With all the talk of energy efficiency, rigid frames and insulated glass, many homeowners overlook one of the most important aspects of purchasing replacement windows: light.
Most older windows feature glass that has aged and become cloudy or warped. Did you know that a single pane of glass can actually “melt” during its lifetime? This can reduce the translucence of the glass and actually make the light entering your home slightly dimmer. In other cases, poorly insulated glass can fog or even get frosted over in cold weather, reducing visibility and allowing warm air to escape to the outside.
Modern replacement windows solve many of these problems through a combination of advanced materials and smarter engineering. Today rigid vinyl frames are so strong that they can be made thinner than traditional wood frames or older, less rigid vinyl windows. As a result, the glass area can be expanded to create a larger viewing area, which also allows additional light into your home for illumination. Who doesn’t love bright sunshine streaming in on a cold day!
The insulated glass used in today’s windows is almost always double-pane or triple-pane with inert gas sealed in a glass “sandwich.” This not only reduces energy transfer to create a thermal barrier, it also ensures that the glass won’t fog or ice up, keeping your view clear and free.
Finally, the wide range of window styles and sizes made available through modern manufacturing techniques mean you are no longer limited to “standard” window sizes and shapes. More and more homeowners are adding expansive picture windows, bay windows and bow windows to bring plentiful light into living areas, while providing a great big view of the world outside. Or they are adding innovative designs like garden windows or awning windows to bring light into darker corners.
Could your home use more light? Rescom Exteriors can help. Call us at (866) 410-5884 to schedule a free in-home design consultation and estimate. We’d be happy to provide ideas on making your home a brighter, cheerier place!