Many people don’t know that the type of glass in a window can greatly impact how well the window protects a home. When choosing the glass for your replacement windows, it’s essential to keep your particular area’s climate in mind to ensure long-lasting protection and efficiency.
Window Glass for Cold Climates
If you’re trying to decide between glass-only or whole-window replacement, make sure to consider the condition of your current window frames. For example, in Colorado Springs, a simple window glass replacement might not provide sufficient energy efficiency compared to a whole-window replacement if the frame is in poor condition.
In either case, consider double or triple glazing if you live in a colder climate. A window that consists of more than one pane of glass will include layers of air or gas between the panes. The air or gas serves as insulation to boost the window’s energy efficiency.
Additionally, glass designed for colder climates has a low-E coating, which consists of a thin layer that reflects heat to prevent indoor temperature drops.
Replacement Glass for Warm Climates
When you live in a region where the climate is consistently warm throughout the year, retaining heat won’t be a primary concern. In fact, you’ll look for glass windows that prevent outdoor heat from affecting your indoor temperature. Look for windows that offer a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating. This type of glass blocks heat.
Supplement the protection that your SHGC replacement windows offer by adding reflective glazing. This type of coating will reflect the sun’s UV rays rather than absorbing them. You can also add tint and use non-metal frames, such as vinyl, to reduce heat absorption.
Best Replacement Glass for Coastal Regions
When you live in a coastal region, there’s more to consider than the temperature. Sea air carries salt and sand along with it. These substances cause corrosion to a variety of materials at a faster rate. You’ll want to keep this type of gradual damage in mind when considering glass replacement for your home’s windows.
In addition to using corrosion-resistant materials for your window frames, look for window glass that has impact-resistant protection. Shatterproof glass should stand up against large debris that might get thrown around by the high winds common with tropical storms. Certain seals won’t wear away under these climate conditions as well.
Window Glass Replacement for Humid Regions
Indoor humidity and moisture can cause damage to the inside of your home and lead to a variety of health issues. Fortunately, the insulation in a double-glass window provides some protection against outdoor factors that lead to indoor humidity. Pair your double- or triple-glazed windows with moisture-resistant frames for ultimate protection.
Another type of window technology that aids in humidity protection is the use of warm edge spacers. These components guard against heat loss through the glass. Condensation-resistant glass can also work to eliminate moisture and water damage in the home.
Let the Pros Help You Design Your Replacement Windows
Getting your window design right affects both the beauty and security of your home. Complete Window Care provides comprehensive window replacement and repair services throughout Colorado Springs. We’ll help you choose the best window glass and frames for your home. Contact us to get started today.
