Tag Archive for ‘window’
The Six Components of Successful Daylighting
There seems to be a popular misconception that the use of natural light involves large expanses of southern facing windows. I can’t count how many places I have been where the entire south facing window wall has the blinds constantly drawn or unsightly tinting film on the glazing. From conversations it is easy to determine [...]
Terms to Know When Choosing Windows – U-Factor, SHGC & VLT
There is more to know about windows than casement, double-hung, Low-E, double or triple pane. While Low-E and the number of panes can give a basic idea on the performance characteristics of a window assembly, it is also good to know a couple other key terms.
U-Factor – This is equivalent of R-value for insulation. The [...]
The Prairie Style Home
The Prairie Style is often associated with Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 1900s. One of his finest examples was the Robie House with its dramatic overhangs, stretches of art glass windows, open floor plan, and sweeping horizontal lines that echoed the prairies of the great Mid-West. The Prairie [...]
Protective Bar Instead of Safety Glazing in Hazardous Residential Locations
The International Residential Code, IRC, requires that you provide safety glazing (tempered glass) in all windows within 36″ horizontally and 60″ vertically above a stair walking surface.
We did a project on a older loft building with large, existing glazing that the owner was not able to change out to tempered. He asked us to find [...]
Egress Windows Swinging In – Acceptable in Building Code
The International Building and Residential Codes do not specify that egress windows have to swing out. The codes only specify the opening size and location required for the window. In fact, with the European tilt and turn window, they only open in.
I received this question from a reader of the blog, if you have any, [...]
Operable Windows in Aluminum Storefront Systems and Curtain Wall Systems
A few weeks ago I toured a project with Brion Doyle from Spectrum General Contractors and we talked about options for putting operable windows into storefront and curtain wall systems. As it turns out, many manufacturers have not anticipated or provided for the architect’s push for using these systems in residential applications. There is however [...]
Common Egress Window Sizes and Operation
I recently posted an article on the rules behind egress windows. I realize that knowing the rules doesn’t necessarily mean that you know the most common window sizes for each different window operation. So here are the basics and some links to the Anderson Window catalog as a guide:
Casement windows are minimally 2′-4″ wide by [...]
Egress Windows and Emergency Escape
The International Residential Code spells out a number of code requirements for egress windows and emergency escape in houses and other residential buildings.
First, you’re required to have at least one egress window or door in a basement and in every bedroom. If you have one in a bedroom in the basement then you don’t have [...]
Windows Close to the Floor
There are a number of codes related to windows. As windows have been growing in size, and therefore getting closer to the floor, there is a new one that we’re starting to run into.
The International Residential Code section R613.2 Window Sills states:
In dwelling units, where the opening of an operable window is located more [...]
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