What Makes A Window Energy Efficient?
So, you are considering window replacement for your home and research the best types for insulation and comfort boost inside your property. And you see everywhere that specialists advise choosing an energy-efficient window replacement solution, as those can save you a lot of costs. But at the same time, you question what makes a window energy efficient. Well, you are in the right place, because we’ve shared in this article in-depth details about energy-efficient windows. Let’s see up next why you should consider energy-efficient window replacement solutions.
What are Energy-Efficient Windows?
Energy-efficient windows are created to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping a home. These solutions come with better insulation, which in turn diminishes a house energy usage. And the best part of the energy-efficient windows is that they make your home more comfortable.
How do Energy-Efficient Windows Work?
The design of an energy-efficient window is a vast gathering of top-notch materials that function together to provide the best insulation approach for an interior. First of all, the quality of the material used for the frame is extremely important. Low-maintenance framing materials can diminish heat transfer and insulate better.
Also, the multiple pane windows are the best window replacement solution, as two or more glass panes come with increased impact resistance, sound insulation, and overall improved interior insulation. And the most qualitative window replacement ideas come with Low-E glass, a special coating that reflects light and keeps the heat inside in winter and outside in summer. Also, this type of coating prevents UV damage and allow natural light to enter a home without obstructions.
Some types of energy-efficient windows come with gas fills, such as argon or krypton. These are odourless and non-toxic gases that aid in insulation and shield the home against energy leakages. And the best energy-efficient windows come with warm edge spacers, which keeps the glass panes at the right distance. This diminishes heat transfer through the windows, which in turn prevents condensation or fog from occurring.
Why are Window Frame Materials Essential?
The best and most efficient windows are designed from top-notch, durable materials. As an example, fiberglass is a popular choice amongst homeowners due to its low-maintenance and good insulation results. Also, fiberglass frames can come with hollow or filled with foam insulation. Vinyl frames are also easy to maintain and offer decent thermal insulation. Composite frames are created from distinct materials that were mixed together with a manufacturing process to achieve a durable and well-insulated window frame.
So, now that you know more details about what makes a window energy-efficient, maybe it is time to contemplate window replacement for your home. New windows can offer a lot of advantages and can save you unnecessary costs in your energy bill.
5 Types of Window Frames for Your Home
Knowing the types of window frames available for your window replacement project will assist you in making an informed decision about purchasing the right window frame for your home. It is essential to know that window frames come in different materials and finishes that have a significant impact on performance, durability, and aesthetics.
Read this article further to know the five types of window frames available for window replacement in your home.
1. Vinyl Window Frames
Vinyl window frames are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are your perfect choice for perfect insulation. If you need window frames that are versatile and compatible with a wide variety of window types – they match any style of window. Vinyl window frames are the most popular framing choice. You can get the highest level of moisture resistance from vinyl window frames. They are more affordable and durable than other types.
2. Fiberglass Window Frames
Fiberglass window frames another type of window frame that offers the highest resistance to weathering and extreme changes in temperature. They are made of sustainable materials. They are incredibly energy-efficient and provide excellent insulation. Fiberglass is durable and lasts longer than some types of window frames. However, the downside of the fiberglass window frame is that they are more costly.
3. Aluminium Window Frames
If you need window frames that are rugged and durable, aluminium window frames are a perfect choice. They require little or no maintenance, especially when you painted them. Aluminium is resistant to rot and sunlight damage. The aesthetics property of aluminium window frames is impressive – they are sleek and beautiful. However, the downsides of aluminium window frames include poor insulation (as they conduct heat), and they are expensive.
4. Wooden Window Frames
Wooden window frames are made from wood. They are attractive and durable when appropriately maintained. Wooden window frames are the most expensive, but they are vulnerable to rot and weathering under extreme temperatures. The natural grain of wooden window frames makes them suitable for vintage design. However, they require a lot of care and maintenance.
