There are, quite literally, thousands of home windows on the market for homeowners to choose from. Thousands. So, to pick a window that will last for years and years, you need to choose wisely. Not all windows are created equal, and not all windows are meant for every climate.
Here at The Screen Shop, we specialize in windows for coastal climates like windows in Mountain View and the windows in San Jose, CA, areas. So, what does that mean for you, if you’re in this area? Keep reading!
First thing’s first: the warranty
When you’re looking for quality windows, look also for the specifics in the warranty. Sometimes, the glass and frames fall under different length warranties. You want a non-prorated, transferable warranty ranging from 10 years to a lifetime—but be sure to read what “lifetime” means and entails.
Impact-Resistant
Impact-resistant windows are nothing new to coastal areas, but you still want to be sure to ask about this specification. Many manufacturers are offering more and more window selections with impact-resistant glass. This helps when high winds blow debris around, especially near the shoreline.
Energy efficiency is key
In California, we experience an extreme range of weather and temperatures. The windows you choose for your home should be highly rated for thermal and light ray protection. For starters, this will keep you more comfortable during the very hot and very cold months of the year. But, there’s more to this than just comfort. You see, low-E coatings (for the glass part of the window) have been developed to reduce the amount of UV and infrared light that can pass through the glass. Low-E protects your skin from damage, your furniture and flooring from fading, and your home from heating up—all without compromising the amount of natural light you receive. Some low-E’s can also reflect energy; meaning, when interior heat tries to escape through the glass to the outdoors during winter months, the low-E coating will reflect the heat back to its source, keeping you warm and cozy. Note: if you live in an older home, the windows may be single-pane windows. In a climate like ours, you want double- or triple-panes. Not sure what you have? Our experts can help you figure that out.
Good seals
Whether you choose to work with The Screen Shop or not, please know this: the most common window failure is the breakdown of the seal. This can cause a plethora of issues beyond draftiness and an increase in insects. For example, when air and moisture enter through the windowpane, the air will oxidize the low-E coating (if you have it), which turns it into a high-E coating. This means it absorbs heat rather than reflects it away. Have your windows checked if this is a concern.
As far as the design—you can choose anything you want! Being coastal has no bearing on that. We hope you’ll visit us here at The Screen Shop. We would be honored to earn your business!
The Screen Shop | 601 Hamline St.| San Jose, CA 95110 | 408.295.7384 |