Learn about New Windows or Replacement Windows and Doors for Today's Homes: Low emissivity

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The Lowdown on Low-E

By Gates Dearen

When it comes to windows, the glass is where the rubber meets the road, but when it comes to window panes, not all glass is equal. Whether your windows are single-pane, double pane or triple pane, the formula used in the production of the glass and the glass coatings used in their manufacture have a direct bearing on their ability to stand up to the elements.

By Gates Dearen

What homeowner wouldn’t want his or her house to look its best?

While the term “curb appeal” is generally related to the real estate industry, the concept is a good one to think about even if you aren’t selling (or buying) a home. If it’s been a while since you took a good, objective look at the exterior of your home, now is a great time to assess your home’s appearance, especially in terms of cleanliness, maintenance, and design. We’ll discuss all of these aspects, including paying special attention to your windows and doors. Going through these simple steps can help you determine if it’s time to replace any of your windows and doors; there comes a point when they can’t be fixed, or are otherwise outdated and/or inefficient, and need to be replaced. It can be hard sometimes to look at your house objectively, after all, you see it every day, so taking a picture and examining it in detail will help you spot problems you may miss with the naked eye.

Cleanliness

When you look at your home from the street, or from a distance (if your home isn’t visible from the street), what’s your overall impression? Do your windows sparkle? Are your window frames and doorframes clean and intact? Is your entryway free of clutter and debris? The first step to improving the appearance of your home is to wipe off the windows and doors, including the surrounding areas, and sweep the entry area and walkways. Next take a good look at the windows and doors themselves. If you have older windows and doors, keeping them clean can be a greater challenge. While the newer types of frames require only a quick rinse with a hose, and maybe a gentle wipe-down, older frames – especially wooden ones – tend to attract dirt and are more difficult to keep clean. If the frames are chipped or exceedingly dirty, you might also need to apply a new coat of paint. Never use a pressure washer on or around windows; it’s unnecessary and could break the windows.

Maintenance

Silicone caulk can be used as a basic sealant ...

Once you’ve cleaned and tidied up your home’s exterior, it’s time to do a maintenance check. (For a more detailed discussion of this topic, see our previous article, “Window Maintenance 101: 3 Ways to Keep Your Windows Looking and Functioning Their Best”.) If you have a painted entry door, make sure that the paint doesn’t show signs of weathering. Repainting is a quick task that can add a high-quality look to your door and really freshen things up. Don’t be shy about changing colors; a bright or contrasting color can make your door “pop”. Next, check the weather stripping and caulk around your entry door and all of your windows to make sure they are in good repair. If the weather stripping is damaged, you should replace it or have it replaced by a professional. If you have gaps in the caulk between the wall and the window casing, or around the doorframe, you can fill them yourself. Remember to apply caulk sparingly with a steady hand. (If you aren’t experienced at applying caulk, practice on a piece of newspaper before working around your frames. The small amount of caulk you’ll use to do this is worth not having to remove it from your frames if you get off-track.)

Remember too that maintenance isn’t just about appearance. Are your windows and doors keeping the hot air out and cold air in, and vice versa? If not, no amount of maintenance is going to help. It’s time to replace your windows and/or doors. (For more information on this topic, read our earlier article, “How Do You Check for a Leaky House?”)

Design

The style of your windows and doors is limited only by your imagination. A new entry door with an etched glass or stained-glass panel lets you express yourself while also providing improved security. In addition to the many styles of doors available, add to your unique look with shiny new hardware. Locksets come in many styles and finishes, so they can help you put the perfect finishing touch on your door. Windows, too, come in many styles, including custom types for special needs – or for a special look. Do you have an odd-shaped space in your home that could use more light, or an angled wall that could benefit from a replacement window, perhaps in a new design? Consider a custom window. You’ll find yourself using that wasted space more than ever before! If it’s been awhile since you updated your windows, you may be surprised at not only the number of choices when it comes to design, but also the many recent technologies that greatly improve functionality and energy efficiency. From argon gas between panes to low-emissivity coatings that increase efficiency to better locks that offer ease of use, new windows will not just improve the look of your home. They will enhance your quality of life.

Keeping your home looking its best is easy; it just takes a little bit of time and effort. If you follow the above steps, your home will be the envy of the neighborhood. You’ll reap the rewards of an attractive home and, if you update your windows and doors, better energy efficiency and improved security.

