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Windows

Slimline Window Systems – INTEGRAL

Slimline Window Systems – INTEGRAL

Wood Alum System – Integral

Our new, premium slimline window system is a beautiful addition to any home, both inside and out. The Integral system has an ultra-slim structure which allows for more demanding and innovative window designs. This new system should be a welcome addition for any homeowner seeking to add high-quality, slimline windows to their home.

The wood-aluminum system has a narrow frame with fully covered sashes and noise-insulating glass windowpane. Thanks to greater surface areas, these windows will allow in a greater amount of natural light. Elegant and timeless, the new system’s sophisticated design is exceptionally durable.

Some of the features of wood aluminum integral system are:

  • Narrow frame surfaces with fully covered sashes;
  • Excellent thermal insulation;
  • Profile with clear lines and small radii on the exposed edge;
  • Maximum protection against weather effects is guaranteed by the help of well-ventilated frames which are attached to the wood tension-free;
  • The combination of aluminum durability and wood’s natural beauty;
  • 3 alternatives of the wood thickness;
  • Different finishing options of bead shelf – square or angled.

As a result of all of this, the wood aluminum integral system provides superior quality and comfort. Modern trends in the design of window favor slim rectangular forms as well as aluminum profiles connected to the frame. The wood aluminum integral system provides the best features of  both wood and aluminum.

Also, there are a wide range of powder coated finishes available for the aluminum frames. These finishes mean that your windows will require little maintenance. Further, wood offers good thermal features and natural beauty.  Finally, The covering of aluminum protects the natural wood and ensures that this will be an an exceptional window system.

To read more about our other slimline window systems, please click here.

Passive House and Energy Efficient Windows Offer

Passive House and Energy Efficient Windows Offer

Here at OPEN AWD, we are increasingly aware of the fact that global warming is quickly becoming everyone’s problem. As sellers of windows and doors, we realize the difference we can make is limited. However, we are constantly trying to find new ways to help you make your home more energy efficient and sustainable. This is why we are excited to introduce you to our new range of Passive House windows and doors. For a limited time only, we are offering a 50% discount on certain windows from our Passive House-certified range. If you don’t already know about what the Passive House concept could mean for your home and the environment, we have put together some useful information on it below.

What is Passive House?

Passive House is a building standard that promotes thermally and energy efficient homes. Created in Germany at the end of the twentieth century, the Passive House concept has since become the global standard in sustainable design and energy efficiency. Through a combination of extensive insulation, thermally broken, airtight windows and doors, and an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system, your home’s heating and cooling needs can be reduced by up to 90%. The result produces a home which is extremely cost effective and whose temperature is highly regulated.

The idea behind Passive Homes is simple: achieve the maximum amount energy for the least amount effort or cost. Then, energy within the home is maintained through insulation and an ERV system. Installing passive house-certified windows is a great starting point to cut down on your energy bills.

passive windows 2 1194x1536 1
passive windows 1 1024x1536 1

What Makes a Passive House Different from a Standard Building?

Why Do Standard Buildings Use So Much Energy?

Most homes are fitted with heating, ventilation, and air condition units (HVAC) which are used to heat and cool their home. As your home’s internal temperature fluctuates, your ventilation and cooling systems kick in, overcompensating for the temperature change by stabilizing it. Constant heating or cooling can result in significant energy expenses.

Some of the primary reasons for high energy costs are:

  • Non-airtight Windows and Doors
  • Insufficient Insulation
  • Open Fireplaces
  • Minor Cracks in the Building

This means that the average home uses uses most of the energy spent heating or cooling it very inefficiently. These HVAC systems are costly and represent an average of 40% of most people’s home energy bills.

How Do Passive Houses Work?

Passive Houses, on the other hand, retain all of this energy for three reasons:

  • Excellent, Airtight Windows and Doors
  • Continuous Insulation
  • Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems.

Of these three, the single most important factor is airtight windows and doors. While ERV systems and proper insulation are important, airtight, thermally broken, triple-glazed, argon-filled windows and doors are the single most important step towards making your home Passive House-certified.

Frankly, windows will represent the biggest part of your investment in making your home Passive House-certified, but no other investment in your home will result in a greater return.

How Do Passive Houses Work

Why Choose Passive House Design?

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Firstly, passive houses have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than standard homes. Accordingly, passive houses, on average, use 1.5l of oil (1.5m3) per square meter of space over the course of an entire year. This equates to spending 90% less than the average homeowner spends to heat and cool their home.

Save Money

Lastly, it is also worth pointing out that energy efficient windows can save you money. In addition to making your home more energy efficient, Passive House-certified windows increase property value. As homeowners become more conscious of the environment, the desire for sustainable homes grow. This trend is already evident in New York City. More and more developers and homeowners here are seeking to future-proof their homes.

Our Offer

At OPEN AWD, we have been providing the most energy efficient and innovative windows the industry has to offer for over a decade. This is why we would like to help you on your journey toward making your own home more efficient and sustainable.

We are offering thermally broken, triple-glazed, argon-filled windows at a 50% discount for a limited time only. This applies to 3” x 5” ($550 Fixed; $900 Operable) and 3’6” x 6” ($650 Fixed; $990 Operable). This does not include tax or shipping costs.

The offer is available until December 1 and applies to all of our customers. If you are interested, please contact us at info@openawd.com today. Someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.

For more information on Passive House, please refer to the New York Passive House society, or this recent article about a recent Passive House remodel in Brooklyn.

The Beauty of Slimline Steel Windows

The Beauty of Slimline Steel Windows

Although much has changed in the world of windows over the past century, quite a lot has remained the same. While homeowners can now choose from a variety of different window materials. These include but are not limited to: vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum. wood, and wood-clad, classic metals such as Stainless and Powder Coated Steel, as well as Bronze and Brass. These continue to be the most popular choices for homeowners who want beautifully slim windows. One of the most popular and enduring choices are slimline steel windows.

Although steel windows are not new, they are enjoying a resurgence as more and more want slimline steel windows for their modern homes.

A Brief History of Metal Windows

Favored by designers for their strength, and sought after by homeowners for their beauty, metal windows have always been the windows of choice for those wishing to make a statement. Iron, which had been the metal of choice for centuries, was replaced by steel during the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century. Blacksmiths soon realized how much more beautiful and durable steel windows could be. With increased strength and workability, steel offered window-makers the opportunity to do more with less, to design windows with slimmer profiles, narrower sight-lines, and with more glass on display, paving the way for the window styles we all have in our homes today.

