Choosing replacement windows in Seattle, WA means making a lot of decisions. You not only have to choose the right frame material and window style, but you also have to consider which glazing options are best for your home. If you don’t know anything about glazing technology, this information will help you get started:
What is an IGU?
An insulated glazing unit (IGU) consists of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer and sealed along the edges as a single unit. Basically, it is the glass unit used for almost all modern windows.
How Many Window Panes Do I Want?
The standard is two panes of glass, but you can choose glazing units with three or even four panes of glass. Each additional panel increases the security and efficiency of these products. That said, each additional panel adds to the cost. And unless you live in an area with extreme heat or extreme cold, the savings don’t usually recoup the additional expense. In areas with mild climates, it is more cost-effective to stick with the standard two panes and upgrade the efficiency with other technologies.
What are the Different Gas Fills?
What takes up the space between the glass panels? A lot of people think it is normal air or maybe a vacuum. This may have been the case for older windows. But today manufacturers seal a noble gas inside the IGU. The three main gasses used are argon, krypton, and xenon. They are more dense than air, which means they are better at blocking heat transfer. Argon is the most common because it is readily available and works well in wider spaces like those between double pane windows. Krypton works better in the thinner spaces, like those on triple pane windows. And xenon provides the best performance, but it is also the most expensive.
What is Safety Glass?
Safety glass or impact resistant glass is an upgrade you don’t want to go without. These technologies prevent the glass from breaking into large, dangerous shards. Instead, the glass may break, but it shatters into small pieces that remain largely intact.
What are Window Tints?
These are special coatings that block heat transfer and visible light. These are especially useful on windows in television rooms or bedrooms where you want to keep the early morning or late afternoon sunlight to a minimum.
What is Low-E Glass?
Turns out a lot of homeowners want to reduce heat transfer without losing visible light. This is something a window tint cannot accomplish. This is where low-E coatings come in. These are thin metallic layers applied to the interior surfaces of the glass. They keep the heat out but let all of the light transfer through.
Still want to learn more about your glazing options for replacement windows in Seattle, WA? Contact Signature Window & Door Replacement. We can walk you through all of your options and help you pin down the best technologies for your home and budget. To set up an appointment stop by 22613 68th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 or contact us at (253) 887-7792.
