Before making your decision, there are many elements to take into account. Your home’s aesthetics and style, how much energy savings you require, as well as your budget should all be taken into account.
European windows tend to be more costly than their North American counterparts, but they can provide you with a range of advantages. Therefore, if you like the style and function, it may be worth spending the extra money.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Within the green building community, it’s often assumed that “European” windows are more energy-efficient than their American counterparts. However, this isn’t always the case and even with European-made windows there are numerous factors to take into account when selecting which style works best for your project.
One of the key distinctions between European and North American windows is that they are rated according to different standards. This can lead to miscalculations when it comes to comparing energy efficiency, particularly when it comes to U-value calculations or solar heat gain calculations.
In the United States, for instance, NFRC standards are used to certify the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Conversely, in Europe ISO/EN standards are employed for thermal performance ratings.
NFRC uses exterior temperatures to simulate the climate at installation, while ISO and Passive House standards rely on solar heat gain calculations. This can lead to some miscommunication between these systems, so it’s essential that you select a window or door manufacturer who can guide you through the complex process of calculating U-value and solar heat gain for your windows or doors.
Therefore, selecting a window manufacturer who is well-versed in both European and North American standards can save time and money on your next project. Furthermore, an established US-based producer can provide all the benefits of European functionality without the complications that come with importing windows from Europe.
Another crucial characteristic of European windows that is often disregarded is their durability. This is because they typically feature dual compression and steel-reinforced frames, providing extra protection from weather elements like snowfall or rain.
These features also allow them to keep cold air out and warm air in, thus saving energy needed for heating your home. Together, these improvements can dramatically boost your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money on heating bills over the course of your lifetime.
Better Appearance
Windows are an integral element in home design. They add visual interest, style, and practicality that helps your house stand out from others.
European window style has become a popular choice for homeowners nationwide due to its numerous advantages. Not only can it save you money and boost the efficiency of your home, but it should also complement other features in your house.
Another advantage of European style windows is their variety of designs and styles. This ensures you can find a perfect match with other elements in your home, creating an enchanting balance between function and beauty.
One of the greatest features of these windows is that they can be made to appear like blank canvases, giving you creative freedom in how they appear in your home. Choose from modern, minimalist or Scandinavian styles for a look that complements any type of interior decor.
European window frames not only look nice, but they can also let in more natural light than American ones do. This is an especially advantageous feature if your area experiences extreme temperatures.
These windows can optimize the levels of transmittance, reflection and absorption for different types of solar energy. This enables them to maximize heat absorption in cold weather while decreasing cool air loss during warm months.
Furthermore, they can control the amount of ultraviolet and inferred light that gets through, helping keep your home cooler and more comfortable without breaking your budget with costly energy bills.
Installing European windows is a relatively straightforward process. They utilize nail flanges and brackets to hold them securely in place, which can be done in just a few steps. This includes creating the rough opening and attaching brackets accordingly – all of which can be accomplished with minimal difficulty for an impressive set of windows that will last for years.
Increased Security
European style windows in Canada may cost a bit more per unit, but the advantages they provide are worth every cent. They’re much more energy efficient, enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, and offer added security.
One of the most popular European window styles is tilt and turn windows. These easy to open and operate with a turn of the handle will swing in like a door and tilt inwards as well. They make great additions to any home decor!
Another advantage of these windows is their airtightness; they’re 10 to 50 times more air tight than American windows, making them more secure. Furthermore, they boast better soundproofing and higher-grade glazing for added peace of mind.
Installing these windows requires placing brackets every 2 feet along each side of the frame. Make sure that each longer portion of each bracket is turned 90 degrees so it sticks out perpendicular to the sides and centers itself on your window opening. Finally, screw in all three brackets to securely fasten it in place and seal around your glass.
North America’s most popular European window type is tilt and turn casement windows. These open in two distinct directions, earning them the name dual action tilt and turn windows.
These windows are simple to open and maintain for people of any age, making them an ideal choice for older homes. Furthermore, these windows offer more security and convenience than American style ones and require less cleaning maintenance than their European counterparts.
Two types of tilt and turn windows exist: triple and quadruple paned. These more durable options help prevent condensation in areas that get a lot of snowfall.
Double pane windows are generally less energy-efficient than their single pane counterparts due to their low U value and use nonconductive materials like UPVC which helps reduce heat loss.
European-style tilt and turn windows have become increasingly popular in North America due to their energy efficiency. These windows offer homeowners a cost-effective option that performs better than double paned windows while being easier to maintain and ventilate. Plus, these windows boast a double action operation system which enables the window to open both ways for ventilation or cleaning purposes.
Increased Durability
European style windows not only save energy and enhance your home’s aesthetic, but they also increase the durability of your building. These products are engineered to withstand various environmental conditions and require little upkeep over time.
These double-thick reinforced vinyl frames offer superior strength to thinner alternatives. Furthermore, their corners have been fusion-welded together instead of screwed, giving them a longer lifespan than cheaper options with similar budget-friendly price tags.
Furthermore, European-style windows feature heavy-duty hinges that will withstand abrasion and other severe weather conditions. Furthermore, they have multiple locking points to provide optimal air and water tightness – an invaluable addition to any home.
Another benefit of European style windows is their various opening options. You can open them in both turn and tilt modes, with the former swinging inwards while tilting it up for easier access. Both options are user-friendly and perfect for people of all ages to operate comfortably.
These windows are easy to maintain and can serve as a quick escape route in case of emergency. Plus, they help ventilate your home quickly and efficiently.
European style windows boast a sturdy design and can be repaired if necessary, making them an ideal option for those looking to replace older windows.
They’re also highly visual, making them a great addition to any interior design scheme. Choose from an array of styles such as traditional, modern or minimalistic.
These windows boast large, bold sashes that will add visual interest to any space. Plus, they’re easy to maintain and customize for customization.
Another major advantage of European windows is their high resistance to decay and corrosion. They’re usually preservative treated and painted, meaning they can last up to 30 years when made from softwood or hardwood.
European style windows are a popular choice for homes that boast stunning views. Their ability to fill large areas without sacrificing functionality makes them attractive to many developers.
