A gradual shift has been taking place when it comes to different types of windows and doors being used in residential homes, apartment complexes, and businesses as well. Though style, décor, and durability are all essential aspects, concentrated efforts to save energy and money in the long run have also become part of solving the issues of modern-day insulation. The following types of windows and doors contain the latest technologies to provide home and business owners with efficient and cost-effective add-ons and/or replacements, which can furnish a sustainable environment for years to come.
Types of Windows:
Double Pane Windows
These particular types of windows serve a number of beneficial purposes. Double pane windows are designed for both durability and energy efficiency on a year-round basis.
Built with two pieces of durable tempered glass and a spacer in the middle, the inside of your home or business should remain cooler in the summer and warmer during the cold of winter. You should also notice a reduction on your utility bills; in some cases, home and business owners with these types of windows have reported saving up to 60 percent on their heating/cooling costs as a result.
Triple Pane Windows
Triple pane types of windows are often used in extremely cold climates; when sealed off with fiber glass or vinyl around the frames, the interior of your abode or establishment should stay consistently warmer without having to constantly crank up the heat. These types of windows are also proficient at keeping exterior noise where it belongs: outside. Also known as background stressors, disruptive noises from the street or elsewhere can be dramatically reduced with these types of windows, thus providing a peaceful and virtually noise-free environment when needed.
Circumstance will likely determine which types of windows you’ll be adding on or replacing. Both the double and triple pane windows can provide a desirable aesthetic while furnishing a cumulative way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Although quite a few other types of windows are available, such as bay, casement, or sliding sash, double and triple panes are in higher demand.
As of late, home/business improvement specialists are applying the same energy-saving principles to the different types of doors available, which can help further reduce energy costs.
Wooden, Aluminum, and Fiberglass Doors
Wooden doors can be both attractive and economically sound, provided that the wood itself is properly treated with weather sealants and/or varnishes. The wear-and-tear factor can easily be minimized, yet alignment and weather stripping are crucial aspects to consider as well. A solid oak door, for example, along with sufficient door jamb sealers, can last a lifetime and keep your dwelling properly insulated. It’s a good idea to change your weather stripping from time to time for optimum results.
Sealed and insulated metal doors are capable of offering the same type of protection with lower maintenance and upkeep expenses. Often insulated with specialized foams, the durability factor is just about as good as it gets. It’s also important to note that metal doors can act as a deterrent for potential intruders.
Many fiberglass doors can emulate the look of real wood without having to worry about cracking, rotting, or splitting that can occur with a select number of wooden doors. A wide selection of fiberglass doors are available that feature dozens of different designs.
When it comes to the many different types of windows and a wide array of doors to choose from, the energy saving factor is always important, yet the cosmetic side of things can add some extra curb appeal that can increase the overall price of your property.