Tag: Windows

Choosing your window details

Window details are often overlooked when planning a building or remodeling project.  Most homeowners have a broad sense of what their windows may look like based on architectural drawings but they may not give much thought into the many options and details that are available and how those choices will effect the beauty & functionality of their home.

We recently had the privilege of visiting Marvin’s design showroom at their 7 Tide location in Boston. The showroom integrates life size displays and modern technology to create an immersive design experience for builders, architects & homeowners alike. While most don’t think of  windows as key design elements in our homes, Marvin is trying to change that perception. With seemingly endless combinations of options this hands on environment helps designers and homeowners get a true sense for the many options and how they affect both the aesthetics and function of your windows and ultimately your home.

Most of our clients are surprised to learn of the number of decisions that need to be made in relation to their window choices so we’d like to take the mystery out of the process and give you a quick list of the many options available. We’re using Marvin windows as our example here because they offer a high quality product with some of the largest variety of options available.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common features you will need to decide on:

Window Style

Windows come in different styles or types -the style typically refers to the way the window operates. A home will typically have a combination of different types depending on the application & location of the window. Some of the available types and what they mean are as follows:

Fixed – the glass is stationary or non operational and does not open.

Single hung -fixed top sash and an operable lower sash that slides up and down.

Double hung – Both top and bottom sashes are operable and can slide up and down. Most also tilt in for easy cleaning.

Casement – Single operable sash that opens via a crank or a manual push out that opens the window on one side only -Marvin now offers a revolutionary “wash mode” that allows the casement window to revolve completely around and allow access to clean the exterior from the inside of your home.

Awning – Also a single operable sash that opens the window at the bottom only -providing more water shedding ability when the window is open.

Glider -a double sash window with one fixed and one operable sash that  glides/slides left to right.

Tilt Turn -a European style, dual function window that can swing in like a door or casement or open at the top like a hopper for generous air exchange

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Window Frame Type

Traditional -a traditional window frame is classic in design, the largest of the three frame options

 

 

Contemporary  -more streamlined cleaner lines, narrower frames -ideal for combining multiple units into stunning window wall configurations

 

Modern –  most streamlined of all options, smallest frame sizes for vast minimally obstructed views. This style is closest to a commercial look and well suited for ultra modern design aesthetics.

 

Glass & Glazing

A number of glass & glazing options are available; some, like the high wind glass and tempered glass may be required in some circumstances by your local building codes, so check with your builder to confirm your window glass is in compliance with local codes.

The glazing of your window will impact it’s energy efficiency. Marvin’s standard glazing is their “IG” or insulated glass, this is a double pane with argon gas between the panes and Low E2 coating, to act as an insulator and reduce heat exchange through the glass.

Different versions of insulated glass are available including tripane glazing and Low E1, Low E2 and Low E3 to meet the requirements of any climate region. Be sure to check with your local builder or supplier to confirm which is most appropriate for your climate zone and individual application.

Textured , and semi-transparent glass options are also available to be incorporated into any window configuration.

 

 

Divided Lites -Type

Divided lights refer to the style of grid that appears to “divide” the window pane. Taking your home style & any existing windows into consideration will help to make this choice. Different options offer various aesthetic & practical advantages.  Here is a list of some of the most common divided light styles:

Authentic Divided Light (ADL): individual panes of glass with true divided wood sections in between. This is a common option if historical authenticity is desired.

Simulated Divided Light (SDL):  Fixed Grid patterns are installed on both the exterior and interior of the window panes.

Simulated Divided Light with Spacer (SDLS): A spacer bar is added at the locations of the grid pattern to give the illusion of a true divided light.

Grilles Between the Glass (GBG): Grilles are placed in between the two glass panes, this option allows for easier maintenance and clean up of t he glass surface but not everyone likes the look.

Removable Grilles – Many Manufacturers also offer removable grilles that affix to the interior of the glass only and can be removed for cleaning or to change the appearance if desired.

