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WEB BASED APPLICATION SPECIFIC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

WindowAnatomy

Although all possible measures have been taken to insure the accuracy of the material presented, WIXSYS, and the author are not liable and do not assume any liability in case

of misinterpretation of directions, misapplication, improper installation, or typographical error.

UnderstandingWindows

Window AnatomySimilar to the walls of the house, all windows must withstand theextremes of weather. From heat to cold, wet to dry, sun to shade, wind to calm, every win-

dow in the home is asked to maintain a constant, comfortable, interior environment, no matter how inclement or extreme the exterior environment.

Windows are basically complex, precision, and fragilemachines that must open andclose at a touch to let in airand light. Whether they swingin, swing out, swing from theside, or swing from the top,slide up, down, or sideways —windows are largely ignoreduntil they don’t work, or beginto deteriorate. And, because windows face both the outside,and inside of the house, theyare the single greatest designfocus in most homes.

Though windows are chosenfor function (light and air, andweather barrier), their form,and fashion are equally important to the overalldesign, comfort, and conve-nience of a homeowners’lifestyle.

There are five basic types ofwindows found in most homes.Though there are types otherthan those listed here, mostother types are basicallysimilar to the main five. And, in each of the four operat-ing types, there are the samebasic parts. Glass that permitslight to enter without regard tothe weather; sashes that holdthe glass and open and close to

The Contractors Guide to Installing Vinyl Windows Contents © 2004-14 Do not reproduce without permission

Outer Sash

Parting Stop Blind Stop

InnerSash

Stool

Apron MuntinsSill

Interior Stop Side Jamb

Stile

Rail

BASIC WINDOW ANATOMY

allow ventilation; a frame that anchors the window unit to the wall; and hardware thatoperates and/or locks the sash. In the stationary type, the similarity involves the glass and the frame/sash combination.

Each type of window has a different operating mechanism,a few special parts,and serve slightly different functions.

Problems


Single or Double Hung

Slider

Casement

Hopper

Awning

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN 100% OTHER FRAME MATERIALSSELECTING FRAME RIGID Vinyl Clad Thermal BreakMATERIALS FOR WINDOWS VINYLVINYL Aluminum Wood Steel Wood AluminumWill It Remain Structurally

Strong for Years of YES Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Trouble-Free Service?

U-Value of Frame* <.55 2.18 .55 > 2 .55 .95

Does Heat or Cold NO-Only If NO- Only If Yes, where

Transmit Through NO Yes Wood is Yes Wood is outside surfaces

the Material? Kept Dry Kept Dry are inside

Is It Warm to Touch Only If Only If The Inside

Even in YES No Wood Is No Wood Is Surface

the Winter? Kept Dry Kept Dry Is Warmer

Will It Require Painting Yes, If Very Wood Must Yes, If

or Other Regular NEVER Scratched Often Often Be Painted Aluminum

Maintenance? Often is Scratched

Will Scratches Show Yes, On

Different Color Material NO Yes Yes Yes the Yes

Under the Paint? Wood

Does It Pit, Peel, Corrode, Steel Wood Aluminum

Rot, or Warp in Bad Weather NEVER Yes Yes Will Will Rot Will Pit

or by Natural Aging? Corrode and Warp and Corrode

Does Soap and Water Yes, On

Cleaning Make the Material YES No No No Vinyl, Not No

Look New Again? On Wood

COMPARISON OF WINDOW FRAME CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

IS THERE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE SUPERIOR FRAME MATERIAL

FOR NEW REPLACEMENT WINDOWS?* FROM STANDARD ASHRAE TABLES

Operating HardwareOther than Picture Windows and Side Lites, windows operate. One or more of the sashopen and close and today’s quality vinyl windows contain sophisticated operating hardwarethat makes the window safe and easy to operate, and long lasting.

Operating windows are basically divided into two types — hinged and sliding. Hinged windows are casements, awnings, and hopper-type windows. Sliding windows are verticalslide (double-hung and single hung) and horizontal slide.

Vertical sliding sash use a balance system whichcounteracts the weight of the sash (which can beheavy due to size and multiple glass panels).Horizontal sliding windows use a roller system, similar to a patio door. Hinged windows use a hinging system and an operator system

BalancesAll vertically sliding windows use a balance system.Even the oldest double-hungs used a simple but effective balance system of weights and pulleys. The pulley was anchored to the frame with a weighton one end of a chain or rope (hidden behind theframe) and the sash attached to the other end of therope or chain. All that was required is for the weightto be equal to half the weight of the sash. It waseffective and is still in use today.

