25 Jun Sticking With Your Windows… Through Thick Or Thin?
Perhaps your windows are beginning to display fine lines and of damage and spreading webs of worry. And not only do these cracks put a dent in your plans but, with hurricane season already upon us, it prompts a greater question in need of a more immediate answer… Is it time to upgrade to thicker windows?
While some shy away from thick glass because it often costs more than its thinner counterparts, we urge you to stop and take note of all the benefits that come as a part of that final cost.
That is, when you invest in thick glass panes for your Florida windows, we promise you’re getting your bang for your buck. Here’s how:
Searching For Satisfaction And Soundproofing
To put it simply, the thicker the glass, the more resistant it will be to transferring sound.
As a matter of fact, this is one of the contributing factors to single-glass windows falling to the wayside in favor of double-pane, triple-pane, and even enhanced laminated windows; because, the greater the thickness, the more likely it is that the glass will fall in a satisfactory sound transmission class (STC).
For example, a single pane of glass is, oftentimes, about 4mm thick with an STC rating that averages around 27. Thus, by investing in double-pane windows, you are effectively doubling the thickness of your windows to about 8mm each and potentially reaching an STC rating upward of 32.
Not only will this make it more difficult for loud sounds and miscellaneous forms of noise pollution to penetrate your home, but it will also make the windows themselves more durable in the wake of other outdoor elements.
Investigating Insulation Options
Another benefit to choosing glass windows that feature thicker and more numerous panes is that you may more easily reap the benefits of energy efficiency. In short, this all comes down to two things: the windows U-factor and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
While U-factor is the number that indicates how well a window can prevent the escape of heat from a given space, SHGC rates the window’s ability to block external sunlight. Consequently, the thicker the glass, the higher the measured U-factor and SHGC will be.
But, in that case, how thick is thick enough? Well, it depends.
“Your home’s climate, orientation, and external shading will determine the optimal SHGC for a particular window, door, or skylight,” the U.S. Department of Energy explains. “A product with a high SHGC rating is more effective at collecting solar heat during the winter. A product with a low SHGC rating is more effective at reducing cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat gain from the sun.”
Ready For Your Replacement?
Thick glass is stronger, more likely to reduce sound, and may serve to enhance your home’s overall energy efficiency. But what’s more? Renewal by Andersen® of Florida is always ready to offer you enhanced products that exceed your expectations.
For example, we provide High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass that is…
- 70% more efficient than traditional dual-pane glass
- Capable of preventing heat intrusion while admitting natural light
- Lauded for its ability to protect residents and indoor property from 95% of harmful UV rays
Additionally, we can enhance any new or existing window with advanced Fibrex® framing material, which features twice the strength of vinyl and insulates approximately 700 times better than aluminum.
So, if you’re in the thick of it with deteriorating windows, let Renewal by Andersen® of Florida replace them with thicker, more superior products! To learn more about our services, products, and installation process, contact our team today by calling (855) 830-2420.