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window models In addition to materials, shutting mechanisms also require consideration in choosing windows. Double hung, sliding and casement windows are still among the most popular.
Casement windows. Nowadays, casement windows are at the top of their popularity. They adapt well to various architectural styles, are easy to maintain and are remarkably airtight with their double compressed (replaceable) weather-stripping. But, you must make sure the window is fitted with sufficient latches to ensure maximum air tightness over its entire height. Casement windows usually open on the outside although some manufacturers sell models that open on the inside, in the French style.
The sliding window. The sliding window often yields to the popularity of the casement window when renovation time rolls around. Less expensive, the sliding window is especially suited to openings that are wider than high, where there is a need to let in lots of light, such as in basements. Once practically exclusively made of aluminum, the sliding window is now available more and more in PVC. Its energy efficiency has improved greatly over the years and it's now possible to buy sliding windows with the same energy rating as triple-glazed windows.
Double and single hung windows. Better suited to vertical openings than any other type of window, the modern sash window only resembles its ancestor inasmuch as it shares its name and basic design. Indeed, everything that was once held against the double hung (lack of air tightness, difficult maintenance and handling) has been corrected over the past few years. Its chassis is now fitted with PVC guides that ensure easy sliding of the moving parts, and hardware that is reliable. Modern sash windows are as airtight as casement windows. In order to ease maintenance and cleaning, most manufacturers now offer sashes that pivot in.
We have described the main types and models of windows. Your home centre will be pleased to show you special types and models, among them circular windows that are now coming back into style on a number house models. He will also be pleased to advise you on skylights, sun windows, bay windows, glass roofs, etc. Glazing Glass is one of the main causes of heat loss in houses. And no matter what its insulation value, it will remain so. Double-sealed glazing is now standard on new windows. It's rated R-2. Since the advent of this type of glass, new technologies focus on trapping inert gases (argon or krypton and a desiccant) between two panes of glass or using sophisticated energy-efficient glass that can reach R-9 (a wall is rated R-20).
It's important to choose glass in keeping with the orientation of the window relative to the sun. Better glass should be installed on windows that do not get much sun. Talk to your advisor and find out what options are open to you.
Canadian Standards Association - Standard A-440
The Canadian Standards Association has designed a rating system that takes into account all of the elements that make up a window from glass to framing. Among other things, the tests rate air tightness (from A1 to A3, the latter being the highest rating) water tightness (B1 to B7) and wind resistance (C1 to C 5). The national building code requires the minimum rating for each of the rated criteria for residential construction. However, it's recommended that buyers look for the higher ratings (A3, B3 and C3) and for even higher ratings in regions where the climate is harder. You'll find more details on window testing on various models of windows on the CSA web site: www.csa.ca
Because laboratory testing is expensive, many manufacturers don't have their windows tested. Many of the products that are not tested would no doubt achieve an acceptable rating. But, it's always safer to opt for a tested product. Good shopping! With all this information, you should make great choices!
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