Energy Efficient, Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors can be one of the best investments you can make for your home. They add beauty and protection while increasing your property value and lowering your out-of-pocket expenses.
Hurricane Impact Glass is two pieces of double-strength tempered glass fused together with a piece of heavy polyvinyl butyral. After the unit is bonded together, they form an impact resistant unit that will pass the strictest hurricane codes in the country – Miami-Dade County.
Wait, there’s a lot more.
As you can see from the photo, there is also an insulating layer of Argon Gas…don’t worry, Argon is inexpensive, nontoxic, nonreactive, clear, and odorless…in fact, we’re breathing argon right now; it’s in our atmosphere…
Argon is a very dense gas which doesn’t allow energy to pass through it easily. This includes heat, UV rays, even sound. That’s right, these windows even reduce outside noises such as dogs barking, traffic, etc. On the outside, you have another piece of tempered glass which completes the unit and seals the space.
Another important attribute of these impact laminated windows is the triple layer of Low-E (low emission) coating baked into the glass. Virtually invisible to the eye, this coating reduces solar gains, thus reducing your air-conditioning costs. In fact, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, for you to qualify for the $1,500 tax credit, the U-Factor and SHGC must be .30 and below. (energystar.gov)
Understanding the NFRC Label
Replacing your windows doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Once you understand the terms and measurements, you can make an informed and confident decision. Here is a sample label from the National Federation Rating Council and the corresponding energy performance ratings:
* U-Factor measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates. U-factor values generally range from 0.25 to 1.25 and are measured in Btu/h·ft²·°F. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates.
* Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures the fraction of solar energy transmitted and tells you how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight. SHGC is measured on a scale of 0 to 1; values typically range from 0.25 to 0.80. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window transmits.
* Visible Transmittance (VT) measures the amount of light the window lets through. VT is measured on a scale of 0 to 1; values generally range from 0.20 to 0.80. The higher the VT, the more light you see.
* Air Leakage (AL) measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. AL is measured in cubic feet of air passing through one square foot of window area per minute. The lower the AL value, the less air leakage. Most industry standards and building codes require an AL of 0.3 cf·m/ft².
* Condensation Resistance measures how well the window resists water build-up. Condensation Resistance is scored on a scale from 0 to 100. The higher the condensation resistance factor, the less build-up the window allows.
Believe me…we know you have many more questions. This is only a fraction of what you need to know before purchasing your replacement windows.
Fortunately, we do offer a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced representatives who will answer all of your questions on the various brands of windows, thickness of glass, style of frames, and yes, the benefits…
• Save up to 40% on your cooling costs
• Save up to 35% on your home owners insurance policy
• Hurricane Impact up to a category 4 and 146 mph winds
• Drastically reduces outside noise
• Blocks harmful UV rays / protects your furniture
• Peace of Mind that your home and family are protected 24/7