The Enduring Beauty of Steel and Bronze

Furthermore, because of its timeless appeal, steel has never gone out of fashion. Steel windows, alongside Bronze windows, remain the most visually appealing windows. Unlike with some of the other materials, time is much kinder to steel and bronze. As these metals age gracefully over time, your home does, too. This is particularly true of bronze, whose much-admired bluish-green patina develops over time in response to the elements. As a result, this makes bronze an ideal choice for those with coastal or seafront properties.

Similarly, advances in technology have meant that it is now possible to have ultra-slim metal windows without sacrificing any of the thermal efficiency and customizability of more modern materials. In addition to this, metal windows are safer, more secure, more fire resistant, and will last significantly longer than other window types. Here at Open AWD, we are happy to provide you with Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel, Corten Steel, Bronze, Brass, and Copper-Clad windows.

Steel and Bronze Windows 3

Beloved for its versatility and strength, steel is one of the of the most sustainable, widely recycled and reused material available. Its strength is one of its most appealing characteristics for a number of reasons. Because of its strength, steel windows can have incredibly thin sight-lines. This in turn creates slimmer profiles that would not be possible with other materials. These slimmer, less clunky joints can easily be concealed within existing structures.

Furthermore, steel windows provide a degree of flexibility that other window types simply do not offer. For example, steel can be used in renovation projects where it is important to match or recreate the historic look of a building, but also to ensure that the windows are as efficient as possible. With steel, you also have a significantly higher degree of customizability. You can choose from different frame thicknesses, new muntin designs, high-performance glass, improved weather-stripping, as well as a range of factory-applied finishes.

Interior Steel Doors from a recent OPEN AWD project in Tribeca.

Exterior Line

Glazing Beads and Simulated Divided Lites

Glazing Beads Simulated Divided Lites
Glazing Beads Simulated Divided Lites

Materials

Materials for Doors and Windows
U Value

An increasingly popular choice, steel is the perfect choice for homeowners for whom thermal efficiency is as important as durability, security, and aesthetics. Our steel and bronze windows are every bit as thermally efficient as other contemporary window types. Thermally broken steel windows retain heat excellently.

Because of their strength, steel windows can be made with much thinner frames. Slimmer profiles mean more glass surface area. Today’s high-performance, thermally optimized glass means that there can now be increased amounts of glass on display within a frame, which can help heat your home.

Steel, like most other metals, has a very high thermal transmittance rate. In order to achieve great thermal insulation results in windows, thermally broken profiles are used. This creates a thermal break between the outer and inner part of the windows. This, combined with double or triple-glazed glass, energy efficient coatings, and gas-filled spaces results in a window unit with an optimal U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This will help cut down on heating and cooling costs and also maintain a more comfort and consistent temperature in your home.

Safety and Security

When it comes to safety and security, metal windows simply cannot be beaten. Other materials do not come close to providing similar levels. To get a sense of what this means, steel windows are three-times stronger than aluminum windows. Steel can bear a load capacity of up to 330lb. Steel’s natural strength means that it is an ideal choice for a homeowner where security is a concern. Our robust frames will help protect you and your home from unwanted intruders.

The Resistance Class (RC) rating is the ranking system for measuring a window’s security. Even with the most secure wooden windows you could possibly find, the RC rating will not go beyond 4. However, with steel, you can it is possible to achieve an RC rating of up to 5 or 6. Likewise, we can very easily fit steel windows with anti-burglary fittings and highly breakthrough resistant glass.

Customizability

Now, thanks to advances in technology, steel can be finished with a variety of treatments and paints. These will ensure that it your windows are both long-lasting and incredibly easy to maintain. These include corrosion inhibiting finishes such as galvanizing, electro-coat (e-coat) primer, powder coatings, urethane enamels and more. All of these will ensure that your windows will not need to re-painted or treated annually. A simple wipe is enough to ensure that your windows look clean and polished.

Finally, we can finish powder-coated steel in any color. This means that we can create these windows to suit any style of home. Moreover, we can even finish our steel windows to give off the appearance of wooden windows.

Improved Fire Rating

Lastly, fire safety is another area in which steel windows, unsurprisingly, come out on top. Of the different materials used in standard home windows, steel is more fire resistant that wood, vinyl, or even aluminum. As a result of this, steel windows can be designed to be fire resistant for up to 2 hours, ensuring that your home and family are as safe as possible.

We are also happy to provide any sort of operable steel windows or doors depending your needs.

Contact Us Today

To discuss your options with one of our project managers, give us a call or drop us an email at info@openawd.com. Whatever your needs, OPEN AWD has the right windows and doors for you.

Contact Us Today for Right Windows and Doors
Six Reasons To Invest In High Quality Windows and Doors

Six Reasons To Invest In High Quality Windows and Doors

Choosing high quality windows and doors for your home can be a time-consuming business. Ideally, it will be something you only do once every few decades. This is why it’s important to do it right. With so many factors such as glazing, frame materials, soundproofing, and security to take into consideration, it can be difficult to know that you are choosing windows and doors which not only look good, but perform well.

As window and door technology continues to become more innovative and efficient, more choices means more opportunities to get windows and doors which look and perform exactly as you want them to. Here at Open Architectural Windows and Doors, we don’t believe you should have to sacrifice aesthetics in favour of functionality and performance, or vice versa. So, we’ve put together a list of the top aspects you should consider when investing in high-quality windows and doors.

1. Holistic Design Approach

Every time we look out through a window, we’re also looking at the window itself. It is also worth noting out that not only are windows the way we look out at the world, they’re also how the world looks in and sees us. Modern or Traditional, your windows and doors should be made to complement your idea of a perfect home.

Furthermore, an under-appreciated fact of high quality windows and doors is the beauty they add to your home. If you’ve gone to all the trouble of creating your ideal home, why not choose windows and doors which add to the beauty of your home? Standard, run-of-the-mill windows often look out of place on elegantly designed and decorated homes. We believe that windows and doors should be one of the most important parts of your interior and exterior design plans.

2. Thermally Efficient, High Quality Windows and Doors Windows Save Money

Thermally Efficient, High Quality Windows and Doors Windows Save Money

One of the primary benefits of having well-constructed, airtight windows is that they retain more heat and keep the temperature in your home more evenly regulated. This is very important in the colder months of the year. Thermally efficient, airtight windows will prevent heat loss, meaning you can consistently save money on your energy bills. On the other hand, efficient windows also ensure that your air-conditioning unit can operate effectively and efficiently.

