BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Exterior low-e storm windows were added to historic Halligan Hall on the U.S. Naval Academy campus in Annapolis, Maryland; frames were custom colored to match the existing seafoam green window trim

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

Pumpkin Ridge Passive House Video #15: Window Install Prep & Air Sealing

Publication Date

February, 2013

Video describing how to prep and air seal the wall cavity for window installation.

HUD 2024 Housing Innovation Showcase Poster: Window Attachments Keep out the Heat

Author(s)

Katherine Cort,

Theresa Gilbride

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Publication Date

September, 2024

Factsheet outlining how window attachments like cellular shades, roller shades, storm windows with low-emissivity coatings, and solar screens are low-cost steps that can be implemented to keep homes cool in the summer.

Do-It-Yourself Savings Project: Install Exterior Storm Windows With Low-E Coating

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2020

A website by the U.S. DOE highlighting the potential energy savings from upgrading energy inefficient windows with low-emissivity.

Wrong – Where possible, design walls and specify window sizes and placement to minimize the use of studs around windows; and seal all wood-to-wood seams to minimize air leakage through walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Building energy codes often reference primary and secondary daylight when specifying daylighting control requirements – the primary daylight zone or distance into the room from the window equals the window height from the floor.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 12:00

Rigid foam is sandwiched between lumber to form insulated headers over windows.

Windows are installed in new framing in preparation for adding exterior spray foam insulation

Right – This tree shades walls, windows, roofs, and grounds for two adjacent homes.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/29/2022 - 12:00

Large deciduous trees provide heat-blocking shade to the walls and windows of this house.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/09/2022 - 12:00

Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights, ASTM E2112–07

Author(s)

ASTM International

Organization(s)

ASTM

Publication Date

March, 2016

Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction which was published in the year 2007, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link.

Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights, ASTM E2112-19c

Author(s)

ASTM International

Organization(s)

ASTM

Publication Date

May, 2023

Standard covering the installation of fenestration products in new and existing construction, which was published in the year 2019, and is available for preview and purchase at the referenced link.

Right - Plywood storm protection covering for windows is installed with removable threaded-rod fittings.

Deep overhangs and porches provide midday shade for most of the windows on this home in Albuquerque, NM.

Publication Date

Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:00

Wrong - There is no step flashing along the base of the gable and the right window is missing sill trim.

Publication Date

Sun, 05/30/2021 - 12:00

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

Version 3.0: Exhibit 1 ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home - Windows (Revision 9)

Publication Date

Sat, 09/01/2018 - 12:00

Version 3.1: Exhibit 1 ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home - Windows (Revision 9)

Publication Date

Sat, 09/01/2018 - 12:00

Right – This aluminum jalousie window provides solar control while allowing view and ventilation.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Window and door rough openings in the ICF wall are surrounded with pressure-treated wood

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2001 - 12:00

How To Strengthen Your Home for Under $10,000 – Roof, Walls, Windows, and Doors

Publication Date

September, 2014

Video interview explaining some basic guidelines to make your home more ready for severe weather for under $10,000. Recommendations from FLASH Strong Homes.

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 – Sheathing, rigid foam, and windows are installed in the factory for these factory-constructed wall panels.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

TechNotes – Window and Door Flashing: Code Requirements and Best Practices for Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

September, 2015

This TechNote provides an overview of building code requirements and best practices for flashing at window and door frames.

Headers over windows on non-load-bearing walls are open to allow room for insulation.

The double-wall construction results in thick window sills which builder market as an architectural feature.

The addition of low-E permanent exterior storm windows is typically accepted for most historic preservation projects

Wrong - Window is missing pan flashing under sill and tape flashing at jamb end sill.

Publication Date

Wed, 07/07/2021 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

HUD 2024 Housing Innovation Showcase Poster: High Performance Windows - Triple Protection for that Hole in the Wall

Author(s)

Katherine Cort,

Theresa Gilbride

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Publication Date

September, 2024

Factsheet describing how triple-pane windows can outperform standard single and double-pane windows.

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

Right – Appropriate use of framing members to support double windows and additional cripples for drywall purposes

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Plywood or OSB panels are a cost-effective way to protect windows from wind-borne debris.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Clanging Pipes and Open Windows: Upgrading NYC Steam Heating Systems for the 21st Century

Author(s)

Flothow Jonathan

Organization(s)

Energy Efficiency for All,

EEFA,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2015

Report describing strategies to improve the aging steam heating systems in New York City to improve energy efficiency, reduce oil and gas usage, and cut maintenance costs.

The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) uses this label to indicate certified low-E storm window products.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 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

The 2-foot extended-width overhang on the left allows more wintertime solar heat gain to this west-facing window than the 2-foot side fin on the right (results shown for west-facing window, mid-winter, 36N latitude)

Publication Date

Tue, 07/25/2023 - 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

Permanent exterior low-E storm windows include weep channels in the bottom leg of the frame to allow for drainage

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2021 - 12:00

An energy rater will check for dry rot and moisture problems as well as air leakage around windows and doors.

Publication Date

Thu, 04/01/2010 - 12:00

With modern low-E storm windows, manufacturers offer many frame colors and the option for custom color matching

Right – Interior wood-to-wood seams around a window are sealed with tape to prevent air leakage.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Right – A rigid rain screen product completely covers the wall behind the cladding and window framing.

Awnings, overhangs, and porches shield windows and doors from sun, rain, and snow in this sunny mountain locale.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 12:00

Builders use an infrared camera to “see” heat flow and air leakage around a window during construction.

