In today’s world, we need to take a look beyond just the aesthetics of your new windows. Wilson’s Home Improvement wants to continue to make the process of finding replacement windows easier on Arkansas home owners. In addition to choosing a frame type, you will need to consider what type of glazing or glass you should use to improve your home's energy efficiency. Based on various window design factors such as window orientation, climate, building design, etc., you may even want to choose different types of glazing for different windows throughout your home.

GAS FILLS

To improve the thermal performance of windows with insulated glazing, some manufacturers fill the space between the panes with inert gas -- commonly argon or krypton -- that has a higher resistance to heat flow than air. Wilson’s Home Improvement uses windows that have Argon gas between the panes.  Argon gas is a colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, safe inert gas that is heavier than air. When the air between two window panes is replaced with argon gas, the energy efficiency of the window increases and it acts as a sound barrier to help make your home quieter.

 INSULATED

Insulated window glazing refers to windows with two or more panes of glass. To insulate the window, the glass panes are spaced apart and hermetically sealed, leaving an insulating air space. Insulated window glazing primarily lowers the U-factor, but it also lowers the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). However, a large portion of the windows that Wilson’s replace are insulated windows. The reason for this is, some of the seals are 3 pieces, firm and flat and do not give when the glass expands or contracts with the temperature. The “un-forgiveness” causes the seal to break. Once that seal is broken; they lose most of their efficiency and leave an annoying white fog on the glass. The seal used on Wilson’s windows features a unique, one-piece metal alloy, Uchannel design that creates an effective thermal barrier to help reduce conducted heat loss through the window. It’s a sealed, one-piece design and that makes this spacer “forgiving”, stronger and better at retaining insulating gas than many of the conventional designs.

LOW-EMISSIVITY COATINGS

A low-e coating is a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited directly on the surface of one or more of the panes of glass. The low-e coating lowers the U-factor of the window, and different types of low-e coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain. A low-e coating can also reduce a window's visible transmittance (VT) unless you use one that's spectrally selective. Although low-e coatings are usually applied during manufacturing, some are available for do-it-yourselfers. These films are inexpensive compared to total window replacements, save energy, reduce fabric fading, and increase comfort. Wilson’s uses ONLY low-E (high efficiency) glass in their windows. When combined with the correct features, Wilson’s windows can exceed the performance requirement set forth by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) test criteria.  

REFLECTIVE COATINGS

Reflective coatings on window glazing or glass reduce the transmission of solar radiation, blocking more light than heat. Therefore, they greatly reduce a window's VT and glare, but they also reduce a window's SHGC.  Reflective coatings usually consist of thin, metallic layers, and come in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, and bronze. Reflective window glazing is commonly used in hot climates to control solar heat gain. The reduced cooling energy demands can be offset by the need for additional electrical lighting, so reflective glass is used mostly for special applications.

In closing, the best solution for capturing more light but keeping out the heat, cold and inclement weather is beautiful, energy-efficient windows from Wilson’s Home Improvement. They combine the refinements of clean lines and tasteful architectural details with the performance of modern materials and construction. They’ll add to your home’s beauty and show off your landscape while maintaining the comfort of family members and friends. Call Wilson’s today to set up your appointment for a free estimate with an Estimator and experience the “Wilson’s Difference”!