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Imagine a home without windows. Not only would it seem a bit cramped in the home, it would also likely be stuffy, with the lack of fresh air making it difficult for anyone to breathe freely. Moreover, the entire structure would look bland and uninteresting - without a view of the outdoors and openings to give you fresh air, staying put within the confines of your home would likely be unimaginable. Windows, without a doubt, play a significant role in every home. They have both aesthetic and functional value. In this ebook, we dive deeper into the importance of a home’s windows and discuss how you can maximize the value of the windows in your home.
Part 1: Windows Boost Curb Appeal “I’d love to live in an ugly house,” said no homeowner ever. Let’s be honest: homeowners take great pride in their property - and why not? A home is seen by many as a reflection of themselves, and so naturally one cannot help but be gratified to have their home be admired and envied by others. A beautiful home is not just a source of pride, but is often a valuable investment as well. The most beautiful homes on the market today are also almost inevitably the most expensive. After all, generally speaking, the more you invest in it, the more value your home gains. This is why improving curb appeal is of utmost importance. Windows are arguably one of the biggest factors that can affect curb appeal. When you walk down a street and a particular house catches your attention, it may be because of its windows. Nobody can explain this strange phenomenon, but windows do attract attention. In fact, by ensuring that your home has the most attractive windows on your street, there’s a good chance that people passing by will notice the rest of your home and appreciate its beauty. The question is, how do you choose the perfect windows for your home? You’ll need to consider three factors when choosing your windows:
1. Window design – Your windows must always match the architectural design of your
home. Though it may be possible to mix and match certain designs, doing so can be difficult and risky. Some people may appreciate your “style” while others may not. That being said, it’s best to play it safe and choose window designs that complement your home’s architecture.
2. Window Size – Should you choose large picture windows, standard-size casement
windows or double hung units? Window size does matter as does placement. Large picture windows would help create quite an impact on a home with perfect views, but can stand out like a sore thumb in a home with less appealing surroundings.
3. Window type – Choosing the correct window type means taking both functionality
and curb appeal into account when making your selections. Having the right types of windows to suit your lifestyle will, without a doubt, make your home seem more comfortable and attractive. So, whether you’re choosing to install a caseme ooooo
In the next part of this ebook, we’ll discuss how to choose windows with focus on functionality.
Part 2: Windows Improve Function When choosing the perfect window for your home, you’ll also need to consider functionality and not just design. Even if a window has an attractive design, if it doesn’t have the ability to function the way you need or expect it to, this would certainly affect other factors in the home, such as ventilation, heating and energy efficiency. The first step to choosing the right window for your home is deciding on its purpose. Do you primarily need it to provide a splendid view of the outdoors? Does it need to open up so that fresh air can come in every once in a while? Each window must have a purpose, and its purpose most often depends on the room where it is installed. For instance, large picture windows would look great in an expansive living room or in a bedroom with perfect views. Double hung windows, on the other hand, would be suitable in rooms that both have views and require a bit more ventilation. When considering function, one area you’ll need to pay attention to is lighting. If you need more natural light in a certain room, then it would make sense to have larger windows. Below are some common window types and their corresponding functions:
• Double Hung – This type of window has sashes that slide up or down. These are great for rooms where you need to control air flow. By sliding the top sash down a little, air can flow in from the upper portion of the window. This will allow ample ventilation without wreaking havoc on the room’s furniture and furnishings.
• Casement windows – This type of window opens outward using a crank mechanism.
The window lets in sufficient air, but does require a bit of open space on the outside as to not hamper its function.
• Picture windows – These are commonly floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the
maximum amount of sunlight and provide excellent views of the outdoors. However, in terms of ventilation, these windows won’t help much as they are fixed and do not have any type of mechanism to open or shut the window.
As you can see, every type of window has a specific function, so it’s best to decide what the window’s purpose will be and choose a window type that is able to achieve that objective. ooooo
In the next installation of this ebook, we’ll discuss an important aspect in choosing windows: energy efficiency.
Part 3: Windows Improve Energy Efficiency Back when we didn’t know better - when electricity prices were also way more affordable - energy efficiency wasn’t much of an issue. Today, though, with higher electricity rates and a heightened awareness of the rapid depletion of the planet’s natural resources, homeowners are much more energy conscious. Energy-efficient windows are practically de rigueur these days, with windows playing such a huge and important role in energy conservation. The heat that passes through a window can affect how hard the home’s heating and cooling systems need to work. During summer, solar heat passing through a window will make the home’s cooling system work at capacity, consuming more energy. In winter, heat inside the home can escape through the windows, making the home’s heating system work extra hard as well. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss makes up around 25% to 30% of the home’s energy usage. This is rather significant, especially if the home has a particularly high energy consumption.
Fortunately, modern windows provide a solution to this problem. Energy-efficient windows have the ability to drastically reduce the transfer of heat through the window glass and frame. The less heat that is transferred through the window, the less the environmental systems have to work. Moreover, it is easier to control the indoor environment, making it more comfortable inside.
How Energy-Efficient Window Glass Works The secret lies in the glass panels. Energy-efficient windows usually have double-pane glass, making it difficult for heat to pass through. Aside from the additional pane, the small space between the panes is usually filled with argon gas that also helps prevent heat transfer. On top of that, each glass panel is coated with a special film, known as low-emissivity (Low-E) coating, that acts as an additional barrier against heat.
Over the long run, the energy savings of your energy-efficient windows will more than make up for their initial cost. With the information provided in this ebook, you should be able to choose the right type of window for your home, not just for curb appeal, but also for the right function and energy reduction as well. Make sure that you work with a trusted window replacement professional in your area for best results.
Seamless Exterior 6227 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 277-3441 www.seamlessexterior.com