Windows serve more than a practical purpose, they add beauty to your home and enhance your views. The type of window you choose can make a big difference in your energy bills, natural light, airflow, and space.
Energy-efficient windows keep cool, conditioned air in and hot, humid outside air out. They also reduce household noise and dust.
Vinyl Frame
Choosing your window frame is a critical step in selecting the best replacement windows for your home. The frame material impacts the overall cost and energy efficiency of your windows, and it can also determine how durable your new windows are.
The most common frame choice is vinyl. Many homeowners choose this durable material for its affordability and low maintenance requirements. However, it is important to note that not all vinyl frames are created equal. Look for a high-quality vinyl formulation designed to withstand the harsh Houston and Spring weather.
A quality vinyl frame will feature UV light stabilizers to prevent fading and protect the integrity of your windows over time. It will also be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with foam insulation and steel-reinforced meeting rails. Compared to aluminum, this durable window frame is less likely to expand and contract with temperature changes. It will also provide superior thermal efficiency for your home. In addition, it can reduce outside noises and household dust and allergens for a healthier living environment.
Fiberglass
If you are looking to save on energy costs while boosting your home’s beauty and curb appeal, fiberglass windows are the way to go. Fiberglass is stronger than vinyl and offers better energy efficiency, helping to cut your hefty Houston energy bills. Infinity from Marvin builds their replacement windows with Ultrex fiberglass, allowing them to hold up to Houston’s extreme weather conditions while being eight times stronger than vinyl and needing less maintenance than wood windows.
They also resist contraction and expansion, which helps to prevent seal failures that allow conditioned air to escape your home. Plus, they come with a limited lifetime warranty that’s one of the best in the industry.
They also won’t bow, sag, or warp in the summer heat. And unlike wood, they don’t rot when exposed to moisture. This makes them a great choice for historic homes. And they are available in a variety of finishes to complement any home’s aesthetic.
Low-E Coating
There are several energy efficiency options available for windows, but low-e coatings offer the best combination of performance and style. The insulating properties of this innovative glass technology make it an ideal option for keeping your home comfortable and cutting down on energy bills.
They work by reflecting and limiting the amount of solar radiation that streams into your home. This type of radiation is invisible to the naked eye but can cause furniture and wall coverings to fade over time. Low-e glass reflects this energy and keeps UV rays from streaming through your windows, protecting these items.
There are different types of low-e window coatings and the formulas vary between manufacturers. This allows for the creation of window products that are tailored to specific climates. For example, soft-coat low-e coatings perform better in colder climates and hard-coat low-e coatings are more durable. Your Houston glass company will be able to explain the difference between the various options so that you can choose the one that works best for your home.
Dual-Pane Glass
Turn your house into a tranquil sanctuary with these soundproof window upgrades. From noisy city life to rumbles of airplane traffic overhead, these upgrades will help reduce outside noise pollution, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your home without being disturbed by the hustle and bustle.
Double pane windows consist of two glass panes with an insulating gap in between. This reduces heat loss during hot Houston summers and cold winters, saving you money on your energy bills.
For those who want a little more, we also offer triple pane windows for a higher level of energy efficiency. If your dual or triple pane windows have cracks or leaks, it’s time to call for residential glass repair in Houston to restore the argon gas and improve insulation. The upfront investment will pay off big-time in reduced energy bills throughout the lifetime of your home.