Color and fabric choices can make a difference

Tag : e-glass fabric


Low-E glass blocks harmful UV rays that cause interior fading. Itworks by reflecting heat outside in warm weather and holding heatindoors during colder months. A home protected by Low-E glassremains comfortable year-round, and heating and cooling costs arereduced year after year.

Window and door direction can affect the sun's intensity levelwithin the home. South- and west-facing windows and doors shouldhave the highest level of UV protection. Window and door exterioroverhangs are also important to block powerful solar radiation fromentering the home while helping to reduce electricity usage andindoor temperatures during the summer.

Color and fabric choices can make a difference. Bright and darkcolors have the highest proportion of color loss due to their largeconcentration of dye, while white fabrics have the tendency toyellow. Synthetic fabrics, including acrylic and polyester blends,typically perform better in direct sunlight than silk or leather,which can be even more costly to replace than fabric if damaged bythe sun.

Exteriors need protection. To properly finish an exterior door orwindow, apply a UV-resistant clear-coat and paint or stain per themanufacturer's recommendation. To prevent warping on a wood door,apply the coating to all six sides. You might consider a fiberglassdoor as they are built to be long lasting and easy to maintain inany climate.

Window and door manufacturers achieve energy efficiency indifferent ways so it is important to make sure products are testedand certified for energy efficiency using industry standards. Forthe best all-around UV-resistance and energy performance, look forthe Energy Star label appropriate for that region. To evaluateadditional UV protection, U-values rate and compare the energyefficiency of windows and exterior doors by measuring the amount ofheat allowed to pass through an object. A lower number indicates amore energy efficient product. Experts also evaluate Visible LightTransmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that penetrates awindow or door. Higher percentages mean more light will enterthrough the glass.