Rant: Found out my 'winter rated' windows are only tested at -20C in Edmonton

I was swapping out some old trim around my living room window and actually read the sticker on the frame. Turns out my builder grade double pane units are only rated to -20C for the air gap seal. We hit -45C here in Edmonton last February. Explains why I've got a foggy window every winter now. Anyone else discover their home's 'winter ready' rating is way lower than our actual winters?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_roberts805d ago

Yeah I used to think builder grade was fine but that changed my mind REAL quick.

karen_sanchez105d ago

When you said "changed my mind real quick," I had to laugh because my friend went through the exact same thing. She bought a new build house about two years ago and was so proud of the "builder grade" granite countertops. Then she dropped a hot pan on the edge and a whole chunk just chipped off like it was made of cheap plastic. The cabinets started peeling on the corners within six months too. She told me she spent more money fixing those "fine" finishes than she would have just paying for better stuff upfront. So yeah, I think you're right, @richard_roberts80. Builder grade is really just a fancy name for stuff that looks okay but doesn't hold up.