5. Composite Window Frames
Composite window frames are made from composite wood products such as wood fibre, particleboard, and strand lumber to imitate original wood appearance. They usually contain vinyl or aluminium covering that serves as a protection to the wood. Composite window frames are a hybrid of wood and vinyl or aluminium. They are expensive, but they possess excellent qualities.
Your budget, style, and preferences will determine which of these window frames to purchase for your window replacement project.
What is the Difference Between Casement and Awning Windows?
If you are planning a window replacement project, it is crucial to understand the differences between casement and awning windows to make the best decision. Casement and awning windows are perfect for any window replacement exercise, but some differences make one better for a location than the other.
As a result, we have compiled the differences between casement and awning windows to make your window replacement project effortless and smooth. Read more.
Differences between Casement and Awning Windows
The following are some differences between casement and awning windows:
1. Hinge System
Although casement and awning windows are crank windows, they are hinged differently. Casement windows are hinged at the side and can open to either right or left, depending on which side it is hinged to the window frame. On the contrary, awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. Your preferred hinge system will determine the suitable type for your window replacement project.
2. Space Configuration
Casements windows are perfect for openings with a higher height than the width. Awning windows, on the other hand, are best suited for openings with a greater width than the height. The window space will determine the best between casement and awning windows for your window replacement task.
3. Opening Space
The structure of the casement and awning windows determines the space they need to open fully. Although the two types of windows open outwards, awning windows require ample space outdoor to open fully. Meanwhile, casement windows require less space to open fully. This factor can impact your experience; that is why you should measure window space and choose the appropriate type between casement and awning windows.
4. Ease of Cleaning
It is much easier to clean casement windows than awning windows. Cleaning is a factor that should be prioritized when choosing the window for specific rooms in your house. Casement windows open up to 90 degrees and can be cleaned thoroughly from inside. To clean awning windows, you have to go outside and use a ladder. As a result, if the window you want to install in a particular room requires regular cleaning, choose casement windows after considering other factors discussed above.
5. Orientation
Casement windows are designed with vertical orientation and area hinged to either the right or left side of the frame. Awning windows have horizontal orientation and hinged at the top. Casement windows swing open like doors while awning windows open outwardly upward.
Regardless of your choice between casement and awning windows, you can complete your window replacement project with peace of mind. They are both energy-efficient and will enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Meanwhile, your window space and preference will determine your choice.
What Factors Influence the Price of Replacement Windows?
Replacing your windows is a good way to protect the value of your home. However, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing your replacement windows. For example, the cost will depend on how old your home is, what kind of window you’re replacing, and how your window is installed. But, once you get a window replacement, it can save you in the long run on energy and heating bills.
Here are the 5 factors that influence the price of replacement windows:
1. Type or Replacement
Another factor that impacts the cost of window replacement is the kind of replacement required for the replacement project. The condition of the existing window will also contribute to the convenience or otherwise of the required procedure. If the installation required is a full-frame replacement or a window insert, the cost of installation will differ as the level of work involved is more than the other. This factor directly affects the cost of labor.
2. Hardware
The cost to install a replacement window can also be affected by the type and amount of window hardware used in making the window. The locks, sashes, casement hardware, screen and storm, transom, etc. used in designing a window will contribute to cost replacing windows.
3. Aesthetics
The aesthetics of a window, comprising its style, design, materials, and finish, will contribute to its physical appearance. It is important to state that attractive windows will cost more than simple designs. And if you are purchasing three or more of that kind of windows, it can have a significant impact on the overall cost of window replacement.
4. Window Company
It is essential to search for different window companies and compare their prices when you want to undertake a window replacement project. Some window companies will charge more based on their popularity, experience, and the number of years in the industry. You should look around and get the best value for your money at affordable prices.
5. Mode of Purchase
Although you can make your findings online when you want to purchase replacement windows, you should visit the physical warehouse or office of the window company you want to purchase from. You would be given lower prices based on your bargaining strength. The cost of window replacement will be lower when you go to the physical shop compared to when you ordered online.
