Today's windows and
doors open up many opportunities for the investor, both in terms of their
appropriate selection in terms of comfort and aesthetics, as well as ensuring
minimal heat losses, which - as you know - translate into low house operating
costs.When choosing windows for an energy-efficient house, one should be guided
not only by their appearance and price, but above all by the parameters that
talk about how much heat they will escape and how much they are able to improve
the thermal insulation of the partition.
Challenges and trends
Windows for the 21st
century. Currently, houses are
built primarily for natural light. Investors
are more and more willing to use large glazed surfaces that open up views of
the surroundings and give the impression of more space. Window manufacturers meet these
expectations, offering windows with a large area, whose service is very
comfortable, and thermal insulation parameters so high that we do not have to
be afraid of heat loss.
High thermal parameters. They are key to the energy efficiency
of the building. There are
windows on the market that meet very strict requirements when it comes to
thermal insulation. Good results
are obtained by choosing windows with heat transfer coefficient U of not more
than 1.1 W / (m² ∙ K) (applies to the entire window, not just glass) - such
windows, and even warmer ones, are recommended for energy-efficient homes. Windows in passive houses must meet
even higher requirements - their U-value should not exceed 0.8 W / (m² ∙ K).
New shapes. Currently produced windows can have
virtually any shape - from traditional rectangular, through round, to
arched.Choosing the right woodwork depends on the designer's imagination and
the wealth of the investor's portfolio.
Functionality of modern windows. Both vertical and roof lighting
illuminate the interior, introducing valuable daylight, and at the same time
constitute an effective barrier to the cold or onerous sounds coming from
outside. They also provide an
inflow of fresh air to homes with gravitational ventilation. Their service is becoming more and
more comfortable - by equipping windows with actuators, you can control the
work of the wings from any place.
Exterior doors with
increased parameters. They play
an important role in providing comfort and warmth to the family. They can be characterized by a very
good thermal insulation coefficient, constitute an anti-burglary barrier and at
the same time be a real decoration of the house facade.
ELEVATION AND PAYING
WINDOWS
The façade windows are
mounted in the wall. They can be
opened or unopened (fix type). Non-openable
windows are cheaper and are characterized by better thermal parameters and
greater tightness. They are
usually mounted in basements or garages, and in modern homes as so-called. wallets - that is, very high windows
reaching from the floor to the ceiling. Openable
façade windows are usually produced as rebateable, tiltable or tilt-open, and
less often as sliding. The facade
windows also include large balcony windows. They
can be tiltable, tilt-open, foldable or sliding. On the market you will find balcony
windows with a very low threshold or non-threshold, which ensure comfortable
and safe use, guaranteeing greater freedom of movement between the living part
and the balcony or terrace. Facade
windows are produced in various sizes and shapes. Usually they have the shape of a
rectangle, you can easily find window frames in the shape of a circle or
semi-circle, and even windows with curved glass intended for installation in
arched walls. The sale includes
façade windows with very good thermal insulation. The roof windows are designed for
installation in the roof. Their
use makes it possible to light the interiors of the attic with daylight, thanks
to which they can be successfully used as a living space. The roof windows have rotating, swivel
or tilt and turn wings.You can also find knee windows on the market - the upper
part of which is located in the roof construction, and the lower part in the
knee wall - and balcony roofs that allow you to exit the mini-built-in in the
roof structure. Currently
produced roof windows as well as façades are characterized by very good thermal
insulation.
MATERIALS FOR WINDOW
FRAMES
For single-family houses
windows with wooden or PVC construction are most often chosen. Although they differ in construction,
they may have similar thermal and acoustic insulation parameters.
Wooden windows are made
of glued pine, spruce, oak or exotic wood. Their
frames are very durable. They
provide a cozy atmosphere at home, giving the interior a warmer character. The layers of varnish and paint
protect them against adverse weather conditions. When choosing energy-saving wooden
windows, it is worth paying attention to the type of wood from which the frames
are made. Soft wood profiles are
usually warmer than hardwoods. The
width of window profiles is also significant. The
wider they are, the better the thermal insulation will be.
The frames of plastic
windows are made of hard, very durable PVC. They
have a chamber structure. Five-chambered
windows are already standard. The
more chambers there are, the window frame is the more sealed barrier against
the escape of heat).There are windows on the market whose window profiles
consist of 7 or even 8 chambers. Some manufacturers for the improvement
of thermal insulation fill the chambers with additional thermal insulation
material, such as polyurethane foam. PVC
windows have special reinforcements that provide them with adequate strength. They are available in many colors and
veneers, including wood-like ones. They
are often cheaper than wooden windows and more comfortable in operation - they
do not require troublesome maintenance.
