April 5th, 2009 11:23 pm
Window Insulation
Windows are one of the most important selections you can make about your home. They provide light and ventilation, and also affect the look of your home. Let’s briefly discuss the factors that are important in making your selection for new windows, then we’ll jump right into installing. There are several different types of windows, including double-hung, bow, and hopper.
If you’ve read already on Insulation, you might be familiar with R-Value. This is the amount of resistance to heat transfer a material has. Another important factor with windows though is U-Value. This is the amount of heat that is conducted from the outside to the inside by the contact made between the materials the window is constructed of. The most efficient windows have a high R-Value and a low U-Value.
The higher the insulating value of your windows, the longer the room stays comfortable after the furnace kicks off. No matter how thick your wall, how thick your insulation, if you don’t have good windows, you will lose money in heating and cooling every year. Your home will be less comfortable because of the quick change from warm to cold in the winter, and from cool to hot in the summer.
Different Window Styles
Another option to consider is how your windows open and close. The most popular type of window today is the Double-Hung window. These windows are generally much easier to clean because you can remove each sash, or just tip it down to clean both sides of the window. Each sash is in it’s own track and moves up and down independently of one another.
Double-Pane
Today, there is absolutely no reason to buy windows that are not double-pane, except maybe if you live in a climate that is 75 degrees year round. When looking for a window, make sure they are double pane. If, however, you live somewhere where it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer, you’ll want to have the best windows you can afford.
There are many, many other types of windows, for special applications. Awning windows have the sash hinged at the top. Bay Windows, and Bow Windows, have multiple window units and extend out past the exterior of the house. Fixed windows do not open, so they don’t provide any ventilation. Casement windows have a sash that is hinged on one side, this swings outward.
Frank Sarntarpia
remodeling homes
Find also info on remodeling homes and solar panels for homes.
Tags: Climate, Cold In The Winter, Different Window, Double Hung Window, Double Pane, Furnace, Hopper, Hung Bow, Money, New Windows, Reason, Resistance, Sash, Several Different Types, Ventilation, Window Insulation