In residential construction, windows are often one of the most important design features. The right type of window can make a home energy-efficient and comfortable all year, while the wrong type will cause it to be expensive and uncomfortable. Read on for a guide to help you choose the best window type for your residential project.
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Double or Triple Glazing?
Single glass panes in a residential window are outdated. In residential construction today, most homes will either have double or triple-pane windows. Double glazing has two panes of glass separated by a small gap filled with an inert gas like argon to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss in winter.
The spacer that connects the two (or three) panes of glass is also important. Manufacturers now make spacers that are made out of treated metal combined with desiccant that eliminates trapped moisture in the space during the manufacturing process.
Double-glazed windows are more expensive than single-pane ones, but they also work better. Triple-glazed is more expensive than double-glazed. Both are more expensive than single-pane windows.
Double and triple-glazed windows will also make your home quieter. Which is a good thing since modern builders are building smaller homes that get less sound dampening from the walls themselves.
If you live in an area that has extremely cold weather, talk to your contract to see if triple-glazed is a better choice for you.
Air or Inert Gas?
Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) were once filled with air. That’s still the most common residential option. But IGUs that use an inert gas, like argon or krypton, which are both non toxic and odorless, may be a better choice for some people because they reduce air infiltration and help improve thermal performance.
Argon gas is commonly used since it’s more cost-effective than krypton. If you chose a double-glazed window with argon gas, the gap will approximately be half an inch. Krypton gas is a better insulator and can help reduce the U-Factor (a measure of heat loss) by up to 50 percent. It also takes up less space so it’s best to use it in a triple-glazed window so it won’t be too deep to fit in a standard window frame.
Low-E or Tempered Glass?
The glass on your windows is important, too. You have a choice between low-emissivity (Low-E) or tempered glass. Low-E coatings help reflect heat back into the room during the winter and keep it from escaping in the summer. Tempered glass is stronger and shatter-resistant than regular window glass.
Low-E is a thin layer of metal that is applied to one side of the glass. It is almost invisible but it helps reflect heat back into the room in the winter and keeps it from escaping in the summer.
There are different types of Low-E coatings that were designed to protect you from solar heat gains. This helps control the heat transferred through the panes and also helps builders customize the windows of your house based on the climate and weather patterns in your area.
- High solar gain coatings – allows more heat into the home or building. So these are widely used in homes that experience strong winters.
- Low solar gain coatings – this blocks 75% of the heat so this is commonly used in homes that are under warmer climates.
Tempered glass is made by heating regular window glass to a very high temperature and then quickly cooling it. This makes it stronger than untreated glass and shatter-resistant. It is also called a safety glass which is the wisest choice for your home.
If tempered glass breaks, it shatters into smaller, even-sized pieces. This is safer for you and your family because it reduces the chances of any sharp edges or shards being created that could hurt anyone if they were hit by them. It also means cleaning up a tempered glass breakage will be easier too since there are no small broken particles to deal with.
Conclusion
You will understand the importance of quality windows if you’ve experienced an inefficient one. Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. You know that you’re going to spend a lot of time in your home, so why not make it as comfortable and efficient as possible?
Quality residential glass is one way of making sure that the residents stay safe; especially children. If you have kids at home or plan on having one, it’s best to get the one that will bring comfort and safety to your home.
In a residential window, the glass is very thick because it has to withstand high winds and storms. It’s important that you choose a good residential window when buying a new home or remodeling an old one.
Make sure to always ask your family and friends and read some reviews so you can have an informed decision. Remember, your family safety should be your number one priority!
