Page 26, Whitby Free Press, Wednesday, Novembor 9, 1994 1-- A HOME DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT FEATURE Try high tech windows FR GM PAGE 25 being developed with support ftom Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. Tests have shows that is can reduce heat bs by 20 per cent compared te a standard unit. The effect of insulating spacers on window performance can be dramatic. The more energy-efflcient the glazing, the greater the benefits of a non-conductive spacer. An insulative spacer aise keeps the edges of the glass warmer, reducing thermal stresses and lessening the likelihood of condensation during cold weather. Before buying a high- performance window, ask the dealer about the type of edge spacer used. Frames and Sashes Since the frame can account for as much as 25 per cent of the total window area, it should be at least as well-insulated as the glass. Aluminum, wood and PVC plastic are widely used as material for frames. Aluininum is durable and requires littie maintenance. But uniess the inner and outer portions of the fr-ame are effectively separated by a thermal break (a non-conductive spacer), heat will conduct through it rapidly. An aluminum frame -- even one pr *ovided with a thermal break -- will reduce the performance of a standard double-glazed unit window by about 24 per cent. Look for the CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) number on a metal window frame. It indicates the window has been tested for condensation resistance and is likely equipped with a thermal break. Wood is a good choice as a framing material. It is rigid and conducts little heat. Inaa conventional doubled-glazed unit window, the wood frame bas about the sanie insulating value as the glazing. Wood frames need regular O O s s O e e maintenance te resist -rot and mildew. Clad wood franes are protected with a covering of aluminuni or vinyl. These windows require little maintenance, but the cladding must be well installed te prevent moisture from collecting behind it. Vinyl frames provide good insulation and do not need painting. However, vinyl framnes that are reinforced with metal on the inside te increase their rigidity will lose heat. It's botter te reinl'orce with wood. The suitability, of other materials for frames and sashes is being look at. Fibreglass fra2mes are now appearing. This material holds considerable promise because it is non-conductive, rigid and, unlike wood, requires little Energy Savmngs ... and More Typically, high-perforniance windows cost 15 te 20 per cent more than their conventional counterparts. This additional expense can be quickly recovered in ternis of reduced energy costs. Researchers at Energy, hMines and Resources Canada have calculated that if only haif of the five million square mnetres of glazing that is installed in Canada each year were high-performance designs, the annual energy savings across the country would amount te $36 million. High performance windows do more than save energy. Because they lose less heat, the inner pane stays warmer. The warm glass feels more comfortable and is less likely to cause condensation when you increase indoor humidity. Installing high-performance windows makes good sense (dollars and cents) for the homeowner and the environnient for a variety of reasons. Arnong them: energy savings, greater home comfort, reduced drafts, a2nd lower maintenance costs due te condensation damage. Sanitation industry figures show that it costs over $60.00 a pound ta I 130 HOKINSSTRET I remnove tracked in dirt from a building. That dirt causes a deterioratian of your floor finish, premature wear and soiling of your carpets and dust accumulations on your furniture, walls and in your air filtration systems. It makes goad financial sense to trap the dirt at the doar befare it enters your building. At Swish we stock al jUnit 7, Whitby 666-9395I THIS W~EE NY CRUSTY BREAD FRENCH BREADI) Umit 3 loaves per customer CHOCOLATE ALMOND CROISSANT kinds of entrance mats ranging from pure rubber outdaor slush and snaw mats ta attractive calour co-ardinated vinyl backed carpet mats. Available in a wide variety of sizes and colours, al are -designed ta keep winters grit in the mat and ta look goad doing it. They're easy ta dcean too - just shake, vacuum or hase them down. Came in ta aur Clean-it- Centre. We're open Manday ta Friday 8am - 6pm. jA, e ExtendejýÀ 4saturdayHor 500 HopkisStreet, Whitby 666-1224 Uimlt 2 dozen per customor g'j i L iq - * u ~ I )UN~DAS ST- 750 Hopkins Street, Whitby if. Tir M WARREN RD 666-1177CONSUMER DR ,**,ses D ouID.seI, .............. ................. ... .......... ............ ... ............. .... ............ ... ........ ffl ......... ...... ...... - ..... .......... .. ..... .. .... .. ............. j . ....... . ................. . .................. MEAT COMPANY ENTRANCE MAT11NG Keeps Winter's Dirt Out Of The Cold Design Chat Country French Made Simple By Cathy Poison Country French has been evol- ving in France lfor centuries, and today's informai French style is more appealing than ever. Simpler uines and vibrant colours are often influenced by other cultures. They add a fresh look to your decor. Fortunately, as Country French style has grown more exciting it has not lost its historically appealing natural material, its graceful forms, or handwrought individuality. Imagine a bcd made of wrought iron, a material traditionally used outdoors, comes inside to bc the focus of your room. This Country French is eclectic, cheerfully nationalizing Japanese glassware, Mexican ceramics, Swiss linens- and North American furniture. Finally. this new Country French, by intent is neyer perfect. Instead of rules, it asks for frecdom and spontaneity, which combined with a discriminating eye, yields true eleganc. HERITrAGE HOUSE limited 216 Mary St. E., Whitby 668-3483 pl- o