5 Benefits of Windows and Doors Replacement
Did you know approximately 70% of a home’s energy loss occurs in windows and doors? Windows and doors are an important component of your home that drastically affects your comfort and energy bills.
Here are the 5 benefits of windows and doors replacement:
1. Light Control
New replacement windows are designed in different ways. If you wish to control the amount of light that enters a particular room, you only have to purchase photochromic windows. You would be able to regulate natural light in your house. You can also request custom-made windows that meet your needs or room requirements.
2. Better View
Besides, creating a dramatic improvement in the beauty of the home, you can have a better view from inside the house. You will be able to see through without any obstruction or a film of dirt on the window. Also, you can choose a design that will allow you to see outside. Then you can sit and relax by the window.
3. Increased Home Value
Replacing windows and doors is a home improvement that increases the value of a home. If you are thinking of selling your home, replacing the windows and doors is a wise investment that guarantees a higher return on investment. Get the best value possible for your home.
4. Reduces Fading
You will be able to stop the ultraviolet rays from entering the house because the new windows are efficient and enhanced against the harmful UV-rays. Consequently, your belongings will not be faded any longer.
5. Savings on HVAC Maintenance
With a draft getting inside the house, the home becomes less energy-efficient. The heater and air conditioner in the house will be working excessively and harder to heat or cool the house. Over time, the HVAC system will require frequent and costly repairs and maintenance. However, when you replace your windows and doors, the energy efficiency of your home will increase. As a result, your HVAC system will work less, and you will be able to save money on repairs and maintenance.
You can take advantage of the benefits stated above by replacing your windows and doors. However, you need to choose the right ones for your home to have a pleasant experience. If you cannot decide on the perfect windows and doors for your home, contact a contractor to assist you. Know that replacing your windows and doors is a viable project and investment with a high return on investment.
5 Window Maintenance Tips
Before going into details about you can maintain your windows, it is good to know what benefits you stand to gain from maintaining your windows regularly. Here are the benefits of regular window maintenance.
Longevity
Maintaining your new windows regularly will keep them in top functional and aesthetic conditions. All the moving parts will be easy to operate due to regular maintenance, and damaged parts will be repaired. As a result, your windows will last for a long time, longer than if you did not maintain them.
Reduction in Energy Bills
Another benefit you get from regular window maintenance is low energy bills. By keeping your windows in the proper condition, you would be able to prevent draft, plug holes, and repair damaged seals. As a result, your windows will be energy-efficient, which will cause your heating and cooling requirements to be low with a resultant reduction in energy bills.
Enhanced Security
Poorly-maintained windows are usually the targets of burglars because they can gain entry to the house through windows that are in a bad state. Consequently, when you carry out regular maintenance on your windows, they will be sturdy, reliable, and challenging to break down by burglars. Hence, you and your property will be safe.
Savings
Regular windows maintenance help to keep your windows in a good state. Although window replacement or replacement windows can be included in the maintenance process, it will not be all the windows that will require replacement except for facelift purposes. As a result, you get to save money you could have unavoidably spent on changing your windows.
Here are the 5 window maintenance tips:
1. Rot Removal
Another tip for regular window maintenance is to remove any type of rot on your windows. This is important to stop the spreading of the rot to other parts. After scraping rotten parts, fill the spot with Epoxy putty for an aesthetic finish.
2. Vacuum Window Screens
As part of your regular window maintenance tips, you should make sure that you clean the window screens in your house. Remove the window screens and take them outside. Lay them flat on the floor and vacuum off the dirt on the screens. After that, pour soapy water on the screen to remove dust or stain on them before replacing them to your windows.
3. Fumigate the House
If you have wooden windows in your home, you need to fumigate your surroundings to get rid of ants and termites that may crawl up to the windows and damage the frames and windows. Besides, disinfecting your home will also help to control insects and pests in your home.
