Replacement Windows Guide: Glass and Gas Features

Do you know which features to consider when shopping around for replacement windows in Denver? Factors that contribute to windows’ energy performance such as glass, glazing, and gas should all be taken into account and assessed thoroughly for a more worthwhile investment. After all, your windows can be responsible for a considerable amount of heat loss or heat gain that can jeopardize your finances as well as your health and home structure.

Your windows should have Low-E (emissivity) glass and coating or glazing for optimum energy efficiency and improved UV protection/solar heat control. For better insulation and thermal transmittance, gas-filled yet airtight replacement windows with low U-Factor and high R-value should be properly installed. When you increase the number of window panes and install double or triple glazing, the insulating value can be enhanced, level of comfort elevated, and noise transmission reduced.

Frames and spacers also require proper attention as they are crucial to thermal performance and condensation control. Choose materials and installation methods that are applicable to your climate zone to avoid troublesome and costly maintenance issues. Learn about the Energy Star labeling system including the performance ratings incorporated in the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) labels.

Buying and installing new windows can be an expensive home improvement project. However, the rewards that you can achieve in the long run can actually outweigh your expenses. Choose replacement windows that can help you significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising on style, durability, and budget.

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Windows: Safety Considerations

Your home is a veritable sanctuary where you need to feel safe and comfortable at all times. However, if crooks can easily break in through your windows, your peace of mind can be gone in an instant. As such, be sure to carefully select the type of windows to be installed in your home. Here’s a look at some choice worth considering.

Bay Windows

A bay window projects outward from the main walls of a structure. It can be polygonal or curve, with several panels that can be either fixed or adjustable. Bay windows are not that easy to break into and are ideally installed if your home has several stories.

Double-Hung Window

A double-hung window is made of two sashes that can be lowered or raised to open one half of the window system. Aside from its beauty, which is suitable for almost any structure, it ensures children’s safety since you can open only the upper half to allow breeze to enter. Meanwhile, the lower half can remain closed to prevent small children from accidentally jumping out.

Fixed Windows

To prevent unauthorized entry or accidental falls, you might want to opt for fixed windows without opening and closing mechanisms. Fixed windows are intended only to receive natural lighting. Their sashes are fixed along the window sill and sides to prevent ingress and egress.

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Get to Know Your French Doors from Denver

French style-doors may not be an American invention, yet they remain quite popular in the country to this day. The design originated in France after taking hints from similar designs found in Italy during the Renaissance. These earlier styles gave greater focus on symmetry and geometry, which were the hallmarks of Ancient Roman architecture. By the 17^th century, French doors found their way to England, and from there, were exported to the New World.

Back then, the main purpose of French doors was to provide adequate natural lighting. They were commonly used to light up hallways or adjacent rooms that didn’t have windows—a practice that was very apparent in the various bungalows in Louisiana during the Colonial Period. As designs continued to evolve, however, French doors became more beautiful and sophisticated even as they continued to serve their original purpose.

Today, French doors can be built with hinges or sliding mechanisms, with indoor and outdoor variants in existence. A sliding French door is known to save space, while an indoor variant can be used to enhance interior aesthetics. With the proper glass treatments, these doors can also regulate indoor temperature and reduce a household’s energy expenditure, making them beautiful and practical additions to any home.

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Double Deal: About Double Hung Windows

Windows come in numerous shapes and sizes, with each design suited for particular functions. Yet the most recognized and popular of these casements is the double hung variety. Double hung windows are simply two panes, an upper and a lower pane, combined. Typically, the lower pane of a double hung model is designed to be raised up and over the upper pane.

Considered one of the most basic window designs, double hung fixtures also happen to be some of the most affordable models in the market. Folks looking for an inexpensive replacement window simply can’t go wrong with a double hung unit. Many manufacturers tend to price their double hung models as low as possible to encourage sales, so folks shouldn’t have a problem finding a model that’s affordable.

Not only are double hung windows reasonably priced, they’re also one of the most secure types of windows available. Their simple construction makes good use of seals and caulking, thereby effectively inhibiting air leaks better than other models. When coupled with treated glass, double hung windows can boost the energy efficiency of any home. Homeowners looking to increase their household heating or cooling capacities may want to consider switching to double hung windows.

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Why Mold Growth May Require Window Replacement

The increased snowfall in Denver has provided some locals the impetus to flock to nearby ski resorts. However, heavy snowfall is also bad news for most homeowners in the area due to the heightened risks of moisture damage and mold infestation. Moisture that settles on windows, for instance, can lead to mold growth, particularly for window frames and sills made of wood.

Mold growth on windows is not only unsightly but can, in fact, cause extensive damage as well if left untreated. Homeowners have the option to remove mold from their windows by themselves, but they must do so with caution; otherwise, they'll only expose themselves to respiratory problems. A safe and effective way to get rid of mold on windows is to wipe it off with fungicidal wash while wearing protective gloves and a face mask.

In case of extreme mold growth that has already led to severe deterioration of window frames or sills, homeowners may benefit from having new windows installed. This time, instead of going for wood-based materials, homeowners may consider composite Fibrex windows made from a combination of wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer materials. Such products possess better resistance to mold formation and are likely to retain their beauty for a longer time.

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Why Purchase Picture Windows in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a city blessed with beautiful scenery. There are mountains to the west, the Palmer Divide to the north, high plains to the east, and desert lands at the bottom.

A home can be blessed with a majestic view regardless of location in the city. Families can take advantage of the aesthetic appeal the city offers by installing picture windows. These windows are large fixed windows that can be used to portray a beautiful view.

Here are some of the benefits of installing a picture window in your home:

Costs

The cost of installing picture windows is a lot cheaper compared to other brands due to the fact that a lot of windows of this archetype are usually fixed. This fact eliminates the need to purchase replacements for moving parts.

Heat Gain

Colorado Springs experiences very cold winters, with temperatures hitting below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Picture windows allow more heat to come in during the winter months, helping the household to cut down on heating costs.

All-Natural Perks

These windows do not only allow heat in; they also allow a lot of natural light to come into the house. They also paint a constantly changing picture of the city's gorgeous surroundings, making for a very beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.

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