Alphatech Windows and Doors

Noticing fog between the panes and wondering if you really need a whole new window?

Here’s the simple truth: if the moisture is trapped inside the glass unit, the seal has failed. That means the insulated glass unit, or IGU, is no longer doing its job.

What to know:
1. A glass-only replacement can save you money
If the frame is still in good shape, replacing just the glass unit can cost 50 to 70% less than replacing the entire window.

2. The frame matters just as much as the glass
Before choosing repair, check whether the frame is square, the sash opens and closes properly, and the weep holes are clear. If the window is warped or damaged, a full replacement may be the smarter fix.

3. Fog is not just a cosmetic issue
Once the seal fails, insulation performance drops. That can mean less comfort and more energy loss over time.

4. Replacement is not always the best answer
A lot of homeowners are told to replace the whole window right away, but that is not always necessary. Sometimes the honest solution is the smaller one.

Practical takeaway: if you see fog between panes, ask a pro to inspect the frame first. If the structure is sound, a glass-only swap may be the most cost-effective repair.

Black window frames are a heat trap.

That myth got popular fast because black frames became a design favorite on Pinterest and in modern home trends, so people assumed the look automatically meant problems. And yes, darker surfaces do absorb more solar heat. In direct sun, a black frame can run about 10°C hotter than a light-colored one.

But that does not mean black frames are a bad choice.

The real issue is material, not color. Capstock vinyl and aluminum-clad frames are built to handle the extra surface temperature. The risk shows up with cheap, unreinforced PVC, especially on south-facing walls where the sun hits hardest for long periods.

So if you want black frames, don’t rule them out based on color alone. Look at the construction, reinforcement, and whether the product is rated for high heat exposure and strong sun conditions.

Black frames are not the problem.
Poor-quality frames are.

Putting off new windows or doors because the timing never feels right is common.

With Alphatech, financing can make it easier to move forward now. We offer in-house financing on new windows and doors through third-party lenders, with options like $0 down to start, 0% interest for 12 months, and 12 months with no payments so you do not pay till 2027.

It is a simple way to upgrade comfort, curb appeal, and energy efficiency without waiting for the perfect moment.

Approval depends on credit and income. Conditions apply.

3 simple terms:
• $0 down
• 0% interest for 12 months
• No payments for 12 months

If you want to explore your options, reach out for a free in-home consultation.

Hail season in Alberta runs June through August, so now is the time to check your windows and doors.

Look for cracked silicone caulking, blocked weep holes, torn screens, and any loose exterior trim.

This quick inspection matters because hail damage often shows up outside first, and the most common post-hail claims are for exterior trim, not broken glass.

A few minutes now can help prevent water intrusion and costly repairs after the storm.

Ever wonder what’s actually inside your window glass unit, and whether it really matters?

The short answer: yes, but only in the right situation.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

1. Argon is the standard choice
It’s the most common gas used in insulated glass units, and for good reason. It’s affordable, widely available, and does a solid job improving insulation in most windows.

2. Krypton is denser and more specialized
Krypton works better in tighter spaces, which is why it’s usually used in narrow triple-pane units with spacers under 12mm. In those setups, it can help the window perform a little better.

3. The efficiency boost is real, but not huge
Krypton may improve the energy rating by about 2 to 3 points. That’s a gain, but not a dramatic one.

4. It costs more
Expect roughly $40 to $80 extra per window. That adds up quickly, so it’s worth paying attention to where that upgrade actually makes sense.

The bottom line: krypton is worth considering only in narrow triple-pane windows. In standard dual-pane units, it’s usually marketing fluff, not a meaningful upgrade.

When comparing window options, ask this one question: is the gas fill improving performance in a design that can actually use it?

This Calgary project was all about making a better everyday connection to the backyard.

The home had a standard 6 ft sliding patio door, and the owners wanted something that felt more open, brighter, and easier to use. We replaced it with a garden door and sidelite, which brought in more glass and natural light while still keeping the space practical.

Compared to the old slider, the new setup gives the room a cleaner look, a stronger visual impact from the inside and outside, and no need to work around a sliding panel. It also helps make the transition to the outdoor space feel more inviting without taking up extra swing space inside the home.

A simple change, but one that makes the whole area feel more comfortable and updated.

Imagine the same kind of transformation in your own home.

Not sure what the numbers on your EnerGuide sticker mean? Start with the three that matter most: ER, U-Factor, and SHGC.

For Alberta homes in Zone 3, look for ER 35+ to help handle our cold winters. A U-Factor of 1.4 or lower means better insulation and less heat loss. SHGC is the solar heat control number, so the goal is balance, not just the lowest score.

Reading the sticker correctly helps you compare windows based on performance, not sales talk. The right numbers can mean fewer drafts, lower heating bills, and more comfort year-round.

Thinking about a basement bedroom upgrade in Alberta? One of the first things to check is the egress code, because a bedroom needs a safe way out in an emergency.

Here’s the key rule in Alberta: the window opening must provide at least 0.35 m² of unobstructed open area for basement bedroom egress. That means it is not enough for the window to look large. What matters is how much clear opening you actually get when it is fully open.

A few things homeowners often miss:
1. The opening size is measured after the window is opened, not the rough opening in the wall.
2. Screens, grilles, bars, and hardware can reduce the clear opening.
3. Many pre-2000 basement windows do not meet today’s egress requirements.
4. A window can be technically installed and still fail code if the open area is too small.

This is why basement bedroom projects often need more than a simple glass replacement. In many cases, the frame size, sash style, and well clearance all need to be checked together.

If you are finishing or renovating a basement bedroom, measure the unobstructed opening before choosing the window. It is the easiest way to avoid a costly code issue later.

Myth: all spacer bars are basically the same.

That’s not true.

The spacer is the part that separates the panes of glass, and it plays a bigger role than most homeowners realize. A lot of people assume aluminum and warm-edge spacers do the same job, because both hold the glass together. But the material matters, especially at the edge of the window where heat loss is strongest.

Here’s where the myth comes from: people focus on the glass package and ignore the frame-edge details. Since the spacer is hidden, it gets treated like a small part. In reality, it affects condensation risk, glass-edge temperature, and even the overall energy rating of the unit.

Warm-edge spacers can cut edge heat loss by up to 60% compared with aluminum. That means the inside edge of the glass stays warmer, which helps reduce condensation on cold days and improves comfort near the window.

Aluminum spacers still exist, but they are not the best choice if performance is the goal. They transfer cold faster, which makes the edge of the glass colder and can drag down the unit’s efficiency.

What should homeowners actually look for? Don’t stop at pane count or glass thickness. Ask what spacer system is being used, how it affects the ER rating, and what the glass-edge temperature performance looks like.

Spec first. That’s how you choose a better window.