Windows are a critical component in sustainable building design. Most energy flows in and out of a building through its windows, but with intelligent design and technological innovation they can be used to provide heating, cooling and lighting for a better indoor environment.  

Here is what to look for:

Framing

Wood frames are very energy efficient, and are available in FSC wood, but can also be expensive and need to be sealed or painted regularly to protect them from water damage. Fiberglass frames are low maintenance and energy-efficient but can also be expensive. Aluminum frames are inexpensive but conduct heat easily and are therefore less energy efficient than other options.


Click here to see a list of our green window manufacturers:
Wood (includes Vinyl and Aluminum Clad)
Fiberglass
Vinyl
Aluminum and Commerical

Glass Options

Insulated Glass
Creates an insulated air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. Insulated glass also reduces condensation while keeping the heat in during the winter, and heat out during the summer.


Low-E Glass: Low-E Glass is coated with a virtually invisible layer of silver that reflects radiant solar energy while permitting visible light to pass through the glass. Low-E Glass can either have a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (the best choice in climates dominated by cooling) or a high SHGC ( the best choice in climates dominated by heating or for south facing windows in climates with a mix of cooling and heating requirements).

Argon Gas: Added inside an insulated panel with Low-E Glass, Argon gas is an invisible, insulating blanket that replaces most of the air during the manufacturing process. With Low-E reflecting heat away, Argon gas buffers thermal transfer to enhance the performance of the whole glass panel.

Certifications and Ratings
 

National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC): Look for the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) label on the window or patio door. This label shows the U-Value, Solar Heat Gain, and visible light transmittance values.

Energy Star® Rated: Energy Star® is a national campaign sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy to promote energy efficient products.

R- and U-Values: R-Value is a term that measures the insulation properties of a material like insulation, but the energy efficiency of windows is measured by ‘U-Values’. The higher the R-Value, the greater its insulating ability, but for U-Value, the lower the number the better that product’s insulating efficiency. To find a U-Value, divide the number ‘1’ by the R-Value. For example, an R-Value of ‘4’ is equal to a U-Value of .25.

Click here to see our selection of Window Manufacturers (all with eco-friendly window options).

Woodland Is Now FSC Chain of Custody Certified!

Here at Woodland you can purchase FSC products, including FSC lumber, sheetgoods, trim, doors, thermally modified decking, windows, cabinets and millwork. Woodland Building is one of the few lumber and millwork suppliers in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region to be FSC COC Certified.

 For those of you who are not familar, FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Established in 1993 as a response to concerns over global deforestation, FSC is a pioneer forum where the global consensus on responsible forest management convenes and through democratic process effects solutions to the pressures facing the world’s forests and forest-dependent communities.

FSC also can help you achieve points if you are working on a LEED Certified Building. Visit our website or call 215-727-5333 for more information on FSC and other eco friendly materials.

Putting Paneling in it's Place

Faux Tin Tiles make a splash on any backsplash!

In recent years, tin decorative tiles have started appearing in nontraditional areas of the house besides their usual spot on the ceiling. Because of the beautiful colors and patterns you can get from these tiles, they have become very popular in recent years. Although tin and metal tiles are great for their aesthetic value, there is a new option that may make it even more enticing.  Acoustical Ceiling Panels (ACP) now has thermoplastic panels that mimic metal tiles but add a modern element in their designs and color selection.

Thermoplastic panels have many advantages over their metal counterpart. They can be used on almost any surface and once put into place they are just as durable. Easy to clean and install, rust-proof and affordable, thermoplastic are well worth their value. They also cost a fraction of the cost as metal tiles. For more information visit: Fasade Ideas.

Here is a video on the product. Enjoy!