass is about 3/32” thick.
• Slider window – A slider window moves back and forth, as opposed to up and down.
• Sloped sill – A sloped sill is the outside of the window sill, and is sloped downward to allow water to run off.
• Solar Heat Gain – The percentage of heat gained from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. The smaller the number, the greater the ability to reduce solar heat gain.
• Spacer – Material placed between two or more pieces of glass in order to maintain a uniform width between the glass, and prevent sealant distortion.
• Stile – The stiles are the parts of a frame that run up and down.
• Tempered glass – Tempered glass is specially treated, so that when it breaks, it shatters into little pieces.
• Transom – A transom is a horizontal crosspiece(window) over a door or between a window and a door. It refers to a small, hinged window above a door or another window.
• Tilt latch – A tilt latch unlocks the sash and allows it to tilt in from the main frame.
• Total Unit U- and R-values – The U- and R-values of the window calculated from the average U and R-values from the center of glass, edge of glass, and frame.
• U-value – A window’s U-value refers to how much heat passes through the glass. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation.
• Vent-lock – Latch mechanism on the interior face of the sash which retains the window in a partially open position for ventilation.
• Visible light transmittance – The percentage of light that is transmitted through glass. The higher the number the higher the percentage of light transmitted through the window.
• Weather-stripping – Material used to form a weather-resistant seal around operable sash.
• Weep flaps – Weep flaps are little vinyl-covered holes that let water escape, while keeping bugs out.
• Weep slots – Weep slots are holes in the sill that let water run outside.

Replacement and Installation of Bay and Bow Windows

Bay and Bow windows are a distinctive architectural statement that reach out and capture the view. Whether you’re opening up a small room with limited wall space or using the window as an architectural focal point, bays and bows are a beautiful way to bring the outdoors indoors. If you are attempting to make a definite aesthetic statement, you cannot go wrong with bay and bow windows. Both of these styles of vinyl windows can provide a dynamic visual impact to your residential façade. There are some designers who consider the terms bay and bow windows interchangeable but they are not. Granted both designs provide a large viewing plane that permits maximum natural light illumination, and each style is fashioned from a unity of individual aspects. Still they do differ on a few major points.

For free estimates on Bow’s and Bay’s windows replacement and installation in the Greater Toronto area call: 416-638-8300

  The only difference between a bow and bay is there layout. The bow window has four or five even units composing the window. The bay is always a picture window flanked with operating units. Whichever of these vinyl windows you choose, bay and bow windows add a distinctive flair to the interior and exterior of your residence. The height and breadth of bay and bow windows in the contemporary design agenda affords the purchaser and designer with the greatest amount of flexibility. The size of these styles of vinyl windows lends itself handily to both dramatic and classic window dressings. Bay and bow windows will not overpower the clean lines of an airy set of sheers or buckle under the weight of panels of genuine hardwood blinds. The measurement of these windows ensures that they will provide a strong focal point in any room. Even with only a rudimentary knowledge of design and composition, anyone can incorporate the classical yet contemporary lines of the bay and bow windows style into their overall decorative theme. Bay windows are much desired by homeowners because of the way they project outwards to extend a home, creating more living space. From the interior, they can become a graceful, sunlit place in the home and provide a panoramic view. From the exterior, they offer a welcoming, decorative architectural touch. Bay windows are versatile. They can be the primary front living room window in a home, but can also be used as side or rear windows, or anywhere there is sufficient exterior projection space in the home. The durability and energy efficiency features to our Bay windows. All Bay windows must be custom-built to specific applications. A bay window is actually formed by three complete and individual vinyl windows that are joined together to create the complete window unit. The panels are typically set at an angle so the unit projects from the wall. The centre pane is fixed while the adjoining frames are home to fixed frame or vented windows. A bow window usually has at least four casement vinyl windows that are arranged so that they form a curve. Casement windows open on a hinge, often with a crank, whereas fixed framed windows do not open at all and vented windows do not necessarily have to be casement windows but they do have to open enough to allow ventilation.

