Which method is right for you?

When replacing existing windows and doors, there are typically two types of installation methods: Insert replacement (also known as jumping the frame) and full frame replacement (complete tear-out). An insert replacement involves retaining the existing window structure and installing a new frame within it. This method keeps the original frame intact and removes only the glazing (glass). It is best suited for situations where the existing frame is in good condition, showing no signs of deterioration or damage. However, this approach relies on the insulating properties of the old frame, which may be limited.

A full frame replacement, on the other hand, involves removing the entire window assembly down to the studs. This allows for a thorough inspection of the surrounding structure and the opportunity to address any underlying issues before installing a completely new, well-sealed, and insulated window unit.

Pros of Insert Replacement:

If you’re aiming to preserve the heritage look of your home, insert replacement allows for continuity with existing interior and exterior moldings. It offers improved energy efficiency compared to older windows and is a less invasive installation process, which can result in cost savings.

Cons of Insert Replacement:

The success of this method depends entirely on the integrity of the existing frame. Once the glazing is removed, hidden moisture damage may become apparent, potentially requiring full reframing and additional costs. Insert replacements can also conceal structural issues, as the new window simply covers the old frame. While they offer an upgrade over outdated windows, insert replacements are generally less energy efficient than full-frame installations and may reduce the overall viewing area.

Pros of Full Frame Replacement:

This method delivers superior energy efficiency and allows for the identification and repair of any hidden structural problems. By replacing everything with new, high-performance materials, homeowners benefit from better insulation, increased longevity, and a maximized viewing area that enhances natural light. The investment also contributes to long-term savings through improved energy performance.

Cons of Full Frame Replacement:   

The primary drawback is the higher upfront cost, though this is often offset over time by energy savings. The installation process is more disruptive and time-consuming, but it provides a more comprehensive and lasting solution.

Comparing Insert vs. Full Frame Replacement

When deciding how to upgrade your windows and doors, it’s important to weigh the benefits of each installation method. Insert replacements are ideal for quick, cost-effective upgrades when the existing frame is in good shape. Full-frame replacements, while more involved, offer the highest level of performance, durability, and long-term value. Choosing the right method depends on your home’s condition, aesthetic goals, and budget priorities. (more…)

Sage advice for buying exterior doors

The options when buying residential exterior doors can seem endless. Let us help you work through the process by providing some helpful information. If you are hiring a professional installer for your home improvement project, they often take care of many of these details. A professional can save you time, money, and headaches. But if you are installing yourself, We hope the information in this article will help you with your project.

How to measure exterior doors

If you are acting as the professional, you will be responsible for providing all the details starting with the width, height, and depth of the exterior door and frame. Typically, the best measurement to provide the salesperson is the rough opening size. The rough opening size is the measurement of the opening in the wall from stud to stud. Measure the right, middle, and left side and the top, center, and bottom of the opening and provide the smallest measurement.

Sometimes the rough opening is not square, or the header has sagged. Providing the smallest measurement will ensure the door fits the opening properly. When you provide your measurements, clarify which measurement is the width, and which is the height. You wouldn’t want to get your sizes mixed up.

In addition to the width and height, you will also have to provide the wall depth from outside the sheathing to flush with the interior surface of the drywall. 4 ½” is common for older homes and 6 ½” is common for newer homes but the depth can vary depending on construction methods.

Standard door panel sizes are 31 ¾” x 79”, 33 ¾” x 79”, and 35 3/4” x 79”. You can also purchase many door panels with a 95” height and some at 83”. If possible, it’s always best to use a standard size door to save you time and money. Custom door sizes are available, but usually cost more and take longer that standard size exterior doors.

Exterior door design

Would you like a single door, double door, door and one narrow sidelite, door and two narrow sidelites? How about a transom window attached above the door? The size of the opening in the wall usually dictates which configuration would work best. In some cases, you could remove a double door and add a door with two narrow sidelites and vise versa. A salesperson will be able to provide you with options after you provide the size.

