Choosing high quality windows and doors for your home can be a time-consuming business. Ideally, it will be something you only do once every few decades. This is why it’s important to do it right. With so many factors such as glazing, frame materials, soundproofing, and security to take into consideration, it can be difficult to know that you are choosing windows and doors which not only look good, but perform well.
As window and door technology continues to become more innovative and efficient, more choices means more opportunities to get windows and doors which look and perform exactly as you want them to. Here at Open Architectural Windows and Doors, we don’t believe you should have to sacrifice aesthetics in favour of functionality and performance, or vice versa. So, we’ve put together a list of the top aspects you should consider when investing in high-quality windows and doors.
Every time we look out through a window, we’re also looking at the window itself. It is also worth noting out that not only are windows the way we look out at the world, they’re also how the world looks in and sees us. Modern or Traditional, your windows and doors should be made to complement your idea of a perfect home.
Furthermore, an under-appreciated fact of high quality windows and doors is the beauty they add to your home. If you’ve gone to all the trouble of creating your ideal home, why not choose windows and doors which add to the beauty of your home? Standard, run-of-the-mill windows often look out of place on elegantly designed and decorated homes. We believe that windows and doors should be one of the most important parts of your interior and exterior design plans.
One of the primary benefits of having well-constructed, airtight windows is that they retain more heat and keep the temperature in your home more evenly regulated. This is very important in the colder months of the year. Thermally efficient, airtight windows will prevent heat loss, meaning you can consistently save money on your energy bills. On the other hand, efficient windows also ensure that your air-conditioning unit can operate effectively and efficiently.
1. Glazing bead.
2. Structural thermal break.
3. Fitting groove.
4. Internal and external rebate.
5. Internal rebate seal.
Well-made, thermally broken windows should have a minimum of double-glazing, although triple-glazed windows will be even more efficient. Consider windows which have been filled with argon gas. Argon gas is denser than air which means that it can significantly reduce heat loss. Similarly, consider windows with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coatings. This extra layer will increase the thermal efficiency of your windows.
On average, 40% of homeowners’ energy bills are spent heating and cooling their homes. As you already know, thermally-broken windows dramatically reduce heat loss. By reducing unnecessary heat loss and cutting down on your energy bills, you can in turn significantly decrease carbon dioxide emissions. If cutting down on your home energy bills and being more environmentally-friendly is a concern for you, consider investing in passive house certified windows. For more on passive house windows, see our article on them.
Furthermore, with well-constructed, high quality windows and doors, you can also expect less problems and maintenance issues over time. This can cut down the use of any extra materials you might have to invest in to help fix your windows or doors.
Having the safest and most secure windows can drastically reduce your exposure to burglaries. In addition to being distressing, burglaries can result in financial and irreplaceable losses. Good security is an investment you do not want to cut corners on. Thanks to advances in technology, windows and doors are becoming more and more safe and secure.
Components such as multi-locking points, anti-burglary fittings, and anti-breakthrough glass have become more popular choices amongst homeowners seeking to protect their homes and families. Unfortunately, many older windows lack many of these features and, as a result, most burglaries are opportunistic.
Burglars know they only have to be lucky once. Don’t give them an opportunity. Consider investing in up-to date, high quality windows and doors. By reducing the possibility, you are greatly reducing the probability.
An often overlooked quality of good windows is the comfort and control they offer. Badly designed, or even slightly defective windows, can create annoying, and, oftentimes, immutable problems for your home. Areas which are particularly cold in a room, near windows or doors, are known as ‘cold spots’. These are caused by low-quality windows and poor workmanship. The installation process is a crucial part of ensuring that your windows or doors are completely airtight. It should only be undertaken by professionals.
Not only is it important that windows offer airtightness, but also operable sections that allow for you to control the degree of airflow into your home. As discussed, temperature fluctuations can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. It is important that you invest in windows which help you achieve the maximum level of comfort in your home.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings are the measure by which we determine how something—in this case a window or a door—stops the flow of sound. When choosing windows or doors for your home, it is important to do so with an understanding of what STC rating you will need. To do this, you will need to take several things into consideration.
For people whose homes are within earshot of traffic, car horns, low-flying airplanes, sirens, construction noise, or even loud neighbors, your home will be subject to much low-frequency (i.e. loud noises from a distance). Many windows are unable to withstand such low-frequency noise. If that’s the case, then your window might only let it unwanted noise, but could also cause vibrations, too. In this instance, you would need a lower STC rating.
For some people, proper soundproofing can mean the difference in being able to sleep comfortably, even live properly, in their own home. When choosing windows, it is important to discuss your needs with whomever is designing and installing your windows. Moreover, you should consider windows which have additional coatings and layers. This will ensure optimum sound-proofing.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that, in addition to saving you money by cutting down on your energy bills, high quality windows are also an investment in your future. Beautiful windows create a strong first impression and can make your property more attractive. There is much to consider when choosing windows and doors for your home. With some careful consideration, you can find the right windows and doors for your home.
Contact us today and someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.
