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Windows and Doors Contents:

CSI NUMBERS
DEFINITION
CONSIDERATIONS
COMMERCIAL STATUS
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
GUIDELINES

RESOURCES

CSI Numbers

DEFINITION:

Composite materials use stable, durable materials, some of which are byproducts. Fingerjointed windows use small pieces of wood reducing the impact on large clear grained wood sources. Recycled windows can mean reuse of salvaged windows or windows of recycled content.

Recycled/reconstituted doors are typically molded hardboard materials. Domestic hardwood veneers use a stable resource and assist our national economy. Some hardwood veneers such as luaun are from tropical mahogany trees. Domestic hardwood panel doors use wood types which are a stable resource in our economy. The panel style reduces the need for potentially harmful adhesives. Recycled doors are reused doors salvaged from earlier projects.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Windows and doors are currently highly engineered in order to optimize energy performances. Windows and doors have significant roles in the energy profile of a home. Frame material issues, although important as part of an overall environmentally responsible approach, play only a small role due to their small size/area. Performance of these products is important in durability and maintenance, as well as energy.

Modern composite products are easy to care for, and their thermal performance is superior to wood. One door manufacturer has introduced recycled-content jambs using recycled plastic and cedar byproducts. Molded hardboard doors have become the preferred interior door and are a good use of lumber mill waste shavings.

The reuse of existing materials is the most resourceful building material option. Make certain that quality and durability are not compromised.

Make certain seals and gaskets are in good condition when selecting recycled windows.

Any windows using fingerjointed materials will need to be painted for aesthetic reasons. It is best to have the windows factory primed where the painting is done in controlled conditions.







Commercial
Status		 Implementation
Issues
technology suppliers cost financing public regulatory
Composite
Fingerjointed
Recycled
Recycled/Reconstituted
Domestic Hardwood Veneer
Domestic Hardwood Panel

Legend
green Satisfactory
yellow Satisfactory in most conditions
red Satisfactory in Limited Conditions
black Unsatisfactory or Difficult

COMMERCIAL STATUS

TECHNOLOGY:

More composite window products can be expected soon. Important strides have been made in UV resistance. Other door and window products listed here use mature technologies.

SUPPLIERS:

Suppliers of recycled windows and doors can not guarantee that they have appropriate products for a specific project.

The range of composite window products is limited locally.

Hardwood veneer doors are less common than recycled/reconstituted-content doors and hardwood panel doors may have to be ordered.

COST:

Panel doors are costly. Recycled windows and doors may entail considerable labor expense to prepare for use.

IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

FINANCING:

Recycled materials (reused) may be questioned unless they are shown to be of high quality.

PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE:

Awareness of composite products is not high. Once convinced of maintenance-free qualities and durability, buyers should find them attractive. Recycled (reused) materials must be high quality and/or of architectural significance to gain acceptance.

REGULATORY:

Windows must be tested and certified and have air infiltration qualities of less than 0.50 CFM per lineal foot of crack. New window suppliers will offer certified test data to satisfy these requirements. This information can not be provided for reused windows, thereby limiting the applicability of reused windows.

GUIDELINES

Standard practices pertain to installing the listed window and door options.

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