Bringing light into the home and feeling that you are part of the outdoors is the way we want to live now.
door sends a message of importance. An all-glass door will let in light that might have been previously blocked by a wooden door. With glass doors, security issues can be addressed with bur-
glar alarms but also by choosing a design that is strengthened with small glass panels or embedded with ornamental metal. There are also security films that are bonded to the glass to pre- vent easy entry and thwart thieves. This kind of security stops the smash and run crook because he has to keep hammering to get through to the prize. Try to keep the overall effect in harmony with the style of your house. Bay windows are another option for the homeowner who
loves light and wants a view of his garden. They also make a room look larger and can be purchased as an easily installed component.
Energy considerations
Increasingly, one of the most important considerations in the choosing of windows and doors is energy efficiency. These days, people are thinking more about the impact they are having on the environment. Triple-paned glass with high R-factors are just one point to consider. Did you know some windows offer a “self-cleaning” option? A coating is applied to the glass that helps the sun break down dust and dirt in a way that the rain can simply wash away. You still have to wash them once in a while, but not as often. The trend has moved away from aluminum components in windows and doors to high tech plastics and polyurethanes. Alu- minum, being an energy conductor, was not energy efficient so builders and manufacturers are moving toward poly seals and PVC. Polyurethane foam is also being used as a non-conductive spacer between insulating panes of glass. There are also coatings which can increase the insulation value of the glass by as much as 40%. When it comes to sashes and panes, once again poly and PVC materials are much in use and are energy efficient when new;
www.localgardener.net
Even older homes can take advantage of the new window technologies. Spring 2012 • 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32