BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Author(s)

Efficient Windows Collaborative,

National Fenestration Rating Council

Organization(s)

Efficient Windows Collaborative,

NFRC

Publication Date

August, 2020

The Window Selection Tool will take you through a series of design conditions pertaining to your design and location.

Interior storm window on double-hung original window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Interior storm window on double-hung original window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Window Rehabilitation

Guide describing how to rehab a window in an existing home.

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.

Installing European Passive House Windows #001: Window Intro

Publication Date

March, 2013

Video describing how to install European passive house windows. This video is part of an eight-video series by Hammer & Hand.

Condensation can form between the interior removable storm window and the existing window if the storm window is not air tight

Wrong - Window sill trim was too tall for window frame and was poorly modified in an attempt to provide drainage out of the window.

Publication Date

Mon, 06/05/2023 - 12:00

Interior removable storm windows should fit snuggly into the window frame

Publication Date

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 12:00

Energy Efficient Windows for Interior Alaska: Window Types and U-values

Publication Date

April, 2012

Author(s)

Cruikshank

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing different types of energy efficient windows in Alaska.

Insert Replacement Window

Guide describing how to insert a replacement window in an existing home.

Interior storm windows have very little impact on the appearance of the window, although the window frame may appear slightly wider

Window Sash Replacement

Guide describing how to replace a window sash in an existing home.

Window Sash Retrofit

Guide describing how to modify an existing window sash for high-efficient windows.

Window Orientation and Shading

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

FSEC

Publication Date

October, 2022

Web article providing information on how to reduce solar gains through windows.

Residential Windows and Window Coverings: A Detailed View of the Installed Base and User Behavior

Author(s)

Bickel Stephen,

Phan-Gruber Emily,

Christie Shannon

Organization(s)

D&R International,

D+R International,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2013

DOE report characterizing the installed base of windows and window coverings, and how users operate window coverings in order to enable precise quantification of energy savings.

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

January, 2021

This document covers how broken windows can allow wind and rain inside the house and even lead to roof failure.

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

Condensation in storm windows can be prevented by air sealing around the storm window and allowing some ventilation to the outside from the original window

Publication Date

Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:00

No insulation at window header

Installation of weatherstripping on a window.

Publication Date

Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:00

Assemblysill details for a site built, refurbished window that includes a permanent interior storm window.

DWG

PDF

Interior Storm Windows and Panels

Guide describing how to install low-e interior storm windows.

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Guide describing a complete window replacement in existing homes.

Low-E Exterior Storm Windows

Guide describing how to install low-e exterior storm windows.

Complete Window and Frame Replacement

Publication Date

September, 2015

Video describing how to properly replace windows and window frames.

Efficient Window Coverings Website

Author(s)

Efficient Window Coverings

Organization(s)

Building Green,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,

LBNL

Publication Date

July, 2023

Website sponsored by DOE to provide consumers with intelligent and unbiased guidance on the best window covering for your climate, your needs, and your windows.

Selection Process for Replacement Windows

Author(s)

Efficient Windows Collaborative

Organization(s)

National Fenestration Rating Council,

NFRC

Publication Date

August, 2021

Step-by-step guide demonstrating replacement window selection process.

ENERGY STAR Windows (1)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing ENERGY STAR windows.

ENERGY STAR Windows (2)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing ENERGY STAR windows.

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.

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Author(s)

Ueno Kohta

Organization(s)

Green Building Advisor,

GBA

Publication Date

July, 2020

Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

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.

Fire Network: Windows Vulnerabilities

Author(s)

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Organization(s)

UCANR,

University of California Cooperative Extension

Publication Date

January, 2009

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.

Building Enclosure: Window Installation

Windows & Skylights Tax Credit

Author(s)

ENERGY STAR

Organization(s)

ENERGY STAR

Publication Date

May, 2021

Tax credit for ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights.

Window sash retrofit example

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Exterior window replacement detail

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Air-Seal Windows and Doors

Author(s)

Sloggatt Mike

Organization(s)

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Publication Date

October, 2012

Article describing how to stop air leaks around the windows and doors of a home.

Window Attachments: Call to Action

Author(s)

Attachments Energy Rating Council

Organization(s)

AERC

Publication Date

July, 2023

Fact sheet providing information on window attachments and their potential for improving energy efficiency.

Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights

Author(s)

ENERGY STAR

Organization(s)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

EPA,

ENERGY STAR

Publication Date

May, 2023

Homepage for ENERGY STAR’s windows, skylights, and doors program providing information for consumers and links to product directories.

Tips for Weatherstripping Windows and Doors

Author(s)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Organization(s)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Publication Date

October, 2024

Article describing tips for effectively installing weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Historic Window Restoration Workshop

Author(s)

City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation,

University of San Antonio College of Architecture,

Alamo Hardwoods,

ARTchitectural Interiors,

American Institute of Architects Center for Architecture,

San Antonio Conservation Society

Organization(s)

City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation,

University of San Antonio College of Architecture,

Alamo Hardwoods,

ARTchitectural Interiors,

American Institute of Architects Center for Architecture,

San Antonio Conservation Society

Publication Date

May, 2009

Presentation describing old window rehabilitation including comparison of rehabilitated and replaced windows, maintenance of historic windows, and other rehabilitation measures for old buildings.

Seven categories of exterior window shading attachments, identified on the DOE Efficient Window Coverings website.

