Types Of Windows

 Windows are available in several frames and glazing types. You can combine a frame which is energy efficient with a glazing type suited to your application and climate thus personalizing every window in your home.

Types Of Frames

By enhancing thermal resistance of a frame can add to the overall energy efficiency of a window, especially its U factor. Each material has its pros and cons whether you are considering buying Vinyle windows online or an Aluminum window. The following are the main types:

• Aluminum or metal frames:

Though light, strong and nearly maintenance free, aluminum and metal window frames rapidly conduct heat which makes them poor in insulation. In order to reduce flow of heat and U factor, you must install a thermal break in metal frames- which is a plastic, insulating strip placed between outside and inside of the frame.

• Composite frames

They are made of composite wood products like laminated strand lumber and particle board. Such composites are highly stable and they have better or same thermal and structural qualities as traditional wood and they have better decay and moisture resistance.

• Fiberglass frames

These window frames happen to be dimensionally stable and feature air cavities which can be filled with insulation, providing superior thermal performance in comparison to non-insulated Vinyl or wood.

• Vinyl frames

These are mostly made of PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) with UV (Ultra violet) stabilizers to prevent breaking down of material by sunlight. Such window frames do not need painting and are highly resistant to moisture. Hollow cavities of such frames can be stuffed with insulation. This makes them superior to standard wood frames. Vinyle Windows in Massachusetts are loved for their low energy costs, freedom from maintenance, cost effectiveness and variety.

• Wood frames

They provide good insulation but they also contract and expand in response to weather conditions. They also need high maintenance, though cladding with vinyl or aluminum reduces need for maintenance.

Types Of Window Glass

In addition to choosing the window frame, you must select a type of window glass to improve energy efficiency of your home. Based on various conditions (building design, climate), you may want to install various glazing on different windows.

• Gas fills

In order to enhance thermal performance of windows using insulated glazing, some manufacturers like to fill space between panes with inert gas: like Krypton or Argon. These have higher resistance to heat flow in comparison to air.

• Heat absorbing tints

These are special tints that alter color of glass. This tinted glass absorbs a large portion of incoming radiation from the sun through the window. It reduces SHGC (‘Solar Heat Gain co-efficient’), visible transmittance (VT) and Glare.

• Insulated glass

Insulated windows imply windows with two or more glass panes. For insulating the window, panes of glass maybe spaced apart and sealed hermetically, leaving behind an air space for insulation. This lowers both U-factor and SHGC.

• Coatings of Low Emissivity

Such coatings on glass control transfer of heat via windows with insulated glazing. They may be slightly expensive but save much money on energy loss in long run.

These are some aspects about window frames and window glazing.