Did you know, choosing the right windows is not just for old homes but even for newer homes? Why? Well, new homes have builder-grade windows and doors, which is alright, but they aren’t great and don’t last long and meet the bare minimum energy efficiency codes.
Look for the following when choosing or purchasing a new window:
Windows usually consist of one major element which is Glass. However, are all the window glasses the same? No. A double-pane window with low-E glass with a vacuum-sealed argon fill is something that stands on top for us. Why? and what even is Low-E. Low-E (low-emissivity) glass is coated with a low-emittance material designed to reflect heat and comes in different grades. In the summer, a window composed of Low-E glass blocks ultraviolet radiation that causes heat generation. On the other hand in the winter, it absorbs UV rays and allows more heat to enter.
The room’s temperature will be more comfortable the better insulated the window glass.
Energy Efficiency:-
This is a major reason why we choose to replace the window in the first place (well unless it was broken or had water leaking). Jokes aside, for Ontario, did you know, you can get up to $375 per opening/window and a maximum of $10,000 for new energy-efficient windows as rebates from the Ontario government? Visit Ontario Energy Rebates – Home Energy Incentive Program for more.
Now to the main point, what is energy efficient, and why spend money to achieve it? Well, Window technology has come a long way to keep you comfortable and save you money on your heating and cooling bills. Take multi-pane windows for instance. No longer are you limited to a single pane of glass. Now you can choose from dual pane to even triple pane glass configurations. Why does it matter? Well, we live in a colder climate and Homes here tend to retain higher levels of moisture inside. Windows with triple-pane glass are more resistant to condensation meaning a more comfortable environment all around.
Taking it even further, look for windows that are ENERGY STAR rated. ENERGY STAR is a government-supported program that enacts the most strict requirements for energy. Probably, with the grant and interest-free loan (Yes you heard it right) and all the savings on your heating and cooling bills, you are not spending money to upgrade, but in fact, saving money.
Material / Frame –
Wood
Known for their beauty and traditional look, wood windows are available in a variety of natural finishes that can add character inside and outside your home.
All of our wood windows go through a multi-step finishing process that creates a more durable and consistent product. Before assembly, each individual piece of wood is either sanded, conditioned, stained, or oven-cured. Some even receive a combination of all these treatments.
For an added investment, you can also find wood windows that come with aluminum cladding on the outside to protect the wood and also enhance the appearance. The warmth of wood, combined with colorful and low-maintenance cladding means you get the best of both worlds.
In general, wood is a premium material that can offer a classic look. However, it also requires annual maintenance and cleaning in order to maintain its quality. So, if you’re looking for something that looks great and doesn’t require attention, and doesn’t want the added expense of a clad wood window, you might want to consider alternatives.
Vinyl
Vinyl is perhaps the most popular window material on the market. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also durable and weather-resistant.
Vinyl windows are made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), a strong, water-resistant material that is often used to construct household pipes. Since moisture absorbance causes windows to warp, rot, and distort, this water resistance enables vinyl windows to maintain their original quality much longer than other materials.
Fiberglass
When it comes to strength and durability, fiberglass is nearly unbeatable. In fact, compared to other materials, fiberglass is the strongest window framing material in the industry. Its innate strength and long-term durability make it a go-to for anyone interested in fiberglass.
As for color, fiberglass windows are available in a variety of fade-resistant shades. Plus, unlike wood, they are virtually maintenance-free, so you won’t need to re-paint any time soon. They also do not leak, corrode or rot, and they resist expansion and contraction in temperature swings.
These properties make fiberglass one of the most desirable window materials on the market.
Fiberglass Composite
For those looking to balance classic beauty with modern, engineered strength, blending wood with fiberglass is a perfect solution.
Fiberglass composite windows offer the benefits of wood windows with the durability of fiberglass. The warm wood interior delivers timeless beauty, while the resilient, long-lasting fiberglass exterior stays strong in even the toughest conditions.
Style of windows:-
We are all looking for ways to feel more connected to nature, so natural light should be the main source of light. With that in mind, windows should be present in every room and be as large as possible. Sure, light fixtures and outlets should be plentiful, but so should windows.
If you are still confused or need more information, well, we are a call away or an email. The key is to know which choices will give you the biggest bang for your buck without delivering a blow to your bottom line.