You might think that glass is glass when it comes to choosing the panes for your windows. But technologies have come a long way. Now, the features you choose for your glass can be just as important as the style and material you pick for your new windows in Lakewood, CA. Your decision should be based on climate, orientation, building design, and window style. And these are the options to consider:

  1. Number of Window Panes

The first thing to decide is the number of window panes you want. Single pane windows offer the least amount of protection. These easily allow heat to transfer with little resistance. Double-glazing is the new standard for windows. Most homeowners choose this kind of protection because it cuts down on energy losses and keeps you comfortable inside your home. Some homeowners even go as far as choosing three panes of glass for better insulation.

  1. Types of Gas Fills

The next part of window glazing is the air-space between panes. This isn’t ordinary air anymore, which still expands, contracts, and transfers heat. Today, the space between panes is filled with special inert gas and hermetically sealed. This gives you better insulation to reduce heat transfer. Typically, manufacturers use argon or krypton gas. Both are colorless, odorless, non-toxic gasses with more density than oxygen. 

  1. Reflective Coatings

In warmer climates, the best way to reduce heat gains is by bouncing the light from the sun off of a windows exterior surface, reflecting it away from your home. Bronze, silver, and gold are the most common reflective coatings. The drawback is you lose both heat and visible light with these types of coatings.

  1. Heat-Absorbing Tint

Some manufactures use colored tints to specifically reduce the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. These can absorb as much as 45% of the solar radiation coming in to your home. These also can cut down on unwanted glare and visible transmittance. Green or blue tints reduce heat transfer, but still allow visible light to come through. Grey or bronze tints limit the penetration of both light and heat.

  1. Low-E Windows

These are not like reflective coatings or tints. Instead, Low-E windows feature ultra-thin metallic oxide coatings or layers applied directly to the panes surface. Depending on their placement, they can reflect unwanted heat back outside, or keep radiant heat in. The reason these are considered to be a step up is because they still allow high levels of visible light to transmit through.

  1. Spectrally Selective Coatings

Thanks to modern technology, these specialized coatings only allow certain wavelengths to pass through. Typically, the coatings are designed to reflect infrared (heat), while still allowing other wavelengths on the spectrum into your home. You get plenty of natural light with a low U-factor and SHGC.

Now, if you still aren’t sure which glazing options to choose for your Lakewood, CA home, don’t worry. The experts of Seaport Widows and Doors are ready to help. Simply stop by 4201 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720 or call 714-220-3939.