Download the Minto Home Care Guide - Condo

Insulation
Reduce energy consumption
and your utility bills!
More insulation in your
home means greater
energy effi ciency and
improved home comfort.
Windows
ENERGY STAR® windows
keep you comfortable by
reducing drafts. Doublepane
windows are low-E
and argon gas, which help
to reduce the transfer of
heat and cold. To ensure a
proper air seal, make sure
your windows are locked
when closed.
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Insulation
Minto uses a combination of fi berglass batts, blown-in insulation and rigid
insulation to achieve or exceed the R-value required by the Ontario Building
Code. Particular attention is given to providing continuous air/vapour barriers.
Even with the improved insulation off ered in ENERGY STAR ® homes, no home
is completely draft-free. Under wind pressure, the smallest openings such as
wall switches and receptacles, exterior doors, windows and vents allow air
infi ltration. Weather stripping and caulking maintenance as recommended
in a previous section will reduce the negative eff ects of air leakage.
Windows
During cold weather, it may appear that there are drafts around windows even
though they are fi tted and weather-stripped. With some possible exceptions
such as extreme wind conditions, the draft felt is due to vertical air movement
over the face of the window; warm air rising and cooler air dropping (convection).
Another common sensation is that of a draft experienced when sitting or
standing close to a window. This chill is usually due to heat radiating from
your body to a relatively colder surface, the window. Warm objects always
radiate heat to cooler objects.
Condensation and frost on windows will occur if high relative humidity is
maintained inside the home during periods of very cold weather. This situation
may be made worse by heavy window coverage, since air is restricted from
circulating around the window. Windows should allow an abundance of
natural light into your home and provide a clear and unobstructed view
to the outside. Seal failure is usually indicated by condensation between
the two glass panes. Contact Minto MasterCare when you suspect that the
seal has failed on any window during the one year warranty period.
For any glass breakage, please refer to a company specializing in glass
repair/replacement.
Low Emissive Coated and Argon Gas Filled Windows
Special maintenance is not required for low emissive coated and argon gas
fi lled windows as the coatings are applied to the inside surfaces of the panes.
Conventional cleaning products may be used to clean the exterior surface glass.