Windows have come a long way in the past 20 years. Today’s windows anddoors have good improvements in safety, energy-efficiency, durability and even aesthetics. These easily make today’s windows vastly superior to what was available in the past. Here we’ll explore just a few modern window features and technology that make today’s windows better than ever.
1.) Low-E Coatings
Low-E, or low-emissive, glass coatings do a great job providing thermal insulation in the home. Basically, Low-E coatings are thin, transparent coatings that minimize how much ultraviolet and infrared light can pass through your window glass without blocking visible light from entering your home.
During the winter, this coating reflects heat back inside your home, greatly reducing the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. In the summer, Low-E windows reflect outdoor heat away, reducing heat gain in the home.
2.) Warm Edge Spacers
Warm edge spacer bar technology provides insulation along the edges of a sealed, double-glazed window unit while keeping the panes of glass separated from one another. Warm edge spacers are more advanced than the aluminum spacer bars of the past because they are made out of a material that does not conduct heat as easily.
This window advancement is helpful because the insulating material of the spacer helps block against heat loss, which can cut down on heating costs in cold climates. Also, by keeping the edges of the window unit warm, these spacers help prevent moisture from building along the edges on the inside of the window and prevent insulating gases within the window unit from escaping.
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3.) Triple Glazing
Double glazed windows have been around for a long time, but only more recently have triple glazed windows risen to prominence. Triple glazed windows provide even more insulation against the elements than double glazed windows, especially in perpetually cold climates. Triple glazing also does a better job reducing outside noises and minimizing cold spots in the home.
Typical Triple Glazed Window Requests
- Large triple glazed windows
- Triple glazed low e windows
- Triple insulated windows
- Triple glazed replacement windows
4.) Argon or Krypton Gas Fills
In modern windows, argon or krypton gas fills the small spaces between the glass panes to help boost thermal performance. Gases such as these are clear, odorless and nontoxic. They do a great job reducing overall heat transfer between your home’s interior and exterior.
FAQ
Is triple glazing better than double glazing?
Triple-glazed windows are better than double-glazed windows at keeping air temperature inside the home at a consistent temperature. Triple-glazed windows allow for higher levels of humidity and lower condensation than double-glazed windows.
Argon vs krypton gas in windows
Argon and Krypton are many times denser than air which means that they slow down or block thermal energy traveling through windows. Krypton is denser than Argon so Krypton is more effective than Argon. However, Argon is very common in energy-efficient windows, including most double pane models.
Climate Window Resources
About Lake Washington Windows & Doors
Lake Washington Windows & Doors installs energy-efficient replacement windows, doors and siding for homes, apartments or businesses in the Greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Issaquah, Kent, Renton, Sammamish, Woodinville and more. Our knowledgeable team has more than 50 combined years of window, door, and siding experience, so you can rest assured that you will have a professional, efficient and friendly experience. Contact Lake Washington Windows online for a free estimate.
