The Importance of Airtight Windows

March 3, 2018 by ·

How much air do your windows let in?

You may not have given it much thought before. Your windows are closed, after all, and the seal seems to be working. But how much air is leaking through the glass, either into your home or out? Every window has some amount of Air Leakage, or the rate at which air leaks through the glass. The scale for functional windows runs from .1 to .3. The lower the number, the less air leaks through your windows. If your AL number is too high, this could lead to higher energy bills and even damage to your walls or home.

Here’s why it’s so important to have airtight windows that let in the least amount of air.

Home Comfort

If your windows let too much air leak in or out of your home, your insulation will be poor, and you’ll be able to feel that inside. You may notice a draft in a particular room in the winter. Since air can leak outside the home as well, it may be that you have to turn the heating units up higher in order to feel the desired amount of home heating because the hot air keeps escaping outside. In the summer, your home may become stuffy and uncomfortable. Neither of these conditions are acceptable for your home. You should feel more comfortable at home than anywhere else. When you don’t, it may lead you to using more energy to make up the difference.

Energy Efficiency

If your windows leak too much air, you may find yourself cranking the heating or air systems in order to feel more comfortable at home. If you feel more comfortable in the moment, you can rest assured that you won’t feel comfortable when the energy bills start to come in. While some homeowners may be inclined to wait until the window is obviously broken to replace it, this could cost them more in the end because of high HVAC and energy bills. An airtight window, on the other hand, can save you hundreds each year.

Unwanted Guests

One of the first hints of windows with a high AL rate is window condensation. Moisture may start to form on the glass, the window frame, and the nearby walls where the cold air meets the warm air inside your home. Not only is window condensation unsightly but it can lead to problems like mold and mildew if it’s not nipped in the bud. But window condensation isn’t the only unwanted guest you might have to contend with. If the seal on your window isn’t secure, your window may be letting in bugs and pests which can quickly become comfortable in your home. With a good seal and window glass that has a low AL rate, you can keep all of these issues out of your home and your peace of mind.

At Windham Construction, we understand the importance of airtight windows. That’s why we offer efficient windows that help you retain the air inside your home while keeping drafts out. If you feel air passing through your window, contact us today about a repair or a replacement.

Filed Under: Renovation, Tips, Windows ·

What Causes Window Leaks?

November 5, 2017 by ·

Now that the temperature is finally beginning to drop, you might start to notice that one or more of your windows has a leak. Window leaks can be small and easy to ignore, but they can cause big problems for your home. They can let in a draft and raise the cost of your HVAC bills or give small critters easy access to the interior of your home. In the worst case scenario, the moisture from outdoors can leak through your window and cause damage to your home in the form of mold, mildew, or rot. Window leaks are a pesky issue to have to address. So what causes window leaks anyway? Today we’ll get into a few of the most common reasons why your window might have a leak.

Cracking Caulk

One of the most common causes of leaky windows is caulk that’s past its prime. The caulk around your window is used to give it an airtight seal even in the midst of bad weather. But even good caulk will eventually start to deteriorate.  When that happens, draft is able to leak through the cracks. If you notice your caulk cracking, it might be tempting to cover it with newer seal, but that cracking speaks to the structure of your caulk as a whole. It’s better to take the whole thing out when you notice it going bad and simply replace it.

Faulty Glass

Caulk isn’t the only kind of seal that your window should have. You may notice moisture between the glass panes of your window. Even if it doesn’t leak to the other side of your window (in the form of window condensation), it’s still a bad sign for your home’s insulation. Your glass is letting in too much moisture, cold air, and probably hot air during the warmer months. This can cause your HVAC use to spike. If you’re the kind of person who cares about your carbon footprint–or just saving money on energy bills–you may want to consider switching to a more energy efficient window.

Weather Damage

Heavy rains and wind can wear down the insulation of your window. Whether it’s the structure of the glass, the window frame, or eroding the caulk, if you don’t have sturdy windows prepared for extreme weather, you’re going to have leaks. It’s also important to make sure the rest of the house is doing its job to protect your windows. Take a look at your gutters. Are they clogged? Clean them out. Are they broken? Repair them. If your gutters don’t do their part to funnel rainwater away from the house, that storm damage is poured onto your window, causing disastrous effects. But even the extreme heat of summer can have an effect on the structure of the window, so make sure you have a sturdy, energy efficient window.

If you frequently have a problem with window leaks, it may be time to switch to new windows. Windham Construction provides sturdy, airtight windows in a wide variety of tints, colors, and openings. These windows will improve the look and insulation of your home at the same time. Windham Construction has over 20 years of experience providing home remodeling service to the Bryan-College Station area. They’re experts at remodeling and window installation. Contact them today for a free estimate for your window installation.

