Windows and Doors

Training Class

Replacement New Construction

Depends on the Application

Installation DifferencesReplacement Window New Construction

• Exterior cladding is not removed

• Flashing tape should be on interior of sill and jambs

• Will need j-channel and/or aluminum exterior trim

• Fastened with screws through the jambs

• Exterior cladding must be removed for nail fin fastening

• Flashing tape is installed on exterior over the nail flanges

• May have j-channel built into the window

• Fastened with nails through the nail fins

How to Identify a Window Brand

... A Few Options

Name on Window Hardware

• Many window manufactures have their brand name on the locks, cranks or other hardware

• Be aware: this could be the hardware manufacturer's name and not the window manufacturer's

Spacer Bar Between Glass

• The spacer bar sits between the two panes of glass

• Identification name or number will sometimes be etched or printed on the sides, top or bottom of spacer bar

Etched on the Corner of the

Glass• The name and identification

number will sometimes be etched into the glass, usually in the bottom right corner

• This information can be used to get an exact match on the original window (in most cases)

On the Side of the Sash or Frame

• Window I.D. # may be on the side of the sash or on the frame

• Tilt down sash or open casement window to find

• Some windows don't have I.D. #'s

Measure Visible Glass to

Determine Actual Size

• If you know the manufacturer name and the style, the visible glass dimensions can be used to order an exact replacement

• You will need to have information on all the other details of the window (hardware color, frame color, etc.)

aamanet.org/Use this website to enter window identification code to identify window

manufacturer

Replacing Pella Windows• If you have a job with Pella windows that need to be replaced, call Rip Repotski at Pella. Cell# (248)-210-9485 Email: repotskira@pella.com

• They will match stain, paint and window make. They trim the exterior and interior

• Will give you a retail and SunGlo price

Window Material OptionsVinyl, Wood, Aluminum, Fiberglass and Composite

Vinyl Windows• Vinyl is the most commonly used

material for windows and patio doors

• Offers good thermal performance and requires little maintenance

• Cost effective and available in many different colors and finishes

• Most incorporate multi-chambered profiles for strength and insulation

• Corners are welded

Wood Frame Windows• Offers good thermal

performance and natural beauty• Offered in a wide variety of

species• Wood requires maintenance that

other materials may not (paint or stain)

• Vinyl and Aluminum cladding offered for the exterior to minimize maintenance requirements

Aluminum Frame Windows• Stronger than wood or vinyl• Dominant choice in architectural

and demanding commercial applications

• Aluminum is a good thermal conductor and is usually offered with a structural insulation inside the frame

• Beware of replacing with vinyl because of structural strenth

Fiberglass Frame Windows• Offers strength comparable to

aluminum and insulating properties similar to wood and vinyl

• Offered in a variety of colors and finishes. Can be painted

• Fiberglass framing cannot be bent, these products are generally not available in round-top, elliptical and other specialty models

• Has mechanically fastened corners

Composite Windows• Made from a combination of

synthetic and natural materials like vinyl and wood, they are held together with an epoxy resin

• Can be molded to any shape or size

• Maintains stability in high-heat environments

• Not very common

Identifying Window Types

Picture Windows

• Fixed glass windows• No operational components to

these• No screen

Double Hung Windows• Most common style of window

available• Consists of two window sashes

(i.e., panes of glass), one on top, one on bottom

• Top and bottom sashes are removable for easy cleaning

Single Hung Windows• Consists of two sashes, one on

the top that doesn't move and the bottom one does move vertically

• The advantage of the fixed window is that it limits air intrusion, since there are fewer seams that need seals

Slider Windows• A horizontal sliding window

where the sashes operate by sliding along a track in the window frame

• Some sliders have a fixed sash and some are bypass

• Note from outside which sash is operational (right or left)

Awning Windows• Awning windows open outward

from the bottom and are hinged towards the top using a crank handle while the operating mechanism keeps the sash securely open

