This is an introductory course to windows.There are a variety of materials used to manufacture windows; wood, aluminum, aluminum clad, vinyl clad and vinyl.

1. Product Knowledge Course
Introductory Level
WINDOWS PRIMER

2. This is an introductory course designed for
people who are new to the window business.
There are a variety of materials used to
manufacture windows; wood, aluminum,
aluminum clad, vinyl clad and vinyl.
Only vinyl windows stand out as the highest
in performance and best value for the money.
They are long lasting, maintenance-free, and
energy-efficient. It’s no wonder that they are
the most popular choice amongst
homeowners and contractors.
Objectives
______________________________
By the end of this course, you will
understand:
1. Benefits of window replacement
2. 5 types of window construction
3. Basic window styles
4. Common window terminology
5. Window glass options
6. Window accessories
7. Window performance
Windows Primer

3. Benefits of Window Replacement
• Old windows can warp or lose their structural integrity over time and can become difficult
to operate and/or drafty.
• By replacing their windows, homeowners can eliminate many of these issues and enjoy
additional benefits including:
- Increased Energy Efficiency
- Decrease in Drafts / Increase in Comfort
- Reduction in Heating Costs
- Reduced Maintenance (less scraping, priming, painting)
- Smoother Operation
- Easier Cleaning
- Improved Aesthetics
- Increase in Home Value
- Reduction in Noise Transference from the Outside In
- Decreased Fading of Upholstery and Carpets due to Greater UV Protection

4. 5 Types of Window Construction
Aluminum Windows are made entirely
of aluminum (except for the glazing), and
they're available for specialized
applications. They lack the insulating
values of windows made of other
materials, so they're not widely used.
Vinyl Windows are, by far, the most
commonly used. They are affordable,
energy efficient and low maintenance.
Vinyl is a versatile product that can be
painted and will not warp or rot.
Wood Windows can usually be ordered
with standard brick mould trim, custom
trim if you need to match existing trim, or
no exterior trim at all. They can also be
ordered with a coat of primer, finish, or no
finish at all. Painting is the main drawback
for solid wood windows. Re-painting is
usually required every 5-7 years.

5. 5 Types of Window Construction
Aluminum Cladding is a layer of
aluminum applied to the exterior
surfaces of a window (often wood
core). Clad windows are more
expensive, but give you a real wood
interior and a durable, low-
maintenance exterior.
Vinyl Cladding is another popular low-
maintenance cladding, and it can also be
applied over other materials like wood. As
with aluminum cladding, this product
features a real wood interior and a durable,
low-maintenance exterior.

6. Double-Hung Windows consist of two sashes that
slide vertically along side jambs with the bottom sash
closing down on the sill and the top sash closing up
against the top jamb. These provide moderate
ventilation and can be difficult to clean unless the
sash tilts in.
A Single-Hung Window is the exact same as a
double-hung window, except with only one operating
sash. These are commonly used in new construction.
Horizontal Slider Windows slide from side to side
on rollers. These windows are easy to operate but
are not compression sealed, so they are less
energy efficient.
Basic Window Styles

7. Awning Windows consist of
a sash hinged to the top
jamb or the sill, which tilts out
when it's opened using
hardware similar to casement
windows.
Basic Window Styles
Casement Windows usually
consist of one sash hinged to
a side jamb, and they usually
open outward from the sill by
crank handle or slider bar.
Casement windows are
sealed and the most energy
efficient type of window, but
they are a bit pricier because
of the operating hardware.

8. Bay Windows consist of one or
more sashes framed to bump out
or protrude beyond a wall with
angled or perpendicular side
sashes running back to the wall.
Basic Window Styles
Multi-Wide Units result when you
order two or more windows in a
single unit or frame. They're joined
at the factory with mullions
separating the windows.

9. Bow Windows are similar to bays,
but the windows are framed to form a
gradual arc instead of the sharp
angles of a bay.
Basic Window Styles
Transom Windows generally consist of short awning windows or
fixed sashes mounted over normal sized casement or double-hung
windows. They can be ordered as separate windows then set in the
proper configuration during installation, or they can be custom
ordered as a single unit, combining short and tall windows into a
single frame at the factory.

10. Common Window Terminology
When referring to any window, door or glazing, it is an industry rule to
always view from outside.
1. Frame – The combination of the head, jamb and sill
that forms a precise opening in which a window sash
fits
2. Glass – A framed sheet of glass within a window frame
3. Grilles – Any bar that divides window glass into smaller
panes, also called a muntin, grid or window pane
divider
4. Head – The main horizontal part forming the top of the
window frame
5. Jamb – The main vertical parts forming the sides of a
window frame
6. Sash – A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a
frame for holding glass
7. Sill – The main horizontal part forming the bottom frame
of a window
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11. Window Glass Options
Windows come with a variety of glass
options to suit your needs. Thermal units
can be made up of clear glass, clear glass
with reflective coatings for optimum thermal
performance, and obscure glass for privacy.
There are units made of two panes of glass
(Double glazed) or three panes of glass
(Triple glazed).
Thermal panes can also be filled with inert
gases like Argon to increase their
performance.
Double Pane
Glass
Triple Pane
Glass

12. Window Accessories
Grilles (grids) and SDLs (Simulated Divided Lites) can be added to the glass to
accomplish a desired look or style.
Brickmoulds or nailing fins can be added to the exterior of the windows to
facilitate installation or as a design feature.
Interior casing (trim) is also available to finish off the interior.

13. All windows, doors and skylights are required to have an NFRC label.
NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) certification is required to be Energy
Star certified.
Each province and municipality requires a minimum rating. Please ensure that the
windows you select meet the requirements of your municipality and Energy Star
zone.
Window Performance

14. Quiz
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