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Articles Atrium Windows Millgard Windows How Install a Replacement Windows Why Buy Vinyl Windows New Energy Savings From Windows New Window Security Features $200 energy saving tax credit Window Energy Savers Glossary of Door Terms Glossary of Window Terms

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ATRIUM WINDOWS

HISTORY

Founded in 1948, Atrium Windows and Doors spent almost a half-century perfecting window manufacturing and distribution to meet the demanding requirements and conditions of the Southwest. Atrium was dedicated to building a company with an uncontested reputation for quality, selection and service with an interdependent balance between the responsibility to customers and employees.

A Decade of Dramatic Growth

In the past decade, through both acquisition and organic growth, Atrium has grown from approximately 1,000 employees serving the Southwest markets, to over 7,000 employees in 80 manufacturing and distribution centers in 23 states.

Today, Atrium is the largest manufacturer of vinyl and aluminum windows and patio doors in North America.Diverse product lines are available in a broad range of styles and price points enabling to meet the needs and preferences of customers, including the industry s leading builders, retailers, home centers, lumberyards, contractors, designers and architects.

For over 50 years, Atrium has dedicated itself to building a solid company, with a national presence and an uncontested reputation for quality, selection and service. Today, they are the largest, most widely recognized manufacturer and distributor of residential vinyl and aluminum windows and patio doors. They have the product to meet the specific needs and preferences of the customers, which include the industry s leading builders, retailers, home centers, lumberyards, contractors, designers and architects.

Atrium Companies serves the new construction and repair and remodeling markets with a portfolio of products marketed under the Atrium® brand name, as well as HR Windows™, Danvid Window Company, Superior Engineered Products Corporation, MD Casting, Inc., RG Darby Co., Inc., Dow-Tech Plastics and Thermal Industries. We utilize a multi-channel distribution network that makes it possible to provide quality, nationwide service to the greatest number of end-users. Among our customers are home builders, multi-family builders, remodelers and independent contractors, home centers, lumberyards and retailers.

Atrium for Multi-housing Construction and Renovation

If customers own or build multifamily housing they know that window and door needs vary from region to region. As the largest manufacturer of vinyl and aluminum windows and doors in the country, Atrium knows how to serve those needs. Atrium Companies, Inc. is able to meet regional multifamily needs while leveraging the cost-savings of a national company.

Atrium is at the intersection of cost-effectiveness and superior customer-service. So, whether you are a large national REIT, a local IRO or a GC, a partnership with Atrium will save you money and help to streamline your construction needs.

Green Vision of Atrium

At Atrium, the company philosophy is simple: to provide customers with energy-efficient, maintenance-free products that help to lower their energy bills.
But they don t stop there. Many of their windows have extended life cycles, which helps to keep them hard at work saving energy in America s homes. From environmentally sensitive manufacturing processes to recycled content, goal is to produce high-performance windows that meet or exceed current energy-efficiency standards.

The result? You get exactly what you need in a window—and so does the environment.

With Atrium high-performance window technology, you can have a proven solution to resist the sun s heat in summer—and welcome it in winter. How do they do it?

* Their warm-edge glass sealant systems insulate the window frame and edge of glass up to 50 percent better than roll-formed metal spacers and up to 90 percent better than aluminum spacer bars.

* Their low-E glass includes up to three layers of a thin silver coating that allows ample visible light to pass through, while blocking infrared and ultraviolet radiant solar energy. The result: Cooler rooms in summer and warmer rooms in winter.

* Insulating gases, such as argon or krypton, fill our double- and triple-pane window products.

Atrium Family House of Brands

Milgard Windows and Doors

MILGARD COMPANY PROFILE

In 1958, Maurice Milgard, Jr. and his son Gary started Milgard Glass Company in a small building in Tacoma. Gary's brother, Jim, joined the company in 1961. Within a short time, the Milgards diversified into aluminum windows.

In 1962, Gary Milgard left the glass company to start a new aluminum window fabricating company called Milgard Manufacturing. The company's objective from the start was to provide a reliable source of quality aluminum windows and doors. They had to be styled and crafted to meet the unique architectural requirements of the Western United States. Milgard's original commitment to quality and service has continued to be a key to the company's success.

Innovations in Aluminum and Vinyl Windows and Doors Drive Growth

In 1968, Milgard Manufacturing started producing sliding glass doors. Two years later, aluminum frames were redesigned to fit both single-pane and insulating glass. The Milgards developed a type of aluminum frame that was suitable for cold weather areas where only wood frames had been effective. The year 1989 marked the introduction of the first Milgard windows with vinyl frames. WoodClad, a dramatic new line of fiberglass windows, was introduced in 1990.

Growth is the norm at Milgard. In addition to the Tacoma operation, the company now has window manufacturing plants in Marysville, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Sacramento, Hollister, Simi Valley, Temecula and Dixon, California; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Phoenix, Arizona; Chicago, Illinois; and our latest plant in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Expanding into Tempered Glass and Vinyl Extrusion

In 1980, Milgard Tempering, Inc. was started in Tacoma to respond to a demand for high quality tempered glass in the Northwest. In 1992 a second Milgard Tempering plant was opened in Dixon, California. Modern equipment and skilled employees have enabled Milgard Tempering to become one of the most respected tempered glass suppliers in the country.

Milgard Vinyl, located in Tacoma, began extruding quality frame material in 1988. A state-of-the-art extrusion and injection molding plant in Tacoma produces vinyl window and doorframe material and components for Milgard windows.

Employees Are the Key to Their Success

Milgard's history of growth and success is due to the dedication of employees. More than 4,500 employees work hard each day to deliver high quality products and superior customer service. In fact, both of these are so important to Milgard that they're part of the Milgard Corporate Philosophy.

Milgard Philosophy

In Order To Be 'Clearly The Best' In it's Business, they Are Committed To These Principles:

* The Individual Must Be Respected.
* The Customer Must Be Given The Best Possible Service.
* Excellence And Superior Performance Must Be Pursued.

REPLACEMENT WINDOW INSTALLATION PROCESS

Four Steps to Creating a Totally New Look

Your existing windows are cracking and peeling. You can't get bedroom windows all the way open for fresh air on long summer nights. In cold weather months, a draft coming through your front window chills you to the bone. You know you need replacement windows, but you wonder what to expect in the installation process. Once you select a Milgard Certified Dealer, replacing your existing windows and patio doors is an easy and hassle-free four-step process.

The Perfect Solution for Any Home

An important consideration when choosing replacement windows and doors is the exterior finish of your home. Our products can be installed in just about any type of home, whether it's made of wood, brick, or even stucco.

In situations where installation is more difficult or minimum disruption is desired, Milgard's Z-Bar™ windows (available in vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum) can be a perfect fit. By using a portion of the existing frame, these windows give your home a new look without costly or time-consuming siding repairs. They install quickly and provide a weather-tight seal.

Milgard's sustainable Processes

Milgard takes feeling good about your energy efficient windows one step further. It is a member of the EPA Performance Track, an organization that establishes goals for environmental improvement in collaboration with the EPA. Members have collectively saved enough energy to:

* Power 46,000 homes for one year
* Eliminate greenhouse gases to offset the annual emissions of 57,000 cars
* Prevent solid waste equivalent to that produced by 553,000 households yearly

As part of it's commitment to green building practices, Milgard extrudes or pultrudes it's own own vinyl and fiberglass and assembles all the window components in-house.They reuse virtually all vinyl process waste or find another manufacturer who can use it. They waste less. We recycle more. With conscientious manufacturing and design, They all strive to make the environment healthier, save energy and build homes to last.

Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows

Looking to save money on your heating and air conditioning bills? Vinyl Replacement Windows are your answer. With some help from an experienced professional window replacement company, you can manage the job yourself and save a lot of money. You ll save money by installing them yourself and you ll save money on your energy bills.

Benefits

Modern vinyl replacement windows can offer homeowners of aged homes many advantages. One example; it is very improbable that you will find “stock” windows at your neighborhood home center that will fit into the openings left when you remove your old windows. Being that modern vinyl replacement windows are made-to-fit, You ll get the exact size you need and they ll fit perfectly.

 A second reason to consider buying vinyl replacement windows is, there is no carpentry work involved in modifying the existing openings because your new Replacement Windows will be made to order. There s no drywall or plasterboard patching required on the inside and no siding repairs required on the outside of your home. When you are done, a little touch-up paint and some caulking is all you need for a professional installation. Nice!

 A third reason to think about installing new vinyl replacement windows is another benefit. You can save on your heating and air conditioning energy bills. Modern insulated glass panes not only help keep your heat in but panes can be tinted with UV blocking coatings to filter damaging UV rays.

 A fourth reason to install new window units is EZ maintenance and cleaning. Tilt-forward sashes allow you to clean the outside glass from “inside” your home, where its safe. No more climbing dangerous ladders.

 Measurements

You are going to need to take exact measurements of the width and height of each existing window opening you are replacing. Stick a piece of masking tape on every window you plan on replacing and write a number on it for identification. Make a written list that includes the location of each window and the corresponding number you wrote on the masking tape. Ask your window manufacturer to put your number on each new unit for identification. When your new window units arrive, you won t have to figure our where each new unit goes.

 While measuring, take a framing square to see how square each opening is. If a window appears to be 1/8th inch out-of-square, you will want to deduct that 1/8th inch from the corresponding measurement. Next, take a short level to check for level and plumb of the existing opening. If the tops or bottoms of any window opening are level, and the opening is still out of square, your side jambs are most likely out-of-plumb. When the side frame is 1/8th inch out-of-plumb, you ll want to deduct that 1/8th inch from the width measurement you took. Most of the time, your window manufacturer will supply you a with pre-printed sheet that includes their measurement and product ordering guidelines. Don't sweat; mostly all windows are built with movable top and side moldings to accommodate out of square openings.

 Installing Your New Units

Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling paint dust or chips. Older homes can have lead paint. You should consider getting a helper, someone to help hold the window units in place so you can install the mounting screws accurately.

 Standing inside your house, pry off the stop moldings with a flat prying bar. Pull out the bottom sash and lay it down inside where it won t be damaged. You don t want broken glass to deal with. Next, cut the ropes that are holding the windows in. Have your helper hold the ropes so the heavy iron counter weights don t drop down inside the wall. Pull them out and discard them. Remove the top sash unit using the same technique. After your old units are out, vacuum up the loose dust and paint chips from your opening.

 Set your new window in place to see how it fits. If it looks okay, pull out the window and get the opening ready to accept it. Squeeze a thick bead of caulk on the sill and sides of the opening for your new unit to “set into”. Carefully place your new unit into the opening and into the caulking. Push the unit forward towards the outside stop moldings.

 Use your level to see if it is plumb. Use wood or vinyl shims to adjust your unit as is needed to assure they are plumb. Modern vinyl replacement windows will already have holes drilled in the side jambs for mounting. Once your unit is square and plumb, install the mounting screws. You should have accurate shimming everywhere a screw is used to avoid forcing the unit out of square or plumb.

 Check to see how your window operates. Slide the sashes up and down. Adjust your shims and mounting screws as needed until the windows slide freely. Also check the tilt-in feature for proper operation.

 When all units are working properly, caulk around any open air spaces and re-nail your moldings back into the wet caulking. Reapply caulking inside and outside to seal any remaining gaps. Wait several weeks for your caulking to totally cure before touching up the paint.

 In Closing Installing brand new vinyl replacement windows is an easy do-it-yourself project. Your rewards will be many. Your home will look better and increase in value. If you are still a little weary about handling the project on your own, hire a pro.

Why buy Vinyl Windows

Vinyl replacement windows are a great way to increase the resale value, curb-appeal, and style of your home. Early vinyl replacement windows were not very popular, but advances in design and improved technology have made vinyl windows a desirable addition to homes everywhere. Many of today s replacement windows meet requirements that older wood-frame and metal windows couldn t possibly match.

Frames

Probably the greatest benefit of today s vinyl windows is the quality of construction. These high-quality windows are fusion-welded at the corners to form a structurally sound frame. The frames themselves are strong, watertight, and airtight.

Another great benefit of vinyl windows is that they will never need sealing or painting, as traditional wood windows do. The vinyl window frames are extremely durable and will withstand fading and discoloration much better than wood frames.

The high quality of today s vinyl windows can also offer superior security over older windows. Many vinyl replacement windows are available with a wide range of locking devices designed to give your home exceptional security.

Glass

Today s vinyl replacement windows use high-grade products and ingenuity to deliver high-performance. Most vinyl windows use double or triple-paned glass units. These units create an insulation barrier of air, which provides protection from damaging elements, higher energy-efficiency, and greater sound protection.

These airtight layers of protection are key to the high standards of energy-efficiency that today s vinyl replacement windows offer. Each manufacturer s windows are submitted to an energy-efficiency test conducted by a government-backed program. These tests are meant to determine the window s U-value, or U-factor.

The U-value is a measurement that represents the rate in which heat passes through the window. The lower the U-value assigned to the window, the lower the amount of heat allowed to pass through the window. The windows with the lowest U-value receive Energy-Star ratings, which can be claimed as a tax write-off. These windows can offer tremendous savings on monthly electric bills, by keeping in heat or cool air.

Ease of Use

The function of vinyl windows also typically last longer than wood-frame windows. This is because wood will tend to swell and retract in reaction to changes in temperature and humidity. Over time, this swelling and retraction may cause the wooden window frame to become misshapen. If this happens, the window will become more difficult to slide or close properly.

Choice of Options

Vinyl replacement windows come in a large variety of styles, sizes, and colors. All replacement windows are custom-made in order to properly match your home s existing windows, so size is no hindrance.

Replacement windows are available in many styles, including casement windows, double-hung windows, bay and bow windows, and sliders with two, three, or more sashes. At first, vinyl windows were only manufactured in white, but today most manufacturers offer many color options to match the existing features of your home. Windows can be ordered with solid colors, two-toned, or with wood-grains. You can even purchases windows with one color on the exterior, and with a wood-grain finish on the interior.

Vinyl windows offer the same style features found on other top-quality windows. Divided light grids, decorative glass, tilt-out sashes, and high-efficiency locking systems allow for many options.

Vinyl replacement windows offer many great values for your home. They are an excellent way to add value to your home, giving them a positive cost-to-benefit ratio. If you desire to add security, style, and savings to your home, vinyl replacement windows should be one of your first considerations.

New Energy Savings from Vinyl Windows

Government statistics report that conserving energy costs in the home can save a household several hundred, even several thousand, dollars per year on their utility bills. Replacing your older appliances and elements of your home s structure, such as older windows and doors, with more energy-efficient alternatives, such as products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines, is an important step to maximizing the amount of money you can save. ENERGY STAR is a government program that identifies products – including appliances, home electronics, and home improvement products – that meet energy efficiency guidelines that exceed the minimum federal standards, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can identify a product that meets the organization s guidelines by looking for the signature blue ENERGY STAR logo.

The ENERGY STAR program began as a voluntary labeling tool to “identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” It started with the labeling of computers and monitors and more than a decade later, has expanded to identify all types of products used in homes and offices that conserve energy. The result: Consumers and businesses have saved billions of dollars since the program began – $12 billion in 2005 alone.

Energy-efficient appliances – such as refrigerators and freezers, clothing washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and window air conditioning units – can cut consumer utility bills in half when compared with standard models. And home improvement products with an ENERGY STAR rating – such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding – help to better maintain your home s temperature control, cutting heating and cooling costs anywhere from $20 to $400 per year.
If you ve been searching for a product in any one of the more than 40 categories rated by ENERGY STAR, you may have come across the organization s blue logo. That seal of approval indicates that the item can perform as well as, or better than, comparable products, but save you more money than if you purchased a less energy-efficient option. A refrigerator meeting ENERGY STAR s energy conservation guidelines today:

• Uses 40% less energy than models sold in 2001
• Saves its owner 15% in energy costs when compared with other models (And freezers save 10 %.)
• Compact models, with volumes less than 7.75 square feet, save 20%
• A washing machine that meets ENERGY STAR guidelines:
• Saves its owner up to $110 per year
• Requires 50% less energy than standard washing machines
• Uses up to 50% less water
• Has more efficient spinning cycles to reduce drying time

Energy-efficient appliances provide an obvious cost savings for a household s energy expenses. And other products that meet ENERGY STAR standards, such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding, make a significant contribution to keeping those costs down as well. Replacing your existing windows and siding with newer, better designed vinyl replacement windows and insulated siding can quadruple the insulation value of your home and save an average of 30% on your utility bills.

In addition to saving money, vinyl replacement windows with this rating create a more comfortable living environment by:

• Eliminating drafts and blocking heat
• Offering protection from sun damage
• Reducing interior condensation on windows

In the winter, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows keep the interior glass warmer for better temperature control. And the warmer the window, the less interior condensation that, over time, can damage your window sill and paint job, and encourage mold growth. In the summer, these windows also:
Block 45 to 70% of the sun s heat

Provide “sunscreen” to your home by blocking ultraviolet light that can reduce fading up to 75% without compromising visible light.

Whether you are looking to add to the beauty of your home and lower your energy bills by installing vinyl replacement windows, or you want to make a smart decision when choosing your next dishwasher or window air conditioning unit, products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines offer an economical alternative that leaves more money in your pocket.

Windows

A window is an opening in an otherwise solid and opaque surface that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material. Windows are held in place by frames, which prevent them from collapsing in.
Etymology

The word Window originates from the Old Norse vindauga , from vindr – wind and auga – eye . In Norwegian Nynorsk and Icelandic the Old Norse form has survived to this day (in Icelandic only as a less used synonym to gluggi), while Swedish has kept it—mostly in dialects—as vindöga ( öga – eye ). Danish vindue and Norwegian Bokmål vindu however, have lost the direct link to eye , just like window has. The Danish (but not the Bokmål) word is pronounced fairly similar to window.

Window is first recorded in the early 13th century, and originally referred to an unglazed hole in a roof. Window replaced the Old English eagþyrl , which literally means eye-hole, and eagduru eye-door . Many Germanic languages however adopted the Latin word fenestra to describe a window with glass, such as standard Swedish fönster , or German Fenster . The use of window in English is probably due to the Scandinavian influence on the English language by means of loanwords during the Viking Age. In English the word fenester was used as a parallel until the mid-1700s and fenestration is still used to describe the arrangement of windows within a façade.

Definition and types of windows

A window is an opening in a wall that lets light and possibly air into the room and allows occupants to see out. Primitive windows were just holes. Later, they were covered with animal hide, cloth, or wood. Shutters that could be opened and closed came next. Over time, windows were built that both protected the inhabitants from the elements and transmitted light: mullioned glass windows, which joined multiple small pieces of glass with leading, paper windows, flattened pieces of translucent animal horn, and plates of thinly sliced marble. Mullioned glass windows were the windows of choice among European well-to-do, whereas paper windows were economical and widely used in ancient China , Korea , Japan. In England, glass became common in the windows of ordinary homes only in the early 17th century whereas windows made up of panes of flattened animal horn were used as early as the 14th century in Northern Britain. Modern-style floor-to-ceiling windows became possible only after the industrial glass making process was perfected. Evidence of glass window panes in Italy dates back nearly 3000 years.

Styles include :

Double-hung sash window

The traditional style of window in the USA, and many other places that were formerly colonized by the UK, with two parts (sashes) that overlap slightly and slide up and down inside the frame. The two parts are not necessarily the same size. Nowadays, most new double-hung sash windows use spring balances to support the sashes, but traditionally, counterweights held in boxes either side of the window were used. These were and are attached to the sashes using pulleys of either braided cord or, later, purpose-made chain. Double-hung sash windows were traditionally often fitted with shutters. Sash windows may be fitted with simplex hinges which allow the window to be locked into hinges on one side, while the rope on the other side is detached, allowing the window to be opened for escape or cleaning.

Single-hung sash window

One sash is movable (usually the bottom one) and the other fixed. This is the earlier form of sliding sash window, and is obviously also cheaper.

Horizontal sliding sash window

Has two or more sashes that overlap slightly but slide horizontally within the frame. In the UK, these are sometimes called Yorkshire sash windows, presumably because of their traditional use in that county.

Casement window

A window with a hinged sash that swings in or out like a door comprising either a side-hung, top-hung, or occasionally bottom-hung sash or a combination of these types, sometimes with fixed panels on one or more sides of the sash. In the USA these are usually opened using a crank, but in Europe they tend to use projection friction stays and espagnolette locking. Formerly, plain hinges were used with a casement stay. Handing applies to casement windows to determine direction of swing.A top hung hinged sash is also called an awning window.

Tilt and slide

A window (more usually a door-sized window) where the sash tilts inwards at the top and then slides horizontally behind the fixed pane.

Tilt and turn

A window which can either tilt inwards at the top, or can open inwards hinged at the side.

Transom window

A window above a door; if an exterior door the transom window is often fixed, if an interior door it can often open either by hinges at top or bottom, or can rotate about hinges at the middle of its sides. It provided ventilation before forced air heating and cooling.

Jalousie window

Also known as a louvered window, this window is comprised of parallel slats of glass or acrylic that open and close like a Venetian blind, usually using a crank or a lever. They are used extensively in tropical architecture. A jalousie door is a door with a jalousie window.

Clerestory window

A vertical window set in a roof structure or high in a wall, used for daylighting.

Skylight

A flat or sloped window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure that is out of reach.

Roof Window

A sloped window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure that is within reach.

Thermal window

Thermal, or Diocletian, windows are large semicircular windows (or niches) which are usually divided into three lights (window compartments) by two vertical mullions. The central compartment is often wider than the two side lights on either side of it.

Fixed window

A window that cannot be opened, whose function is limited to allowing light to enter. Clerestory windows are often fixed. Transom windows may be fixed or operable.

Picture window

A very large fixed window in a wall, typically without glazing bars, or glazed with only perfunctory glazing bars near the edge of the window. Picture windows are intended to provide an unimpeded view, as if framing a picture.

Multi-lit window / divided-lite window

A window glazed with small panes of glass separated by wooden or lead "glazing bars", or "muntins", arranged in a decorative "glazing pattern" often dictated by the architectural style at use. Due to the historic unavailability of large panes of glass, this was the prevailing style of window until the beginning of the twentieth century, and is traditionally still used today.

Emergency exit window / egress window

A window big enough and low enough so that occupants can escape through the opening in an emergency, such as a fire. In the United States, exact specifications for emergency windows in bedrooms are given in many building codes. Vehicles, such as buses and aircraft, frequently have emergency exit windows as well.

Stained glass window

A window composed of pieces of colored glass, transparent or opaque, frequently portraying persons or scenes. Typically the glass in these windows is separated by lead glazing bars. Stained glass windows were popular in Victorian houses and some Wrightian houses, and are especially common in churches.
French window

A French window, also known as a French door is really a type of door, but one which has one or more panes of glass set into the whole length of the door, meaning it also functions as a window.

Awning window

An awning window is a window that is hung horizontally, hinged on top, so that it swings outward.

Technical terms

Etymologically speaking, any window can be called a "light". However, within the window industry, particularly in insulated glass production, the term "lite" (so-spelled to keep the meaning differentiated from actual sunlight) is used to mean a single glass pane, several of which may be used to construct the final window product. For example, a sash unit, consisting of at least one sliding glass component, is typically composed of two lites, while a fixed window is composed of one lite. The terms "single-light", "double-light" etc refer to the number of these glass panes in a window.

The lights in a window sash are divided horizontally and vertically by narrow strips of wood or metal called muntins. More substantial load bearing or structural vertical dividers are called mullions, with the corresponding horizontal dividers referred to as transoms.

In the USA, the term replacement window means a framed window designed to slip inside the original window frame from the inside after the old sashes are removed. In Europe, however, it usually means a complete window including a replacement outer frame.

The USA term new construction window means a window with a nailing fin designed to be inserted into a rough opening from the outside before applying siding and inside trim. A nailing fin is a projection on the outer frame of the window in the same plane as the glazing, which overlaps the prepared opening, and can thus be 'nailed' into place).

In the UK and Europe, windows in new-build houses are usually fixed with long screws into expanding plastic plugs in the brickwork. A gap of up to 13mm is left around all four sides, and filled with expanding polyurethane foam. This makes the window fixing weatherproof but allows for expansion due to heat.

Insulated window frames

Windows can be a significant source of heat transfer. Different kinds of glazing and window frames can reduce thermal losses and gains.

Frames and sashes are traditionally made of wood, but metal, vinyl or PVC, and composites are also common. Their cost and availability may vary from country to country. Solid metal frames and sashes are poor insulators because metals conduct heat quickly. Vinyl frames are popular in Europe because they conduct heat poorly. However, vinyl frames are not as strong as metal, wood or composite window frames. Because of this lack of strength some vinyl frames are reinforced with metal, however, this will reduce the thermal efficiency of a vinyl window frame. Wood is also a good insulator. Composite frames may combine materials to obtain aesthetics of one material with the functional benefits of another. Modern metal window parts typically consist of two surfaces separated by insulating spacer material.

Many windows have movable window coverings such as blinds or curtains to keep out light, provide additional insulation, or ensure privacy.

Air infiltration and hence convective heat losses can be reduce by good window seals and attention to construction. Evacuated or argon-filled Insulated glazing units are also dependent on meticulous frame construction to prevent entry of air and loss of efficiency.

Window construction

Modern windows are usually glazed with one large sheet of glass per sash, while windows in the past were glazed with multiple panes separated by "glazing bars", or "muntins", due to the unavailability of large sheets of glass. Today, glazing bars tend to be decorative, separating windows into small panes of glass even though larger panes of glass are available, generally in a pattern dictated by the architectural style at use. Glazing bars are typically wooden, but occasionally lead glazing bars soldered in place are used for more intricate glazing patterns.

A beam over the top of a window is known as the lintel or transom.

Windows and the sun

Sun incidence angle

Historically, windows are designed with surfaces parallel to vertical building walls. Such a design allows considerable solar light and heat penetration due to the most commonly occurring incidence of sun angles. In passive solar building design, an extended eave is typically used to control the amount of solar light and heat entering the window(s).

An alternate method would be to calculate a more optimum angle for mounting windows which accounts for summer sun load minimization, with consideration of the actual latitude of the particular building. An example where this process has been implemented is the Dakin Building, Brisbane, California; much of the fenestration has been designed to reflect summer heat load and assist in preventing summer interior over-illumination and glare, by designing window canting to achieve a near 45 degree angle.

Solar window

 Solar windows not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help generate electricity for the building.

Windows and religion

The symbolism of windows plays a part in the customs and traditions of certain religions.

 * On the holiday of Hanukkah it is customary to place the lighted menorah on a windowsill, preferably facing the street, so others can see it.
* In Karaite Judaism, Bar Mitzvah boys stand at an east-facing window and recite a meaningful passage of their choosing from the Torah.

ABOUT DOORS

A door is a panel or barrier, usually hinged or sliding, that is used to cover an opening in a wall or partition going into a building or space. A door can be opened to give access and closed more or less securely. The term door is also applied to the opening itself, more properly known as the doorway.

Doors are nearly universal in buildings of all kinds, allowing passage between the inside and outside, and between internal rooms. When open, they admit ventilation and light.

The purpose of a door closure is primarily to give occupants of a space privacy and security by regulating access. For this purpose doors are equipped with a variety of fittings ranging from simple latches to locks.

The door is used to control the physical atmosphere within a space by enclosing it, excluding air drafts, so that interiors may be more effectively heated or cooled. Doors are significant in preventing the spread of fire.

Doors also have an aesthetic role in creating an impression of what lies beyond. They are also used to screen areas of a building for aesthetic purposes, keeping formal and utility areas separate. They act as a barrier to noise.

Doors are often symbolically endowed with ritual purposes, and the guarding or receiving of the keys to a door, or being granted access to a door can have special significance. Similarly, doors and doorways frequently appear in metaphorical or allegorical situations, literature and the arts, often as a portent of change.

When framed in wood for snug fitting of a door, the doorway consists of two vertical jambs on either side, a lintel or head jamb at the top, and perhaps a threshold at the bottom. When a door has more than one movable section, one of the sections may be called a leaf.

Types of doors

A door may slide along tracks, pivot on hinges or fold.The door may also slide between two wall panels (pocket door).

In the case of rotation, the axis is usually vertical, but e.g. for garage doors often horizontal, above the door opening. Sometimes the axis of rotation is, with a special construction, not in the plane of the door, on the other side than that in which the door opens, to reduce the space required on the side to which the door opens. This is sometimes the case in a train, for the door to the toilet, opening inward.

Many kinds of doors have specific names, depending on their purpose. The most common variety of door consists of a single rigid panel that fills the doorway, hinged along one side so that it can fold away from the doorway in one direction but not in the other. Many variations on this basic design are possible, such as "double" doors that have two adjacent independent panels hinged on each side of the doorway.

A trapdoor is a door that is oriented horizontally in a floor or ceiling, often accessed via a ladder.

A stable door is divided in half horizontally. The top half can be opened to allow the horse to be fed, while the bottom half can be closed to keep the animal inside. Stable doors are also known as dutch doors. It is also the pen name of Daniel J. LaPorte.

A swing door has special hinges that allow it to open either outwards or inwards, and is usually sprung to keep it closed. Saloon doors are a pair of lightweight swing doors often found in public bars. Saloon doors, also known as cafe doors, often use double action hinges, which will return the door to the center, regardless of which direction it is opened, due to the double action springs in the doors. Saloon doors that only extend from knee-level to chest-level are known as batwing doors.
A blind door is a door with no visible trim or operable components. It is designed to blend with the adjacent wall in all finishes, and visually to be a part of the wall, a disguised door.

An up-and-over door is often used in garages. Instead of hinges it has a mechanism, often counterbalanced or sprung, that allows it to be lifted so that it rests horizontally above the opening. Also known as an overhead door.

A barn door is a door on a barn. It is often/always found on barns, and because of a barn's immense size (often) doors are subsequently big for utility.

A French door, also called a French window, is a door that has multiple windows ("lights") set into it, the full length of the door. Traditional French doors are assembled from individual small pieces of glass and mullions. These doors are also known as true divided lite[sic] French doors. French doors made of double-pane glass (on exterior doors for insulation reasons) may have a decorative grille embedded between the panes, or may also be true divided lite French doors. The decorative grille may also be superimposed on top of single pane of glass in the door.

A louvre door has fixed or movable wooden fins (often called slats or louvers) which permit open ventilation whilst preserving privacy and preventing the passage of light to the interior. Being relatively weak structures, they are most commonly used for wardrobes and drying rooms, where security is of less importance than good ventilation, although a very similar structure is commonly used to form window shutters.

A flush door is a completely smooth door, having plywood or MDF fixed over a light timber frame, the hollow parts of which are often filled with a cardboard core material. Flush doors are most commonly employed in the interior of a dwelling, although slightly more substantial versions are occasionally used as exterior doors, especially within hotels and other buildings containing many independent dwellings.

A moulded door has the same structure as that of flush door. The only difference is that the surface material is a moulded skin made of HDF / MDF. It is commonly used as interior doors.

A ledge and brace door is a door made from multiple vertical planks fixed together by two horizontal planks (the ledges) and kept square by a diagonal plank (the brace).

A garden door is any door that opens to a garden or backyard. It is often used specifically for double French doors in place of a sliding glass door. In such a configuration, it has the advantage of a very large opening for moving large objects in and out.