Modern vinyl windows use the same principle (counterbalance the weight of the sash) but do it with springs instead of weights. There are three basic types of spring balance:

• Block and Tackle Balance - Through the use of pulleys and a spring in the cartridge,the Block and Tackle Balance is used primarily in “side-load” windows because the cartridge can be secured on the frame allowing the sash to be removed. Reattaching the cartridge to the sash resumes the ability of the balance tocontrol the weight of the sash during operation.

• Spiral Balance - Through the use of a “spiral ribbon” and a torsion spring coil, the spiral balance (as the ribbon is moved up and down in the cartridge) coils the spring tighter or loosens it to control the weight of the sash. This system is connected to a “balance shoe” in the window jamb.The sash is anchored with a pin into the shoe. Spiral balancesare used in vertical sliding windows where the sash areallowed to tilt. Pivoting the “drum” in the shoe, locks it in place so the sash can be removed. Once the sash is re-insertedinto the show and the drum is rotated, the balance is free tooperate the sash as before.

• Constant Force Balance - Much like a retractable tapemeasure, the constant force balance uses a stationary coiledspring, anchored to the window frame. The end of theretractable spring is attached to a shoe the operable sash. The constant force balance is also used for windows that tilt.


There are 3 Basic SpringBalance Systems — Block

and Tackle, Spiral andConstant Force

Ropes, Pulleys and Weights have operated windows for centurys

Pulleys

Ropes

Weights

Roto OperatorsHinged windows use an arm mechanism toopen and close. Since the hinges hold theweight, the operator is used to open and close.No “balances” are needed. The arm connects to the operating sash and the frame and “pushes” the sash open or pulls it closed. Thisarm can be operated by a push lever or a rotary mechanism.Only a hopperwindow will comewithout a “push”operator. Hopperwindows use gravity to allowthem to open, whereas awning windows operate against gravity. Awning windows use friction or gears to hold the sash in the open position.

WeatherstrippingBecause windows need to open and close, yet provide a barrier to the weather outside, weatherstripping is an essential part of all operating windows. The ability of a window to be airtight and watertight on the perimeters of the sash and frame and at any interlocks is directly dependent on the quality and effectiveness of its weatherstripping.

There are basically two types of weatherstripping:Compression and Brush/Wiper.

Compression weatherstripping squeezes and/or expands asthe sash meets the frame. Compression weatherstrippingcan be made of springy steel, felts, plastics or syntheticrubber. Compression seals are usually chosen for hingedwindows.

Brush or wiper type weatherstripping are used in a fixedspace and “wipe” across the frame as the sash moves. Brush or wiper-type weatherstripping is often made fromfelt, nylon, polyester or even wool pile. Brush or wiper typeweatherstripping is commonly used on sliding windows.

Often, both compression or brush type weatherstripping is used on a single window to take advantage of the properties of each. Generally brush type weatherstrippingwill compress over time and become less effective. Somebrush types use stiff plastic embedded among the brushfibers to extend their effectiveness and the useful life.

Synthetic rubbers and plastics used in modern vinyl windows retain their shape, last thelongest and seal the tightest under the precision design and operation of quality vinyl windows.


Windows use both Compressiontype and Wiper/Brush type

Weatherstripping to Seal theOperating Sash to the Frame

There are numerous ways to fill the opening withoutresorting to standard tilt double-hung window withinsulated glass.

1. ORIEL -Uneven top and bottom sash is an elegantdesign in Double Hung Windows used only in thefinest, up-scale homes. Especially effective in tall,narrow openings, oriels increase the sightline frominside the house while making the outside appearmore majestic.

2. CIRCLE TOP- For that extra touch, the Circle Topwith sunburst grid is a perfect choice. For extra-tallopenings, the Circle Top can be placed over a match-ing Double Hung in the same opening. For otherapplications, it can be easily installed with the avail-able integral nailing fin.

3. CASEMENT - Most standard Double Hung open-ings are perfect for the contemporary design and ven-tilating ability of the Casement window. Not only doesthe casement open up the room to more air and light,the inward closing action makes a tighter weath-erseal the harder the wind blows.