Divided Lites -Pattern

Once you’ve selected the type of divided light, you will need to select the pattern. Your architect may have already included a window grid pattern in your design but you may want to review this detail with the architect & discuss their reasoning behind the choices.   Available patterns can vary from one manufacturer to the next. Generally most homeowners choose to maintain the same grid pattern on the entire home or at least per elevation. In some coastal locations however many choose to vary the pattern. For their street side windows they may choose a classic grid pattern because of the architectural interest but prefer unobstructed views on the water side of their home so prefer a cottage style grid pattern or none at all.

With Marvin Windows a homeowner is only limited by their imagination. Although some grid patterns are more standard in nature the possibilities are endless and custom grid patterns can be made upon request to fit almost any design that you or your design professionals can dream up. As with anything however, the more custom in nature an item is the higher the cost to produce.

Color & Finish Options

Marvin Windows offers an aluminum clad product with wood interior and wood/aluminum clad exterior. A number of finish options are available for the exterior & interior. From stained to painted & even custom color finishes.

Marvin 2018 Exterior Clad Color options

Hardware Type & Finish

Because window details are often decided early in a building or remodeling project deciding on details like the window hardware become quite an ordeal. Often our clients want to match all of the interior hardware finishes so deciding on window & door hardware color forces a commitment early in the process.

Different styles of hardware are available on specific products -reference your manufacturer’s catalog for a list of available hardware and finishes for the window types you have selected.

Screen Type & Finish

Even your window screens have options to consider and likely more than you ever thought possible.

Retractable Screen: The innovative Retractable Screen, available on the Ultimate Double Hung Next Generation
Window, is a factory-installed screen that easily retracts out of sight when not in use. The screen can be drawn to rest at one of two stop points. The resulting seal at either the sill or at the checkrail lets the breeze in while keeping insects out. The screen is released from its set position with a click of the latch on the pull bar. With lift assist action, the screen returns to its concealed position as smoothly as it was drawn. The retractable screen sets to the interior of the window.

Full or Half Screen:– Exterior screen with an aluminum surround. The full screen covers both the top and
bottom sash. The half screen only covers the bottom sash.

Two-Lite Storm Sash or Screen A wood frame containing non-removable glass. The storm sash can be removed during the summer and replaced with a wood framed screen. Available only for wood windows.

Storm & Screen Combinations – A combination unit is composed of two glass panels and one screen
panel that can be easily removed from the interior for cleaning. Available with a wood (bare or primed) or aluminum
surround, panels can be configured multiple ways to accommodate season or preference: glass above screen, screen
above glass or glass above glass. One of the panels slides behind the other for self storage when the screen is in use.

Energy Panel – Often confused with storm windows, an energy panel is technically a glazing option. It is a removable,
exterior glass panel finished on the edges by a surround. Energy panels cover the exposed glass surface of each sash and
offer added energy efficiency for wood windows with single glazing.

We hope this list has given you insight into some of the many options that will need to be decided on prior to ordering your windows for your next building or remodeling project. The majority of the information and photos contained in this post were taken from the 2018 Marvin Window & Door Catalog. If you are about to finalize your window choices we highly recommend a visit to Marvin’s Window & Door Design Center  at 7 Tide in Boston where a knowledgeable team of representatives are available to guide you through the many available options and how they will best fit into your next project!

Ready to think about windows for your next project?

Contact us and let’s get the conversation started!

 

 

 

Switchable LCD Smart glass

Switchable LCD Smart Glass

New innovations in glass technology allow for glass to go from clear to opaque at the flick of a switch. A layer of electrically charged LCD film is laminated between pieces of glass and allows for a clear view in “on mode” and for privacy when turned off. The product has been used largely in the commercial sector to create instant privacy in offices, conference rooms and hotels and is now popping up all over the residential building & remodeling industry.

