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Residential Structural Certifications
& Environmental Testing |
Windows and Doors (below) - in Depth
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Windows look simple, but they are actually quite complex. |
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Think about what we ask windows
to do: allow us to look outside; let in light and air; keep out wind, rain,
and snow; control sunlight; and provide some measure of security. To
accomplish all of this, they have many features that work together
elegantly. Different windows function in different ways. At their simplest, all windows have frames and glass. Most have some kind of weather stripping. Windows used for ventilation may also have screens to keep insects and debris outside. Continue reading below or click the underlined items on the picture to see each item in more detail. |
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Window frames are made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or a combination of
materials. Wood insulates well but it also weathers, so some windows have
wood on the inside and vinyl or aluminum on the outside. If you need to replace windows, consider how each material performs in your climate, but take care to choose a replacement that is similar in appearance to your home's other windows. |
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| A Door's function determines the materials from which it is made, how it looks, and how it operates. | |
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For example, a door that provides security
will be made from heavy materials and have durable, effective locks and
hinges. A door that lets in light or looks out onto the yard, such as a
French door, will have multiple panes (also called lights) or, like a
sliding door, be made almost completely of glass. Most houses have several different kinds of exterior and interior doors. Exterior doors are far sturdier than interior doors because they need to be weather-tight and provide security for the house. Many are also more decorative than most interior doors. Continue reading below or click the underlined items on the picture to see each item in more detail. |
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Typical exterior doors include front
entry doors, back doors, French doors, Dutch doors, sliding glass doors,
and patio doors. French doors and sliding doors are examples of the two
primary ways doors open. French doors swing on hinges; sliding
doors glide along a track. Some doors, such as Dutch doors, have tops and
bottoms that swing open independently. Most doors are made of wood or materials made to look like wood. Even fiberglass composite and steel doors often have polymer or vinyl coatings embossed with wood grain; some even have cellulose-based coatings that can be stained like wood doors. Wood doors are made from every kind of wood imaginable, hardwoods being the most durable and elegant. Wood doors insulate better than glass; composite and steel doors provide even more insulation and better security than wood. Energy-Efficient Doors When buying glass doors, opt for high-performance glazing and integrated weather stripping if you live in a cold-winter climate. |
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