At Home in Berks October 2017 - 15

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Glass Options
When it comes to saving energy and keeping your home
more comfortable, choosing the right glass package is important. A variety of optional glass packages are available that
combine the most effective features and advanced designs to
achieve year-round thermal performance and energy savings.
Low E coatings reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside in the
winter and outside in the summer. They can also reduce fading
of carpet, artwork and photos by helping block damaging
ultraviolet rays.
There are also a variety of odorless, colorless non-toxic
gases that can be placed in the insulating glass unit to provide
greater insulation values. Different spacer systems keep a window and door's glass panes the correct distance apart and are
designed to reduce heat transfer at the edge of the insulating
glass unit. Check your home's location on the Climate Zone
map at http://energystar.gov and choose a glass package that
meets or exceeds the Energy Star requirements for that region.
Another great option that many people don't know about
is the ability to add laminated glass to windows in order to
significantly reduce noise infiltration. Two panes of glass are
adhered to a durable plastic interlayer, much like a car windshield. This is popular on homes that are very close to busy
roads, industry or airports, as it can reduce noise by more
than 80%.

Wood, Vinyl, or Fiberglass Frames
The most common materials used to manufacture replacement window components are wood, vinyl, and fiberglass.
Wood windows are clad on the exterior with either vinyl or
aluminum. Aluminum clad windows offer the greatest variety
of exterior colors. Wood windows can be ordered with either a
natural wood interior for staining, or with a prefinished white
interior paint. The most common quality manufacturers of
wood windows are Andersen Windows and Marvin Windows.
Vinyl windows are the least expensive option. There are
fewer color options available with vinyl; although white is by
far the most common. A reputable top manufacturer of vinyl
windows is Simonton Windows.
Fiberglass windows are the newest technology on the
market, providing strength and durability, plus longevity. They
are also available in a wider variety of colors. A top fiberglass
window manufacturer is Integrity Windows.

Laminated glass also adds a higher degree of security to
your home. If a stray baseball hits a window, the glass will
shatter, but broken pieces remain adhered to the interlayer,
preventing glass fallout inside the home. The plastic interlayer
is also puncture-resistant, frustrating potential intruders. Laminated glass can be expensive, so depending on one's budget, it
is only added on the side of the house facing the noise source
for noise reduction, or only on the first floor when considering
security.
Additional options with glass include a wide variety of obscure options for rooms that require year-around privacy, but
where natural light and ventilation are still desired.

Choosing the Right Window
and Door Installer
What is the best choice for you and your home to assure
quality workmanship, warranty of work, peace of mind, and
someone to talk to down the road if you need repairs or parts?
Here's a breakdown of the ins and outs, ups and downs, do's
and don'ts that you should consider when choosing an installer
in order to protect your investment and minimize your
aggravation.
October 2017 AT HOME IN BERKs

http://www.HBAberks.org http://www.energystar.gov

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