FAQ Topics
Where to buy
Where can I buy your products?
Novatech is a manufacturer of components for doors and doorglass, and sells exclusively to door and window manufacturers that do the assembly. You can purchase Novatech products at a door and window retailer near you. With a quick search on the Retaillers list page, you can find a door and window retailer in your area easily.
Does Novatech make windows?
Novatech is a manufacturer of steel doors, doorglass and patio doors. We do not manufacture window frames.
Where can I see a selection of doorglass that would go with the style of my house?
You can look at the products section on our Web site. All models of doorglass are shown here.
We also suggest that you visit Design Center, where you can create the entrance door of your dreams by uploading a photo of the front of your house, or by using one from our bank of images.
You can also visit our showroom, where an on-site consultant will be pleased to show you all the Novatech models. Our consultant will also be able to answer any questions you may have about our products.
My doorglass is under warranty but I can’t find the invoice, I am not the first owner, and/or the retailer who did the installation is no longer in business. What should I do?
Simply find the name of the door and window retailer closest to you. At their discretion, they will honor the Novatech warranty. To find a retailer near you, we suggest you visit the Retaillers List section on our Web site.
Doorglass
What is the difference between the Q Venting Unit series and the Elevation Venting Unit series?
The Q Venting Unit series does not offer the option of multiple opening sash positions. The Q sash can only be positioned at the fixed heights established by the anchor points, and you need to hold the latches to raise and lower the sash.
The Elevation Venting Unit is fitted with a balance system that allows the window to be raised and lowered to any height you choose at the touch of a finger. It also has a central lockset to improve security. The Elevation Venting Unit also provides better ventilation, as the window opening is larger. Low-E argon is standard on the Elevation.
Can we get venting units in custom sizes?
No. We don’t offer custom sizes in the Q or Elevation venting series.
Can we get a colored (2-tone) grill?
You can choose from among the 10 most popular colors offered by Novatech. You’ll find these colors in the products section of our Web site.
Can we have grill with the same color inside and out?
The one tone grill is available exclusively in White, Beige and Pebble. The other colors are offered only in 2 tones.
What are the main advantages of a doorglass with internal mini-blind?
- Privacy
- Maintenance-free - no dusting required
- Easy to operate
- Robust blind that operates easily
- High energy efficiency with Low-E glass
Are Discretion integral blinds available with Low-E glass?
Yes, the integral raise/lower mini-blind collection is only offered with Low-E glass, which is the most energy efficient.
Are Discretion integral blinds available in other colors?
No, the integral mini-blinds are available in white or gray only.
How should I clean my doorglass frame?
Clean the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent. You may also use a cleaner designed specifically for use on PVC doors and windows. Do not use any abrasives, solvents or petroleum-based products. These products can cause permanent damage to PVC surfaces and their use will invalidate the warranty.
Are your units certified ENERGY STAR® certified?
Novatech products are designed to meet ENERGY STAR® requirements when used in Energy Star-accredited door systems with Novatech door panels
What are the advantages of doorglass that meets the requirements of the ENERGY STAR® program?
Doorglass with Low-E glass and Argon gas meets the requirements of the ENERGY STAR® program. It has several energy efficiency characteristics, such as double or triple glazing and spacer bars with low thermal conductivity. The gas between the panes of glass is also 90% Argon gas.
Doorglass with Low-E glass and Argon gas has several advantages:
- Blocks the passage of heat energy. Thus it keep your rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing your energy consumption while increasing the comfort level in your home;
- Has thermal resistance that is 20 to 40% greater than traditional models;
- Certifies that the products selected meet current environmental requirements;
- Reduces the risk of condensation during cold weather;
Offers better protection against ultraviolet rays, which will fade curtains, blinds and home furnishings.
How do I select a doorglass model that’s right for my climate zone
There are four (4) climate zones in Canada. Zone A is the mildest, and Zone D is the coldest. In Canada, most of the population lives in Zone B.
How can I tell if my doorglass was made by Novatech?
Look at the bottom of the glass unit, Novatech will be engraved there
Where do I find the manufacturing date for my doorglass?
The manufacturing date is shown on the spacer bar inside the insulated glass unit.
The unit in my door has been discontinued but is still under warranty. What should I do?
Novatech promises to provide you with a new doorglass model in the same family, if yours has been discontinued. If the size of your doorglass has also been discontinued, Novatech promises to change your unit under warranty for another model in the family and of the same size. We suggest that you contact the door and window retailer nearest you for more details.
What is a thermal breakage of the glass?
Glass, like most other materials, expands when exposed to heat. As the edges of the window are covered by the frame, these edges are more insulated against thermal rays from the sun or from inside the house. Thus the center of the glass tends to be warmer than the edges. This temperature difference leads to greater deformation at the center than at the edge of the glass, causing stresses to build up. Under normal conditions, glass is able to resist these stresses, but under extraordinary conditions, the glass may break. This in no way reflects the manufacturing quality of the glazed unit. Among the causes for such breakages are shade provided by trees and surrounding architectural elements, window trim, heaters, etc. Thermal breakage is not covered by the Novatech warranty.
Condensation forms on the inside of my doorglass. What should I do to remedy this?