Exterior door type

There are many types of doors including steel, smooth fiberglass, wood grain fiberglass, solid wood, and metal clad wood. The type of door you select will likely depend on your taste and budget. One of the most common types of exterior doors sold today is made of fiberglass. Fiberglass exterior doors come with a primed white smooth surface that can be painted or a primed beige wood grain surface that can be painted or stained to look like wood. Fiberglass exterior doors are more dent resistant and less likely to warp than steel exterior doors and are more durable and cost effective than wood or metal clad wood exterior doors.

Most people stain or paint the doors on-site after installation, but factory stained or painted doors and frames are often available. Check with your door supplier to see what options are available.

Exterior door panel design

If you would like a door panel without glass, you can select from several designs to suit your taste. The exterior door panel design is usually the same throughout the house and often matches the design of the interior doors. Common designs include flat or flush panel, 2-panel square, 2-panel arch top, 6-panel, 3-panel equal, 3-panel craftsman, and several shaker panel door styles. Shaker panel doors are characterized by deep panels with 90-degree edges instead of the rounded contoured design of most other door panels. There are also a number of modern steel door designs with indented lines to create a variety of patterns.

Exterior door glass type

Choosing door glass can be simple with plain clear glass or it can become overwhelming with the vast number of decorative glass options available.

If your door will have clear glass then you just need to decide if the door will have half glass, three quarter glass, or full glass. Half glass is common on back or side doors and full glass is common on single and double doors that access the deck or patio. You may want to consider having internal blinds between the glass to block some light or add privacy. The internal venetian blinds are completely sealed between the glass, so they are not able to flop around or be damaged by people or animals. No cleaning is necessary since dust, dirt, and debris cannot settle on the blinds. Strong magnets tilt, raise, and lower the blinds.

If you plan to add decorative glass to your door, ask your supplier which collection of glass you should choose from. There are several different manufacturers, and they all have different designs and prices. The larger the glass and more intricate the detail, the greater the price. It’s usually best to select one or two designs for your salesperson to quote.

Exterior door swing (handing)

It’s important to order each door so that it swings in a direction that suits the area of the house. In our experience, most companies look at the doors from the outside looking in.

If you are outside the home looking inside, do you want the hinges on the right or left side? If the hinges are on the left, it is called a left-hand or left-hand hung. If the hinges are on the right, it is called a right-hand or right-hand hung. If the door swings to the inside, it is called a left-hand inswing or right-hand inswing. If the door swings to the outside, it is called a left-hand outswing or left-hand reverse and a right-hand outswing or right-hand reverse.

Some companies may have a different way of clarifying the door swing or different terminology so its always best to ensure you and the supplier understand each other.

Door frame types

Most of the time, doors are sold as pre-hung units that include a frame to fit a 4 ½” or 6 ½” wall depth. Custom wall depths are often available as an option. The most common and economical door frame is made of primed finger-joint pine. Other options include stain grade hemlock, vertical grain fir, vinyl composite, vinyl wrapped wood, and aluminum clad wood. Primed or stain-grade wood jambs require proper finishing and periodic maintenance while vinyl and aluminum clad wood are more durable and require less maintenance. Wood jambs are usually finished on-site after installation, but a factory paint or stain is an option in some cases. Aluminum clad wood frames come in several colors to suit your needs.

Exterior door accessories

Depending on the type of door, there may be several optional accessories available to finish the door. Hinges are available as a basic pin hinge or a more durable ball bearing hinge. The hinges come in many colors including brass, satin nickel, brushed chrome, oil rubbed bronze and black. In some cases, you may require a spring closure hinge to meet building code requirements.

Door weather-strip is usually included when you buy a door frame and often comes in black, brown or white.

A door viewer or peephole is a useful option to allow you to see outside without opening the door. Quite often used in hotels or apartments, they are also useful and sometimes mandatory in residential applications.

Some craftsman style doors with a small panel or glass on the top are available with a decorative dentil shelf. The dentil shelf makes a door look more interesting and adds curb appeal.

For a more modern look, consider adhering stainless steel metal accents to your door after it has been stained or painted. The accents come in several designs and can transform a basic door into something amazing.

Exterior door hardware

Depending on the size, style, and vendor, exterior doors will either come with hardware or will have holes drilled to accept hardware.

