Innovations in Windows and Doors
December 19th, 2006
If you haven’t shopped for replacement windows and doors lately, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Manufacturers are using the latest technology to help make these home products more energy efficient and easier to operate.
Anyone who has banged on an old double-hung window to open it or lived with doors that do not close completely knows the frustration of dealing with old building materials. Today’s replacement window and door products not only open and close effortlessly, but they can reduce energy usage by 30 to 50 percent.
And what of those sashes that needed a little prodding? Today’s replacement windows have modern tension and balance systems to help make raising and lowering them a breeze.
The amount and type of glass used in windows also has changed. While there still are windows made with single-glass panes, many replacement windows sold today contain two or three panes of insulated glass, which can heat loss by as much as 35%.
The major window and door manufacturers also have expanded their product lines to allow for more sizes and shapes that are produced regularly and considered “standard.” This is particularly helpful for those living in older houses, as it helps keep costs down by avoiding a trip to a custom window maker. That new patio door or kitchen door now can be ordered as a standard item.
Among the other innovations to look for are:
- Tilt-in features on replacement windows that make cleaning easy. Just push a release and the window tilts down and in, which allows you to easily clean the glass.
- Acoustical features to help keep the home quieter. This is particularly helpful for those who live on busy streets or near noisy commercial areas.
- Impact resistant glass to help protect homes from storms.
- A variety of decorative front doors that are designed with coordinating side light and transom panels.
- Patio doors with innovative locking systems to deter small children from opening them
Entry Filed under: Replacement Windows