A pet door (also known as a doggy door or cat flap) is an opening in a door to allow pets to enter and exit without the main door being opened. It may be simply covered by a rubber flap or it may be an actual door hinged on the top that the pet can push through. Pet doors may be mounted in a sliding glass door as a new (permanent or temporary) panel. Pet doors may be unidirectional, only allowing pets to exit. Pet doors may be electronic, only allowing pets with a special electronic tag to enter.

A wicket door is a normal sized door built into a much larger one, such as the gate of a city or castle.

A bifold door is door unit that has 2 to 4 sections, folding in pairs. The doors can open from either side for one pair, or fold off both sides for two pairs. Wood is the most common material, and doors may also be metal or glass. Bifolds are most commonly made for closets, but may also be used as units between rooms.
A bypass door is a door unit that has 2 or more sections. The doors can slide from each direction on an overhead track, sliding past each other. They are most commonly used in closets, in order to access one side of the closet at a time. The doors in a bypass unit will overlap slightly, in order not to have a gap between them.
A pocket door is a door that slides on rails, rather than swinging on hinges, and, when opened, slides into an open cavity within a wall.

A sliding glass door, sometimes called an Arcadia door, is a door made of glass that slides open and sometimes has a screen. Sliding glass doors are common in many houses, particularly as an entrance to the backyard. Such doors are also popular for use for the entrances to commercial structures.

A false door is a wall decoration that looks like a door. In ancient Egyptian architecture, this was a common element in a tomb, the false door representing a gate to the afterlife. They can also be found in the funerary architecture of the desert tribes (e.g., Libyan Ghirza).

A revolving door typically consists of three or four doors (wings/leaves) that hang on a center shaft and rotate one way about a vertical axis. Between the point of access and the point of exit the user walks through an airlock. The door may be motorized, or manually people use pushbars. People can walk out and into the building at the same time. Revolving doors are a good air seal from the outside. Also minimize A/C and Heating Costs climate control from the building. This type of door is also often seen as a mark of prestige and glamour for a building and it not unusual for neighbouring buildings to install their own revolving doors when a rival building gets one.

A Butterfly Door is so-called because of its two "wings". It consists of a double-wide panel with its rotation axle in the centre, effectively creating two separate openings when the door is opened. Butterfly doors are made to rotate open in one direction (usually counterclockwise), and rotate closed in the opposite direction. The door is not equipped with handles, so it is a "push" door. This is for safety, because if it could open in both directions, someone approaching the door might be caught off guard by someone else opening the other side, thus impacting the first person. Such doors are popular in public transit stations, as it has a large capacity, and when the door is opened, traffic passing in both directions keeps the door open. They are particularly popular in underground subway stations, because they are heavy, and when air currents are created by the movement of trains, the force will be applied to both wings of the door, thus equalizing the force on either side, keeping the door shut.

Automatic doors are powered open and closed either by power, spring, or both. There are three methods by which an automatic door is activated.
Inward opening doors are doors that can only be opened or forced open from outside a building. Such doors pose a substantial fire risk to occupants of occupied buildings when they are locked. As such doors can only be forced open from the outside, those within buildings are prevented from escape, unless people outside the building can force the doors open and off their hinges as there is no way to lever a door open from inside. In commercial and retail situations, manufacturers have included in the design a mechanism that allows an inward opening door to be pushed open outwards in the event of an emergency and this is also a requirement by code. This is known as a 'breakaway' feature. Pushing the door outward at it's closed position, through a switch mechanism, disconnects power to the operator and allows the door to swing outward. Upon returning the door to the closed position, power is restored.

1 - A sensor detects traffic is approaching. Sensors for automatic doors are generally:

*A pressure sensor - a floor mat which reacts to the pressure of someone standing on it.
*An infrared curtain or beam which shines invisible light onto sensors; if someone or something blocks the beam the door can open.
*A motion sensor which uses low-power microwave radar.
*An electronic sensor (e.g. based on infrared or radio waves) can be triggered by something that someone carries, or is installed inside a vehicle. These are popular for garage doors.

2 - A switch is operated manually, perhaps after security checks. This can be a push button switch or a swipe card.

3 - The user pushes, or pulls the door, once the door detects the movement it completes the open and close cycle. These are also known as power-assisted doors.
In addition to activate sensors automatic doors are generally fitted with safety sensors. These are usually an infrared curtain or beam, but can be a pressure mat fitted on the swing side of the door. The purpose of the safety sensor is to prevent the door opening or slow its speed if an object is detected in its path whilst opening and to prevent the door closing or reactivate it if an object is detected in its path whilst closing. Blast-proof doors, nuclear-blast proof doors, etc.

A tambour door is made of narrow horizontal slats and rolls up and down along vertical tracks and is typically found in entertainment centres and cabinets.
A selfbolting door is a door that has special hinges that allows a door leaf to slide into the place of the bolt after complete closing.

Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo is a city located in southern Orange County, California in the Saddleback Valley and has been named the safest city in the US according to a 2007 Morgan Quitno crime statistic survey (compiled from FBI data). Mission Viejo is considered one of the largest master planned communities ever built under a single project in the United States, and is rivaled only by Highlands Ranch, Colorado in its size. As of the 2007 census, the city had a total population of 98,483.

Mission Viejo is suburban in nature and culture. The city is mainly residential, although there are a number of offices and businesses within its city limits. The city is planned and features a very large number of single-family homes, some condominiums, a two-year community college, and a regional mall.

Mission Hospital is the largest hospital in south Orange County and serves as the area's regional trauma center. It also offers one of two CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) locations providing outstanding care for children. Mission Hospital is a critical asset to the region. It is undergoing a multi-year campus expansion, which includes emergency services, conference and medical office space as well as a new in-patient hospital tower. Other medical facilities and offices have clustered around the hospital. It is conveniently located off the I-5 Crown Valley Parkway exit about half a mile from the freeway.

The city's name is a reference to Rancho Mission Viejo, a large Spanish land grant from which the community was founded. There is no Spanish mission in Mission Viejo, and the name is an improper use of a masculine adjective with a feminine noun. The correct Spanish term meaning "old mission" is "misión vieja."
Recreational activities abound; the city has numerous parks; there are about two per square mile. The city has three golf courses, The Mission Viejo Country Club, Casta del Sol Golf Course, and the recently finished Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. At the center of the city is a man-made lake, Lake Mission Viejo, a private association for Mission Viejo residents with custom waterfront homes, condominiums, boat rentals,and swim beaches.

History

The hilly region which Mission Viejo occupies was primarily used as cattle and sheep grazing land, as it was of little use to farmers. It was one of the last regions of Orange County to be urbanized due to its geologic complexity. Englishman Juan (John) Forster, husband of Mexican Governor Pío Pico's sister Ysidora, acquired the Rancho Trabuco (future Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita) from Santiago Arguello. Forster provided fresh horses to American military forces led by Commodore Robert F. Stockton and General Kearney on their march from San Diego to retake Los Angeles during the Mexican-American War. The force camped in Lake Forest along their march.

Early developers in the 1960s dismissed most of the land in the area as simply "undevelopable". In the early 1970s, urban planner Donald Bren, who would later become the president of the Irvine Company, drafted a master plan which placed roads in the valleys and houses on the hills, and contoured to the geography of the area. The plan worked, and by 1980 much of the city of Mission Viejo was completed. During the late 1970s and the 1980s, houses in Mission Viejo were in such high demand that housing tracts often sold out before construction even began on them. The houses and shopping centers in the city are almost uniformly designed in a Spanish mission style, with "adobe"-like stucco walls and barrel-tile roofs. Many point to Mission Viejo as the first and largest manifestation of Donald Bren's obsession with Spanish architecture, which would again become apparent with his developments in Irvine and Newport Beach.

After Donald Bren sold his interest in the Mission Viejo Company. The Mission Viejo Company was headed by Philip J. Reilly, and James Toepfer and the company was purchased as a subsidiary of the Phillip Morris Company. The Mission Viejo Company continued as the master builder of the city. The company expanded its operations and went on to build the Lakes project in Tempe Arizona, Mission Viejo Aurorain Colorado and were the initial master planners of Highlands Ranch,both suburbs of the Denver Metropolitan area.

