5 Reasons to Choose Eco-Friendly Windows
The bright, clear days of summer are perfect for making improvements to your home and assessing how your windows are holding up. If you’re finding your energy bill is steadily increasing, it may be a sign that your windows are failing and are no longer insulating your home properly.
If this is the case, it’s time to consider new windows. Let’s face it, there are plenty of options including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. When choosing which casing is best for you, you shout take into consideration the environmental impact of your choice as some of these options are not the most eco-friendly window material available today. Fiberglass has been known to offer homeowners and business owners, alike, strength, durability, and all of the eco-friendly benefits all of which we’ve come to rely on in our everyday lives.
Below, weve listed the top 5 reasons to consider eco-friendly windows this summer, and how this upgrade can help you get through those dreaded dog days.
1. Stay True
Most of us love wood windows. They can easily give your home a rustic, traditional look, compliment just about any room in your home. When it comes to the heat of the summer your wood windows, along with its counterparts vinyl and aluminum, can warp, crack, and expand in the summer heat. Fiberglass has a low emissivity coating which helps to control the temperature indoors while it maintains its shape and strength even in the hottest climates. Fiberglass windows have a low-e coating which means fewer seal failures. This means that less of your coveted air conditioning will leak out of your house and it will take less energy to maintain that level of cool making your energy bill lower. Fiberglass windows are also aestheticly pleasing. In addition, the durable baked-on paints won’t peel, chip, or fade in that bright summer sun, so you can rest assured that the season’s wildest weather won’t phase your windows one bit.
2. Cool Off
Another aspect of fiberglass windows that outperforms its competitors is its resistance capabilities. Fiberglass windows are equipped with UV-resistance which helps give it an added layer of protection against hot weather. This means it allows less direct sunlight into your house. In addition, the material’s low thermal conductivity helps regulate the temperature of your home more effectively.
You certainly do not want to turn on the air conditioner only to discover that your window is actually the culprit of most of that hot air that is sneaking into your kitchen and living room. This is particularly important in the summer when air conditioner usage is most prevalent.
3. The Tough Stuff
As we all know, summer was made for enjoying the great outdoors, which means lots of sports, barbecues, family and friends gathering, and other activities in your backyard. The summer, however, can also be a tough time for your windows. When that football starts getting tossed around, there’s no telling where it may land. Fiberglass is almost 10x stronger than any other window material, meaning it won’t break when hit with that rogue football.
Summer thunderstorms can also be a concern for many homeowners, who will be happy to know that eco-friendly windows are non-combustible and won’t ignite due to lightning strikes or extreme heat. So, go ahead and play a little backyard football this summer, and take a deep breath when you hear that rumble in the distance — your windows can take it.
4. Go Green
The eco-friendly benefits of energy efficient windows aren’t exclusive to summer. They also affect how well your house maintains it’s heat when the weather gets cold. It’s still important to consider these benefits when thinking about your upgrade options. Most energy efficient windows are made from a significant portion of recycled materials, and they can often be recycled again at the end of their lifespan.
Energy efficient windows also take less energy to produce than wood, vinyl or aluminum, and fewer emissions are released during manufacturing. Combined with the energy-efficient benefits outlined above, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment stay in tip-top shape.
5. Longer Lifespan
Although it may depend on the type of material and fiberglass you choose, most “green” windows are made to last a lifetime. Although the upfront cost may be higher than with other materials, consider the savings from having a more environmentally sustainable home and windows that cost little to nothing to maintain. Because the material won’t warp or crack and you don’t have to worry about the paint fading or peeling, all you’ll need to do is give the frames a wipe every once and a while and you’re good to go. Overall, it’s a small price to pay for your longtime peace of mind.
As you consider your home renovation projects this summer, it’s important to evaluate whether or not your existing windows are doing their job to keep your home safe and properly insulated. If they’re not, then fiberglass windows are well worth the upfront investment for the longevity and durability they’ll add to your home not just in the summer, but all year long. Though, we bet you’ll be particularly happy when those dog days cease to heat up your house!
About the Author: Paul Kazlov is a “green” home remodeling enthusiast and an industry pioneer for innovation in home renovation. Paul writes for the Global Home Improvement blog and strives to educate people about “green” products such as metal roofing and solar. Follow him on Twitter @PaulKazlov.