1. Glazing bead.

2. Structural thermal break.

3. Fitting groove.

4. Internal and external rebate.

5. Internal rebate seal.

Well-made, thermally broken windows should have a minimum of double-glazing, although triple-glazed windows will be even more efficient. Consider windows which have been filled with argon gas. Argon gas is denser than air which means that it can significantly reduce heat loss. Similarly, consider windows with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coatings. This extra layer will increase the thermal efficiency of your windows.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Environmentally Friendly Doors Windows

On average, 40% of homeowners’ energy bills are spent heating and cooling their homes. As you already know, thermally-broken windows dramatically reduce heat loss. By reducing unnecessary heat loss and cutting down on your energy bills, you can in turn significantly decrease carbon dioxide emissions. If cutting down on your home energy bills and being more environmentally-friendly is a concern for you, consider investing in passive house certified windows. For more on passive house windows, see our article on them

Furthermore, with well-constructed, high quality windows and doors, you can also expect less problems and maintenance issues over time. This can cut down the use of any extra materials you might have to invest in to help fix your windows or doors.

4. Safety and Security

Safety and Security Doors Windows

Having the safest and most secure windows can drastically reduce your exposure to burglaries. In addition to being distressing, burglaries can result in financial and irreplaceable losses. Good security is an investment you do not want to cut corners on. Thanks to advances in technology, windows and doors are becoming more and more safe and secure. 

Components such as multi-locking points, anti-burglary fittings, and anti-breakthrough glass have become more popular choices amongst homeowners seeking to protect their homes and families. Unfortunately, many older windows lack many of these features and, as a result, most burglaries are opportunistic.

Burglars know they only have to be lucky once. Don’t give them an opportunity. Consider investing in up-to date, high quality windows and doors. By reducing the possibility, you are greatly reducing the probability.

5. Comfort and Control

Heat Flows Through Windows

An often overlooked quality of good windows is the comfort and control they offer. Badly designed, or even slightly defective windows, can create annoying, and, oftentimes, immutable problems for your home. Areas which are particularly cold in a room, near windows or doors, are known as ‘cold spots’. These are caused by low-quality windows and poor workmanship. The installation process is a crucial part of ensuring that your windows or doors are completely airtight. It should only be undertaken by professionals.

Not only is it important that windows offer airtightness, but also operable sections that allow for you to control the degree of airflow into your home. As discussed, temperature fluctuations can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. It is important that you invest in windows which help you achieve the maximum level of comfort in your home.

6. Noise-Reduction

Noise-Reduction Doors Windows

Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings are the measure by which we determine how something—in this case a window or a door—stops the flow of sound. When choosing windows or doors for your home, it is important to do so with an understanding of what STC rating you will need. To do this, you will need to take several things into consideration. 

For people whose homes are within earshot of traffic, car horns, low-flying airplanes, sirens, construction noise, or even loud neighbors, your home will be subject to much low-frequency (i.e. loud noises from a distance). Many windows are unable to withstand such low-frequency noise. If that’s the case, then your window might only let it unwanted noise, but could also cause vibrations, too. In this instance, you would need a lower STC rating.

For some people, proper soundproofing can mean the difference in being able to sleep comfortably, even live properly, in their own home. When choosing windows, it is important to discuss your needs with whomever is designing and installing your windows.  Moreover, you should consider windows which have additional coatings and layers. This will ensure optimum sound-proofing.

Contact Us Today

Finally, it is worth pointing out that, in addition to saving you money by cutting down on your energy bills, high quality windows are also an investment in your future. Beautiful windows create a strong first impression and can make your property more attractive. There is much to consider when choosing windows and doors for your home. With some careful consideration, you can find the right windows and doors for your home.

Contact us today and someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.

The Top Five Advantages of Tilt and Turn Windows

The Top Five Advantages of Tilt and Turn Windows

Tilt and Turn windows are perhaps the most versatile, functional, and aesthetically pleasing of all contemporary window types. Having been standard in Europe for some time now, the popularity of Tilt and Turn windows is increasing across America.

In addition to being very elegant, they’re very versatile windows. They feature a hinge mechanism which allows them to be opened two ways: turned inwards, like a casement window, or tilted so that the top of the window is angled into the room. The tilt option provides an opening for ventilation and also has the added benefit of increased airtightness and security.

Before we look at their unique benefits, we’ll quickly explain exactly how they work.

How Tilt and Turn Windows Work

Equipped with profile cylinders, Tilt and Turn windows have a free-wheel function integrated into their handles. This allows them to move seamlessly between the closed and tilt positions. In its closed position, pointing south, the handle has a 180-degree range of movement. At 90 degrees, the ‘turn’ position, the window can be opened inward, like a casement window. At 180 degrees, or facing upward, the window is in its tilt position, which means simply tilts inwards. Now, let’s see what this means for your home.

How Tilt and Turn Windows Work
‘Tilt’ (Left) and ‘Turn’ (Right)

1. Optimum Window Ventilation

Optimum Window Ventilation

One of the biggest benefits of Tilt and Turn windows are the varied types of ventilation possible. As mentioned above, with Sliding or Double-Hung windows you lack the precision and control which Tilt and Turn windows provide. With two different ways of opening—tilting and turning—you can determine just how much air enters your home, helping you to cut down on energy costs. Another excellent benefit of these windows is that in the ’tilt’ position, cool air can enter your home, but rain cannot.

2. Airtight and Energy Efficient

Tilt and Turn windows are an incredible 10-30 times more airtight than standard double hung windows found in most American homes. Excellent design, robust locking points, and more efficient air seals prevent air and water infiltrating your home. This minimizes potential or unexpected damage associated with wind or rain. Airtight windows also help reduce unwanted heat loss and complement the performance of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. This means that your home will be significantly more energy efficient. These windows make an excellent choice where energy consumption is a concern, and a perfect choice for passive houses.

Airtight and Energy Efficient

3. Excellent Soundproofing

Soundproofing is one of the most important (and often neglected) aspects of window design. Because sound travels through the air, it is important to get windows which will form an effective barrier against sound coming into your home.

Due to increased airtightness and the possibility to use triple-glazed panels, this window system often have much better soundproofing. For reference, with the correct component configuration, sound attenuation comparable to a concrete wall can be achieved with these windows.

Excellent Soundproofing

4. Maximum Security

Maximum Security

Tilt and Turn windows have a multi-point locking system. This means that there are multiple locking point situated within the frame. While this allows for the windows to be locked in the ’tilt’ and ‘turn’ positions, the robust internal mechanism affords the window greater security. These features significantly decrease the chances of a burglar breaking into your home via your windows.

