Custom Window Options & Glass Types in Calgary
Choosing the right window configuration goes beyond aesthetics—it directly impacts your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance. In Calgary’s climate, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, selecting the right glass package and customization options is critical.
We guide homeowners through every option—from high-performance glass systems to custom shapes and grid designs—ensuring your windows are tailored to both your home and environment.
Specialty Shaped Windows
Unique Designs for Architectural Impact
Specialty-shaped windows are custom-built to fit non-standard openings and create a
distinctive visual feature. These are often used to enhance natural light and elevate the
overall design of a space.
Most specialty windows are fixed (non-operable) and are commonly paired with
functional windows for ventilation.
Available Shapes
We offer a wide range of custom shapes, including:
- Arched and eyebrow windows
- Half-round and full-round designs
- Triangles and trapezoids
- Octagons and other geometric configurations
- Each unit is manufactured to precise dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit.
Where Specialty Windows Work Best
Specialty shapes are ideal for:
- Entryways and feature walls
- Vaulted ceilings and high spaces
- Staircases and hallways
- Unique architectural designs
They add visual interest while maximizing natural light.
Performance Options for Specialty Windows
Even with custom shapes, you still benefit from high-performance features:
- Triple-pane glass
- Low-E coatings
- Argon gas fills
- Decorative or frosted glass options
This ensures you maintain energy efficiency while achieving a custom look.
Important Considerations
- Custom manufacturing means longer lead times
- Higher cost compared to standard windows
- Typically non-operable
- Best used as accent or feature elements
Glass Options for Performance & Efficiency
Triple-Pane vs Double-Pane Windows:
Double-pane windows
- Standard option
- More cost-effective
- Suitable for mild performance needs
Triple-pane windows
- Superior insulation for cold climates
- Reduced outside noise
- Better resistance to condensation
In Calgary, triple-pane glass is often the preferred choice for maximizing comfort and
reducing long-term energy costs.
Low-E Coatings (Energy Efficiency Layer)
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are applied to the glass surface to improve thermal
performance.
- Reflect heat back into your home during winter
- Reduce heat gain during summer
- Improve energy efficiency without reducing natural light
This invisible layer plays a major role in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures
year-round.
Argon Gas-Filled Glass Units
Argon gas is sealed between the panes of glass to improve insulation.
- Reduces heat transfer
- Enhances overall window efficiency
- Standard in high-performance window systems
This works in combination with multiple panes and coatings to create an energy-efficient
unit.
Warm-Edge Spacer Systems (Super Spacer Technology)
The spacer is the material separating the glass panes—often overlooked, but critical.
Modern warm-edge spacer systems:
- Reduce heat loss at the edges of the glass
- Minimize condensation buildup
- Improve durability compared to traditional metal spacers
Why it matters:
Edge-of-glass failure is one of the most common issues in windows. Using advanced
spacer systems significantly improves long-term performance.
Tempered & Safety Glass
Tempered glass is designed for safety and durability.
- Stronger than standard glass
- Required in specific areas (near doors, bathrooms, low elevations)
- Breaks into small, less hazardous pieces
This ensures compliance with building codes while enhancing safety.
Custom Window Designs & Options
Grid (Grille) Design Styles
Grids add character and architectural definition to your windows.
Common styles include:
- Colonial – classic, evenly divided panes
- Prairie – perimeter grid with open center
- Modern – minimal or no grid design
- Custom patterns – tailored to match your home’s architecture
Grid selection plays a major role in achieving the desired look—whether traditional or
contemporary.
Types of Window Grids
Between-the-Glass Grids
- Sealed inside the glass unit
- Easy to clean
- Most popular option
- Simulated Divided Lites (SDL)
- Applied to the exterior and/or interior
- Creates a more authentic, traditional appearance
Grid Profiles
- Flat bars → modern aesthetic
- Contoured bars → more classic, detailed look
Additional Customization Options
Beyond grids, windows can be customized to match your exact vision:
- Interior and exterior color combinations
- Custom frame finishes
- Hardware styles and finishes
- Decorative or privacy glass
- Matching existing architectural elements
These options allow you to fully align your windows with your home’s design.
