BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Window Attachments

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

January, 2018

DOE presentation describing a project to study window attachments.

Storm Windows

Author(s)

ENERGY STAR

Organization(s)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

EPA,

ENERGY STAR

Publication Date

October, 2022

ENERGY STAR webpage describing the benefits of storm windows and a link to a product list.

Replacing double-pane windows with triple-pane windows can significantly reduce winter-time condensation by warming the interior surface of the windows

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Publication Date

September, 2015

Video describing how to properly replace windows and window frames.

Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Author(s)

Energy Saver

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

November, 2022

Web page providing an overview of window coverings such as blinds, shades, shutters, films, and storm windows.

High-Performance (ENERGY STAR) Windows

Guide providing information about high-performance and high-efficiency windows including ENERGY STAR-certified windows.

Storm Windows Key Product Criteria

Author(s)

ENERGY STAR

Organization(s)

ENERGY STAR

Publication Date

October, 2022

Webpage providing an ENERGY STAR climate zone map and criteria for ENERGY STAR storm windows per climate zone.

Energy Efficient Windows for Interior Alaska

Publication Date

April, 2012

Author(s)

Cruikshank

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing what features make a window energy efficient.

New Life for Old Double Hung Windows

Author(s)

Davis John Michael

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Publication Date

February, 2024

An article about double-hung windows.

Air Sealing Window and Door Rough Openings

Guide describing how to air-seal the rough openings around doors and windows.

Fully Flashed Window and Door Openings (1)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to properly flash window and door openings.

Application of window and door nonexpanding foam sealant

A contractor prepares a home for a full window replacement

Publication Date

Fri, 06/30/2017 - 12:00

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Window Requirements

Information guide describing the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, Version 1, requirements for high-performance windows.

Integrated Truss House - How to install inset windows

Publication Date

September, 2014

Author(s)

Benesch

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing how to install an inset window in an integrated truss house built in cold climates like Alaska.

Protect Your Windows & Doors from High Winds

Publication Date

September, 2008

Video showing damage that can occur during high wind times from poor window and door installments that lead to a weak points in the home's envelope and how to fix these problems per FLASH Strong Homes guidelines.

Wrong – The rough opening around window is not air sealed.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Low-e Storm Windows: Market Assessment and Pathways to Market Transformation

Author(s)

Cort Katherine A

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

June, 2013

Technical report assessing the market for Low-e storm windows based on market data, case studies, and recent experience with weatherization deployment programs.

Window attachments like insulated blinds, solar screens, and low-e storm windows provide many benefits including heating and cooling savings at a low first cost

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Window coverings like insulated blinds, cellular shades, sun-blocking roller shades, and low-e storm windows can provide heating and cooling energy savings

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Install impact resistant shutters for windows not rated as impact resistant

Publication Date

Sat, 08/01/2020 - 12:00

Double or TDouble or Triple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Buildersriple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Builders

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L,

Selkowitz Stephen,

Dingus Olivia G,

Cort Katherine A

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

June, 2019

Technical report describing a market assessment conducted on new home builders' window purchasing practices revealing insights to inform the development of thin triple-pane windows, utilizing a center pane of thin glass and krypton gas fill to achieve the performance of standard triple-pane windows...

Even with R-30 of insulation in the wall, its overall R-value is R-5 if it has single-pane windows; triple-pane windows bring that up to R-16

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Caulk applied against the backer rod to seal a window rough opening

A new high-performance window will be installed in the rough opening of this existing home

Publication Date

Fri, 06/30/2017 - 12:00

The Climate Zone Map for the ENERGY STAR Window, Door, and Skylight Specification

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Windows Have Impact-Rated Glass, Fire-Resistant Glass, or Protective Coverings

Guide describing how to strengthen or protect windows against wind and wind-borne debris during high-wind events including hurricanes and tornados.

Failure of Roof Structure from Pressurization Due to Window Failure During a Hurricane.

