3 Residential Window Trends in 2014

Your windows play a major role in the comfort and atmosphere of your home. They let light in and control how it disperses throughout rooms. They also allow natural sunlight to warm your home, which reduces AC cost and light bulb use.

 

Today, windows are available in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials. Homeowners are starting to get creative by incorporating different window styles into their interior design. Not only can the right windows be practical, but they also can be attractive and portray the characteristics of the homeowner. Do you enjoy the privacy of smaller, tinted windows? Or are you open to new people and ideas, as demonstrated with broad, bay windows?

 

This article will introduce the latest trends in residential windows that are sure to be the talk of the neighborhood in 2014.

 

1. Fiberglass Windows

Windows have advanced in leaps and bounds since the Romans started using glass around 100 AD. Back then, cast glass windows with poor clarity were the symbol of technological progress. It would be another millennium before clear, transparent glass would become available. And today, materials like fiberglass are changing the game.

In 2014, fiberglass will replace traditional glass as the go-to material for residential windows, partly due to these six factors:

• Environmental Health: Producing fiberglass windows requires 39 percent less energy than vinyl production.
• Strength:With an acrylic finish, fiberglass windows can last for decades.
• Minimal Expansion and Contraction: Fiberglass can expand and contract 833 percent less than vinyl, which gives it the lowest rate of seal failure. This means that leaks are less likely to damage your framing or items in the home.
• UV Light Resistance: Fiberglass windows can resist degradation from UV rays for 5 times longer than vinyl.
• Aesthetics: Some fiberglass windows feature narrow frames with contemporary profiles and lines. This is the perfect complement to many residential homes.
• Warranty: Because fiberglass windows are so strong, manufacturer warranties last for a lifetime.

2. Bay and Bow Windows

Many homeowners are looking for ways to let a little more light into their life. Bay and bow windows can help here. Instead of flat windows, bay and bow windows project out from the walls. Besides offering more space inside the home, these designs provide a broader view of your street, yard or garden.

The difference between bay and bow windows is their appearance. Bay windows have defined edges while bow windows project from the walls in a curved fashion. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they function differently, but you have the option to choose which design you like based on personal preference.

 

3. “Green†Windows

If there’s one contribution of the Millennial Generation, it’s green technology. Fueled by Global Warming fears and clean-energy grants, there has been a boom in environmentally safe innovations.

New window designs are more energy efficient than their predecessors. Low E II glass, for example, can reduce energy consumption year ‘round. It reflects sunlight, taking some of the burden off of your AC. Also, it stops as much as 84 percent of UV light from entering the room and damaging your carpet and upholstery.

Another option is LoĒ³-366 glass. This is more advanced than Low E II. It stops more UV rays and rejects solar heat while still letting light enter the home.

 

Find a Reliable Servicer to Install Your Windows

Poorly installed windows can cause more trouble than they’re worth. Besides the repairs that come with a botched job, you might overlook a leak that can cause damage to your house and belongings.