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Cascadia Fiberglass Windows
Overview and Background
Cascadia Windows Ltd. has established itself as the North American industry leader in energy
efficient fiberglass construction product innovation and manufacturing. Cascadia specializes in
windows, doors, and cladding support systems.
Cascadia’s real driving force behind their success is undoubtedly “green” innovation. No other
Canadian green company has earned the same caliber of technical accolades and recognition for
innovation in such a short period of time. Within ten years, Cascadia has been acclaimed with
multiple national and international innovation awards for its cutting edge technologies. Cascadia
has been instrumental in providing state-of-the-art products to some of the most energy efficient
and award winning building projects in the world.
Cascadia has developed revolutionary fiberglass window products and exterior insulation
products that vastly increase a building’s energy efficiency. Most recently, Cascadia developed
the first fiberglass Passive House caliber window in the world.
Fiberglass Windows and Doors Fiberglass Exterior Insulation System
Cascadia’s windows and doors are high performance products that incorporate industry leading
thermal efficiency, durability, and physical performance. These advantages are a blend of
desirable material characteristics, innovative engineering and design. Cascadia’s window and
door products are ideal for almost every application (particularly in demanding environments)
from large institutional buildings, to high-rises, to high-end homes.
Cascadia fiberglass windows on MEC Head Office
Why Fiberglass?
Worldwide concern for energy and the environment, together with many other advantages
associated with fiberglass have been the catalysts for the growing popularity of fiberglass as a
building material.
Material Properties
Fiberglass is extremely strong and stiff - eight to ten times stronger than vinyl. This means that
it is used to produce larger windows, accommodate higher wind loads, and have less deflection
than is common with vinyl systems. Steel reinforcing is rarely required with fiberglass frames.
The thermal movement coefficient for
fiberglass is very similar to glass, steel,
concrete and other traditional building
materials. This means that sealant joints, and
gasket seals between fiberglass and these
other materials are less stressed than would
be typical with other common frame materials
where the thermal movement coefficient can
be more than seven times that of these
traditional materials. Fiberglass utilizes a
thermoset resin. Once cured it is irreversible
and therefore will not creep. Thermoplastics such as vinyl will creep over time.
Energy Performance at a Passive House Level
When combined with low-e glass, fiberglass windows provide excellent energy performance.
Overall window U-values with triple glazing typically range from <USI-0.8 to USI-1.0 depending
on the size of the window and the glazing selected.
Our latest product line – the Universal Series – is certified to both the Passive House Institute
(PHI International) and also the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) criteria for thermal
performance. This top-tier certification is the rarest amongst high-performance windows, and
especially for products that are design to meet other physical characteristics commonly found in
commercial-grade products.
Cascadia continued developing its Universal Series product line certifications, and now holds four
PHI certifications – for the line’s operable window, fixed window, swinging door, and sliding door.
This comprehensive collection is held by only one other company in the world – and no other in
North America, nor in fiberglass framed products. In fact, Cascadia’s Universal Series was
announced by the International Passive House Institute as the first-ever passive house certified
product to be wholly designed in North America.
Energy Star Rated
Our products are Energy Star rated, and the Universal Series’ triple glazed options hold the
Energy Star ‘Most Efficient’ rating across North America. See the table to the right - showing a
sample of the performance ratings for our Universal Series with various glazing options.
Condensation Resistance
The same material properties that provide fiberglass window frames with their superior energy
performance characteristics also provide excellent resistance to condensation. Condensation
Resistance values are in the 62 to 80 range (NFRC method).
Environment
The key environmental benefit associated with the use of
fiberglass windows and doors is their enhanced energy
performance. When used in appropriately insulated wall
assemblies energy efficient glazing products can make a
significant contribution to reducing energy consumption in
buildings. Energy used to heat and cool buildings is a major
contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in North America.
Fiberglass frames are light weight and have low embodied energy
compared to many commonly used window frame materials.
Fiberglass is manufactured from glass fiber and polyester resin
(65% glass fiber). The fiberglass is safe to work with, requires no
special safety measures and does not off gas VOCs. The material
is not toxic and can be safely disposed of.
Cascadia windows are currently one of the only windows in the
world that meets the Living Building Challenge standard Declare
program – Red List Free criteria.
Durability and Finishes
Fiberglass withstands extreme heat (350°F +) or cold (-40°F) without becoming brittle or soft
and stands up to harsh environments including marine environments. The material is resistant to
the effects of UV rays, moisture, and corrosion from atmospheric pollution, chemicals, or salt
laden air. It is inorganic and is not susceptible to rot or insect attack.
Fiberglass is an ideal paint substrate. An extensive range of standard colors are available.
Fiberglass can be repainted to repair minor damage or as part of a larger renewals project.
Our paint is a waterborne urethane paint called “Hydro-tuff” by Blue River Coatings. It meets
the AAMA 625 paint standard, which is the highest rating possible.
Warranty
The warranty duration on Cascadia windows extends beyond that of a typical window warranty
and includes the following:
• Fiberglass frames – 20 years
• Insulated glass units – 20 years
• Hardware – 10 years
Commercial and Multi-Unit Residential Projects
Cascadia specializes in large projects where: energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance
are key objectives.
As such, we have provided windows for numerous schools, hospitals, hotels, office buildings and
large multi-unit residential buildings. Below are some examples of these types of projects that
we have completed:
9th and Northrup – Portland, Oregon
Chester Valley School – Anchorage, Alaska
Canopy Hotel – Portland, Oregon
OEC School – Portland, Oregon
North Island Hospital – Courtney and Campbell River, BC
Baffin Island Regional Hospital – Baffin Island, Nunavut
Dawson City Hospital – Dawson City, Yukon
Smith College – Northampton, MA
East Side Prep School – Seattle, Washington
Field Office – Portland, Oregon
First Tech Credit Union Office – Portland, Oregon
SAIF Building – Portland, Oregon
Closure
In summary, Cascadia windows far exceed industry standards for durability, energy
performance, and quality. It has proven to be an ideal product for buildings that require low
energy usage, low maintenance, and high durability.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Regards,
Mike Battistel, AScT.
President
Tel: 604 857 4600
Cel: 604-290-5862