Windows are one of the most confusing—and consequential—components of a high-performance home. In this episode, the crew takes a deep dive into window and glass selection, aiming to make things clear without letting your eyes glaze over.The discussion covers dual-pane versus triple-pane insulated glazing units, IGU numbering conventions, and the relatively new i89 coating—including what it means for thermal performance and condensation risk. They also unpack the difference between center-of-glass values and full-window NFRC performance numbers, and why those distinctions matter when making real design decisions.One gem of a takeaway sums it all up, with Jake quoting Steve: “The windows, the envelope, and the HVAC are one line item.”Pete’s Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://www.cardinalcorp.com/technology/reference/technical-glass-guide/'>Cardinal Glass Technical Guide (2025 Version 3.1)</a></li><li><a href='https://buildingscience.com/documents/bareports/ba-0402-singing-the-blues-in-the-key-of-low-e/view'>BA 0402 “Singing the Blues in the Key of Low-E”</a></li><li><a href='https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44223-022-00009-6'>A Review of Advanced Architectural Glazing Technologies</a></li><li><a href='https://efficientwindowcoverings.org/index.html'>Efficient Window Coverings</a></li></ul>

Windows are one of the most confusing—and consequential—components of a high-performance home. In this episode, the crew takes a deep dive into window and glass selection, aiming to make things clear without letting your eyes glaze over. The discussion covers dual-pane versus triple-pane insulated glazing units, IGU numbering conventions, and the relatively new i89 coating—including what it means for thermal performance and condensation risk. They also unpack the difference between center-of-glass values and full-window NFRC performance numbers, and why those distinctions matter when making real design decisions. One gem of a takeaway sums it all up, with Jake quoting Steve: “The windows, the envelope, and the HVAC are one line item.” Pete’s Resources:Cardinal Glass Technical Guide (2025 Version 3.1)BA 0402 “Singing the Blues in the Key of Low-E”A Review of Advanced Architectural Glazing TechnologiesEfficient Window Coverings

Windows are one of the most confusing—and consequential—components of a high-performance home. In this episode, the crew takes a deep dive into window and glass selection, aiming to make things clear without letting your eyes glaze over.The discussion covers dual-pane versus triple-pane insulated glazing units, IGU numbering conventions, and the relatively new i89 coating—including what it means for thermal performance and condensation risk. They also unpack the difference between center-of-glass values and full-window NFRC performance numbers, and why those distinctions matter when making real design decisions.One gem of a takeaway sums it all up, with Jake quoting Steve: “The windows, the envelope, and the HVAC are one line item.”Pete’s Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://www.cardinalcorp.com/technology/reference/technical-glass-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cardinal Glass Technical Guide (2025 Version 3.1)</a></li><li><a href="https://buildingscience.com/documents/bareports/ba-0402-singing-the-blues-in-the-key-of-low-e/view" rel="noopener noreferrer">BA 0402 “Singing the Blues in the Key of Low-E”</a></li><li><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44223-022-00009-6" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Review of Advanced Architectural Glazing Technologies</a></li><li><a href="https://efficientwindowcoverings.org/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Efficient Window Coverings</a></li></ul>

146 - A Deep Dive on Windows: Glass, Performance & Condensation

THE GOOD news: our homebuilding industry is jam-packed with new materials, new techniques, and new systems, and it’s so easy to get information online in an instant. THE&nbsp; BAD news: How do we know what we can trust, what will work, and under what conditions? Where do we turn to separate the spin-and-hype from the true-and-square? We’ve got you covered! The UnBuild It Podcast is an industry-leading opportunity to get good information. UnBuild It podcast is a three-member team – Peter Yost, Building Scientist; Jake Bruton, Builder, and Remodeler; and Steven Baczek, Architect. We are nationally recognized industry leaders: Jake as a homebuilder, Steve as an architect, and Peter as a building scientist. You can find us at leading homebuilding industry events, in top-notch publications, and online media outlets. We believe that solid industry-related information has four key ingredients; RELEVANCE: You need insight on your job site. Jake, Steve, and Peter are in the field regularly doing what we strive to do. We walk the walk – then talk about the walk. We have worked together long enough to build on each other’s expertise and not take ourselves too seriously. We are among the best at taking what may seem like complicated concepts, breaking them down, and turning them into job-site-ready breakthroughs. ACCURACY: Jake is often quoted as saying, “Trust but Validate.” We don’t ask you to be the bleeding, leading edge; we develop trusted solutions based on our work in the field, pushing each other to practice what we preach. Our accuracy comes out of triangulation: building, design, and performance. UTILITY: We guarantee that each podcast episode will move you from all ears to all action. Our information is born from our work. We pride ourselves on delivering information you can use the same day you listen to an episode.&nbsp; CAMARADERIE: We work together because we love homebuilding, hitting the airwaves, and humor. We are not doing our job if you are not enjoying learning with us during each episode.

Business

Science

Education

How To

THE GOOD news: our homebuilding industry is jam-packed with new materials, new techniques, and new systems, and it’s so easy to get information online in an instant. THE  BAD news: How do we know what we can trust, what will work, and under what conditions? Where do we turn to separate the spin-and-hype from the true-and-square? We’ve got you covered! The UnBuild It Podcast is an industry-leading opportunity to get good information. UnBuild It podcast is a three-member team – Peter Yost, Building Scientist; Jake Bruton, Builder, and Remodeler; and Steven Baczek, Architect. We are nationally recognized industry leaders: Jake as a homebuilder, Steve as an architect, and Peter as a building scientist. You can find us at leading homebuilding industry events, in top-notch publications, and online media outlets. We believe that solid industry-related information has four key ingredients; RELEVANCE: You need insight on your job site. Jake, Steve, and Peter are in the field regularly doing what we strive to do. We walk the walk – then talk about the walk. We have worked together long enough to build on each other’s expertise and not take ourselves too seriously. We are among the best at taking what may seem like complicated concepts, breaking them down, and turning them into job-site-ready breakthroughs. ACCURACY: Jake is often quoted as saying, “Trust but Validate.” We don’t ask you to be the bleeding, leading edge; we develop trusted solutions based on our work in the field, pushing each other to practice what we preach. Our accuracy comes out of triangulation: building, design, and performance. UTILITY: We guarantee that each podcast episode will move you from all ears to all action. Our information is born from our work. We pride ourselves on delivering information you can use the same day you listen to an episode.  CAMARADERIE: We work together because we love homebuilding, hitting the airwaves, and humor. We are not doing our job if you are not enjoying learning with us during each episode.

Share 146 - A Deep Dive on Windows: Glass, Performance & Condensation

Sign up to save your podcasts

146 - A Deep Dive on Windows: Glass, Performance & Condensation

146 - A Deep Dive on Windows: Glass, Performance & Condensation

More shows like UnBuild It Podcast

The Stacking Benjamins Show

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

Wood Talk | Woodworking

The Building Science Podcast

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Modern Craftsman

Shop Talk Live - Fine Woodworking

Woodshop Life Podcast

Shannon's Lumber Industry Update

E3: Energy & Efficiency With Emily

Contractor Evolution

The Build Show Podcast

Passion for Craft Podcast

Building Consensus

Let Jaime Talk Podcast