• They provide effective ventilation without letting the elements into the home

Casement Windows• Casement windows are hinged

at the side• The earliest form of movable

window, with hinges or pivots at the upright side of the vertically hung sash, so that it opens outward or inward like a door

• Opens by use of a crank and locks on the non-hinged side

• Usually taller than wide

Transom Windows• A window that sits on top of a

door or another window• Usually are fixed glass but can

also be awning or hopper style• They are usually a separate unit

from the one it sits on

Bay Windows• A series of windows projecting

outward from the wall• Bay windows have no more than

3 sides with windows• May require shingles or other

roofing materials (copper standing seam) on the top

• Require at least 4 guys to install

Bow Windows• A series of windows projecting

outward from the wall• Bow windows have no less than

4 sides with windows• May contain multiple types of

windows (double hung, casement etc.)

• May require roofing on the top• Will require at least 4 guys for

install

Things to Remember with Bays and Bows

• The labor burden is high for these style of windows• Exterior will require custom bent aluminum trim around perimeter

and possibly between each window• May require shingled roof on top or standing seam metal roof• May need supports underneath or decorative corbels• The seat, head and jambs will require finishing• Measuring for a bay or bow window can be complicated. Contact a

window professional for assistance

Garden Windows• Garden windows project outward

to create a shelf or set of shelves commonly used to house plants, flowers and herbs

• 3 sides and roof are glass, the sides are usually casements or single hung. The front is usually fixed glass

• Traditional garden windows aare in the shape of a lean-to

• One glass shelf is usually included, additional shelves are an added cost

Mulled Windows• A mulled window is a window

unit containing two or more single windows joined together

• The mulling process can be done at the factory or in the field combining the separate windows together. Factory mulling is generally considered to be the superior method, as the factory uses experienced assemblers

Jalousie Windows• Often seen in storm doors,

enclosed porches or breezeways.

• Became popular in the 50's when air conditioning was not common

• A few companies still make these such as Ply Gem and Tafco

Storm Windows• New storm windows are rarely

installed on homes today• Installing these over new windows

will, in most cases, void the manufacturers warranty

• Heat will be trapped between the storm and primary window causing, especially vinyl, windows to warp

• When replacing primary windows, get pricing on storms so upgrades can be made to primary windows

Egress Windows• Egress windows (or doors)

are required in every habitable space, especially where people sleep

• The reason for needing a means of egress are twofold: to allow for an exit in case of an emergency, and to provide access for a firefighter to gain entrance.

Egress Requirements• The bottom of the egress window opening can’t exceed 44” from

the finished floor• The minimum opening area of the egress window is 5.7 square

feet• The minimum egress window opening height is 24” high and 20"

wide• The egress window must have a glass area of not less than 8% of

the total floor area of room(s) for which it is servicing (for light)• The window must have a opening area of not less than 4% of the

total floor area of room(s) for which it is servicing (for ventilation)

Sound Abatement Windows• Be aware that houses near an

airport will likely have sound abatement windows (Romulus)

• These windows are more costly and the homeowner will notice a significant noise difference if standard windows are installed

• Xactimate doesn't have a line item to capture the cost of these

Custom Built Windows

• Custom built windows may be necessary when seeking to preserve the historic look of a house

• Price these using labor hours and material pricing

Heat Damaged Windows• Damage to windows may not be

as obvious as it is in this picture• House fires are typically 1100-

1200 degrees, depending on the type of materials that are burning

• Windows that are exposed to extreme heat will, in most cases, experience seal failure

Insulated Glass Warranty • Limitations of Warranty• "This Warranty is VOID AND DOES NOT APPLY to units that

were pressure cleaned; to units that were improperly handled; to units that were installed improperly by the installing contractor; to units which are subjected to stress resulting from localized application of heat, causing excessive temperature differentials over the glass surfaces or edges of the unit;"

Anatomy of a Window

Window Parts List• Frame- The combination of the head, jambs and sill that forms a

precise opening in which a window sash fits.• Grilles- Any bar that divides window glass into smaller panes.

