adminAPX, Author at Aluplex Glass and Skylights

Are Skylights Hail-Proof?

December 29, 2023 By adminAPX

Living in Toronto, where weather can be unpredictable, homeowners often wonder if skylights are hail-proof. You might wonder “Will hail end up through my window?” The short answer is that while skylights are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including hail, their resistance may vary.

Understanding Skylight Materials

Skylights are a popular feature in modern architecture and they are used to bring in natural light and add a unique aesthetic appeal to a space. Skylights can be made with different materials, such as tempered glass and polycarbonate, and their ability to resist hail damage depends on the material used. Rest assured you will never have to worry, “what will happen if hail goes through my window?”

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is commonly used in buildings, vehicles, and various other applications. One of its popular uses is for skylights due to its strength and durability. The process of manufacturing tempered glass involves a special treatment that makes it more resistant to impacts, including hailstones.

During the manufacturing process, the glass is heated to a very high temperature of around 600 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooled using a process known as quenching. This rapid cooling creates a strong outer layer that is under compression and a relatively weak inner layer that is under tension. This design makes tempered glass more resistant to impact and less likely to break into sharp pieces that can cause harm.

In addition to its strength and durability, tempered glass is also known for its ability to withstand temperature changes better than regular glass. This makes it an ideal choice for skylights, which are exposed to both extreme heat and cold. Overall, tempered glass is a reliable and safe option for skylights and other applications that require strong, durable, and impact-resistant glass.

Hail Resistant

Polycarbonate is another common material used for skylights and it is also hail-resistant. It is a type of plastic that is known for its impact resistance and strength, making it an ideal choice for high-risk areas. Polycarbonate skylights provide added protection against hail damage and can help to ensure that your skylight lasts for many years to come.

When choosing a skylight, it is important to consider the material used and its ability to resist hail damage. Tempered glass and polycarbonate are both excellent choices and can provide the durability and protection that you need to keep your skylight looking great for years to come.

Impact on Longevity

If you have skylights installed in your building, it’s important to keep in mind that while they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, they are not completely immune to damage caused by severe hailstorms. Over time, repeated exposure to hail can cause damage to the skylight, which can impact its longevity. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a professional to assess the specific needs of your location in Toronto to ensure that your skylight is properly protected against hail damage.

In addition, regular maintenance and inspections can help identify any potential issues before they become major concerns. By scheduling routine maintenance and inspections, you can ensure that your skylight is in good condition and functioning optimally.

This can help prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. So, it’s better to take preventive measures and keep your skylight in top condition.

Are slider windows cheaper than casement?

August 28, 2023 By adminAPX

When choosing windows for your home, the cost is crucial in the decision-making process. And aluminum sliding door, sliding doors, and casement windows are popular options, each with characteristics and advantages. Many homeowners wonder whether slider windows are cheaper than casement windows. This article delves into the various aspects of both window styles and their associated costs.

1. Upfront Purchase Cost

Slider windows are often considered more budget-friendly regarding upfront purchase cost. Their design is simpler, requiring fewer components and hardware. Slider windows are easier to manufacture with a horizontal orientation and a sliding mechanism, resulting in lower production expenses. Homeowners looking to decrease initial expenses might find slider windows or an aluminum sliding door option a cost-effective choice.

2. Installation Expenses

Installation costs are another consideration when comparing slider and casement windows. Slider windows generally require less labor and time to install due to their uncomplicated design. The installation process for slider windows is straightforward, involving the placement of tracks for horizontal movement.

On the other hand, casement windows, with their vertical hinging and outward swing mechanism, can be more intricate to install. The complexity of casement window installation might lead to higher labor costs, making slider windows potentially more affordable in this aspect.

3. Long-Term Energy Efficiency

While slider windows may have the advantage of upfront and installation costs, casement windows often offer better long-term energy efficiency. Casement windows are known for their airtight seal when closed, minimizing drafts and air leakage.

This air-sealing property can improve insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs over time. Although slider windows can still provide reasonable insulation, they might not match the energy efficiency level of casement windows.

4. Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance and durability are crucial factors to consider when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of window options. With their fewer moving parts and robust sealing mechanism, casement windows tend to be more durable over time. Their vertical hinges and tight seal reduce the potential for wear and tear, leading to fewer maintenance needs.

Due to their horizontal sliding mechanism, slider windows might experience more friction and usage-related issues. The need for occasional maintenance or repairs could add to the long-term cost of slider windows.

Find the Right Windows for You

In the debate of whether slider windows are cheaper than casement windows, the answer is multifaceted and depends on various factors. Slider windows hold an advantage regarding initial purchase cost and installation expenses, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Casement windows excel in long-term energy efficiency and durability, potentially offsetting their higher upfront costs. The decision should be based on a holistic evaluation of your priorities, including budget, energy efficiency goals, and long-term maintenance considerations.

