NFRC Label: Whaaaaaat do all those numbers mean?
Of course, windows are an expressive design element, an architectural statement really. A view to your outdoor world; of ocean, city, mountains, or a cornfield (my view). They act as a means to extend the indoor space visually. But in addition to their beauty, and just as important, windows are a vital part of the building envelope, providing thermal barriers, light transmission, sound control, and natural ventilation. Something else windows can do? Contribute to sustainable design and improve occupant health! Because of the importance these fenestrations (or window and door openings) are to a building’s envelope, manufacturers apply NFRC labels to their products. So, what are these labels supposed to tell us exactly?
Ok, if we zero in on just the window or door’s thermal and energy performance, ta-da, that information is all on the:
