Five Star Windows

Top Causes of Window Damage

Time, weather, and accidents all take their toll on home windows. Older windows can fall victim to condensation between the panes, construction defects can encourage drafts and lower energy efficiency, and accidents happen all the time. Examining the condition of your current windows can help you determine if you should consider window replacement with something newer, stronger, and more energy-efficient. Read on to learn about the top causes of window damage:

Physical Accidents

The wayward baseball or similar occurrence can cause a broken window or damaged glass pane. Even a homeowner struggling to open a poorly-operating window can inadvertently break the glass or damage the frame. Older types of glass are often not as safe as newer windows, and can break into large and dangerous shards and small, difficult-to-find pieces.

Aging

Age is one of the chief enemies of any window, especially older and less-efficient models. Wooden frames are especially prone to warping, while aluminum frames can expand or shrink with temperature changes and reduce your home’s energy efficiency. Newer windows that have thermally-improved frames or quality wooden construction are better able to handle the changes caused by time and weather.

Poor Construction

In many older homes, the building materials were chosen more for their low cost than their function. Even a quality window is only as good as its installer—haphazard installation methods can cause problems down the road. By recognizing what can cause window damage, you can make the right choice and hiring an experienced professional to install your replacement window.

Five Star Window carries the very best in energy-efficient window products. Designed to withstand the test of time and react to the effects of weather without compromising efficiency, our windows will remain beautiful and reliable for years to come. Visit our website to explore our selection, or call us at (408) 385-9867. Our installation process is second to none, and our products are trustworthy and long-lasting.

Click These Links For More Useful Window Information

The articles below offer information about planning your budget for window replacement, the importance of natural light, the role argon gas has in keeping replacement windows energy-efficient, and the top causes of window damage. Five Star Windows can provide you with comprehensive window installation services and excellent products from Simonton, Milgard, and more. Visit our website or call us at (408) 385-9867 to learn more.

This page from AngiesList.com can help you look deeper into replacement window budgeting, choosing the right window styles, and shopping for energy efficiency.

Learn more about the variety of benefits that sunlight has to offer at this page from NationalGeographic.com.

Take a look at this article from HousekeepingChannel.com for help maintaining your windows and avoiding damage.

Find out how an argon gas fill increases the overall energy efficiency of a window by reducing heat transfer at this page from EfficientWindows.org.

To learn more about how noble gases like argon gas can increase the R-value of a replacement window, read this article from FineHomeBuilding.com.

What Is Argon Gas and Why Is It Used in My Windows?

Many homeowners have the spaces in between their window panes filled with inert gases. Argon gas is the most commonly-used filler for several reasons—it increases the overall efficiency of a window and is economical for both the manufacturer and the homeowner. This guide explores the properties of argon gas and why it is used in replacement windows:

Noble Gases

Argon is a noble gas. Under standard conditions, noble gases are very stable. They do not conduct heat very well because their molecular movements are limited—in fact, “argon” is derived from the Greek word meaning “lazy.” Argon gets its ‘laziness’ from its electron shell, which contains eight electrons and is entirely stable. Unlike other compounds or gases with differing numbers of electrons, argon is not looking to shed or replace electrons. Instead, it resists reactions and heat transfer caused by molecular or atomic movement. In short, it acts as a perfect barrier between areas of differing temperature. Argon is abundant and easily obtained, which makes it one of the best choices for use as a gas filler between energy-efficient window panes.

Argon as an Insulator

Because of its incredibly low chemical reactivity and conductivity, argon has high thermal resistance. While many kinds of noble gases provide insulation against heat transfer, argon’s availability and exceptionally low reactivity make it one of the most cost-effective choices for energy-efficient windows. Multi-pane windows use spacers between the glass in order to provide an area of reduced conductivity. Older replacement windows often used air as a filler, but argon allows these windows to become even more efficient. An inert gas fill is more effective at resisting heat transfer than air alone.

To learn more about argon gas fills and other characteristics that make the energy-efficient windows carried by Five Star Windows so effective, call us at (408) 385-9867. Many of our quality products from Milgard, Simonton, and Andersen use gas fills and other advances to provide the highest level of energy efficiency.

Why You Should Consider Natural Light When Choosing Windows for Your Home

Window replacement has several benefits, including increasing your energy efficiency and adding value to your house. One thing to consider is how natural light will be involved with the design and placement of your new windows. Maximizing the amount of natural light has several advantages, including beautiful interior light and lower energy bills.

Improve the Appearance of Your Home

While artificial light can illuminate a home in many different ways, none can quite manage the beauty that natural light has to offer. Light from the sun brings out true colors and textures and adds character to interior spaces. An increase of natural light also opens up a space, making it feel airy and more inviting.

Increase Your Wellbeing Indoors

Natural light is an integral part of our lives, and we benefit from increased exposure throughout the day. It encourages natural biological rhythms, which can help you be more active during the day and sleep better at night. It’s important to be exposed to natural light for several hours every day in order to avoid issues like seasonal depression, which can occur due to increased time spent indoors.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Having efficient windows installed in your home and maximizing natural light allows your home to become more efficient in two ways. Natural light and the accompanying solar heat can help reduce heating costs in the winter when properly regulated. This will depend upon the style of your replacement windows and how much solar heat they allow to enter your home. Natural light can also reduce the need for artificial light. During daylight hours, you can open window treatments to provide your home with rich, full-spectrum lighting. With this setup, artificial lights will only need to be used in interior rooms and after dark, significantly cutting the cost of lighting.

Five Star Windows of Campbell can help you plan your window replacement project and maximize the natural light you receive. If you would like to learn more about replacement windows, contact us at (408) 385-9867. You can schedule an appointment and obtain a free estimate by visiting our website.

The Quick and Easy Installation Offered by the Milgard Block-Frame Insert Method

Replacement window installation has never been easier thanks to the advances offered by the Milgard block-frame method of installation. This method is perfect for leaving the existing window frame in excellent condition and replacing the old window with a quality Milgard product.

This video explores the window installation process, which begins with the careful removal of the old window and hardware. Caulking and fasteners help secure the new window into place while creating a strong connection between the window and frame. When the new window is in place, final adjustments are made while interior trim is installed to ensure a finished look and an energy-efficient seal.

This is just one of the services Five Star Windows offers Bay Area homeowners. You can enjoy beautiful new windows without messy installation concerns. Call us at (408) 385-9867 if you’d like to learn more, or check out our website for a free estimate.