Also called a muntin, grid or window pane divider.• Head- The main horizontal part forming the top of the window

frame.• Jamb- The main vertical parts forming the sides of a window

frame• Sash- A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for

holding glass.

Window Parts List• Sill- The main horizontal part forming the bottom of the frame

of a window.• Cladding- Exterior wood parts covered with extruded

aluminum or vinyl with a factory-applied finish.• Argon- An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating glass units to

reduce heat transfer• Balance- A mechanical device (normally spring-loaded) used

in single- and double-hung windows as a means of counterbalancing the weight of the sash during opening and closing

Window Parts List• Check Rail- The bottom horizontal member of the upper sash and

the top horizontal member of the lower sash• Weep Holes- The individual openings provided in the window sill to

allow water or condensation to escape• Lift- Handle for raising the lower sash in a double-hung window.

Also called a sash lift• Lock Handle- A locking mechanism located on the handle of a

window• Mullion- A major structural vertical or horizontal member to

combine two or more windows

Window Parts List

• Operator- Crank-operated device for opening and closing casement or awning windows

• Sash Lock Strike- A lock attached to the sashes of a double-hung window that can fix both sashes in the shut position. Secures window and reduces rattling

Exterior Aluminum Trim• Make note of any custom bends

to be made, use SDG WRAPC line item

• Using line items for wrapping window frame- small, average, large and extra large may not be sufficient

• For complex aluminum trim, may need to add in siding labor

• Add in for caulk, usually double the lf. of window perimeter

Measuring Windows• Measure width and height.

Always write the dimensions in this order

• Check the depth (most windows are 3 1/4")

• Determine style of window (double hung, slider)

• Note any grids or screens• Window color, hardware color

Measuring Doors and Determining Swing

• Measuring the door slab itself will give you the door size (36 x 80)

• Measure jamb depth (most common is 4 9/16")

• Measure slab thickness (1 3/8" or 1 3/4")

• When measuring a rough opening, door size will be 2" smaller (38 x 82 R.O. will be a 36 x 80 door size)

• Determine the swing of the door (stay away from confusing terms like "reversed left")

Entry Doors• Should always be an inswing• Weather King is great resource

for steel and fiberglass entry doors

• For wood entry doors: call Jason O'Leary at the Northville Home Depot Pro Desk

Sidelights• A window, usually with a vertical

emphasis, that is on the side or sides of a door

• They are usually stationary

• Used where a visual emphasis is desired

• Also used when additional light or visibility is needed

• Most common widths are 12" and 14" but be sure to get the overall dimensions when replacing

Commercial Grade Doors

• Should always be an outswing• Commercial doors are surprisingly

more expensive than residential• Components to these are ordered

a'la carte• Slab, frame, hinges, handle,

weather strip, threshold, sweep and closer

• Contact Rayhaven for assistance @ (248)357-1006

Storm Doors• Measure size of entry door to

get size of storm door. Will need to have brick mold to install

• Prices vary greatly on storm doors and security doors

• They can go from $100 to $1000• What Xactimate calls average

grade is the lowest grade you can buy

French Doors• Measure the slabs and add the

widths together• You can get these as outswing or

inswing• May need aluminum trim on

exterior• Make note which side is

operational from exterior

Slider Doors (Doorwall)• Measure the entire units width

and length

• Most common sizes are 60 x 80 and 72 x 80

• Screen doors are sometimes extra depending on the manufacturer

• Note which side is operational from exterior

Door Hardware• Most of the time, door

hardware can be reused• If replacing, the Smart Key

system by Kwikset is a good option in order to keep all locks keyed the same

• Lockset prices can vary a lot. If it says "Baldwin" on it, it's expensive

Fire Rated Doors• Be aware of codes that may

require the use of fire rated doors

• It is required between the house and attached garage (20 min. rating)

• Doors can have up to a 4 hr. rating

• Steel fire rated doors are foam filled, the foam can melt when it reaches 450 degrees

Fire Rated Glass• Any fire rated door with glass

will require fire rated glass• Will need to be bought

separately from the door and will also need to purchase a frame

• A 2' x 3' pc. can cost over $200• New codes may require fire

rated glass to be impact resistant as well

Low E Glass • "E" stands for emissivity- a

materials effectiveness in emitting energy as thermal radiation.

