Description

• High-quality, energy-efficient windows play a significant part of a well-designed building envelope by reducing energy costs and improving indoor comfort by minimizing drafts and temperature fluctuations. Windows insulative qualities are rated by U-Value, and the maximum U-Value is determined by the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYECC). Window specification and selection should include the highest ENERGY STAR rating that is within the budget, and a U-value as per NYECC with an National Fenestration Council (NFRC) label.
• Window design and construction should provide durable, and easy to maintain windows that have handles and locks that are easily reachable and operable by all residents, including those with mobility challenges. Hardware should not have sharp edges and screws should be tamper-proof.
• Window replacement may also require repair of lintels and surrounding brickwork and scaffolding / sidewalk sheds, and attention should be paid to these conditions when scoping a window project. See Building Exterior, Masonry section and Scaffolding section for further information.
• Window replacement may involve environmental abatement due to the frequent presence of asbestos containing caulk and the presence of lead paint. Window replacement may involve working around existing first-generation window frames that are embedded in building masonry to minimize environmental abatement work.

Baseline

• When replacing windows, the designer should confirm that the suggested replacement windows provide adequate operable and glazed areas to meet New York State Multiple Dwelling Law light and air requirements.
• The Architectural & Engineering Services department (AES) primarily recommends double hung and casement windows in apartments. Awning and sliding windows may be appropriate under certain specific project conditions.
• When window replacements are integral to a window heat pump installation, casement windows with a sleeve to accept the heat pump are the recommended option. Where an existing paired window doesn’t offer adequate width to accommodate a heat pump in a single window, it is acceptable to combine a casement window of sufficient width for the heat pump with an adjacent, narrower fixed pane. .
• The color of replacement windows, doors, and louvers must match the color of the existing lower-floor windows, doors, and louvers.
• The type of replacement window (e.g., double hung or casement) should be consistent with the existing type of windows on the rest of the floor.
• Integral sash stops that limit the opening to 4” are required for the safety of children. Window operating forces, heights, and other accessibility factors must comply with Federal, State, and City codes.
• Energy Efficiency – NYCHA uses aluminum frames and some composite (uPVC) frames for which the manufacturer has received prior NYC DOB approval. All frames must have thermal breaks.
• As per the 2025 NYCECC, the U value of the window assembly is to be .40 for operable metal windows, .30 for fixed metal windows, and .28 for all composite (non-metal) frames.
• Glazing is to be code compliant glass insulated glazing units. All glass is to be clear, but bathroom windows may be obscured glass to allow for privacy.
• The installation detail must be air-sealed as per NYCECC. Install low density foam insulation and/or mineral wool between new frame and masonry opening. Cover with trim.
• Set windows back into facade so they are not flush with exterior. This increases the Projection Factor (PF) which reduces cooling load.
• New sills should project beyond the face of the building to reduce water infiltration.
• The NYCECC requires a 0.33 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Providing exterior shading devices can loosen this requirement (see Stretch recommendations).
• An anodized aluminum finish is recommended for aluminum frames. A powder coated finish can be an alternative for widows that are not exposed to marine air (salt) corrosion.
• Glazing must meet NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) and the Enterprise Green Community (EGC) NYC Overlay. Low-emissivity (Low-e) coatings or films must be used to improve solar and thermal performance without compromising the amount of visible light transmitted.
• Window-mounted Air-Conditioners – Installation should be coordinated with Property management.

Stretch

• Install window shades and/or permanently mounted exterior shading. Options include but are not limited to fins, louvers, brise soleil, external frame sunshades, shutters, screens, or other façade treatment, or between-the-glass shades.  This will allow for a higher (less restrictive) SHGC of up to 0.53.

RAD Conversion

• Replace all windows with high-performance, thermally-broken, double-pane, double-hung windows with insulated glazing units (IGU). Owner-provided window treatments (blinds) should be assumed and insect screens should be provided where residents request them. Minimum energy performance specifications are as follows:  
  • Maximum U value: non-metal:  0.28, metal:  0.30  
  • SHGC: 0.33 – 0.53    
  • Maximum infiltration rate: 0.3 CFM/SF at 75pa when tested in accordance with ASTM E2357 and ASTM E783  
  • Minimum NFRC Condensation Resistance Rating: 50  
  • Materials: Aluminum, Fiberglass or other material satisfying the requirements above. 
• Additional improvements may include: 
  • Replace all windows with high-performance, thermally-broken casement windows with Low-E insulated glazing units (IGU). 
  • Install an exterior or window-integrated shading system. Options include but are not limited to fins, louvers, brise soleil, external-frame sunshades, shutters, screens, or other façade treatment, or between-the-glass shades. 
  • Exterior shading systems that are mechanically fastened to the building façade are preferred for buildings that are not candidates for Historic Tax Credits or already National Register eligible or listed. If an interior shading strategy is specified (window blinds or similar), identify a strategy and budget for maintenance and replacement, and include assumptions for solar heat gain mitigation as compared to an exterior system. 

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Last Updated on May 12, 2026 at 2:36 pm

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Specifications

07 62 00-1 – Flashing: Sheet Metal and Flexible

07 62 00-2 – Flashing: Sheet Metal and Flexible

08 54 00 – Composite Windows

08 51 13 – Aluminum Windows

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