Some companies that offer this technology also have it available in film form that can be retro-fitted and applied to existing glass almost anywhere. Smart Glass can also be used as a projection surface and can have touch-screen film added as well, making the possibilities almost endless.

Wondering how you can incorporate Switchable Smart Glass in your next remodel?

Shower Doors
Room Dividers
Walls
Windows
Interior & Exterior Doors
Cabinetry
Projection Surfaces
Anywhere glass is installed!

Watch this video demo to see how it works:

Velux Solar Powered Skylight

Velux Solar Powered Skylight

The new Solar powered skylight by Velux was one of many products we had the pleasure of learning about at our latest visit to the JLC Live industry trade show. Skylights  have the ability to bring light into a space that may not allow for a window.

In the case of this bathroom from our Lincoln Master Suite Renovation, the client did not want a window in the shower for privacy concerns but desired natural light in their updated master bath. The need for ventilation in the bathroom was also a factor and made the velux solar powered skylight the logical choice. 

 

The skylight caught our attention… and here’s why:

  • Remote controlled solar powered skylight requires no wiring, which makes for easy and cost effective installation.
  • The included touch screen remote is intuitive and convenient eliminating the need for long cranks or devices to open or close the unit. 
  • The solar panel will work on cloudy days and with indirect light. It does not have to be exposed to direct sunlight to function.
  • With the integrated rain sensor the solar powered skylight will close automatically in case of inclement weather.
  • 10 year “No leak” warranty
  • 30% Tax Credit available for product & installation
  • Another 30% tax credit available with the purchase of the integral solar blinds available for the skylight in a variety of colors.

Want to incorporate the Velux Solar powered skylight into your next project? Contact us to start planning!

Why Replace Your Windows?

 

When assessing whether you should replace your windows, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do my windows get condensation or a frost buildup?
• If you touch the interior pane of glass is it cold to the touch in the winter? How about in the summer;
is the interior window pane warm to the touch?
• When sitting next to your window in the winter does it feel colder than the rest of the house?
• From inside your home, take a lighted candle and hold it so the flame is in line with the window
frame and slowly trace the entire frame of your closed window. Does the flame flicker anywhere
around the frame?
• Take a look at your windows outside; is the trim rotting, cracking or missing?
• Is the glass broken or cracked anywhere?
• Do your windows ever get stuck closed or open or won’t stay closed or opened?
• Are you unhappy with the way your windows look?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it is time to replace your windows and here’s why…

• Utility bills are significantly lower when older windows are replaced with energy efficient windows.
The amount of money saved in energy costs adds up quickly and the windows often pay for
themselves.
• If your windows get a condensation or frost buildup it means that they are not insulating your
home well enough. This extra moisture can cause serious problems from rotting frames and increased
heating costs to dangerous mold growth that can harm your family’s health.
• If your window is cold to the touch in the winter and hot to the touch in the summer it means that
your window is not insulating your home correctly and is putting an extra work load on your
HVAC system and costing you money.
• If sitting by your window in the winter feels colder than the rest of the house it means that there is
either a draft, your window is not insulating properly, or both. This means more money spent on
your heating bill.
• If a flame flickers next to your closed window it means there is a draft. This can lead to water infiltration
causing mold growth, water damage to carpet and furniture, rotting window frames and
extra heating and cooling costs.
• If the glass is cracked or broken anywhere it is extremely dangerous for your family and can cause
accidents or injury. In addition, cracked windows put an extra burden on heating and cooling costs.
• If your windows don’t operate correctly it is a sign that they are too old and are beginning to fail.
The frame is most likely warped, which can create multiple problems.
• New windows allow you an opportunity to update the aesthetics of your home, with various finishes,  grid patterns and window styles, windows are becoming an important design element. 
• Newer windows provide better UV protection and can prevent fading and home damage as well as
keep your family safe from the sun’s harmful radiation.

If you would like to incorporate new windows into your next project call 508-279-0656 or inquire online