Has the time come to upgrade your windows? The task might be more formidable than you anticipate. There are so many glazing options on the market they can be difficult to navigate. So in an effort to make the process a little easier, here is some helpful information about some of the most popular glazing options for replacement windows in Evanston, IL:
1. Number of Panes
In the past windows only had only one pane of glass. But it wasn’t enough. For better protection and insulation manufacturers started producing double glazed windows (two panes of glass) with a spacer between the glass for better insulation. This quickly became the new standard. But manufacturers didn’t stop there. You can now get up to four panes of glass in an insulated glass unit. Do you need that many panes of glass in Evanston, IL? Not really. Triple and quadruple glazed windows are designed for extreme cold. For this area, the standard double glazed units work well when you combine them with other glazing technologies.
2. Different Gas Fills
It isn’t ordinary air sealed between the two panes of glass. Oxygen retains moisture and still expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Instead, window manufacturers use one of three noble gasses: argon, krypton, or xenon. Argon is the most readily available, and also one of the most popular gas fills. Krypton and xenon are not as available. And while they are more efficient, they are also more expensive. These noble gasses are colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. They do not expand and contract. And they have a higher density, so heat doesn’t easily transfer through.
3. Low-E Glass
This is another advanced window feature all homeowners should know about. Manufacturers apply special coatings to a certain surface of the glass to help reflect radiant heat. There are two application methods for low-E windows. For the first is a soft coat where manufacturers adhere ultra-thin layers of silver to the glass. This option has better performance but is a more expensive application. The second is a hard coat where manufacturers bake a thin layer of tin dioxide directly onto the glass. This option is more durable and more affordable but does not have the same level of performance.
4. Tempered, Laminated, or Impact-Resistant Glass
If safety and security is a top concern then homeowners should also know about these glazing options. Tempered glass is similar to what they use in automobiles. It is stronger and manufactured to break into small, square fragments. Laminated glass takes it one step further with a polymer interlayer to hold the glass together when it shatters. This can help protect against intruders and reduce unwanted noise pollution. Impact resistant glass also has a polymer interlayer to keep the glass together, but these windows must meet higher standards and are meant to protect against impacts from windborne debris.
Your replacement windows in Evanston, IL can save you energy and money, but only when you choose the right frame material and glazing options. Looking for some professional advice? Contact Scientific Home Services. As one of the most trusted window and door companies in the area, we can find you the best possible products. Call (847) 752-0370 or visit 7240 Saint Louis Ave., Skokie, IL 60076 to set up a consultation.
