Some of the most important energy features of a home are the doors and windows. This blog posting will cover the windows and doors we selected to enhance our EverLife Design. Believe it or not, doors and windows impact EverLife Design not only for energy efficiency, but also the other component of EverLife Design: accessibility.
We chose Paradigm vinyl windows for our project for their low maintenance. Paradigm windows are manufactured in Portland, Maine. We chose casement style windows that open with a crank lever, which are easier to open than standard double-hung doors for those with dexterity issues. Casement windows swing open fully and when closed, create a continuous seal for low air infiltration. The windows we chose are argon gas filled, and have Low E glass, which acts as an efficient thermal barrier. These windows qualify for the currently applicable federal tax credit.
Prior to installing each window, sill pan flashing is installed. This picture shows the sill pan installed, with the opening for the window in the process of being wrapped. We chose to use the Protecto wrap sill drainage system to ensure no water penetration. Poorly wrapped windows are not uncommon in inferior home construction, permitting water penetration which can cause rot, mold, and other damage.
We chose Anderson Frenchwood series doors for our rear exterior doors. Similar to the windows, we installed jamb sill pan flashing. This was particularly important, since the back porch was poured up to the doors to create a no-step entry to the home. Keeping in mind accessibility is a key element to EverLife Design, extra measures must be taken to ensure the flashing has been done correctly in this application so that no water penetration will result. In addition, we chose out-swing doors which act much like the casement windows in creating a tighter seal when the wind kicks in.
Another angle of the jamb sill pan flashing in which the door will be set.
Installing one of the stationary panel doors.
Rear view of the project with the doors and windows installed.
We bought our Paradigm Windows from J&L Building Supply in New Castle. You can contact John Rash at J&L at 504-0350 for help with your building project.
We bought our Anderson Doors from American Home and Hardware in Elkton, Maryland. You can contact Brian Young at American Home and Hardware at (410) 398-1909 for help with your building project.
