window frames, fibreglass shingles, hardwood floor

From laminate to low-e, the descriptions of the features and finishes of your new home,

though romantically worded, are often difficult to decipher. These definitions will help you

crack the builder's code and make an informed new-home purchase.

Windows

Wood

A great insulator, can be stained or painted and is a

standard material for window frames for most

residential homes. Exposure to the elements will

eventually cause paint to peel and moisture can cause rot

though with proper maintenance wooden window

frames can last for generations.

Vinyl

Inexpensive, durable, energy efficient and virtually

maintenance-free, vinyl is a popular choice for window

frames. Colour is continuous throughout the material so

scratches are undetectable. As they cannot be painted be

sure to choose a neutral colour; light shades are best as

darker hues will fade over time.

Fibreglass

Relatively new to the homebuilding industry

fibreglass window frames are extremely durable and low maintenance.

More energy efficient than wood and

they can be painted, however all these perks are

balanced by their high price point.

Composite

Usually a combination of wood with an exterior aluminium or vinyl cladding, composite window frames

combine the low-maintenance features of vinyl with

the flexibility to paint exposed wood window frames in the

home's interior.

Low-e and Argon Windows

Low-emissivity (or low-e) windows have a thin,

transparent coating over the panes to reduce the amount

of heat lost through the glass and prevent ultraviolet rays

from entering your home. These high-efficiency

windows will reduce your hydro bill and protect your

furniture and flooring from fading. Argon windows

offer similar advantages. Double-paned with a layer of

argon-gas trapped in between to reduce conductivity

and the emission of UV rays.

Muntin Bars

An aesthetic feature, vertical and horizontal divides

are placed between the panes to create the look of

old colonial windows. Although attractive some

tests have shown that these additions can cause

fogging (due to the release of gasses from vinyl

muntins exposed to UV light) and can increase the

internal temperature of the window thus reducing

their energy efficiency.

Flooring

Engineered Hardwood Floors

Durable and practical engineered hardwood floors consist of a plywood

or high density fibre (HDF) core with a thin hardwood

outer layer (veneer). A great option for basements or

other areas where heat and moisture are a problem,

unlike solid wood, these floors will not warp, can be

refinished (though not repeatedly) and are a fraction of

the cost of hardwood floors.

Laminate

Similar to engineered hardwood floors, laminate floors

consist of a HDF core though the finish is a

photographic layer with the look of wood. The least

expensive option, these floors cannot be refinished but

are easily installed and can be replaced.

Solid Hardwood Floors

The real deal - also the most expensive option. Hardwood

floors can be refinished numerous times, are durable,

classic and add to the resale value of a home.

Roofing

Fibreglass Shingles

Made of asphalt with a fibreglass reinforcing mat they

are the most popular choice for residential homes in

North America. Inexpensive, fibreglass shingles come in a

variety of colours, are durable, low-maintenance and

are often guaranteed to last for more than 20 years.

Organic-mat Shingles

More expensive than fibreglass shingles though more durable,

they consist of a wood-derived mat coated in asphalt.

Organic-mat shingles are more flexible in cold weather and

perform better than fibreglass shingles in tear and nail tests.

Also guaranteed to last more than 20 years.

Composite Shake Shingles

All the look of cedar but cheaper and easier on the

conscience, this Canadian invention (from Guelph,

Ontario), is constructed from recycled materials such as

used tires, plastics, flax and hemp fibres. Durable, mold,

mildew and insect resistant, these maintenance-free

shingles come with a transferable 50 year warranty.