The average exterior door comes with two 2 1/8” holes drilled to accept a standard deadbolt, lever, or doorknob with a 2 ¾” back-set. Most standard brand name hardware from your door supplier or home building center should fit this drilling configuration.

Many premium series doors or doors that are larger than 36” x 80” come with multipoint lever hardware. This hardware is built into the door to meet building code requirements and to ensure the door seals and locks properly. Multipoint hardware must be purchased with the door to make sure the lever is compatible with the internal locking mechanism. Several colors and styles are often available.

When buying exterior doors, there is a lot to consider. We hope this article has provided some valuable tips and insights to make your shopping easier. When you speak with a salesperson, ask a lot of questions, read your entire quote, and make sure you understand every detail. Everyone would like the process to go as smoothly as possible.

Where to buy exterior doors

If you are located in British Columbia, check-out www.berdickwindows.com. They are a family owned and operated window and door manufacturer that has specialized in windows and doors since 1973. Contact Berdick today for a free quote on products and installation services. If you are not in the local area, they can suggest many authorized dealers throughout British Columbia.

Berdick offers many doors options from several brands. Check out these websites for design ideas.

www.masonite.ca

www.thermatru.com

www.wescondoors.com

www.bcdoor.com

If you found this information helpful, you may want to read a few of our other articles that can be found here.

Expert tips for buying new windows

Buying windows for your new home or renovation can be complicated. Let a specialist at Berdick windows and doors help you make it easy.

There are many different types of windows, and each window comes with a variety of options to suit your needs. We always recommend hiring a professional installer for your home improvement project. A professional can save you time, money, and headaches. If you are installing yourself, We hope the information in this article will help you with your project.

There are six points to consider before you meet with a salesperson.

• Size
• Series
• Frame color
• Glass type
• Jamb extension (liner)
• Grids, grilles, muntin bars, or simulated divided lite (SDL)

Size

Providing the size should be simple right? Depending on the type of window frame or installation method, there can be at least three different ways to measure a window.

Typically, the best measurement to provide the salesperson is the rough opening size. The rough opening size is the measurement of the opening in the wall from stud to stud. Measure the right, middle, and left side and the top, center, and bottom of the opening and provide the smallest measurement. Sometimes the rough opening is not square, or the header or sill has sagged or warped. Providing the smallest measurement will ensure the window fits the opening properly. When you provide your measurements, clarify which measurement is the width, and which is the height. You wouldn’t want to purchase windows twice if your sizes get mixed up.

You could also provide the actual window frame size. This is also referred to as the outside measurement of the frame (OSM), or the heel size. Depending on the manufacturer, the window frame size is usually ½” – 1” smaller than the rough opening size. This will provide ¼”- ½” all the way around the window between the window frame and the rough opening. You should have enough space to fit your shims, insulation, building paper, etc.

In some situations, a type of renovation window may be used that comes with a brickmold (moulding) around the exterior of the frame. The 9000 Series window from Berdick Windows and Doors is designed to make finishing easier and increase durability and longevity.  When this type of product is used, the outside measurement of the brickmold (OSM brickmold) can be provided. This is especially useful where the frame and brickmold must fit into a home renovation with a brick exterior. The brick cannot be moved, so the window is made to fit just inside the brick opening.

Series

Each manufacturer will offer windows that vary in type and quality. Common window types are non-opening, crank-out casement, awning windows, and sliding windows. Each type will have a different price, energy efficiency rating, and structural integrity.

Most homes have a mixture of non-opening and horizontal or vertical sliding (single-hung) windows, or non-opening and casement and awning windows. Decide if you want the windows to open, and if so, how you would like the windows to open. Not all rooms require opening windows, but bedrooms need a window large enough to escape out in case of a fire, or a door that leads directly to the exterior.

The size of the window dictates whether it would be best as a horizontal slider, vertical slider, casement, or awning window. Each manufacturer will have different parameters they need to work within, and a salesperson will be able to assist you with your selection.

Frame Color

White is the most common color for vinyl windows, but most companies now offer several color options. Beige, taupe, or desert sand colors are often available as an alternative to white. Some companies offer a painting service to paint the exterior and sometimes the interior of the window. Other companies may offer a frame with a variety of color wraps.

