Vinyl windows are a popular choice for homeowners in Macomb MI. They provide durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance in a variety of styles to complement your home’s aesthetic.
Standard vinyl is typically less expensive, but it’s susceptible to warping and fading over time. It can also have problems with sagging, which may lead to operable windows becoming inoperable.
Low-E glass
Low-E, or low emissivity, is a specialized coating that improves a window’s insulating capabilities. It works by reflecting heat back to its source, which helps keep homes warm during icy winters and cool during sweltering summers. It also blocks harmful UV rays, which protects carpets, furniture, and artwork from premature fading.
This coating is applied to the surface of a window using either a hard or soft coat. Hard coat low-e windows are typically produced by pyrolytic methods, which creates a durable coating that “fuses” to the glass ribbon during production on the float line. Soft coat low-e windows are produced through Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition (MSVD).
While the benefits of Low E glass are obvious, it is important to understand that it can come with a price tag. In order to make an informed decision, homeowners should consider their budget as well as their energy needs and heating/cooling habits. Additionally, they should consult with their glazier or installer to discuss which type of window is best for their specific project.
Energy Star certification
ENERGY STAR certification means that the windows and doors you choose will meet stringent energy efficiency requirements for your specific climate zone. ENERGY STAR certified windows reduce wasted energy, protect your interiors from harmful ultraviolet light, and lower your heating and cooling bills.
Vinyl windows with low-E glass help to reduce energy costs by reflecting heat back to its source. They also protect interiors from harmful UV rays that can cause fading and damage over time.
Double and triple paned windows provide improved insulation, allowing heated or cooled air to stay in your home longer. They also offer a lower U-factor rating than older single-pane windows. In addition, some of our vinyl windows feature argon or krypton gases in the space between the window panes to slow down the transfer of heat. This creates added comfort throughout the icy winters and humid summers of Michigan. In fact, homeowners who install ENERGY STAR certified windows can expect to save up to 12% on energy costs.
Double pane windows
Double pane windows are designed to reduce energy loss and help you save money on your heating and cooling costs. They are available in various sizes and styles, including double-hung, casement, and sliding windows. They can be upgraded to include low-E glass and argon gas between the panes to improve insulation.
These windows can also help to reduce outside noise pollution, which is important if you live in an urban area or near busy roads and train tracks. Studies have shown that excessive outside noise can cause anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
After the extrusion process, the vinyl window frames are then assembled and inspected to ensure that they meet industry standards and customer expectations. They are then finished with a protective coating to resist scratches and fading.
Argon gas-filled windows
A popular choice among homeowners, Argon gas is used in energy-efficient double-pane windows to improve their insulative properties. This common inert gas is non-toxic, odorless, and colorless, making it perfect for window construction. It also has a lower thermal conductivity than air, which means that it slows down the transfer of heat.
Aside from boosting your home’s energy efficiency, these windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs. They also protect your indoors from harmful UV rays, keeping your family comfortable all year round.
Windows with argon gas are available in double or triple pane options. They feature a spacer that is filled with the gas and sealed between the two glass panes. This spacer has small holes, so you can easily spot a window that uses argon as a filling. The windows are more expensive than those without argon, but you can expect to recoup the investment with savings on your energy bills. Besides argon, Krypton is another option that can be used to fill windows. It has a higher density than argon and is twelve times more effective at slowing the transfer of heat (1).