In this article we’ve given three steps to making your home look its best. We discussed the importance of keeping your house, especially your windows and doors, clean and in good repair, and talked about ways you can add distinctive style to your house, improving its curb appeal.

If you would like to receive an official factory authorized 30% discount coupon for your next window replacement purchase, print out this article with the coupon on it and bring it with you when visiting HomeRite.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Gates Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. We know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Our approach is a little different. We strive to match the homeowner with the right windows for their home and budget. Home improvements can be a hassle. We’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; strong warranties and expert, award-winning installers that provide excellent service while respecting your home as if it were their own.

New Windows: An Investment That Pays Off for the Life of Your Home

By Gates Dearen

Add caption

Are you looking for a way to save money and update and improve your home’s appearance? New vinyl windows could be the answer. Vinyl frames are better than wood and metal in many ways: They won’t pit, chip, rot, flake, or crack; they don’t require constant scraping and painting; they are more energy-efficient, keeping cold and heat out (or, alternately, in); and they are, in many people’s opinion, more attractive. Just an occasional washing keeps them looking like new.

Updating

Updating your windows can add peace of mind through improved safety features, especially if you live in an older home. As Richard and Michelle Barnett explain in the video linked below, they were concerned about thin glass and lead paint on the single-pane windows and aluminum frames in their 1940s-built home and very poor sound proofing from outside noises. When they updated their home with vinyl windows, those fears disappeared. They no longer had to worry about paint chips or shattered glass once they had vinyl frames and double-pane windows installed. Here’s a link to the video where they tell their story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-J_ojVGsbE

Energy Savings

Of course, the Barnetts are also thrilled by the increased energy efficiency their new windows provide. Not only have they saved money in energy costs on every electrical bill since having their windows installed, but they are able to enjoy their home much more now that it cools down so quickly in the evenings when they come home from work – less than a half-hour to reach ideal temperature compared to nearly four hours before. Richard says that with their old windows, they could “feel any change in wind, any change in temperature.” Of course, if you can feel the wind through your windows, you know you’re losing valuable cooling, or heating energy. But with new windows, the outdoors stays outdoors. And that doesn’t apply only to the weather, but also to noise, in fact the Barnetts mention in the video that they used to be able to hear dogs barking from three blocks away! While it’s easy to measure energy savings from one month to the next, quality of life gains are no so easily quantified, but they are certainly significant.

You might be wondering how windows can save you money. The short answer is that technology has improved glass coating and glazing techniques and materials. The slightly longer answer that follows will explain how that helps cut your cooling and heating costs. Low-e, or Low-emissivity, refers to glass panels’ ability to reflect light. Low-emissivity windows cause heat to be reflected off, rather than allowing it to collect and “seep through” (be emitted) into the home. The Low-e coating keeps the heat from being absorbed and emitted, instead reflecting it away from the glass. This technology is related to the insulation used in spacecraft to keep heat from accumulating on both reflective surfaces, inside and outside, but actually the application of the technology is more complicated in windows because glass has such a high level of emissivity, thus posing the challenge of maintaining Low-e while letting in light. Manufacturers of high-quality windows apply coatings to reflect radiant energy, which helps to keep heat on the same side of the glass it’s coming from – outside in summer, inside in winter – while allowing light to pass through. This improves thermal efficiency (insulating properties) because radiant heat stays where it belongs, outside or inside depending on the season and the weather.

Ease of Maintenance

If you’ve ever spent time scraping and repainting wood or metal windows frames, you know it’s no fun. To be kept looking nice, the older types of windows need this kind of maintenance every few years, and the in-between cleaning is no picnic either! Dirt seems to cling to painted wood frames in particular. Grimy windows and frames give your home an overall dingy appearance. Vinyl window frames need almost no maintenance. They truly could not be easier to care for. A quick rinse or wipe every once in a while, and they look as good as new, keeping your home’s exterior looking its best.

The benefits don’t stop there; your new windows will cut down on the UV rays coming into your home, which can extend the life of your carpeting and furniture too. You could also add light – and maybe, as the Barnetts did, space – through good planning, placement, and installation of your new windows. Improved appearance, lower energy bills, better quality of life, and a more attractive home – that’s what we call a good return on investment!

