When constructing a high performance building like a Passive House, moisture management, air tightness, installed thermal performance, and air management are mission critical. Windows can easily become the weak links, so proper window installation becomes central to successful construction.

In this video series released last year, Zola Windows’ Florian Speier provides an overview of unpacking, installing, and adjusting high performance windows on location at Pumpkin Ridge Passive House. The series highlights not only how to connect the window to the structure but also touches on proper flashing of the rough opening, air sealing, and over-insulating the frames.

Coupled with Sam Hagerman’s recent article, “A Simple Approach is Best for Preventing Leaks at Rough Openings,” and the “New Window Installation” section of our newly published Best Practices Manual, the series presents a nice primer on high performance window installation.

Enjoy!

Installing European Passive House Windows #1: Window Introduction

Installing European Passive House Windows #2: Rough Opening Prep

Installing European Passive House Windows #3: Sash Removal

Installing European Passive House Windows #4: Sash Installation

Installing European Passive House Windows #5: Interior Air Sealing

Installing European Passive House Windows #6: Exterior Over-Insulating

Installing European Passive House Windows #7: Tilt Slide Doors

Installing European Passive House Windows #8: Balcony Doors

 

aUTHOR

Picture of Zack Semke

Zack Semke

Zack Semke, passive building advocate and now-director of Passive House Accelerator, was an invaluable member of our team as Director of Business Development from 2010-2016. He is the director of Passive House Accelerator, co-host of the Passive House Podcast, and a member of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps. He writes and speaks about the role that buildings can play in accelerating the clean energy transition. Passive House Accelerator is a catalyst for zero carbon building, providing a hub for sharing innovation and thought leadership in high performance building design and construction.

Zack’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharysemke/

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