Various Glass Options for Windows in Flower Mound, TX
The performance of windows in Flower Mound depends on many factors, and one of the most important of these is glass. If you choose the wrong glass for your windows in Flower Mound, your rooms will either be too cold or too hot, affecting your energy bills. Plus, the durability and life of each option also varies.
So how do you choose the correct glass for your windows in Flower Mound such that efficiency and performance are maximized year-round? Let’s take a look at some common options.
Double and triple glazed glass
Single paned glass is the most affordable option, but its performance is poor, and it is nearly obsolete now, so we won’t delve into the details. Today, double paned windows in Flower Mound are a popular and energy efficient option, comprising of two glass layers connected together using a spacer. The space between the panes is either vacuumed or filled with an inert gas like krypton or argon, referred to as an insulated glass unit or IGU.
The pane of your windows in Flower Mound can also be triple glazed, meaning that it will comprise of three different layers, which can again be vacuumed or gas filled. Though extremely effective, triple paned glass is an expensive option and is only used where climates are fairly cold and temperatures drop drastically. But in all other areas, double glassed paned windows are more affordable and also perform well.
Considering both double and triple glazed windows in Flower Mound, spacer design is an important consideration that affects performance. Previously, metal was used as the main material but metal is a good heat conductor and also causes condensation to occur. This condensation can be reduced by using spacers made from aluminum or structural foam combined with other suitable materials.
Fillings
Previously, most of the panes were filled with air, but now inert gases are used for the purpose. When the panes are filled with air, the top side tends to be warm whereas the bottom side is left cold. However, when gases with lower conductive properties like argon and krypton are used, heat transfer is greatly reduced which improves overall window performance, resulting in lower U-values.
Argon and krypton are clear and odorless gasses. Plus, these are nontoxic and don’t react, so even if they leak, you aren’t exposed to any risks. Of the two, argon is a more popular option because it is available at more affordable rates. In such a case, the two panes of your windows should be set 0.5 inches apart.
Krypton is more expensive and is only used in cases where the thickness of the panes should be minimum. In such a case, the panes of windows in Flower Mound only have to be spaced 0.375 inches apart.
Treatments
The glass of your windows in Flower Mound can be treated using different materials to improve efficiency as well as safety. Choosing the right kind of coating or treatment is important because it affects efficiency and comfort levels.
Low-E coating
A low emittance coating, usually referred to as a low-E coating is a thin metallic layer, applied to only one side of the glass pane. This increases R-value which leads to better window performance. The coating does not affect transparency of your windows in Flower Mound, and is usually applied on the inside pane, but it can still reflect heat from outside. This is done so that the coating can be protected from environmental factors and other potential causes of damage.
A low-E coating minimizes heat transfer for double paned windows in Flower Mound. Heat flows from a warmer region to a colder region, but if a low-E coating is applied, most of this heat is blocked. A low-E coating comes in various designs, leading to low, moderate or high solar gain. Thus, you can control the heat that is transferred into your home through the panes.
Generally, higher solar gain panes perform better in colder seasons, and low solar gain panes are a more suitable choice for summers.
Tempered Glass
If your window is an area where the glass is more likely to break, then tempered glass is a great choice. This kind of glass is designed to withstand heat, and is around four times more strenuous than an untreated glass pane. Though rarely so, if tempered glass does break, it doesn’t shatter but instead crumbles.
Generally, tempered glass is used for windows, located in areas where the crowd has easy access or for skylights with an area smaller than 16 feet square. It can also be used for sidelights which are constructed right next to entry doors.
Other factors that affect window performance
So which option have you chosen for your new windows in Flower Mound: double pane or triple pane? In any case, you should consider other factors as well before making a purchase. For instance, if you don’t have any attic or wall insulation, then you’ll never realize the fill benefits of multiple paned windows.
Window performance is also affected by the size of the opening. If the space is too large, the overall insulating capacity is reduced because there are greater chances or air leakages. Also consider the manner in which your house is shaded. If the sun directly hits on any of the side, then widows in that particular area will have poor solar heat gain values.
So consider your overall home, and see how the insulating power is being affected. The team at Energy Window Solutions can help you out here.
Energy Star Ratings
Before buying any window, do check the Energy Star labels and see if they are suitable for your climate. Check their Climate Zone Finder to find out what the labels should look like in your particular area, and accordingly, look for the most suitable windows.
Energy Window Solutions can help you increase the efficiency of your home, reducing your monthly energy costs. Visit our website for more details.