About Windows & Roofing
It's important to make the right choices when installing and repairing the windows and roof in your home. Both of these architectural elements have a major impact on how watertight and energy efficient your living space is. The style of roofing and windows on your home also affect its exterior appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Windows
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Older windows may have a lot of character, but don't keep the heat in as well as newer windows that are manufactured with insulated frames and double-glazed glass. Double-hung windows, which feature an upper and lower sash inside a single frame, are characteristic of older houses. Large picture windows are more common in newer houses that were built in the 1950s or later. Specialty windows include skylights, stained glass and curved glass. Bay windows and conservatories made entirely of windows can add a green area to your home and help with solar heat gain during cold weather.
Types of Roofing
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Roofing can be made out of a variety of materials, all of which are designed to protect the structure of your home from water damage. Roofing materials include thatched straw, slate, asphalt shingles, steel, copper and clay tiles. Which material is the most appropriate for your home depends on your climate, how much you want to spend and the style you are looking for. Clay tiles, while very attractive, are not suitable for areas with lots of snow and ice because freezing and thawing will damage them. Thatched straw is a traditional form of roofing found in the British Isles that also doesn't stand up well to severe winter weather.
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Energy Efficiency
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The insulative value of your roof and windows will determine how energy-efficient your home is more than any other factors. In areas with lots of hot sunshine, you can keep your home cooler by using light-colored roofing. Black shingles absorb heat from the sun and make it more difficult to keep your home cool. Well-insulated windows help to keep a house warm in winter and cool in summer. High-tech windows with sealed double panes and a vacuum or argon gas between them create a thermal barrier that radically decreases heat flow between interior and exterior.
Cost
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The cost of windows and roofing can vary widely. As a rule, more expensive materials last longer and may save you money over time. For example, spending more money on a high quality window will lead to lower heating bills than if you install a cheap window that leaks heat all winter. Copper and slate are the most expensive roofing materials, but will last almost indefinitely if installed properly. Lower end asphalt shingles are far cheaper but need to be replaced far more often, sometimes as frequently as every 15 years if they are exposed to harsh weather.
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References
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