Windows have been around for centuries and they’ve come a long way, thanks to manufacturers constantly innovating their products and services. New technologies are now in place for you to enjoy, trumping those of the past to give you only the best window experience today. But what are these technologies? How are old windows different from new windows today? That’s what I’m here to talk about.
Insulated Glass Units
Back in the day, window glass was only designed to cover window openings without impeding views. There was no attention paid to insulating the glass to prevent heat transfer as much as possible but new technologies have made it possible to make insulation a standard feature in multi-glazed windows. Insulated window glass is great because it complements the insulating properties of other parts of your home, boosting your property’s overall insulation so you can enjoy the best kind of energyefficiency. In fact, compared to a singled-glazed window, the standard option in the past, double-glazed windows reduce heat loss by over 50%. This will not only help you cut back on your energy bill but will also ensure comfort in your home by stabilizing indoor temperature.
Low-E Glass
One of the main reasons home improvement experts recommend a window replacement is because newer window units are usually fitted with a low-emissivity or low-E glass. The problem a lot of homeowners have is that they want to take advantage of natural light but don’t want all of the heat that comes with it. Natural light is sunlight, after all. Low-E glass addresses this problem by allowing a window to let in as much natural light as possible while filtering out heat so it doesn’t enter the home. As low-E glass blocks out outdoor heat, it also keep UV light at bay which helps prevent furniture, window treatments and other items in your home from fading when exposed to the sun. Homes looking to take advantage of some passive heating may opt for low-E windows rated with higher U-values. As the U-value rating increases, so does the level of heat a window lets in. Passive heating is beneficial in areas with colder climates as it reduces heating load.
Style Options
Windows were traditionally made of wood and they were beautiful. There’s truly no arguing that wooden windows offer a lot of aesthetic appeal but, the problem is, the material is not perfect. This has led to the development of other window materials designed to address the pitfalls of wood, resulting in different material options that homeowners can choose from. For instance, vinyl is easier to maintain than wood and is the most affordable, while there is also a composite material that looks like wood but is low-maintenance like vinyl. Newer frame materials can also accommodate a range of color options and windowstyles, allowing homeowners to pick out what will work with their property best. .jpg)
