Experts say it’s important to choose the kind of replacement window glass that best suits your climate. The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label on a window includes information about the glass. All retailers and contractors use this same terminology, so learning glass keywords is helpful:

• Double-paned (double-glazed) windows. Double-paned windows are the industry standard today. They have two layered panes of glass. Since the glass itself is not a good insulator, the air in the space between the panes functions as insulation.

• Triple-glazed windows. Triple-glazed windows are a special feature offered by many premium manufacturers. They have three layered panes and provide even more insulation than their double-paned counterparts.

• Gas-filled windows. Gas-filled windows come in double- or triple-paned and have an inert gas, usually argon or krypton, filling the space between the panes of glass. The gas ensures better insulation than just a layer of air does. The NFRC label will list what type of gas in used in each window.

• Warm-edge spacers. Warm-edge spacers (sometimes called warm-edge technology) are what hold the panes of glass in a double- or triple-paned window apart. They are made of a specialized material that reduces heat transfer and thus improves insulation.

• Low-E (low-emissivity) glass. Low-E glass is coated with a virtually transparent metal film that reflects radiant heat. Low-E coatings reflect radiant heat off the inside of the windows and back into the house to help keep it warm in the winter. Most Low-E coatings also reflect some of the sun’s heat off the outside of the windows which will limit how much of it enters the house as solar heat gain.

• Low-E 2, Low-E 3 glass. As the term suggests, Low-E 2 glass has two layers of Low-E coating, while Low-E 3 glass has three layers. In this generation of windows, manufacturers use a technique called sputtering to help apply the metal solution. Ongoing improvements to these techniques have lead to the use of silver flakes in the process. This provides an even greater reflective surface for the windows. Low-E3 windows are great all climate windows because they offer improved performance in cold weather (U-Factor) and enhanced performance in the summer (SHGC). The third coating is extra protection for keeping unwanted heat out. Low-E coatings also block damaging UV rays which prevents furniture, carpeting and walls in the home from fading.

• High-performance glazing. High-performance glazing refers to glass that has several features designed to make it more energy efficient, such as two or three low-E gas-filled panes with warm-edge spacers.

These are just a few of the terms you will come across when discussing glass decisions for your new windows. The experts at Quality Windows and Doors would be happy to review all these options and help you determine the best choice for your Santa Barbara home. Visit our Ventura County Showroom at 1430 S Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93030. The Ventura phone number is 805.984.5895 or our Santa Barbara Showroom at 534 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 where the phone number is 805.564.7600. You can also call our Malibu location at 310.456.3979. One of our Santa Barbara, CA windows replacement and installation experts would be delighted to talk to you about your window project.

There are many window materials on the market today. When starting your window search, it is important to learn the pros and cons of each material so you can make an educated choice for your Ventura home. Quality Windows offers high quality Milgard aluminum windows. Milgard is a premium brand that offers all the options and features you would expect from top-of-the-line windows. Following are a few of the advantages and disadvantages to consider. We hope this will be helpful in your window material research.

Advantages of Aluminum Windows

One of the greatest advantages of aluminum is that it is lightweight yet robust. It is heavy-duty and does not require much maintenance. If you need unique or unusual shapes for your windows, aluminum may be a wise choice as it can be easily manipulated into any shape.

Disadvantages of Aluminum Windows

The biggest drawback to aluminum is that it does not hold in heat well. This means that aluminum is not conducive to colder climates. Frost and condensation will form inside the windows which presents a variety of problems.

Therefore, aluminum windows can be a good option when cold weather is not a factor. New production practices have brought higher tolerances and standards to aluminum frames on today’s market. This means they keep heat in much more efficiently than they once did. They remain popular in commercial buildings because they are much cheaper than some other options.

Aluminum vs. Wood

Wood windows deliver a more classic look and feel than aluminum making them a popular choice.   Another benefit is that wood windows are more effective thermally so they hold the heat more efficiently.

Wood windows however require much more maintenance than aluminum. Wood needs ongoing scraping, painting or staining to keep them looking beautiful. They also can warp, peel and rot which is not a concern with aluminum windows.

Aluminum vs. Vinyl

Just like aluminum windows, vinyl windows require no maintenance once they’ve been installed. Vinyl, however, has a low thermal conductance so they will hold heat more effectively. The welded frames on vinyl windows mean no water or air infiltration.

Aluminum windows are extremely effective at keeping noise out of your house, even though vinyl windows can be very efficient too.

Milgard has brought its state-of-the-art technology to their aluminum windows and provide homeowners with an excellent alternative option to vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. Special features such as SunCoat® Low-E high-performance insulating glass makes their aluminum windows a step above competing brands. They even offer their aluminum line in four color finishes ensuring a perfect match for your design taste.

Learning all you can about available Ventura, CA window replacement options will allow you to make educated decisions. Let the experts at Quality Windows and Doors show you the pros and cons of all your choices. Visit our Ventura County Showroom at 1430 S Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93030. The Ventura phone number is 805.984.5895 or our Santa Barbara Showroom at 534 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 where the phone number is 805.564.7600. You can also call our Malibu location at 310.456.3979. One of our window experts would be delighted to talk to you about your window replacement project.

Buying replacement windows for your Ventura, CA home are a big investment. It is important to carefully determine the type of replacement windows that are best for your specific home and needs. There are so many materials, styles and companies to choose from, these decisions can be a challenge. Because windows are not replaced frequently, most consumers are not familiar with some of the industry vocabulary they may encounter while tackling the search. The following are some jargon you may come across as you search for your new replacement windows.

Air Chambers:  Air chambers are the spaces between the frame and the sash that help strengthen and insulate the window.

Argon Gas Fill:  This is an option for new replacement windows. Argon gas is odorless, colorless, gas that is non-toxic. The gas is 6 times denser than air. Argon gas is used in windows as a replacement for the air between the two panes as a way of reducing the transfer of temperature.

Double Hung Window: Double hung windows are those with two sashes that operate vertically

Energy Star: Energy Star is a program created by the United States government that has established a set of standards regarding energy efficiency of different products, including windows.

Jamb: The jamb is the vertical sections in the main frame of the window.

Low-E Insulating Glass: Low E Insulating Glass has a metallic, transparent coating applied to it. The coating reflects infrared energy so the damaging rays from the sun are prevented from passing through. The coating increases the U-value of the window.

R-Value:   R-Value is the measure of the resistance that the material has to the flow of heat. Higher R-values equate to greater resistance.

Sash:  The sash is the portion of the window where the glass is contained.

Shading Coefficient:  Shading coefficient is the ratio of heat that transfers through the glazing material, lower numbers mean that the window is more efficient ant reducing gains from solar heat,

Sill: The sill is the bottom area of the window’s main frame.

Sill Extender:  A sill also known as the apron, this is attached to the bottom of the window to cover the gap between the sill and the opening.

Single Hung:  Single hung windows are those that have only one sash that slides.

Spacer:  The spacer is the material that is between the glass as a way to maintain the uniform width of the glass and the sealant distortion.

U-Value:  The U-Value is the amount of heat that is transferred through the material. Lower U-values mean that the heat flow is slower and the insulating quality is higher.

Choosing the right replacement windows in Ventura, CA is very important. Let the experts at Quality Windows introduce you to all our premium brands. We will help educate you on all the options available. Please visit our Ventura County Showroom at 1430 S Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93030. The Ventura phone number is 805.984.5895 or our Santa Barbara Showroom at 534 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 where the phone number is 805.564.7600. You can also call our Malibu location at 310.456.3979. One of our window experts would be delighted to talk to you about your window replacement project.