Winter is just around the corner, and I’m sure at some point you have told your kids, “we are not paying to heat the outside, so keep the window closed!” Unfortunately, 25-30% of heat loss goes right out of a typical brand name window which means you could be paying to heat the outside even if your windows and doors are shut tight!
Serious Windows = Alpen High Performance Products
In a previous post we talked all about the benefits of Serious Windows, however, there has been some changes in the company. A press release indicated Serious Windows was recently purchased by Alpen HPP, LLC. The great thing about the transition is that only the name has changed, all the information is still the same and you are still getting a great energy efficient window. Alpen High Performance Products will continue to manufacture the same highly energy efficient fiberglass window and architectural glass products for residential and commercial applications
Advantages to Fiberglass Windows
What makes Alpen’s windows so energy efficient is the fact that they are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass windows are more energy efficient, durable, stronger, aesthetically appealing and environmentally friendly compared to typical wood, aluminum or vinyl window. Fiberglass is also made with silica sand, an abundant natural resource that is readily available almost everywhere. A few of the most important benefits include:
- High condensation resistance which helps keep humidity within a proper range and limits the growth of mold and mildew.
- Performs well in humidity extremes and hot and cold environments.
- Tight seals maintain the resistance to air leakage and water penetration.
- Does not rot or warp.
- Easy to install
Fiberglass windows are a smart choice for green building for several reasons. First, they have high R-Values and low U-factors which will save energy for decades. When shopping for windows, you want one with a high R-Value and a low U-factor. Other window companies rarely mention the R-Value of their windows, and when they do, they use the R-Value taken at the center of the glass, which is the most efficient part of the window. Alpen advertises the full frame R-Value of their windows.
Second, Alpen’s windows uses suspended film technology. Suspended film windows are much more energy efficient then the typical dual pane windows. Suspended film combines both thin film and glass-based coatings to create a lightweight, multi-chamber insulating glass unity that reflects heat and harmful UV radiation while maximizing light transmission and superior insulating performance.
Tuned Glazing Package
Alpen glass technologies offers the ability to provide a “Tuned Glazing” window package which are suspended film windows equipped with coatings technology that uses the sun to its advantage depending on the orientation of the home. For example, a window that has a low solar heat gain can be put on the south facing wall of the home. This will help heat the home in the winter months. This can also improve the use of natural daylight and views. High solar heat gain windows would be beneficial on other elevations of the home, especially the west, because they are more energy efficient overall and help keep heat out of the home during the summer months.
Alpen’s windows has a full lifetime warranty for as long as you own and reside in your home, which is one of the strongest warranties in the industry.
Great Lakes Carpentry specializes in high performance home building. We strive to build super-insulated building envelopes and Alpen windows are the perfect window in helping us achieve these goals.
To learn more about Alpen High Performance Products or energy efficient home building contact us at info@greatlakescarpentry.com. Also, check out Great Lakes Carpentry else where on the web: Facebook, Twitter, and our Website.
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