At Vaillancourt Doors and Windows, our priority is offering high-performance products: they are durable, energy efficient and well insulated. They are designed for our Quebec winters and are made to help you to save money on heating and cooling costs. That is why our doors and windows respond to the industry's highest standards.
High-performance doors and windows that comply with industry standards
All our doors and windows respect or surpass the standards established by Natural Resources Canada, the CSA Group and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) as well as the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS).
Our products conform to the NAFS standard in compliance with the National Building Code.
Windows that respect the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS)
Our products comply with the NAFS standard in conformity to the National Building Code. In order to respect the NAFS standard, each of our windows must be tested by an independent accredited laboratory on 3 specific areas of performance: air leakage resistance, water penetration resistance and wind resistance test.
To learn about the performance requirements for your location, try out the Canadian fenestration calculator.
Technical specs
Results are sorted by class, either primary or secondary. The primary class includes performance (R- residential, LC - light commercial, CW - commercial or AW - architectural), the performance grade (PG), maximum window dimensions and window type. The secondary class includes test results for air leakage resistance, water penetration resistance and wind resistance test.
The former CSA A440 standard classified windows with 3 ratings based on the air leakage resistance test (A-1 to A-3), the water penetration resistance test (B-1 to B-7) and the wind resistance test (C-1 to C-5). The new classification from the NAFS standard evaluates windows according to these criteria, but uses one sole reference rating, namely the performance grade (PG) of the product that can vary between PG15 and PG100 rather than the A-B-C ratings.
Air leakage resistance tests
Our windows are tested for their capacity to retain air inside homes. They undergo massive air pressure and all leaks are measured.
Technical specs
This test (A rating) is performed under 75 Pascals (Pa) pressure levels. The window leak test index is measured in litres per second per window area. The A2 rating (1.5L/s/m2) represents the maximal leakage allowed in Canada, followed by the A3 rating (0.5L/s/m2). Even a fixed window can let air escape: the AF rating (0.045L/s/m2) is then attributed.
Water penetration resistance tests
A stream of water with greater and greater pressure is sprayed on each of our windows and water infiltration is then measured.
Technical specs
The waterproofing test (B rating) is performed by spraying a constant stream of water on the window and increasing the pressure to try to simulate increasing speed and observing if water infiltrates inside. Each level (PG15 to PG100) represents a peak load from 140 Pascals (Pa) to 720 Pascals (Pa).
Wind resistance tests
Our windows undergo exterior air pressure tests that simulate hurricane-force winds.
Technical specs
This test (C rating) serves to measure wind deflection of window components under some of the highest peak load factors. The trial windows are subjected to major changes in air pressure. Ratings vary between PG15 and PG100.
Each and every one of our windows is tested in a laboratory to check its airtightness, waterproofing and wind resistance: the equivalent of a hurricane!
Development lab for factory weather testing
Even though our products are already tested by an independent laboratory, we want to go a step further: that's why we have our very own test laboratory in our R&D department. With our test chamber or storm simulator, we measure the strength and durability of our windows and doors to ensure that they resist the toughest requirements imposed by our Quebec climate. They face the very worst meteorological conditions!
Doors and windows certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
Our doors and windows also comply with the NFRC standards that test products to evaluate and classify their energy performance. You can rest assured that NFRC certified manufacturers are serious.
| Outside temperature in degrees Celsius | Maximum recommended relative humidity levels for indoor temperatures of 21 °C |
|---|---|
| -28 °C or less | 15% |
| -28 °C to -23 °C | 20% |
| -22 °C to -17 °C | 25% |
| -16 °C to -12 °C | 30% |
| -11 °C to -6 °C | 35% |
| -5 °C to +4 °C | 40% |
Window condensation
Do you have condensation on the interior or exterior of your windows? Don't worry, your window performance is probably not the cause: indoor condensation is probably due to humidity levels in your home and outdoor condensation is proof that your windows are just that... highly efficient!
ENERGY STAR® certified windows
Most of our window models are ENERGY STAR® certified, which places them among the most energy efficient in their category.
An ENERGY STAR®-certified window:
- Is certified by an accredited independent laboratory
- Responds to precise technical requirements in terms of energy performance
- Is 20 to 40% more efficient than traditional window models
Your benefits with our certified windows:
- Increased energy savings (up to 10% savings on your heating costs by replacing all your windows)
- Exterior noise reduction
- Filtering of UV rays, which limits sun damage to your belongings
- Greater durability and superior quality (20 year+ durability)
By replacing all your windows with ENERGY STAR® products, you could save up to 10% on your actual heating costs.
A few useful links
- Information concerning energy efficiency requirements required by the Quebec Building Code (section 11, building chapter) - French only
- Complete guide to doors and windows
- List of ENERGY STAR® certified windows
- Additional information about ENERGY STAR® Canada certification