Energy efficiency is a huge factor when choosing the perfect windows for a residential cabin. Windows provide your log home with ventilation, light, and cosiness. In previous years, these benefits could compromise the energy efficiency of this part of the log cabin. Contemporary windows are now designed to provide the same advantages but with lower energy costs. Before installing or updating the windows for your residential cabin, make sure that you find products with certified energy efficient features.
Facts about Modern Residential Cabin Windows
There are various methods to improve the energy efficiency of your existing windows. You can add storm windows or use window treatments and coverings. Weather-stripping and caulking are also methods to ensure that your residential cabin windows are weatherproof.
Storm windows, for instance, improve comfort as well as reducing air leakage. Reduction of air leakage around the windows is likewise guaranteed through caulking and weather-stripping. Weather-stripping is used for movable building components such as operable windows and doors. Caulks, on the other hand, are effective to treat cracks, joints, and gaps that are a quarter inch wide for the same window issues in a residential log cabin. Heat loss is significantly reduced during winters, while heat gain is lessened in the summer. Window coverings or treatments make this more effective.
How to effectively select log home windows
Utility bills are higher during summer and winter. This is more inevitable if you have inefficient or very old windows for your residential cabin. Lower cooling and heating costs are guaranteed with energy efficient and new windows which may initially cost more than ordinary units. Nonetheless, your initial investment would surely pay off in the long run.
Improve your window’s performance in order to enjoy your log home more. Here are some tips on how you can properly select, install or upgrade the perfect windows:
Window Selection
There are several options when choosing the type of windows that are ideal for your residential cabin. First, consider the energy performance ratings of the product, bearing in mind your home’s design and the climate of your location ‒ these factors will help to narrow down your choices. There are also components that must be considered, such as window frames that conduct heat. Glass or glazing technology is a sophisticated feature of today’s residential cabin windows.
The window type determines the air leakage rate, and thus the energy efficiency of the unit:
Casement. This residential cabin window type is hinged at the sides. It generally features sash closure through pressing against the window frame. The operational design allows lower air leakage rates compared to its sliding counterparts.
Awning. Operating with an outward opening, this type of log house window is hinged at the top. You press against the frame in order to close the sash which means generally lowering the air leakage rates, compared with sliding windows.
Fixed. Fixed panes, as the name implies, are permanently attached and don’t open. This is an airtight type of residential cabin window with proper installation. It is not a good choice though if you want window ventilation.
Hopper. With an inward opening, this window is basically hinged at the bottom. Just like its casement and awning counterparts, the hopper type offers a lower air leakage rate due to the sash closure, which is done through pressing it against the frame.
Window Installation
For a successful residential cabin window, it is imperative to ensure that the energy efficient unit is properly installed. You need a professional contractor in order to do this. Window installation is not a DIY task to begin with, unless you have extensive training. The installation depends on various factors such as the window type, and exterior cladding. The house construction and weather-restrictive barrier type are also important.
Residential cabin window installation follows the instruction and recommendation of the manufacturer. It also requires proper air sealant for accurate and optimum performance. Weather-strips and caulks are used in order to air seal the window.
Window Materials
Which window design is best for your home? Would it work best for your residential cabin and improve its energy efficiency? These are few of the questions you need to answer before deciding on the design and style of window to choose. The material that the window is constructed from also plays a vital role. There are various materials used for the window frame including fibreglass, aluminium, vinyl, and wood. In most cases, residential cabin windows made from aluminium are more cost effective, lightweight, strong, and require low maintenance.
Traditional wood materials for residential cabin windows are energy efficient. However, these are also typically expensive and require a finish of wood treatment or paint. Glazing is the glass technology used for log home windows. Glazed windows and doors provide more insulation and upgrade the energy efficiency of the unit.
More Reasons to Upgrade the Log Cabin Windows
Windows not only play a significant role in the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your home, this part of the house is also important because it determines how safe and secure your residential cabin is. Windows are not only the source of entry of air or heat, ventilation, and natural light, intruders and burglars may also use them as a potential entry point. Thus, make sure that you choose the window that guarantees your safety at all times.
Invest in superior locks for your windows. A residential cabin window must have the security system that your doors normally have. In most cases, windows are designed with internal locks, however it is a totally different story if the intruder smashes your window in order to gain access inside the house. Window locks also prevent unsupervised exits especially for young children and pets.
Shopping for the perfect windows for your residential cabin is a challenge. There are overflowing window choices available today. This actually makes your search harder and trickier. Look at the window labels from R to U values in order to measure the window insulation rating and energy efficiency.
