Consulting Window Experts with CTV

When it comes to windows and doors, Centra does it all – manufacturing and installing products from single-family homes to residential towers, as well as supplying windows for new builds of all sizes. We’ve got over 50 years of experience and have saved clients millions… sometimes, on a single project!

One of those projects was Vancouver’s Imperial Tower – a 26-floor highrise building that was in dire need of new windows. The building managers thought they would have to replace aluminum with aluminum. Thankfully, Centra’s building code experts proved otherwise! By switching to vinyl, the project cost much less while using a superior, more efficient product.

Our Window Geek Alex Yeung spoke to CTV about this fantastic job. Watch the videos in this blog to find out more...

What’s special about the Imperial Tower project?

Due to the building size, the owners thought they would have to use aluminum windows. The BC Building Code does have strict rules about what can and can’t be used, but it’s not always as straightforward as it may seem. It’s vital to get partners on a project with a good understanding of the ins and outs of any codes that could impact you.

Through an elevated understanding of code, we were actually able to use vinyl products on this tower instead of aluminum.

And how did that change benefit the people living here?

Firstly, vinyl windows are a cheaper option. The change from aluminum to vinyl windows saved about $1,000,000 on the project. There are of course benefits to both types of windows, but vinyl offers superior thermal efficiency. That’s a huge positive, especially given the hotter summers and colder winters we’re facing. If the windows are made well and backed by a great warranty, then you don’t need to worry about them standing the test of time either.

How important is it to consult an expert on a project like Imperial Tower?

Very important, though it’s the same on any project, no matter the scope. There are different codes, rules, and regulations, and if it isn’t your area of expertise, you can’t be expected to know them all – especially given that these codes can change quite often. You want a partner for your project that is dedicated to being as knowledgeable on the subject as they can be. They can help you develop innovative solutions that could save you money or time, or even make something you thought impossible, possible!

For Imperial Tower, a highrise, most people thought vinyl windows were prohibited by code. It could be done – we just had to follow a rather specific set of rules to make it happen. The windows required adequate separation from each other with non-combustible material, such as the concrete on the tower. There had to be a certain distance between openings both horizontally and vertically, and the glazing area could not exceed 40% of the exterior wall area. That was at the time of the project, though – these rules are already changing.

This is a big building. How disruptive is a project like this to the people living here?

It really doesn’t have to be disruptive – even though there were a little over 200 occupants in Imperial Tower. Communication and clarity are key, and you have to keep owners and tenants in the building apprised of everything that’s happening, and when. Logistically, it’s imperative you have a solid plan in place that limits the disruption on individuals to as little as a single day if possible. You also want to treat each and every one of the 200+ owners with the same respect you would if you were dealing with a single homeowner.

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our Master Class, designed to make you an expert on all things windows & doors! Test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.