Office Windows

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

'''Offices''' can function with artificial lighting, offices which feature more natural daylighting are a more pleasant and efficient atmosphere in which to produce work. An office with a well-designed window display will help to ensure an active work location. The wide variety of [[Replacement-Windows|replacement window]] possibilities present a suitable window solution to any office design. 

== Types of Office Windows ==
Many offices require both interior and exterior windows. 

=== Exterior Office Windows ===
Exterior office window styles include  [[Fixed Frame Windows|picture windows]], [[Double Hung Windows|double hung windows]], [[Horizontal Sliding Windows|horizontal sliding windows]] and [[Casement Windows|casement windows]].

=== Interior Office Windows ===
Interior office windows include glass partitions, conference room glass walls, reception area windows, sound proof windows and bullet proof  windows. Often publicly exposed office windows contain scratch removal and anti graffiti film.

== Office Window Considerations ==
Office window plans must take into account the room's lighting and ventilation needs, privacy considerations and energy efficiency. 

=== Exterior Window Considerations=== 
Architectural office designs should ensure that the lighting creates a pleasant space which is functional and free from distraction. Natural light helps provide an atmosphere which is conductive to a productive work environment, saves on lighting costs and contributes to a positive mood in the office. Size and shape of office windows will depend on the window's location. Office designers suggest that exterior office windows should not be installed directly behind an employee's computer or work space so the sun's glare won't disturb the work station. Additionally, window treatments, such as shutters, blinds and curtains can partially close or fully cut down the glare during the times of the day when there is a high natural light transmittance, while remaining open at other times.

=== Interior Window Considerations ===
Conference room partitions and partitions between work cubicles do not require the thermal insulation and the weather resistant properties of exterior office windows, but sound proofing is an important consideration. [[Sound Proof Windows|Sound proof windows]] are a good choice for such partitions. Sound proof windows do not always require expensive [[Window Framing Materials|window frames]] but employ a glazing sash which reduces noise transmission. An acoustical glazing pane enables multiple employees to function within one large space while ensuring that the conversations and actions of each do not affect other employees.

== Energy Efficiency ==  
Well insulated exterior office windows will provide a pleasant working environment during both summer and the winter months while reducing the employer's 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 an office, especially when there are multiple employees in the office. If a cross-ventilation window design is not possible, air ducts or a ceiling fan can ensure that the existing windows' offer sufficient air circulation.

== Framing Materials ==

Exterior 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 exterior window frame alternative which are popular in classic-décor offices. These window frames must be painted or varnished yearly to prevent warping or rotting. Wood frames can be painted or varnished 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 offices. 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. Vinyl or aluminum frames are also cost-effective choices for interior office windows used to separate different work stations or conference rooms. 

=== 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 exterior office windows. These 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 ===
Cost is often weighted against employee efficiency when creating a work environment but a comfortable environment 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 generate such an 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 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. 

Privacy glazing may be used in both exterior and interior office windows.

== Shapes, Sizes & Styles ==

Available shapes, sizes and styles of office replacement windows provide a wide range of options for employers who are renovating a office. These window alternatives are dependent on the environment'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. 

=== Office Window Sizes & Shapes ===
Office windows have a great variety of possible styles, ranging from large [[Picture Windows|picture windows]] where operating windows are not needed to traditional operating vertical sliding, horizontal sliding and crank-out casement windows. Office 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, clean and can be securely locked to ensure office security. Sliding windows can be installed as either exterior or interior windows.  

=== Hinged Office Windows ===
Hinged windows, also called [[casement windows|casement 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. 

[[Awning windows|awning windows]] and [[hopper windows|hopper windows]] may also be installed near the ceiling to provide added office ventilation while ensuring a more closed, private work station. 

=== Special Window Applications ===
For office renovations in unique architectural spaces, special windows are often needed. Special [[dormer windows|dormer windows]] are a suitable window for offices which are created in dormer room extensions. [[Egress Emergency Exit Window|Egress windows]] are indicated when an office is built in a room which is difficult to access. [[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 offices which are remodeled in a space underneath a gable roof.  

=== Bay and Bow Windows ===
A small room can be enlarged 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 office and offer extra work or storage space within the arch.

[[Category:Replacement Windows]]