Types of Window Materials

There are different types of windows that homeowners can choose from, from casements to awning. However, most homeowners choose their windows based on the material as well. Almost all window styles come in different materials, and each material has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to their maintenance and appearance.

Wood

Windows were originally made of wood and wood windows are still popular because of their flexibility and timeless appeal. When wood windows become drafty, weather stripping can be installed. Hardwood can be expensive, but is the durable choice and will usually only require oil for maintenance. On the other hand, windows made of softwood will need paint or a natural wood finish for protection, not to mention regular maintenance.

Vinyl

Double glazed vinyl windows are an excellent choice for heat and sound insulation, and are available in white, wood grain, and other finishes. Such type of window is popular these days as a replacement to old windows in homes. Vinyl windows also require very little maintenance.

Aluminum

For homes that need maximum light, an aluminum window is the best option. However, aluminum conducts heat out of the home and is more likely to become a victim of condensation. Old aluminum windows were susceptible to rust, that’s why new aluminum windows are now coated during manufacturing and are made more durable.

Windows and Its Past Forms: From Pig Bladders to Glass

Before the age of double-glazed and well insulated windows, these small openings on walls were nothing more than just that: small openings. To let a bit of light and fresh air in, homes would have holes on their walls. When wind is too strong, or rain is pouring heavily, people used to cover them with boards of wood to keep the elements out.

Glass wouldn’t be used for windows until the Middle Ages. Although glass-making started during the Ancient Roman era, people didn’t use glass for windows just yet. Instead, glass pebbles were put into wooden frames to let a bit of light in, but these were hardly transparent.

In the Dark Ages, cathedrals would already have stained glass windows, but residents only had wood shutters to cover the small openings on their walls. People would also use cloth soaked in grease or pig bladders that were almost transparent.

When glass makers started flattening glass again during the Middle Ages, they used a process called crown glass, which was a hollow bubble of glass that is spun and flattened into a disc. Some windows had circular shaped panes, but they were eventually cut into diamonds or triangles to make them fit into a frame properly.

Many other forms of glass would soon appear like the clearer panes of the French and lattice windows made of lead frame. Today, windows come in many shapes and sizes. There are single or double-paned windows, awnings, picture window, double hung, and many more.

Tips for Decorating Your Patio

Your patio can turn into the most versatile part of your home. You can use it as a recreation room, an outdoor dining room, a poolside lounge, or an extended living room. Below are some tips that can help you plan out the design of your own patio.

Excellent outdoor furniture help induce relaxation and calmness, but there are a few things you need to know before choosing them. For one, never take scale for granted; just because that huge couch looks a lot more comfy than the smaller one, doesn’t mean it goes great with your tiny patio.

An outdoor kitchen is a must-have for essentially all-American households, especially when it comes with a nice grill. Aside from the rewarding experience of cooking out (without leaving your home, basically), you also get the advantage of not having to suffer from the heat and humidity of what you’re cooking circulating around an enclosed room.

You should also look into adding life to your patio by literally adding life to it. Potted plants and flowers should turn your patio into a sight straight out of a nature film. If you want low-maintenance, year-round plants, opt for cacti or succulents; add effect by combining differently-textured and colored plants and arrange them side by side.

Features of Replacement Windows

One of the reasons homeowners opt to replace their existing home windows, especially those that were installed decades back, is that modern windows have better energy-saving features. If you’d like to have your windows replaced anytime soon, find time to learn about the various features you need to look for.

Low Emissivity

Low-emissivity window panes reflect a good percentage of the sun’s light and heat. This property is often mistaken as an insulating property, when in fact, an insulator resists rather than reflects light and heat. Lowering the emissivity of the pane’s surface is just a means to back up the insulating property created by installing an additional pane.

Two Panes

Windows traditionally came in single-pane frames, which prevented only a minimal amount of light and heat from permeating indoor spaces. To improve insulation, window designers thought about adding another glass pane. The resulting thickness helps improve insulation since light and heat need to travel twice as long to penetrate the house.

Argon Gas

Argon gas is the new name of the game in window design. A window filled with argon in between panes can reduce light and heat exchange by preventing heat from being conducted through the interior window surface. The added layer of argon also increases the window’s R-value, or the measure of resistance to heat flow.

Traits to Look for in Any Window Contractor

You’ve already found a suitable Denver window contractor and you are quite convinced that they are indeed the best ones for the job. It’s all good, right? Well, the success of your roofing project will largely depend on the attitude and professionalism of the contractor you’ve hired. They may have the best tools at their disposal, but even a simple window installation can become a bad experience if you can’t even work with them smoothly.

It is therefore important to hire a company that places a lot of emphasis on good communication. Your roofing contractor should be willing to hear your inputs as well as give you an appropriate reply. They should also be able to follow through on any promises they make, which is important especially if you have, say, an uncommon window style in mind.

It is also important for your contractors to exhibit cleanliness and organization whenever they’re on duty. They should be quick to clean up their own mess and fix any unintended damage they may have inflicted on your house. This is why you should ask them for a warranty of sorts that can keep you covered for any mishap that may take place within your property.

Know What Your New Windows are Made Of

It’s easy to dismiss replacement windows as nothing more than fancy home additions, when in fact, these products can have a huge impact on household comfort and energy efficiency. For example, a wooden window may provide a natural feel yet is ultimately vulnerable to moisture, a factor which can be detrimental to home maintenance. Luckily, some window companies these days know how to apply special preservatives that provide wooden window frames some much-needed protection from water damage.

Vinyl windows are fairly common because they’re affordable and easier to maintain than wood. Double-glazed variants are particularly attractive options in that they offer decent heat insulation and sound muffling properties aside from the aforementioned benefits. If you think vinyl windows come only in white, you’ll be pleased to know that some manufacturers offer natural-looking finishes like wood-grain that can match your exact specifications.

On the other hand, aluminum windows are also gaining popularity due to their outstanding durability. Most modern variants are specially coated to resist rust, a problem that’s all too common among older aluminum windows. Some state building codes require these windows to be double-glazed to reduce heat loss and condensation, drawbacks which are typically associated with metal window frames.