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Window Attachments

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
DOE presentation describing a project to study window attachments.
Reference

Storm Windows

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR webpage describing the benefits of storm windows and a link to a product list.
Reference

Window Systems

Author(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Organization(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension,
University of Florida
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.
Reference

Install Window Shutters

Author(s)
Knowles III Hal S,
Ruppert Kathleen C,
Lenfesty Karla A,
Halderman Barbara
Organization(s)
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Publication Date
This document covers how broken windows can allow wind and rain inside the house and even lead to roof failure.
Reference

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.
Reference

Windows and Doors are Fully Flashed

Guide describing how to install flashings to help direct water down and out of windows and doors openings in exterior walls.
Guide

Fire Network: Windows Vulnerabilities

Author(s)
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Organization(s)
UCANR,
University of California Cooperative Extension
Publication Date
A report showing what happens when windows break as a result of temperature differences between the inside and outside of the home, as well as code standards for the State of California regarding window exposure to wildfires.
Reference
The DOE Efficient Window Coverings website identifies twelve categories of interior window shading attachments.

The DOE Efficient Window Coverings website identifies twelve categories of interior window shading attachments.

Publication Date
Image

Storm Windows Key Product Criteria

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Webpage providing an ENERGY STAR climate zone map and criteria for ENERGY STAR storm windows per climate zone.
Reference
The right window frame was pulled out of the wall because of inadequate window frame attachment during a hurricane.

The right window frame was pulled out of the wall because of inadequate window frame attachment during a hurricane.

Publication Date
Image

High-Efficiency Window Air Conditioners

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Factsheet profiling a simple modification that can be made to window air-conditioners to improve their energy efficiency.
Reference
Wrong - The window lying on the ground was protected by a shutter but the shutter was attached to the window frame, rather than directly to the wall framing.

Wrong - The window lying on the ground was protected by a shutter but the shutter was attached to the window frame, rather than directly to the wall framing.

Publication Date
Image
Connection of wall sheathing to window header.

Connection of wall sheathing to window header.

Publication Date
Image
Connection of window header to exterior wall.

Connection of window header to exterior wall.

Publication Date
Image
This wall and window assembly has excessive framing around the windows, which can lead to heat gain in how climate zones.

This wall and window assembly has excessive framing around the windows, which can lead to heat gain in how climate zones.

Publication Date
Image
The Efficient Window Coverings website allows direct comparison of various window attachment types based on thermal, visual, functional, and installation and durability criteria.

The Efficient Window Coverings website allows direct comparison of various window attachment types based on thermal, visual, functional, and installation and durability criteria.

Image
A cross-section of a vinyl-framed window showing metal reinforcement which helps support the window and prevent collapse if exposed to heat from a fire.

A cross-section of a vinyl-framed window showing metal reinforcement which helps support the window and prevent collapse if exposed to heat from a fire.

Publication Date
Image

Opening Protection Systems - Doors, Windows, Garages

Publication Date
Video showing proper attic ventilation systems for hurricane-prone regions compliant with IBHS Fortified Home standards.
Video
The window awnings on this house provide a simple but very effective way to reduce solar gains while still allowing view, daylight, and ventilation through the windows

The window awnings on this house provide a simple but very effective way to reduce solar gains while still allowing view, daylight, and ventilation through the windows

Publication Date
Image
Right - This home's windows have protective coverings that are raised to provide shade in good weather and can drop to protect the windows during high wind events.

Right - This home's windows have protective coverings that are raised to provide shade in good weather and can drop to protect the windows during high wind events.

Publication Date
Image
Jalousie windows use shutters rather than glass over the window openings to allow for maximum ventilation. Screens may be installed to keep out insects.

Jalousie windows use shutters rather than glass over the window openings to allow for maximum ventilation. Screens may be installed to keep out insects.

Publication Date
Image
Right – This metal panel window shutter is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and is secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.

Right – This metal panel window shutter is installed in a track permanently mounted above and below the window frame and is secured with wing nuts to studs mounted on the track.

Publication Date
Image
Wrong – For proper detailing of vinyl around windows and other obstacles, use utility trim, punch snaplocks into siding, and do not overlap directly beneath a window.

Wrong – For proper detailing of vinyl around windows and other obstacles, use utility trim, punch snaplocks into siding, and do not overlap directly beneath a window.

Publication Date
Image
Even when wind is blowing parallel to a wall, an open casement window can create a zone of higher pressure near the window opening, driving airflow into the house

Even when wind is blowing parallel to a wall, an open casement window can create a zone of higher pressure near the window opening, driving airflow into the house

Publication Date
Image

Measurement of the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U Value of Windows with Insect Screens

Author(s)
Brunger Alfred,
Harrison Stephen,
Dubrous Francois M
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating,
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Technical article presenting the results of an analysis on the effect of insect screens on window solar heat gain coefficients and U-values.
Reference
Tempered glass windows usually have an etched marking on the glass in the corner of the window that includes the supplier's name, place of fabrication, date manufactured, thickness, and certifications or safety standards the glass meets.

Tempered glass windows usually have an etched marking on the glass in the corner of the window that includes the supplier's name, place of fabrication, date manufactured, thickness, and certifications or safety standards the glass meets.

Publication Date
Image
Use this simple calculation to size overhangs above south facing windows.

Use this simple calculation to size overhangs above south facing windows.

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

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

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

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

Publication Date
Image
This house has key features to block heat such as such as tree shading for the west wall and roof, minimized west-facing windows, and a porch roof, floor, and wing walls creating deep architectural overhangs and fins to shade south-facing windows

Right - This house has key features to block heat such as such as tree shading for the west wall and roof, minimized west-facing windows, and a porch roof, floor, and wing walls creating deep architectural overhangs and fins to shade south-facing windows

Publication Date
Image
Right - Panels of 7/16-inch treated plywood are inexpensive but take time to install and are difficult to install on higher windows.

Right - Panels of 7/16-inch treated plywood are inexpensive but take time to install and are difficult to install on higher windows.

Publication Date
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Radiant heat from wildfires can crack windows by heating the exterior surface (#1) causing it to expand and crack when exposed to wildfire.

Radiant heat from wildfires can crack windows by heating the exterior surface (#1) causing it to expand and crack when exposed to wildfire.

Publication Date
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Wrong – The outer pane of this window broke under radiant exposure from a neighbor’s house that had ignited in a 2007 southern California wildfire.

Wrong – The outer pane of this window broke under radiant exposure from a neighbor’s house that had ignited in a 2007 southern California wildfire.

Publication Date
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Permanent options for keeping sun off windows to minimize solar heat gain include permanent overhangs and awnings, frames, and louvers.

Permanent options for keeping sun off windows to minimize solar heat gain include permanent overhangs and awnings, frames, and louvers.

Publication Date
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Wrong – Regular window glass is susceptible to breakage from the radiant heat of a wildfire; tempered and laminated glass are more resistant to breakage.

Wrong – Regular window glass is susceptible to breakage from the radiant heat of a wildfire; tempered and laminated glass are more resistant to breakage.

Publication Date
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Likely amount of time and radiant heat exposure at which different types of window glass would break at 30 feet from the edge of a wildfire.

Likely amount of time and radiant heat exposure at which different types of window glass would break at 30 feet from the edge of a wildfire.

Publication Date
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Right - Impact-resistant glass protects windows from wind-borne debris and is always in place, requiring no manual deployment during a storm.

Right - Impact-resistant glass protects windows from wind-borne debris and is always in place, requiring no manual deployment during a storm.

Publication Date
Image
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.

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
Image
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.

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
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