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Windows and doors are the primary outlets for heat loss from you home. Clearview, Inc. of Bridgeport, a family-owned business that has been operating since 1972, can help homeowners realize significant cost benefits and update the home with new windows and doors.
“If your windows are drafty, or a problem door is letting your valuable heat escape, we can givey ou a total re-do,’’ said Rusty Sheppard, the owner of Clearview. “We will work with you to help find new windows and doors that reflect your taste and protect your home from the elements.”
Clearview offers Marvin and JELD-WEN products. Both brands are regarded among the best in the business in quality and affordability, especially when it comes to return on your investment.
Consider four factors when choosing energy efficient windows or doors: frame, glass, design and installation. The frame can be vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or wood-clad.
Vinyl products offer excellent efficiency and low maintenance, but are limited in color choices. Wood offers the best value for insulation, but requires regular maintenance. Aluminum is practical in rainy, humid climates and meets stringent building codes, especially in coastal communities, but aren’t as energy efficient. Fiberglass units like the Marvin Integrity product offer both low maintenance & energy efficiency. Wood-clad products -- a low-maintenance exterior of aluminum or vinyl and temperature-transfer-resistant wood interior -- combine the best of both worlds. They can be exposed to rotting, however. Auralast wood offered by JELD-WEN combats this problem.
There are also composite materials and steel used in some entrance door products, which have their own list of pros and cons.The glass most commonly used for today’s products is an insulated unit with low e-coatings as well as having the airspace of the unit filled with a variety of gas options such as argon or krypton. This provides significantly more insulation than single-pane glass or standard insulating glass. It protects the house from the sun’s heat and UV rays in the summer, and prevents heat from escaping during winter.Triple-paned glass may be more efficient in harsh winter climates, but it can also reduce the window's visibility and light transmittance.
Homeowners should inquire about the Energy Star ratings of any windows or doors they consider. Homeowners can choose between double-hung, sliding, casement, awing and stationary windows. Double-hung and sliding windows offer tremendous efficiency, but air intrusion between the sashes can reduce their effectiveness.
Casement and awning windows seal tighter when the wind blows, but also require more maintenance. Stationary windows are the most energy efficient, but they are inoperable.
Doors are offered as swinging, folding or sliding, depending on the individual setting. Proper installation is essential. Even the most expensive or advanced product won't perform effectively if it's not installed correctly.
It is important that homeowners follow all manufactures installation instructions or hire a licensed home improvement contractor to insure proper installation.
For more information about making your home more energy efficient, contact Clearview at 203-334-5503.
