3 Smart Features That Will Make Your New Windows Work Harder For Your Home
Windows are essential features of every home and, like all basic structural elements, will require replacing at various points in time. While this may be an inconvenient and somewhat expensive project, it's also a great opportunity to make big improvements in how your windows work for your home. Windows are obviously necessary for providing light and for giving you a view of the world outside. However, with these three smart features, your windows can also make your home safer, more functional, and more valuable.
1. Hurricane and storm protection
If you live in a part of the country that frequently experiences hurricanes or severe storms, then you'll understand how vulnerable windows can be. Regular glass, which is usually found on older windows, is very fragile and offers little in the way of protection from strong winds, falling tree branches, or flying debris.
Opting for glazing that features toughened, hurricane- and storm-proof glass in your windows is an excellent way to help protect your family and your home during wild weather. Although this type of glazing is more expensive than regular glass, the peace of mind and the added security it provides will more than compensate for the extra dollars spent. Contact a company like Bradenton Window & Allied Products for more information.
2. UV protection
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is another pressing concern for most Americans. Exposure to UV is known to contribute to a variety of skin cancers, some of which can be life-threatening. UV rays also shorten the life of furniture and fabrics in the home, fading their colors and aging their surfaces.
For these reasons, preventing UV rays from entering your home makes good sense. You can have a very thin film added to the glazing of your new windows that will help to block UV rays. This is a relatively inexpensive addition to your windows, but it will make a big difference to the health and safety of your family and will prolong the lifespan of your belongings.
3. Double glazing
Another big concern for many American homeowners is creating a home that is energy-efficient. This is partly due to the continuing increase in energy prices and partly due to the increased awareness of how energy use negatively impacts the natural environment.
Windows are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to losing or gaining heat within the home. Double glazing, with an insulative pocket of air between two panes of glass, is the most effective way to minimize the transfer of heat and cold via your windows. It will help to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, as well as helping to keep your energy bills low.
Share