Ask The Expert Archive

What is the difference between conduction and convection through windows?

Posted December 7, 2011 by Patrick Schutte

There are several terms that homeowners can familiarize themselves with so they can better understand the science behind energy efficient windows. They are conduction, radiation, convection, air infiltration, and radiant heat loss.

Tags: air inflitration, conduction, convection

My city requested that I have tempered glass windows. Is this code for southern California? Or does this meet the safety glass minimal standard?

Posted December 4, 2011 by Dan Cummings

Local jurisdiction always is the last word for tempered requirements for safety glass.

Tags: annealed glass, building codes, MIWD, tempered glass

What's the Difference Between Design Pressure, Performance Grade, and Performance Class?

Posted October 26, 2011 by Patrick Schutte

Standards in the door and window industry are constantly evolving due to changes in technology, building codes and rating system performance requirements. This has led to some confusion around the differences between Design Pressure, Performance Grade, and Performance Class.

Tags: AAMA, design pressure, DP rating, performance class, performance grade, window testing

MI EnergyCore Double Hung Window Sill Design: Pocket Sill or Sloped Sill?

Posted October 19, 2011 by Patrick Schutte

The MI EnergyCore double hung window was designed from the ground up using state of the art computer aided design software, finite element analysis, and thermal analysis. Design considerations like water exfiltration were planned and accounted for to make this one of the soundest window systems available on the market today.

Tags: double hung window, energy core, energy efficient windows, energycore, hybrid sill, MI energycore, pocket sill, sloped sill

Your EnergyCore brochure refers to TMAX glass. Do you have information on visual transmittance information on TMAX?

Posted September 9, 2011 by Patrick Schutte

At MI Windows and Doors we offer a variety of glass types to meet different requirements. Considerations includes climate, sound control, UV protection, and enhanced security. We offer many different glass types, but here are our main three offferings:

What are the minimum egress sizes for MI EnergyCore windows?

Posted July 26, 2011 by Mike DeSoto

In one or two family dwellings, Section R310.1 of the International Residential Code requires basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. All emergency escape/rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, except grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet.

Tags: building codes, emergency, escape, residential codes, window egress

Why does condensation occur on the inside of my windows?

Posted July 20, 2011 by The MIWD Resident Expert

Condensation on your windows can be controlled by making sure that the moisture in your home is balanced out by using ventilation. Getting this balance right can be tricky, depending on your type of heating, levels of insulation in your home, and the amount of ventilation you already have.

Tags: condensation, double glazing, double pane glass, humidity