There are also aluminum
and aluminum-wooden windows (in this case aluminum protects from the outside
the wooden window construction). The
windows with aluminum frames are slimmer than wood or PVC. Aluminum is a very plastic material -
it allows you to create narrow window profiles and increase the surface of the
pane, ensuring maximum light access to the room.Aluminum windows are most often
used in multi-family buildings and industrial construction. They usually do not have the best
thermal insulation. However,
aluminum-wooden windows can be very warm, even those for energy-efficient and
passive houses.
The windows can also
have frames made of polyester-glass composite (ie the so-called fiberglass). It is a very durable and durable
material. The composite frames
are also resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion and are easy to keep
clean.Window profiles made of fiberglass are warmer than those made of
aluminum, wood or PVC. However,
windows made of polyester-glass composite are not as popular in our country as
plastic or wooden.
How to get to know the
warm windows
CONSTRUCTION OF MODERN
WINDOWS
Complex windows (also
known as Swedish windows) are made of double wings connected with special
fasteners. The wings of such
windows are hung on a common hinge. Modern
composite windows are usually made of solid pine wood or glued or solid oak
wood. Such windows ensure a small
infiltration of air into the interior, thereby supporting gravitational
ventilation in the home. Single-frame
windows are made of a frame and a single window sash made of three layers of
wood glued together.These windows are equipped with double glazing consisting
of min. two glass panes. Pine and oak wood are used for their
production.
MODERN SNOW GLASS
Windows installed in
single-family houses are equipped with one or two-chamber insulated glazing
units.
Single-chamber panes are
made of two sheets of glass separated by a spacer frame. The heat transfer coefficient Ug of
such panes can be from 2.6 to 0.9 W / (m2 ∙ K).
The windows with
two-chamber glass panes consisting of three glass panes are more
energy-efficient. They are
characterized by a better heat transfer coefficient, which can range from 0.7
to 0.4 W / (m2 ∙ K). They let you
get Uw coefficient of the whole window equal to 0.8 or even 0.6. Such windows can be successfully used
even in passive houses. However,
through the double-chamber panes, less natural light and solar energy
penetrate, which is reflected and absorbed by individual glass panes.
Three and four-chamber
windshields can also be found on the market. However,
due to their heavy weight, they are usually used in large non-open windows.
Insulated glass
(energy-saving). In order for
single and double-chamber panes to be distinguished by the best thermal
insulation, they are covered from the inside with a low-emission coating. Such a pane transmits solar radiation,
at the same time preventing the escape of thermal radiation emitted by, for
example, radiators. The use of a
low-emission coating also reduces the risk of condensation on the glass
surface. The window frame
separating the pane of the glass has a large influence on the thermal
insulation of the window. It's
good if it's made of stainless steel or plastic. The wider the frame, the warmer the
window will be.The space between the insulating glass panels should be filled
with heavy gas, e.g. argon or even more effective krypton or xenon.
Vacuum glass. There is thin air between the glass
panes of the glass panes. The
distance between the panes of glass is regulated by special, almost invisible
dividers of transparent plastic. Vacuum
panes allow to limit the heat escape by convection. They are also characterized by a very
low heat transfer coefficient.
Anti-burglary glass. Such panes are marked with a class
from P3 to P8. They consist of
glass sheets and glued in layers, which translates into a special,
tear-resistant foil. Modern glass
can be covered with a low-reflective coating that transmits more natural light,
or highly selective (dual-function) combining the features of a low-emission
and solar coating. Glass with
such a coating is a good alternative to windows mounted in sunshade.
Panes with a coating of
photocatalytic and hydrophilic material. They
are so-called self-cleaning
glass. Thanks to the use of
appropriate coatings, dirt adheres to the glass to a lesser degree. Such coatings under the influence of
sunlight relax and crush the dirt particles, so rain or rinsing the glass with
water is enough to clean it. Sunlight
also activates hydrophilic properties, thanks to which raindrops form a thin
layer on the surface of the pane that does not deteriorate its transparency. Another advantage of glass with such a
coating is uniform evaporation of water from its surface, which eliminates the
formation of streaks.
FUNCTIONALITY FIT
Fittings enable opening
and closing the window. On the
market you can find window frames equipped with various types of fittings. Windows with hinged fittings can only
be opened. Those with tilt and
turn fittings can be opened or tilted from the vertical. Windows with a large glazing area, eg
balcony, are often equipped with sliding hardware. They allow the window to be opened by
moving its wing sideways. The use
of windows with such fittings, however, requires a lot of space on the sides. Small windows with sliding hardware
will work, for example, in the kitchen, when a sink with a tap is to be mounted
by the window, which would prevent opening the wing in the traditional way. In the case of quite narrow rooms,
where it is planned to install large windows reaching the floor, windows with
folding or rotating fittings will be more effective.
