Download 2.4a-Windows-and-Doors

Windows and Doors
• Typically once the roofing material has been
installed/completed the windows and doors are
installed.
• It’s important to install these after the roofing
materials so that breakage and damage to the
windows and doors can be avoided.
• Putting the windows and doors in before the
siding is important because trimming windows
and doors is down once they’ve been installed.
Types of Windows
• Double-hung windows are the most common type. They consist of
two sashes that are guided by a metal or wooden track. Single-hung
windows look similar, but the upper sash is fixed. Look for newer
models that feature inward-tilting sashes for easier cleaning.
• Fixed (or stationary) windows are the least expensive, admit the
most light, and come in the greatest variety of shapes and sizes.
Their disadvantage is that they cannot be opened for ventilation.
• Casement windows are hinged at the side and swing outward at the
turn of a crank. This type is recommended for maximum ventilation.
• Awning windows swing outward like casement windows, but are
hinged at the top. Their advantage over casements is that they can
be left open even when it’s raining. Hopper windows are similar to
awning, but are hinged at the bottom.
• Sliding windows are essentially double-hungs turned on their side.
They are often used when there is a need for a window that is wider
than it is tall.
• Double and Triple Paned Windows are
designed with a trapped air space about a
half an inch thick, which functions as an
insulator. It works by restricting the amount
of air movement, slowing down the heat
loss through windows.
• Low Emissivity Windows have a clear
coating on the window to reduce the heat
loss or gain. Low Emissivity Windows
have a clear coating on the window to
reduce the heat loss or gain.
• Argon Windows: Argon Gas is a motionless gas that
manufacturers use to fill the space between the panes of
glass to reduce the heat loss. Argon gas is often used
because it is a better insulator than air and has a
relatively low cost compared to the alternatives.
New high efficiency window options
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Thermotropic energy smart windows
Thermotropic windows do respond to changes in temperature and darken to
varying levels when heat is present. Depending upon the amount of how
much heat is detected, windows will transition from clear to white and
reflective, virtually eliminating the transmission of solar heat.
For consumers this does drastically cut down on cooling costs, however
these thermotropic films can cause the window to become nontransparent
making them unsuitable for view windows.
Electrochromic energy smart windows
These windows are manually-controlled to provide insulation. When an
indoor switch is flipped, an electric current runs between the dual-pane
window and cause a special glass coating to tint, blocking 98% of solar
radiation.
They also reduce glare, enable privacy and the system requires very low
voltage to work. There is still much to be tested with this new technology,
and it is unknown when they will be available for purchase.
Doors
• Steel doors usually have interior components made of wood for
strength and stability, an inner core filled with foam or other
insulation to improve thermal performance, and an outer skin of
galvanized steel for durability and resistance to warping. Steel doors
can be painted any colour and generally require little maintenance.
• Vinyl doors – another new addition to the market – feature multiple
chambers reinforced with wood, steel or aluminum for strength and
to prevent distortion. They offer good thermal performance, are
resistant to extreme weather and breakage, and require no special
maintenance.
• Solid wood doors are often aesthetically pleasing, strong and
durable, but they are less thermally resistant than doors that have
insulated cores. They also require regular maintenance for
protection from the elements.
Limiting drafts from your doors and windows
Draft proofing can prove to be the most cost
effective way to improve your energy loss.
Sealing the gaps and holes between your doors
and windows will help eliminate moisture
problems as well as remove outside noises, not
to mention reduce heat loss.
• Weather stripping
• caulking