Seal

The Seal of the City of Mission Viejo was designed and drawn by Carl Glassford, an artist and former resident of the city.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.3 km² (19.0 mi²). 48.3 km² (18.7 mi²) of it is land and 1.0 km² (0.4 mi²) of it (1.94%) is water. A significant portion of the surface water is held in Lake Mission Viejo, an artificial lake stretching approximately one mile from Olympiad Road to Alicia Parkway along Marguerite Parkway.

Politics

Of the 56,286 registered voters in the city, 31,090 (55.2%) are Republicans, 14,319 (25.4%) are Democrats, 8,790 (15.6%) declined to state political affiliation, and the remaining 2,087 (3.8%) are registered with a minor party.

In the state legislature Mission Viejo is located in the 33rd Senate District, represented by Republican Dick Ackerman, and in the 71st Assembly District, represented by Republican Todd Spitzer. Federally, Mission Viejo is located in California's 42nd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +10and is represented by Republican Gary Miller.

Sports

The Saddleback College ballpark hosted the Mission Viejo Vigilantes minor league baseball team of the Western Baseball League from 1996-2001. Now the ballpark has a semi-pro collegiate team, the Orange County Fire.

There is also a soccer facility, now used by the town's youth soccer program, that was used as a training field by the United States men's national soccer team before and during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States.

Skateboard parks are included in some of the recreational facilities throughout Orange County as well such as; Bebee Park, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Vans Skatepark at the Block at Orange, Etnies of Lake Forest, and Anaheim West.

Mission Viejo has a major youth athletic facilities, Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Park. The park consists of eight baseball fields and five soccer fields. It is host of Little League District 55, Little League District 68 , and AYSO Region 84.

Amenities:

The Mission Viejo Nadadores swimming and diving team won a string of national championships and produced a number of Olympians and world record holders in the 1970s and 1980s. Olympians included Shirley Babashoff, Brian Goodell, Larson Jenson, Maryanne Graham, Nicole Kramer, Casy Converse, Marcia Morey, Dara Torres, and Greg Louganis. Torres, 40, is now considered the fastest women swimmer in America.

Education

Mission Viejo is served by two school districts, the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified School Districts. Capistrano Unified serves the eastern, northeastern, and southern portions of the city with eight schools. As of 2006, all high school students in the Capistrano Unified portion of Mission Viejo attend Capistrano Valley High School. Students from western Mission Viejo (north of Oso Parkway and west of Marguerite until Alicia Parkway) attend Saddleback Valley's Mission Viejo High School. Far northern Mission Viejo attends Saddleback Valley's Trabuco Hills High School, though most of that school has students from Rancho Santa Margarita and Lake Forest. Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita served the eastern half of the city from 2001- 2006, but now does not serve Mission Viejo as the city has been consolidated to three high schools to unify district students by their city.

Silverado, Mira Mesa, and Pathfinder are continuation and adult schools within the city.

Saddleback College, near the Shops at Mission Viejo and Capistrano Valley High School, is a large community college in the southern half of the city. In addition, the University of California, Irvine, Chapman University and Soka University of America are nearby in adjacent cities.

Skateboard parks are included in some of the recreational facilities throughout Orange County as well such as; Bebee Park, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Vans Skatepark at the Block at Orange, Etnies of Lake Forest, and Anaheim West.

Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Rancho Santa Margarita (English: Saint Margaret Ranch) is a city in Orange County, California, United States. One of Orange County's youngest cities, Rancho Santa Margarita is a master planned community set upon rolling hills. Most neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Margarita are within various homeowners associations. The population was 47,214 at the 2000 census.

Although it is named for Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, which was in San Diego County, the city limits fall within the borders of Rancho Mission Viejo.

History

The city seal has the brands of Rancho Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita and Las Flores on the border, with artwork containing Santiago Peak in the background. The tower in the foreground symbolizes the Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Tower.

Hughes Aircraft Company's Microelectronic Systems Division and Connecting Devices Division moved to Rancho Santa Margarita in May 1988 from Irvine. In August 1992 the Hughes plant closed its facilities and moved the division to Carlsbad, California due to budget constraints in the aerospace industry.
La Cañada Flintridge had the longest city name in California with 18 letters until January 1, 2000, when the title was ceded to Rancho Santa Margarita upon the latter's incorporation.

Major homeowner's associations and communities

Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC) SAMLARC is often reffered to as the master association in Rancho Santa Margarita because other smaller sub associations fall within its membership and it encompasses the original footprint of the master planned community of Rancho Santa Margarita. SAMLARC comprises roughly 13,000 units and maintains most streetscapes, medians, parks and trails within the community. In total, SAMLARC runs and maintains 13 parks, 4 pools, a lagoon, a lake, and numerous trails within the community. One of SAMLARC's most popular parks, Central Park located next to City Hall, contains a large ampitheater where a number of community events are held each year. Central Park is also home to an arena soccer rink that was converted from a roller hockey rink. SAMLARC also maintains a popular skate and dog park that are located within SAMLARC's Canada Vista Park.

Dove Canyon is a private residential community located in eastern Rancho Santa Margarita. It is a small enclave of approximately 1,200 homes and 5,000 residents. Included within the guard-gated entry is a Jack Nicklaus signature golf club, pool, tennis courts, a small child's park, a wide field, a shopping center, and a reservoir. The majority of its residents are upper middle class residents of Orange County, and all of the homes in Dove Canyon are single-family residences. It is located in the Southeasternmost foothills of Orange County. Major roads include Dove Canyon/Bell Canyon and Sycamore Canyon. A horse trail starts at the waterfalls outside of the community and continues until the end of Sycamore Canyon. From there, hikers, horse riders, bikers, etc. can continue into Dove Canyon's neighbor community, Coto de Caza.

Robinson Ranch is a mid-sized residential community located northeastern Rancho Santa Margarita south of Trabuco Canyon. It is one of the older communities in Rancho Santa Margarita. It has several condominium areas closer to Plano Trabuco Road and a large park. Major Roads include Robinson Ranch and Shadow Rock. Like Dove Canyon and Rancho Cielo it is assigned with a Trabuco Canyon zip code even though the areas were annexed into Rancho Santa Margarita when the city incorporated in 2000.

Rancho Cielo is a smaller residential community located in eastern Rancho Santa Margarita. It includes gated entry with security guard. It is near the intersection of Plano Trabuco Road and Dove Canyon Drive. All of the homes are all single family residences and the majority of its residents are upper-middle class. Major Roads include Rancho Cielo and Camino Del Cielo.

Climate

Rancho Santa Margarita, like most of coastal Southern California, generally has a Mediterranean climate. The name derives from its similarity to the climate of areas along the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool, rarely falling below freezing. Precipitation in Rancho Santa Margarita occurs predominantly during the winter months. The average January temperature in Rancho Santa Margarita is 56 °F (13 °C), while the average August temperature is 73 °F (23 °C).

Demographics

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 47,214 people, 16,253 households, and 12,417 families residing within the city. The population density was 1,485.7/km² (3,847.6/mi²). There were 16,515 housing units at an average density of 519.7/km² (1,345.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.59% White, 1.75% African American, 0.42% Native American, 7.40% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 4.49% from other races, and 4.15% from two or more races. Hispanic of any race were 13.00% of the population.

There were 16,253 households out of which 51.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.35.

In the city the population was spread out with 33.6% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 41.4% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 3.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $78,475, and the median income for a family was $88,216. Males had a median income of $61,314 versus $40,799 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,531. About 1.5% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over. Most of the neighborhoods in RSM are maintained by larger homeowner's associations including Melinda Heights, town center, Dove Canyon, Rancho Cielo, Robinson Ranch, and Trabuco Highlands. Dove Canyon, Trabuco Highlands, Robinson Ranch, and Rancho Cielo were all established before Rancho Santa Margarita was an incorporated community. East of Plano Tabuco Road is designated with a Trabuco Canyon (92679) zip code even though the area falls within the City of Rancho Santa Margarita boundary.

