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Our Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement window team understands you probably have questions about upgrading your home with new windows. Sometimes it can be overwhelming just thinking about comparing prices, without digging into the manufacturing process and what goes into the energy-efficiency ratings.
As part of our commitment to make sure every potential customer in Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau counties has the information necessary to make a wise investment decision, we thought we would share some concerns that came up in recent conversations.
First, let’s talk about appearance. Patterned or obscure glass is usually used where clients want a little more privacy, like first floor bathrooms or bedrooms. Others are looking for ways to create a stunning entryway or a complementary feature for their interior decorating scheme. Whether you choose an operable window unit, such as an awning window installed above the bathtub, or a patterned glass transom above the front door, you can rest assured the patterned glass replacement window was built with high-quality Low-E glass to boost performance ratings. You never have to compromise energy efficiency for beauty. Keep in mind that because patterned glass has a texture on the interior part of the window, those lovely patterns require a little more care when cleaning than smooth flat panels.
While all glass types in the Renewal by Andersen portfolio have near-identical U-factor ratings, you can see by the chart that there is a large variance between what percentage of sun rays actually pass through the glazing. Manufacturing techniques make it possible to reduce the amount of visible light that enters your indoor spaces and block the UV rays that naturally occur as the sun shines down on the earth.
Many people may not realize that the special energy efficiency coatings added at the factory are applied to a glass surface inside the insulated glass unit to protect them from any damage that could be caused by the weather and or cleaning. Coatings that are added to keep the windows cleaner longer are added on the exterior of the glass to help dirt and dust to wash away in the rain or a hose.
If you’re on a very tight budget, you may be wondering if you can afford to install “the best” glass type on all the window units throughout your home. Buying the most expensive model, isn’t always the “right” choice, or the most prudent. You should always carefully consider the indoor and outdoor environment of each room before making your selection. Windows that get more direct sunlight during the day may need more UV protection than your home windows that are typically shaded all day by large trees, shrubs or other exterior landscaping. North facing windows may need a glass option that is more efficient during the colder months – although every window we offer has built-in features that meet or exceed Energy Star standards for our Long Island weather throughout the seasons.
Rather than considering the price of each individual component – frames, trim, glass, etc. – it’s better think of the window as a whole. While prices for glass options may remain static depending on the style being purchased, as the united inches (the size of the window) increases, so does the cost. Larger windows therefore will cost more because you need more of everything, not just glass, to build a bigger custom-built replacement window.
To get a better “tier” of glass, for example, upgrading standard High-Performance Low-E glass to High Performance SunGlass in the library or the formal living room to protect expensive artwork and furnishings might be worth an extra 5 to 10 percent price variance because SunGlass, shields your indoor textiles and fabrics from 95 percent of damaging UV rays, compared to standard High-Performance Low-E replacement window glazing which blocks about 84 percent of the harmful rays.
While our professional replacement window specialists can recommend the right window for you, the choice is ultimately up to you. Based on the way you use each room, where the window units are installed on the wall, the surrounding environment and your goals – whether you’re more concerned with controlling light levels or blocking damaging UV rays. We can guide you through the process, but ultimately the choice is totally yours.
Ready to see some samples and start building your custom upgrades? Just take a moment to fill in the short form on this page or call a consultant today to schedule an in-home replacement window or patio door consultation. The visit is free, and so is the call. Just dial 1-(866) 609-5033 to get started.
Check out these posts for more information on replacement window glass:
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows