Window Operating Types

When selecting windows for your home, it's also important to consider how they're operated. Some operating types have lower air leakage rates than others, which will improve your home's energy efficiency. There are numerous window operating types to consider. Traditional types include the following:

Awning
Hinged at the top and open outward. Because the sash closes by pressing against the frame, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows.

Casement
Hinged at the sides. Like awning windows, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows because the sash closes by pressing against the frame.

Fixed
Fixed panes that don't open. They're airtight but not suitable in places where window ventilation is desired.

Hopper
Hinged at the bottom and open inward. Like both awning and casement, they generally have lower air leakage rates because the sash closes by pressing against the frame.

Single- and double-hung

Both sashes slide vertically in a double-hung window. Only the bottom sash slides upward in a single-hung window. These sliding windows generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.

Single- and double-sliding

Both sashes slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Only one sash slides in a single-sliding window. Like single- and double-hung windows, they generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.

Understanding Window Terminology Familiarity with window terminology will assist you in buying the right type of window for your home. As windows generally last 20-25 years, new windows are not a frequent purchase item for homeowners. New technologies and performance standards have changed significantly over the past 20 years. Terminology commonly used in the window industry is presented in this fact sheet. Components of a window Windows consist of the following components: (see figure 1)

frame
o o o o

sill head nailing flange mullion

glazing sash
o o o

stile rail hardware

Frame: The horizontal and vertical portions that surround the sash and on which it is hung comprise the frame. Frames are usually made of the same materials as the sash. Window frames may be manufactured with or without nailing flanges. Frame and sash design and construction are important for both energy efficiency and appearance. Several materials are commonly used: Wood frames have high insulating properties and can be painted or stained any colour. They require ongoing maintenance to prevent moisture damage. They are usually less expensive than frames made of other materials. Clad wood frames have the advantage of woods natural insulating qualities, but they require less maintenance. The cladding is usually aluminum or vinyl, available in limited colours. Moisture problems can be reduced if the cladding is applied properly to the wood. If moisture gets trapped between the cladding and the wood, damage and rot can occur unseen. Aluminum frames are strong and durable, but they readily conduct heat. To avoid heat loss and condensation, aluminum frames are required by the National Building Code of Canada to have a thermal barrier inside made from rigid foam, polyurethane or wood, to reduce heat transfer. While aluminum frames are durable and require little maintenance, they have poor insulating properties. Some aluminum frames have mitred joints in the corners, which can allow water to leak into the wall if the joints are not properly sealed or the seals fail. Vinyl frames are available in two types.

1)

Extruded

vinyl

frames

incorporating

internal

air

cavities

2) Reinforced inner structure of another materialwood or metal. Wood is preferable because it has better insulating qualities than metal. Vinyl frames are very durable, and low maintenancethey can resist colour fading, moisture, termites, corrosion and air pollutants. The material can be easily shaped into the required dimensions. Vinyl windows provide good insulating properties even excellent, if the cavities in the sash and frame are insulated. Fibreglass frames are relatively new. They are light, durable and strong, even in narrow sizes, they have excellent insulating qualities, and they do not expand and contract with heat and cold as much as other frames. They are also more expensive than other types of windows. Glazing The glazing: (or glass) can be a solid sheet of glass, or several panes divided by a mullion.A mullion is a secondary frame that holds the window-panes in the sash. Some glazings are made of tempered glass, to resist breakage, and some are made of laminated glass, which not only reduces breakage, but if the window does break, the glass shards will be too small to cause injury. Double-glazed windows have two layers of glass separated with a spacer. It is the minimum standard allowed by the National Building Code of Canada. Air trapped between the glass layers provides some insulating value. Triple-glazed windows have three layers of glass, or two layers with a low-emissivity (Low-E) film suspended between them. The additional layer and air space give triple glazing better insulation value than that provided by double glazing. It is a good choice where extremes in weather and temperature are the norm. Triple-glazed windows can help reduce sound transmission where outside noise is a problem, but because the sash is heavier it may be more difficult to operate than a double-glazed sash. Glazing Technology Low-emissivity (Low-E) consists of a thin layer of metal oxide applied to the exterior face of the interior glazing in a double-glazed window. This coating allows sunlight to pass through, but blocks heat from escaping. A double-glazed low-E window provides similar insulation value to that of a triple-glazed unit, but costs less and weighs less. Low-E glazing filters out the suns ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can fade furnishings; and can reduce condensation on the window by keeping the indoor surface of the glass and frame warmer. Inert gas fills are another innovation in window technology. Air is replaced with argon or krypton, between the panes of glass in a sealed unit. Inert gases have a higher insulating value than air because they are denser and have lower thermal conductivity, resulting in lower heat transmission between the panes of glass. Argon is the most commonly used gas due to its availability and low cost. Gas fills are a cost-effective upgrade over conventional air-filled glazings. It is possible to get different coloured glazings to reduce solar heating and provide glare control. This technique is normally only seen in commercial or multi-residential highrise buildings. Films can be purchased to reduce glare from the sun, although glare can also be reduced through plantings outdoors, window awnings or shutters. Tinted films should be applied by a qualified contractor, as the application process requires some skill and special tools.

