How Awning Window Parts Contribute to Energy Efficiency
Posted in Window Parts, on February 16, 2024
Awning windows typically have hinges positioned at the top, allowing them to open outward. This design facilitates effective ventilation, even during bad weather and snow. Equipped with specialized hardware, awning windows are easy to operate. Although similar to casement windows in some respects, awning window parts possess distinct features. Casement windows are side-hinged and swing outward either to the left or right, whereas awning windows are hinged at the top and are suitable for wider than tall openings.
This article looks at how awning windows and truth window hardware contribute to energy efficiency.
Parts of Awning Windows
Window Hardware provides a comprehensive range of hardware and parts for awning windows, catering to repair or replacement needs. Our inventory includes various operator mechanisms such as push, tie, or pull lever options, along with multi-point locking handles, hinges, locks, shims, crank handles, and track accessories. You'll find a diverse assortment of Truth Window hardware and awning window replacement parts, contributing to energy efficiency and simplifying the repair process cost-effectively for your awning windows. Accessories include:
- Cam Handles and Keepers.
- Crank Handle Extensions.
- Limit Devices.
- Push Bar Operators and Accessories.
- Seal Gaskets.
- Tie Bar Guides.
- Window Snubbers & Lifters.
- Window Operator Covers.
Glass
Laminated glass offers enhanced safety due to its robust middle layer film, which exhibits strong adhesion, making it resistant to damage from impacts. Even if broken, debris is less likely to fall off, as the layers are tightly bonded together. In comparison to standard glass, laminated glass provides superior shock resistance, anti-theft capabilities, bullet-proofing, and explosion resistance. It also promotes energy efficiency by reducing solar radiation, thus lowering air-conditioning power consumption. Additionally, the middle film diminishes noise by acting as a cushion against sonic vibrations. Moreover, it blocks 99% of ultraviolet radiation, delaying the fading of indoor furniture and curtains, while offering aesthetic versatility through a range of colour options.
Tempered glass offers several advantages. Firstly, it is safer as it breaks into blunt, honeycomb-like particles upon impact, reducing the risk of harm. It also boasts high strength, with impact and bending strength three to five times greater than that of regular glass at the same thickness. Additionally, tempered glass exhibits good thermal stability, able to withstand significant temperature variations, up to three times more than standard glass. However, it has drawbacks, including the inability to cut or machine the glass after tempering, a potential for self-destruction under extreme temperature differences, and a slightly uneven surface that prevents it from being used for mirrors.
Low-e glass, also known as low-emissivity glass, features a multi-layered metal or compound film system on its surface. This coating allows visible light to pass through while reflecting high-cost infrared rays, resulting in excellent heat insulation and light quality compared to ordinary and traditional building glass coatings. This all contributes to energy efficiency as your HVAC system does not have to work overtime to keep indoor temperatures consistent.
Other glass options include float glass, tinted glass, frosted or obscure glass, reflective glass, and decorative glass, which can be used for both single and double-glazed applications.
Weatherstripping
Weather stripping, refers to the mechanism employed to seal window gaps, thereby preventing bad weather from infiltrating indoor spaces. This helps the energy efficiency of your home as your HVAC system does not have to work as hard with temperature fluctuations. The term is also utilized to denote the physical materials and awning window parts utilized in executing these sealing arrangements.
Numerous options are available for weatherstrips on doors and windows:
V-strips, for instance, are metal, vinyl, or polypropylene strips that bridge gaps between doors and door jambs, as well as gaps in window sashes. They offer efficiency and durability, though installation is moderately difficult, and they come at a moderate expense.
Adhesive-backed tapes, on the other hand, are easy to install and flexible, suitable for various surfaces. However, they have a short lifespan and need replacement every 1-2 years.
Felt weatherstrips, available in plain or reinforced rolls or narrow strips, are easy to install but have relatively low durability, lasting only one or two years typically.
Gaskets, in the form of tubular vinyl, sponge-rubber tubes, or tubular silicone, are suitable for doors and windows, offering moderate to good durability, lasting around five years. Installation difficulty and prices vary.
Magnetic weatherstrips, akin to refrigerator door gaskets, are effective but pricey and challenging to apply.
Interlocking metal weatherstrips provide tight sealing around door perimeters, requiring notching with a suitable router for installation, but offer effectiveness and durability at a relatively high cost.
All types of weatherstripping contribute greatly to energy efficiency as your air conditioning units do not have to bear with temperature differences between outside and inside.
Installation
Before starting the installation process, it's crucial to measure the height, width, and depth of both the window product and the designated opening.
The opening should be 20mm wider and 30mm higher than the window to ensure a properly aligned installation. Additionally, ensure that the product's depth matches the cladding it will be installed into. Confirming the type of flashing needed is essential; while we provide standard flashings, builders are responsible for ensuring the building's waterproofing.
When fixing the flashing, pull it forward and secure it to the stud's face, typically done using a staple gun.
Verify if any specific installation requirements, such as head heights, finishing details, or coupling to other Truth Window hardware products, apply to your specific product.
Once all preparations are completed, commence the installation process by following these steps:
- Place a spirit level on the bottom plate and adjust it as necessary for a level surface where the window will be positioned.
- If packers are required, secure them in place with brad nails to prevent movement.
- Mark the reveal of both jambs 100mm from the top and bottom.
- Pre-drill holes at each mark using a 3mm drill bit.
- Insert the window product into the opening from the outside.
- For standard installation, allow for 10mm of plaster on the inside by overhanging the reveal back into the house by 10mm, using a packer or the thickness of a brickie’s ruler as a guide.
- Partially nail the product into the stud through the pre-drilled holes near the sill and at the top of the reveal, ensuring they are not fully nailed in.
- Check the squareness and plumb of the product using a spirit level against the jamb.
- Measure the product diagonally in both directions to confirm squareness.
- Adjust the product's position if necessary, using a pinch bar.
- Before finalizing the installation, check the operation of the window by winding out the sash and then winding it back in to ensure both corners of the sash contact the sill simultaneously.
- If adjustments are needed, align the sash by moving the top or bottom corner of the window.
- Once satisfied with the positioning, pack between the reveal and the stud above the nails, and fully secure all nails.
- For taller products, additional fixings along the reveals on the jamb may be necessary; follow the same procedure of pre-drilling, packing, and fixing to ensure the reveals remain plumb.
Maintenance
Awning windows, which are essentially tilt windows, require similar adjustment and maintenance procedures. Each manufacturer provides technical documentation detailing installation and adjustment sequences for your awning window parts. To ensure longevity, it's essential to adhere to general care recommendations.
For awning windows with friction scissors, maintenance entails:
- Regularly cleaning hardware with a damp sponge or cloth to remove dirt.
- Using mild, neutral pH solutions only.
- Inspecting all moving components (rods, handles, scissors, hinges) for deformities and damage.
- Checking the condition of the drive and hinge fasteners.
- Lubricating moving parts and locking points.
- Promptly replacing worn parts and following manufacturer-prescribed adjustments.
- Ensuring proper and smooth operation of the awning windows.
Due to their excellent ventilation and light provision, awning windows are frequently opened and closed throughout much of the year, particularly in spring, summer, and fall. Consequently, the hardware of awning windows may require replacement over time.
Work With The Best, Window Hardware
Window Hardware are trusted pioneers in the world of windows, their installation, and repairs. You can count on these experts for knowledgeable advice and recommendations. Window Hardware specialists possess the parts, equipment, and expertise to make your home energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Look no further than Window Hardware for extraordinary service.