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.

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 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