With greater security comes greater possibilities. Because of these additional locking mechanisms, it is much easier to create more secure, oversized Tilt and Turn windows. Unlike Sliding or Double Hung windows, Tilt and Turn windows manage to be secure AND provide maximum ventilation.

5. Make The Most of Natural Light with Oversized Units

Due to their above average load-bearing capacity, Tilt and Turn windows work exceptionally well as oversized units. Thanks to their design, the windows can withstand up to an unbelievable 550lb in the ’tilt’ position. Most other systems are simply unable to handle comparable loads and so must be made at standard sizes. Anything more could compromise their structural integrity.

Oversized window units can add a dramatic effect to your home’s facade. Some of the many benefits of oversized window units include unobstructed views, maximized natural light as well as added solar heat gain. With more glass on display, your home will naturally benefit from the sun’s rays.

Natural Light with Oversized Units

6. Maintenance

maintenance

Tilt and Turn windows are also easier to maintain than most other window types. By opening and tilting inwards, Tilt and Turn windows can be cleaned much more easily and safely than other windows. and much more safely than other windows.

Because they often lack a partition in the center, the unbroken surface area makes it easier to clean the panes. No need to risk to climbing up on a ladder or paying a small fortune for a window-cleaner.

Find Out More

If you would like to find out more about how Tilt and Turn windows can benefit your home, contact us today at 929-202-2558 or email us here and someone from our team would be happy to talk you through it!

Landmark Windows and Doors

Landmark Windows and Doors: Everything You Need To Know About NYC’s Landmark Preservation Commission

As anyone who has ever spent some time in New York can tell you, the city is constantly changing. From one year to the next, companies come and go, old buildings fall and new ones rise. Each city block tells a thousand stories, and each year, the cityscape continues to evolve. This is because change is a crucial part of what makes New York one of the most innovative and remarkable cities in the world.

It’s a simple fact that constantly-changing cities risk losing some of their identity. This is particularly true in a city such as New York, whose identity is bound up in its buildings. Thankfully, there are laws in place which regulate the renovation or restoration of buildings which have been designated landmark status. The authority is known as the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC). If you’re considering doing renovation work to a property which falls under the jurisdiction of the LPC, it’s very important to understand their guidelines. This is a short guide to understanding them.

A Brief History of the New York Landmark Preservation Movement

Brief History of the New York Landmark Preservation Movement

The New York City Landmark Preservation Commission was established in 1965 at the urging of then mayor, Robert F. Wagner. Mayor Wagner wanted a system in place to stop the destruction of culturally, historically, or architecturally significant buildings. Though similar movements stretched back as far as the nineteenth century, it was only after the demolition of the original Pennsylvania Station (in order to make way for Madison Square Garden) that a series of laws were put in place to ensure that the rich, storied history of New York and its architecture could be preserved for future generations.

The establishment of the LPC was widely seen as one of the most important steps in creating a framework for promoting the unique architecture you still see in New York City. The city’s architecture is one of its most important assets. Tourists from around the world come just to see it.

Image: Pennsylvania Station (circa 1910s) courtesy of Wikipedia

What Falls Under The Remit Of The NYC LPC?

The Remit Of The NYC LPC

It might surprise you to learn that, according to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, there are over “37,000 landmark properties in New York City. Most of which are located in 149 historic districts and historic district extensions in all five boroughs.” This includes entire historic districts, (e.g. South Street Seaport District), interior landmarks (e.g. The Rose Reading Room at the New York Public Library), and scenic landmarks (e.g. Central Park).

A quick look at the map should give you a sense of just how many landmarks there are in the city.

For a full list of the landmarks, and to see if your property falls within a historic district, you can explore the interactive map here.

Image: Map of NYC Landmarks courtesy of LPC

Stipulations Regarding Landmark Windows and Doors

Properties and districts which fall under the remit of the Landmarks Preservation Commission are subject to stringent guidelines. Because of the rules and regulations, landmark windows and door projects can be some of the most time-consuming and laborious projects.

As a result of this, very few contractors are actually prepared, or even equipped, to carry out the work needed on landmark windows and doors. Between permits, paperwork, and red-tape involved, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and for the project to lose momentum.

However, with careful planning, and by only employing contractors who know what they’re doing, you can easily complete your project with everything up-to-code. Violations of Landmark Laws can come with heavy fines for property owners.

How Good Window and Doors Contractors Navigate Landmark Projects

Landmark restoration projects are delicate and time-consuming tasks. These buildings were designated landmark for a reason–often because of their beauty. A good contractor will seek to preserve the craftsmanship of the past and not only restore it, but update it with all of today’s technologies and materials.

Experience

The single-most important quality, before anything else, is experience. If a contractor doesn’t know how to their due diligence, doesn’t understand the building code, or how to navigate the city’s labyrinthine permit process, then your project might run into some major problems.

Research

A great deal of research needs to be done on each landmark restoration project before work can begin. For example, you will first need to look up the original plans for the building. Researching the original design will give you a better sense of what the building, and often the entire district, originally looked like.

Architectural Adjustments

Working with an architect, you can then have drawings of any proposed work drawn up. You should indicate any and all changes you propose to make to the facade or interior.

Submitting Your Proposal

Before you can begin your work, the Landmarks Preservation Commission stipulates that you must first submit all architectural plans to them for approval. The LPC allows for a margin of error of roughly 5% with regards to the details. This means that they require you to stick very closely to the building’s original plans.

Improving Upon The Past

Once the LPC approves your project, work can begin. It is very important to use all available modern construction technologies to improve upon the the existing landmark windows and doors. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Using high-quality materials for restoring brick or plaster work.
  • Ensuring that any facades of new windows and doors are absolutely airtight, waterproof, soundproof, and wind-resistant.
  • Using innovative and thermally efficient insulation.
  • Making use of well-designed modern locking systems.

Our Work - Projects

300 East 5th Street, Manhattan’s East Village

300 East 5th Street, Manhattan’s East Village

Open Architectural Windows and Doors have worked on multiple  landmark restoration projects. The most recent of which are 300 East. 5th Street, in Manhattan’s East Village, and a property on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn.

To give you a sense of what work on a designated landmark building entails, here is a short run through of the restoration process of 300 East 5th, in Manhattan’s East Village. In 2019, Open AWD, working alongside the architect, replaced the entire facade. This included windows, doors, and all of the ornate brickwork and cornices. The previous owner had carelessly covered over all of it with inexpensive siding and concrete. As you can see from the picture below, they had turned it into a mess. They had effectively removed all evidence of the building’s former beauty. Having been built in 1874, the building had, over time, grown uglier and had come to look severely dated. All installation work was carried out by trained and licensed specialists.

