Choosing glass for Replacement Windows

01/19/2012 12:46:00

The type of glass you choose is perhaps the most important decision you make when purchasing windows. After all, 80-90% of a window is its glass unit. Your choice of glass can dramatically affect and enhance the architectural appeal of the building. It also affects the building’s energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency

Due to rising energy costs, single-pane windows are just about obsolete these days. Most windows are now built with double-pane, insulated glass.

Insulated glass is essentially a “sandwich” of two pieces of glass separated by a spacer bar and sealed on all four sides to create a dead airspace between the two panes.

Today, a typical window will have double-pane glass with an airspace between 1/2" and 1". They may also contain a special low E coating or argon gas injected between the panes to increase their energy efficiency. Spacer bars have also been specially engineered to provide greater energy savings and longevity against seal failure.

Historical Homes

Depending how concerned you are about the architectural appears may determine if you choose single pane glass. Historical window sashes are not designed to hold the insulated glass due to the design of the profile of the wood sash. When people are truely retaining their older home, most choose single pane because of this. Also, with an older home you should never permantly remove the storm windows. First they are a historical character, but add another layer of glass. The way the window unit is built is designed to receive a storm window, so if you were to remove it, the window exterior may look funny. A & A Millwork is a company that manufacturers historical window sashes, if you want more info click here, http://www.aamillwork.com/w_dblhng_win.htm

What is some of this glass lango you here now a days mean?

Argon Gas:

An inert gas that is often injected within the dead airspace of an insulated glass unit to enhance its efficiency. Since it is a naturally occurring component of the atmosphere, it is 100% safe. Argon gas-filled windows are approximately 6% more energy efficient than windows without argon gas.

Krypton Gas:
An inert gas that is often mixed with argon and injected into the dead airspace. It is more prevalent in triple-pane windows since it is more effective when the glass panes are close together.

Low E Glass:

Low E glass contains a highly engineered surface designed to reflect heat before it passes through the window. While early versions were often mirror-like or tinted, today's Low E glass is designed to allow most visible light to pass through it and doesn't appear any different than ordinary glass. In addition, low E coatings often are designed to reflect UV light to protect draperies and interior furnishings from sun bleaching. By incorporating low E glass, manufacturers can decrease energy loss through double-pane glass by up to 50

Hopefully this helps give you some insight on choosing glass for replacement windows.

Thanks,

Nicole Aune

nicole@homeresourceweb.com

Choosing an Exterior Door

01/10/2012 10:55:00

Are you thinking of replacing an exterior door? There are so many designs and styles to choose from these days, but the first deciding factor must start with the material! Based on what part of the country you live in, will be a huge impact on what materials would be good to choose from, such as steel, fiberglass or wood. For example, I live in MInnesota. Here we use all three types. If you choose wood there are major prefinishing instructions. If you are going to paint you should use several coats of oil base primer due to the fact of the concept, "water and oil do not mix."

Now let's consider steel or fiberglass doors for an older home? REALLY? Well, it depends how much you care about retaining the architectural value and look of the home. Wood is a no brainer to use in an older home. I found and sold many Simpson Exterior Doors. They are a great product. For sure built to last. I own a 1920's bungalow. There is no way I would ever put a steel door as my front door. If you are building new or remodeling a 20-30 year old home, steel and fiberglass actually flow well. The touch, the feel, the imposter look of the panels and glass. No way. You need to have wood. This flows with the house and all the original stained woodwork. Fiberglass has come a long way, but not enough for a 100 year old house is my eyes.

Finally the style. Well, you need to choose a material, because steel and fiberglass are quite limited to what is available when matching architectural character. Arts & Crafts home should have a third amount of glass at the top of the door. You can even add a dentil to add character. A contemporary/modern home should have straight lines, lots of glass, or plain with a cool handleset. Depending on the type of Victorian may have a door with an oval beveled glass, or many panels. My point is matching up the door with the house style. This is extremely important to the curb appeal. Remember, you exterior doors add class, style and most of all value to a home!

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Choosing glass for Replacement Windows

Choosing an Exterior Door