Politics

In the state legislature Rancho Santa Margarita is located in the 33rd Senate District, represented by Republican Dick Ackerman, and in the 71st Assembly District, represented by Republican Todd Spitzer. Federally, Rancho Santa Margarita is located in California's 42nd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +10[5] and is represented by Republican Gary Miller.

Education

The city is served by Saddleback Valley Unified School District and the Capistrano Unified School District.

*Students in SVUSD boundaries attend Trabuco Hills High School or Mission Viejo High School, both outside of Rancho Santa Margarita in the city of Mission Viejo. Students in CUSD boundaries attend Tesoro High School located in the Las Flores neighborhood.
*RSM Intermediate School (SVUSD) and Las Flores Middle School (CUSD) serve the city.
*Public Elementary schools include Cielo Vista, Trabuco Mesa, Robinson Ranch, Arroyo Vista, Melinda Heights, and Tijeras Creek.
*Private Elementary and Middle Schools include St. John's Episcopal, Serra Catholic, and Mission Hills Christian School.
*Santa Margarita Catholic High School is a private Roman Catholic high school associated with the Catholic Diocese of Orange, and headed by Principal Ray Dunne. SMCHS is located in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Popular culture

Television

The television series The Real Housewives of Orange County, although based in Coto De Caza, is mainly filmed in Rancho Santa Margarita where many of the housewives do business, shopping, commuting, and dining

Lake Forest, California

Lake Forest is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 78,243 as of 2007.With 6,274 people per square mile, it is the most densely populated city in South County to this day.

Lake Forest incorporated as a new city on December 20, 1991. Residents voted to name the city Lake Forest, after two expensive master planned residential communities, denying the longer claim to the territory by the community of El Toro. Since being founded, it has expanded its limits to include the newer communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. The multiplicity of names often creates confusion: some people in the Portola Hills neighborhood, for example, can receive mail addressed to them at Portola Hills, Lake Forest, or Trabuco Canyon. The ZIP code 92679 is a Trabuco Canyon zip code even though not a single area in the ZIP code is Trabuco Canyon. This might be because since 92679 is assigned to the northeastern area of Rancho Santa Margarita and the southern area of Lake Forest it would be too confusing for the postal services because two cities are both served by that ZIP code. Lake Forest (along with its neighboring cities Mission Viejo and Irvine) is ranked as one of the safest cities in the country. The private research firm Morgan Quitno ranked Lake Forest as the 15th safest city and another firm later ranked Lake Forest 10th in 2007 in the United States.

 The city has two lakes from which the city gets its name. The lakes are man-made and custom homes ranging from large to small, and condominiums line their shores. The Lake Forest Beach and Tennis Club and Sun and Sail Club feature tennis courts, gyms, basketball courts, barbecue pits, volleyball courts, multiple swimming pools, saunas, swimmings, hot tubs and club houses for social events.

 El Toro Road at the Interstate 5 Freeway was the epicenter of the Saddleback Valley from the late 1800s to the late 1900s. However, the area gradually deteriorated, and most of the shops closed or moved to other cities. After years of planning, the City has worked with the property owners of some aging strip malls and developed the "Arbor at Lake Forest" commercial district. The new center can now compete with the more upscale shopping centers and cities that surround Lake Forest like Mission Viejo, Irvine, and Laguna Hills. Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills brought new homes to Lake Forest in the farthest east portion of the city.

 The city hosts the headquarters of eyewear manufacturer Oakley, Inc.; in flight entertainment provider Panasonic Avionics; hard-drive maker Western Digital; telecommunications software developer Greenlight Wireless Corp.; barbecue retailer Barbeques Galore; medical equipment maker Apria Healthcare; and skateboarding companies Sole Technology, Inc., Etnies, and Tilly's; among others. In addition, one of the county's most famous churches and the largest independent church in California, Saddleback Church (pastor, Rick Warren), is located in Lake Forest.

 Lake Forest's central proximity to surrounding areas and immediate access to the Santa Ana and San Diego Freeways (Interstates 5 and 405, respectively), Irvine's Business Spectrum, Irvine Spectrum Center and the short drive to Laguna Beach makes it a very desirable place to live. In 2007 the city synchronized its traffic lights, and (to the dismay of many Mission Viejo commuters who drove through Lake Forest to Irvine) shortened drive times up and down Bake Parkway, Lake Forest Drive and El Toro Road in order to alleviate congestion between Foothill and I-5.

 In 1994, Kathryn McCullough became the mayor of Lake Forest, and the first African American mayor of any city in Orange County. She currently serves as a member of the City Council.

Parks and Education

Lake Forest is also home to two county parks. Whiting Ranch in the eastern part of the city was the site of an infamous mountain lion mauling in 2004 that captured the West Coast news media.Heritage Hill historical park is home to some of the oldest buildings in the county, including the Serrano Adobe, the old El Toro School House, and St. Georges Episcopal Church.

Lake Forest has one high school, El Toro High School. The high school was opened in 1973. It has established itself as one of the top schools in Southern California, along with the other three comprehensive high schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The mascot is a bull and its teams are known as the Chargers. School colors are blue and gold.

Lake Forest is served by two libraries of the Orange County Public Library, one of which is the El Toro Branch located at 24672 Raymond Way. El Toro was opened in April 1981 and today has approximately 18,000 registered users and circulates roughly 29,000 items per month. The other is the Foothill Ranch Branch located at 27002 Cabriole Way.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 32.7 km² (12.6 mi²). 32.3 km² (12.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (0.95%) is water.

El Toro/Lake Forest/Portola is located in the heart of the Saddleback Valley. It is also in the northern section of South Orange County.

It has two man-made lakes identified by the clubhouses on the lakes: the Beach and Tennis Club (Hidden Lakes, formerly Lake I) and the Sun and Sail Club (Lake II).

Demographics

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 58,707 people, 20,008 households, and 14,745 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,814.8/km² (4,698.8/mi²). There were 20,486 housing units at an average density of 633.3/km² (1,639.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 76.02% White, 1.83% African American, 0.50% Native American, 9.70% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 7.51% from other races, and 4.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.59% of the population.

There were 20,008 households out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the city the population was spread out with 27.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.
According to a 2006 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $91,457, and the median income for a family was $100,940.Males had a median income of $52,019 versus $37,100 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,583. About 3.2% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

Marine Corps Air Station El Toro was located one mile (1.6 km) from the city of Lake Forest in the city of Irvine. At one time, El Toro was considered a military town, but the city blossomed independently in the 1980s and 1990s and the base closed in 1999.

Of the 40,352 registered voters in Lake Forest; 25.8% are Democrats and 53.4% are Republicans. The remaining 20.8% either declined to state political affiliation or are registered with one of the many minor political parties. Richard Dixon serves as Lake Forest's mayor and Mark Tettemer is Mayor Pro Tem. The three other city council members are Kathryn McCullough, Marcia Rudolph, and Peter Herzog.

In the state legislature Lake Forest is located in the 33rd Senate District, represented by Republican Dick Ackerman, and in the 70th Assembly District, represented by Republican Chuck DeVore. Federally, Lake Forest is located in California's 48th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +8and is represented by Republican John Campbell.

Irvine, California

Irvine is an incorporated city in Orange County, California, United States. It is a planned city, mainly developed by the Irvine Company since the 1960s. Formally incorporated on December 28, 1971, the 69.7 square mile (180.5 km²)city has a population of about 209,806 (as of January 1, 2008). It has annexed in the past an undeveloped area to the north, and has also annexed the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, most of which is planned to be converted into the Orange County Great Park. In June 2008, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that Irvine had the lowest violent crime rate (four homicides, 17 rapes, 50 robberies and 55 aggravated assaults in 2006) among cities in the United States with populations of more than 100,000,and in August 2008 the Census Bureau ranked Irvine as having the seventh highest median income among cities in the United States with populations of more than 65,000.

Irvine is home to the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, the Orange County Center of the University of Southern California, and the Irvine campuses of Alliant International University, California State University Fullerton, and Pepperdine University. Irvine Valley College, a community college, is also located in the city.

Irvine is home to a number of corporations, particularly in the technology sector.

