Multi-chambered PVC extrusion (3 ¼″ or 4 ⅝″ depth) traps insulating air pockets for maximum R-value and rock-solid rigidity — ideal for both retrofit and new construction.
Those internal chambers act like built-in storm windows, slowing heat transfer the same way a Thermos bottle traps air. The added walls stiffen the long horizontal members typical of slider frames, so they won’t sag or bow when –25 °C mornings flip to a +10 °C Chinook by lunch. The deeper 4 ⅝″ option lines up with modern 2 × 6 walls and leaves room for triple-pane glass, while the slimmer 3 ¼″ retrofit profile slips into legacy brickmoulds without expensive siding work.
7/8″ insulating unit with Low-E & Argon plus Premium Black “S”-Class Super Spacer® comes standard; upgrade to 1 ⅜″ triple glazing for ultimate prairie-proof efficiency.
At Calgary’s 1 045 m elevation UV levels run high, so the Low-E coating bounces excess solar energy back outside, keeping south-facing rooms cooler without blackout blinds. Argon gas—six times denser than air—dampens conductive heat loss during –30 °C cold snaps, while the warm-edge spacer slashes edge-of-glass condensation that can drip onto hardwood sills. Opting for triple pane drops U-values below 1.0 W/m²·K, unlocking Canada Greener Homes rebates and shaving another 15-20 % off winter heating bills.
Three continuous lines of heavy-duty weather-stripping repel driving rain, horizontal snow, and Chinook dust while slashing air infiltration.
An inner bulb gasket cushions the sash, a middle fin-seal brushes debris off the track every time you slide, and a rigid outer gasket diverts meltwater before it can pool and freeze. The harder the wind blows, the tighter all three seals compress—so your living room stays draft-free whether it’s a July hailburst or an 80 km/h winter gust. By keeping moist indoor air away from cold glass edges, the triple seal also prevents the condensation streaks that foster mould in drywall returns.
Die-cast lock and closed-back keeper clamp the meeting rails together, reinforcing the interlock and boosting home security.
Solid-zinc hardware resists corrosion from road-salt spray and withstands up to triple the pry force of stamped latches. Each turn of the cam lock also pulls the active sash snugly into the fixed rail, tightening the compression seal and silencing the rattle that plagues older sliders. The low-profile lever sits flush behind blinds for a clean interior look while meeting CAN/CSA-A440 forced-entry standards.
Both sashes slide smoothly on nylon rollers with brass ball-bearing axles, then lift completely out—making outside-pane cleaning a two-minute indoor job.
The sealed bearings shrug off Calgary’s dusty Chinook winds and keep gliding after 20 000+ cycles. Need fresh air? Pop one sash and stash it in seconds to create a patio-door-sized opening that funnels foothills breezes through the whole floor. When it’s time to wash, simply tilt and lift each pane, wipe it down in the sink, and drop it back in place—no ladder, no slipping on icy decks, and no calling a window-cleaning service.