1. Energy Ratings
Energy efficiency is the primary factor affecting your heating and cooling costs. When selecting windows, these are the three critical metrics you need to know:
U-Factor (Thermal Transmittance):
What it is: This measures how fast heat escapes through the window. The lower the number, the better the insulation.
The Arcview Advantage: Our advanced Thermal-Break technology, combined with 4SG Warm-Edge Spacers, effectively cuts off the thermal bridge between indoors and outdoors. This significantly lowers the U-Factor, keeping your home warm even during the coldest Canadian nights.
SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient):
What it is: This measures how much solar radiation passes through the glass into your home.
Why it matters: In Canada, a balanced SHGC is key. It allows for beneficial "passive solar gain" (free heat) in the winter, while our high-performance Low-E coatings block excessive heat in the summer to reduce air conditioning costs.
ER Rating (Energy Rating):
What it is: A specific Canadian standard that calculates an overall score based on U-Factor, SHGC, and Air Leakage. The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the window.
Standard: Arcview products are engineered to meet and exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements for all Canadian climate zones (Zones 1, 2, and 3).
2. NAFS (North American Fenestration Standard)
NAFS is the "Gold Standard" for the window and door industry in North America. It goes beyond energy to test the physical durability and protection of the product. Our systems are tested for:
Air Leakage Resistance:
Tests how much air passes through the window under pressure. Arcview’s multi-point sealing system creates an airtight barrier, preventing cold drafts, dust entry, and significantly improving sound insulation.
Water Penetration Resistance:
Tests the window's ability to keep water out during heavy rainstorms. utilizing a pressure-equalized drainage system, our windows are designed to withstand high-velocity driving rain without leaking.
Structural Performance (Wind Load):
Tests the structural integrity under extreme wind pressure. Thanks to our German-engineered hardware (ROTO/G-U) and heavy-gauge aluminum profiles, Arcview windows achieve high Performance Grade (PG) ratings, ensuring stability in high-rises and severe storms.
3. Canadian Climate Suitability
The Canadian climate is extreme, fluctuating from +30°C summers to -30°C winters. Standard windows often fail under this stress. Arcview systems are purpose-built for this environment:
Condensation Resistance:
The Challenge: When it is freezing outside and warm inside, traditional metal spacers cause glass edges to sweat, leading to mold and ice buildup.
The Solution: We use 4SG Warm-Edge Spacers as a standard. This non-metal technology keeps the edge of the glass warmer, drastically reducing condensation risk and protecting your sills from moisture damage.
Thermal Stability:
Our thermal-break aluminum profiles are engineered to handle rapid temperature changes (thermal cycling) without warping or twisting. This ensures that your windows will open and close smoothly for decades, regardless of the season.
Extreme Cold Durability:
We utilize high-grade EPDM weatherstripping, which remains flexible even in sub-zero temperatures. Unlike standard PVC seals that can become brittle and crack in the cold, EPDM maintains a tight seal year after year.
Energy efficiency is the primary factor affecting your heating and cooling costs. When selecting windows, these are the three critical metrics you need to know:
U-Factor (Thermal Transmittance):
What it is: This measures how fast heat escapes through the window. The lower the number, the better the insulation.
The Arcview Advantage: Our advanced Thermal-Break technology, combined with 4SG Warm-Edge Spacers, effectively cuts off the thermal bridge between indoors and outdoors. This significantly lowers the U-Factor, keeping your home warm even during the coldest Canadian nights.
SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient):
What it is: This measures how much solar radiation passes through the glass into your home.
Why it matters: In Canada, a balanced SHGC is key. It allows for beneficial "passive solar gain" (free heat) in the winter, while our high-performance Low-E coatings block excessive heat in the summer to reduce air conditioning costs.
ER Rating (Energy Rating):
What it is: A specific Canadian standard that calculates an overall score based on U-Factor, SHGC, and Air Leakage. The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the window.
Standard: Arcview products are engineered to meet and exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements for all Canadian climate zones (Zones 1, 2, and 3).
2. NAFS (North American Fenestration Standard)
NAFS is the "Gold Standard" for the window and door industry in North America. It goes beyond energy to test the physical durability and protection of the product. Our systems are tested for:
Air Leakage Resistance:
Tests how much air passes through the window under pressure. Arcview’s multi-point sealing system creates an airtight barrier, preventing cold drafts, dust entry, and significantly improving sound insulation.
Water Penetration Resistance:
Tests the window's ability to keep water out during heavy rainstorms. utilizing a pressure-equalized drainage system, our windows are designed to withstand high-velocity driving rain without leaking.
Structural Performance (Wind Load):
Tests the structural integrity under extreme wind pressure. Thanks to our German-engineered hardware (ROTO/G-U) and heavy-gauge aluminum profiles, Arcview windows achieve high Performance Grade (PG) ratings, ensuring stability in high-rises and severe storms.
3. Canadian Climate Suitability
The Canadian climate is extreme, fluctuating from +30°C summers to -30°C winters. Standard windows often fail under this stress. Arcview systems are purpose-built for this environment:
Condensation Resistance:
The Challenge: When it is freezing outside and warm inside, traditional metal spacers cause glass edges to sweat, leading to mold and ice buildup.
The Solution: We use 4SG Warm-Edge Spacers as a standard. This non-metal technology keeps the edge of the glass warmer, drastically reducing condensation risk and protecting your sills from moisture damage.
Thermal Stability:
Our thermal-break aluminum profiles are engineered to handle rapid temperature changes (thermal cycling) without warping or twisting. This ensures that your windows will open and close smoothly for decades, regardless of the season.
Extreme Cold Durability:
We utilize high-grade EPDM weatherstripping, which remains flexible even in sub-zero temperatures. Unlike standard PVC seals that can become brittle and crack in the cold, EPDM maintains a tight seal year after year.