Storm windows, shutters, or? – for insulation.
Tiziano
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
I’m designing a 12′ x 16′ workshop/studio that has a mono-slop roof. The ceiling on the tall end is 12′ high, running down to 8′ on the short end. That tall end has 46 sq ft of windows out of the 192 sq ft of wall. See attached image.
I’m in climate zone 6, so the floor will be R-39, walls R-35, and roof R-60.
While the amount of windows is designed to give me options, during most days I’ll need only about 8 sq ft of window light at a time, with the remaining amount of windows blacked out entirely. Then, at night, I’ll need no window light at all.
The question is, what’s the best way to block the windows, from an insulation standpoint? I can easily control the light via shutters or fabric, but it occurs to me that there might be a better way that would also give me some insulating value.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
One thought I had was to fabricate insulated panels that would insert into the interior of the window bays.
Another idea was to put insulated panels on the exterior, hooking them on using hooks as shown in this image.
But, in either case I worry about condensation.
Just buy triple panes and blackout cellular blinds. The heat loss on 38 sf r7 vs maybe r 15 would be so minimal and would enable a host of potential issues and look worse.
Good idea. But likely both out of my price range and I'm guessing the third pane will reduce the light too. Still, I'll look into it.
Peter Yost has recommended this Department of Energy sponsored website before:
https://efficientwindowcoverings.org/#compare
It does a good job of explaining the options when it comes to both interior and exterior window coverings. My take is that exterior options are best if you want to minimize solar heat gain, but interior options are better if you want to maximize solar heat gain.
Intersting.
Nothing that I compared seems to be that good for condensation resistance. I suppose that's to be expected, given the wildly different temperature possibilities between inside and out in the winter.
Still, I great resource. Thanks.
Insulated shutters may not make financial sense, but if you enjoy building stuff then it could be a satisfying project. Here are a couple horizontal sliding shutter designs that might get you started on a vertically-operating variant:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/greenbuildingadvisor.s3.tauntoncloud.com/app/uploads/2021/05/07225331/1442-Arctic-Shutter-Design.pdf
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2010/11/11/sliding-shutters-for-a-cold-climate
Thanks FrankD!