Windows

We selected Inline Fiberglass windows and sliding glass doors from Canada.  A favorable exchange rate made these windows more affordable than lower performing windows from more common choices.  Most of the windows are casements.

Window performance is characterized by three values.  The U-value (reciprocal of R-value) indicates the heat conductivity (lower numbers are better).  The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) indicates the percentage of radiant heat that is transmitted.  Higher SHGC implies that the house will gain more heat from the sun, which is good in winter but can be bad in summer.  Finally, the Visable Transmittance (VT) indicates the percentage of visible light that is transmitted.

Inline offers various glass coatings and other features that impact these values.  In the back of the house, which faces South or Southeast, we selected an option with high SHGC to provide plenty of solar heating in winter.  The house is configured so that these windows are shaded in the summer when the sun is high.  In the front of the house, we selected options with slightly lower U-values to minimize heat loss.

Since we ordered the windows from a distant company, we weren't able to see samples beforehand.  It was a relief when they were delivered and I could confirm that they looked like I was expecting.

The diagram below shows a wall section through the window installation.  Inline allows for several different ways of installing their windows.  We went with a brick mould style nailing fin so that the windows can be nailed to the framing through the foam.  The detail is slightly different for the windows in brick walls.

A rough opening

The outside of one of the guest bathroom windows

The inside of the office window

A close-up of one of the kitchen windows

The front door was installed at the same time.

The inside of the front door