Doors and Windows Keyword(s)

triple pane, low-e, insulated frame

Introduction

Any openings in the building envelope are potential energy leaks if not designed properly. Many new, advanced technologies are available to allow the design team maximize transparent openings while avoiding the heat transfer penalty.

Size and position doors, windows, and vents in the envelope based on careful consideration of daylighting, heating, and ventilating strategies. Shade openings in the envelope during hot weather to reduce the penetration of direct sunlight to the interior of the building. Utilize overhangs or deciduous trees to shade southern faade during summer. Select double or triple glazed windows with as high and R-value as possible and proper shading coefficients within the projects financial guidelines. Higher r-values minimize heat transfer (i.e. tropical heat into the building, or interior heat out into the cold outdoors). Select the proper glazing for windows, where appropriate. The objective is to allow as much daylight in, while preventing either heat loss in cold climates or heat gain in hot climates