Thursday 26 July 2018

Single Pane vs Double Pane Windows: What’s the Difference?

The type of windows you have in your home can either make you save or spend money.

And we’re not just talking about style or material. The number of glass layers in your window (single pane or double pane) can have a big impact on the comfort of your home.

But what’s so different about the two?

Take a look at this single pane vs double pane guide to learn which type of window is the best choice for your home.

What Are Single Pane Windows?

Single pane windows have only one layer of glass, which means they have no insulation.

Windows with only one layer of glass aren’t able to block outside noises or temperatures from entering the house. If you live near a busy street, the sounds of driving cars will be louder than they would with double pane windows.

The outside temperature also affects the inside of your home more with single pane windows. Your house will get colder during the winter and warmer during the summer.

To keep the house comfortable, you’re air conditioner or heater will have to work harder. In other words, you spend more money on your energy bill.

Double Pane Windows

Instead of one layer of glass, double pane windows have two. These two layers are separated from each other by another thin layer of empty space. The air trapped inside this space serves as the window’s insulation.

This is how it works.

The air between the two sheets of glass traps the outside temperature inside with it. For example, as the winter cold makes its way through the first layer of glass, it gets trapped in the middle space. This means it never makes its way through the second layer of glass and inside the house.

Because the outside temperature doesn’t affect the inside of your home, you don’t have to spend extra money keeping your house comfortable. In fact, your savings with a double pane window can be as much as 24% during the winter and 18% during the summer.

The double panes also block noise from entering your home as well.

Double pane windows do cost more than single pane windows, but they keep the temperature in your home consistent. So you can lower your heater and turn off your air conditioner.

Which Type of Window Is Better?

In most cases, you’ll want double pane windows for your home, but there are a few situations where you might benefit from single pane windows.

For example, because there is only one layer of glass, single pane windows are less expensive than double pane windows. This can be helpful for people who don’t have a lot of money to spend on their windows.

Just remember, single pane windows may cost less to install, but over time, they’ll make your energy bill rise.

But this might not be an issue if the temperature where you live stays mild and consistent all throughout the year. If you don’t have to worry about your house getting too cold or too hot, single pane windows could be a cost-effective option.

Single Pane VS Double Pane Windows

The type of window you choose directly relates to how much money you’ll spend on heating and cooling your house. When it comes to single pane vs double pane windows, having two layers of glass usually saves you money and keeps your house more comfortable.

Thinking about making the switch to double pane windows? Take a look at these five benefits of double pane windows.



from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/single-pane-vs-double-pane-windows-whats-the-difference/

Thursday 5 July 2018

5 Things Your Home Windows May Be Trying to Tell You

When’s the last time you checked your window panes?

Chances are that you don’t pay much attention to your windows unless you’re opening or closing them. However, it’s worth taking a closer look from time to time.

When you do, you can spot any issues and get them fixed right away. Ignoring them could leave you with a hefty bill further down the line.

Read on to find out what you should be looking for.

1. The Seals Are Broken

If you’re starting to see window condensation between panes, it’s a sign that the seals around them have been damaged.

When the seals are worn, they start to allow are to seep in. It becomes trapped between double panes glass and forms condensation.

Thankfully, you don’t have to replace the entire window to fix the problem. Simply installing some new seals will do the trick.

2. The Window Is Difficult to Open or Close

If you’ve had your windows for a long time, they might not open and shut as smoothly as they used to.

This could be a sign that debris has built up in the track. Clean them with a wet cloth and apply some lubricant.

If this doesn’t help, the problem could lie in the mechanism. Check the springs and moving parts to see if they need to be replaced.

If your window frames are made from wood, your problem may be a little more complex. Jamming or difficulty opening could be a sign of swelling.

When wood is exposed to dampness or humidity, it swells up. When the temperature changes, the wood should return to its normal size. If not, you may need to sand the frames down or even replace them.

3. The Weatherstripping Needs to Be Replaced

Does water leak through your window frames after heavy rainfall?

This is a sign that your windows aren’t closing as tightly as they should be.

First, check the locking mechanism to make sure that it’s working properly. If it’s not locking as tightly as it should be, it could be leaving a gap for water to get through.

If that’s not the culprit, you’ll probably need to go shopping for new weatherstripping.

4. They’re Not Energy-Efficient

Does the sound of traffic bother you, even when your windows are closed?

This means your windows aren’t as efficient as they should be.

High-quality double-paned windows act as soundproofing, so you don’t have to worry about noises from outside disturbing you.

5. They Need Replacing Altogether

If the frames of your windows have become warped or decayed, you may not be able to save them.

This is one way to know that it’s time to replace your windows with new ones.

Window Panes Can Lower Your Energy Bills

When your window panes work as they should, they save you money.

This is because they make your home more energy efficient. They maintain the temperature, so you don’t have to spend so much on heating or air conditioning.

Find out more about how new windows can reduce your energy costs!



from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/5-things-your-home-windows-may-be-trying-to-tell-you/

Tuesday 3 July 2018

5 Popular Door Styles to Choose From

Every year Americans spend billions of dollars on home remodels. They want their house to look perfect from the best door styles to the molding, and everything in between.

We know you don’t want a single element of your home to look out of place. That’s why we’ve created this guide of quality door styles that will look great in any home.

Here are 5 popular door styles you should look into.

1. Metal Doors

If you haven’t seen an aluminum door yet, that should be the next thing to add to your bucket list.

Metal doors are popular because of their sleek and polished nature. They coordinate with a variety of colors but look especially appealing against cool colors.

An added benefit of metal doors is that they are also more secure. 34 percent of robbers break into homes through the front door. A metal door provides great protection against these risks.

2. Flush Door

There’s something to be said for simplicity. If you’re looking for an inconspicuous door that lets other features in your home shine, a flush door is the best bet.

This door is plain and simple. It doesn’t have any embellishments. It’s usually the cheapest doors on the market, but can be decorated easily.

Because there are no textures or divets, these doors are easy to paint, add vinyl or cover with wallpaper. There’s a reason why they are the most used doors in homes.

3. French Doors

We’re not afraid to admit, that when it comes to doors, the French do it best.

A French door usually comes with a pair. They have lots of glass panels and are very decorative. They ooze elegance and seem to fit right in with stunning hardwood floors, patios, and elegant dining rooms.

For a house full of class and grace, french doors are the way to go!

4. Carved Wood

If you really want to make people swoon, carved wood is an excellent option. This option can get pretty pricey, especially if you get a custom, one-of-a-kind carving.

That being said, we think it is worth it. These doors add all of the finesse and elegance that french doors have with a little bit of charm as well.

5. Barn Doors

A new option that has become incredibly popular in just the last couple of years is the rustic barn door. This door is made out of wood and looks like how you would expect a barn door to look.

The reclaimed wood adds a vintage look to the home. Instead of opening on a hinge, like other doors, it rolls across a bar like a sliding door.

Find More Door Styles

These are just a few of the many door styles in the housing industry. If you’re looking for a specific option, come talk with us. We know all about the different styles and can give you a free quote on what we estimate it will cost to put in.

In the meantime check out our FAQ and learn more about how to help your house be the best one on the block.



from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/5-popular-door-styles-to-choose-from/