Call Us Today

Before making a final choice, it’s wise to consult with window professionals who can provide insights tailored to your specific needs. Ultimately, the best choice between slider and casement windows will align with your budget, energy efficiency aspirations, and the overall aesthetics of your home. By weighing all these factors, you can make an informed decision that meets your financial constraints and enhances the comfort and value of your living space. Contact us today.

4 Ways to Make Your Home Stand Out in Your Neighbourhood

August 6, 2019 By adminAPX

The first impression of a home is like the first impression of a person – what you initially see and feel will dictate your reaction. If the front yard is cluttered with toys and the grass looks like a jungle, it doesn’t give off a good impression. However, if you walk up to a house that has a well-kept lawn and nothing that you have to step over, you’ll have a better feeling.

The same goes for the inside of your home too. If you want your home to stand out amongst the rest, there are small changes, or more drastic ones if you prefer, that can make a significant difference.

Here are four ways that you can make your home stand out in your neighbourhood.

Add Lots of Windows

Windows add a whole new element to a home, no matter what size it is. Inside, windows allow the natural sunlight to illuminate the entire house. On the outside, it adds a unique feature, especially if you use different windows that other people use.

Skylights are another way to make your house pop. Although you don’t always see them from the road, when you’re inside, though, they add a unique feature to the room.

Paint Your Front Door

If you drove down a street that had the exact same house side-by-side, but one had a door painted a vibrant colour compared to the other, chances are your eyes would go towards the house with the vibrant door. Giving your front door a pop of colour can really draw in people.

Have fun with colour options for the front door. However, stay within the same colour pallet of your home. You want your home to stand out in a good way.

Hang Decorative Art

Not only does art give you and your guests something to talk about, but it can also add a new feeling to the room. Think of a time that you went to someone’s house, whether it be a friend or when you were house-hunting, and you saw artwork that grabbed your attention. If you really like it, you likely think about it often.

An easy way to make your home memorable and stand out is to add decorative art. It could be paintings on the wall, sculptures, or even accent pillows on the couch.

Plant Trees

Another way to make your house pop is to plant trees in the front and backyard. Trees serve a real-life purpose, but they also can make your home stand out compared to the ones beside it.

To step it up a notch, add trees that have a pop of colour, especially when the leaves turn in fall. Take a drive around town to see the yards with trees and how they stand out amongst everything else.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or redecorate, use the list above to help you add elements that will make your house stand out in your neighbourhood.

5 Home Improvements to Add Value to Your Home

August 6, 2019 By adminAPX

Buying a house is an investment that typically increases in value over time. In some circumstances, there isn’t much more you can do to the property to add more value. However, in many situations, even the simplest improvement can drastically change the value of your property.

If you’re planning to sell your home or are looking to spruce things up at the moment, we have five renovations that you can do to increase the value of your home.

Replace and Update the Windows

If you want to add a bit of value to your home, replacing your windows is a sure way to do it. You don’t want just any windows, however. Energy-efficient windows are the way to go. People are always looking for ways to save on their utility bills, and energy-efficient windows allow you to keep the warm air in during winter, and the cold air in during summer.

If you don’t have one already, consider installing a skylight as well. Skylights add a different source of natural light and are another way to allow the fresh air inside.

Update Your Kitchen

For most families, the kitchen is the heart of their home. It’s where everyone congregates after a long day, where you entertain the majority of your guests, and the most obvious reason, where you cook and sometimes eat your meals.

Updating the kitchen can go two ways – either it can significantly increase the value of your home, in which you recoup most of your costs, or you could invest too much that doesn’t match the rest of your home and never get that money back. As you remodel your kitchen, keep in mind the style of the rest of your home.

Change a Room

It’s easy to think that you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars, expanding the square footage of your home to increase the value. However, simply converting an existing room into something different can help. If you haven’t finished your basement, complete that task and turn it into a second living room or a recreational room for kids. You could even turn the attic into a craft room or a new office space.

Before doing any drastic changes to your home, consider reinventing certain rooms that don’t get used very often. You’d be surprised the ideas you can come up with, and how much it affects the value of your home.

Finish Simple Upgrades

Although you may not want to do them and can easily say that the new owners can take care of them, but if you want to recoup as much of your investment as possible, finish any simple upgrades around the house. Adding things like a fresh coat of paint, replacing broken tiles or splinted trim, or even fixing plumbing problems, are upgrades that can help you out with the value of your home.

Upgrades to Avoid

Not all updates will add value to your home, no matter how much you enjoy them. Adding in pools, installing crazy expensive appliances and turning your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant, won’t help you in the long run.

If you want to add more value to your house, think of practical improvements that will help the house.

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool During Summer

July 2, 2019 By adminAPX

In Canada, even though we’re known for our cold winters with lots of snow, we still can get sweltering summers. When the sun beats down, and the house warms up, your first instinct is likely to turn up the AC to cool everything down. You’ll know that method works when you stop sweating, and when you get your next power bill in the mail.

