Windows
Windows, doors and skylights that do not shut properly and allow in air are some of the biggest energy wasters in the home. Buying or installing double glazed windows will do nothing for your comfort or energy bills if the frame is not airtight.
Double pane windows will reduce both noise and heat transfer, keeping your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Replacing normal steel window frames with double pane frames is going to be messy though, so it will be best to consider this when you are in the planning phase of home renovations. Include these changes in your building plans and make sure your builder knows what is expected of him in this regard.
Skylights are an excellent source of free lighting during the daytime. If correctly installed they really add to the comfort of your home.
In South Africa, many houses have burglar bars in front of every window. Make sure you have an escape plan in case you need to get out of the house, for instance in case of a fire.
Wooden windows look great and add value to the house, but they are costly, require a lot of maintenance and are subject to swelling in wet weather and contracting in dry weather.
Aluminium is strong, low maintenance and affordable, but does conduct heat. The modern look for aluminium frames is a definite winner.
Remember that as panes of glass becomes bigger, you will need to use shatterproof glass or similar. In fact the SABS codes insists on special glazing, and by using the SABS codes you can make your home a much safer place.
Add visible markers to large panes of glass, especially in sliding doors, but also in any other piece of glass where a person might not see the glass.
If you found this piece informative, remember to visit the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
No comments:
Post a Comment