Your Options For Replacement Windows

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Replacing your windows doesn't have to be a daunting task that you dread. There are many kinds of windows that you can get to replace the ones you currently have, from those that are simple glass to those that will help you reduce your power bills. Here's an idea of what options you have to replace your windows.

Choose the Glass Type

There are three kinds of glass that you can choose for your window replacement. You can choose single glazed, double glazed, or triple glazed glass. Here's the differences in these types of glass.

Single glazed glass is not often used in new homes or for replacement windows. These windows don't offer a lot of protection against heat lost or gained. While these types of windows do comply with building standards, they won't meet the guidelines that are put out by Energy Star, the organization that rates how energy efficient things like windows are.

Double glazed windows are the most popular kind of replacement window. In these windows, there are two layers of glass that are separated by a gas. This gas is either krypton or argon. A double glazed window provides a great deal of protection against heat loss or gain, making these windows energy efficient.

Triple glazed windows offer even more energy efficiency. These are made like double glazed windows, but have an extra layer. 

Glass Options

If you choose double or triple glazed windows, you have options for the glass in your windows. You can choose from clear glass, heat absorbing glass, low-e glass, and reflective glass.

Clear glass is simply glass. It has no coating, layers of film or reflective areas. it simply lets light through. It offers no benefits beyond being clear.

Heat absorbing glass has a tint that reduces how much heat can get through the window. Some heat still makes it through, but these are a good, energy efficient choices for your home.

Low-E glass is also known as low emissivity glass. This type of window glass is coated with a special tinting that will reflect the light off the surface of the glass, reducing the amount of heat that passes through the window. Light is able to pass through while your home remains cool.

Reflective glass offers the benefits of low-e and heat absorbing glass. It also reduces how much light is allowed through the window. It's a good choice if you need to darken a room.

These options will help you choose the right windows for your home with companies like Glasshopper Schor Glass.


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