Windows provide natural ventilation indoors by allowing daylight and exterior air to enter the house. These structures may also serve as important exit points during emergencies. Without proper maintenance and installation, though, windows may also become sources of cold drafts, increased energy bills and condensation issues.
Homeowners in Canada and elsewhere benefit from energy-efficient windows, wherein the surface interior keeps indoor spaces warmer during extreme frigid weather. This is possible through effectively controlling or reducing moist air, which is the primary cause of window deterioration, while simultaneously improving thermal functions.
A window has four basic parts: the sash, glazing or glass, hinges and the frame. Most homeowners in Surrey, BC have multiple-layered glazing in their windows to prevent air leakage. While the recommended glazing is at least two layers, some homeowners have triple-glazed windows for added comfort and acoustic control.
The added layers of glass, which may be provided by a glass company like M&M Glass, trap or seal outdoor air that goes through to reduce heat loss. Besides glazing, weather-stripping, caulking and engineered glass are a few other ways to make windows for energy-efficient. Both caulking and weather-stripping are similar to having multiple glazing, as they also aim to decrease heat loss. Meanwhile, opting for engineered glass renovations offer optimal safety to household members.
Caulking
Caulking is mostly applied to windows to be used mainly inside the house. A substance used for filling ridges or grooves, caulking is placed at window joints or the areas where the sash and the frame meet. If the window is not to be used as an emergency exit or not often opened, you may only need to apply peel-and-strip caulking to seal them off during the winter.
Weather-stripping
Weather-stripping, on the other hand, is done to the parts of the operable windows that move, like the sash. Compared to caulking, weather-stripping involves a more complicated and costly method of installation. Lasting and quality performance of weather-stripped windows, however, will outweigh your need to pay more.
Engineered Glass
Engineered glass materials or safety glass have three types: tempered, annealed and laminated, built with specific applications in the house. Tempered glass is recommended to be used in windows located within 3 feet from the door. Meanwhile, annealed glass should be only be put in areas where people don’t usually gather because its breakage results in sharp, harmful shards. Similar to other laminated products, laminated glass has a safety fabric that protects glass pieces from getting propelled out. Let experts from companies like M&M Glass help you determine what’s best for your household.
Sources:
Improving Window Energy Efficiency: Why Should I Worry About My Windows? Nrcan.gc.ca
Safety Glass. Houzz.com