How Windows Affect a Vintage Home's Energy Efficiency
December 15, 2016
Owning and restoring a Vintage home is, to many, the chance to own a piece of American history. They have no shortage of charm, and are equally rich in their stories, memories and restoration possibilities. So regardless of whether you're the home's owner, a caretaker, or the historic property's facility director, the topic of improved energy efficiency clearly comes up from time to time. And when the topic does present itself, windows typically find themselves at the heart of the discussion. How do you retain the timeless aesthetics of a vintage home, while upgrading to replacements that offer superior performance and improved energy efficiency?
Here are a few qualities to consider when upgrading your historic home with energy-efficient replacement windows.
Fade Protection
When we talk about window fade protection, we're essentially talking about the integrity and clarity of the glass used during manufacturing. It's one of the defining features of the highest quality energy-efficient windows, and plays a fundamental role in everything from UV protection and visibility, to long term performance and the visual aesthetics. Sierra Pacific's Super Sun Blocker with IS-15 Coating offer among the highest-rated fade protection properties, and are ideal for those seeking long-term performance and timeless looks from wood replacement windows.
Insulation Value
There's a misconception that sound-reducing windows need to be big and bulky, and that they moreover don’t do what they claim. The truth is that we just need to pay more attention to insulation value ratings, a measure which ranks a window's heat and cold trapping potential. Older homes are notoriously drafty, and the combination of drafty homes and outdated windows is a recipe for big energy bills. When it comes to uniting vintage looks and unsurpassed window insulation, Sierra Pacific offers the option of Triple Pane Low-E to further enhance year-round draft protection.
Solar Heat Gain Control
This is something that’s especially pertinent to vintage home owners in cold weather climates, as it plays a decisive factor in how efficiently or poorly your house conserves energy. UV and solar window protection comes from a special glaze that's applied during manufacturing; the higher the solar heat gain coefficient, the better they'll be at utilizing and trapping heat and cold. The Sierra Pacific Passive Solar Low-E 80/70 has received the highest ratings in all three of the aforementioned categories among wood window replacements, and blends beautifully into even the most vintage home styles.
Talk to the Rochester Experts on Energy Efficient Windows for Vintage Homes
Ready to talk shop with an expert on window replacements for historic homes? Wonder Windows, Showers and Bathrooms brings 55 years of experience and expertise to every restoration project. Call us at 585-547-5520 to get answers, learn more or schedule your free in-home estimate. You can also visit our showroom at 3535 Winton Pl Suite 1, Rochester, NY 14623.
Experience the difference working with Wonder! Get started on your Project Today!
We’ll be happy to answer any questions, explain our products and process, or get you started on a free estimate. We staff a team of certified installers who receive ongoing education on their full scope of products.
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Homeowners throughout Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse trust us to bring their visions to life. Customers love how our professional crews respect their homes, communicate clearly, and deliver exceptional workmanship.
“We decided to replace our tub/shower with a walk-in shower. We contacted 2 companies and Wonder Showers price matched with what we wanted. We were pleased with the communication and love the finished product. The installers went beyond our expectations and kept us assured through the whole process. I highly recommend this company”
Brenda N.
“Windows are very nice, competitively priced, and installed efficiently with care. Austin and Austin are great installers- thoughtful, pretty quick and polite.”
Maureen P.
“From start to finish everyone on the team has been excellent. Harrison in sales, Brianca in the office and Ben & Shane for install. Ben and Shane went above and beyond to make the bathroom look great and eased my bride’s trepidations. Even went as far as putting up beadboard behind the vanity to clean it up. Would recommend to everyone.”
Charlie M.
“They did a great job, Steve Klaver was on time and he explained everything in detail”
Eduardo R.
“I’m so happy with our new bathroom! Wonder communicated with us throughout the process so we knew what to except. The work ended up taking about 3 and a half days instead of the initially planned 3 days, but the guys working on it did a great job.”
Ashley R.
“We have used Wonder Windows to replace all of our windows and have had great experiences. The windows are top-notch quality. From selecting the windows with Tom Garman, having the window space carefully measured by Steve Klaver, and working with Bill Cue to install the windows, the experience has been phenomenal. A great team with a wonderful product.”
Adam S.
“GREAT SERVICE! From the moment that I walked into the showroom, the visit to my house, the presentation of options and the AWESOME DELIVERY of everything from the plan. The young men that completed the SHOWER and FLOOR installation were GREAT! On time daily and superb work to the finish.”
Bill A.
“We had an issue with a window that would not close and lock properly. Steve from Batavia came out and fixed it extremely quickly. Very courteous was not upset because he had to be here. Just did a great job very personable. It’s nice to know if I have another issue there will be someone that will take care of that promptly for me”
Steve D.
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Showroom & Wholesale Pick Up:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 4:30pm
Call Center (call or text):
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 1pm