When we discuss glazing, many assume it to be a coating applied on the glass. But this misconception is incorrect as glazing actually refers to the putty that surrounds and protects window panes, providing an energy-saving seal.
Double glazing can also bolster your home’s security by making it harder for intruders to break in. Furthermore, double glazing masks external noise better than single glazed windows, allowing you to get a more restful night’s sleep.
Insulation
Window insulation can help you reduce your heating and cooling bills and boost the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation blocks heat from entering through four pathways: conduction, infiltration, radiation and condensation.
Window insulation comes in many forms, including foamular insulation, rockwool or mineral wool and fiberglass. Some types of insulation may even be installed inside the frames themselves for extra security and soundproofing.
When selecting insulation for your windows, it’s essential to take into account both your climate zone and the R values required for each product. Furthermore, make sure the R values are listed in metric units.
Double glazing is one of the most efficient ways to insulate your windows, helping reduce energy bills and enhance comfort levels.
Double and triple-glazed windows with argon or krypton inert gases between their panes help block heat loss through conduction, infiltration and radiation, potentially cutting your energy bills by up to 60%.
Other insulation materials include glass fiber and cellulose fiber. These can be installed inside window frames or placed between sash and frame to reduce energy costs.
For additional thermal protection, you can insulate your windows with a vapor barrier. This typically goes on the interior side of the frame and exterior side of the sash to reduce air leaking between them.
Another popular type of window insulation is blown-in fiberglass insulation. This product is often chosen by companies working on new-construction projects as it’s typically more cost-effective than using insulated aluminum or wood frames for protection.
You may purchase a kit that includes plastic window insulation film to apply on the inside of your windows. This type of product reduces UV rays, lowers heat transfer and blocks solar heat gain.
Selecting the ideal window insulation for your climate can make a big difference in both energy efficiency and budget. Aside from saving you money on utility bills, a well-insulated home may also be more comfortable and easier to cool in summertime.
Security
Glazing on windows is an integral component of any building, but it must also provide protection for those inside – including people, assets, equipment and data. There are various types of security glazing available such as polycarbonate shields, laminated glass and tempered glass.
When selecting security window film for your business, you want something that is durable enough to withstand break-ins and natural disasters but doesn’t block out light as much as traditional metal guard or door. There are also thicker films which provide added strength without sacrificing clarity; however, these tend to be pricier.
Security windows and doors are frequently employed in commercial settings such as museums, banks, financial institutions, office clerk stations, utility payment centers, and government buildings. They are especially beneficial in places with valuable items on display or where crime rates tend to be high.
Security window systems can prevent entry and delay an intruder’s attempt, giving them time to call 911 or flee the building. Furthermore, it deters burglars from breaking into buildings by stopping them before they can reach the windows or doors.
Laminated glass is a popular option for secure windows and doors due to its resistance to breakage and ability to be retrofitted into existing frames. Furthermore, laminated glass meets UL 752 standards for bullet-resistant equipment, providing additional peace of mind.
Tempered glass is an option for security windows and doors due to its strength, but it lacks the visual appeal of other types of security glazing. Tempered glass is reinforced with metal strips which add weight and thickness to the material which may reduce energy efficiency or visibility.
For glass security, the best option is a clear polycarbonate glazing shield that offers more robust protection than security window film while still allowing natural light and an open view from outside. Furthermore, this film is easy to install over regular tempered glass, making it a cost-effective way to increase the safety of your business.
Curb Appeal
When selling a home, curb appeal is one of the most critical elements that will determine whether or not potential buyers take the next step to view your property. How people perceive your house upon first impression can have lasting effects that last weeks, months and even years down the line – so make sure your curb appeal stands out to potential buyers!
When selling your home, it is essential that you invest time into improving its curb appeal. This includes everything from paint jobs and landscaping, all the way down to what type of garage door is placed outside. With proper curb appeal, you will significantly boost the likelihood of a quick sale and an acceptable price for your property.
Enhancing your home’s curb appeal is easy, and one of the most effective is updating your windows. Not only will this project make your house more inviting to potential buyers, it can save you money on energy costs and enhance safety measures as well.
In addition to selecting window styles that complement your home’s architectural design, consider installing new windows made of materials that match the exterior color and surroundings. For instance, if you reside in a rural town with white siding on the outside, replacing those windows with light gray or brown shades can help your house blend better with its environment.
Enhance your home’s curb appeal by adding flower beds, planters or other decor around the yard that will draw attention from passersby and improve its outdoor aesthetics. Furthermore, be sure to tidy up your yard by clearing away any overgrown bushes or debris.
Consider adding a fresh layer of mulch around your home’s foundation for an updated aesthetic. Not only will this transform the overall look of your yard, but it can also improve its value.
Though it can be difficult to assess the value of curb appeal, research has revealed that homes with good curb appeal sell for 7% more than comparable properties with neglected landscaping and exterior flaws. Therefore, investing time and energy in improving your home’s exterior appearance could prove a highly profitable endeavor.
Energy Efficiency
Glazing on windows plays a significant role in the energy efficiency of your home. Poor quality glazing can allow cold air into the house, forcing your heating system to work harder than necessary to maintain temperature regulation – leading to higher power bills and less comfortable living conditions.
There are several ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home’s glazing. For instance, having your frames professionally resealed can reduce heat loss from inside your house. You also have the option of upgrading current glass with more energy-saving products like triple glazing.
When shopping for new windows for your home, look for an NFRC label that includes energy ratings and u-values. These ratings allow you to compare products and decide which are the most energy-efficient.
The National FRC uses thermal testing to assess the performance of windows and their components, including their U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC). These numbers tell you how well a window can keep your home warm in wintertime.
Many of today’s window systems utilize low-emissivity (low-e) coatings that lower U values and control both daylight transmittance and solar heat gain through glazing. They can be tailored for high, moderate or low solar heat gain while also controlling visible light transmission.
These coatings come in a range of tints, shades and densities that can be painted on or glued onto glass surfaces, often applied as multiple layers.
Another option is injecting inert gases, such as argon or krypton, between the panes of glass. These fills usually cost a fraction of what insulating a frame would cost and they significantly reduce conductive and convective heat transfer for improved energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency offers numerous advantages, from cost-savings on your utility bill to reduced carbon footprint and environmental protection. Furthermore, by decreasing energy consumption we don’t need to burn as many fossil fuels to meet our demands.