Home Office Windows
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|title = Home Office Windows
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|header5 = Home Office Windows
|data6 = Windows for Renovated Home Offices
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Replacement windows for a home office should provide light and ventilation to an office space in order to create a productive home work area.{{
Working from home saves time and money but tax authorities insist that tax deductions on a home office can only be taken if the worker has a special office room in which to work. Many work-at-home employees and self-employed workers renovate an attic, basement, garage or other home space as their home office. Embarking on a home office renovation project involves creating a work space which provides adequate ventilation and lighting together with an aesthetically pleasing area that allows the worker to work productively. Home office replacement windows become a major component of such an architectural design.
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Home Office Windows
Home offices can be created in attics, basements, porches and even in walk-in closets but unless the homeowner wants to rely on artificial lighting for the room's illumination, the type, size, style and placement of the office's replacement windows should be carefully planned. A home office with a well-designed window display will help to ensure an active work location. The wide variety of replacement window possibilities present a suitable window solution to any home office design.
Considerations for Home Office Windows
Wherever the remodeled home office is situated or whatever limitations the homeowner works with when planning the renovation project, the placement 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 that 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. The size and shape of a home office window will depend on the window's location. In addition, home office designers suggest that the window be installed in a location which is not directly behind the office 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 close partially or fully to cut down the glare during the times of the day when there is a high natural light transmittance while they can remain 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 U-Factor is an industry-accepted 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 and bow windows, which are shaped in an arch design, can also offer increased cross ventilation to a home office.
Office Window Framing Materials
Replacement home office windows are available as wood, wood clad, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum or composite frames.
Wood Windows and Wood Clad Window Frames
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 frames combine the traditional interior appearance of a wood window frame with a weather-resistant aluminum or 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 and Aluminum Window Frames
Vinyl frames and 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 and Composite Window Frames
Fiberglass frames and 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.
Glazing Options for Office Windows
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 glazing is a popular and cost-efficient glazing option. Double pane windows and, for extreme climates, 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.
Office Window 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.
Home Office Window Sizes and Shapes
The variety of possibilities for home office windows are great, ranging from large 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.
Home Office Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows
Traditional vertical sliding windows, including single-hung windows and double-hung windows along with 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.
Home Office Hinged Windows
Hinged windows, including casement windows, awning windows and 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 are a suitable window for home offices which are created in dormer room extensions. Egress windows are indicated when a basement or other difficult-to-access room is remodeled as a home office. 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 are a suitable window alternative for home offices which are remodeled in a space underneath a gable roof.
Bay and Bow Windows
A small room can be enlarge with a bay or 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.