4. DUAL CASEMENT - Most old sliders are singlesash. Replace them with a Horizontal set ofCasements, and you offer 100% bug-free ventilation.

5. DUAL CASEMENT with TRANSOM - For oldopenings that contained pairs of Double Hung win-dows, or large sliders, placing a transom (picturewindow) over a pair of Casements is an attractivesolution.

6. AWNING/PICTURE WINDOW - Double-Hungopenings can accommodate a single Awning Windowunder a Picture Window for an alpine look. Slimdesign maximizes light and sight while maintainingventilation, and gives the home a taller, more con-temporary look.

7. DUAL VERTICAL AWNING - Where the you wantto maintain the same look of the Double Hung, butincrease ventilation, the over/under Awning set isthe perfect answer. Not only does it double the venti-lation, it also allows protected ventilation even in therain, and adds the security of a roto-operator whichresists forcible entry of an open window.

8. DUAL HORIZONTAL AWNING - For slider open-ings, the dual, side-by-side awning set givesthe same advantages as the over/under: 100%bug free ventilation and security-even in the rain.

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Window Style andDesign Choices


9. TRIPLE AWNING/PICTURE WINDOW - Biggerview, more expansive look to the front of the house,draft and weather-free ventilation. These are justsome of the advantages to a triple Awning/ PictureWindow combination for the living room, diningroom, porch, or family room. Custom sized, thesecombinations can be made to fit the opening and aresimple and easy to install.

10. BAY WINDOW - Available in Double-Hung orCasement combinations, the Bay Window is afavorite to decorate a home and add the feeling ofextra space. It truly opens up a room. Bays do nothave to be limited to the main rooms of the house. Infact, any opening 4-foot or larger is a perfect opportu-nity.

11. BOW WINDOW - Gently curving, this unit ofCasement Windows gives more possible venting com-binations than standard picture window/flankercombinations. The Bow Window also opens up theroom and gives a “seat” for plants or knick-knacks,and offers 100% bug-free, and draft-free ventilation.

12. GARDEN WINDOW -Unique, popular, and beau-tiful, the Garden Window is a perfect addition overthe sink in the kitchen; in the family-room; in theden; or anywhere more light and plants will add tothe comfort and pleasure in the home.

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Decorative Optional GridsMost grid patterns in vinyl windows are made fromaluminum shapes installed between the panes of theinsulated glass. This keeps the grids clean, andallows the cleaning of the glass inside and out with-out removing the grids


The last few words of most window product descrip-tions say: “Comes with screen”. It’s as if screenswere a necessary evil, but lacked any value in thesales pitch. After all, what can be said after: “Comeswith screen”?

The truth is, there is plenty to say and ignoringthe advantages of today's screen components andmaterials just may be causing a missed profit oppor-tunity — or at least a distinctive sales advantage ifyou take the time to understand how importantscreens are to homeowners.

Offering screens with each window and patio dooris a “tax” the fabricator must pay in order to put outa product that will adequately compete in the marketplace, while some major window companies sell theirscreen separate. Some manufacturers offer thecheapest screens they can, while others include half-screens rather than full screens. Too often, windowmanufacturers, after touting the extruded lineals thatform their frames and jambs of their windows, utilizethinly constructed roll-formed hollows for theirscreen frames.

In fact, many manufacturers don’t even maketheir own screens, preferring to buy them from spe-cialists figuring that these companies have madescreen making as efficient as possible, and theireconomies of scale will keep the fabricator’s screencost as low as possible.

In addition to being considered a tax, screens arealso a source of headaches for the manufacturer.Deliver a window with a torn screen, and the wholewindow is rejected by the consumer. Deliver a doorwith an inferior screen and the homeowner cursesthe door as he struggles to put the screen back onthe track, or worse yet, struggles to find someone torescreen the stupid thing after the cat put a tear in it.The ultimate frustration? Finding a replacementscreen after the dog ran through it, not only tearingthe screening, but buckling the frame beyond repair.

With all these potential costs, in-attention, andproblems, no wonder fabricators treat screens like a“tax”, but they should pay more attention.

Screens Can Be a DividendWebster’s defines “dividend” as: something over andabove the expected; a bonus; a profit; added value.Can screens be a dividend? Absolutely.

