According to figures published by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), during the winter months, heated indoor air escaping your home through improperly insulated or maintained windows can account for between 10 and 25 percent of your heating bill.
The most common window type is the double hung window. This style of window consists of two sashes that move up and down, so that only half of the window can be open at one time. This is often the perfect window style for a period home.
You probably already know fiberglass is strong and durable, but do you know what it's made of? If you guessed fiberglass is a plastic composite material reinforced with glass fibers, you're right.
For windows positioned to get the most sunlight in the house, it's possible to apply special reflective coatings. These coatings can reduce the amount of heat that travels through the window without diminishing the natural light.
One way to distinguish gothic windows from other types is by looking for the spear shape at the top of each window set.
Awning-style windows are most typically associated with older and historic homes, especially above doors for ventilation. These are perfect for keeping rain out of your home while simultaneously letting in fresh air.
If you want to save money on utility bills, windows are a smart place to start. Depending on the energy efficiency of your windows, and how many you have in your home, they can account for between 10 and 25 percent of your utility costs.
Home buyers are particularly interested in whether a home has energy-efficient features or other factors that have increased property values, as well as whether the home's main features are up-to-date, according to survey of 500 real estate agents.
Triple-pane windows offer several advantages, including stopping heat transfer and reducing the amount of noise you can hear inside your home. These windows are typically filled with air, argon, or sometimes krypton between each pane.
Make sure to consult with your contractor about more than just installation. Are the windows they sell strong and durable? Do they have a tight seal and excellent weather stripping? Are the windows as good-looking on the inside as they are outside? Do they match the style of your home? Are they easy to clean? Maintenance free? What sort of warranty do they have?
The main purpose of replacement windows is to take the place of existing windows when they have deteriorated, become drafty, or are no longer functional.
Contemporary replacement windows do a much better job of preventing condensation than their earlier counterparts. These windows are designed to maintain a temperature above the dew point, in order to avoid the buildup of condensation.
Fixed windows are windows that can't be opened and tend to be inexpensive to install. This type of window is most suitable for higher locations where you're not going to want to open it anyway.
If you prefer historical windows, the Queen Anne style may be the best option for you. These windows often feature large square or diamond panes of glass surrounded by small glass squares.
Hopper style windows are the opposite of awning windows: they’re hinged at the bottom and can open either inward or outward. The most popular place to position this type of window is above a door or another window, where it is protected by eaves.
When it comes to residential windows, low-e glass is made with a glaze or coating that blocks heat flow. This helps to separate heat from cold, yielding significant energy savings year round.
Low-emissivity window coatings can increase the cost of a window by up to 15 percent. This can seem like a lot until you realize a low-e coating will reduce heat loss through the window by up to 50 percent, saving energy and paying for the increased price of the window over time.
Did you know that ultraviolet light coming into a home through windows can damage curtains, flooring and furniture? Tinted windows can block nearly 99 percent of the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Today’s replacement windows block heat transfer through the panes. A window’s “U factor” or unit of thermal transmittance is a numerical representation of a window’s ability to block heat. Windows with a higher U factor are more likely to allow condensation.
If you are going to replace your windows, we can show you the various options. It might also be a good idea to drive around your neighborhood so you have an idea what others in your area have.
The whole architectural arrangement of products that fill openings in buildings is known as "fenestration." This includes windows, doors, skylights, and even curtain walls. The term was first used in the 1800s, and is similar to the German word for window: "das Fenster."
With today’s modern windows, you can customize them to better complement the architectural style of your home. For instance, you might choose to have grills added (in the same material as the window frame) to give your home a bit of historic style.