If you plan on ordering windows with a paint finish, make sure to do your research. If the correct paint and process are used, painted windows, like those offered by Berdick Windows, can look amazing and last a long time. It’s important the frames are correctly prepared, the paint is designed to adhere to vinyl, and most importantly, the paint contains particles that reflect the heat from the sun.

We do not recommend painting vinyl window frames yourself. Quite often the manufacturers warranty will be void if the frames are painted outside of the factory. If the wrong preparation process or paint is used, the paint can easily chip, crack, or flake off, and if a dark paint is used, the vinyl frames can get so hot they can warp.

Glass Type

Most windows sold today are at least double pane and come standard with high-efficiency low emissivity (low-e) glass and argon gas between the panes. Low-e glass has a very thin metal coating that helps to insulate and block heat and ultraviolet light. Argon gas is more dense than air and fills the cavity between the glass. Low-e glass and argon gas both help insulate your home and are often required to meet building code requirements.

Depending on where you live, you may need double pane, triple pane, or even quad pane low-e and argon windows to meet the u-value requirements for your area. U-value is the rate at which heat is transferred through an object. The lower the u-value, the more efficient the window will be. Currently, in British Columbia, all windows must have a metric u-value of 1.61 or less to meet building code requirements. Check with your local building official or window supplier to see what is required and select a glass and frame type that suits your needs.

U-values are often displayed as imperial u-values. A 1.61 metric u-value is equal to a 0.2836 imperial u-value. If necessary, you can easily convert back and forth between metric and imperial by multiplying or dividing by a factor of 5.678. For example, 1.61/5.678 = 0.2836 and 0.2836 x 5.678 = 1.61.

Besides low-e glass, there are many other tinted or obscure glass types available to block light or provide privacy. These glass types are used in combination with low-e glass and argon gas to meet building code requirements.

Learn more about glass at Cardinal Glass Industries.

Jamb Extension

A jamb extension or jamb liner is an extension attached to the interior surface of the window frame. A standard window frame is not usually built to match the depth of your wall. A jamb extension is attached so the window frame matches your wall depth and makes finishing easier.

The goal is to install the window so it comes flush with your drywall so the interior casing can simply be applied to finish the interior of the window. The jamb extension is required for most window installations and is usually applied in the factory, but it can also be applied by the finishing carpenter on-site.

Jamb depth is typically 4 ½” or 6 ½” and can vary based on wall type. Jamb liner materials include vinyl, primed finger-joint pine, hemlock, fir, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).

Grids, Grilles, Muntin Bars, or Simulated Divided Lite (SDL)

Internal grids, grilles, or muntin bars are thin pieces of material applied to the glass as a decorative option to create divisions, panes, or lites. Typically, the grids are sealed between the glass and are made of aluminum. Several designs are available such as a top-hung grid, perimeter grid, or a full grid throughout the entire window. Common grid dimensions are 3/8”, 5/8” and 1”, and a number of color options are available. Since the grids are sealed between the glass, cleaning the windows remains quite simple. Internal grids are a durable, cost-effective way to add curb appeal to your windows.

Simulated divided lites (SDL) are similar to internal grids except they are adhered to the interior surface, exterior surface, or both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass. They are one more decorative option that provide a more authentic way to divide the glass into separate panes without going to the expense of having actual separate pieces of glass. The SDL come in a variety of sizes such as 7/8” and 2” and usually match the color of the window frame. Since the SDL are adhered to the outside surfaces of the glass, cleaning will take a little more patience, but the improved aesthetic should make it worth your while.

Now that you know the basics, meeting with your salesperson should be quicker and easier. If you are acting as the professional and installing yourself, you are usually responsible for providing all the measurements and configurations. Make sure you understand every detail of your quote and ask a lot of questions. Windows can be expensive and take a long time to manufacture so you want to make sure everything is ordered correctly the first time.

Where to Buy

If you are located in British Columbia, check-out www.berdickwindows.com. They are a family owned and operated window and door manufacturer that has specialized in windows and doors since 1973. Contact Berdick today for a free quote on products and installation services. If you are not in the local area, they can suggest many authorized dealers throughout British Columbia.