• If homeowners view screens as important (andthey do), then when a manufacturer treats them asimportant, his window and/or door product has moreappeal to the homeowner than his competitor’s.

• If inferior screens create call-backs, or other


Window Screensprofit-robbingproblems,then when the manu-facturer supplies asuperiorscreen, heis reducinghis cost,and savingmoney.If screenscan be asource ofheadachesfor home-owners,then sup-plying astrongerscreen thatresists damage, or supplying screens that can be easily re-screened, or supplying screens that can be inexpensively replaced will be “value-added” for thehomeowner that he might be willing to pay extra for.

Screens can do more. Screens can improve thermal performance, and in aspectacular way where it is needed most.

Current testing methods for window performanceonly identify U-Value for conduction. This evaluationis useless except in cold climates and in cold weath-er. In hot climates all year ‘round, and elsewhereduring the hot times of the year, U-Value of conduc-tion is not the cause of heat build-up in the home.Solar Heat Gain is the culprit. In fact, Low “E” glazings, triple-pane glazings, and gas-filled IG unitsare not very effective (by themselves) in blockingSolar Heat Gain. Screens can be used to increaseshading coefficients above what is available in eventhe best glazing package. Best of all, consumers don’tmind having screens on in the warmer weather (theyexpect them), so they are willing to put up with thereduced visibility that often accompanies all screens,and in particular solar shading screening.

Making the Screen DecisionAll windows or doors that include screens can comewith a variety of frames and screening materials.


Solar Screening - Utilizing a more aggressiveweave in the screen, solar screening acts similarly to polarizing sunglasses. Wide horizontal weave andsmaller vertical weave fibers provide reasonable visi-bility while blocking the sun more than conventionalscreening.

is coated which helps to prevent oxidation. Fiberglassis also a viable alternative, and it costs less money.

Fiberglass screen offers durability, versatility.Though fiberglass will deteriorate more rapidly thanmetal, there are fiberglass screenings that are longlasting and will not stretch, shrink, dent or supportcombustion. Fiberglass screening is non-corrosiveand is ideal for use in coastal areas. In addition, it requires minimal maintenance.

Roll formed vs. Extruded Frame - When deter-mining the best approach the manufacturer mustdetermine how the screen is to be applied. Rollformed screen are used primarily on residentialwindows. Screens for residential windows are normally not unusually large and will not take themistreatment that a commercial screen might.

There are many types of roll-formed shapes, somegood, some bad. Much depends on the thickness ofthe aluminum or steel used for the forming, and thedesign of the shape.

Roll-formed sections are less expensive thanextruded shapes, but they don’t have to be inferior.Quality roll-formed sections can be lightweight andstrong enough for most residential applications.Extruded shapes may only be necessary for largewindows and patio doors in most residential applica-tions because of the extra stability which would befound with a heavier gauge, extruded frame.

In applications where the screen needs to beinstalled and removed often, extruded frames aredesirable, as well.

SafetyBug-free ventilation is the goal with window screens.It can be enticing to sit on a window sill and enjoythe night air or a balmy summer afternoon. But sit-ting near a screen on the window sill can be danger-ous, as well.

As well and strong as your window screen may bemade, it is important to remind your customers thatthe screens are not a safety barrier — they are a bugbarrier. Most screens come with a notice about kidsand safety. It does not hurt to remind homeownersdirectly of the safety concerns

Screens can help sell windowsToday’s modern window and door products are a collection of innovative, and high-performance components, the whole of which is greater than thesum of the parts. Until now, too often the least ofthese components has been the screen.

Many of today’s quality window and door productsinclude the best screen possible. Quality screens canimprove your product’s competitiveness, improve theperformance of your window and door product, andmake your customers happier— all while adding tothe bottom line.

Depending on which screening is selected, theproducts can block upwards of 65-87 percent of thesun’s heat and glare before it reaches the glass. Thisresults in a more comfortable interior temperature,more efficient air conditioning and lower coolingcosts. Exterior shading can help eliminate hot spotsaround windows, improve daytime privacy andreduce fading of drapes and furnishings. And, thereis a variety of colors are available to complement anyexterior.

Metal vs. Fiberglass Screening Materials -Again, application is the key element. Metal is amore rigid material, tends to last much longer thanfiberglass. Additionally, quality aluminum screening

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