Buying New Windows in Plano, TX: What Types and Technological Options Do You Have?
Thinking of buying new windows in Plano, TX? Carefully consider the available options and technologies. The choices that you make will significantly affect the performance, energy efficiency, durability and aesthetics of your chosen windows. Think about the frame materials, operation types, glass features and other necessary considerations. Take help fromreputed windows installers in Plano, TX, and they’ll help you in making a decision.
Frames
The frame of new windows in Plano, TX offer a thermal resistance which affects energy efficiency, especially the U-factor. Every material has its own set of pros and cons, but generally, wood, vinyl and fiberglass offer the best thermal resistance than other choices.
Metal Frames
Among the metal frames, aluminum is the most popular option for new windows in Plano, TX. Lightweight and strong, aluminum frames require very little maintenance but they conduct heat rapidly, and hence, are poor insulators.
Insulative properties of metal frames can be improved if a plastic strip, referred to as a thermal breaker, is placed both inside and outside the sash and frame.
Composite Frames
Composite frames are made from composite wood including strand lumber and particle board. Polymer plastics may be mixed with these materials at times. Composite frames for new windows in Plano, TX offer the same thermal and structural properties of wood but respond to moisture in a better manner.
Fiberglass
Dimensionally stable, these frames feature air cavities which areoften filled up with insulative materials, improving thermal performance significantly.
Vinyl
Vinyl frames comprise of polyvinyl chloride and ultraviolet stabilizers so that the harsh rays of the sun don’t cause any damages. These frames offer a good resistance to water and generally, don’t have to be painted. Vinyl frames are equipped withhollow cavities which can also be filled up with insulative materials as in the case of fiberglass.
Wood
Wood frames offer the best insulation properties, but they also require excessive maintenance. If you still want to enjoythe classic timelessness of wood, you can choose a wooden frame cladded with vinyl or aluminum which reduces maintenance requirements to a significant extent.
Glazing
Which glazing option is the best for new windows in Plano, TX? You can either choosethe same glazing type for all windows of your home or different types for different windows, depending on your needs.
Insulated
Insulated glazing features multiple glass panes which are spaced equally and then sealed such that an insulating air zone is created in between the panes. This glazing reduces the U factor, but it also affects SHGC negatively.
Low Emissivity
Low emissivity, popular as low-E, is a coating layer applied onto the glazing to limit heat transfer. Should you consider this type of glazing, the costs of new windows in Plano, TX would increase by around 10% to 20%. However, they can reduce heat loss by as much as 50%, which makes them a worthy option.
Low-E coating is a thin layer of metallic oxide which is directly deposited over the pane surface; this can be done on either one or both sides. Low-E coating results in a lower U-factor and VT; particular designs can provide low, medium or high solar gain as required. These coatings work best when applied during the manufacturing phase, but your chosen window company may be able to do this after the windows have been installed. The offered durability is pretty much the same, around 10 to 15 years without comprising on your comfort and still ensuring that you enjoy energy savings.
Spectrally selective coating
Some low-E coatings are spectrally selective and can filter out around 40% to 70% heat which standard insulated windows let in the house. Plus, they also transfer the maximum light. These coatings are designed such that they reflect certain wavelengths like infrared rays while allowing the maximum amount of visible light to pass inside. However, spectrally selective coatings appear transparent to the naked eye.
Gas Spacers and Fills
New windows in Plano, TX offer better insulation properties when gas is filled between the glass layers, minimizing heat transferred from the inside to the outside. Generally, krypton or argon gas is used for the purpose. Both of these gases are inert, clear, odorless and nontoxic.
Argon is preferred for larger spacings, around 0.5 inches. Argon may also be mixed with krypton to bring costs down while still maintaining the same thermal performance. Krypton is used if the space between the layers is around 0.25 inches. This gas has better insulative properties than argon, but it is also a more expensive option.
Operating Types
New windows in Plano, TX operate differently depending on their type. Some of these are characterized by a lower leakage rate, resulting in improve deficiency.
Hopper
If new windows in Plano, TX are of the hopper type, then they open towards the inside. Their hinges are located at the bottom. Air leakage rates are lower because the sash presses tightly against the frame when closed.
Awning
This window type has its hinge at the top and opens outward. The offered air leakage rates are again lower because the frame and sash fit together tightly. Awning windows perform better than sliding windows.
Sliding
Sliding windows can be single sliding or double sliding. For both these types, the sash slides horizontally across the frame. Only one sash is movable for the single sliding window, whereas both can be moved for the double sliding window.
Fixed
These windows have panes that are completely fixed in place. The only function of these windows is to let in light. However, they are not a good option in places where ventilation is required.
Casement
This window type has hinges on both sides and minimizes air leakages significantly.
Energy Window Solutions can help you evaluate your options and choose the best new windows in Plano, TX. We’ll walk you through all consideration factors, ensuring that you select a window that meets your needs and budgets. Visit our website for further information.