Windows That Block Outside Heat
Windows that block outside heat involve a few technological advances. They work very effectively and employ a few tactics that may be worth investing in when you make your next purchase of windows.
For starters, there are aspects of windows that make them energy efficient. The jambs need to have sufficient seals to withstand hot and cold air from outside creeping into your home. Beyond that the seals on the windows need to be in tact as well, to protect against air leakage, or transfer of air between outside and inside.
Seeing through It
Another aspect of the windows that is probably the most relevant to seriously working to block outside heat are the window panes. There are generally two or even three layers of glass, called double or triple glazing. The reason there are multiple layers of glass is similar to the reason that home owners almost exclusively relied upon storm windows. It creates insulation to cushion against that transfer of air but doesn't affect the window installation time frame needed to complete the project.
That is only one aspect of the window that works to the end of blocking outside heat, though. The remainder is treatments that help increase the insulation of the window panes and also refract heat and reflect or allow in sun light. This is where all of the amazing technological advances are put into action.
Further Insulation
Beyond the insulation of having double or triple glazing, there is also the matter of the surface and in between the glazing. In between the glazing, there are often various kinds of gases injected. These do not leak out because the seal between the layers of glazing is vacuum sealed. The gases, such as argon and krypton are used because they provide the best level of insulation because they are odorless, colorless and they are heavier than air.
It's a Gas
It is worth the money to spend more to ensure that you purchase windows that will do their best to keep the argon or krypton gas contained between the layers of glass. There is almost assuredly going to be some gas that does escape from between the panes over the years. Though, the fact is that the type of spacer that is used will determine just how much of the gas stays between the panes over time. It is ideal to invest in the best spacers that money can buy.
There is an additional note on the matter of argon and krypton. They work to slow and prevent cold air in cold temperatures and warm air during hot temperatures from entering your home. It is simply that the argon and krypton work because they are heavier than air alone. This blocks the air from entering your home more effectively than regular air. They also slow the amount of heat transfer from the home to the outside elements.
Consider Coatings
Beyond gases there are microscopic metallic coatings that can either be layered or sprayed onto the inside of the double or triple glazed glass. This is called low-emissivity, or low-e glass and it blocks heat transfer. It further insulates the glass, keeping heat inside during the winter and blocking it from entering your home in hot months.
Windows that block outside heat can work from soft and also hard low-emissivity glass. Hard low-e glass is a layer of tin sealed into the glass. Soft has a higher ability to resist heat loss, and has a higher ability to refract heat. Soft is made from silver, facing oxidation if exposed to air. Invest in the proper spacers and highest quality seals to protect against oxidation.
