There are many products on the market when you go looking for replacement windows, and it is easy to get overwhelmed; vinyl, wood, aluminum, clad, unclad, colored, and not are all concepts that you need to absorb and understand.
While the industry may have its debates over the merit of one material over another, there is not debate at all over the advantages of double glazing.
What is Double Glazing? Simply put, double glazing involves using two panes of glass in a window, separated by small gap.
The space between the panes is sealed, and sometimes a gas, such as argon, is placed in the gap along with a drying agent to prevent any moisture from accumulating between the panes.
This forms a layer of insulation which is highly productive at reducing the transfer of energy between the inside of your home and the outside as well as decreasing the sound transfer.
Why go to the Trouble? On the simplest level, double glazing reduces the loss of energy from your heating or cooling systems.
Up to 60% of the energy lost from homes exits through single paned windows.
Once you replace your windows with double glazed units, you can expect to see a 10-12% decrease in your utility costs; which helps you to recoup the costs of the investment.
Enhanced Security Double glazed windows also provide improved security.
Each is equipped with its own locking mechanism making forced entry much more difficult.
The tempered glass is also particularly hard to break.
The Cost of Remodeling the Whole House It is estimated that replacing all the windows in a home will run you somewhere in the ballpark of $10,000.
That is quite a lot of money, but when you consider that replacement windows recoup up to 84% of their price at when you go to sell the house.
When you add in your energy savings and the fact that the government is currently offering a tax credit of 30% of your cost, up to $1500, the windows pay for themselves in a matter of years.
Concerns About old Double Glazed Windows Over time, even the best windows are affected by the elements, settling, and wear and tear.
If you observe moisture between the panes of your older double glazed windows, it means that the airtight seal has broken.
Unfortunately, there is no way to repair such damage and the window will need to be replaced.
Finding the Right Contractor Because double glazed replacement windows have become so popular, there has been a rise in shady individuals entering the market.
These contractors offer low quality windows that are likely to fall apart quickly.
It is tempting to go with these less expensive options, but don't succumb.
Find a local contractor; one who is familiar with the Houston area and its climate.
Make sure they are licensed, insured, experienced, and have a history of serving the area.
Ask for recent references and check them out before you commit to a remodeling project.
Finally, make sure they only install double glazed windows.
Energy efficient, attractive, and easy to operate, double glazed windows will offer your home added value and beauty.
While the industry may have its debates over the merit of one material over another, there is not debate at all over the advantages of double glazing.
What is Double Glazing? Simply put, double glazing involves using two panes of glass in a window, separated by small gap.
The space between the panes is sealed, and sometimes a gas, such as argon, is placed in the gap along with a drying agent to prevent any moisture from accumulating between the panes.
This forms a layer of insulation which is highly productive at reducing the transfer of energy between the inside of your home and the outside as well as decreasing the sound transfer.
Why go to the Trouble? On the simplest level, double glazing reduces the loss of energy from your heating or cooling systems.
Up to 60% of the energy lost from homes exits through single paned windows.
Once you replace your windows with double glazed units, you can expect to see a 10-12% decrease in your utility costs; which helps you to recoup the costs of the investment.
Enhanced Security Double glazed windows also provide improved security.
Each is equipped with its own locking mechanism making forced entry much more difficult.
The tempered glass is also particularly hard to break.
The Cost of Remodeling the Whole House It is estimated that replacing all the windows in a home will run you somewhere in the ballpark of $10,000.
That is quite a lot of money, but when you consider that replacement windows recoup up to 84% of their price at when you go to sell the house.
When you add in your energy savings and the fact that the government is currently offering a tax credit of 30% of your cost, up to $1500, the windows pay for themselves in a matter of years.
Concerns About old Double Glazed Windows Over time, even the best windows are affected by the elements, settling, and wear and tear.
If you observe moisture between the panes of your older double glazed windows, it means that the airtight seal has broken.
Unfortunately, there is no way to repair such damage and the window will need to be replaced.
Finding the Right Contractor Because double glazed replacement windows have become so popular, there has been a rise in shady individuals entering the market.
These contractors offer low quality windows that are likely to fall apart quickly.
It is tempting to go with these less expensive options, but don't succumb.
Find a local contractor; one who is familiar with the Houston area and its climate.
Make sure they are licensed, insured, experienced, and have a history of serving the area.
Ask for recent references and check them out before you commit to a remodeling project.
Finally, make sure they only install double glazed windows.
Energy efficient, attractive, and easy to operate, double glazed windows will offer your home added value and beauty.
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