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

Publication Date

Tue, 07/25/2023 - 12:00

For factory-made interior removable storm windows, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for measuring the window frame

Window and Door Rough Openings

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to air-seal around window and door rough openings.

Right – A paint-on flashing was applied to the window frames of this ICF house before installing the windows.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Wrong - Cracks of corner of window frame may be a source of air leakage contributing to condensation on windows.

Publication Date

Mon, 06/05/2023 - 12:00

Wrong - Insulation beneath window is compressed and there are more support studs than necessary to left of window.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/19/2019 - 12:00

Right – A flexible flashing product is installed around the corners of the window sill before installing the windows.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Wrong - Basement window not sealed.

Windows are sized and positioned so only one king stud is needed on each side of the window.

A tempered glass window can be identified by the “bug” or white etched label at one corner of the window.

Publication Date

Sat, 02/01/2020 - 12:00

Wintertime condensation potential for exterior storm windows can be reduced if the original window is airtight and weep holes in the storm window are open to provide a small amount of ventilation to the outside

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Caulk top and sides of window

Reference

Building America Best Practices Series - 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates, Volume 12

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Sat, 04/21/2012 - 12:00

Framing is built around the window before exterior rigid foam is installed on the exterior walls around the window.

A flanged window unit is installed with straps that fasten to the interior surfaces of the plywood extension box; furring strips on each side of the window will be attached after the flanged window is installed and flashed

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

DOE Window Retrofit: Kalamazoo MI

Author(s)

Theresa Gilbride,

Kohta Ueno

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2022

Case study describing a window retrofit of a 1940s kit home in Kalamazoo MI that included adding interior low-e storm windows to previously upgraded double-pane windows.

DOE Window Retrofit: Jackson MS

Author(s)

Theresa Gilbride,

Kohta Ueno

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2022

Case study describing a window retrofit of a 1950s bungaloo home in Jackson MS that included replacing the original windows with triple-pane windows

High-Performance (ENERGY STAR) Windows

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

DOE Window Retrofit: Bellingham WA

Author(s)

Theresa Gilbride,

Kohta Ueno

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2022

Case study describing a window retrofit of a 1970s cedar-sided home in Bellingham WA that included adding replacing the existing double-pane clear-glass windows with triple-pane windows.

DOE Window Retrofit: Phoenix AZ

Author(s)

Theresa Gilbride,

Kohta Ueno

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2022

Case study describing a window retrofit of a 1940s home in Phoenix AZ that included adding solar screens to previously upgraded windows.

Window sill at wood frame wall

DWG

PDF

Performance of Windows in Walls With Continuous Insulation

Author(s)

Peavey John,

Shah Nay B

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

March, 2023

Technical report describing research aimed to provide window manufacturers with foundational guidance for installing windows in walls with continuous insulation (CI), addressing critical aspects such as evaluating common installation methods, establishing acceptance criteria for window performance...

Window head at wood frame wall

DWG

PDF

Window Attachments Offer Added Savings

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

June, 2023

Fact sheet poster describing and comparing the energy-saving and comfort benefits of window attachment options such as low-emissivity storm windows, automated blinds, cellular shades, and solar screens, etc.

Window Shades Recalled by Carra Imports

Author(s)

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Organization(s)

CPSC

Publication Date

November, 2015

Webpage documenting a recall of a window shade product.

Common window water infiltration pathways

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Insert replacement vinyl frame window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Interior removable storm window sample

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Installed interior removable storm window

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Frame preparation for inserting a replacement window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Replacement window rough opening preparation

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Example sill detail of "innie" window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Example sill detail of "outie" window

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

ReVision Home: Windows and Patio Doors

Author(s)

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

July, 2010

Information sheet about window retrofit strategies for hot-dry climates.

Frame preparation for replacement window sashes

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Window sash replacement jamb liners

Publication Date

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 12:00

Condensation Between Panes of Double Windows

Author(s)

Wilson Alex

Organization(s)

National Research Council Canada,

NRCC

Publication Date

May, 1960

Document about condensation between the panes, on the inside surface of the outer glass of double pane 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.

Right - Corners of window are protected with draining house wrap that laps onto the sides of the window trim, paint-on flashing at window trim corners, and self-adhered flashing to reinforce corners.

Publication Date

Fri, 08/14/2020 - 12:00

Traditional and advanced framing of windows and doors

Energy Savings from Window Attachments

Author(s)

Curcija Charlie,

Yazdanian Mehry,

Kohler Christian,

Hart Robert,

Mitchell Robin,

Vidanovic Simon

Organization(s)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,

LBNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

October, 2013

Report describing a comprehensive analysis on energy savings from multiple types of shading devices in multiple climate zones.

Window meets 2009 IECC requirements

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Types of Storm Shutters for Windows

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Wrong – There is no flashing installed at the top of the window

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Window and door openings fully flashed

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Modern low-E exterior storm windows blend in with the original window and provide a year-round increased comfort and energy efficiency

Wrong - this building provides no overhangs, minimal window shading, and clear window glass resulting in high solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

DOE Window Retrofit: Long Island NY

Author(s)

Theresa Gilbride,

Kohta Ueno

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2022

Case study describing a window retrofit of a 1920s home in Long Island NY that included adding exterior low-e storm windows to previously upgraded double-pane windows.

Window Attachments for Solar Control and Energy Efficiency

Guide providing information on interior and exterior window attachments for shading, glare control, noise control, protection from high winds, privacy, and reduced heat loss in winter.