When it comes to window replacement, the material and installation style you choose are crucial. They impact aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency.
Double pane windows feature two glass panes that reduce heating and cooling costs by insulating your home. They can also incorporate argon gas between the glass and low-E coatings to further enhance their energy savings capabilities.
Low-E glass
The type of glass you choose for your windows will have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. A dual- or triple-pane window with argon or krypton gas between the panes slows thermal transfer, which reduces your cooling and heating costs.
Low E glass has a reflective coating that prevents heat from passing through the window. The coating is similar to the silver lining in a thermos – it bounces sunlight off of it to keep your home cool.
In warm climates, this soft-coat type of low-e should be facing the inside pane (surface #2) to minimise summer heat gain. It also blocks solar radiation in winter to help reduce your heating bills. For a clean look, Birmingham homeowners often opt for grid patterns like diamond or prairie.
Argon gas
Argon is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas that helps improve thermal insulation efficiency in double pane windows. It’s denser than air and reduces heat transfer between the two glass panels.
This design makes double-pane windows far more energy efficient than their single-pane counterparts, and it’s even better with triple-pane windows!
Window professionals can use a special instrument to gauge the current amount of argon gas present in a double-pane window. If substantial amounts have been lost, they can reintroduce it. In addition to improving energy efficiency, argon gas can prevent condensation between window panes and the frame. It is also used in the manufacturing of silicon and germanium crystals and in winemaking to displace oxygen from barrels and keep the wine fresher. Other uses include cryosurgery, metal fabrication, sputtering, plasma etching and ion implantation.
Weather stripping
Many homeowners choose double pane windows in Birmingham AL to make their homes more comfortable, efficient and sustainable. The insulated glass and inert gases in these new windows prevent outdoor temperatures from impacting the interior climate, leading to lower energy bills.
Whether you have double-paned or triple-glazed windows, they need the right weather stripping to seal drafts and keep your home cozy. These simple DIY projects are easy to execute, inexpensive and will save you money on heating and cooling costs. First, clean the window sashes with mild detergent and water, then use a glue-and-adhesive remover for stubborn residue. Select the appropriate material for the location—felt strips are inexpensive and simple to install but don’t hold up well in damp areas; foam-filled tubular gasket weather stripping is more durable and has extra insulating qualities.
Sliding windows
Sliding windows are a popular choice in Birmingham homes. They can be used for access to small balconies in city houses or for creating large glazed walls in modern apartments. They can also be used to enhance the aesthetic of classic farmhouses, I-style homes and cottages. These windows are available in a variety of custom sizes for a perfect fit. They also come with many customization options, including mullions and a range of designer glass.
Wood windows are durable and offer traditional beauty, while vinyl windows provide affordability and energy efficiency. Both can be customized with a range of options to meet Alabama’s unique climate conditions. Energy Star rated windows can qualify you for Alabama Power’s window rebate programs. They are also resistant to expansion and contraction, making them a smart investment in your home.
Picture windows
Picture windows give your home a beautiful view of Birmingham’s cityscape and surrounding woods and hills. They also help reduce energy costs by providing an insulating barrier against the elements. The frame material you choose can have a significant impact on the cost of your project. Aluminum, fiberglass, and composite frames are the most common options.
Double pane windows use two sheets of glass separated by an air-filled space to reduce heat loss in winter and block sunlight in the summer. They can be made even more energy efficient with argon gas or low-e coatings.
Dual-pane windows create an airtight seal, which is great for sustaining a stable temperature in commercial buildings and promoting a comfortable workplace environment. However, this can lead to condensation between the two glass panels and cause foggy or misty windows.