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

The NFRC/ENERGY STAR label provides consumers with several performance ratings for a window

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

Air-seal the rough opening around doors and windows to minimize air leakage.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Window not protected and failed due to windborne debris in hurricane force winds.

Publication Date

Fri, 04/01/2005 - 12:00

Right – This crawlspace window was completely sealed off on the inside and outside with air barrier and water-proof materials and the window well was filled in to an above-grade height to prevent bulk water from entering the crawlspace

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Closed-cell backer rod is installed for air-sealing window and door rough openings.

Types of window attachments include exterior attachments such as storm windows, fixed awnings, dynamic awnings, roller shutters, roller shades, and solar screens, and interior attachments such as drapes, louvered blinds, roller shades, surface applied fil

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2018 - 12:00

Protecting Windows and Openings in Buildings - Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico, FEMA PR-RA5

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

January, 2013

Recovery Advisory document provide guidance related to the use and installation of opening protection systems to protect glazed openings (windows) from wind-borne debris during high-wind events.

Characterization of Energy Savings and Thermal Comfort Improvements Derived from Using Interior Storm Windows

Author(s)

Knox J R,

Widder Sarah H

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2013

Report recording the results of a field study conducted in a single historic home in Seattle, Washington, to document the performance of Indow Windows' interior storm window inserts.

Right – The rough opening around window has been filled with backer-rod to air seal.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

To get an average whole-wall R value of R-19 with double-pane windows, you’d need R-330 of wall insulation; triple-pane windows can achieve an R-19 total wall R Value with R-38 of insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

A thin-triple window uses a narrow interior glass pane and narrower gaps between panels often filled with krypton, rather than argon gas, to achieve triple-pane performance with an IGU that fits in a double-pane window frame

Publication Date

Mon, 01/22/2024 - 12:00

In a comparison of two homes that were identical except for windows, the home with thin-triple-pane windows showed averaged winter heating savings of 12% annually, average cooling season savings of 28%, and peak savings of 17% to 33% compared to the home

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Air seal door and window rough openings with backer rod, caulk, or nonexpanding foam

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

Wrong - House wrap was poorly installed, seams were not taped, and flashing tape was not installed around windows.

Publication Date

Sat, 03/06/2021 - 12:00

Right – The rough opening around the window has been filled with low-expansion foam to air seal.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Foundation drainage mat was installed over the waterproof membrane that covers the sealed crawlspace window

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

A Kalamazoo homeowner reduced wintertime chill, condensation, and snowblower noise by installing high-performance interior storm windows

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Window Detail: Framed Wall with Plywood or OSB Sheathing, a WRB, and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum, or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:00

ENERGY STAR Certification Criteria for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights, Version 7.0, effective 10-23-23

Publication Date

Mon, 10/23/2023 - 12:00

Low-E storm windows are a cost-effective retrofit that is easy to install and can cut heating and cooling bills 10% to 33%.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

While windows typically make up only 7% of the total envelope area of a home, they are responsible for 48% of its heat loss

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Right – Backer-rod is a foam product available in various diameters that can be used to air-seal openings around doors and windows.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

A metal storm panel is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Hurricane force winds that breach external windows and doors can then cause failure of the entire building due to internal pressures on walls and roof.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/1992 - 12:00

A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added

Publication Date

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 12:00

Whole house fans draw cool night-time air in through open windows and expel hot house air into the vented attic

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/1999 - 12:00

In areas prone to high winds and hurricanes, double vertical “jack trim” and horizontal “header” and “sill” studs are recommended on all sides of window and door openings.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Triple-Pane windows can be used as a tradeoff for continuous wall insulation or stricter air sealing targets when showing compliance with the 2021 IECC using the UA path

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Standard Practice for the Installation of Mounting Flange Windows into Walls Utilizing Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing (FPIS) with a Separate Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB), FMA/AAMA/WDMA 500-16

Author(s)

Fenestration Manufacturers Association,

American Architectural Manufacturers Association,

Window & Door Manufacturers Association

Organization(s)

FMA,

AAMA,

WDMA

Publication Date

April, 2016

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...