You can see a ‘before’ and ‘after’ picture’ below.

300 East 5th Street, Manhattan’s East Village
300 East 5th Street, Manhattan’s East Village

Vanderbilt Avene, Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Vanderbilt Avene, Fort Greene, Brooklyn

This Queen-Anne style carriage house on Vanderbilt Avenue in the Fort Greene neighborhood in Brooklyn was one of the most stunning and unique landmark restoration projects we got to be a part of. Built originally to house horses and coachmen, the building later became the Brooklyn Veterinary Hospital before being transformed into the bespoke home you see today. We used simulated double-hung windows and designed an oversized, arched entry door with fixed panels. Because we used triple-glazed windows, we opted for heavy-duty German hinges to ensure that the doors could take all of the weight. The sash can hold up to 650 lbs per sash.

We also recreated a stunning ocular window on the building’s first floor and designed striking, arched steel doors on the rear elevation. All installation work was carried out by trained and licensed specialists.

Vanderbilt Avene, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Vanderbilt Avene, Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Greene Street, SoHo, Manhattan

Greene Street, SoHo, Manhattan

We were also delighted to be a part of another landmark windows and doors project on Greene Street. Greene Street is located in in SoHo’s Cast Iron District in Lower Manhattan.

John B Snook, one of New York City’s most esteemed architects, originally designed the building over a century and a half ago. 10 Greene Street features typical, double-hung windows, and three classic, solid wooden doors on its first floor.

We redesigned and replaced each of the building’s 39 windows with more modern and efficient windows. We used custom-made brickmold to help us stay closer to the building’s historic look. Similarly, we carefully reproduced the design on the classic wooden doors on the first floor. All installation work was carried out by trained and licensed specialists.

Click on the images below to enlarge and see some of the details and drawings.

Contact Us Today

Contact Us for Landmark Windows and Doors Installation

Even if you don’t own a landmark designated property, we can still help you. Some people hire contractors with extensive landmark restoration experience. This is particularly true where accents or ornamental work are concerned. We have worked brownstone buildings, for example, which aren’t landmark. They do, however, require much of the same attention to detail as landmark properties.

Open AWD has worked with many homeowners and architects who wanted to achieve a certain look. There are a variety of different options we can provide that would help lend a distinguished look to your home. If you would like to learn more about landmark restoration projects, call us on 929-202-2558 or email us here. We’d be delighted to discuss your ideas with you.

Everything You Need To Know About Window Testing

Everything You Need To Know About Window Testing

As any homeowner knows, there is nothing more frustrating than bad, leaky windows. Windows which allow in drafts, create cold-spots, allow condensation, damp, and mold to gather, and don’t provide adequate resistance to noise pollution, are windows you don’t want in your home. And, as anyone who has ever lived in a typical New York City apartment can tell you, standard double-hung windows provide little protection from any of the above. Even windows which look great aren’t immune to these defects. As a result, windows must undergo rigorous window testing to ensure they are adequately protected and have been correctly installed.

Conducting window testing is one of the most crucial and effective ways of ensuring that windows and doors fitted in your home perform as needed and  expected. Few people know what exactly window testing means is or just how important for their home it is. Knowing what it is, and knowing that your windows have been rigorously tested according to strict standards, can bring homeowners great peace of mind. 

What Is Window Testing?

Window Testing

Windows and doors often represent a significant portion of the facade of the average home. With larger buildings, windows, doors, and curtain wall systems can constitute up anywhere from 50-100% of the building’s facade and envelope. As a result of this, they make up an important component of the architecture and represent a considerable amount of the overall construction costs. Similarly, careful attention needs to be paid to ensure that windows and doors are airtight, watertight, and able to withstand significant wind-loads. 

To put it simply, window performance testing is exactly what it sounds like: using various testing methods to determine the efficacy and efficiency of a window’s performance. Window testing is carried out in order to make sure that an optimum level of comfort can be maintained within the home. There are various methods of testing a window’s performance, each of which will be explained in more detail below.

Why It Matters

Why Window Testing Matters

It is hard to overstate the importance of window performance testing. According to a study by the National Fenestration Rating Council, the average American spends anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 on energy bills each year. 45% of that goes to heating and cooling their homes.

If the windows in your home are old, weren’t installed properly, or have fallen into disrepair, this number increases. Badly designed, poorly installed, and even windows which were not tested correctly, can significantly impair how efficient your windows are. In addition to costing you more money in energy bills, their inefficiency means that they are also harming the environment. 

The North American Fenestration Standards is the body which dictates the guidelines around fenestration standards for all residential projects in North America (US & Canada). In addition to NAFS, each jurisdiction is governed by its own specific rules and regulations.

For example, all windows and doors installed in buildings in New York City must meet the requirements of the NYC Energy Conservation Code. For more on that, see here

What We Test For

Here at Open Architectural Windows and Windows, we fully understand the importance of testing. All of our windows are rigorously tested to ensure that they meet all US and regional standards and codes. Each specific jurisdiction has their own codes. There are two main ways for testing window performance–laboratory and field testing. Both laboratory and field testing are used to test specific components and potential issues with a windows’s performance.

Lab Testing

As it suggests, laboratory testing is carried in a lab under specific conditions. Often, these conditions will be designed to mimic conditions of the climate in which the windows will be installed. Lab testing is an important step because windows can because the testing conditions and variables can be easily controlled. While we are involved in the testing process, tests are carried out at certified, independent laboratories.

Wind Load Testing

We use machines which mimic high wind loads to place enormous amounts of pressure on windows during testing. The wind loads will usually be higher than winds the windows are likely to ever encounter. The level of testing will usually be determined by the building’s structural engineer. This will depend on the building’s location, shape, the size of the IGUs, as well as the window-to-wall ratio.

Thermal Efficiency Testing

A thermal chamber is used to help determine the thermal efficiency of the windows. Thermal efficiency is determined by calculating its U-Value. Thermal testing is a particularly important step as it helps to ensure that the windows will provide optimum comfort to the occupants of the property. 

Water and Air Infiltration

In order to test for water and air infiltration, jets of water and air are sprayed onto the exterior of the windows. Negative pressure will be applied in the interior to see whether or not any water or air makes it through to the interior. Water and air tightness are some of the most important testing aspects. They need to be rigorously tested in any window. Not testing properly can result in drafts or water damage. Over time, this can lead to corrosion to the interior and surrounding areas. Another very important factor to consider is comfort: without air and watertight sealing, temperatures within the home will be very unstable. In some instances, this may even lead damp, mold, first, or ice on the interior of the window. 

