There are many decisions to make when choosing your replacement windows. Each choice you make will have an impact on the durability, cost and energy efficiency of the window.
Purchasing windows can feel overwhelming— especially because most companies are not transparent about features, and most importantly, price. We take great pride in doing things differently. WindowPRO has helped Southeast Michigan homeowners find the perfect windows and doors for their home since 1923. We want you to feel comfortable making decisions about your window replacement, which is why we have answers to all your questions in our Learning Center.
Glass coatings help you achieve the look and functionality that you desire with your replacement windows. There are numerous types of coatings, shades and different properties they may have. In this article, we’ll explain some popular coating options and how it will affect your home.
Glass Coating Options For Your Windows
Glass coatings are an extremely thin (basically microscopic) film added to the surface of the glass. Coatings can provide your home with additional protection and energy efficiency. Whether you’re wanting more shade or options to keep your home more insulated, there is a coating for that!
Here are the seven types of coatings we’ll discuss:
1. Low-E Coatings
2. Insulating Coatings
3. Privacy Coatings
4. Glare Control Coatings
5. Decorative Coatings
6. Safety & Security Coatings
We’ll discuss each of these more in depth below.
Low-E Window Coatings
Low-E stands for Low Emissivity. This type of coating blocks harmful UV and infrared rays. Homeowners like UV blocking coatings because they can help reduce the fading of furniture and reduce energy costs. Because these coatings will help prevent fading, low-E coating is great for windows in your living room where furniture is positioned close by.
These types of coatings can block up to 99.9% of UV rays and 80% of solar heat entering your home. Low-E coatings come in levels with increasing layers— Low E1, Low E2, Low E3 and Low ERS. Low ERS has the most layers of coating to block UV and infrared rays. If energy efficiency is a top priority for your window replacement project, make sure to inquire about Low-E coatings.
Insulating Window Coatings
Insulating coatings help improve the energy efficiency of your windows. Overall, insulating coatings are a layer of film that help trap air in your home and block external air from affecting the temperature inside your home. If you want highly efficient and insulated windows, make sure you invest in triple pane glass. Your window replacement contractor can help explain when a coating vs. product may make the most sense for your project goals.
Privacy Window Coatings
Privacy coatings are tinted or colored coatings that help increase the energy efficiency and privacy of your home. Although, these films provide more in terms of privacy than reducing light transmittance.
Additionally, different color tints have different properties that all affect your home differently. For example, a green tint will provide more shade indoors and reduce visible light transmittance. A bronze tint will reduce solar heat and glare while a gray tint will reduce solar heat, glare and block more UV rays. Before discussing tints and privacy coatings with your window contractor, make sure you think about what you want your window to do. Having clearly outlined project goals will help your contractor find the best solution for your home.
Glare Control Window Coatings
Glare control coatings reflect the sun’s rays on the exterior of your windows, thereby making it more comfortable for your eyes when you look out the window. Glare reduction coatings can be found in a variety of light blocking percentages. This coating is usually more popular in commercial real estate settings like office buildings where reflective surfaces may surround the property. However, if your Ann Arbor home faces a sunrise or sunset, this type of coating may be just what you’re looking for!
Decorative Window Coatings
Decorative films can create the look of designer glass for less. This type of coating can provide the illusion of textured, frosted or stained glass. It’s important to note that this type of coating does not provide any extra insulation or protection and will likely not last as long as actual decorative glass.
Safety & Security Window Coatings
A security coating is formulated to help make your windows stronger by making it harder to shatter the glass. Similar to glare control coatings, security coatings are most popular in commercial settings, but many homeowners feel safer by getting this coating on particularly vulnerable windows.
Security coatings make your windows stronger, and more difficult to break. This protects against break-ins, harsh weather and even the fly baseball from the neighborhood kids.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Windows?
Replacing your windows is a rare undertaking that impacts the security, aesthetic and efficiency of your home— on the inside and out. There are many benefits to replacing your windows, and we’ll discuss them more below.
Home Value
According to the National Association of Realtors 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, replacing your windows is one of the top 5 highest cost recovery exterior projects. Cost recovery refers to the amount of the project cost that is recouped by an increase in your home’s value and sale price. Rest assured knowing your window replacement is a smart investment in your home.
Lower Energy Bills
Replacement windows will improve the energy efficiency of your home, thereby lowering your electric bills! Many homeowners are ecstatic to see that the cost of their project will be recouped by energy savings.
Security
Replacing your windows helps to improve the security of your home. As we mentioned previously, vulnerable windows can be made stronger by adding a security coating. If security is a top-of-mind concern, be sure to ask your window replacement specialist about triple pane glass.
Top-Rated Window Replacement in Ann Arbor
Hopefully this article has helped you understand more about the different types of glass available and how each one will affect your home. Juggling durability, energy efficiency and cost is important during a window replacement. Glass coatings can improve the energy efficiency, protection and aesthetic qualities of your windows.
Window PRO has served Southeast Michigan homeowners since 1923. We’re a top-rated Ann Arbor window replacement company and are proud of the accolades we’ve earned from our customers.
Ready to replace your windows with an Ann Arbor contractor you can trust? WindowPRO offers high quality window replacement services and has a large selection of windows, including highly rated windows from Marvin and Provia. If you’re ready to get started on your window replacement – we’d love to see if we’d be a good fit for your project. Contact us today to set up your free, no-hassle consultation.
