Is it hot or cold at home? Do they close badly? If the time has come to change the windows, we explain everything you need to know, the budget included. And is that the windows let your house fill with light, but they are also essential to insulate it well thermally and acoustically.
1. LIGHT, COLD, AND HEAT. DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE THE WINDOWS?
It is like this: the windows let the house fill with light, but they also have a fundamental function in the thermal and acoustic insulation of the interior. It may be time to change them whether they are in poor condition or are so old that they are unsightly. Read this mini-guide (with prices at the end) in which we explain the most important questions that you must take into account.
2. TYPES OF PROFILES FOR WINDOWS
The windows are made up of glass and profiles. There are several types of profiles: aluminum with thermal break and with a variety of finishes. Their advantage is that they are very resistant and durable. Made of PVC, a very insulating material. And solid wood, although these usually have doses of aluminum or PVC. The price depends on the type of opening, not just the profiles.
3. GLASS CLASSES
When changing the windows you must take into account the combination of profile and glass, as this is the key to good insulation. And glass occupies 80% of the window, so choosing the right one is essential. The most used: low-emission double glazing (with thermal insulation up to three times higher); acoustic (minimize noise); intelligent (they can control the passage of heat and light); or security.
4. THE OPENING OF THE WINDOW: CASEMENT OR SLIDING?
Tilt-and-turn or casement windows are a good choice: they insulate
very well thermally and acoustically. And its opening makes cleaning easier. On the other hand, the sliders have in their favor that they do not take up space when opening, but they do not allow total opening and insulate less, despite being somewhat more expensive.
5. WHAT IS THE THERMAL BRIDGE?
It is that area where the heat of a surface is transmitted more easily, for example, aluminum. For this reason, the thermal bridge break is sought, which consists of inserting a material that is not very conducive between the external and internal faces of the aluminum carpentry of the window. This prevents heat loss and condensation.
6. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE ORIENTATION OF THE HOUSE
To the north and east, there are fewer hours of sunshine and less intensity. If the room has this orientation, choose windows with low-emission insulating glass and thermal bridge breakage. The southwest orientation implies more hours of the intense sun: choose an aluminum window (better than PVC) with a thermal break and glass with solar factor.
7. DO I PUT ROOF WINDOWS?
The windows of the roof are perfect for light and ventilation gain on the top floor and its installation is simpler than it seems. Depending on the access you have to it, you should put a rotating, projecting, or lateral opening. They can have an automatic or solar opening.
