Top tips for picking the right windows
A PROPERTY’S windows are one of the most important features of any house and play a huge part in the aesthetic appeal of any house or building.
Aside from aesthetic considerations good windows can also play a huge role in helping keep your home heating bills down and in these cash conscious times that’s also a very important consideration.
As windows play such an important role in improving the appeal and comfort of a home you need to ensure you have the right type of window and glass.
When the time comes to pick the right windows for your home it might seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you are still unfamiliar with the basics of window replacement, but it doesn’t have to be and before you commit to installing or replacing your windows here are a few helpful tips to make the job a little easier.
First off it's important to recognise when your home needs new windows. There are a number of obvious signs that it's time to consider and upgrade.
If your home feels breezy during the winter and uncomfortably warm when heat or sunlight penetrates your windows during the warmer season you might want to change.
Other common reasons include air coming in around the edges of the window or concerns about your window's safety and security
Once you've decided to change your windows it's vital to learn as much about the different types of windows and its materials. There are various types of windows you can consider.
There are Double-hung windows which can be opened from top and bottom.
Another alternative are Casement windows which can be opened with a crack; thus, they are known to be easy to use and are ideal in areas that are hard to reach, such as above the kitchen sink.
You may also like to consider getting custommade windows despite being more expensive as compared to standardsized and custom-manufactured windows. Its higher price is worth it in the long run, especially since installation becomes much faster and easier.
Once you have selected the type of window you want it's time to examine the various types of glass that are available.
It's important to pick glass that lets in plenty of light while keeping out damaging UV rays which fade your furniture and rugs.
Traditional single-pane glass might work for "fixed" windows ( i. e. windows that can't be opened). In general, however, single-pane windows aren't very good at protecting your house from extremes of heat or cold. If you've got single-pane windows in your home, think about upgrading as soon as possible.
Insulated windows do a better job blocking noise and wind than their single-pane counterparts. If you're living in a really cold climate area, triple-pane windows might be a good option. There is even such a thing as quadruple pane windows, which consist of a pair of dual paned windows set back to back.
For extra insulation, the air space between double panes can be filled and factory sealed with argon or krypton gas. In summer, cool air will linger in your home. In winter, the windows will help keep the cold out.
Low emissive window coatings are recommended for cold climates. Low-e coated glass features a seethrough layer of metal or metallic oxide.
A tinted window will also retain heat inside your house, but at the price of blocking light. Low-e glass, on the other hand, lets in lots of light while keeping out UV rays.