Windows and doors protect your home from the elements, improve its appearance, and increase energy efficiency. They should be durable enough to withstand Michigan’s climate and offer a wide range of styles, sizes, colors and finishes.
Getting the best installation method is critical for long-lasting, energy-efficient results. Your local window installer can recommend the method that’s right for your home.
Low-E Glass
A window’s Low-E glass reflects the heat from sunlight back outside, keeping homes cool and cutting cooling costs. This glass also blocks harmful UV rays that can damage furniture and fabrics over time.
The “e” in “low-e” stands for emissivity, which measures how much heat a material radiates or transmits. Typical glass has high emissivity, but Low-E glass has microscopic coatings that reduce emissivity by reflecting short-wave infrared radiation and long-wave infrared energy, while allowing visible light to pass through (1).
It’s important to note that the process for creating Low-E glass is different from other glazing options. Typically, the coating is applied to the inside surface of the glass with a thin, durable metal oxide layer using Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition (MSVD). This allows Pilkington Energy Advantage to be tempered with its coating side up at normal cycle times, rather than having to be removed and reapplied after tempering. This reduces lead times and increases availability.
Solar Control Glass
Solar control glass is a forward-thinking solution designed to elevate comfort and efficiency, particularly in warmer climates. It reduces overheating by selectively admitting natural light and reducing glare to allow clear visibility. It also helps protect occupants from damaging UV rays and promotes sustainability by contributing to reduced HVAC energy use.
Its insulating properties help to keep indoor temperatures consistent and comfortable, reducing the need for mechanical cooling in summer and improving thermal performance in winter. Additionally, it’s available in a variety of tints and finishes that add to the aesthetics of the building while providing the desired energy performance.
These advanced glazings are ideal for office buildings and any application that requires large expanses of glass. They can be used on windows, doors, curtain walls, roofs, skylights, and façades, in both single- and double-glazed units. Typically, they are fitted with low-emissivity coatings to reflect radiant heat energy, which keeps the interior cooler and less expensive to operate.
Full Frame Window Installation
Full frame window replacement is an option that removes the existing window and frame down to the rough opening, allowing for a thorough inspection and repair of any structural issues. It also enables new insulation to be added and ensures a tight seal against air and water intrusion.
A major benefit of full-frame windows is that they can be installed in openings that are larger than the original windows, resulting in more glass area and improved views. They’re also a great choice for homes with hard-to-reach windows, such as awning windows over the kitchen sink, since they make it easier to access these areas of the home.
Another option is insert windows, which can be installed into an existing window frame. However, they may not address any underlying damage or moisture issues. Moreover, they might not be the best fit for certain types of window openings. This is why we typically recommend full-frame window replacement over insert windows.
Triple Pane Windows
Triple pane windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to take their energy efficiency and home comfort to the next level. They feature three glass panes separated by spacers filled with inert gas, usually krypton or argon, which adds extra insulation to help lower your energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
Triple-pane windows are especially impactful in northern climate zones where more energy is spent on heating because they significantly reduce heat loss. They also offer superior sound reduction, which can be a benefit for homeowners living near highways, airports or other noisy areas.
Another great benefit of triple pane windows is reduced condensation. The two sealed air spaces between the glass panes prevent moisture from forming, which can damage window sills and frames. Triple pane windows are also more difficult to break through, so trespassers will have to work much harder to get in. However, triple pane windows are typically more expensive than double-pane options.