Factors to Consider When Choosing Doors, Windows and Skylights for Your Home

The selection of doors, windows and skylights for your home is more complicated than simply taking into account style preferences. Apart from various designs, colors and overall aesthetics, there are various other important factors which must be considered. These are known as fenestration factors. Making the right selection based on these factors will create an energy-efficient environment for your house with long lasting doors, windows and skylights.

Have a look at the following discussion in order to find out what these fenestration factors are.

Air Leakage

There can be cracks and openings through which air leakage occurs. This results in the loss of heat from your home. In addition, the gain of heat also takes place which is undesirable during hot weather conditions. Therefore, check the Air Leakage value of your windows and doors before making your selection. The lower this value, the better would be your product.

The U-Factor

While your Air Leakage value should be small, the U-Factor value must be large for good quality products. This value determines how well your doors and window prevent the loss of heat. This is an important factor as it increases energy efficiency which in turn reduces your power bills.

Visible Transmittance

Another way of cutting down your power bills is by taking into consideration the Visible Transmittance factor for your fenestration product. This factor determines how much light passes through. More light eliminates the need to turn on the lights in your home during the day. Therefore, the visible transmittance factor for your windows should be high.

Condensation Resistance

Condensation of water droplets on the interior portion of your doors and windows is undesirable. Condensation resistance is a factor which determines how well a product can prevent this phenomenon from taking place. So, you should also check the condensation resistance factor of your fenestration product from the manufacturer.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

This factor is abbreviated as SHGC. It determines the ability of your product to block the heat generated outdoor by the sun. In other words, solar energy would be prevented from being transmitted to the interior of your home, keeping the insides cool and comfortable. Therefore, a low SHGC value is ideal.

All of these above mentioned fenestration factors have been determined by an NGO called the Australian Fenestration Rating Council. The ratings set by the council are ideal values to be taken into consideration by anyone who is undergoing a renovation project or construction a new house.