Cycle Testing

Cycle testing involves the use of machines to continuously open and close the windows over a set period of time. The aim with cycle testing is to ensure that windows perform exactly as well after the testing as they did before it. This is a very important step as we won’t sell and windows which haven’t been rigorously tested for performance issues.

Field Testing

Field testing will be carried out once a licensed installation team has installed the windows. Field testing is an opportunity to rigorously test the windows once they have been integrated into the building envelope. In some cases, field testing will produce slightly different results than lab testing. Although measures are taken to mimic the conditions and climate in which the windows will be installed, minor variations can occur. This is often a result of varying weather conditions and installation issues. 

Water & Air Tightness

Window Water & Air Tightness Testing

Much like the water and airtightness testing mentioned above, water and airtightness are also tested during the onsite window installation process. This is to ensure that the results from lab testing can be recreated once a licensed and certified installation team have installed the windows.

To do this, we recreate the chamber in the lab. Then, we apply jets of water and air to the exterior of the windows. Using negative pressure inside the building, we can then test to see if either wind or water appears inside.

Additional Testing Methods

There are several other types of customized testing available. Not all will be necessary for each customer but each offers its own unique peace of mind.

Acoustics

Acoustics Window Testing Method

One of the most common things we hear from customers is their issues with noise pollution. This is particularly true in places such as New York City. Traffic, low-flying planes,  loud talking, even noisy neighbors. All of these can be dealt with more effectively via well-made windows which have been tested according to our standards. In lab testing, we subject the windows to very high levels of sounds in order to determine how much sound the windows block out. This process produces an Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating. We work with each individual client to determine their specific OITC rating.

Limiter Testing

Limiters, sometimes known as window restrictors, can also be tested. Testing for this can be useful where there is a particular concern that young or vulnerable people are at risk of falling from a window.

Resistance Class Testing

Windows can be tested for how breakthrough resistant they are. This is important to consider if safety or security is a concern.

Fire Resistance

For additional peace of mind, windows can also be specifically tested for their fire resistance capability

Contact Us Today

If you’d like to learn more about our windows or the testing process, contact us today on 929-202-2558 or email us at info@openawd.com for a free consultation.

Let OPEN AWD help you to push your limits and make your project the best it can be.

How To Choose The Right Windows For A Coastal Property

Cladded Windows And Doors: Everything You Need To Know

It’s easy to understand why more and more homeowners and architects favor slim profile windows and doors. However, windows which combine functionality and style with elegant, slim profiles aren’t always the easiest to find. This is particularly true for those who prefer wooden windows and doors. With its natural beauty, wood can provide a specific look or warmth, particularly inside the home, that materials such as metal or vinyl simply cannot. To solve this problem, cladded windows were developed to provide all of the natural beauty of wood with the strength and durability of metals such as aluminum, copper, and bronze.

If properly maintained, wood can last for decades, if not centuries, but it will need regular maintenance. Going between the extremes of harsh winters and hot summers, wear and tear becomes evident on wooden windows. This is why if you’re looking for truly ultra-slim wooden windows that will last, you should consider the benefits cladded windows can offer.

What Exactly Are Cladded Windows?

Wood/Wood-Clad Windows

Cladded windows are, without a doubt, one of the most important innovations in the history of windows. Cladded windows are wooden windows which have been fitted with a metal, or occasionally vinyl covering on their exterior. The covering, or cladding as it is known, provides an additional degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance for the windows.

Cladding effectively protects the wooden windows from the elements and maximizes their longevity. Essentially, this means that you get to have all of the benefits of a durable material such as aluminum (or copper or bronze) on your home’s exterior as well as being able to enjoy the look and feel of wooden windows inside your home.

To achieve maximum longevity with our cladded windows, we use extruded aluminum which is welded onto the frame prior to powder-coating. This allows for a uniform, flush, and exceptionally slim and durable window profile. This is in contrast to roll-form aluminum which is much cheaper but significantly less robust.

What Are The Benefits of Cladded Windows?

Ultra-Slim Profiles

Emphasize Views Not Hardware​ - Ultra-Slim Profiles

Perhaps the most sought after  benefit of cladding is how it can be used to create exceptionally slim and completely flush profiles on windows and doors.

Take our own sliding door system, for example. The OPEN m40, is comprised of cladded wood-aluminum. Its beautiful 1¾” wooden frame contains a robust, supporting internal aluminum frame. The wooden exterior provides all of the natural beauty of wood while aluminum offers additional strength and durability.

As a result of this, the aluminum cladding will ensure that the door needs little or no maintenance and will be watertight and perfect for all seasons.

To learn more about it, read our article on it here.

Cladded Windows Are More Efficient

Wooden windows already have a relatively high level of thermal insulation. However, alu-clad windows have a thermal break between the wood and the aluminum. This means they are significantly more thermally effective. The layer of cladding will help stop any unnecessary drafts or ‘cold spots’ within the home. As a result of this, your home will be more energy efficient. Cladded windows will often have a lower U-Value which means optimal comfort for you and your home. Another aspect of their efficiency is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you won’t need to constantly maintain cladded windows. 

Below you can take an in-depth look at a recent alu-clad project we worked on in Tribeca in Manhattan. Open Architectural Windows and Doors supplied hundreds of windows and doors for this new build project. The oversized, cladded windows and slim profiles offer unbroken views of the city. In keeping with the aesthetic of the neighborhood, Open AWD supplied oversized arch-top windows for the top floors of the complex.

Improved Durability

Improved Durability
Pictured inset: Exterior of Alu-clad curtain wall system which OPEN AWD for a development in Tribeca, Manhattan.

Cladded windows are some of the most durable windows available to buy. Whether it’s a simple residential project, or a larger, more high-value project, cladded windows have an almost unmatched longevity. They are an investment in your home’s future. By investing in them, you are ensuring that your home’s exterior won’t depreciate as quickly as it would with standard wooden windows.

As we mentioned above, wood requires more-or-less annual, if not seasonal, upkeep. This often includes staining, sealing, or re-painting. This is particularly true in harsher climates. But this is simply not the case with cladded window, which need no maintenance because they are weather-resistant. The fact that the materials we use (aluminum, bronze, and copper) are completely non-porous (unlike wood) the windows suffer significantly less wear and tear over time.

Pictured: Alu-clad custom window and curtain wall system. Click to enlarge.
Alu-clad custom window and curtain wall system.
Alu-clad custom window and curtain wall system 2

Improved Aesthetic Possibilities

Improved Aesthetic Possibilities

Aesthetically, cladded windows have a major advantage over standard wood and even standard aluminum windows. Cladded windows are custom-made to suit each home.

