When you start looking at new windows for your Colorado Springs home, you’ll quickly find there’s more to them than just glass in a frame. Modern windows incorporate a range of advanced technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, comfort, durability, and even convenience. Going beyond the basics of double glazing can significantly enhance your home’s performance, especially in our unique Colorado climate. Let’s look at some of these sophisticated features and how they can benefit you when considering replacement windows Colorado Springs.
Deeper Understanding of Low E Coatings
We often talk about Low E (low emissivity) glass, but it’s useful to know there’s more to it. These microscopically thin coatings are vital for controlling heat transfer.
Types of Low E Coatings
There are primarily two types: soft coat and hard coat Low E.
- Soft Coat Low E: This is applied in multiple layers in a vacuum chamber after the glass is made. Soft coats generally offer better solar control and U factor performance. They are typically used on the inside surfaces of insulated glass units to protect them from the elements.
- Hard Coat Low E: This coating is applied during the glass manufacturing process when the glass is still molten. It’s very durable, which means it can be used on surfaces exposed to the environment, making it suitable for single pane applications or storm windows.
Tailoring Solar Gain
Different Low E coatings can be engineered to allow varying amounts of solar heat to pass through. In a climate like Colorado Springs, where we have cold winters and sunny summers, you might choose a coating that blocks a lot of summer solar heat gain to reduce air conditioning needs but still allows some passive solar warming in winter. A knowledgeable window company Colorado Springs can help you select the optimal Low E coating for different elevations of your home based on sun exposure.
The Science of Gas Fills: Argon and Krypton
Many energy efficient windows have insulating gases like argon or krypton sealed between the panes of glass.
Why Gas Instead of Air?
Argon and krypton are denser and less conductive than air. This means they slow down the movement of heat through the window much more effectively. Think of it like a thicker blanket; the gas provides better insulation. This improved insulation helps keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Argon versus Krypton
Argon is the more common gas fill because it is less expensive and provides a significant improvement in thermal performance over air. Krypton is an even better insulator than argon but is more costly. Krypton is often used in triple pane windows or when the space between panes is very narrow, as its superior insulating properties can be maximized in those situations. For most homes in Colorado Springs, argon filled windows offer an excellent balance of performance and cost.
Advanced Sound Dampening Technologies
If you live near a busy street or just want a quieter home environment, certain window technologies can significantly reduce noise transmission.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass consists of two or more lations of glass bonded together with a clear plastic interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This interlayer is very effective at dampening sound vibrations. As a bonus, laminated glass also enhances security (it’s harder to break through) and blocks nearly all UV radiation. This is similar to the technology used in car windshields.
Varying Glass Thicknesses
Using panes of glass with different thicknesses within the same insulated glass unit can also help reduce noise. Different thicknesses of glass tend to vibrate at different frequencies, so combining them helps to disrupt sound waves as they try to pass through the window. This can be a cost effective way to improve sound insulation.
Smart Windows: The Future is Now (Almost)
While still a premium option, smart window technology, also known as dynamic glass, is becoming more accessible.
Types of Smart Glass
- Electrochromic Glass: This glass can be tinted on demand using a small electrical charge. You can control the tint level via a switch, remote control, or even a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust the amount of light and heat entering your home.
- Photochromic Glass: This type of glass tints automatically when exposed to sunlight, much like transition sunglasses.
- Thermochromic Glass: This glass changes its tint in response to temperature changes.
Smart windows offer ultimate control over daylight and solar heat gain, potentially optimizing energy use throughout the day. While the upfront cost is higher for these replacement windows Colorado Springs, they represent an exciting development in window technology.
Self Cleaning Glass: A Low Maintenance Option
For windows that are hard to reach or for homeowners who simply want to reduce cleaning chores, self cleaning glass can be an attractive feature.
How It Works
Self cleaning glass typically has a special coating that uses a two stage process. First, it uses UV light from the sun to break down organic dirt. Second, when it rains, the water sheets off the glass instead of beading up, carrying the loosened dirt away and reducing spotting. This doesn’t mean you’ll never have to clean your windows, but it can significantly reduce the frequency and effort required.
Finishing Thoughts
The technology embedded in modern windows goes far beyond simple visibility. From sophisticated Low E coatings and insulating gas fills to sound dampening designs and even smart capabilities, these advancements can make a substantial difference to your comfort, energy bills, and the enjoyment of your Colorado Springs home. When you discuss your needs with a reputable window company Colorado Springs, be sure to ask about these advanced features. Investing in the right technology for your replacement windows Colorado Springs can provide benefits for many years.