As the eye of the home, windows are not only cherished for their natural beauty but also their versatility. A beautiful window increases the charisma of your living space, while at the same time, gives your room a much-needed dose of natural lighting and warmth. Because the enjoyment of your windows largely depends on your purchase and customization decisions, here are 5 practical tips that will help you to get the most out of your windows:
Tip 1: Choose a Window Style that Fits Your Architectural Design
Windows come in many styles to serve different purposes. Bay windows offer you a nice seating space right next to an expansive outdoor view, while glider windows are a traditional favorite for their customization flexibility and operational experience. Some homeowners may love polygon windows for their unique shapes; others may appreciate awning windows for their simplistic but fashionable flair. With so many window styles, choosing the ones that best fit your specific aesthetic and utility purposes will increase the performance and curb appeal of your home.
Tip 2: Make Sure Your Windows Are Made of Durable Materials
Homeowners default to wood and vinyl as their window materials. However, fiberglass windows (especially Ultrex from Marvin) offer great longevity and has proven to be 8 times stronger than vinyl, and 3.5 times stronger than wood/vinyl composite. These innovative materials also demonstrate unmatched thermal performance and are impervious to inclement weather conditions.
Tip 3: Securely Seal Your Windows to Avoid Air Leakage
Windows are a popular air leakage channel in your home. While the low contraction and expansion rate of Ultrex fiberglass window promises to dramatically reduce the likelihood of seal failures, homeowners are encouraged to seal, caulk or add weather stripping around windows to stop energy losses and gain better control over their indoor temperature.
Tip 4: Maximize Your Window’s Energy Efficiency with the Right Window Treatment
Because windows are responsible for up to 25% of your energy expenditure, adding accessories such as overhang and other shading devices for your windows will reduce solar heat gain in summer while increasing warmth in winter. For example, you can treat your windows with shutters in summer and use heavy drapes to trap heat in winter. Consider also coating your windows with low-e coatings to filter out 40% to 70% of the heat during the dog days of summer and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Tip 5: Customize Your Windows for Aesthetic Purposes
When it comes to windows, you need superior utility and unmatched beauty for maximum experience. Make sure that your windows can be easily coated with the colors of your choice. Choose quality stains that are not only made to last, but can be conveniently re-stained in case you want a new hue.
Windows contribute significantly to the energy efficiency and aesthetic design of a home. Carefully consider your window designs, accessories and other finish options with discretion and close scrutiny so you can get the most out of your windows for years to come.
Paul Kazlov is a “green” home remodeling enthusiast and an industry pioneer for innovation in home renovation. Paul writes for the Marvin Windows NJ blog and strives to educate people about “green” products such as fiberglass windows, metal roofing, and much more. Follow him on Twitter @PaulKazlov.
You must log in to post a comment.