Canadian wildfires prompt another air quality alert for coastal Maine
Ground-level pollution concentrations in southwest coastal Maine were in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" level Sunday and have continued in that range into Monday. The elevated level is most likely to impact children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart disease.
While the pollution concentration level may drop during the day Monday, another plume of wildfire smoke is expected to move in from the east and reach the Maine and New Hampshire coast by afternoon, according to the DEP. That plume from the western Canadian wildfires broke off over Newfoundland and Labrador and has now moved south into Nova Scotia.
The smoke is expected to move move out Tuesday, but it could return in the coming days as wildfires continue to burn across Canada, the DEP said.
The air quality could cause people with asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions to experience reduced lung function and irritation, according to the DEP.
Officials say it is possible that even healthy adults who exert themselves outside could notice side effects, such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and mild chest pain. People can protect themselves by avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, closing windows, and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.
Last week, smoke from the Canadian wildfires led the DEP to issue a similar air quality alert for much of Maine's coastline Wednesday and Thursday.
Dozens of wildfires burning in the western provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, including one more than twice the size of Los Angeles, have forced thousands of Canadians to evacuate their homes in recent weeks.
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Window Repair Ottawa: The Complete Homeowner's Guide to Saving 70% on Window Costs (2025)
If you're dealing with foggy windows, cracked glass, or drafty frames in Ottawa, you're not alone. According to industry data, 68% of Canadian homeowners experience window problems within 15-20 years of installation. But here's the thing most people don't know: You don't always need to replace your entire windows. In fact, professional window repair can save you between 50-70% compared to full replacement costs. That's potentially thousands of dollars staying in your pocket. This comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about window repair in Ottawa, including when to repair vs. replace, cost breakdowns, and how to find the right professionals for the job. Ottawa's unique climate creates specific challenges for windows. Our city experiences: Temperature swings from -30°C in winter to +35°C in summer High humidity levels during spring and fall Freeze-thaw cycles that stress window seals UV exposure that degrades materials over time These conditions accelerate what's called 'solar pumping' – a process where daily heating and cooling cycles gradually compromise your window seals. Here's how it works: During the day, sunlight heats your windows, building pressure between glass panes and forcing tiny amounts of air out. At night, as temperatures drop, outside air (containing moisture) gets drawn back in. Over years, this cycle saturates the silica desiccant beads in your window spacers, leading to foggy, hazy glass. The result? Windows that look terrible and perform poorly, but aren't necessarily beyond repair. Not every window problem requires a full replacement. Here's the breakdown: Foggy or hazy glass between panes (90% success rate with professional defogging) (90% success rate with professional defogging) Single broken glass panes (unless frame damage exists) (unless frame damage exists) Condensation problems (often solved with seal restoration) (often solved with seal restoration) Minor frame issues (weatherstripping, hardware problems) (weatherstripping, hardware problems) Sticking or hard-to-open windows (usually mechanical fixes) Multiple structural issues (frame rot, extensive damage) (frame rot, extensive damage) Windows over 25 years old with multiple problems with multiple problems Significant energy efficiency concerns (single-pane windows in older homes) (single-pane windows in older homes) Major frame damage from accidents or severe weather The key is getting a professional assessment. Companies like Ottawa Window Medics specialize in determining whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective solution. One of the most common issues Ottawa homeowners face is foggy windows. Traditional thinking says these windows are 'done for,' but modern defogging technology tells a different story. Professional defogging involves: Drilling tiny holes in the glass spacer Extracting moisture using specialized equipment Cleaning the interior glass surfaces thoroughly Installing ventilation plugs to prevent future moisture buildup Sealing the system for long-term performance When done correctly, this process can restore windows to near-original clarity and extend their life by up to 20 years. Case Study: A typical Ottawa homeowner with 12 foggy windows faced a $8,400 replacement quote. Professional defogging cost $2,520 – a savings of $5,880 (70% less than replacement). Sometimes the issue isn't the entire window system – just one damaged pane. Whether it's a stray hockey puck, hailstorm damage, or stress fractures, glass replacement is often the most economical solution. Modern glass replacement can handle: Single-pane glass (clear, tinted, tempered, or self-cleaning) (clear, tinted, tempered, or self-cleaning) Double-pane systems (with proper seal restoration) (with proper seal restoration) Triple-pane configurations (maintaining energy efficiency ratings) (maintaining energy efficiency ratings) Specialty glass (low-E coatings, argon-filled units) The key advantage? You