ost consumers like to be well-informed before investing hard earned money on window renovation projects. In general, one would require the salesperson to explain the differences between one window and another. Why wood,
aluminium or PVC windows? Which will do a better job for me? How do I choose a window that will eliminate condensation around the edge of the glass on those cold winter days? These are a few of the basic questions that are asked by consumers.
Here are a few helpful hints to assist you in your choice. First of all, always remember that a window is made up of two very distinct parts. The window frame or sash and the glass that is inserted in that frame. To understand the importance of this, one must know that all windows that are manufactured are subject to standards and must be tested to make sure that they meet at least minimum standards before they can be marketed. Insulated glass units are also subject to testing, so there is little chance that anyone will offer you a product that will not meet at least the minimum standards. The catch here is that minimum requirements are sometimes just not sufficient to obtain the comfort level that you are looking for in a window.
Consider this:
A window frame offering above standard performance levels, with glazing that obtains but the minimum standard of energy efficiency would seem somewhat like purchasing a Mercedes-Benz equipped a lawnmower motor, wouldn't it.?
Remember that your window is made up of approximately 75% glass and 25% frame. The price of the window is 75% frame and 25% for the glass. Your heat loss and heat gain is concentrated in the glass part of your window. By now, you must have
realised that the glass is a most important part of your window unit. A wall in a new home has an insulating value of about R10 to R20. There are now insulated glass units available that will give you R Values of up to 10! (see our documented
HEAT MIRROR pages)
An insulating glass R-Value of 2 (regular double pane) will not give you the performance required for a regular Quebec winter. Insulated spacers available in today's sealed glass units can reduce the condensation that usually occurs on the bottom of your glass unit. A higher R-Value will increase your interior glass temperature, thus allowing for higher humidity levels before condensation occurs. Low-emissivity coatings applied to glass surfaces can reduce the loss of radiated heat in the home. Low-E can be either softcoat or hardcoat. Which are you purchasing? What are the differences? These are important questions to ask.
Did you know that when we talk about an R-Value, this only reflects the insulating value of the center of the glass, up to two inches from the edge of the glass, unless your insulated glass has a non-conductive insulated spacer bar (warmedge spacer)? That means that a standard insulated glass unit having a R2value has actually less than that around the edges, due to the conduction that occurs through the regularly used aluminum spacer bar? An R10 insulated glass unit in your window has 5 times less heat loss than a regular insulated glass unit. Did you know that all sides of your house have a unique requirement with relation to solar heat gain and heat loss? That there are insulated glass products (HEAT MIRROR) than can be fine-tuned to perform exactly as needed?
If anything about windows has not been clearly explained to you before you make a choice, then perhaps you should take the time to find out more. The decision to purchase new windows is one that should not have to be repeated before the next 30 years, if your choice of product is right, and is a decision that should not be made without having all the necessary product and installation information.
Should you be in the market for window or door products in the near future, please give us a call or e-mail us, and we will be glad to discuss the options with you.
