Window labels answer different questions. An energy label describes rated energy performance; an air/water/structural designation addresses separate product characteristics; a glass mark may identify a glass standard or producer; an order label or serial number supports traceability. Match each document to the exact ordered configuration and keep a labelled photograph and file copy. No single sticker proves suitability, installation quality and every code requirement.
Canadian planning context. Technical examples from other regions are identified in the guide; approval and performance requirements must be checked for the actual building and jurisdiction. Original explanatory diagrams are not construction details.
- Start with the approved opening schedule, then connect each unit's identifiers to its intended location.
- Keep whole-window thermal data distinct from centre-of-glass values and always state units.
- An energy certificate and air/water/structural evidence cover different subjects; do not substitute one for the other.
- A glass etching may identify the glazing component without identifying the complete window manufacturer.
- Save labels and applicable documents before cleanup; keep permanent identifiers intact according to manufacturer instructions.
01 /One window can have several identities
A window is an assembled product containing glass, spacer, frame, sash, hardware and other components. Different businesses may make these parts. The supplier's order number, the window's serial identifier, the insulated-glass spacer code and a glass etching may therefore refer to different stages of production. A number found on the glass is useful evidence, but it may not be the number needed to order a replacement screen or operator.
Build an identity chain instead of looking for one magic label: opening ID, supplier order and line, manufacturer and series, verified configuration, delivered unit identifier and component marks. Photograph each visible mark with enough context to find it again. If a code is unclear, ask the manufacturer or dealer to interpret it rather than guessing its meaning from a forum post.
| Mark or document | Likely purpose | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier order label | Order, line, dimensions and delivery allocation | A complete performance certification |
| Product serial/unit ID | Service and manufacturing traceability | That another unit in the room is identical |
| Energy label | Rated energy characteristics and certification context | Installation quality or all structural requirements |
| Air/water/structural label | Applicable product-performance designation | Whole-window thermal performance |
| Glass etching | Glass producer or applicable glass standard information | Complete window brand, warranty or burglary resistance |
| IGU spacer code | Glazing-unit traceability | The model of the frame or hardware |
02 /Read energy performance as a set of fields
Record the whole-window U-factor, its units, solar heat gain coefficient and visible transmittance where available. U-factor describes heat transfer, SHGC describes solar gain, and VT describes visible light transmission. They measure different effects. Lower U-factor alone does not describe glare, appearance, daylight or summer overheating. Whole-window ratings include the frame and other parts; centre-of-glass figures describe a smaller scope.
NFRC provides a Certified Product Directory and a search that can help check label data. NRCan maintains Canada's certified-product resources. Use the exact model information from the supplier, including operation and glass package, rather than search only the brand. Canadian and U.S. ENERGY STAR criteria are not interchangeable. A U.S. label can contain useful rating data without itself establishing Canadian certification or an incentive program's eligibility.
| Field | Record | Check |
|---|---|---|
| U-factor | Value, units and whole-window/centre-glass scope | Same units and rating context in both offers |
| SHGC | Value and glass configuration | Orientation and shading goals still matter |
| VT | Value and configuration | Glass area and frame proportions also affect daylight |
| Canadian certification | Exact listed model and date checked | Applicable program and ordered configuration |
| Source | Directory entry or certificate saved with revision | Traceable to the actual offered unit |
03 /Keep air, water and structural evidence separate
The energy brochure is not the place to stop when a project needs documented resistance to wind, air leakage or water penetration. Ask the responsible designer or supplier which performance designation and supporting documents apply to the intended product, size and assembly. NAFS is a performance-based fenestration standard; its edition and the applicable Canadian context must be established for the project rather than guessed from a familiar label.
Product performance labels and third-party certification marks are related but distinct. FGIA explains that manufacturers may hold NFRC thermal certification without AAMA Gold Label certification for basic air, water and structural performance. This does not make the product automatically unsuitable; it means you need the right evidence for the question being asked. Large combinations, site-built glazed assemblies and products outside a standard's scope may require different evaluation. The designer should resolve the applicable pathway.