In this article, we discussed the ways that investing in vinyl replacement windows can pay off for many years. Some of the benefits we mentioned are improved appearance, better energy efficiency, better quality of life, and a more attractive home.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is a somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that home improvements projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process as pleasant as possible with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-winning installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own.

The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Replacing Your Windows and Doors

By Gates Dearen

Photo Credit: nelsonwindow.com

You’ve noticed that your doors and windows are letting in the elements, or are bringing down the overall appearance of your house. You’ve decided to replace them, so all you need to do is measure each window and door and then head out to the nearest hardware superstore, right?

Wrong! It’s important to assess your home’s individual needs and to understand the best solutions for energy efficiency, as well as home security. We have compiled a list of the most important questions to ask as you choose your replacement windows and doors.

What is my budget?

While it may be tempting if you are on a tight budget to “go cheap” when replacing your windows and doors, a better plan may be to choose the best windows and doors you can afford now for part of your house, and wait until you can do the same for the rest of the house later. High-quality windows and doors are an important investment in your home’s appearance, security, and energy efficiency. As with most purchases, spending a little more on the front end can reap greater benefits down the road. A windows and doors professional can help you to determine which should be replaced first and which can wait.

What features are important to me?

The features you choose are largely a matter of personal taste (unless you have children, in which case safety is also important). Work with a professional to decide which features will increase your comfort and your windows’ and doors’ function and durability. Single-hung windows open from the bottom only. Double-hung windows can open from the top or the bottom. Again, it’s all about preference. If you want to transform a simple opening into a stunning room accent, you can choose from a variety of custom shapes for your windows.

When it comes to entry doors, there are also many options. Maybe you want a standard solid door with small windows at the top. Or maybe you prefer something a bit more reflective of your personal style, such as a door with a stained glass insert or a decorative lockset. Look at your options and find the door that says “home” to you. Many people prefer to spend a great portion of their budget on an entry door over other doors and windows in their homes because it’s the first thing they (and their guests) see upon arriving at their home. Again, it just depends on what you like.

Patio doors offer fewer options aesthetically speaking, but do differ in terms of safety features such as shatter-proof glass and functionality. Do your homework. Here in Florida it’s especially important that your patio door is made of impact-resistant glass. Low-e coatings and energy-star ratings are also important, but we’ll get to those later. Beyond these features, the options include clear glass or obscure glass, which provides additional privacy.

Do the windows and door glass have a Low-e coating?

Low-e, or Low-emissivity, refers to glass panels’ ability to reflect light. Low-emissivity windows and doors cause heat to be reflected off, rather than allowing it to collect and “seep through” (be emitted) into the home. The Low-e coating keeps the heat from being absorbed and emitted, instead reflecting it away from the glass. This technology is related to the insulation used in spacecraft to keep heat from accumulating on both reflective surfaces, inside and outside, but actually the application of the technology is more complicated in windows and doors because glass has such a high level of emissivity, thus posing the challenge of maintaining Low-e while letting in light. Manufacturers of high-quality windows and doors apply coatings to reflect radiant energy, which helps to keep heat on the same side of the glass it’s coming from – outside in summer, inside in winter – while allowing light to pass through. This improves thermal efficiency (insulating properties) because radiant heat stays where it belongs, outside or inside depending on the season and the weather.

What energy-efficiency ratings do these windows and doors have?

There are several standards set by the industry that let you know your windows and doors will work hard to save energy (and money in cooling/heating costs). The one you’re probably most familiar with is the Energy Star rating. In order to carry the familiar symbol (shown below), windows and doors must be, at a minimum, 15% more energy efficient than those without the designation. Most doors and windows have a sticker that shows their actual energy efficiency. If not, ask. Any reputable window and door professional will readily share this information with you.

Another performance standard is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certification. This is a non-profit group that, as stated in their website, “empowers consumers who are in the market for energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights. When you see the NFRC label on these products, this is your assurance that it’s going to perform the way it’s advertised to perform.” (www.nfrc.org)

How can new windows and doors make my home more secure?