History

Irvine was inhabited by the Gabrielino indigenous group about 2,000 years ago. Gaspar de Portolà, a Spanish explorer, came to the area in 1769. This brought on the establishment of forts, missions and herds of cattle. The King of Spain parceled out land for missions and private use.

After Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican government secularized the missions and assumed control of the lands. It began distributing the land to Mexican citizens who applied for grants. Three large Spanish/Mexican grants made up the land that later became the Irvine Ranch: Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, Rancho San Joaquin and Rancho Lomas de Santiago.

In 1864, Jose Sepulveda, owner of Rancho San Joaquin sold 50,000 acres (200 km2) to Benjamin and Thomas Flint, Llewellyn Bixby and James Irvine for $18,000 to resolve debts due to the Great Drought. In 1866, Irvine, Flint and Bixby acquired 47,000-acre (190 km2) Rancho Lomas de Santiago for $7,000. After the Mexican-American war the land of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana fell prey to tangled titles. In 1868, the ranch was divided among four claimants as part of a lawsuit: Flint, Bixby and Irvine. The ranches were devoted to sheep grazing. However, in 1870, tenant farming was permitted.

In 1878, James Irvine acquired his partners' interests for $150,000. His 110,000 acres (450 km2) stretched 23 miles (37 km) from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana River. James Irvine died in 1886. The ranch was inherited by his son, James Irvine, Jr. who incorporated it into The Irvine Company. James, Jr. shifted the ranch operations to field crops, olive and citrus crops.

In 1888, the Santa Fe Railroad extended its line to Fallbrook Junction (north of San Diego) and named a station along the way after James Irvine. The town that formed around this station was named Myford, after Irvine's son, because a post office in Calaveras County already bore the family name. The town was later renamed Irvine, however, in 1914.

By 1918, 60,000 acres (240 km2) of lima beans were grown on the Irvine Ranch. Two Marine Corps facilities, MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin, were built during World War II on ranch land sold to the government.

James Irvine, Jr. died in 1947 at the age of 80. His son, Myford, assumed the presidency of The Irvine Company. He began opening small sections of the Irvine Ranch to urban development. Myford died in 1959. The same year, the University of California asked The Irvine Company for 1,000 acres (4 km2) for a new university campus. The Irvine Company gave away the requested land and the State purchased an additional 500 acres (2 km²).

William Pereira, the University's consulting architect, and The Irvine Company planners drew up master plans for a city of 50,000 people surrounding the new university. The plan called for industrial, residential and recreational areas, commercial centers and greenbelts. The new community was to be named Irvine; the old agricultural town of Irvine, where the railroad station and post office were located, was renamed East Irvine.[2] The villages of Turtle Rock, University Park, Culverdale, the Ranch and Walnut were completed by 1970.

On December 28, 1971, the residents of these communities voted to incorporate a substantially larger city than the one envisioned by the Pereira plan. By January 1999, Irvine had a population of 134,000 and a total area of 43 square miles (111 km2).

Government

Local

Irvine is a charter city, operating under a Council/Manager form of government.

City Council

The City Council consists of the Mayor and four City Council members. The Mayor serves a two year term and Council members serve 4 year terms. The city has a two term limit for elected officials. Elections are held every two years, on even-numbered years. During each election, two Council members and the Mayor's seat is up for consideration. The City Council appoints the City Manager, who functions as the chief administrator of the city. The City Council sets the policies for the city, and the City Manager is responsible for implementing the policies.The City Council appoints volunteers that serve on various advisory boards, commissions and committees.

City Departments

The City of Irvine is served by seven departments. These departments are responsible for managing and performing all of the business of the City Hall and its services:

*City Manager
*City Clerk
*Administrative Services
*Community Development
*Public Safety
*Public Works
*Redevelopment

Services

Irvine has three independent districts: Educational, Police and Utilities. Other government services are:

*Animal control
*Building and safety regulation and inspection
*General administrative services
*Planning and zoning
*Public facility/capital improvement construction
*Recreation and cultural programs
*Refuse collection and recycling
*Street lighting
*Street maintenance
*Landscape maintenance and transportation management

Emergency services

Irvine contracts with the County of Orange for fire and medical services. Fire protection in Irvine is provided by the Orange County Fire Authority with ambulance service by Doctor's Ambulance. Law enforcement is provided by the Irvine Police Department (IPD). The IPD operates in a suburban city rated as having one of the lowest violent crime rates among cities with over 100,000 inhabitants by the FBI in 2005.

State and Federal

In the state legislature Irvine is located in the 33rd and 35th Senate Districts, represented by Republicans Dick Ackerman and John Campbell respectively, and in the 70th Assembly District, represented by Republican Chuck DeVore. Federally, Irvine is located in California's 48th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +8 and is represented by Republican John Campbell.

Geography

The cities bordering Irvine include Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach.

Climate

Irvine, like most of coastal Southern California, generally has a Mediterranean climate. The name derives from its similarity to the climate of areas along the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool, rarely falling below freezing. Precipitation in Irvine occurs predominantly during the winter months. The average January temperature in Irvine is 56 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average August temperature is 71 °F (22 °C).

A planned city

The layout of Irvine was designed by Los Angeles architect William Pereira and Irvine Company employee Raymond Watson, and is nominally divided into townships called villages. The townships are separated by six-lane streets. Each township contains houses of similar design, along with commercial centers, religious institutions and schools. Commercial districts are checker-boarded in a periphery around the central townships.

Pereira originally envisioned an Atlantis-like circular plan with numerous man-made lakes and the university in the center. When the Irvine Company refused to relinquish valuable farmland in the flat central region of the ranch for this plan, the University site was moved to the base of the southern coastal hills. The design that ended up being used was based on the shape of a necklace (with the villages strung along two parallel main streets, which terminate at UCI, the "pendant"). Traces of the original circular design are visible in the layout of the UCI campus and the two man-made lakes at the center of Woodbridge, one of the central villages.

All streets have landscaping allowances. Rights-of-way for powerlines also serve as bicycle corridors, parks and greenbelts to tie together ecological preserves. The greenery is irrigated with reclaimed water.

The homeowners' associations which govern some village neighborhoods exercise varying degrees of control on the appearances of homes. In more restrictive areas, houses' roofing, paint colors, and landscaping are regulated. A notable exception is the Village of Northwood, which was developed beginning in the early 1970s independent of the Irvine Company, and thus has the distinction of being a larger village that is not under the purview of a homeowners' association. As a result, homeowners in Northwood do not pay a monthly village association fee; and its neighborhoods are generally not as uniform in appearance as those in other villages such as West Park and Woodbridge, the latter which, however, generally offer more amenities such as members-only swimming pools, tennis courts, and parks.
In addition to association dues, homeowners in villages developed in the 1980s and later may be levied a Mello-Roos assessment, which came about in the post-Proposition 13 era. For homeowners in these areas, the association dues coupled with the Mello-Roos assessment may add significantly to the cost of living in the city.
The Irvine Ranch played host to the Boy Scouts of America's 1953 National Scout Jamboree. Jamboree Road, a major street which now stretches from Newport Beach to the City of Orange, was named in honor of this event.

Demographics

The census of 2000 found there were 143,072 people, 51,199 households, and 34,354 families in the city. The population density is 1,196.2/km² (3,098.0/mi²), as of the census. There are 53,711 housing units at an average density of 449.1/km² (1,163.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 61.06% White, 1.45% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 29.83% Asian American, 1.14% Pacific Islander, 2.54% from other races, and 4.82% from two or more races. 7.37% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 51,199 households out of which 36.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% are married couples living together, 9.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% are non-families. 22.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.70 persons and the average family size is 3.17.

In the city the population is spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 14.4% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.0 males.
According to 2008 Census Bureau estimates, the median income for a household in the city is $98,923, and the median income for a family is $111,455; these numbers make Irvine the seventh richest city in the USA, among cities with population 65,000 or higher.9.1% of the population and 5.0% of families are below the poverty line. Of the total population, 6.1% of those under the age of 18 and 5.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.