Windows are one of the most delicate areas of the building envelope, requiring precise installation to prevent moisture intrusion, air infiltration, and energy loss. Today’s trendy, large windows and wide expanses of glass may not require many more steps than traditional units—but the larger the product, the more sensitive the installation. Mike Westfall, senior field support manager for JELD-WEN, shares nine key areas to consider when installing large windows: Building envelope integration. The window must be an integral part of the envelope in order to eliminate or direct air and water from the wall cavity and avoid durability issues. Westfall suggests a complete pre-installation mockup of the window and wall section with input from the full design team.Continuity with the weather resistive barrier. Continuity between the windows and the barrier prevents air, water, and vapor from penetrating around the window. Along with ensuring proper installation, the mockup allows the WRB representative to…

Did you know that most wood windows have at least 70 parts? JELD-WEN’s modern wood windows certainly aren’t the same as those made 50 or even 25 years ago. Wood windows once held the largest market share in the U.S. window industry until vinyl became the preferred material. Wood windows were officially eclipsed by vinyl windows in the 1990s. This happened for several reasons. Vinyl came to be perceived as more durable. The cost effectiveness of the vinyl window also made it popular. However, the modern wood window is gaining market share. The market is expanding rather than deflating, mainly due to the new construction of wood windows. Most of this revolves around treated wood products. Treatments can help the wood resist rot and stand up better to the elements, even termites. The need to create a more durable wood became a critical goal for JELD-WEN, one that was accomplished with the…

It’s what you don’t see that often matters the most Did you know there are parts inside your vinyl windows that, although you’ll never see them, provide security, structure and functionality? When thinking about the anatomy of the vinyl window, you may have heard terms like frame, sill and casing. But there are so many more parts! There are misconceptions surrounding the manufacture of vinyl windows. Many think it’s just a bunch of machines putting the pieces together. Actually, dozens of hands touch every vinyl window, and it’s often the parts you don’t see that make all the difference. What you don’t see The exterior of a vinyl window is mostly standard depending on the type, such as casement or double-hung. There are many ways to customize the exterior of your vinyl window, but you’ll find that how it’s built to perform is one of its best features. The actual…