How Have Window Glass and Materials Improved Over the Years?

Windows have long been an essential part of any home or building. They provide natural light to the interior of a home, and they also provide a way to allow fresh air into the home. There have been many upgrades in technology when it comes to the materials used for replacement windows near Berkeley, CA. Many of these changes make the windows safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting.

Window Glass

Windows today must be made with tempered glass, which is stronger than regular glass. It is also safer to have in your home because if a tempered glass window breaks, it will break into small, easy-to-handle pieces. Before tempered glass, a broken window would result in large, dangerous shards of glass. Today’s windows are also typically given a Low-E coating, which stands for low-emissive. These coatings help to block some infrared and UV rays from entering your home, while still allowing visible light through. They are a transparent coating, which can help lower the transfer of heat from inside your home during the winter, and they help to reflect heat outside during the summer, keeping the temperature cooler in your home.

Double and Triple-Pane Windows

For a long time, windows were made with a single pane of glass. Now, they are typically always made with at least double panes. The pocket of air between the two panes acts as an insulation barrier, helping to maintain the temperature inside your home. It is often filled with argon or krypton gas, both of which are harmless gases that provide even more insulation. Triple-paned windows are more common in areas with very extreme climates, particularly places that reach very low temperatures during the winter. These provide excellent insulation, keeping the heat inside your home better than any other type of window.

Frame Materials

Wood has been the most commonly used material for window frames for centuries. It is still frequently used, but many people are opting for clad-wood windows, which offer better protection against the outside elements, while still having the beautiful wood appearance inside. However, there are several other options now for window materials, such as fiberglass and vinyl. These materials are becoming more and more popular, due to their lower cost and their durable qualities. Fiberglass and vinyl windows can be expected to last for a long time without warping or becoming compromised, and they both provide excellent insulation for your home. They come in a variety of colors, and fiberglass can even be painted and manufactured to resemble wood material. Having this variety of options allows you to make a better choice when it comes to window materials.

These are just a few of the ways that window frame and glass materials and technology have improved in recent decades. The general trend is to improve energy efficiency, as well as increase longevity. When you need replacement windows near Berkeley, CA, be sure to ask your installer about what kind of materials they offer, and which might be best for your budget and home. That way, you can be sure that your home will be as efficient as possible, saving you money in the long run.