This means you get the best of both worlds. The look and feel of wooden windows within your home’s interior, as well as a robust, high-value metal to suit your home’s exterior.

Whether your home’s facade is brick, concrete, wood, or siding, cladded windows can be made to complement any exterior. They can be made to a wide range of different shapes and sizes.

Pictured: copper-clad windows at The Fitzroy, Manhattan.

Case Study: The Fitzroy, Manhattan

The Fitzroy, Manhattan

Below, you can see some pictures from a project Open Architectural Windows and Doors worked on two years ago in Chelsea in Manhattan.

The striking copper-clad oak windows bring the building’s façade to life. It added a distinguished look to the building’s exterior and complemented the unique terra-cotta brickwork. 

This large-scale project boasts over 200 custom copper clad windows, and numerous other copper finishes. The beautiful copper-clad windows  are a perfect marriage of functionality and style. The double and triple glazed glass and superior installation ensures that the windows are soundproofed from the busy exterior, and allow for energy efficient heating and cooling.

As you can see from the picture, copper-clad window age gracefully over time as their patina becomes more and more pronounced.

To learn more about this project, click here.

Pictured below: Copper-plated bronze clad windows and doors at The Fitzroy. Click to enlarge.
Copper-plated bronze clad windows and doors at The Fitzroy
Copper-plated bronze clad windows and doors at The Fitzroy - 2

Contact Us Today

Door and Windows Installation

If you would like to learn more about cladded windows, please contact us today at 929-202-2558 or send us an email us here to set up your free consultation.

We know that no two people have the same tastes which is why all of our cladded windows are completely customizable. 

OPEN Architectural Windows and Doors: Making your architectural plans a reality.

How Minimalism Changed Window and Door Aesthetics

How Minimalism Changed Window and Door Aesthetics

From the slimline smartphone you carry in your pocket, to almost any recently made item you have in your home, the minimalist aesthetic has become so ingrained in what we expect of the products we buy and the spaces we interact with, that you may not have even noticed it. No other aesthetic has done more to make people conscious of how they choose to furnish, decorate, and live in their homes. And nowhere is the minimalist aesthetic more prominent now than in modern windows and doors which emphasize slim profiles and narrow sight lines.

Regardless of whatever style of home you live in, windows and doors do a lot to complement or enhance the aesthetic. As more and more homeowners opt for modern-style homes, window and door manufacturers are moving away from windows and doors with thicker profiles. The move away from this towards clean, straight lines, reflects a trend–a growing interest in homeowners and architects towards the simplicity of minimalism.

How Minimalism Changed Window and Door Aesthetics

For the past few centuries, window and door technology remained largely unchanged due to the limits of the material most often used in them–wood. As advances in technology came with the twentieth century, steel, and then, much later, metals such as aluminum, created new possibilities for windows and doors. Not only in functionality, but also in aesthetics–most notably, the possibility of slimmer profiles. Favored by architects for its strength, durability and its sleek beauty, steel, in particular, became synonymous with modern, elegant homes.

For much of the last fifty year, minimalism was once only popular amongst architects designing modern and contemporary homes. Over the past decade, however, homeowners have also begun embracing it. This is a trend that we here at Open Architectural Windows and Doors have noticed. The idea that windows and doors were simply functional is quickly changing. Most homeowners, now, accept and are excited by the idea that windows and doors can actually complement their home’s aesthetics.

Here at OPEN AWD, we try to reflect the aesthetics of minimalism in our windows and doors. Here are some of the most notable benefits the minimalist aesthetic has had on windows and doors.

Emphasize Views, Not Hardware

Emphasize Views Not Hardware​ - Ultra-Slim Profiles

You don’t need large, oversized windows to be able to enjoy the views from your home (although they certainly help). Even smaller windows which have slimmer frames can provide your home with great views. To put it simply, less window frame means more glass. More glass on display means more views.

Advances in window technology–specifically in the strength of materials such as steel and glass–mean that unobstructed views are now easier to achieve. It is our firm belief that windows should emphasise views, not hardware.

Maximize Natural Light

A seriously under-appreciated feature of having windows with slimmer profiles is the additional light it brings into your home.

Not only does light change the feel of a space, it can dramatically transform the overall feeling within a home. Slimline windows reduce the need for artificial light. Rooms with more natural light give the appearance of being bigger spaces.

This gets right to the heart of the minimalist aesthetic of doing more with less. This is to say nothing of the many health benefits of getting enough natural light.

Open Up Your Home

Open Up Your Home

In addition to brightening up your home, and allowing you to enjoy the views outside, minimalist aesthetics has made it easier than ever to open up, or brighten, your home’s interior. This is possible in a number of ways, but most obviously with interior doors. For a long time, when people thought of interior doors, they thought of solid wooden doors–occasionally with a slim glass panel.

Recently, though, architects and homeowners have begun embracing the possibilities offered by interior steel doors. Minimalism is about thoughtful and economical design. It favors emphasizing clean lines, symmetry, and formal simplicity. Slimline interior steel doors, which open up spaces and simultaneously create a sense of privacy within the home, are a perfect example of doing more with less.

Do More With Less With Our New Super Slim Sliding Door System

Do More With Less With Our New Super Slim Sliding Door System

Our new slimline system is the epitome of doing more with less. Available in a combination of fixed, sliding, hinged, frameless, and curtain wall, this system promises unparalleled sight lines.

Its 1 inch, thermally broken middle posts means that you can now enjoy thoroughly unobstructed views. Individual units are 12ft x 10ft. Additional custom-made oversized units also available. This means that you can construct exactly the kind of facade you want and be in control of your view.

In addition to being flush with the wall, fully submerged thresholds means that drainage systems can be  integrated and completely concealed.

To learn more about it, you can watch the video here.

Contact Us Today

If you would like to find out more about our products, contact us today. Someone from our team would be happy to set up a free consultation for you.

Open Architectural Windows and Doors: Proudly supplying custom window and door solutions for over a decade.

What The Future Of Windows In The U.S. Looks Like

What The Future Of Windows In The U.S. Looks Like

For as long as we have been living with roofs over our heads, we have been finding ingenious ways to improve our living spaces. One of the most important and innovative building technologies was the invention of the window. Created in ancient times, the first windows were crude and inefficient. However, they were incredibly helpful in that, for the first time, people could allow light into their homes.