Unless you have recently updated your windows and doors you’ll find that security options have improved. When thinking about security, think beyond the doors and windows themselves. Look for fire-rated doorframes and window frames, high-performance hinges, secure and weather-resistant thresholds and astragals, and of course high-quality locksets. Look for ease of use in window locks. Most new high-quality windows have simple slide or flip locks. The same is true for patio doors; while the older types may not have been easy to secure, the new ones are.

As for the doors and windows themselves, look for impact ratings, as well as long-term warranties. It’s a good idea here in Florida to choose doors and windows that will stand up against severe weather. Security isn’t just about keeping out human intruders. There are plenty of items in your yard that you wouldn’t want in your house if the wind picked them up and tossed them!

In this article, I discussed the top five questions to ask when replacing your windows and doors, and why those are important questions to ask. I explained what to look for as you plan out your new window and door purchase.

Understanding the “E” in Low-E Windows and Doors

Thermogram of a Passivhaus building, with traditional building in background. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Gates Dearen

You’re ready to replace your windows – you’ve determined your needs and your budget – but when you start shopping, you find yourself confused by terms like “Low-e”. You’re not alone! While you may understand that it’s important to look for windows with a Low-e factor, you may be wondering what that means and why it’s important. No explanation of Low-e (short for Low-emissivity) would be complete without the definition of a few other key terms, such as “thermal radiation”, “reflectivity”, and “opacity”.

Emissivity

The “E” is short for emissivity, specifically thermal emissivity. Low-emissivity windows and doors cause heat to be reflected off, rather than allowing it to collect and “seep through” (be emitted) into the home. Perhaps an easier way to think of it is to consider a surface that has a high emissivity factor: asphalt. If you’ve ever stepped into a parking lot in Florida in August, you’ve felt the effects of high emissivity. The asphalt absorbs and emits heat at a ratio .90 to .10. In other words, 90% of the heat directed at the asphalt is absorbed and emitted, and only 10% is reflected. You certainly wouldn’t want the glass in your home’s windows and doors to have that level of emissivity! But plain, uncoated glass has an even higher level of emissivity than asphalt: .93. This is why Low-e is such an important factor in choosing your new windows and doors. But how does it work?

Thermal Radiation

Everything with a temperature greater than absolute zero (−273.15° Celsius, −459.67° Fahrenheit) emits thermal radiation. When the body emitting thermal radiation, the sun, for example, has a higher temperature than whatever is in its path, the resulting heat is absorbed – unless, as in the case of a Low-e coating, something reflective is put in place. The Low-e coating keeps the heat from being absorbed and emitted, instead reflecting it away from the glass. This technology is related to the insulation used in spacecraft to keep heat from accumulating on both reflective surfaces, inside and outside, but actually the application of the technology is more complicated in windows and doors because glass has such a high level of emissivity, thus posing the challenge of maintaining low-e while letting in light.

Reflectivity

Through our discussion up to this point, you’ve probably gathered that reflectivity refers to the property of objects to “bounce” heat off, as opposed to absorbing and emitting it, and is inversely related to emissivity. Metals, including aluminum, as in aluminum foil, are among the most reflective substances, but most of us wouldn’t want to coat our windows and door with foil. Instead, manufacturers of high-quality windows and doors apply coatings to reflect radiant energy, which helps to keep heat on the same side of the glass it’s coming from – outside in summer, inside in winter – while allowing light to pass through. This improves thermal efficiency (insulating properties) because radiant heat stays where it belongs, outside or inside depending on the season and the weather.

Opacity

Unless you want to keep out all light – for example, through light-blocking blinds or shades that are always closed – there isn’t really a way to entirely prevent at least a small fraction of thermal radiation (heat) from coming in, or going out. Opacity refers to the “see-throughness” of objects: for our purposes, glass in windows and doors. The more opaque an object, the less its ability to let light through. It’s fairly obvious that having no windows and doors could potentially allow you to nearly completely insulate your home. Even a fully-sealed house will have some energy loss, if the occupants ever leave, allowing for air transfer from in to out and vice-versa. However, who wants to live like that, never seeing the sun shining, kids playing in the yard, birds flying from branch to branch? For those of us who like to come and go, who like to watch the world when we can’t always be out in it, or choose not to because of less-than-ideal climate conditions, coated glass gives us the best of all worlds. And the low-e coating is the best technology we have to achieve that goal.