Triple-pane windows use three panes of glass separated by gaps filled with krypton or argon gas, insulated spacers, and low-emissivity coatings to achieve high insulation performance

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

Comparison of three homes showing the amount of wall insulation needed to achieve a whole-wall insulation value of R-19 when the wall has double- versus triple-pane windows

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 12:00

An interior shade that closes from the bottom up can work in conjunction with an exterior overhang to block lower-angle sunlight while still allowing view through the upper portion of the window that is shaded by the overhang.

Publication Date

Wed, 07/26/2023 - 12:00

View-preserving interior solar screens such as these help reduce glare and solar heat gain while maintaining view to the outside

Publication Date

Mon, 11/14/2022 - 12:00

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

Dynamic Glazing - Code Compliance Brief

Code compliance brief describing glazing requirements added to the residential portion of the IECC and the IRC in 2015.

How to Perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection #1

Publication Date

August, 2015

Author(s)

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

Organization(s)

InterNACHI

Video from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors on how to inspect your home for wind resistance, including door and window impact ratings.

Air Sealing Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.

CAD image for roof pipe penetration water and air sealing details

DWG

PDF

Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)

Peterson Joseph M,

Sullivan Greg P,

Cort Katherine A,

Merzouk Massine B,

Weber JM

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2015

Report describing the methods and results of a field evaluation of the energy performance of cellular shade window coverings.

Exterior Doors Are Insulated, Impact Rated, and Fire Rated

Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires and thermal losses.

Protection of Openings-Shutters and Glazing, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet No. 6.2

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

December, 2010

Technical fact sheet describing the selection and installation of storm shutters and impact-resistant glazing and other types of opening protection in windborne debris regions; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Air seal at duct boot

DWG

PDF

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Nelson Construction: Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing the design and testing of 10 high-performance homes in Farmington, Connecticut.

Air seal at top plate pipe penetration

DWG

PDF

Air seal at top plate electrical penetration

DWG

PDF

Air seal at chase walls - plan

DWG

PDF

Air sealing at attic hatch - finish screws

DWG

PDF

Air sealing at whole house fan enclosure

DWG

PDF

Air sealing at attic pull down attic stair

DWG

PDF

Air sealing at recessed lighting in attic - site built

DWG

PDF

Air sealing at recessed lighting in attic - pre made

DWG

PDF

Wrong - Glazing failed due to windborne debris during a hurricane.

Publication Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

Accordion-type hurricane shutters protect sliding glass doors from high winds and wind-borne debris.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Author(s)

Dobson,

Brignati

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Newport Ventures

This presentation will help you define insulated siding, understand R-value testing of insulated siding, describe proper installation of insulated siding, comply with energy codes and understand building energy performance program and software recognition.

Panel Closures

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video explaining how to prepare a home for flood conditions using temporary panel closures recommended by LSU AgCenter.

How Vulnerable is Your Home to a Wildfire?

Publication Date

September, 2019

Author(s)

PG&E

Organization(s)

PG&E

Video from PG&E outlining building material-related steps to take to take to lower the risk of home ignition during a fire.

Exterior shading devices such as these Bahama shutters can significantly increase the hours of safety provided by a home during an extreme heat event.

Publication Date

Tue, 07/18/2023 - 12:00

Prepare to Avoid the Dangers of Flying Debris

Publication Date

February, 2019

Video showing the importance of preparing your home for flying debris common in severe weather per IBHS FORTIFIED Home guidelines.

The Weather Channel - Protecting Openings

Publication Date

September, 2019

Video showing steps to take to prepare openings in homes for a hurricane or high wind event as explained by the Weather Channel and IBHS Fortified Home.