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Building to poor insulation , causing higher energy consumption for heating and cooling . This increases utility bills and contributes to a larger environmental footprint . Long term , this type of oversight can also negatively affect everything from property value to homeowner comfort .
Practical tips for builders
■ Proper installation : Ensuring windows and doors are correctly installed is paramount . This involves verifying they are plumb , level and square , and focuses on proper sealing . The window and door sills must be level to prevent the sash from tilting , which would lead to uneven pressure and increase the likelihood of air and water infiltration . Additionally , the window and door jambs should be vertical , and each corner should form a 90-degree angle for optimal performance and durability .
■ Window and door selection based on climate : Selecting the appropriate windows and doors for your construction project , tailored to the area ’ s specific climate , is also essential . Factors such as high altitudes , proximity to water bodies and unique conditions of high desert plains heavily influence product choice . As such , in areas with strong winds , builders should install wide windows and patio doors in homes to align with the wind patterns . Those in areas of high sun exposure should focus on a Low-E glass coating and low solar heat gains for better thermal protection . Conversely , in colder regions , high solar heat gains are preferable to harnessing the sun ’ s energy for warmth .
■ Invest in energy-efficient windows and doors that comply with Energy Star 7.0 : Install windows and doors that comply with the new Energy Star 7.0 requirements , as they will bring enhanced comfort , durability , and sustainability to any new construction home . Builders and contractors must ensure they are using products with glass package solutions that enhance thermal performance by effectively regulating heat transfer .
■ Choose triple-pane glass windows for enhanced energy efficiency : Triple-pane windows have multiple layers of glass with gas in between , reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency .
Incorporating weather-resistant and energyefficient windows and doors into a project goes beyond mere trend following , it ’ s an essential component of contemporary building practices . Through careful selection and installation of windows and doors tailored to the unique climatic demands of each region , as well as compliance with the latest Energy Star 7.0 standards , builders and contractors can significantly enhance both the quality and eco-friendliness for their projects . This combination should result in more comfortable , durable , and environmentally friendly homes . ■
Gary Luther www . cornerstonebuildingbrands . com
With more than 21 years of experience in the building industry , Gary Luther currently serves as Senior Product Manager at Cornerstone Building Brands , the largest manufacturer of exterior building products by sales for residential and lowrise non-residential buildings in North America . Gary ’ s background spans process engineering , quality management and product management , and he ’ s earned a strong reputation for having multifaceted expertise in the field . The company ’ s market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows , vinyl siding , stone veneer , metal roofing , metal wall systems and metal accessories .
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