4. Installation of Storm Windows
To keep your windows in their best condition, you can install storm windows to protect them against harsh weather conditions like strong winds and storms. Storm windows help to improve the energy efficiency of your home. If you are tight on budget, storm windows are the perfect alternatives for you.
5. New Windows
If the existing windows in your home have entirely worn out, you should consider installing new windows to keep your home energy-efficient. New windows offer several benefits that will give you value for money spent.
What is the Best Way to Pay for Home Improvements?
Home repair can be a daunting task for some. Some home repair projects can DIY while others require the help of a professional contractor or builder. Regular repairs are essential to have a comfortable living. Repairing your house offers several benefits to you and the building. Here are the benefits of house repairs.
1. It makes the house run efficiently.
2. It saves you money.
3. It prevents further damages to the building.
4. It increases the home's value.
5. It enhances the curb appeal of the house.
Here are 5 best ways to pay for home improvements such as window replacement, door replacement, and many more:
1. Insurance Claims
Go over your insurance policy to see if it covers emergency home repair; a new roof should have this coverage. You should have some of the cost of repairs covered if a storm damages the new roof.
2. Community Development Programs
Check with your local state or government, or financial institutions if they have community development programs that include the type of repairs you want to carry out. There are usually restrictions for this type of option; check and find out if you can benefit.
3. Crowdsourcing
Another way to get money to repair your house is to appeal to people to assist you with your needs for fixing your home. You can raise fund from one of the most popular crowdfunding sites, GoFundMe. Although it works best for funding noble causes, you can be lucky to have people donate to you anonymously.
4. Do It Yourself
The cost of labor us one of the significant components of the repair cost. Although you will spend money on buying the needed materials, you will save money on labor by repairing your house yourself with the help of your family and friends.
5. Rent out Your House
If you are considering renovating your home and you are going on vacation, you can rent out your home while you are away. You can consider this option if your home is located at a place that tourists visit.
Benefits of Installing a Glass Shower
Are you bored with your existing bathroom and want to upgrade it? Are you considering installing a glass shower? Do you wish to undertake a window replacement project to be complemented by a glass shower project? Are you confused about what benefits a glass shower has to offer? Do not trouble yourself; read further to learn the benefits that glass showers offer.
If your existing bathroom looks boring and you desire to give it a new look, installing a glass shower is an interesting way to give it a new gorgeous look without having to remodel the entire space. Glass showers are a new trend in bathroom design due to functional and aesthetic purposes. A glass shower creates beautiful bathroom interiors and separates the bathing space from the rest of the bathroom space.
When carrying out window replacement, consider installing a glass shower also, to create a beautiful bathroom space for your home. Meanwhile, here are the benefits of glass showers.
1. Larger Appearance
If your bathroom is small, installing a glass shower will make space look larger and more spacious. It will make your bathroom look bigger than it is and without any closed off partition. Also, if the existing bathtubs occupy much of the floor space, install a glass shower to free up space.
2. Low Maintenance
The main advantage of glass showers over other materials is that they require less maintenance. They are easy to clean and durable. Besides, the chances of mold growth or mildew presence are slim. And if installed correctly, glass showers require few repairs.
3. Safe
Glass showers are a safer option because they do not create a slip and fall hazard. They eliminate the risks of an accident in the bathroom because there will be less water on the floor and not much clean up is required after the shower. The glass used for glass showers are stronger than the regular annealed glass; therefore, they have high impact resistance.
4. Increase the Value of the Home
Installing a glass shower is one of the upgrades you should consider to increase the value of your home if you are considering putting up your home for sale. Apart from window replacement, installation of kitchen countertops, and basement waterproofing, glass showers are another way to increase the resale value of your home.
Considering the above benefits among several that glass showers offer, installing a glass shower is a worthwhile project you can undertake.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-friendly windows in London.
