Find a showroom

Call: 1.877.606.1166

U
Retrofits and Extreme Weather Adaptation

Retrofits and Extreme Weather Adaptation

Apr 21, 2023 | Latest

Content courtesy of Pembina Institute

Retrofits and extreme weather adaptation need to be part of Canada’s climate strategy.

 

Retrofits  play a role in not only decarbonizing buildings, but adapting them for increasingly extreme weather, including the process of installing high-performance windows to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emissions are reduced.

 

In order to ensure the climate-resilience of Canada’s privately owned homes and buildings, they need to be explicitly included in the National Adaptation Strategy.

 

The first iteration of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, released in November 2022, outlines a plan for more climate resilient infrastructure, communities, economy and workers. It includes funding for public buildings and maintaining more resilient public infrastructure like roads, bridges and sewers. All important components of adapting our communities to withstand increasingly more extreme weather.

 

But missing in this plan are strategies to adapt the buildings where Canadians spend 90 per cent of their time from extreme, heat, cold, flooding and forest fires.

 

Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy is being developed to chart a buildings decarbonization pathway that includes homes and buildings. And while making them climate-resilient is part of this strategy, it is not the primary priority. By not explicitly addressing market housing and buildings in the National Adaptation Strategy, it misses the opportunity to ensure holistic integration of strategies to adapt the places where Canadians live, work and play.

 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, extreme weather events in 2021 were the worst Canadians have endured in the 26 years the agency has been reporting Canada’s top 10 weather events. The events of 2021 cost Canadians and the economy billions of dollars.

 

Westeck isn’t just about products—it’s about service and innovation. The Westeck team is dedicated to guiding you through the selection process, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your home. And with a focus on continuous improvement, staying ahead of trends, ultimately providing you with the latest in window and door technology. Choosing Westeck means investing in quality, style, and peace of mind. Whether it’s windows, doors, or patio doors, Westeck offers solutions that enhance your home’s beauty, comfort, and efficiency. So why settle for anything less? Upgrade your space with Westeck and enjoy the perfect blend of form and function.

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors. All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland and Bellingham in Washington State. Each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal. Enjoy our latest line of energy efficient windows and doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.

If you’d like to learn more about our windows, doors, and patio openings contact us Toll-free (US/Canada): 1-877-606-1166 or email us at sales@westeckwindows.com for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

 

Search

In the news Latest

  • The Art of the View
    Large glass openings have become a defining feature of modern luxury homes. From expansive window walls to multi-slide patio openings, they transform how a space feels, functions, and connects to its surroundings. When designed thoughtfully, these systems do more than bring in natural light. They create a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor living while enhancing comfort, performance, and architectural impact.
  • Westeck PVC Windows
    Westeck has always been known for custom PVC windows built for performance and design driven projects. For architects, builders, and designers working across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, durable, high-performing window systems are essential. PVC frames remain one of Westeck’s strongest offerings because they combine energy efficiency, durability, and design flexibility in a way that supports both creative vision and long term value.
  • Let’s Talk Windows
    When you’re planning a new home or a major renovation, windows are one of the most important choices you’ll make. They shape the look of the home, the comfort inside, and the long‑term performance of the home. That’s why meeting with a Westeck Project Consultant can make such a significant difference. An informative conversation can help you avoid guesswork, understand your options, and choose the window and door products that truly support your vision and needs.
  • Building Better Homes Together
    Summer heat waves across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest are becoming more common, and many homeowners feel the strain on their cooling systems. But staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean running your air conditioner all day. With the right window technology, your home can stay naturally cooler, even during peak heat, while reducing reliance on air conditioning.
  • Keeping Your Home Cool Naturally
    Summer heat waves across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest are becoming more common, and many homeowners feel the strain on their cooling systems. But staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean running your air conditioner all day. With the right window technology, your home can stay naturally cooler, even during peak heat, while reducing reliance on air conditioning.
  • The Hidden Technology Inside Modern Windows
    Modern windows may look simple, but behind the glass is a world of advanced engineering. Today’s homeowners expect comfort, efficiency, and long‑lasting performance, and the technology inside a window plays a significant role in delivering all three. At Westeck Windows, we believe that understanding what’s inside your windows helps you make better choices for your home. Here’s a closer look at the materials, coatings, and design features that are reshaping the fenestration industry.
  • Window Safety Week
    Window Safety Week: Simple Steps to Keep Your Family Safe. Every year, Window Safety Week is a reminder of something we often overlook in our homes: how important windows are for safety. This national awareness week is supported by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Window Safety Task Force, two organizations that work hard to help families understand how to prevent window related injuries, especially for children.
  • The Truth About Window Screens
    Window screens play a bigger role in home comfort than most people realize. They shape how much fresh air flows inside, how clearly you see outdoors, and how well your home stays protected from insects. Today’s screen technology has improved in every way, giving homeowners better performance and cleaner views than ever before.
  • Natural Light, Wellness and Outdoor Living
    Wellness at home is no longer an add‑on. It’s part of how a space works, feels, and supports daily life. Natural light and fresh air play a major role in that. With the right window and patio door systems, these benefits become part of every room.
  • How to Plan a Window Replacement Project:
    A window replacement project can make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more beautiful,—but the best results come from having a clear plan. Understanding your window replacement timeline, budget, and installation expectations helps you move through the process with confidence. This guide keeps the reading level easy and the steps simple, so you know exactly what to expect when working with a professional window company like Westeck.