Filed Under: Tips, Windows ·

Replace Your Old Windows When Remodeling Your Kitchen or Bathroom

April 28, 2017 by ·

Replace Your Old Windows When Remodeling Your Kitchen or BathroomWindows are one of the four key factors that should be taken into account when rating your home as a shelter against the outdoors. (The roof, siding, and foundation are the other three.) They not only affect the appearance and cost of running your home, but good, modern windows can increase its appeal and its value if you are looking to sell. If you live in College Station, Texas, Windham Construction has professionals that can help you get the job done right.

Why You Want New Windows in Your Remodeled Kitchen

In terms of investment return, window replacement is one of the best home remodeling projects you can do. You can recoup up to 80% of the project cost in added home value according to Remodeling Impact Report. That doesn’t include the energy savings.

If your windows are more than fifteen years old, your home would almost certainly benefit from the installation of new, energy-efficient windows. And you won’t have to put up with drafts, stuck windows, and increasing energy bills any longer if the job is done right.

Windows that can be cleaned from the inside are available these days too, and that is a big perk if you live in a home that is more than one story tall. Some recommend that you install new windows early in your home renovation project rather than later to start seeing savings right away.

What are the Best Energy Efficient Windows to Buy for your Kitchen or Bath Remodel?

There are basically three types: aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Vinyl windows are usually the most energy efficient and are often preferred due to several other factors. However, wood can be more attractive so it’s worth considering.  Also, think about what windows will match the rest of the windows in your home. Talking to a design expert or viewing samples can help.

No matter what type of new window you end up with, it’s most likely going to save you money on energy costs in the future.

How Much Better are Modern Energy Efficient Windows over Older Windows?

If you currently have older, double-pane windows in a 2,600-square-foot house, then on average, you can expect to see about a 15% savings per year on heating bills after you install energy efficient windows with low-E coatings. That’s according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, which is a coalition of government agencies, manufacturers, and research organizations that promote efficient window technologies.

Your savings can vary depending on the weather, but here in Brazos Valley, you should see significant savings once you make the switch. Energy Star labels can tell you how well a window will perform in your climate based on ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Of course, the most energy efficient windows are typically going to be the most expensive, but you don’t have to buy the highest-end products to see real savings and to improve the appearance of your home. Talk with a professional to see what the best option is for your home.

Filed Under: Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Remodeling, Windows ·

5 Ways Installing New Windows Can Transform Your Home

October 12, 2016 by ·

5 Ways Installing New Windows Can Transform Your HomeWindows are one of the most important elements of your home but they are also one of the most overlooked. We certainly appreciate having natural light in our homes but we seldom stop to think about the importance of properly installed windows. Having the right kind of windows can not only improve the look of every room in your house, it can also make your home more efficient.

If you’re thinking about starting home renovation in College Station, TX, then your remodeling project should definitely include your home windows. While you might think that the windows in your home are fine the way they are, you should consider how great of a change new windows can make. Here are five ways that new windows can totally transform the look and feel of your home.

#1. Light Filtration

If your house is several years old, you might not be getting adequate light filtration from your windows. Light filtration is key to getting the right quality of natural, pure sunlight in your home. The right kind of windows can filter out harmful UV ways while allowing plenty of natural light to pass through. The result is clean light that fills your home with atmosphere and ambience.

You can opt for tinted windows if you prefer less light to pass through or go for full transparency for optimal lighting. This option can even save you money on utility bills, as you won’t need to use electric light in your house during the day.

#2. Energy Efficiency and Utility Costs

Improperly installed windows could be costing you extra each month on your utility bills. When windows aren’t installed correctly, they could be bypassing the insulation in your house. This means that they can let cool air escape in the summer and release warmth during the winter. As a result, your HVAC will have to work overtime to make up the difference in keeping your house comfortable.

New windows properly installed by home remodelers in College Station, TX can correct this issue, saving you money in the process.

#3. New Look, New Atmosphere

When it comes to creating the right atmosphere in your home, it’s all about the details. Many people may think that they need to buy brand new furniture, fixtures and appliances in order to get the interior look that they want. While these changes can have a great result, sometimes installing new windows is what’s really needed.

The subtle touch of new windows with the right window shades, blinds or drapes can be the finishing touch on a remodeled room. Don’t forget about the small details when renovating your home.

#4. Improved Property Value

If you want to sell your home at some point in the future, improving your property value is a smart move. When people tour your home looking to make a purchase, they can be put off by small details that are out of place. Remember, when someone sees something that they don’t like about a property, they calculate the cost of changing it once they move in. Installing new windows now can make a sale much easier in the future.

#5. Complete A Theme

Choosing the right theme and décor for your home can be difficult but it’s always worth it. In many cases, the highlights and details will be the final step that ties together your home so that it finally looks perfect. The addition of carefully selected windows with the right color and texture of drapes and blinds can be the finishing touch on your personal theme.

If you’re considering home remodeling in Bryan, TX, then the options are endless. Consider installing new windows for a brand new look that is all your own.

Filed Under: Blog, Windows ·