Before and after

Before:  These picture over awning windows weren't in very good shape.

After: We replaced the old windows with single hung windows - cottage style.  The bottom sash is operable - it slides up to allow for ventillation and the top sash is stationary. 

These windows are eligible for the 2010 energy tax credit.

Seal Failure in Patio Door

This is what a seal failure looks like.  The left panel of the door needs to have a new tempered thermal pane unit installed. 

Window Styles

I get asked this question a lot.

“I have a picture window in the front of my house and the seal is failed. Should I replace the glass or the window itself?”

OR

“I have a big window in the front of my house that doesn’t open now and I would like it to. What are my options?”

There are several options available and I will try to describe them here.

Number 1: Replace just the glass. This is a valid option sometimes however not the most cost effective. Also not eligible for energy tax credit.

Number 2: Replace with another picture window. Usually eligible for energy tax credit. Cost is about the same or possibly less than glass replacement and new window is maintenance free. To the right is a picture window. The advantage is there is no obstruction to the view. The disadvantage is that there is no way to open this window and let air in. This is the least expensive option.

Number 3: Replace with a 3 lite slider. This is usually eligible for the tax credit. Also maintenance free and just a little higher than the cost of the picture window installed. The 3 lite slider has a stationary center sash and 2 operable sashes which open by sliding toward the middle over the picture unit on either side of it. There are screens on the exterior of the 2 side units. 3 lite sliders are available in 2 different configurations. The first is – ¼, ½, ¼ - meaning that the center unit is ½ of the width of the opening and each end vent is ¼ the width of the opening. That option is pictured to the right. The window is also available as a 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 unit which means the 3 sashes are the same size.

Number 4: Replace with a 3 lite casement. This is usually eligible for the tax credit. It is also maintenance free but more expensive than the picture window or the slider. The profile of the window is similar to that of the slider pictures above, but instead of sliding in to the center to open, the windows crank out to the exterior of the home as pictures at the right. There are several options within this group also. The same ¼, ½, ¼ and 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 configurations are avalible. As with the sliders the ends are usually operable. Screens for the casement window are on the interior.

A is for..........

Argon - Argon is an inert, colorless, odorless gas.  It has lower heat conduction properties than air.  If the air in between 2 panes of glass in a double insulated glass unit or thermal pane is replaced with argon, the windopw's energy efficiency is enhanced.  Argon gas is usually used in combination with low E.

Astragal - Not a female space shuttle pilot..........An Astragal is a vertical wood piece attached to the edge of one window sash which closes the other sash when it closes. Part of a window frame. Specifically a strip, usually of wood or metal, separating two panes of glass.

Awning window - The awning window is a window style with an outward swinging sash.  It is usually to hinged.  It is usually wider than it is tall.

Window ABC's

The world of windows has it's very own specific vocabulary. My background is not in construction but in Health Care- I graduated from Marquette university in Milwaukee with a degree in Medical Technology and spent my first 15 years out of college working in a lab. Through the years I have learned alot of new things and wear many hats - accountant - secretary - advertising specialist - webmaster - IP girl -customer service person - scheduler as well as mom, wife and grandma.

I'd like to share some of my knowledge of windows and the terminology used in the window world through this blog.