Advices > Performance tests

All windows sold in Canada must undergo performance tests in order to guide the consumer in his choice. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that the minimum quality standards given by the manufacturers are respected. Therefore, it is possible to compare and choose a product according to the climatic zone you live in, the direction and location of the opening and based on the required use.

The CSA A440 standard of the Canadian Standards Association governs the quality of materials used for the manufacturing of a window as well as its minimum performance. All tests are performed under standardized conditions.

The mandatory tests concern water and air tightness as well as resistance to wind. The manufacturer can also evaluate the ease of manipulation, resistance to break-ins, resistance to condensation and sturdiness of the screens. It would be good to ask whether these features are relevant or not - for example, in an urban area, resistance to break-ins could be a determining factor. It is always best to ask the manufacturer so you can evaluate which criteria is most important for you.

  1. Air tightness This evaluation is very important since an air leak means a greater amount of air to heat each winter and a large amount of cool air is lost each summer. The evaluation is based on a scale of three as follows :

    A1
    Leak
    A2
    Small leak
    A3
    Slight leak
  2. Resistance to the rain pushed by the wind – In coastal regions and everywhere else during rainstorms, the rain pushed by the wind is a frequent cause of water infiltration. These infiltrations will cause the internal construction materials to deteriorate and cause mould growth. The evaluation is based on a scale of seven as follows :

    B1
    the minimum resistance required by the Canadian Building Code
    B2 à B7
    corresponds to the maximum pressure, indicated in Pascal, that the window can withstand without water infiltration. For example, B4 indicates a resistance of 400 Pa; in the Maritimes, it is recommended that you choose windows classified between B3 and B4 depending if you are located inland or by the sea.
  3. Resistance to wind During tests, the windows are subjected to winds of 120 km/hr, simulating the difference in pressure as created between the exterior and interior during a hurricane. We then measure how much the frame has protruded or the deformation of the window under the effects of the wind. The evaluation is based on a scale of five as follows :

    C1
    indicates that the window tends to bend or protrude from the frame under the wind gusts.
    C2
    is the minimum standard required regardless of where you live in Canada.
    C5
    indicates that the window will resist storms without breaking or becoming deformed. Depending on the regions, choosing a very high C classification is recommended.