DIY Network

Windows and Glass: Windows 101 -- The Basics From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-112

	Host Jeff Wilson discusses the windows and glass in your new home in this week's episode of Blueprint for Home Building.
	Figure A
	Figure B

There are endless types of homes you can build so it should be no surprise that there are just as many options when it comes to purchasing windows. There are three primary functions of windows in your new home:

1. The first of these functions is to provide light in a home (figure A). In fact, the main function of both doors and windows is to provide your home a way to connect to the outside world. Natural light can provide ambiance into interior spaces of your home. Letting in the largest possible amount of natural light has more benefits than just illuminating dark spaces.

   Note: Studies have shown that the more natural light in your home, the happier you'll be in this new environment.

2. The second function also relates to your health, and that's ventilation. Homes without proper air circulation are susceptible to excess moisture, and you usually don't even notice until it's too far advanced. Working in conjunction with your HVAC system, an abundance of windows can help recycle the air and properly ventilate your home.

3. The final function is to provide a view (figure B). This can be especially important for sites with unique and visually distinct characteristics.

advertisement

Different Types of Windows

There are many different styles of windows you can install in your new home. The five most common follow:

• Casement Windows (figure C) -- Operate by a cranking system that opens the sash outward. Because the entire sash can separate from the window, casement windows provide the most ventilation.

• Awning Windows (figure D) -- These have sashes that are hinged at the top but swing outside from the bottom. They are great at ventilating a room.

• Sliding Windows (figure E) -- These consist of two sashes, one of which is fixed and the other that moves horizontally. While this kind of system can be more reliable than the cranking system, a sliding window will provide 50-percent less ventilation than an awning window.

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

	Figure F
	Figure G

• Hung Windows (figure F) -- These consist of multiple sashes. A single hung window will have only one moving sash. Both sashes are moveable in a double-hung window. Single- and double-hung windows provide great views, but are limited in the amount of ventilation they can provide.

• Fixed Windows (figure G) -- When it comes to letting in light or providing a great view, fixed windows are a great option. This is because fixed windows come in the largest variety of sizes and can be placed almost anywhere. They don't, however, provide any ventilation.

If you're thinking that deciding what style or aesthetic to go with in your home's windows is tough, you're right. This is why it's vital that you talk with both your builder and architect early in the design phase of building your new home.

Remember, along with your exterior siding, windows are the most visible aspect of the house, one that goes a long way to determining the look and style of the entire home. Also keep in mind that your choice of windows should fit in with the overall style of your home.

Now that you know some of the basics about windows and their functions and styles, in the next segment you'll learn about the materials you can choose from when purchasing windows.

GUESTS :

John Broniek
Buildings Programs Manager
Ibacos
Website: www.ibacos.com

John Holton
Senior Architect
Ibacos
Website: www.ibacos.com

Patrick Janes
Andersen Windows
Website: www.andersenwindows.com

Jack Tucker
Building Wisdom
Frankford, DE 19945
Toll-free: 800-844-6275
E-mail: tucker@buildingwisdom.com
Website: www.buildingwisdom.com

Larry Shapiro
Director of Marketing
Grace Company
62 Whittemore Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-498-4888
E-mail: Lawrence.s.Shapiro@grace.com

Paul Ostrowski
National Account Manager
Simonton Windows
E-mail: paul_ostrowski@simonton.com

Joe Biss
Regional Sales Manager
Typar House Wrap
105 S. Ridge Rd.
Boiling Springs, PA 17007
Phone: 717-241-2986
E-mail: tricojoe@earthlink.net