Standard Window Sizes Canada

When remodelling the woodwork in your home, it might be tempting to go big or use customized windows to create a better aesthetic. However, the system of standard window sizes Canada laws enforce is a much safer and more cost-efficient option. Standardized window sizes are proven to be safe, more energy-efficient, and less prone to failure.

Apart from the windows themselves, other parts of the installation process typically have standard sizes and components. These ensure a universal quality across the board and allow window installers to provide warranties on their workmanship.

In this article, we’ll delve into the essential components to consider when debating on standard window sizes Canada-based homeowners will encounter while browsing for their optimal purchase.

Standard Window Sizes in Canada by Window Type

Putting the installation considerations aside for now, the laws governing standard windows sizes Canada manufacturers can deliver allow for a surprising range and variety. Since the laws only limit the minimum and maximum sizes and the total area of the window, manufacturers can provide an array of products and create customized builds that fit a client’s requirements perfectly. Overall, the window size is calculated by the maximum size of the frame (regardless of its profile), the window type, and the number of panes inside the window panels (not the number of panes inside a frame).

If you already have a window type in mind for your home remodel, the table below will be a straightforward way to figure out what your limits are.

Window Type – Pane number	Minimum Width (inches / cm)	Maximum Width (inches / cm)	Minimum Height (inches / cm)	Maximum Height (inches / cm)	Maximum Total Are (sq. ft. / sq. m)
Awning – Triple	14.5 / 36.5	50 / 127	14 / 35.5	50 / 127	17 / 1.58
Awning – Double	14.5 / 36.5	50 / 127	14 / 35.5	60 / 152.5	19 / 1.765
Casement – Triple	15.5 / 39	36 / 91	18 / 45.5	64 / 162.5	16 / 14.86
Casement – Double	15.5 / 39	36 / 91	18 / 45.5	72 / 183	17 / 1.58
End-Vent Tilt – Triple	58 / 147	112 / 284.5	12.5 / 31.5	44 / 112	35 / 3.25
End-Vent Tilt – Double	58 / 147	120 / 305	12.5 / 31.5	44 / 112	38 / 3.53
End-Vent Lift Out – Triple	58 / 147	112 / 284.5	12.5 / 31.5	44 / 112	35 / 3.25
End-Vent Lift Out – Double	58 / 147	120 /305	12.5 / 31.5	46 / 117	38 / 3.53
High Fix – Triple	12 / 30	96 / 244	12 / 30	96 / 244	33 / 3.065
High Fix – Double	12 / 30	120 / 305	12 / 30	120 / 305	55 / 5.11
Hopper – Triple	25 / 63.5	46 /117	12 / 30	24 / 61	8 / 0.74
Hopper – Double	25 / 63.5	52 / 132	12 / 30	30 / 76	11 / 1.02
Single Hung – Triple	15 / 38	36 / 91	27 / 68.5	64 / 162.5	16 / 1.49
Single Hung – Double	15 / 38	46 / 117	27 / 68.5	66 / 167.5	21 / 1.95
Double Hung – Triple	15 / 38	36 / 91	28 / 71	54 / 137	13.5 / 1.25
Double Hung – Double	15 / 38	46 / 117	28 / 71	58 / 147	21 / 1.95
Picture – Triple	12 / 30	60 / 152.5	12 / 30	60 / 152.5	25 / 2.32
Picture – Double	12 / 30	120 / 305	12 / 30	120 / 305	50 / 4.645
Single Slider Tilt – Triple	19 / 48	64 / 162.5	12 / 30	44 / 112	19 / 1.765
Single Slider Tilt – Double	19 / 48	68 / 173	12 / 30	46 / 117	21 / 1.95
Single Slider Lift Out – Triple	19 / 48	60 / 152.5	11.5 / 29	46 / 117	21 / 1.95
Single Slider Lift Out – Double	19 / 48	70 / 178	11.5 / 29	48 / 122	22 / 2.045
Double Slider Tilt – Triple	19 / 48	62 / 157.5	12.5 / 32	42 / 107	18 / 1.67
Double Slider Tilt – Double	19 / 48	64 / 162.5	12.5 / 32	44 / 112	19.5 / 1.81

It should be noted that the maximum area of a window is the limiting factor for larger sizes. Homeowners won’t be able to pick a standard-sized window with both the maximum width and height due to this restriction.

