Question 1

Are fixed picture windows cheaper than operable ones?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fixed picture windows are typically 20-30% cheaper than comparable operable windows because they have fewer moving parts, simpler hardware, and less complex installation requirements.

Cost differences in the Ottawa market break down like this: A standard vinyl casement window might cost $500-700 installed, while a similar-sized fixed picture window runs $400-550. The savings come from eliminating the operating mechanism, crank hardware, weatherstripping around moving sashes, and the additi

Question 2

Do casement windows cost more than double-hung windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, casement windows typically cost 10-20% more than comparable double-hung windows, though the exact difference depends on size, materials, and energy efficiency features.

In the Ottawa market, you can expect to pay $450-900 for a standard vinyl double-hung window versus $500-1,000 for a comparable casement window. The price difference comes from casement windows having more complex hardware - including crank mechanisms, multi-point locking systems, and weatherstripping that runs around the e

Question 3

What's a hopper window and where would I use one?

Accepted Answer

A hopper window is a window that hinges at the bottom and opens inward from the top, creating a small opening that allows air to flow in while keeping most of the window area intact. Think of it as the opposite of an awning window - instead of the top hinge opening outward, the bottom hinge allows the top to tilt inward toward your room.

Hopper windows are most commonly used in basements because they sit well in below-grade window wells and provide excellent ventilation while maintaining securi

Question 4

Can I mix different window styles on my house?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - mixing different window styles is not only acceptable but often creates a more visually interesting and functional home design. Many Ottawa homeowners successfully combine various window styles to match their home's architecture, maximize natural light, and meet specific room requirements.

Strategic mixing works best when you maintain consistency in key elements. Keep the same frame color, material, and grid pattern (if using grids) across all windows to create visual cohesion. For

Question 5

What type of window is best for a bathroom in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Casement or awning windows are typically the best choice for Ottawa bathrooms, offering superior ventilation control and weather sealing that's crucial for managing moisture in our climate.

Casement windows are ideal for most bathroom applications because they open fully outward with a crank mechanism, providing maximum ventilation to quickly remove humid air. The compression seal around the entire frame makes them exceptionally weathertight - important for Ottawa's temperature extremes and win

Question 6

What are the fire safety requirements for basement egress windows?

Accepted Answer

Basement egress windows must meet specific fire safety requirements under the Ontario Building Code to provide a safe emergency exit route. These requirements are critical for occupant safety and are strictly enforced during building inspections.

Minimum Opening Requirements
The egress window must provide a clear opening of at least 0.35 square meters (3.8 square feet) with no dimension less than 380mm (15 inches). The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 1.5 meters (5 feet) above th

Question 7

Are sliding windows a good choice for bedrooms?

Accepted Answer

Sliding windows can be an excellent choice for bedrooms, offering easy operation, good ventilation control, and space-saving benefits that work well in sleeping areas.

Sliding windows are particularly well-suited for bedrooms because they don't swing inward or outward, making them ideal when you have furniture, curtains, or limited space around the window opening. You can easily control airflow by sliding one panel partially open for gentle ventilation during sleep, or fully open for maximum fr

Question 8

What window style gives the best ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Casement windows provide the best ventilation because they open outward like a door, allowing the entire window opening to catch and direct airflow into your home.

When a casement window is opened, it acts like a scoop that can capture breezes from multiple directions and funnel them inside. Unlike sliding windows that only open halfway, or double-hung windows where only the top or bottom sash opens, casement windows give you 100% of the opening for airflow. This makes them particularly effecti

Question 9

Do I need egress windows in my basement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you likely need egress windows in your basement if it contains bedrooms or if you're planning to finish it as living space. The Ontario Building Code requires emergency escape routes from all sleeping areas and habitable rooms below grade.

Egress window requirements are quite specific in Ontario. Each bedroom must have at least one window or exterior door that can serve as an emergency exit. For basement bedrooms, this means installing egress windows with minimum opening dimensions of 3.8

Question 10

Do awning windows work well in Ottawa's rainy weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes, awning windows are excellent for Ottawa's rainy weather because they're hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, creating a natural overhang that sheds rain away from the opening.

Awning windows are particularly well-suited for Ottawa's climate where we experience significant rainfall, especially during spring and summer months. When opened, the sash acts like a small awning or canopy, allowing you to keep windows open for ventilation even during light to moderate rain. This des

Question 11

Are garden windows good for Ottawa's climate?

Accepted Answer

Garden windows can work well in Ottawa's climate, but they require careful selection and proper installation to handle our extreme temperature swings and heavy snow loads. The key is choosing a high-performance unit designed for Climate Zone 6 conditions.

Energy Performance Considerations

Garden windows have more glass surface area than standard windows, which means greater potential for heat loss during Ottawa's cold winters. To compensate, you'll want triple-pane glass with Low-E coatings an

Question 12

What is the difference between single-hung and double-hung windows?

Accepted Answer

Single-hung windows have only the bottom sash that moves up and down, while double-hung windows have both the top and bottom sashes that can move independently. This fundamental difference affects ventilation, cleaning, and overall functionality.

Single-hung windows are the more basic and affordable option. Only the bottom portion (sash) slides up to open the window, while the top sash remains fixed in place. This design limits your ventilation options since air can only enter from the bottom o

Question 13

What type of window is easiest to clean from the inside?

Accepted Answer

Tilt-in double-hung windows are the easiest windows to clean from inside your home. These windows have both upper and lower sashes that tilt inward, allowing you to clean the exterior glass surface while standing safely inside.

With tilt-in double-hung windows, you simply unlock the tilt latches at the top of each sash and gently pull the top of the window toward you. The sash pivots on hinges at the bottom, giving you full access to clean both sides of the glass from inside your home. This fea

Window Styles & Types