Popham Construction
Windows
TO HELP OUR CLIENTS…
In addition to reducing your energy bill, new windows can make your home more comfortable, quite, and attractive.
This information sheet provides information about windows to help you make an educated decision. We’ve included a few brand websites for you to explore about each type of window. Popham does not endorse these resources, but only supplies them as a convenient source of information. Popham also encourages you to visit local business resources such as Lensing Home Consultants Center, American Window & Glass, Inc., and Pella Window Store to learn more and to view samples.
INSTALLATION – Even the best windows won’t deliver the look. comfort, or saving that you expect if they’re installed poorly. Popham uses certified window installers who follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, right down to details such as type, amount, and placement of flashing and insulation. Deviating from the manufacturer’s recommendations could void the warranty.
EFFICIENCY FEATURES – The traditional single sheet of clear glass offers little insulation against cold winters and hot summers. Energy conservation is an important issue, so here are some window efficiency features to consider:
- DOUBLE OR TRIPLE GLAZING – Double-glazed windows have a sealed space between the two panes of glass, and the air in the space provides an added layer of insulation. Compared with a single pane, double glazing can cut heat loss nearly in half. The insulating value of triple-glazed windows is higher still, but the extra layer adds to the weight and cost.
- LOW-E COATING – Clear glass allows large amounts of radiant energy to pass through – heat in from the sun in summer, heat out from your house in winter. A low-E, or low emissivity, coating is a microscopically thin metallic film that acts something like a two-way mirror, reflecting heat back into the house in winter and blocking heat from the sun in summer. Some coatings may darken the glass, so review samples to help you choose.
- GAS FILLED – Instead of air in the sealed space between glass panes, these windows use argon, krypton, or other inert gas. These gases are denser than air, so they provide better insulation.
- CLADDING – This is the vinyl or aluminum that covers the exterior of a wood window so that it doesn’t have to be painted.
- TILT-IN SASHES – On windows with this feature, the sash (moving part of a window) can be tilted for easy cleaning.
TYPES OF WINDOWS – Windows vary in material and design. Wood window frames account for about half of all replacement window sales, with all-vinyl and all-fiberglass accounting for most of the rest. Here are the types of windows to consider:
- WOOD-FRAME AND FIBERGLASS-FRAME – On wood-frame windows, the wood is clad in vinyl or aluminum for durability. The fiberglass-frame windows are all fiberglass. Good quality wood and fiberglass-frame windows excel at keeping out cold air and rain.
- VINYL-FRAME – Vinyl-frame windows are relatively inexpensive and maintenance-free. The most common reason for choosing double hung vinyl windows is that both sashes (parts) move up and down. Both sashes lift up and tilt in for easy cleaning. In single hung windows, only the bottom sash lifts up. This makes cleaning the top sash more difficult.
- AWNING-STYLE – They’re hinged at the top and open outward. They leak less air than sliders and single or double-hung windows because the sash presses against the frame to close. They also offer better ventilation than sliders of the same size and can be left open when it’s raining because they deflect rain during storms. Note that screens can be placed only on the inside.
- CASEMENT-STYLE – They’re hinged at one side, like a door, and usually open outward. Like other hinged windows, you typically get less air leakage because the sash presses against the frame to close. They’re easy to clean and also offer better ventilation than sliders of the same size because they open to the full glass area. You can position them to catch passing breezes. Two drawbacks are that screens can be placed only on the inside and most open using cranks that must be operated manually.
- HOPPER-STYLE – The opposite of awning windows, they’re hinged at the bottom and can open either inward or outward. They’re often installed above a door or another window, protected by eaves. You get less air leakage than with sliding and single or double-hung windows because the sash presses against the frame to close. Screens can be placed only on one side.
FIXED WINDOWS – These are used where lighting but not ventilation is important. These windows are airtight and are available with decorative glass accents or in unusual shapes, but fixed windows do not open, so they don’t provide ventilation.