A window is an opening in a building that allows light and air to enter and provides a view of the outside. Windows can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, and can come in a range of styles and configurations, such as casement, awning, hung, slider, hopper, bay, picture, and transom windows. Windows can also be made with different types of glass, such as clear, tempered, low-e, laminated, insulated, and frosted glass, which can provide different levels of insulation, energy efficiency, and privacy.

Windows serve several important functions in a building, including:

• Allowing natural light and ventilation to enter the building
• Providing a view of the outside
• Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building
• Helping to regulate indoor temperature and humidity
• Providing a means of escape in the event of a fire or emergency
• Helping to reduce energy costs by providing natural light and ventilation

Casement windows are a type of window that are hinged on one side and open like a door. They can be operated with a crank or lever, which allows for easy and precise control of the window's position. Casement windows are well-suited for areas where a large and unobstructed view is desired, and can provide good ventilation when opened.

What are awning windows?

What are hung windows?

What are slider windows?

What are hopper windows?

What are bay windows?

What are picture windows?

What are transom windows?

An egress window is a window that is large enough to provide a means of escape in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or other disaster. Egress windows are typically required by building codes in bedrooms and basements, where people may be sleeping or spending extended periods of time. In order to qualify as an egress window, the window must meet certain size requirements, typically a minimum width and height of 20 inches and a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. Egress windows are often equipped with ladders or other means of egress, such as steps or ramps, to ensure that occupants can escape safely in the event of an emergency.

Egress windows are important because they provide a safe means of escape in the event of an emergency. They also help to ensure that emergency responders can enter the building and provide assistance, if necessary. Egress windows are typically required by building codes in bedrooms and basements, where people may be sleeping or spending extended periods of time. Failure to comply with egress window requirements can result in fines and other penalties, as well as increased risk of injury or death in the event of an emergency.

Energy ratings on windows refer to a system that measures the energy performance of windows, including their ability to insulate against heat loss and gain, control solar heat gain, and reduce air leakage. This system is typically used to evaluate the energy efficiency of windows and to help consumers make informed decisions about which windows to purchase.

The energy rating system for windows typically includes several components, including the U-factor, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and the air leakage rating. The U-factor measures the rate at which heat flows through the window, with lower U-factors indicating better insulation. The SHGC measures the amount of solar radiation that passes through the window, with lower SHGCs indicating better solar control. The air leakage rating measures the amount of air that leaks through the window, with lower ratings indicating less air leakage.

In addition to these factors, energy ratings for windows may also include information about the window's visible transmittance (VT), which measures the amount of visible light that passes through the window, as well as any special coatings or features that the window may have to improve energy performance, such as low-e coatings or argon gas fill.

Overall, energy ratings for windows are an important tool for consumers and builders looking to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce energy costs. By choosing windows with high energy ratings, consumers can help to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on heating and cooling costs over the lifetime of the window.

Clear glass is a type of glass that is transparent and allows visible light to pass through it. It is commonly used in windows where privacy is not a concern, and is the most basic and inexpensive type of glass used in windows.

Tempered glass is a type of glass that is heated to a high temperature and then rapidly cooled, which makes it much stronger and more durable than regular glass. It is often used in windows that are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as in commercial buildings or in areas with high winds or hurricanes. If it does break, tempered glass shatters into small, rounded pieces rather than sharp shards, which can help to reduce the risk of injury.

Low-e glass, or low-emissivity glass, is a type of glass that has a special coating applied to it that reflects infrared light and helps to reduce the transfer of heat through the window. This can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building and reduce heating and cooling costs. Low-e glass can also help to reduce the amount of UV radiation that enters a building, which can help to protect furniture and fabrics from fading.

According to Natural Resources Canada, low-e glass can provide energy savings of up to 12% compared to clear glass in residential applications in Canada. However, the actual energy savings will depend on several factors, such as the orientation of the window, climate zone, and the type of low-e coating used. In general, low-e glass can provide the following energy savings:

• Reduced heat loss: Low-e glass can reduce the amount of heat that is lost through the window, which can help to reduce heating costs in colder climates.
• Reduced heat gain: Low-e glass can also reduce the amount of heat that is gained through the window, which can help to reduce cooling costs in warmer climates.
• Increased comfort: By reducing heat loss and gain, low-e glass can help to increase comfort levels in the home.
• Reduced fading: Low-e glass can also help to reduce fading of carpets, furniture, and other items in the home by blocking a significant portion of the UV rays that can cause fading.

It's important to note that the actual energy savings of low-e glass will depend on a variety of factors, including the climate zone, the orientation of the window, and the type of low-e coating used. To determine the potential energy savings of low-e glass in your specific application, it's best to consult with a professional glass installer or manufacturer.

Laminated glass is a type of glass that consists of two or more layers of glass that are bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or another type of resin. The PVB layer helps to hold the glass together if it is shattered, which can help to reduce the risk of injury. Laminated glass is often used in areas where safety is a concern, such as in skylights or in areas where there is a risk of glass breakage, such as in earthquake-prone areas or in buildings that are exposed to high winds or hurricanes.

Insulated glass, also known as double-pane or triple-pane glass, is a type of glass that consists of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer and sealed around the edges to create a sealed unit. The space between the panes is filled with air or an inert gas, such as argon or krypton, which helps to improve the insulating properties of the window. Insulated glass can also help to reduce outside noise and improve energy efficiency, which can lead to lower heating and cooling costs. Insulated glass is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings, and is available in a variety of configurations, such as double-pane, triple-pane, and low-e insulated glass.

Frosted glass is a type of glass that has been treated with an acid or sandblasting process to create a frosted or opaque appearance. It is often used in areas where privacy is a concern, such as in bathrooms or bedrooms, and can be used in combination with other types of glass to create decorative patterns or designs.