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Doors

Windows and doors make up a significant piece of most construction budgets, and deciding which ones to choose means weighing both aesthetic and performance characteristics. Think of the variety of window styles alone — casement, double-hung, awning, sliding — and then such factors as the type of glass, the number of panes of glass, the coatings on the glass, and the material from which the frames are made. Doors offer a similar range of styles, anything from sliders to elegant French doors for a patio to massive entry doors.

Increasingly, energy concerns are guiding designers and builders. Not too long ago, people who wanted more comfortable interiors and lower energy bills would step up to double-pane windows. That seems almost quaint, given today’s realities. Now, energy-conscious builders in cold climates are frequently opting for triple-pane windows with sash that open and close like the doors on a luxury sedan. Newer windows offer superior thermal insulation — almost as good as what exterior walls used to have. Glass coatings can be optimized for climate and orientation. These seemingly interminable details have a great deal to do with how comfortable the house will be, and how easy it will be to heat and cool.

Choosing the right windows is, of course, only the beginning. They must be installed so they won’t leak, a process made easier by the many new flashing tapes and sealants on the market, and then dressed up with the appropriate trim. All in all, carpenters spend a great deal of time installing windows and doors. Homeowners spend a great deal of time looking out their windows, and opening and closing the doors. We might as well get the details right the first time.

  • Airtight Kneewall Access Door

    The kneewall access door from Fakro ensures proper insulation between conditioned and unconditioned spaces in homes with vented attics.

  • Sponsored Content
    Windows and Doors for Light, Airflow and Views

    In this video, principal designer Kate Smith discusses her decisions behind incorporating Marvin windows and doors in her family’s home.

  • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door

    A decorative transom fills in the space between a stock door and the home's 9-ft. ceiling, saving the cost of a custom door.

  • A Guide to Mitered Joints That Won’t Open

    Use these tools and casing methods to create perfect mitered joints that won't separate over time.

  • Sponsored Content
    Hitting High-Performance Airtightness Standards

    Builder Ben Bogie chases and seals air leaks with Loctite TITE FOAM insulating foam sealant in this high-performance home.

  • Dowels for Painting and Stacking

    Attach dowels to interior-door slabs and suspend them on sawhorses to make the painting and drying process easier.

  • Get Stunning Views With Folding Glass Doors

    Generation 4 from NanaWall comes with greater opportunities for flexibility and energy efficiency to improve indoor-outdoor living.

  • How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors for a Home

    For a timeless exterior aesthetic, consider the home, its surroundings, and your personal style.

  • Systems and Products for an All-Electric Small Home

    Learn how to choose windows, doors, HVAC, plumbing systems, and finishes with sustainability and healthful materials in mind.

  • Exterior Fiberglass Doors Offer Durability and Customization

    The IWP Aurora Line from Jeld-Wen is completely customizable while still providing that familiar “knock.”

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 318 - October 2023
    • Make Mudsills Square and Level
    • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
  • Issue 317 - Aug/Sept 2023
    • Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results
    • A Flat Roof in a Cold Climate
    • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs
  • Issue 316 - July 2023
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps

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