As highlighted, triple-pane windows have smaller maximum sizes than double-pane windows. This limit is in place to ensure the walls can withstand the added weight of the glass inside the window to provide enough stability and safety.

You might be able to contact a custom window manufacturer with a size that doesn’t conform with some of the parameters in the table. However, this usually comes at the cost of a lowered warranty or severely modified installation requirements that will significantly increase the cost of a replacement. Typically, such customizations also need to comply with the house’s structure, as a larger window will require a strengthened wall to support it, especially if it’s triple-paned.

Window Installation and Frame Requirements

While the primary restrictions will come from the total size and area the window needs or can fill, there are also other standardized factors when installing them into the house.

Frame Profile

One of the more important and visible considerations for a window is the frame’s profile. This is the section of the window between the glass pane and the outer frame. The profile’s width essentially wastes some of the window area since it obstructs the view.

For standard window sizes, Canada manufacturers use either 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) or 3-inch (7.6 cm) frames, but the overall profile can sometimes vary between the two.

The size of the profile can matter much more on a smaller window. The extra 1.5 inches taken from all sides means that you can get 40% less glass surface area in a 24-by-12-inch (60.5×30 cm) window. The difference is not as noticeable on larger windows, but windows with multiple frames nevertheless have much less of a view.

The profile can also have an effect on how much natural light the room will get after a replacement, so it quickly becomes one of the more pressing factors. If you’re replacing an older window, extending the opening to fit a larger window may not be possible, depending on the wall structure. Choosing a lower profile frame for the new windows is an excellent alternative since it will maximize the amount of transparent area.

Window frame profiles often depend on the type of window used. Slider windows usually have a low-profile frame to accommodate the sliding mechanism and improve visual and aesthetic design. On the other hand, casement windows have higher profile frames to ensure more stability and safety while the window is open. Picture windows can be produced with various profile frames to fit other windows in the casing or the client’s wishes and requirements.

Casing

The window’s casing is the woodwork or the trim around the window itself, which has both an aesthetic and insulation function. Typically, this casing will be 2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm) wide for round windows but can go up to 3 3/8 inches (8.6 cm) for vinyl windows. This is essentially how much additional space the window will take inside the room.

Brickmould

Brickmould is protective material around the outside of the window. It provides a barrier between the window and the exterior wall and prevents air or water leaks between the interior and exterior. For standard window sizes, Canada contractors use between 3/4-inch to 1-inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) brickmoulds. However, the size of brick-moulding can vary if the new window is smaller than the old one and significant reconstruction was required to plug up the leftover hole.

Jamb Extension

The jamb extension is the part that connects the window frame to the casing. These usually come in four different sizes: 1.5, 2 3/8, 3 3/8, and 4 5/8 inches (3.8, 6, 8.6, and 11.75 cm). The jamb extension will depend on the size of the window compared to the hole it needs to fit inside and the wall construction. Additionally, different jambs are suitable for specific window types or pane thickness, which the manufacturer and installer mandate.

Choosing the Best Standard Windows Sizes Canada

Whether you want to fit standard window sizes in the house or have a more customized look in mind, it doesn’t hurt to contact a professional window manufacturer or installer. They can provide more accurate measurements and advise you on the best window sizes that will work with your intended home aesthetic and functionality.

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Igor Kontsevoy

Igor Kontsevoy is an expert in the field of windows and doors installation and replacement with over 15+ years of experience, he has honed his skills in providing top-notch services to both residential and commercial clients. In free time, Igor enjoys exploring new technologies and gadgets, as well as spending time with his family and friends.

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