Roofs are termed the first defense of a home against the environment. The windows are usually considered the second line of defense. It is also known as the usual weak link against weather and moisture. Therefore, window treatments Seattle is not the only solution as getting better insulated windows installed can reduce drafts during the harsh Seattle weather. Experts at United Signature believe that good insulated windows not only provide a great home environment but better ageing of the home which results in better market value later on.
The Seattle Weather Challenge
The first and foremost thing to understand is the Seattle weather, whether you are a new settler or born and raised in Washington. Seattle receives around 150 mm of rain per year, which makes window treatments Seattle a real topic. Along with rain, 80% or more humidity makes ventilation an utter necessity before or during a bathroom renovation Seattle. This makes for lingering moisture, which can easily lead to
- Mildew
- Mold growth
- Bad Odor
- Peeling of paint
- Damage to wood and bathroom fixtures
- Lead to major bathroom renovation Seattle
Choosing Windows With Insulation In-Sight
Apart from the general insulation metrics mentioned above, there are some other features that you must look out for once in discussion for a home renovation or window treatments Seattle which include getting a new set of windows. Some of these features are discussed in detail:-
The Frame
The frame is the most important part of the window that is responsible for proper insulation. The material of the frame should be chosen based on the cost as well as its specific feature requirement. Some of the materials on offer include vinyl, fiberglass, wood and aluminum. Vinyl and fiberglass offer the best balance between warmth, cost and low-maintenance.
Pre-Insulation
The modern windows are designed to keep your home airtight. This is usually due to extra glazing to create air spaces, low E-coating for reflecting heat, Gas filling for better insulation and warm spaces to increase the thermal spectrum. These are some of the features in general to look out for once selecting the right window for your home.
U-Factor & SHGC
U-factor is the measure of heat loss, whereas SHGC indicates the amount of solar heat crossing the glass. Aiming for a lower U-factor and moderate SHGC is the ideal combination for the Seattle weather.
Noise Reduction
Double of triple panes act as a sound barrier if you are not looking for specific sound proofing windows, as they are expensive and have a higher maintenance cost. This contributes to psychological comfort, a vital component of physiological well-being, especially during long, rainy winters when residents spend more time indoors.
Moisture Control
Moisture control is an automatic byproduct of better insulation that is offered by modern windows nowadays. Choose windows with warm edge spacers, maintain indoor humidity and wipe all sills and frames from time to time. Furthermore, adding vents in the home avoids moisture and all the associated problems that come along.
Maintenance Is King
Just getting window treatments Seattle or brand-new windows is not enough for a proper fight against draft. There are certain things a homeowner needs to perform in the maintenance sphere to keep the windows clean and properly insulated. Some of the basic techniques include:-
- Cleaning the window tracks at regular intervals
- Lubrication of all moving parts
- Replacing cracked seals or glass instantly
- Third-party inspections are conducted annually to find issues not visible to the untrained eye
How To Minimize Drafts
Some of the most modern expensive windows don’t give the desired experience due to wrong or faulty installations. This forms gaps or worn-out edges that cause drafts easily. In order to minimize drafts over long periods of time, always ensure:
- Installation of windows by professionals
- Annual inspection of windows
- Resealing or replacing cracks
- Using additional insulation
Choosing the Right Contractor
Professional home inspections Seattle rainy season is a real topic going around in many neighborhoods. This is because many Seattle homeowners are forced into home renovations due to bad windows that result in mold, draft and bad odor in the house. This is where a professional company like United Signature comes in by assisting in the selection of the right windows for each area of the home, along with expert window treatments Seattle helps in the upkeep of windows and a comfortable environment of the home itself.
You can always get in touch with window treatment and installation experts here for a free quote!!