If you found this information helpful, you may want to read a few of our other articles that can be found here.

Vinyl Window Condensation

Condensation on your windows is a common problem. Learn how to solve the problem for free (almost).

It doesn’t matter if your windows are new or old, affordable, or expensive, condensation can occur. There are a few different scenarios where condensation may accumulate on your windows. This article will discuss three different situations where condensation may occur and provide some tips on how to manage the problem.

Interior Window Condensation

Window condensation is the build-up of water vapor on the surface of the glass. The most common type of condensation accumulates on the interior surface like water vapor from a hot shower collecting on a cool mirror.

Glass will always be one of the coldest surfaces in your home, so the colder it is outside and the more humid it is inside your home, the more likely you are to experience condensation on your windows.

While new high-efficiency low-e argon, double pane, triple pane, or quad pane windows are less likely to have issues, interior condensation is a result of high humidity inside the home and not necessarily indicative of the quality of the window.

Humidity inside the home can be caused by several factors including cooking, bathing, dishwashing, washing and drying laundry, and even human occupancy. The simple act of breathing can add humidity to your home. This is one of the reasons humidity can frequently be found on bedroom windows.

If there is condensation on your windows for extended periods of time, mold or mildew may start to grow from the dust, dirt, or debris that has accumulated on the glass or frame.

Since glass and vinyl are inorganic materials, it is not possible to for the glass or vinyl frames to mold. If you have mold, it is important to promptly clean the windows. Please see our article here about vinyl window care and maintenance.

There are several steps you can take to reduce the humidity inside your home and likelihood of interior window condensation.

• Use an exhaust fan while cooking and bathing.
• If you use a humidifier, shut off the humidifier until the situation improves.
• Try to avoid drying clothing inside.
• Open the curtains, blinds, and interior doors and create better air circulation.
• If necessary, use a de-humidifier to remove moisture from the air.
• if it’s a pleasant day, open the windows to ventilate the home.

Most new vinyl windows are designed to move water from the interior of the window out through the drain holes on the exterior of the frame. It is normal to have water on or under the interior track of the window where the window slides. When rain comes through the screen, or condensation drips down your glass it collects in the track and dissipates through the drainage channels.

Don’t worry if you see water in the track unless the water overflows and runs down your interior wall. If the track overflows, then the drainage channels must be blocked and should be cleared quickly.

Exterior Window Condensation

During the warmer months, you may experience condensation on the exterior surface of the glass. While this can be a short-term nuisance, it does not indicate there is anything wrong with your windows. In fact, it indicates your windows are performing as they are intended.

Exterior condensation occurs at times of high humidity after a calm, cool night. When the temperature of the exterior pane of glass falls below the dew point, condensation will begin to appear. You will usually encounter condensation in the morning but notice it dissipates quickly as the daytime temperature increases.

Most new windows come with low-e glass, argon gas, and two, three, or even four panes of glass. New windows are so efficient at insulating your home not as much heat is escaping through the glass to heat the exterior pane. Since the exterior pane stays more cool, exterior condensation is more likely to occur on new energy efficient windows than older inefficient windows.

If you would like to reduce the chances of developing exterior condensation, try leaving your blinds and drapes open over night to allow as much heat to escape through the glass as possible. If you have trees or shrubs near the windows, trim the branches to increase airflow around the area. If you have potted plants below the window, try moving them to another area to reduce the humidity level.

Condensation Between the Panes of Glass

If you notice condensation forming between the panes of glass, then you have what is called a seal failure. A seal failure occurs when the seal that binds the panes of glass together has separated. You may notice condensation, frost or ice, spots, or a general cloudy or foggy look to the glass.

A seal failure is a problem that should be fixed as soon as possible to improve your view and window efficiency. If the window frame is in good condition, the glass only should be replaced while the frame remains in the wall. If you have old, inefficient, or damaged frames, then the entire frame and glass system should be replaced.

Learn more with this technical bulletin from Cardinal Glass Industries

Contact your local window company for more information and pricing on new windows. If you are located in British Columbia, check-out www.berdickwindows.com. They are a family owned and operated window and door manufacturer that has specialized in windows and doors since 1973.