Turning up the AC will rack up your electrical bill really quickly. If you don’t want to pay more but prefer not to sweat when you’re sitting in your home, then it’s time to look for different ways to cool your house in the summer. Try one of the following five ideas below.

Close the Blinds

If the sun is shining into your home, it’s going to warm it up. It’s nice to let the sunshine in throughout the day and enjoy the benefits from it. However, when it’s above 30 degrees outside in the middle of the afternoon, that sun will sure warm up your house.

Close the blinds to block out the sun and subsequently its heat. Especially for windows that face the sun in the afternoon, keeping the blinds closed will help prevent how much heat enters your home. Blackout curtains will work the best.

Use a Fan

Sometimes all we need is to circulate the sitting air around our house. Instead of relying on the AC to do that, have a fan. If you work from home and find the afternoons unbearable, a little fan on your desk will blow enough air in your direction to cool you off.

Want more than circulation? Using this trick can turn your fan into a mini air conditioner. Put a bowl of ice in front of the fan, so it blows the coolness towards you.

Open Windows in the Evening

As the sun sets so too (typically) does the temperature. When this happens, it’s the perfect time to open any windows and skylights you have in your home to let in fresh, cool air. On days that are colder than normal, you can do the same thing. Plus, not only will it cool your home, you get to enjoy the benefits of fresh air in your home.

Turn Your Ceiling Fan Counter-Clockwise

Did you know the direction of your ceiling fan can change the feeling of the air? When you turn it counter-clockwise and put it at high speed, the airflow turns into a wind-like breeze that will cool the room below. So, if you have a ceiling fan, keep it and crank it up in the summer.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated isn’t just essential for your health, but it can also help keep you relatively cool. Drinking icy-cold drinks can help keep your temperature at a tolerable level. Just like you would grab a hot cup of hot chocolate on a frigidly cold day, grab that cool glass of water (add some fruit to infuse it for an extra taste) to cool you down.

If you’re trying to save money and conserve energy, turning up the AC in the summer should be your last resort. Try using these hacks first to keep yourself and your house cool when the sun is at its hottest.

6 Common Roof Issues to Watch For

July 2, 2019 By adminAPX

At one point or another, homeowners will encounter an issue with their roof. Just as with every other part of the home, your roof will wear down over time, especially if you’ve have nasty storms roll through.

The roof is not something you want to mess around with or taking your time addressing. A simple leak can quickly turn into a disaster if left alone. Roof problems don’t go away; they get worse.

Keep tabs on the look of the roof and anything happening inside. If you notice one of the following six common roof issues, it may be time to hire a professional.

Leaks

Most likely, the most common issue you’ll come across as a homeowner is a leak in the roof. A leak can stem from many different sources, including a broken shingle, broken weatherstripping, and broken seal around skylights. It doesn’t take long for a simple leak to turn into something bigger, or to cause serious damage to the inside of your home.

Broken Shingles

The shingles on your roof have a lifespan. For basic asphalt shingles, you can get away with having shingles last between 15 and 18 years; other types can last up to 30 years. After that, it’s time to inspect them to see what needs replacing.

Broken shingles can come from several issues, including:

Heavy sun exposure
Large temperature variations
Harsh storms
Trees and other debris
Poor installation
Material quality

Clogged Gutters

Gutters serve a significant purpose in protecting the foundation of your home. After a heavy rainstorm, if there are no gutters, the water would simply pour off your roof and fall anywhere it wanted. The gutters collect the water and guide it to an area away from the foundation of your home.

If the gutters are clogged, it prevents the water from flowing down and away from your house. The water can pool on the roof, which can lead to serious damage.

Tree Damage

Something you don’t want happening to your roof – a falling tree. As much as we love having trees in our yards for various reasons, if the branches come into contact with the roof, and can cause damage to the shingles and wear down the surface of the roof. Keeping your trees trimmed will help prevent any contact between the roof and the trees.

Ice Buildup

Not very often will you hear someone say that ice is a good thing, unless it’s in a cube for your drink. Otherwise, ice in other places like the ground and on the roof will only lead to trouble.

Ice buildup can damage the shingles on the roof. Not only that, once it melts, it turns into water that can seep underneath the shingles and damage not just the shingles, but the structure underneath it.

Poor Installation

Poorly installed roofs are never a good idea. Same with using low-quality materials. For the roof of your house, it’s a project you want to invest in and spend the money on the best materials. Otherwise, you’re left with a roof that won’t do its job (protect the house below), and will only have you spending more money to fix it down the road.

If you come across a roof issue, for your own safety, it’s best to call a professional to do the job for you. Fixing a roof can be dangerous, but it is a necessary task to do. Pay attention to the common issues listed above and fix them as quickly as possible.