Large, glazed doors will
be a source of solar energy if the building is designed so that the southern
exhibition covers a large part
Large, glazed doors will
be a source of solar energy if the building is designed so that the southern
exhibition covers a large part
ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS OF
WINDOWS
To mute the noise from
outside, especially if the house is in a rather noisy area, for example on a
very busy street, it is worth investing in soundproof windows. Really quiet windows should have RA2
(formerly Rw) acoustic insulation equal to 40-50 dB.The larger this indicator,
the windows will be a better barrier to sounds. Windows, in which a greater emphasis
is placed on acoustic insulation, usually have glazing units consisting of
several sheets and of different thickness. Good
acoustic insulation is also demonstrated by windows with sandwich panels
consisting of two or three glass panes and connected with PVB foil and those
with laminated glass panes with a special resin that absorb sound. Better sound absorption of windows is
also achieved by increasing the distance between glass panes and filling the
space between the panes with heavy gas (eg krypton, xenon or sound-absorbing
sulfur hexafluoride).
Acoustic insulation of
windows may worsen the use of diffusers in them. In order for the windows to attenuate
the sounds well and at the same time to provide air to the interior, it is
worth choosing acoustic diffusers with a damping material, eg sound-absorbing
foam.
FUNCTIONALITY OF WINDOWS
Modern roof windows not
only ensure an even lighting of the attic interiors, but also open views of the
surroundings. Roof windows are
manufactured in various sizes that allow them to fit, among others to the angle of the roof (so that
standing and sitting, you could look outside) or the distance between the
rafters. The models of roof
windows are available for sale, providing comfortable service. Roof windows have a convenient to
operate upper or lower opening system, which allows them to be mounted at
different heights and adapted to any interior design. In addition, such windows can be
easily combined into sets, creating a large area of glazing that effectively
illuminates the attic. We do not
have to be afraid of heat loss - modern roof windows thanks to energy-saving
glazing packages have waxed thermal insulation parameters. A novelty on the market are roof
windows, whose thermal insulation has been improved by incorporation into the
wing and frame of dark gray expanded polystyrene.
The windows provide ever
higher comfort of use. We're
talking about roof windows that are remotely controlled or equipped with rain
sensors. Remote controlled
windows allow you to operate the wings using the remote control. Some have an additional solar panels,
thanks to which you can use free solar energy to control the roof windows. This solution allows you to reduce
power consumption. Windows with a
rain sensor will close automatically when rain drops start to fall on their
surface.
WINDOWS FOR VILLAGE TYLATION
In houses with
gravitational ventilation or mechanical exhaust ventilation, their task is
often to ensure the inflow of fresh air into the interior. For this purpose, the windows are
equipped with diffusers, flaps and ventilation modules.
When deciding on the
windows with diffusers, it is worth choosing humidity-sensitive diffusers. They allow the regulation of the
amount of incoming air by means of a movable shutter, the use of which prevents
excessive cooling of the rooms. Humidistable
ventilators react to changes in indoor air humidity.
Roof windows are often
factory fitted with flaps or ventilation modules. Ventilation flaps ensure the inflow of
fresh air into the interior also when the window is closed. Fresh air flows in through the filter
grille, which prevents dust, insects or snow from getting inside. The ventilation modules perform
similar functions to the flaps, however, they are characterized by higher
efficiency.
MODERN WAYS OF CLEARING
WINDOWS
Windows are a source of
natural light, however, solar radiation penetrating through them can cause,
especially during the summer, overheated rooms. For this reason, different types of
shutters are installed on the windows to ensure effective sun protection and
reduce air-conditioning costs. In
newly built houses this function is performed by external blinds and internal
blinds, awnings and verticals.
Exterior blinds. In addition to protecting against
excessive solar radiation, they are an anti-burglary barrier and reduce noise
from outside. In addition, closed
for the night allow you to reduce heat loss by up to several percent. This is how an effective barrier to
the heat escaping through the windows will depend on external blinds. from their type and tightness. Blinds made of plastic and filled with
insulating foam are a better insulator than aluminum ones.
Internal blinds. They can be mounted on special guides
or hanging freely. On the market
you will find both blinds that provide partial blackout and completely obscure
the interior. If you want
energy-saving, it's worth choosing double-pleated blinds made of honeycomb-like
material filled with air spaces. Their
internal aluminum coating thermally insulates very well. Such a blind during cold winter nights
can reduce heat loss through the window by up to 30%.
Blinds. They consist of a series of parallel
sipes connected with each other with ropes. Such
window covers allow for the best control of the light entering the rooms - they
enable not only almost complete darkening of the interior, but also the
appropriate "dosing" of the sun's rays through the movement of the
knob allowing the sash to rotate. Blinds
can also improve the thermal insulation of windows by up to 20%.
