What Causes Double-Pane Window Discoloration?

Hannah Holmes — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Discoloration is a phenomenon unique to double-pane windows. While it doesn’t happen as often, knowing what causes it can help you make informed decisions when getting new windows. In today’s post, local replacement window contractor Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia discusses what causes window discoloration, and the best way to fix it.

How Double-Pane Glass Works

You’re probably wondering why discoloration is unique to double-pane glass. Let us first explain how it works.

Buildings, including homes, have an insulated enclosure. The roof and exterior walls are insulated using standard materials like fiberglass batts or rolls, expanding foam or cellulose made from recycled paper pulp. These materials are opaque, making them unsuitable for use on glass. This is the reason why traditional windows, made with single-pane glass, are typically areas where the building loses heat during the winter season (resulting in drafty windows) and gains heat during the summer season. In some homes, storm windows and insulating curtains have helped address the heat loss and heat gain, but not in full.

Double-pane glass, also known as insulated glass enclosures, solves the insulation problem by separating the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass. A vacuum is created by removing the air between the gaps during manufacture, which reduces the number of molecules that could have otherwise transferred heat. It has proven to be so effective that Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows come with double-pane glass as a standard component.

What Causes Window Discoloration?

Keeping the vacuum gap sealed between the glass panes is key to maintaining its insulating capabilities. However — like any other type of window glass — double-pane glass is not immune to damage. If the seal is breached by impact damage, improper use or manufacturing error, moisture can infiltrate the gap. If this happens, contaminants can make their way in, resulting in a noticeable change in color.

Since moisture is the vehicle that drives the contaminants into the double-pane glass, discoloration can be mitigated by maintaining relative indoor humidity levels between 30% to 50%.

This, however, does not fix the problem. Since the gap is no longer a vacuum, its energy performance will be diminished. Discoloration will still occur. Since it’s not reversible, the only long-term solution is to replace the affected windows. In addition to choosing durable replacement windows, make sure that the factory warranty coverage includes the double-pane glass.

When you need a replacement window company that offers all these and more, choose Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia. Give us a call at (604) 200-1025, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve communities in Vancouver and Delta, BC.

The post What Causes Double-Pane Window Discoloration? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

Do All Your Windows Need To Match?

Hannah Holmes — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Consistency is a key aspect of home design, and it’s an important consideration when planning a window replacement project. A question that often comes up during this stage is whether or not all windows should match, and in today’s post, local window company Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia shares insight on this question.

The Role of Curb Appeal

Much has been written about the role of curb appeal in relation to home design, particularly in how it affects home value and how it dictates design aspects from the color palette to the roofing slope. The human eye loves symmetry, and it’s not uncommon to choose matching windows for all sides of the house.

While curb-facing windows are part of the building’s “face,” it shouldn’t compromise the benefits derived from having a different window style in other areas. Curb appeal is not the only factor to consider, given that it only applies to one or two sides of the house.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Windows

So the short answer to the question above — should all your windows match? — is no, it shouldn’t. However, since every home has unique requirements, it’s not a cut-and-dried answer. Some designs are served better with matching windows, others with a combination of different styles.

Your first consideration when getting replacement windows should be the individual needs of each room. Here are a few examples:

One of the rear-facing rooms could have a beautiful panoramic view, which means a picture window (or a bank of picture windows) would be more appropriate.
Exterior walls that face east to west would be receiving a lot of direct sunlight during certain hours of the day, which means the rooms will need windows that have sunlight-reducing glass, or at least have styles that work well with window treatments.
Upstairs bedrooms require egress windows, which may end up not matching the other windows in your home.

Another key consideration is whether you need to keep a certain look for your home. Unless you’re restoring an historical property, there really is no need to be held back by tradition. Traditional windows didn’t have insulated glass or composite frames, and adhering to tradition for its own sake could mean missing out or compromising on features that could improve energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Talk to your local window contractor at Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia if you need help choosing the right replacement windows. Give us a call at (604) 200-1025, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve communities in Vancouver and Delta, BC.