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