Gallery Photo #4
Gallery Photo #4
Replacement windows can increase resale value and energy efficiency. Several types of typical windows are listed and discussed here.
Wood windows were used from the early 1900s to the present but became less of a mainstay of the industry in the 1960s. They are prevalent in the Northern United States. Steel and aluminum casements and Steel Vertical Operators were used from the 1950s through the 1960s. Aluminum windows were used in the 1960s through the present. Vinyl windows were established in the 1970s through the present. The last decade has also seen the admission of composite materials such as fiberglass and vinyl-wood-polymer type products.
Wood windows (historical styling)
Wood "drop-in" replacement windows and vinyl windows are designed to sit in place of the existing sashes and are constructed at 3 1/4" thickness in most cases. These type windows sit in the opening where the top and bottom sash originally moved in their respective wooden "tracks" The stop between the two sashes must also be removed in this type of refurbishment or retro fit installation. It requires minimal movement of existing trims both inside and out.
The alternative is to replace the entire wood window including jambs. This requires the reworking of interior and exterior wood trim to accommodate the size of the modern wood window. Modern wood windows are available in with 4 9/16" jambs as a standard feature but can be equipped with "jamb extensions" to extend to 5 1/4" or 6 9/16". This is to accommodate the wall thickness as needed.
Modern windows have two panes of glass. This has been the standard since the late 1970s.
Modern windows of 2009 can have two or more layers of glass. And the Energy Code sets certain standards for performance of products installed in homes. These codes now require Low - E Glass in all residential homes.
Low-E is a film that is several layers of metal poured microscopically thin over the surface of newly poured glass. This heat reflective film is transparent but can be darker or lighter depending on the type and manufacturer. This data is rated in Visible Light Transmission. Darker glass with heavier Low - E will have less VT. The NFRC Rates most energy star rated window manufacturers.
Modern windows also have optional gases between the panes that have higher insulative qualities
than air, such as argon or krypton gases.
"Double-hung" windows are the most common traditional window. They have an upper sash and a
lower sash, both of which slide up and down in the window opening. "Single-hung" windows
operate the same as "double-hung" windows, but their upper sash is fixed in place. By virtue of
being stationary and permanently secured, single-hungs are often more energy efficient that
double-hung windows depending on the type and style.
Most Vertical Operators (Single and Double Hungs) now feature "tilt-in" sashes for cleaning of the exterior surfaces. The industry moved towards this approach for service and replacement reasons as well as accessibility to the exterior from the inside of the home.
Casement windows are hinged on one side and are typically operated using an interior hand crank. Awning and Basement windows hinge on top and bottom respectively.
Sliding windows, or "sliders", are sometimes used in openings that are wider than they are tall.
Non-operable or "fixed" windows also called "Picture Windows" are common in larger openings.
Retro-Fit replacement windows are custom manufactured to fit finished openings in sizes down to 1/8" or 1/4" in most cases. Builders-grade windows are constructed in specific sizes depending on the manufacturer. Wood windows also have "Standard Sizes" that determine the installation and application. Custom-sized wood windows are a rarity but are the most expensive of modern window products.
In 2009, the United States Federal Government passed a stimulus package allowing a 30% refund on purchases up to $5000 for qualifying energy saving products purchased in 2009 and 2010. This includes insulation, radiant barrier, air conditioning upgrades and most energy-efficient replacement windows and doors.
Actual requirements can be found at www.energystar.gov.
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