Replacement windows seattle and doors have come a long way in the last 60 years. In the past windows were simply meant to plug a hole so occupants could get some natural light and ventilation. But things that were once standard, like single pane windows, have become completely obsolete. Even if your windows are only 20 years old you might be surprised by how far the industry has come in just the last two decades. Things have changed in areas of safety, maintenance, efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
Updated Materials
In the past homeowners had two basic options, wood or metal. These were the standards for both new construction and replacement windows and doors. Today there are more options. Wood is still a coveted window and door material. It is a natural insulator and comes in a variety of classic and exotic options. That said, it is still one of the most expensive options on the market and hard to maintain. Vinyl is quickly taking over when it comes to frame material. It is light, affordable, durable, and weather resistant. But if homeowners are looking for something more substantial, another great option is fiberglass. The material is light and strong. It can hold larger panes of glass on thinner frames, so homeowners get clean, modern lines. And fiberglass does not expand and contract as much, thus allowing seals to last longer. Lastly, it doesn’t take much to keep the material looking new.
Laminated Glass Technology
Safety glass is a huge advancement. The initial use was to improve the safety of glass used in vehicles. But today manufacturers use different laminating processes to bring this type of safety and impact resistance to commercial and residential windows and doors. Most often manufacturers use heat and pressure to adhere a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between to panes of glass. Upon impact the shards of glass adhere to the interlayer, so much of the window remains intact.
Multiple Panes of Glass
For a while now the standard in the window and door industry has been double glazing. This means windows and replacement sliding patio doors feature insulated glass units (IGUs) that have two panes of glass with a gap between them. The innovation cut down on heat transfer and improved insulation and security. But manufacturers didn’t stop there. Modern windows can feature two, three, or even four panes of glass. There are also different inert gas fills to improve insulation. Gasses include argon, krypton, and xenon. They are odorless, colorless, and nontoxic. But they have more density than air, which helps reduce heat transfer through the glass.
Specialized Glass Coatings
You probably know a little about window tints, but those are not the only coatings used on windows. Manufacturers apply thin, metallic layers to certain surfaces of the windows to reflect radiant heat either inside or outside depending on your needs. Coating the outer pane will keep unwanted heat from the sun outside. Coating the inner pane will keep radiant heat from the furnace inside. These special glass coatings on the right surfaces can save a lot of money on your seasonal heating and cooling costs.
If you have a newer home you might have taken some of these innovations for granted. But if your windows and doors are more than 20 years old it might be time for an upgrade. The new technologies on replacement windows and doors will make your home safe, secure, and more comfortable than ever before. For more information about these innovations contact Signature Window & Door Replacement today. You can call (253) 887-7792 to set up a consultation.
