Home Office Windows

{{Infobox
|title = Home Office Windows
|image        = [[File:Space holder.jpg|215px|alt=Home Office Windows]]
|header5 = Other Names:
|data6   = Windows for Renovated Home Offices
|header7 = Description:
|data8   = Home office should provide light and ventilation in order to create a productive work area.}}

Working from home saves time and money but tax authorities insist that deductions only be taken a special home office room exists. Many workers renovate an attic, basement, garage or other house space as their home office. '''Home office replacement windows''' must provide adequate ventilation and lighting together with an aesthetically pleasing setting to generate productivity.

== Home Office Window Considerations ==
Wherever the remodeled home office is situated or whatever limitations the homeowner works with when planning the renovation project, the placement of windows will be an important part of the development. In all circumstances the plan must take into account the room's lighting and ventilation needs, privacy considerations and energy efficiency. 

=== Lighting ===
When setting up a home office area, the architectural design should ensure the lighting creates a pleasant space which is functional and free from distraction. Natural light helps to provide an atmosphere which is conductive to a productive work environment, saves on lighting costs and contributes to a positive mood in the office room. Size and shape of a home office window will depend on the window's location. Windows should not be installed directly behind computers or work space to avoid being disturbed by the sun's glare. Window treatments, such as shutters, blinds and curtains can partially or fully cut down the glare during times of high natural light transmittance, while remaining open at other times.

=== Energy Efficiency ===  
Well insulated home office windows will provide a pleasant working environment during both summer and the winter months while reducing heating and cooling costs. These windows limit heat transfer through the window's glass, frame and weatherstripping materials. The [[Window U Factor|U-Factor]] is an industry-accepted [[Window Ratings|rating]] that can be used to ascertain a window's energy performance. U-Factors of 30 or less provide the highest level of thermal insulation. 

=== Ventilation ===
Ventilation, including cross ventilation, should be considered when installing office windows. Proper venting reduces air pollutants and moisture, including a build-up of mold. These concerns are extremely important for a home office, especially when the homeowner spends significant amounts of time in the office. If a cross-ventilation window design is not possible, air ducts or a ceiling fan can ensure that the existing replacement windows' offer sufficient air circulation. Window units such as [[Bay Windows|bay]] and [[Bow Windows|bow]] windows, which are shaped in an arch design, can also offer increased cross ventilation to a home office.

== Office Window Framing Materials ==

Home office replacement windows are available in wood, wood clad, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum or composite frames. 

=== Wood & Wood Clad Frames ===

[[Wood Windows|All-wood windows]] are a traditional window frame alternative which are popular in classic-décor home offices. These window frames must be painted or varnished yearly to prevent warping or rotting. Homeowners can paint or varnish wood frames in any desired color or shade. [[Wood Clad Windows|Wood clad frames]] combine the traditional interior appearance of a wood window frame with a weather-resistant [[Aluminum-Clad-Windows|aluminum]] or [[Vinyl-Clad-Windows|vinyl cladding]] which is attached to the frame's exterior. These windows do not require any maintenance. Cladding is available in a wide range of colors and hues. 

=== Vinyl & Aluminum Frames  ===
[[Vinyl Windows|Vinyl frames]] and [[Aluminum Windows|aluminum frames]] are a low-cost replacement window option for office windows. Aluminum frames are susceptible to condensation problems in heat-dominated climates. Both aluminum and vinyl frames are available in a wide range of color alternatives. 

=== Fiberglass & Composite Frames ===
[[Fiberglass Windows|Fiberglass frames]] and [[Composite Windows|composite material frames]] are relatively new framing alternatives on the replacement window market. Both of these framing materials offer quality replacement window options for office windows. The frames are weather-resistant and provide satisfactory energy performance. Fiberglass and composite window frames tend to cost more than vinyl and aluminum window frames and are comparable in price with wood and wood-clad window frames.

== Office Window Glazing Options ==
Glazing alternatives for office windows can increase the room's privacy, thermal insulation and radiation transmittance.  

=== Multi-Pane Glazing ===
Homeowners who rely on their home office for their income will want to ensure that the office is a comfortable environment which provides a productive atmosphere. Climate control is a central concern in creating such an atmosphere and multi-pane windows offer an energy efficient window solution which helps to generate such a home office environment. In climates where heat transfer is not a concern, [[Single Pane Windows|single pane glazing]] is a popular and cost-efficient glazing option. [[Double Glazed Windows|Double pane windows]] and, for extreme climates, [[Triple Glazed Windows|triple pane windows]] increase the window's ability to prevent heat transfer and reduce both heating and cooling costs in both hot and cold weather. 

=== Privacy Glazing ===
Privacy is of utmost importance in home offices. Privacy glass, including tinted, patterned or clouded glazing increases the opportunity to ensure privacy while allowing venting and a limited amount of daylighting to enter the office space. The need for privacy glazing will be determined by the foot traffic on the other side of the office wall.

== Shapes, Sizes and Styles ==
Available shapes, sizes and styles of home office replacement windows provide a wide range of options for homeowners who are renovating a home office. These window alternatives are dependent on the existing room's location and structure. Architectural plans attempt to balance an open area which is conducive to productive work together with the need to create an isolated space where the individual can work quietly and without outside distractions. 

The variety of possibilities for home office windows are great, ranging from large [[picture windows|picture windows]] in applications where operating windows are not indicated to traditional operating vertical sliding, horizontal sliding and crank-out casement windows. The window plans must also address lighting and venting concerns while creating a productive environment for the worker. 

=== Vertical & Horizontal Sliding Windows ===
Traditional [[vertical sliding windows|vertical sliding windows]], including [[single hung windows|single-hung windows]] and [[double hung windows|double-hung windows]] along with [[horizontal sliding windows|horizontal sliding windows]] allow sufficient daylighting and ventilation into the office work space. These windows are easy to operate and clean and can be securely locked to ensure office security. 

=== Hinged Windows ===
Hinged windows, including [[casement windows|casement windows]], [[awning windows|awning windows]] and [[hopper windows|hopper windows]] provide either a swing-in or swing-out mechanism. They are often installed when the architectural plan calls for a fully-venting window. These windows can be installed singly or in continuous rows above the work space, providing sunlight and ventilation while maintaining a closed work space in the area where the actual work takes place. 

=== Special Window Applications ===
When an attic, basement or other special room is renovated as a home office, special windows are often needed. Special [[dormer windows|dormer windows]] are a suitable window for home offices which are created in dormer room extensions. [[Egress Emergency Exit Window|Egress windows]] are indicated when a basement or other difficult-to-access room is remodeled as a home office. [[Clerestory windows|Clerestory windows]] are a window option for window applications that are intended to be installed above eye level, oftentimes along the ceiling line of an attic office or other high-ceiling room. [[Gable windows|Gable windows]] are a suitable window alternative for home offices which are remodeled in a space underneath a gable roof.  

=== Bay & Bow Windows ===
A small room can be enlarge with a [[bay windows|bay]] or [[bow windows|bow]] window. Bay windows include three joined windows which are arched to protrude from the room. Bow windows are built from four or five windows which are joined in an arch which juts out from the room. Bay and bow windows may be built from operating windows, non-operating windows or a combination of operating and non-operating windows. These windows increase the ventilation within a home office and offer extra work or storage space within the arch.

[[Category:Replacement Windows]]