flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Upgrading windows: repair, refurbish, or retrofit [AIA course]

Upgrading windows: repair, refurbish, or retrofit [AIA course]

Building Teams must focus on a number of key decisions in order to arrive at the optimal solution: repair the windows in place, remove and refurbish them, or opt for full replacement.


By C.C. Sullivan and Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, Contributing Editors | April 16, 2014
For an 1893 academic building in the Collegiate Gothic style at Bryn Mawr (Pa.)
For an 1893 academic building in the Collegiate Gothic style at Bryn Mawr (Pa.) College, architect MGA Partners reworked the ori

Thanks to today’s high-performance fenestration products and systems, well-designed and properly installed window retrofits deliver predictable and calculable operations benefits.

However, Building Teams must focus on a number of key decisions in order to arrive at the optimal solution: Repair the windows in place? Remove and refurbish them? Opt for full replacement? Which types of materials and window profiles and styles are best suited for a retrofit application? How do aesthetics factor into the equation? 

Drawing from years of experience, a select group of expert organizations and Building Team leaders, including architects and contractors, share insights that have helped sorting out these issues on recent major projects.

After reading this article, you should be able to:
• Describe the assessment considerations for replacing or repairing existing fenestration systems, with particular attention to occupant health and comfort.
• Explain the relative benefits and tradeoffs, including energy savings and indoor environmental quality, of material specifications for replacement window and door products.
• List three or more requirements for evaluating replacement windows, doors, and other fenestration, depending on the historical styles or aesthetic criteria of the subject building.
• Discuss the materials and systems attributes that affect a window system’s energy efficiency, including thermal bridging.

 

TAKE THIS FREE AIA/CES DISCOVERY COURSE AT BDCUNIVERSITY.COM

Related Stories

Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021

The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities

This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.

Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021

The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring

This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what  makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.

Architects | Apr 14, 2021

HASTINGS elevates Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal

Hastings Architecture promotes Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal.

Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021

BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms

BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.

Architects | Apr 2, 2021

Spring Has Sprung at Construction Specialties

Introducing a slew of sensational solids, metallic finishes that cast subtle and shimmering effects, and disposable curtains to complement our exclusive fabric line.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 30, 2021

Bipartisan ‘YIMBY’ bill would provide $1.5B in grants to spur new housing

Resources for local leaders to overcome obstacles such as density-unfriendly or discriminatory zoning.

Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021

Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19

Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.

Architects | Mar 25, 2021

The Weekly Show, March 25, 2021: The Just Label for AEC firms, and Perkins Eastman's Well-Platinum design studio

This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about the Just Label from the International Living Future Institute, and the features and amenities at Perkins Eastman's Well Platinum-certified design studio.

Architects | Mar 23, 2021

Design firms KTGY, Simeone Deary Design Group unite to shape future of architectural design through experiential environments

With a bold vision to reshape how people experience spaces, residential design firm joins forces with interior design group, creating fully integrated architecture, branding, interiors and planning practice.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Construction Costs

Data center construction costs for 2024

Gordian’s data features more than 100 building models, including computer data centers. These localized models allow architects, engineers, and other preconstruction professionals to quickly and accurately create conceptual estimates for future builds. This table shows a five-year view of costs per square foot for one-story computer data centers. 


Sustainability

Grimshaw launches free online tool to help accelerate decarbonization of buildings

Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.



Healthcare Facilities

Watch on-demand: Key Trends in the Healthcare Facilities Market for 2024-2025

Join the Building Design+Construction editorial team for this on-demand webinar on key trends, innovations, and opportunities in the $65 billion U.S. healthcare buildings market. A panel of healthcare design and construction experts present their latest projects, trends, innovations, opportunities, and data/research on key healthcare facilities sub-sectors. A 2024-2025 U.S. healthcare facilities market outlook is also presented.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021