 Bow windows are welcomed by homeowners and frequently called for by architects because of their grand, sweeping curves that can turn a standard window opening into an appealing architectural enhancement. Bow windows are projection windows that have the benefit of adding space to a home. They don’t project outward as far as Bay windows, and have more glass panels and softer, more rounded angles. Interior designers love bow windows because their outward extension invites the creation of a very picturesque setting in the home, one that allows for a magnificent exterior view. They have all the strength and durability features built into every window. Every bow window is somewhat unique and therefore must be custom-built to the specifications of the space where it’s to be installed. They have many other features and benefits you should be aware of. Bay and bow windows can be appreciated from the exterior of the house as well as the interior. The same principals that make these vinyl windows a focal point in your living room, bedroom or dining room also work outside. As a backdrop for simple or complex scenic arrangements, bay and bow windows provide a unique and aesthetically pleasing compositional aspect. The broad expanse of vinyl windows act as a mirror to reflect the different facets that have come together and formed the make up of your landscaping composition.

Vinyl Bow Window

 Bay and bow windows offer the opportunity to make a strong statement that goes a long way to defining your aesthetic personality. These two styles of vinyl windows also offer the opportunity to combine those aesthetics with a practical application of household climate management by letting in air and light. Not only do bay and bow windows look great they provide a host of positive functions as well. Our goal is to improve the appearance, efficiency, comfort, and ultimate value, of any home that has our Bay or Bow windows installed with services in the Greater Toronto area includes Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Ajax, Pickering, Markham, Unionville, Thornhill, Woodbridge, Richmond Hill and Aurora.

Bay Windows

The Home Renovation Tax Credit For Doors and Windows

Canada’s Economic Action Plan

The Home Renovation Tax Credit For Doors and Windows

Home renovations are smart investments in the long term value of a home and also create economic activity by increasing the demand for labour, building materials and other goods. Renovations can also reduce energy consumption and the long-term cost of owning a home. To provide some $3 billion of much-needed fiscal stimulus and encourage investments in Canada’s housing stock, Budget 2009 proposes to implement a temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).

How the HRTC Will Work

The 15-per-cent credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350.

The credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures incurred on one or more of an individual’s eligible dwellings. Properties eligible for the HRTC include houses, cottages and condominium units that are owned for personal use.

Renovation costs for projects such as finishing a basement or re-modelling a kitchen will be eligible for the credit, along with associated expenses such as building permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.

Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.

Who Can Claim the HRTC?

About 4.6 million families in Canada are expected to benefit from the credit.

Taxpayers can claim the HRTC when filing their 2009 tax return.

Eligibility for the HRTC will be family-based. For the purpose of the credit, a family is generally considered to consist of an individual, and where applicable, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner.

Family members will be able to share the credit.

Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.

Examples of HRTC Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures

Eligible

Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement

New carpet or hardwood floors

Windows and doors replacement

A new furnace or water heater

Painting the interior or exterior of a house

Resurfacing a driveway

Laying new sod

Ineligible

Furniture and appliances (refrigerator, stove, couch)

Purchase of tools

Carpet cleaning

Maintenance contracts (furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc.)

Examples of the Benefits of the Home Renovation Tax Credit

Sally and Ed are a couple who have recently purchased a house. In response to the temporary HRTC, they decide to replace their old windows and improve the insulation in their home in 2009, instead of waiting, incurring $10,000 in expenditures. After taking into account the $1,000 minimum threshold, a 15-per-cent credit will be available on $9,000 in eligible expenditures, providing tax relief of $1,350.

William and Marie are a couple who are planning to purchase a more energy-efficient furnace for their home, and build a deck at their cottage sometime later. To take full advantage of the temporary HRTC, they decide to do both projects in 2009 rather than waiting. They pay $5,000 for the furnace and $3,500 for the deck. They also decide to have the area around the deck landscaped for $2,500, bringing their total costs to $11,000 ($5,000 + $3,500 + $2,500). Marie claims a credit of $1,350 on the maximum allowable amount of $9,000.

Karen and Heather are sisters who share ownership of a condominium unit. They each incur $7,500 in expenditures renovating the kitchen in the condo. Karen and Heather each claim a $975 credit on eligible expenditures of $6,500 ($7,500 – $1,000).