Window selection guidelines with a focus on the performance rating factors

How good the building looks depends mainly on the type of window design and style. In addition to the design, style, and operating mechanism of windows, there are some more factors like insulation, frame material, cost, and more to consider.  The windows ability to withstand the elements of weather and one that has better insulating properties makes it more worthy over other types of windows and this has contributed to the popularity of EuroSeal Vinyl Windows Toronto.

Wood, metal, vinyl, and fiberglass are the available window frame materials that can have single, double, or even triple glass pane depending on the kind of insulation to achieve. Providing e-coating to glass enhances the insulation level and keeps homes cool in summer and warm in winter, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency, lowering utility bills and saving cost. Superior quality windows that cost much more have special weather-stripping arrangement to prevent air from filtering in from around the sashes.

Go for the best

Window sealing cuts off air exchange between the inside and outside when the temperature is comfortable. But when it cools below freezing point, many types of window weatherstripping might become stiff and brittle, and it can shrink and crack. This compromises with the window seal that renders windows ineffective. To avoid the problem, you must only rely on the best quality windows that perform in all kinds of weather conditions, including temperatures below zero degrees centigrade.

Let us now look at some performance values that you must consider during window selection.

Window performance rating factors

The expected window performance is visible from the sticker pasted on the window that contains the performance values for most of the important parameters. These might include the R-value, U-value, solar gain, and wind resistance.

R-value – R-value is a number that tells how efficiently the window can transfer heat.  The number tells about the window’s ability to maintain a comfortable temperature inside even when it is very uncomfortable outside. Higher R-value corresponds to better insulation that allows better control on the heat transfer rate and equates with better window efficiency.

U-Factor – Also known as U-value, it is just the converse of R-value. While R-value is a measure of the ability to contain heat, U-value is a measure of the tendency to transfer heat. Naturally, lower U-value for windows is most preferred.

Solar gain – Technically called solar heat gain coefficient or SHGC this factor indicates the amount of heating that happens through the window when the sun is shining. The factor is good for cold climates as rooms would warm naturally, but in warmer climates, it is detrimental because unwanted warming of the home interior pushes up utility costs of keeping homes cool. Higher is the number more is solar gain.

Wind resistance– This is a measure of the air leakage expressed in cubic feet per minute or cfm. It consists of two numbers, one corresponding to 0^oF and the other to 70^oF. Lower numbers are always preferred.

Depending on the climate of your place and the indoor temperature that you want to maintain, select windows that perform best in those conditions.