Every part of our home has a purpose. Roofs and siding provide protection, doors provide entry and security, and windows let in light. All these parts should function well and, as much as possible, help you save on costs.
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What is Window Glazing?
Window glazing is a critical component in windows that serves as a protective and insulating layer. Window glazing typically involves sealing the gaps or joints around a window frame to help create an airtight seal. Glazed windows are more optimized to prevent drafts, moisture build-up, and heat loss, which helps improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. Moreover, window glazing can include Low-E coatings, which further improve thermal insulation and reduce UV radiation.
Window Glazing Terms You Need to Know
Glazed replacement windows in Aurora are important to attain energy efficiency. Before you choose your next window, here are a few terms that you need to familiarize yourself with to get the most energy-efficient windows.
- U-value — This indicates the rate of heat flow through a window, which results from temperature differences. Lower U-factors indicate more energy-efficient windows.
- Solar heat gain coefficient — This rating indicates how much energy from the sun is transmitted through the window as heat. The climate in your area will determine how low or how high the solar heat gain coefficient needs to be.
- Glass visible transmittance — This is the percentage of the visible portion of light transmitted through your window. The amount of light needed in a room determines how much visible transmittance you need.
In addition, some manufacturers use terminologies such as gas fills, which improve the thermal performance of a window; Low-E coating, which controls heat transfer through windows; and insulated windows, which are windows with two or more panes that have insulated spaces in between.
4 Types of Window Glazing Options
Low-Glass
Low-e glass is the most affordable type of window glazing. It’s just like a regular glass window except that it has a thin metallic layer applied to the window panes. Many people thought that the metallic layer will prevent light from entering your home and make your house appear dark, but that is just a misconception. The metallic film is actually invisible.
The great thing about glazed windows with low-e glass is that they can help control the temperature inside the house. During summer, low-e glass windows reflect the heat from the sun, therefore, keeping your house cool. And during winter, they trap the heat inside and prevent it from escaping easily.
Reflective Films
This type is similar to low-e glass since they both feature thin metallic layers. However, reflective films have tints. The purpose of the tint is to block UV rays and prevent them from entering your home. Because windows with reflective films are tinted, you should expect that they will make any room darker. Therefore, you will need to use artificial lighting more.
Heat-Absorbing Replacement Windows
Heat-absorbing replacement windows are similar to windows with reflective films, but they offer several glazing options that can benefit your home. They come in different shades, but the most popular options are blue and green tints, which allow light to easily enter your house.
This type of window uses special chemicals that absorb heat, making your room a bit cooler. However, you need to switch the lights on as it makes your room darker.
Window Gas Fills
This type of window is generally made with argon and krypton. The purpose of these gases is to block air and moisture during summer and trap heat during winter. Sometimes, manufacturers combine window gas fills with low e-glass coating to provide homeowners with window replacements that will help them save more energy and money.
Benefits of Glazed Windows
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll have an idea of whether a window replacement will save you money in the future. Aside from energy efficiency, these are some of the other benefits of glazed windows.
- Heat retention — A window can retain the heat inside a room during cool days and keep the heat away during the summer season.
- Soundproofing — Windows with more panes can reduce more noise compared with single-pane windows.
Energy-Efficient Windows from NEXT Door & Window®
For top-notch replacement windows in Chicagoland and the surrounding areas, NEXT Door & Window is the best contractor for the job. We offer energy-efficient windows from brands like Infinity from Marvin, which is made from Ultrex materials and has a low thermal expansion rate; and Integrity Windows, which has options for low-E glass to protect your home from ultraviolet rays.
To know more about our energy-saving options, click here. You can also contact us by filling out this form. Call NEXT Door & Window today at (855) 893-6100.
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