They are no longer crude holes in the wall or ceiling, simply allowing the wind and the rain in. They are incredibly innovative technologies which allow us to keep wind and rain out, allow light and fresh air in, and help retain heat and make our homes comfortable. Windows are how we look out at the world, and how the world sees us.

However, as technology progresses and both manufacturers and homeowners become more conscious of efficiency, sustainability, and energy conservation, it seems certain that window technology will continue to evolve over time. In order to understand where window and door technology in the U.S. might go next, it is important to take a quick look at how far it has come.

A Brief History of Windows

A Brief History of Windows

In many ways, the history of modern windows is also the history of modern glass. The oldest evidence we have of glass being used in windows dates back to circa 100 AD, to Egypt, where the Romans were using crude and non-see through slabs of brown glass in their windows.

14th Century: It took almost another millennium for relatively see-through glass to appear in windows across Medieval Europe. Mostly used in churches and in the homes of the rich, glass was still very difficult and expensive to manufacture. As a result, it would not come into widespread use in homes for another few hundred years. Panes of glass were often set in wooden window frames with accompanying mullions.

19th Century: The Industrial Revolution helped to expand the glassmaking techniques which were cropping up around Europe. A basic version of ‘float glass,’ (which would be invented in the following century), appeared in England and began the process of automating glass production. Around this time, the first insulated glazing unit (IGU) was designed. For the first time, glass windows were cheaper and easier to produce and became a standard component of most homes. One of the most famous examples of how glass became quickly seen as a building material was The Crystal Palace, built in 1850 in England.

20th Century:

By the 20th century, fenestration technology had begun to rapidly accelerate. This was due to a combination of advances in technology, cheaper building materials, and a booming construction industry. Though there were numerous innovations within the fenestration industry during the 20th Century, the most important of which were:

20th century windows doors
Image: Float glass being unloaded. Source.
  • 1940s: First commercially viable Double- and Triple-Glazed IGUs appear on the market. For the first time, manufacturers have found a way to significantly reduce U-Factors (the rate at which heat is lost through a pane of glass).
  • 1950s: Float Glass, arguably the most important innovation within glass technology, is pioneered and perfected in England. The method involved pouring a ribbon of glass on top of a bed of molten tin. There, under its own weight, it flattened and smoothed out into large panels which could then be cut. Float glass is the primary way that much of today’s glass is manufactured. Float glass made larger window sizes possible.

1960-1980s: The first time window coatings began appearing on the market. Glass which had been coated with chemicals in order to limit the amount of natural light and glare entering a home first entered the market. By the 1980s, Low Emissivity (better known Low-E) coatings were developed by spraying microscopically small layers of silver onto the glass. Low-E coatings reflect UV rays (heat) from the sun, making them an excellent choice for those in warm climates. Similarly, in winter, when maintaining a warm interior temperature is important, they will reflect the heat back into the home. Interest in coatings grew out of a concern for rising energy costs.

1990s: Shading systems such as awnings and fins were developed as a way of controlling the amount of solar heat gain and limiting the amount of shade. 

In addition to all of this, there have been smaller, but equally important developments within the industry. Each of these have dramatically improved the performance and longevity of the average window and many have become standard today.

Thermal Efficiency

Thermal Efficiency

As outlined above, there have been a number of developments which have improved the thermal efficiency of windows and doors. One of the most important has been the development of thermal breaks–a material inserted within the frame which slows down the process of conductive thermal energy loss.

This signified a huge step forward in window and door technology. Equally important as this are Low-E coatings (mentioned above) and triple-glazed units. Each of these technologies work together to produce the most thermally efficient windows.

High Security

High Security​ Doors

Without a doubt, multi-locking point systems have been one of the most impactful developments within fenestration security.

In combination with anti-burglary fittings and anti-breakthrough glass, multi-locking point systems have become popular and effective ways of helping homeowners ensure their homes are safe and secure.

Soundproofing

Cross Section Interior Door Soundproofing

Because sound travels through the air, designers and manufacturers have sought to make window door units as airtight as possible.

With modern technology, it’s possible to make windows as soundproof as a 12 foot concrete wall. It is important that the IGU is configured and installed correctly to ensure maximum soundproofing.

Hurricane Resistance

Hurricane Resistance

Hurricane resistant glass, which is both laminated and tempered, was designed for homes situated in extreme climates. The insulated glazing unit is specially designed to withstand the force of high-speed flying objects–particularly at speeds seen during hurricanes.

The window itself is also structurally reinforced to withstand the pressure. To test their impact resistance, machines are used to send lumber poles at high-speeds at the windows. If the glass is eventually compromised, it smashes into tiny pieces, rather than shards, which are more dangerous.

Maintenance

Windows Maintenance

Historically, windows had to be cleaned from the outside. This can be dangerous to do. This is particularly true of windows on commercial buildings which often reached considerable heights.

Cleaning these is dangerous and often expensive. Contemporary window styles such as tilt and turn windows open inward. As a result, this means that they can be safely cleaned from the inside.

What Will The Next Window Trends and Innovations Look Like

what will the next window trends and innovations look like

Many of the major advances in window technology were borne out of necessity–specifically the need to make windows more efficient and more easily available for consumers. This was particularly true in Europe, where much of the innovation occurred, and where energy costs are higher. Higher energy costs means that the average homeowner in Europe is forced to take more of an interest in the performance of his or her windows’ efficiency than their average American counterparts. 

Take Germany, for example. With regards to energy consumption, Germans are allowed to use a certain amount of energy at a fixed price. After using this, the price rises significantly. This is the case in many other regions, too. Here in the US, 40% of energy consumption is spent heating and cooling homes.As a result, more efficient windows represent the best line of defense against this. By investing in more efficient, longer-lasting windows, homeowners can hope to keep their energy bills to a minimum. Similarly, some governments and municipalities have even started to offer incentives such as grants and tax breaks to individuals who choose to invest in solar panels or more efficient and eco-friendly windows. 

As the new administration here in the U.S. turns its attention towards greener and more sustainable forms of energy, it is not entirely unlikely that higher demands are made on windows manufactured in the U.S. As this article in Forbes (“Why Homeowners Should Install Triple-Glazed Windows Their Home”) points out, just 2% of American homeowners opted for triple-glazed windows in 2016. With tech companies continuing to ‘disrupt’ everyday technologies, there is even a potential further down the line. Innovations such as for ‘smart’ glass and windows or even electrochromic glass which utilizes the energy which passes through it may become standard.

Regardless, more and more American homeowners are seeing the value in investing in more efficient windows for their homes. Here at Open AWD, we believe this is a trend which is going to continue to grow year over year.

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