maintain your existing frame and hardware while getting the performance benefits of new glass technology. Here's a stat that might surprise you: Damaged windows can increase your heating costs by 25-40% during Ottawa winters. Why? Because: Broken seals allow conditioned air to escape Condensation reduces insulation effectiveness Drafts force your HVAC system to work harder Single-pane glass has minimal thermal resistance Professional window repair addresses these issues systematically, often improving energy performance beyond original specifications. Not all window companies are created equal. Here's what to look for: Specialized repair experience (not just replacement-focused) (not just replacement-focused) Modern defogging technology and equipment and equipment Comprehensive warranties on repair work on repair work Local presence with multiple service locations with multiple service locations Transparent pricing with detailed estimates Companies that only offer replacement solutions Prices that seem too good to be true Lack of proper licensing or insurance High-pressure sales tactics No local references or reviews When researching window repair Ottawa options, Ottawa Window Medics stands out for several reasons: Repair-First Philosophy: Unlike companies that push expensive replacements, they prioritize cost-effective repairs when possible, helping homeowners save 50-70% on window costs. Advanced Technology: They use world-class defogging techniques and modern equipment to restore windows to original condition, potentially extending life by another 20 years. Comprehensive Services: From defogging and glass replacement to complete window and door installation, they handle all aspects of window maintenance and repair. Local Expertise: With multiple Ottawa-area locations, they understand local climate challenges and provide efficient, cost-effective solutions tailored to our region. Quality Guarantee: Their restoration processes come with warranties, and they prioritize customer satisfaction and peace of mind. Here are current Ottawa market rates: Defogging (per window): $180-$250 $180-$250 Glass replacement (double-pane): $200-$400 $200-$400 Seal restoration: $150-$300 $150-$300 Hardware repair: $75-$200 Standard double-hung: $400-$800 per window $400-$800 per window Casement windows: $500-$900 per window $500-$900 per window Bay/bow windows: $1,200-$2,500 per window $1,200-$2,500 per window Installation labor: $200-$400 per window Bottom Line: Repair typically costs 30-50% of replacement, making it an attractive option for many homeowners. Beyond cost savings, choosing repair over replacement has significant environmental benefits: Reduces landfill waste (old windows contain non-biodegradable materials) (old windows contain non-biodegradable materials) Conserves manufacturing resources (glass, aluminum, vinyl production) (glass, aluminum, vinyl production) Lower carbon footprint (transportation, installation impacts) (transportation, installation impacts) Extends product lifecycle (maximizes initial material investment) This aligns with Ottawa's sustainability goals and helps homeowners make environmentally responsible choices. While some minor window issues can be DIY projects, most repairs require professional expertise: Replacing weatherstripping Adjusting window hardware Cleaning window tracks Minor caulking repairs Glass replacement and cutting Defogging procedures Seal restoration Frame repairs Safety glass installation Safety Consideration: Working with glass, especially on upper floors, carries significant injury risks. Professional technicians have proper training, tools, and insurance protection. Timing your window repairs strategically can save money and improve results: Ideal for assessment after winter damage after winter damage Moderate temperatures for optimal repair conditions for optimal repair conditions Before peak season (potentially lower prices) Peak repair season (highest demand, potentially higher prices) (highest demand, potentially higher prices) Best weather conditions for exterior work for exterior work Immediate comfort benefits before next winter Pre-winter preparation (seal up before cold weather) (seal up before cold weather) Good repair conditions before temperature extremes before temperature extremes Energy savings start immediately Emergency repairs only (weather-dependent) (weather-dependent) Indoor work possible (defogging, glass replacement) (defogging, glass replacement) Planning season for spring projects When facing window problems in Ottawa, consider these factors: Age of windows (repair makes more sense for newer installations) Extent of damage (isolated issues vs. systemic problems) Budget constraints (repair offers immediate cost relief) Long-term plans (staying in home vs. selling soon) Energy priorities (immediate efficiency vs. long-term investment) If you're dealing with window problems, don't assume replacement is your only option. Here's your action plan: Get a professional assessment from a repair-focused company Compare repair vs. replacement costs for your specific situation Consider timing based on seasonal factors and your budget Choose experienced professionals with proper warranties and insurance Plan for regular maintenance to extend window life Ready to explore your options? Contact the experts at Ottawa Window Medics for a free consultation. Their trained professionals can assess your windows and provide honest recommendations about whether repair or replacement makes the most sense for your situation. Call 613-519-1317 or email info@ to schedule your no-obligation assessment today. Remember: The right repair can give your windows another 20 years of life while saving you thousands of dollars. In Ottawa's challenging climate, that's smart homeownership. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
