What Your Glass Options Are.
(This can have a big impact on energy bill)

WHAT IS INSULATED GLASS?

When you talk about insulated glass it is essentially two pieces of glass that are sealed with a spacer to keep out any moisture or dirt. The spacing between the two panes of glass contribute to the insulating factors.  Window manufacturers vary the size of this space. 
     
Usually, you'll find that a 1/2" space is the norm. In between the two panes of glass there is a spacer that runs around the perimeter.  Spacers come in a few different make ups such as metal or foam. The foam seems to have the best insulating factors.
     
Some manufacturers will also use an inert gas called "Argon" between the glass.  There is a lot of controversy about it's overall effectiveness.   One of the main points is how do you determine if the gas is still in the window after 5 or 10 years.

LowE Glass:

LowE glass has a metallic coating on the inside of the outside pane.  The coating will help keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also cuts down on the transmission of light slightly.  
     
Another strong point is that LowE glass cuts down on the UV light which will fade carpets.  For best glass performance this would be a recommended choice.

GLASS ENERGY RATING

How to tell if you currently have LowE.

Using a bic (cigarette) lighter, have someone stand outside the window with the flame around 1" from the outside pane.  Looking from the inside you should be able to see 4 reflections of the flame. If you see the reflections then chances are your windows currently have LowE. 

If you'd like more information about LowE,  contact us for a demonstration of how LowE works.  You'll be totally amazed at how effective it is. 

WINDOW FRAME OPTIONS

For window replacements there are basically three different options you can choose from.

Vinyl Frames Thermal Break Aluminum Frames Wood Frames

Vinyl Frames: In terms of insulating, the vinyl frames will out perform the aluminum and wood frames.  Vinyl is durable, never needs painting. If you scratch it, you still maintain the same color because the color is throughout.

Good quality vinyl windows are welded at the joints and should have some form of metal reinforcement.  Vinyl windows usually come in two colors, white and almond.  Some manufacturers also offer Bronze.

Wood: When it comes to beauty there is no question that wood is the choice.  Wood is the most expensive of the options.  Keep in mind that wood requires maintenance such as painting.  
     
The good news is that wood windows have fairly good insulating factors. There are a few innovations with wood windows that eliminate much of the maintenance.

Thermal Break Aluminum: Because of the durability of vinyl there is very little use today with aluminum frames.  They just don't have the insulating qualities and durability.
    
If you do choose aluminum be sure that they are glazed properly.  This prevents the glass from direct contact with the metal frame which extends the life of the window.
     
Thermal Break frames come in two colors, either dark bronze or white.

INSTALLATIONS