Tempo:
Edge Seals The thermal efficiency of a sealed glazing unit can be significantly improved by using a low-conductivity edge spacer between panes of sealed glass units. Aluminum was commonly used for window spacers but resulted in cold areas around the edges of glazing units. Plastic, silicone and glass fibre spacers are now used to reduce thermal conductivity at the glass edges.
Solar heat gain coefficient
Appearance
In addition, the Harmonized Standard and Canadian Supplement require manufacturers to make windows that are:
Thermally-Efficient Frames Window frames are typically constructed of aluminum, vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), wood or fibreglass. Each of these materials has unique properties suited for window frame construction, but differ in terms of thermal performance. Aluminum is very conductive (1,000 times greater than vinyl, wood or fibreglass) and, therefore, performs poorly from a thermal efficiency standpoint. Aluminum frames must be thermally broken using low-conductivity materials such as PVC or nylon, which improve the performance of the frame significantly. Frames constructed of wood, PVC and fibreglass all have similar low-conductivity properties Further improvements can be made in PVC and fibreglass by filling the voids and airspaces in the frames with insulation. While the frames may only make up a small portion of the overall window area, the thermal performance of a window is significantly influenced by the frame selection.
Window Selection The following list shows window selection factors:
Cost
Warranty
Energy performance
suitable to local climatic loads (water penetration resistance, wind load and airtightness); and resistant to forced entry.
All manufactured windows and entrance doors are required to meet forced entry requirements. All site-built doors and site-built windows located within 2 m (6 ft. 6 in.) of the ground must meet the same requirements.
Window Installation Windows are usually installed after the house framing and roof covering have been completed. Windows should arrive just in time for installation. If they are delivered early, store them upright in a secure, dry and level area in their original packaging with any temporary bracing left in place. Screens are susceptible to damage and should be removed, labelled and stored until construction is complete. Prior to installation, review the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and ensure that all of the proper tools, fasteners and materials are available. Install windows plumb and level within the rough opening using shims to position and temporarily secure them. Improper window installation can result in water and air leakage problems and poor functioning of operable units. Correct window installation includes lapping and sealing the water-impermeable sheathing membrane to the window to form a continuous second
Solar heat gain coefficient
Appearance
In addition, the Harmonized Standard and Canadian Supplement require manufacturers to make windows that are:
Thermally-Efficient Frames Window frames are typically constructed of aluminum, vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), wood or fibreglass. Each of these materials has unique properties suited for window frame construction, but differ in terms of thermal performance. Aluminum is very conductive (1,000 times greater than vinyl, wood or fibreglass) and, therefore, performs poorly from a thermal efficiency standpoint. Aluminum frames must be thermally broken using low-conductivity materials such as PVC or nylon, which improve the performance of the frame significantly. Frames constructed of wood, PVC and fibreglass all have similar low-conductivity properties Further improvements can be made in PVC and fibreglass by filling the voids and airspaces in the frames with insulation. While the frames may only make up a small portion of the overall window area, the thermal performance of a window is significantly influenced by the frame selection.
Window Selection The following list shows window selection factors:
Cost
Warranty
Energy performance
suitable to local climatic loads (water penetration resistance, wind load and airtightness); and resistant to forced entry.
All manufactured windows and entrance doors are required to meet forced entry requirements. All site-built doors and site-built windows located within 2 m (6 ft. 6 in.) of the ground must meet the same requirements.
Window Installation Windows are usually installed after the house framing and roof covering have been completed. Windows should arrive just in time for installation. If they are delivered early, store them upright in a secure, dry and level area in their original packaging with any temporary bracing left in place. Screens are susceptible to damage and should be removed, labelled and stored until construction is complete. Prior to installation, review the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and ensure that all of the proper tools, fasteners and materials are available. Install windows plumb and level within the rough opening using shims to position and temporarily secure them. Improper window installation can result in water and air leakage problems and poor functioning of operable units. Correct window installation includes lapping and sealing the water-impermeable sheathing membrane to the window to form a continuous second
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