EXTERIOR DOORS
] External doors not
only provide a comfortable entrance to the house, but also protect it from the
weather, noise, unwanted guests, as well as heat losses outside. They should be adjusted to the
character of the house's façade and its interior, so that it would be a
coherent whole with it. Various
types of exterior doors are available for sale - they can consist of one, one
and a half or two wings, one of which is opened only when needed. They can also have side or top
fanlights that provide daylight to the lobby or vestibule - this solution
allows you to save on energy, because during the day you will not need to use
artificial light.External doors differ also in the material from which they are
made.
Wooden doors. They are warm and massive. The sash frame and the door frame of
such doors are usually made of glued wood, and a spacer made of thermal
insulation material is placed inside. The
outer part of the door filling is usually made of chipboard or plywood and
covered with veneer. Inside,
however, there is a thermal insulation material. This solution makes the door not only
not too heavy, but also well insulated. Really
warm wooden doors can have a heat transfer coefficient U of around 0.8 W / (m²
∙ K).
Steel door. They are durable, resistant to
mechanical damage, but also colder than wood. They
consist of steel plates between which there is a filling made of a thermal
insulation material. For steel
doors to be a better barrier for the heat escaping from the house, it is worth
choosing those covered with wood-based panels and filled with polyurethane
foam.
Aluminum doors. They consist of a frame and a frame
with a multi-chamber structure. To
improve thermal insulation, they are filled with thermal insulation material. On the frame or inside it, the panels
are also filled with adequate thermal insulation (preferably polyurethane
foam). Well insulated aluminum
doors can have a U-value of up to 0.8 W / (m² ∙ K).
Warm glazing. Both glass panes that fill the door
profiles as well as the fanlight should be made of warm glass packages, whose
heat transfer coefficient is close to that of window panes. Warm glass sets may consist of three
or even four glass panes separated by a warm spacer frame with a space between
the panes filled with heavy gas.
The offer of interior
door manufacturers is so large that they can be selected for any interior
The offer of interior
door manufacturers is so large that they can be selected for any interior
INTERNAL DOOR
There are many different
models of internal doors on the market. They
can be wooden or wood-based, one-, one and a half-leaf, made as full or fitted
with glazing. They can also
differ in dimensions and assembly method. In
single-family houses the most commonly used is a hinged door. You can choose right or left door
(with hinges placed on the right or left side of the wing).They can open inside
or outside. The advantage of a
hinged door is their functionality, a large selection and easy assembly. In small rooms, where every meter is
important, the sliding door works better. They
open by moving the leaf or two on the guide mounted on the wall or slipping
into a special cassette hidden in the wall. Sliding
doors hidden in a cassette are chosen when on the wall next to a door opening
there is not enough room for a shifted sash or when it is planned to place
furniture next to it that would prevent its movement.
WARM ASSEMBLY WINDOWS
AND DOORS
In a single-layer wall,
the window should be embedded approximately halfway through its thickness. Placing the window too close to the
outer edge can make the profile of the door frame more vulnerable to cooling down. In the case of installing a window in
a double-layer wall to improve the thermal insulation parameters, it even
affects a slight extension of the window into the insulation layer (eg to the
half of the profile thickness). In
the three-layer wall, the windows are fastened in the thermal insulation layer
on special anchors attached to the load-bearing wall. The contact of the window with the
wall should be sealed with insulating material, eg low-expansion polyurethane
foam. Spreads it carefully around
the window so that it fills all the gaps exactly. In order to avoid getting the
insulation wet, it is necessary to cover it with a vapor barrier tape, which is
used from the inside, and a vapor-permeable tape from the outside. In order to be able to take full
advantage of the energy-efficient properties of roof windows, special sealing
flanges with heat-insulating foam and additional insulation packages with eg
sheep wool filling should be used for their installation. Such flanges and packages should be
included in the offer of the roof window manufacturer.
By choosing external
doors with a low heat transfer coefficient U, you can reduce the heat loss of
the building and thus provide lower heating costs for your home. The condition is only one - a
suitable, warm installation of the entrance door. The rules for installing the door
frame in the wall and its location are similar to those used in the case of
windows. External doors should
always be fixed with anchors or with dowels. The
free spaces between the frame and the wall are filled with polyurethane foam
with good insulating and sealing properties. After
installing the door, the insulation is secured from the inside by a vapor
barrier tape and a vapor-permeable one from the outside. To avoid the creation of thermal
bridges, it is worth to make a masonry from the thermal insulation of the wall
(wool or polystyrene), which will overlap the panels, additionally sealing
them. Also, the door threshold
requires proper insulation - it is made using tapes that do not allow water (eg
bituminous).
