All About Windows Guide
From BH Kruper Construction, Inc.

Window Materials

Aluminum: Generally the least expensive material used in the manufacture of window frames. Lightweight, yet strong, aluminum was a very common window material from the late 50's until recently. However, it is the least energy efficient of all the window materials because aluminum is a very good thermal conductor so you loose energy through the aluminum frame even if you have insulated glass.

Vinyl: With the higher costs of energy for heating and cooling in the seventies and eighties window manufacturers looked for an alternative to aluminum for window frame material. Vinyl costs 5-25% more than aluminum windows, but you get up to 30% better energy efficiency in the overall window if you compare dual glazed aluminum windows to dual glazed vinyl windows. And like aluminum windows, you have very little maintenance.

Wood: The original window frame material. Wood windows are beautiful to look at and are generally very energy efficient when using dual glass. The disadvantages of wood though are the higher costs (generally about 2-3 times what vinyl windows cost) and more maintenance. You can get wood windows with more maintenance free exteriors. They can be clad with aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. This way you can have the nice look of wood, but with a more durable exterior.

Types of Frames (Installation)

New Construction: Also called a nail-on frame and usually used for new construction, but can also be installed as replacement windows. The window frame is nailed to the studs around the window opening. Flashing paper is then placed around the window to help keep the installation watertight. Then, finishing is applied around the opening and window.

Retrofit: This type of window installation is used where you have existing wood or aluminum windows and don't want to tear out stucco or siding but want to upgrade your windows to better operating, energy efficient windows.

Glass Types

Single Glass: This means the windows has one pane of glass in each panel. It has very little insulating value. Most building departments don't allow single glass anymore because it is so energy inefficient.

Double Glass: Also called insulated glass or dual glazed windows. This is made up of 2 pieces of glass with an airspace in between. This airspace cuts the heat transferred from one side of the glass to the other nearly in half.

Argon: This is not actually a type of glass but is a gas that is put into the space between the panes of glass in a dual glazed window. This adds to the insulating value of the window (about 3-5%) and is not very expensive.

Low E: This is a metallic coating put onto the inner surface of the outer pane of glass in a dual glazed window. It works by reflecting most of the ultraviolet rays (the component of light that does the most damage to your carpets and drapes) and infrared rays (radiant heat). This actually increases the insulating value of the glass 15-30%. It also reduces solar heat gain. Most window manufacturers now are using Low E-2 or Low E squared which is an improved multicoated version.

Tinted Glass: Window glass can be ordered in a variety of different tints. Tinted glass is mainly used to reduce sun glare. It does reduce the solar heat gain, but does not add to the insulating properties of the glass like Low E does. The different tints that are readily available are solar bronze or gray, bronze reflective, azurlite (blue), evergreen, #31 graylite (dark), and #14 graylite (very dark).

Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is also called safety glass. It is used in all doors, any window that is within 18" of the floor, or any window in a tub or shower area.

Obscure Glass: As the name implies this type of glass is used were you don't want people to easily see through a window. P516 is the kind obscure of glass you see in most bathroom windows. However, you can also get rainglass, glue chip, reed glass, and many others.

Window Coverings

Window Types

Horizontal Slider: This window has one or two panels that slide left or right. A popular style for contemporary homes. Horizontal sliders are typically used for bedrooms requiring egress.

Double Awning and
Center Picture Window