Contact Berdick today for a free quote on products and installation services. If you are not in the local area, they can suggest many authorized dealers throughout British Columbia.

If you found this information helpful, you may want to read a few of our other articles that can be found here.

Window Care and Maintenance.

With the proper care and maintenance, some vinyl windows can last a lifetime. Regular cleaning of the frame and glass, and lubrication of moving parts is necessary to enjoy years of use. Follow the industry standards in this article for caring and maintaining your vinyl windows.

Frame Cleaning

Before you grab the mild soap and lint free cloth, start by removing the screen and placing them on a flat clean surface. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the tracks and corners of window frames. It’s best to begin with the vacuum with the small soft brush attachment. Vacuum off the screen, frame, track, and corners.

After vacuuming, create a mild soap and water solution using Joy, Ivory, or Dawn soap. Wash the screens, hardware, and frames with the soap and water solution and a soft cloth. Wipe clean with clear water and then dry with a soft lint free cloth. A very soft brush can be used in combination with the mild soap to clean more stubborn areas and frames that have a textured paint finish.

Never use abrasive cleaners or caustic chemicals to clean your glass or frames. Harsh chemicals can soften the vinyl and cause permanent damage.

Glass Cleaning

The glass can be cleaned with the same cloth and mild soap and water solution used to clean the frames. Rinse with clean water and then dry with a soft lint free cloth to avoid water spots. Make sure to use a clean cloth that is free of grit. Grit, or abrasive material can damage the glass and low-e glass coating. If the window is too far away to reach, use an extension pole with soft cleaning attachment.

If you are cleaning mold or mildew off the glass or frame, make sure to wear proper protective equipment such as a mask and gloves.

Do not use a garden hose to wash your windows. Residential windows are not designed to withstand the water pressure and volume of water that a garden hose emits. Using a garden hose can result in damage to your home or windows.

Avoid using a razor blade to scrape debris off the glass. Razor blades can have rough edges that may permanently damage the glass or low-e coating.

Never use petroleum-based cleaners, caustic chemicals, or abrasive cleaners since they can cause permanent damage to the glass or frame.

Hardware Cleaning and Maintenance

Hardware such as hinges, handles, locks, and levers should be cleaned and lubricated periodically to prolong their life and ensure smooth operation. If you are in a salty-air environment, you may need monthly maintenance.

Clean the hardware with a mild soap and water solution and clean cloth. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a lint free cloth.

Hinges, tracks, and rollers should be lubricated with a small amount of silicone-based lubricant. Rotating hardware, splines, and spiral gears should be lubricated with lithium grease.

Depending on the brand of windows, sliding window rollers may be adjustable to provide smoother operation. If you have horizontal sliding windows from Berdick Windows and Doors the sliding sash can be removed and flipped over to access the wheels. There are two different slots to fit the wheels that vary in depth to provide more or less clearance. Simply pop out the wheels and snap them into another slot if an adjustment is necessary.

Most sliding Patio doors also have adjustable wheels with the adjustment screws either on the inside surface, or edge of the sliding sash. Have one person lift up one corner of the door while another person adjusts the wheels so the weight of the door does not strip the adjustment screws. After the wheels are raised or lowered, you may need to adjust the handle latch and strike plate so they line up and lock properly.

If you have a Novatech Patio door sold by Berdick Windows and Doors there will be screws to adjust the strike plate and latch. Most patio screens are also adjustable with adjustment screws on the top and bottom corners.

Make sure to check your window hardware and weather-stripping is not worn or broken. If you require replacement parts, check out the shop at www.berdickwindows.com

Window care and maintenance is important to save money, protect your investment, and provide many years of trouble free operation. If you would like to learn more, follow this link to another informative article www.fgiaonline.org

Where to buy windows, doors, parts, and more

If you are located in British Columbia, check-out www.berdickwindows.com. They are a family owned and operated window and door manufacturer that has specialized in windows and doors since 1973. Contact Berdick today for a free quote on products and installation services. If you are not in the local area, they can suggest many authorized dealers throughout British Columbia.

If you found this information helpful, you may want to read a few of our other articles that can be found here.