Several options are available if you are in the market for a new home, are looking to replace the old windows in your current home, or are just interested in the best window glass for your Canadian home.
There are also several factors to consider when choosing which type of glass is best for your needs. Here are some of the main ones that you may want to keep in mind as you shop for the best deal at the window companies of your choice:
U-factor
Whether you are updating your home with new energy-efficient windows or are considering a new build, learning about the U-factor of window glass is an excellent first step. The U-factor is the rate heat flows through a window or a door. It is measured in watts per square meter Kelvin.
Windows with a low U-factor will help you keep out cold air on hot days and keep in more heat during winter. They also help you increase the overall energy efficiency of your home during hot Canadian summers and cold Canadian winters.
When looking for windows with a low U-factor, you should consider double-pane or triple-pane windows. You should also consider the type of glass used and the coating on the glass. The U-factor can vary significantly depending on the type of glass and coating used.
Experienced window companies are aware of the U-factor and should be able to provide you with this information.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Choosing windows with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) can help you save energy and money. A high SHGC can help you to prevent overheating during hot summers, and it can also help to avoid freezing temperatures during long winter months experienced by several Canadian provinces.
While a window with a high SHGC may seem like a great idea in warm, sunny climates, it is less practical in cold, dry climates. On the other hand, a window with a low SHGC is an excellent idea for cold, rainy climates. In addition, a low SHGC will help to prevent outside heat from warming up your interiors. Once again, professional window companies should be able to help you choose the ideal SHGC for your home.
Visible Transmission (VT)
VT, or Visible Transmittance, measures the light passing through a window. Specifically, VT is a measurement on a scale from zero to one. A higher value indicates that more light is allowed through.
While VT is an essential measure of window performance, other ratings also help determine its effectiveness. For example, a window with a low VT will be dark in the room, while one with a high VT will allow more light in.
Another factor that affects VT is the thickness of the frame. Windows that have thick frames will have lower VT ratings. The VT rating is also affected by the number of panes in a window. Some triple-pane windows have lower VT ratings than single-pane windows. When looking for window companies that satisfy your requirements, ensure they know your required VT value.
ENERGY STAR(r) Certification
Choosing windows and doors that are ENERGY STAR(r) certified will help you to reduce your energy bills and enjoy better comfort. They offer less noise, condensation, and protection from damaging UV rays. These windows will also improve the resale value of your home and are available at nearly all Canadian window companies.
ENERGY STAR(r) certification is a voluntary program that promotes energy-efficient products. These products are designed for low-rise residential dwellings, which makes them more comfortable than traditional models.
To be certified, products must meet specific technical specifications and display the ENERGY STAR(r) symbol. These products must also meet specific criteria to be eligible for cost incentives.
Low-E (emissivity) Glass
Using Low-E (emissivity) glass in Canadian homes is a great way to keep the inside of your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also helps you manage your home temperature and reduce your utility costs.
Most window companies can explain how Low-E glass in Canadian homes helps reduce harmful UV radiation. UV light is responsible for fading fabrics and furnishings. It is also responsible for tanning and photosynthesis in plants. It is also known to cause material bleaching.
Low-E windows also reduce fading by preventing UV and infrared light from reaching fabrics and furnishings. They also reduce heating and cooling costs by preventing heat from escaping.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right window glass for Canadian windows can significantly affect your comfort level. It can also have significant effects on your energy efficiency.
However, choosing the wrong type can result in rooms overheating in the summer and leaking cold air during the winter. Therefore, it is essential to only shop from window companies who understand the functionality of the various types of windows on the market.
