We are in the process of modifying a screened porch to make a 12 month heated/cooled room. We live in coastal N. Carolina. My wife seems partial to aluminum windows which because of the weight bearing wall supports(8″ southern pine pilings covered with 1″ cedar boards) will allow custom sized windows and not obstruct as much of the view as double hung windows with upper or lower transoms. The only such windows(aluminum) I have seen had “weep” drains at the bottom.We have seen sliding windows which might do but I can not determine heat efficiency. We wish the room to be somehow heat efficient. I have tried a number of manufacturer’s web sites and can find few ideas or discussions re aluminum windows value in this application. The house now has vinyl clad Anderson windows. Also we are in a hurricane area and must be able to withstand over 55mph winds.
Any thoughts are appreciated
Mike
Replies
My only thought is that aluminum really expands when it gets hot (much greater than wood and greater than other metals that are commonly used)--don't know if that could be a problem (could create problems with parts sticking from expansion and may be tough to seal with caulk). It will also be hotter to the touch than wood (and cooler in winter).
The most heat efficient (and wind resistant) windows are casements - which incidentally also provide a lot of view. Aluminum is not good because heat travels through it so easily - you're better off to go with wood, fiberglass, or clad. We ended up getting al clad Marvin windows for our sunroom and have been very happy with the results.
Thank you aimless, but the problem is that there are five bays which vary in width from 57" to 48" and we wish to preserve as much view as possible.
? Not sure I understand the problem. If you go with any kind of slider you will have a bar in the middle, either vertical (slider) or horizontal (double hung). Casements offer no real difference in preserving the view - to make that width you may have double casements with a bar down the middle (vertical if casement, horizontal if awning 'casement'). From an ability to open standpoint they are superior because you can open them all the way, and from an ability to close standpoint they are superior because they offer the best seal against the elements.
If you are really interested in preserving the view and efficiency, then do fixed glass - no impediment to the view, no leakage at the edges, and much cheaper to install. If you need fresh air you can have small vents at the transoms. Or do fixed glass for the really big windows (the almost 5 footer) and another type (casement, slider, what have you) on the others to allow for opening/egress.