Modular Building Windows What Are My Choices

by | Mar 6, 2017 | Blog

What Type Of Windows Can We Use In our Modular Building?

Commercial modular buildings are constructed to the IBC code, the same code as any traditional site contractor will use. The goal is to design a building that allows natural light, but that also has energy efficiency built into the modular building design.

What to look for: The National Fenestration Rating Council offers five areas to consider when selecting windows for your new modular building.

  1. U-Factor determines how well a window prevents heat from escaping. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20 the lower number is best at keeping heat in. This is a great consideration for a modular church building.
  2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) reflects how well a product will blocks heat from the sun. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, a lower SHGC indicating a product that is better at blocking unwanted heat gain. This is important when constructing a modular hospital or clinical facility.
  3. Visible Transmittance (VT) indicates how much light comes through the window. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1 the higher the VT number the higher the potential for daylighting. This is important in modular educational spaces.
  4. Air Leakage (AL) measures how much outside air comes into your new modular building. AL rates typically fall in a range between 0.1 and 0.3 the lower AL  is better at keeping air out.  This should be considered in modular hospitality projects.
  5. Condensation Resistance (CR) measures how well a window resists the formation of condensation. CR will show a number between 1 and 100 with a higher CR indicating a product better able to resist condensation. Federal modular building projects often look at this considerationLow E Windows will cost about 10% or 15% more than standard windows, but will supposedly reduce energy loss by as much as 50%.

The federal government has a program designed to show consumers energy efficiency.   Windows are one of the products that get registered.   Look for your energy star sticker to tell you more about the window & how good the energy savings will be.

  1. There are also lots of options for coatings, screens, shutters, frame materials, and opening operation.
  2. For more information contact our design team & we can help you make informed decisions on the best value for your new modular building.