Sash Windows come either fixed or operable (openable). Fixed windows do not open. Operable windows have a sash, which is a unit assembly of stiles and rails for holding the glass that moves when the window opens. They are available in a variety of sliding or hinged models. The sash can be made of wood, vinyl, metal or fiberglass and should make a tight seal with the frame when the window is closed. However, if the seal is too tight, the operable portion of the window may be difficult to operate. Hinged models:

Casement: Hinged on one side and swings open like a door. This design provides the best seal and has the lowest air leakage for a window that opens.

Awning: Hinged at the top and opens out from the bottom. With an effective seal, this design minimizes air infiltration.

Hopper: Hinged at the bottom and opens in or out from the top. An effective seal minimizes air infiltration. Sliding models:

Horizontal sliders: Consist of two sashes, one or both of which slide horizontally in the frame. They are the least energy-efficient of the window types listed here, and the most prone to air and water leaks.

Single-hung windows: include one fixed sash (usually the top one) and one that moves up and down in the frame. Double-hung windows: include offset upper and lower sashes, which can both move up and down in the frame. Both the singleand double- hung windows are not as energy-efficient as awning or casement windows, but their appearance may be more appropriate to the style of the house, especially in the case of older homes.

Tilt-and-turn (also called dual-action) windows: Swing from the side or pivot from the middle. Others pivot from both the bottom (like a hopper) and the side (like a casement). This allows for cleaning the outside of the window from the inside of the house and can be a valuable feature if a window is in a location where its difficult to get at from the outside. Be sure to have an effective weather seal for this type of window. Spacer bars: These appear around the perimeter of the sealed glazing unit to provide uniform separation between the panes of glass in multiple-paned windows. Spacer bars are typically made of aluminum, but spacers made of less conductive materials are now available. A high-performance/warmedge spacer can increase the energy efficiency of a window, provided that the frame is made of insulating materials (warm-edge spacers are less effective on metal-framed windows). Spacers incorporate a dessicant that absorbs moisture from the trapped air in the space between the glass preventing fogging and condensation. Should your window fog, it means the seal is broken. Casing: This consists of the moldings that surround the window and cover the frame. Hardware: The hardware used in an operating window may include hinges, latches, cranks or levers. For security, some windows may have locks. The crescent-shaped locks are standard on many single- and double-hung windows. Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a component of an operable window, and provides a seal between the window-frame and the operable sash. It is used to prevent air leakage, and the better the weatherstripping, the better the window performance. There are two categories of design:

Wiper or Brush-type seals (sometimes called mohair) are more common in sliding windows, and wear out more quickly due to the type of window operation. They are also more likely to be used for exterior weather seals, and can tear easily if the window is opened when the seals are embedded in ice or frost. Compression seals (sometimes called bulb) are also more fragile in cold weather, and can crack if the seal wall is too thin or the window is operated during very cold weather. Weatherstripping is generally the most vulnerable component in an operable window, as it receives the most wear and tear. The seals should be checked annually for signs of wear or damage, and replaced as necessary.

