Achieve the perfect balance of elegance and efficiency in your Memorial Villages home with energy-saving windows. They’ll help reduce your energy costs and increase your home’s value.
A good place to start is with a platform like Networx that lets you connect with local contractors with reviews from other homeowners. This way, you can make a super-informed decision.
Tempered Glass
When choosing replacement windows for your Houston home, you need to consider the types of glass used. Many homeowners choose tempered glass, also known as safety glass, for its added strength and security benefits. The glass is created through a process of rapid heating and cooling and can withstand physical stress better than annealed glass. It also fractures into small cubes rather than dangerous shards when broken.
Tempered glass is required in some openings by building codes, such as hurricane or tornado windows. It’s also an ideal choice for retail storefronts, as it offers a layer of protection against break-ins and vandalism.
If you’re considering adding a security feature to your existing window, consider polycarbonate security glazing instead of tempered glass. It’s a virtually unbreakable material that can stop criminals from using bats, hammers, pry bars and other heavy hand tools. It can even deflect hail and debris during severe storms.
Low-E Glass
There are so many things to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect new windows for your home. Design style, color, size, cost, energy efficiency, function, and technical specifications are just a few of the elements you’ll want to consider. But one of the most crucial elements is often an unfamiliar term – Low-E glass.
Essentially, they’re microscopically thin metallic coatings that reflect infrared (heat) rays without compromising how much visible light passes through the window. This helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes during cold weather while reducing your energy bills.
They also block damaging UV rays that fade your furnishings and carpets, helping you to save on costly repairs or replacement costs. Whether you opt for sleek Solar Control Low-E, cozy Triple-Pane insulated glass, or durable Composite Material windows, you’ll be saving money while adding style and curb appeal to your home. And that’s something Mother Nature can definitely approve of!
Casings
Window casings improve the aesthetic appeal of a home and hide rough edges and gaps around the frame. They also help to improve insulation and protect structural components from moisture damage. They are available in a wide range of styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to match them with their decor.
Casings are available in wood, vinyl, or composite materials and can be stained or painted to match different decor styles. They are also a great choice for new construction and renovations, as they can be installed during the building process without requiring additional carpentry work. Elaborate designs and custom moldings increase costs, however.
Low-profile casings laying flat against the siding or interior walls typically suit older homes and can be made up of a simple single layer of molding or multiple layers of stacked moldings to add visual interest. They also prevent cold air from entering the house and warm air from escaping, helping to reduce energy bills.
Locks
Residential window locks provide an extra level of security, deterring burglars from attempting to open windows or breaking them. Window locks are available in a variety of styles and types to fit your needs.
When old wood or cheap aluminum windows start to warp due to weather or shifting foundation, they often don’t lock properly. This can happen when the caulk seal cracks and moisture and air seeps into the frame and sash channel. This can lead to the channels becoming misaligned which makes it hard for the windows to open and close.
Some newer replacement windows feature a more durable design and locking mechanism that can better stand up to the elements and shifting of the foundation. They’re also less prone to warping or corrosion over time. In addition to this, these replacement windows are generally easier to operate than older windows. They don’t require as much strength or cranking and can be easily opened and locked with a key.