Name The Process That Redefines The Construction Industry

TXI’s rotary-kiln lightweight aggregate provides water for a process that is generically referred to as “internal curing”.  Many claim internal curing has revolutionized the ability to design and build stronger, longer-lasting, greener structures from highways to high-rise buildings.  The naming of this process is an important industry event and we are turning to you - the engineering and architectural community - to do it.

You could win a $1,000 gift card for naming TXI’s internal curing process using rotary-kiln lightweight aggregate.  The first 100 participants will receive a $20 gift card just for submitting their ideas.  The winner will receive a $1,000 gift card and will be recognized for their contribution to the construction industry.  Send us your ideas now

BONUS: Earn free Continuing Education credits. You may qualify just by learning more about the internal curing process. Sign up for TXI’s eNewsletter to be notified when they become available.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Buying new energy-efficient windows can be a challenge in part because windows have become much more complex over the past 20 years, and there are now many options to choose from. To help you make wise choices, let’s breeze through a short course on windows.

Window Options
Windows come in many styles. Their air tightness-and hence energy efficiency-varies considerably. As a rule, non-operable windows (that cannot open) are the most airtight and energy-efficient. Next on the list are casement (crank-out), awning (tilts out at bottom), and hopper (tilts in, usually for basements) windows. The least airtight are single- and double-hung. That said, not all windows are created equal, no matter what their style. A high quality single- or double-hung window may be more airtight than a lower-quality casement window.

Manufacturers list air infiltration rates on prominent labels. Air leakage is measured in cubic feet of air per square foot of glass. (Air doesn’t actually leak through the glass, but around the perimeter.) Look for windows with leakage rates of less than 0.3 cubic feet per minute per square foot. 

Another feature to consider is the sash material. There are four basic choices: wood, metal, vinyl, and fiberglass. By far the most popular-and the greenest-is the wood-frame window. Wood windows are attractive, relatively inexpensive, and insulate well. They’re also made from a renewable, natural resource. (Some manufacturers make windows from FSC-certified lumber. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies lumber from sustainable forestry operations. Ask the dealer about this greener option.)

The most durable wood windows come with an exterior aluminum cladding that protects the wood sash from sunlight and weather. Wood windows with vinyl cladding are also available. Insulated vinyl windows are also becoming popular, as vinyl is a durable material and never needs painting.

Aluminum windows are also popular, but tend to be inefficient if the sashes are not insulated. If you purchase an aluminum-frame window, be sure it’s insulated and comes with a high-quality thermal break-an insulated spacer placed between the layers of glass. Thermal breaks reduce heat loss around the edges of windows and dramatically improve the efficiency of windows. Another option is an insulated fiberglass window, a durable material like vinyl.

The other green factor to consider is energy efficiency – which means the number of panes of glass. Windows comes in single-, double-, and, much less commonly, triple-pane varieties. Each pane increases a window’s energy efficiency, and, as a general rule, the more panes, the better. Unfortunately, triple-pane windows tend to be costly, so most people settle for double-panes, which work well in most applications, especially if you use insulated shades.

Excerpted with permission from Green Home Improvement, by Daniel D. Chiras, PhD, published by RSMeans.