Putting it All Together

So what, in practical terms, does this mean to you as you choose new windows and doors? It means you should look for windows and doors with a Low-e coating or glaze, which can increase your home’s thermal efficiency by as much as 100%. Glazed or coated glass is even more efficient when it is combined with the additional technology of multi-paned glass with argon between the panes. The combination of technologies maximizes the insulating properties of your windows and doors. Not only will you conserve energy – and, consequently saving money – but you will also enjoy a more comfortable home.

In this article, we explain what "Low-e" means and define the terms “thermal radiation”, “reflectivity”, and “opacity”, particularly as they relate to glass in windows and doors. Finally, we have tied it all together to show how this information can help you understand what to look for when choosing new windows and

doors. If you found this article helpful, please pass it on.

THE AUTHOR: Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is a somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that home improvements projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process pleasant with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-wining installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own.

Related articles

What does the Energy Star Symbol mean on my Windows and Doors

By Gates Dearen

You see them everywhere; you know the big E symbol. It’s on refrigerators, computers and yes, even windows and doors. Have you ever wondered how it came about? Better yet, have you ever really thought about what it means to you? In this article, I will explain how the Energy Star rating came about, how it’s used and how your choices affect your pocket book.

The Big E means Energy Star Compliance

The Energy Star ® label is the symbol used to notify you that a product has met a standard developed by the Federal government. The program was first developed in 1992 by t

Look for this logo when considering your new roofing materials (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

he US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a method to identify and promote products that are energy efficient. This is not a mandatory program enforced by the government. Companies can choose to either meet or not meet these standards. The important point here is that these standards give consumers a way of comparing products based on this standard. Look for building materials and products that carry an Energy Star label. They have met very specific standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Three qualities of ENERGY STAR Windows and Doors:

They have to be manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner.
They have to be independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
They have an NFRC rating that follows strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy (DOE).

Most ENERGY STAR-qualified products have common features. However, these features are not required. To learn what makes it ENERGY STAR click here. These windows and doors have some or all of these features:

Quality Frame Materials
Multiple Panes
Low E Glass
Gas Fills
Warm Edge Spacers

ENERGY STAR-compliant windows and doors are made from a variety of materials. These materials can determine the durability, maintenance and to some extent the look and feel of the windows and doors. Here is a list of materials provided by EnergyStar.gov web

Crystal Clear app energy star (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

site. This list is provided in alphabetical order and not in a way that suggest which is best.

Aluminum windows and doors are durable, low maintenance, recyclable, and typically have at least 15% recycled content. These designs typically include thermal breaks to reduce conductive heat loss through the metal.

Combination windows and doors use different materials separately throughout the frame and sash to provide optimal performance. For example, the exterior half could be made of vinyl while the interior half could be wood.

Composite windows and doors are made of various materials that have been blended together through manufacturing processes to create durable, low maintenance, well-insulated windows.

Fiberglass windows and doors are strong, durable, low maintenance, and provide good insulation. Fiberglass windows and doors can be either hollow or filled with foam insulation.

Vinyl windows and doors are low maintenance and provide good thermal insulation. Sections may be hollow or filled with foam insulation. Wide vinyl sills are often reinforced with wood or metal.

Wood windows and doors are strong, provide good insulation, and are generally favored in historical neighborhoods. The exterior surfaces of many wood windows are clad with aluminum or vinyl to reduce maintenance.

What Does All This Mean To You?

Windows and doors that meet the Energy Star ® rating are typically 10 to 20% more energy efficient than non-rated one. This means, you'll save money, and you will also be help

money and savings (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

ing the environment because saving energy cuts down on the use of creating energy that uses fossil fuels.

In this article, I discussed how the Energy Star symbol came about, what make products qualified, what features they have and the materials from which they are made. I also covered the impact for you personally and how buying windows and doors that meet these standards can save you money and help the environment. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends. If you have other thoughts or comments please add them to the Comments section. If you want to know more about Energy Star windows and doors, follow the links in this article. If you want to discuss this with me, indicate that in your comments as well. I look forward to sharing my next article with you.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Door in Jacksonville Florida. Owners Gates Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving thebuildingproducts industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. “Their approach is a little different. Theyaresimply looking to match the home owner with the right windows for their home and budget. Home improvements are enough of a hassle – we’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products, affordable prices, installers that know best practices and respect of your home.