Attention must be paid to the relative humidity of the house and ventilation of the rooms affected. In winter, the humidity level inside the house should be between 30% and 50%. When the outside temperature falls below -10ºC, the recommended humidity level is 30%. We also suggest that you remove any screens, and open any blinds or drapes to allow air to circulate freely.
What can I do about condensation between the two panes of glass in my sealed units?
If condensation appears between the two panes of glass, this means that the insulating seal is defective, and the unit must be replaced. If the situation persists, it is important that you replace the unit, as it will have lost its thermal effectiveness. This phenomenon is known as a seal failure. Please refer to the warranty chart for Novatech products in the products section on our Web site. You may also contact the door and window retailer closest to you.
Will the silkscreening peel off?
No. The silk-screened ink will not peel off and will not change color.
Doors
How can I tell if my door was manufactured by Novatech?
The name Novatech and the door model will be stamped on the top of the door, on the hinge side.
How do I maintain my door and doorglass?
You will find information about maintaining Novatech doors and doorglass in the product list of our Web site.
Patio Doors
WHAT TO DO IF MY DOOR IS DRAFTY WHERE THE PANELS MEET?
Drafts may occur at the meeting rails for a few reasons. Usually, this indicates that the fixed panel has not been fully inserted into the jamb, resulting in poor contact at the meeting rails. The easiest way to determine if this is the case is to look at the fixed panel retaining clips. If they need to be bent or forced to hook onto or attach to the fixed rail, this indicates that the fixed panel is not fully engaged. If this is the case, you need to remove the screen and both panels and re-install the fixed panel to correct this. When you can position and fasten the retaining clip with ease, the fixed panel is properly installed. Also, make sure the dust plugs on the fixed panel meeting rail and the carpet plugs are adjusted properly to close the gap at the top and bottom of the panel. Refer to the installation instructions for more details.
WHAT TO DO IF MY DOOR IS DRAFTY AT THE JAMB?
Drafts may occur where the sliding panel and jamb meet if the jamb is bowed, or when the panel and jamb are not vertically aligned. The vertical alignment can be corrected by adjusting the wheels and squaring the panel to the jamb. If the jamb is bowed, it is necessary to remove and re-shim the jambs to make them true.
THE SLIDING PANEL IS DIFFICULT TO SLIDE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If the sliding panel is difficult to operate, this usually indicates that it is riding too low in the track and the wheels needs to be adjusted. The sliding panel can be raised or lowered by inserting any household screwdriver through the slots in the bottom corners of the operating panel and turning the wheel adjustment screw: clockwise to raise the panel, or counter-clockwise to lower the panel.
HOW TO FIX A LOCK THAT DOESN'T LATCH?
The lock not latching indicates that the striker hook on the lockset and the keeper mounted on the door jamb are not aligned properly. First, ensure that the panel and jamb are in alignment vertically by adjusting the wheels if necessary. With the striker hook in the locked position, slide the panel close to the jamb, mark the top of the hook with a pencil on the jamb, then adjust the keeper up or down so the striker hook will engage it cleanly when operated.
HOW TO FIX A SCREEN THAT TIPS AND IS DIFFICULT TO SLIDE?
If the screen does not slide smoothly, this indicates that the top and bottom wheels need to be adjusted. First, ensure the screen and jamb are in alignment vertically by adjusting the bottom wheels if necessary. The wheels are adjusted in a similar manner to the sliding panels. Once the screen has been aligned vertically, turn the the adjustment screws in the wheels at the top corners of the screen clockwise until snug but not over-tight. The screen should then run along the track smoothly without rocking or tipping.
WHAT BENEFITS DOES LOW E GLASS PROVIDE?
“Low E” or Low Emissivity glass increases energy efficiency by reducing amount of heat or cold that is transferred through the glass. It can also serve to block UV rays from coming through the glass. Essentially, Low E will reduce the cost of heating or cooling your home, and the initial cost of the glass will be quickly offset by reduced energy costs. Moreover, because Low E keeps the interior glass warmer it will decrease condensation on windows and provide a more comfortable feeling near the windows and doors in your home.
WHAT DOES ARGON GAS IN THE INSULATING GLASS DO?
Argon in itself has very little energy saving value, but when combined with Low E glass, it reduces convection heat loss between glass panes and enhances the overall energy efficiency of your patio door.
MY DOOR IS FOGGING UP. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
If the fog can be wiped off the inside of the window the problem is not with the insulating glass but with humidity levels in your home. To alleviate this problem you can try a variety of things. If there is a humidifier in your home, try lowering or turning it off completely. Try turning on a ceiling fan to circulate air, or open up a window to allow for ventilation. If you have heat register deflectors, remove them. Lower humidity and better air circulation are the key to reducing condensation.
WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS FOG BETWEEN INSULATING GLASS?
In this rare case, the seal on your insulating glass has failed and must be replaced. Contact your retailer to check on your warranty status.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SLIDING DOOR?
For periodic cleaning, use a mild dish soap and water solution followed by a warm water rinse. Never use abrasive or chemical cleaners on the doors or glass, as they may damage the appearance of these surfaces. Ensure the tracks are vacuumed clear of dust or debris, and occasionally apply a silicone spray on the track if the door is stiff to operate.