Window Parts & Diagrams Though they look simple, windows are actually complex because they must perform so many functions. By +Don Vandervort, HomeTips

At first glance, a window looks like a pretty simple piece of equipment. It has a frame, glass, and some basic hardware. But if you look a little closer, youll find theres much more than first meets the eye. A window must be designed to allow in light and views and, in many cases, ventilation, yet seal out the weather. It must shed heavy rain without leaking and block powerful winds. And, if its operable, it must open and close easily. To handle these tasks effectively, it has many parts and a surprisingly complex construction. A double-hung wood window, shown below right, has movable upper and lower sashes that slide in tracks in the side jambs. A variety of specially milled pieces go in to making up the jambs, frame, casing, and sashes. Window frames and sashes are constructed from wood, aluminum, vinyl, or a combination of these materials. Of these, wood is the best insulator and tends to yield the nicest appearance from both indoors and out. Vinyl and aluminum are more durable and maintenance-free so some manufacturers apply a cladding of these materials to wood windows. Some windows have real divided lites held in place by muntins; others have snap-in wood grilles that imitate the look of divided lites. Though snap-in grilles dont look as substantial as real muntins, windows with these are less expensive and easier to clean than real divided-lite windows because theyre a single sheet of glass. The type of glass in a window has a great deal to do with how the window performs. (For more on this, see the section on Window Glazing.) A nail-on metal window, shown at left, has many of the same parts and pieces as a wood window, except that only some of them are formed as single parts. The flange around the perimeter is made to nail on to the exterior wall sheathing for easy mounting during construction.

Window Frame Construction

By +Don Vandervort, HomeTips

The window frame is the enclosure that holds the main parts of a windowcalled window sashesin place. Window sashes may be fixed or operable. Obviously, in a fixed window the sashes dont move. Operable windows employ several methods for window sash movement. With single- and double-hung windows, the sashes slide up and down. With casement windows, they swing in or out. Sliders slide. And so forth. (For more about the various types of windows, see Window Types.) Window frames and sashes are made from a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, vinyl, steel, or wood-clad vinyl or aluminum. Each of these materials has its benefits and drawbacks. Most notable of these is that wood, the traditional and generally preferred material for window frames, is great looking and has good insulation value but is prone to damage from sun and rain. Painting every few years solves this problem but adds to your maintenance requirements. Metal and vinyl windows are more durable and maintenance-free than wood but not as attractive. Clad windows (wood over metal or vinyl) are an excellent marriage of the best of both worlds but cost a premium. (For help choosing the right window material, see Windows: A Buying Guide.)

APPLICATION:

Any semi/enclosed cabin vessel.

FORMATS:

Can be constructed in either mitred, 77mm radius or 100mm radius corner formats.
CONSTRUCTION (Marine Grade Aluminium Sections): Fully welded. GLAZING: 6-12 mm safety glass, acrylic, polycarbonate. COMPONENTS: Mk 3 Super Heavy Fixed: Face fixing, window frame suitable for 6-12mm sliding glazing, single or double sliding, fully concealed fixing via 3/16" screws to vessel. M.G. Trim: Optional inner counter frame allowing a "sandwich" fit with fully concealed fixings on both inner and outer faces. Mk 3 Mullion: A frame divider that allows the separation of one window into several individual panels, where for instance a fixed/sliding/fixed format is required. Suitable for 6-12mm glazing (combines with Mk 3 slider frame). Overlap Seal: A capping that is used to cover the exposed faces of the glass where the two panels overlap in a sliding window. This particular section is specific to Mk3, S2 D/G & S3 sliding framing only. Angle Trim: A substitute for trim when dealing with bulkheads of 28mm or more.