What is the Difference Between Garden Doors Vs. French Doors?
When you need access to your patio, garden, or the outdoors, installing a Garden Door or French Door is the way to go. These two types of doors help to bring the outdoors inside due to their design. You get to maximize your living spaces with Garden Doors and French Doors. Increasing your home's beauty and curb appeal without remodeling your home is possible with door replacement. Although Garden Doors and French doors have similar functions, they have their differences. Read further to know the differences between Garden Doors and French doors. They are types of exterior patio doors. In some cases, they can be compared to sliding patio doors. However, they are different even though they perform the same functions because French Doors and Garden Doors are actual doors. The two types of doors improve the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Irrespective of their similarities, Garden Doors, and French Doors have their differences. Below are the differences between Garden Doors and French Doors.
1. Design
Although both types of doors look the same, their design is different. Garden Doors are designed to have one solid door and one opening doors. Garden Doors have two doors, but only one of the doors can open and close for passage. On the other hand, French Doors have two opening doors, which offer a larger opening, better ventilation, and more passage space.
2. Accessibility
Although French Doors and Garden Doors have two doors, French Doors provide a wider passage because the two doors can be opened for many people to pass, especially when you are hosting a party and people are moving around in your home. However, Garden Doors come with one fixed door and one opening door, which cannot grant many people passage access at the same time.
3. Sturdiness
French Doors are not as secure as Garden Doors because the two doors open and close; therefore, French Doors do not have a solid center support. Also, the foot bolts used for French Doors are weaker; the doors lack strong and durable locking mechanisms, which make them less secure. Garden Doors, on the other hand, have a sturdy center support with the fixed door they have. They are also more reliable and durable than French Doors. Garden Doors can withstand regular, sustained use without any failure, unlike French Doors.
The above are the slight differences between Garden Doors and French Doors. If you are thinking about upgrading your home with window replacement, you can also install either the Garden Door or French Door to improve the overall curb appeal of your home.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-friendly windows in London.
Which Windows to Choose for your Unique Home?
There is an extensive collection of windows from which you can choose for your home. These windows come in a wide array of designs, materials, frames, and energy efficiency. If you want to select the perfect window replacement for your home, consider the variety of windows discussed below.
1. Casement Windows
These are hinged windows that are operated by turning a crank in its operating mechanism. They can be hinged on the right or left, and they open outward. When you are thinking about window replacement for your kitchen, casement windows are your best choice.
2. Double-Hung Windows
The main feature of the double-hung window is the presence of two sashes that slide vertically up and down in the frame. These windows can open from the bottom or top, but they remain inside the frame without protruding to either the interior or exterior of the house.
3. Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top, but they open outward to let air into the house unhindered. They are versatile windows that can be installed below, above, or beside operating or stationary windows for more ventilation within the home. They are suitable for the living room and the kitchen.
4. Picture Windows
This type of window is both large and stationary. They provide maximum views of the outdoors and let the most light in the interior of the house. They are best suited for the room or place when airflow is not necessary because picture windows do not open.
5. Slider Windows
These windows glide along a track. They have at least one operating window that slides horizontally past or over the other window. They are not sealed as casement windows. They are commonly used for basement egress windows, offering large openings that allow more natural light to flow into the space. Their easy-to-operate design not only enhances safety but also helps brighten up typically dim basement areas.
6. Stationary Windows
Like their name, stationary windows do not open. They can be customized to fit in any shape or angle. They are used in modern or contemporary style houses in addition to other operating windows. They are used to provide natural lighting for areas that are dark in the home.
7. Jalousie Windows
These are perfect for areas with warm weather and parts of the home that do not require air conditioning. They are inexpensive and made up of glass slats inserted in metal clips rusty can be operated in unison, like lovers. Jalousies allow maximum airflow but provide narrow views. In addition, they are not as secure as other standard types of windows.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-friendly windows in London.