• Low E is a microscopic thin, metallic coating usually on the interior side of the exterior pane of glass

• It helps to reflect long-wave infrared energy (also known as heat)

How to Check for Low E Glass

• Using a lighter or laser, hold it close to the glass and look at the 4 reflections

• 1 of the 4 should be slightly clearer and a different color

• This indicates the presence of Low E glass

• No differences in reflection means no Low E

Leaded Glass• Design styles of leaded glass are

infinite• Matching a particular design

may not be possible unless custom made

• Its an upgrade to any door or window so make sure to add in for the added cost

Tempered Glass• Also referred to as "Toughened

Glass"• A type of safety glass processed by

controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength. Tempering puts the outer surfaces into compression and the inner surfaces into tension. Such stresses cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards as plate glass creates.

Tempered GlassRequired when:• Any window or sidelight within 24 inches

horizontally of a door• Any window or sash that is 9 square feet

or mor AND is 18 inches or less from a floor

• Any window within a tub or shower area that is less than 60 inches from the floor of the tub

• Any window on a staircase landing or within 60 inches a staircase tread must be tempered. Additionally, temper any window with 40 square feet or more of glass for safety and strength

Internal Blinds• Internal blinds are usually

around a $500 upgrade on windows and patio doors

• Price will vary based on the manufacturer and the size of the unit itself

• There are multiple color options for the blinds

• There is no line item in Xactimate to capture this cost

Decorative Grid OptionsGrid width and layout is important if you are trying to

match

A Fun Way to Spend 4 hrs of Your Day

REScheck (previously known as MECcheck) is the name of software designed to compute energy compliance.

Thermal EnvelopeU Factor and SHGC of windows and Doors must be entered into REScheck

Obtain these from manufacturers website in pdf format

U- Factor, SHGC and VT • The U-factor or U-value is the

overall heat transfer coefficient that describes how well a building element conducts heat or the rate of transfer of heat. The lower the better

• The lower a window's Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits

• Visible Transmittance measures how much light comes through a product. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted

Pricing May Not Always Be Accurate

Pricing Deficiencies Can Occur

Standard Grade Vinyl WindowDefinition from Xactimate

High Grade Vinyl WindowDefinition from Xactimate

Premium Grade Vinyl WindowDefinition from Xactimate

Let's Price this Window Using Xactimate

8 sq. ft. Double Hung Premium grade, vinyl window, Low E glass and Premium exterior color

Premium Vinyl Window Price According to

Xactimate

• Material price for 8 sf premium grade vinyl window: $244.78

• This Price includes the screen

Add for Low E Glass

• $1.71 a sq. ft.

• $1.71 x 8 sq. ft. = $13.68

• $244.78 + $13.68 = $258.46 (so far)

Add for Premium Color Frames

• $5.00 a sq. ft

• $5.00 x 8 sq. ft. = $40.00

• $258.45 + $40.00 = $298.45

• Add on 10% and 10% and we get $358.14

• $370.35 + 6% sales tax = $392.51

• $392.52 - $298.45 = $94.12 (money we paid for this window)

actimate Total PriceInstalled, w/ Tax: $607.80

Additional Line Items• WDV RETR+ - Additional charge

for retrofitting window. Priced by sq. ft.

• INS FOAM - Urethane foam sealant. Priced by lineal ft.

• MPR FLPANT - Sill flashing using moldable tape. Priced by lineal ft.