When it comes to a home remodel, many of today’s homeowners are looking at windows and doors with a holistic approach, considering many different components: from manufacturing, to delivery, to materials, to placements and climate. That’s why learning about the questions that are frequently asked by homeowners can help remodelers deliver a successful project.
Why Are Windows and Doors So Important in a Home?
While it is common knowledge that windows and doors provide views, ventilation, and egress, they also connect the home’s interior with its natural surroundings. They can help d w in natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial light. Windows and doors can also enhance comfort and well-being with noise reduction, consistent indoor temperature, privacy, and energy efficiency. They can also be viewed as furniture or wall decoration, such as framed art, or as an architectural focal point on the front of the home, enhancing property value and curb appeal.
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When starting a remodeling process, what should one consider for windows and doors?
The first question should be whether the client wants to replace the same products or to add entirely new openings to their home. What is the exterior surface of the home? Stucco? Brick? Siding? What type of home design are they looking for? Do they want to maintain a clear view of the outdoors, or will it be covered with blinds and shades?
Another important consideration for a home remodel is how the windows and doors operate and which are more energy efficient.
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Climate:
Climate and weather conditions significantly affect which windows and doors to choose for the home’s design. Extreme temperatures require specific products with special glass to achieve the best comfort, energy efficiency, and protection from the elements. Coastal areas may require impact-performance products to withstand hurricane-force winds, flying debris, and exterior finishes that retain their color and sheen despite the strong UV rays and sea salt. Mountainous regions may require high-performance products for enhanced energy efficiency while resisting high winds, snow, and sleet.
Sunlight:
Whether your client wants to add more light into a space, replace current windows or doors with larger sizes or different styles, or open a side of the home to create indoor-outdoor connections, knowing how the room will be utilized is key to selecting the right windows and doors. Adding windows above a kitchen counter can introduce more light in food prep areas, while sliding doors can create abundant natural light with indoor-outdoor capabilities.
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Design:
Windows and doors can add architectural interest to a home’s design, regardless of style or era. They can be configured in different combinations to create a wall of glass, or a single oversized window opening can serve as an impactful focal point that draws attention from the street. Radius windows create a soft arch over other windows and doors, or a single porthole contrasts with a rectangular, linear design. Geometric windows can follow the slope of the roofline, while clerestory windows extend the daylight to the ceiling for additional light.
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Position:
Thoughtful positioning of windows and doors allows for optimal views, daylight, and ventilation. Depending on the wind direction, sunrise and sunset position, windows and doors can be positioned for maximum enjoyment. For example, a room on an outside corner of a home can have uninterrupted views through a corner window unit, or venting casements on opposite walls can open at different angles to capture breezes from both sides of the home, creating cross ventilation through the space. Likewise, installing a window at the end of a dimly lit hallway or stairwell brings light into the space while offering a glimpse of the landscape.
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What about the materials? What types of materials are better for certain climates?
When selecting window and door material, aesthetics, energy efficiency, maintenance, and durability are considerations to be made. The ability to withstand environmental conditions is a key factor in deciding how windows and doors should be constructed. Choosing the right glass will also help optimize thermal performance. Examples are Low-E coatings, double or triple-pane glass, and impact-performance products for areas with extreme weather conditions.
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Material shortages can cause delays, so it’s important to order windows and doors well before the installation date. This is because weather, terrain, and road conditions can make getting a load of materials to the site difficult. Mountainous regions with steep, treacherous roads present delivery challenges, especially when wet, icy, or slippery. The time of year can also affect the delivery and availability of materials.
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Before beginning the remodeling or replacement process, a thorough examination of the home will be necessary. This involves evaluating the number and size of windows and doors that need to be replaced, the number of stories in the house, the materials used in construction for both the house and windows, the type of wall materials, as well as any obstacles both inside and outside of the home.
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Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.