For procurement, retain the designation, supporting report or certificate reference, size limitations and configuration. Avoid interpreting a higher number as universally better without knowing what it measures. A tested factory unit does not prove that a field mullion, altered anchor, unsupported combination or incompatible wall connection has the same performance.
04 /Safety-glass marks are component evidence
Tempered and laminated products serve different functions and may be specified for different reasons. A permanent glass mark can be part of the evidence, but it does not by itself decide whether a specific location meets local glazing requirements. The project must identify where safety glazing is required, which panes and components are involved, and how the supplied glazing satisfies that requirement. Do not use a photograph of an unrelated door's mark as proof for a bedroom window.
If security, impact resistance, overhead glazing or fire performance is a goal, request the appropriate tested assembly and standard rather than relying on the word 'laminated' or 'tempered'. Security claims depend on more than glass composition. For an existing window with unclear marks, a qualified glazier or manufacturer can help identify the product. Do not scratch, chip or perform a destructive test to determine glass type.
05 /Assemble a useful submittal package
A submittal is the set of information offered for project review before supply or installation. For a house, it can be a small organized folder rather than a formal commercial binder. Its purpose is to show the exact proposed products and details against the agreed requirements. Sending every brochure a supplier owns does not make the package complete; the reviewer needs to know which pages apply.
| Document | Contents | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opening schedule | IDs, verified dimensions, operation and quantities | Shows what goes where |
| Product sheets | Exact series and selected options highlighted | Distinguishes available from ordered features |
| Performance evidence | Applicable model ratings and supporting references | Connects promises to documented values |
| Assembly details | Mullions, screens, restrictors, hardware and accessories | Exposes coordinated parts |
| Installation documents | Product instructions plus relevant wall-specific detail | Shows connection responsibility |
| Finish sample | Actual colour and finish identification | Avoids relying on screen colour |
| Warranty and care | Applicable market/product terms and maintenance | Defines service and owner obligations |
| Exception list | Every difference from the requested base scope | Prevents silent substitutions |
Mark the revision and date. A reviewer should be able to see which information was approved and which changed later. If the supplier cannot provide a requested document, record the gap explicitly. Approval of a colour sample is not approval of performance, and an owner signature does not turn an unresolved technical question into verified compliance.
06 /Verify the delivery against the approved package
Before labels are removed or units are installed, compare the delivered identifiers and visible configuration with the approved schedule. Check counts, operation, handing, finish, glass options and accessories. Where certification or program documentation is required, photograph the specified labels at the required stage. NRCan's buyer guidance recommends retaining ENERGY STAR labels for records and incentive claims; individual programs may have more specific requirements.
If the supplier sends a different glass code or changes a label format, ask for a written explanation tied to the actual order. The issue may be harmless, but it should not be resolved by assuming similar appearance means identical performance. Keep a discrepancy list by opening ID and avoid installing an unconfirmed substitution merely to maintain the schedule.
07 /Keep a handover archive that will work years later
At completion, combine the approved schedule, delivered identifiers, final invoice, care instructions, warranty documents and installation date. Save documents in durable ordinary formats and name them clearly. Include the dealer and manufacturer service contacts without relying on a salesperson's personal phone number. Keep the exact market-specific warranty: terms for a U.S. product or a later product series may not apply to a Canadian installation.
A future glazier needs the glass configuration; a hardware supplier needs the operator and product identity; an installer investigating a leak needs the wall connection and condition history. An organized archive helps each person obtain the appropriate evidence. Use the warranty record guide and acceptance list to complete the trail.
FAQQuestions people ask
Does ENERGY STAR prove the window is correctly installed?
No. It is product energy-certification evidence. Installation and project-specific requirements need their own records and assessment.
Is the glass etching the window serial number?
Not necessarily. It may identify the glass producer or standard. Ask the window manufacturer to interpret the available markings.
Can I remove temporary labels?
Follow manufacturer instructions and retain required records first. Incentive programs may require photographs at a particular stage; keep permanent identifiers intact.
Does NFRC certification include every air/water/structural requirement?
No. Treat thermal certification and other performance evidence separately, and obtain the evidence required for your project.
Does the same brand mean the same ratings?
No. Operation, glass, frame and configuration can change ratings. Match the exact proposed model and relevant limitations.
