DIY Network

Windows and Glass: Buying Windows From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-112

Figure A

Now that you know the basics of windows and glass for your new home and have decided on a style, in this segment host Jeff Wilson will go over the type of material utilized to create the windows.

The frames for your windows can be made from a variety of materials, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Wood (figure A) is the most traditional material from which windows are manufactured, It can be painted in any color, and for this reason, it makes a good choice for anyone looking for a variety of color options both inside and outside the house.

  Wood framed windows have a solid thermal performance, which means that they will do a good job keeping the elements out and your heated or cooled air inside. Unfortunately, wood can be susceptible to rot and are not always the best choice for rainy climates.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Aluminum (figure B) window frames are light, yet extremely strong and durable. They also require little maintenance, making them another great choice for your home. And due to their lower cost, aluminum frames are becoming more popular.

  One disadvantage, however, with aluminum windows is that they conduct heat, and this added thermal conductance can lead to increased cooling costs.

• Fiberglass (figure C) windows will "not" conduct as much heat as an aluminum framed window. This makes them a better option for homes in the Southern or Western areas of the country.

  Because of the greater strength, fiberglass frames work well with intricate window designs and patterns.

• Vinyl (figure D)windows are another common choice. They are popular most everywhere and mainly because they are low maintenance and they handle thermal insulation better than aluminum. And while they may not have the color range of painted wood, they are available in a large variety of colors.

  Vinyl windows are as energy efficient as wood windows as far as the materials are concerned. The manufacturers are able to do a variety of shapes and sizes as well, which means you can be a bit more creative with vinyl windows.

Regardless of what kind of window frame you purchase -- wood, aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl -- you should also keep in mind the glass inside it. Frames can sue a single piece of glass or multiple pieces.

The most common window framing systems use either single, double or triple panes. The more panes you window has, the more efficient it will be at keeping out the elements.

Installing Windows

With four common types of frames and one, two or three panes of glass, choosing the proper window for your new home now sounds a bit more complicated. This is why when it comes to installing your new windows, it's vital to have your builder hire professional installers.

Precision is extremely important when it comes to installing windows, and that's because poorly installed frames will leave cracks and gaps through which the elements can gain access to your home. In fact, most water getting into the wall cavity occurs around windows.

Installation also has to do with sealing the product to the wall. If the product is properly installed and sealed, no leaks should appear.

In the next segment we'll look at how your windows affect the heating and cooling of your home.

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