Wrong - The IRC requires that kitchen exhaust ducts terminate outside, at least 3 feet from operable windows.

Right - Covered porches protect the south-facing windows and doors of this building from solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

The windows in this building are connected to the fully adhered water and air control layer using fluid-applied flashing

Publication Date

Mon, 08/05/2024 - 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

Wrong - Water has gotten behind the paint, possibly due to lack of window flashing, leading to blistering.

Publication Date

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 12:00

Wrong - The gutter is missing kick-out flashing causing wall and window damage beneath it.

Publication Date

Sat, 03/06/2021 - 12:00

These aluminum Bahama shutters shade west-facing windows from afternoon sun and are approved for hurricane protection

Publication Date

Wed, 07/26/2023 - 12:00

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

Fri, 09/24/2021 - 12:00

ACEEE 2024 Summer Study on Energy-Efficiency in Buildings Factsheet: Window Coverings that Can Take the Heat

Author(s)

Katherine Cort,

Theresa Gilbride

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Publication Date

September, 2024

Factsheet describing how window shades can keep out unwanted heat, detailing the most effective products and practices.

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

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 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

Lay out the rigid foam sheathing joints so they do not align with the window and door edges

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Locating windows on adjacent and opposite sides of the house will allow cross ventilation regardless of wind direction

Publication Date

Fri, 09/24/2021 - 12:00

Whole-house fans draw outside air through windows into the home and exhaust it into a vented attic

Reference

Measure Guideline: Ventilation Cooling

Author(s)

Springer David,

Dakin Bill,

German Alea

Organization(s)

Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,

ARBI,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Davis Energy Group,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Guide describing proper application, design, and installation of mechanical ventilation cooling systems for homes located in hot-dry and cold-dry climates, as well as a means of understanding the benefits, costs, and tradeoffs of these systems.

Publication Date

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00

Right – The window header is filled with spray foam and sealant is used to air seal wood-to-wood seams; however, it would be preferable to design the wall to avoid so many stacked studs around the windows because they prevent wall insulation installation.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 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

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Rigid Insulation and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Extension boxes of plywood built around the windows on this wall retrofit will be flush with the outer layer of exterior rigid insulation

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

External solar screens are an effective way to reduce solar heat gains through windows while maintaining view.

Right – A metal flashing was installed behind the first row of siding above the windows to guide water over the trim.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

A layer of rigid foam is sandwiched between two layers of 2x8 lumber in this insulated header over a window.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2018 - 12:00

The patio roof on this home provides full shade to large glass doors and windows, reducing the home's heat gains.

Publication Date

Sat, 07/01/2000 - 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

Right - These removeable awnings provide ample shade to windows and patio space, reducing heat gain to the home.

Publication Date

Wed, 07/19/2023 - 12:00

Deep overhangs and porches shade the double-paned, argon-filled, low-emissivity windows to keep out summer sun.

Imagine Homes installs double-paned, vinyl-framed, low-e windows to minimize solar heat gain in San Antonio.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 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

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Thick Rigid Insulation and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Triple-pane windows are highly insulating (U=0.18) to slow heat transfer while letting in plenty of sunlight.

This simple decision tree can help homeowners and contractors make decisions about re-siding a home and upgrading windows

Publication Date

Mon, 05/16/2022 - 12:00

This detailed decision tree can help homeowners and contractors make decisions about re-siding a home and upgrading windows

Publication Date

Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:00

Wrong - Stucco has rotted and cracked above a window because of water damage due to lack of proper flashing and drainage.

Publication Date

Tue, 11/12/2019 - 12:00

The solar tube installed in the ceiling of this bathroom brings natural light into an interior room that doesn’t have window access.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/29/2021 - 12:00

Wrong - This IR image is showing that cold air is entering the home at the window frame and the sill plate at the base of the wall.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:00

Wrong - Kitchen exhaust ducts are prohibited from terminating within 3 feet of an operable window or near gable vents.

Wrong - Lack of insulation in the wall above this window combined with poor bathroom ventilation has contributed to mold growth.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/27/2019 - 12:00

High-performance home builders surveyed by PNNL report several reasons for choosing triple-pane over double-pane windows

Reference

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

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 in a design nearly as lightweight and thin as double-pane units, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and adoption in residential construction.

Publication Date

Sat, 02/24/2024 - 12:00

Right – The energy rater used a window to test whole-house air leakage with this blower door testing equipment.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

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

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Right – There is flashing installed along the top of the window and the water-resistant barrier is layered over to create a complete drainage system

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

The photovoltaic solar panels installed on the south face of this home perform double duty as window overhangs for summertime shading.

Publication Date

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 12:00

Flood damage-resistant materials include concrete and tile flooring, metal cabinets and doors, and glass-block windows.

Publication Date

Tue, 04/01/2008 - 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

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with a WRB, Rigid Insulation, and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl) or Stucco

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Permanently attached openable interior storm window viewed from the side; outside of home is to right, interior storm pane is on right.

ENERGY STAR-rated ceiling fans and openable windows oriented to prevailing summer breezes help provide low-cost cooling.

Installation of permanent exterior low-E storm windows is simple and easy, requiring a few basic tools and about 20 minutes of labor

Wrong - This IR image is showing a lack of air-sealing is allowing cold air to enter the home around the windows and at the base of the wall.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:00

Right – the building on the right employs light-colored walls, deep tinting, and deeply recessed windows to minimize solar heat gain

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00