Not all vinyl windows are created equal. Some are better for certain climates and others offer unique features homeowners will enjoy.
Those looking for an energy-efficient option should consider argon gas-filled vinyl windows. This technology keeps the window insulates well and helps reduce drafts and hot spots.
Ensure your installation company has experience working with the area’s climate. An experienced provider will be able to mitigate problems that come with the Ferndale climate like low energy efficiency and water damage.
Low-E Glass
A microscopic coating in Low-E glass helps make a window more thermally efficient by reflecting damaging ultraviolet rays and infrared energy away from your home. The soft-coat variety of Low-E glass is also known as solar control glass and is best for cold to warm climates. It also minimizes heat transfer and blocks a significant amount of short-wave infrared energy.
The “e” in Low-E stands for emissivity, a property that measures the ability of a surface to radiate thermal energy. All materials, including windows, reflect or transmit energy depending on their temperature and the emissivity of their surfaces.
Windows that contain Low-E glass reduce radiant energy in the summer by reflecting sunlight and allowing natural light to pass through. They also block harmful UV rays, which can fade fabrics, carpeting and furniture. Low-E glass also helps reduce condensation during the heating season, when warm air comes into contact with cold window glass and gives up moisture as water droplets.
Composite Vinyl
The type of window frame material you choose for your home can have a huge impact on its durability, appearance and energy efficiency. Vinyl has been around for decades and is sturdy, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. Composite windows, on the other hand, are a more recent innovation that is both energy-efficient and malleable in terms of appearance. They are also durable and can withstand high winds.
The composite materials in these windows — such as timber cores and aluminum cladding — work together to provide superior weather protection. This allows them to reduce air infiltration while still providing you with plenty of natural light. They also tend to have better insulation than their wood or metal counterparts.
They are more expensive than vinyl, but they do have a high return on investment and can improve your home’s value. However, it is important to consider your climate, noise levels and architectural style when deciding between composite and vinyl.
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl windows have a sleek, simple look and are on the lower end of the cost spectrum for replacement windows. They are also highly flexible, which can help prevent foundational shifting that causes them to misshape over time.
Whether you’re a homeowner shopping for new replacement windows, a building-supply distributor researching new window options, or a homebuilder conducting research, it’s important to know your window options to make the best decision possible. Learn more about the different types of vinyl windows available.
MI Windows and Doors manufactures a wide selection of high-quality, ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows for builders, homeowners, and remodelers. Its extensive product lineup includes single- and double-hung, sliding, bay and bow, casement, and awning windows. Each series of vinyl windows comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The company was founded in 1947 and is now one of the largest manufacturers of vinyl windows. Their products are sold nationwide through independent building materials distributors.
Drapes
A window is an opening in a solid surface that allows the passage of light, air, and sound. It may be covered with a transparent or translucent material and is used to improve a home’s appearance, reduce energy costs, and enhance resale value.
Vinyl windows are the best choice for homeowners in Ferndale MI who want to save money on their energy bills. Their insulating properties come from the fact that they’re hollow or filled with foam, which makes them more effective than wood at keeping warm air in and cold air out.
Another way to improve energy efficiency is by choosing argon gas-filled windows. The argon gas sits between the window panes and adds an invisible layer of protection against heat loss. This type of replacement window is especially popular in residential homes in Ferndale, and it can help you qualify for a tax credit.