Customer Reviews
- Perfect Price and Quality Combination
- All installers are Insured and Certified
- Consistent “10 out of 10” Customer Satisfaction
- Installing Windows in Calgary Since 1985
CEIP offers flexible financing to residential property owners to help with the upfront costs of energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. CEIP offers homeowners:
Explore Premium Windows
RVW Ltd offers a diverse selection of vinyl windows designed to meet various architectural and performance needs. In addition, their range includes innovative models such as Vinyl Pro windows that feature dual-chamber technology for enhanced thermal performance. For example, these windows are constructed from 100% uPVC, which ensures exceptional durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Moreover, RVW Ltd’s products deliver superior energy efficiency and resistance to warping and fading over time. Therefore, homeowners can choose from multiple styles that combine functionality with modern aesthetics. Furthermore, each window is rigorously tested for quality, guaranteeing lasting performance and value for every investment indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is triple-pane glass worth it in Calgary?
Yes. It provides better insulation, reduces heating costs, and improves comfort during extreme winter temperatures.
What reduces condensation on windows?
Proper glass configuration (triple-pane, Low-E coatings) combined with quality installation and warm-edge spacers helps minimize condensation.
Are custom-shaped windows energy efficient?
Yes, when built with the right glass package and installed correctly, they perform similarly to standard windows.
What grid style should I choose?
It depends on your home’s design—colonial for traditional homes, minimal grids for modern aesthetics, or custom patterns for unique projects.
Get Expert Guidance on Your Window Options
Choosing the right combination of glass, design, and customization can be complex. We help you navigate these options based on your home, budget, and performance goals—ensuring you get windows that look great and perform in Calgary’s demanding climate.
Request a quote or consultation today to explore your options.
Explore Our Main Window Products & Services
RVW Ltd. handles both residential window and commercial window projects, providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Our expert team can install windows efficiently and professionally, ensuring high-quality results regardless of the season. Energy-efficient windows with features like triple-pane glass and insulated frames help reduce outside noise, improving indoor comfort. We prioritize a streamlined window manufacturing and install process, and like many window installation companies in Calgary, we employ our own installers to guarantee quality and consistency throughout every project.
At RVW LTD, we specialize in residential and commercial window replacement throughout Calgary. We help homeowners efficiently replace windows, and replacing all windows at once is typically more cost-effective than replacing them one by one. We install modern, energy-efficient styles that improve comfort, reduce drafts, and increase property value, ensuring each project delivers long-term durability and a clean, professional finish. Energy-efficient windows can enhance home comfort and reduce heating costs, reducing energy costs in the long run.
We specialize in replacing and installing front and patio doors for homes and businesses. Our door services combine durability, insulation, and security, using high quality materials that specifically contribute to your home’s curb appeal, enhancing both the visual attractiveness and overall market value of your property across every project we take on. By using high quality materials in our exterior doors, RVW Ltd. enhances your home’s curb appeal and market value with stylish, long-lasting designs. Energy-efficient doors also play a key role in improving insulation, reducing heat loss, and lowering energy costs, especially important in Calgary’s cold climate.
Our commercial solutions cover full window and door replacements tailored to business needs. We help create secure, energy-efficient spaces with minimal disruption, offering reliable upgrades that improve building function and customer experience in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Glass Replacement
We offer glass replacement services for broken, fogged, or damaged panes. Whether it’s a single unit or multiple installations, we restore clarity and performance with custom-fit glass solutions for both windows and doors in homes and commercial spaces.
From new construction to renovation projects, we provide professional installation of all window and door types. Our team ensures each unit fits perfectly, is properly installed to be leak proof, and prevents air leaks, water infiltration, and heat loss. This guarantees your windows perform efficiently and complement your property’s design, no matter the size or scope of the project.
Window Repair Packages
Our repair packages are ideal for fixing window and door issues without full replacement. We address problems like faulty hardware, drafts, or damaged seals, restoring smooth operation and energy performance for both residential and commercial properties.
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