Blog

How to Choose the Best Replacement Windows for Texas Homes

By Guardian Windows | Date March 5, 2024

Selecting the Optimal Replacement Windows for Texas Residences

In the hot, humid, and occasionally stormy climate of Texas, particularly along the coast like in Houston, weather can be highly unpredictable. Ensuring your home is adequately prepared for this variability is crucial. Surprisingly, one aspect that’s often underestimated during construction or remodeling is the choice of windows.

In the hot, humid, and occasionally stormy climate of Texas, particularly along the coast like in Houston, weather can be highly unpredictable. Ensuring your home is adequately prepared for this variability is crucial. Surprisingly, one aspect that’s often underestimated during construction or remodeling is the choice of windows.

What’s the Importance of Windows in Warm Climates?

In the quest for ideal replacement windows for Texan residences, prioritizing energy efficiency is paramount.

Efficient windows effectively retain cooled air from your AC while preventing hot and humid air from infiltrating. This not only maintains a comfortable indoor environment but also leads to significant savings on monthly energy expenses. Furthermore, advanced coatings on windows can slash the ingress of solar heat by as much as 70%, eliminating the discomfort of afternoon sun heating up your living spaces.

Optimal Windows for Texas Residences

Understanding that the selection of top-quality windows for your Texas dwelling revolves around energy efficiency, let’s delve into precisely what characteristics you should prioritize.

Windows consist of two primary components: the frame and the glass pane. Both elements play integral roles in enhancing the energy efficiency of the window.

Selecting the Ideal Window Frame

Window frames come in various materials, including aluminum, wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Among these options, aluminum stands as the least energy-efficient, failing to effectively insulate against heat transfer. Hence, we do not recommend aluminum frames for residences in hot climates.

Fiberglass frames offer moderate energy efficiency and can be a suitable choice for Texas homes. However, wood and vinyl stand out as the most energy-efficient options. Despite wood’s excellent insulation properties, the high levels of heat and humidity in Texas, particularly along the coast in cities like Houston, accelerate wood rot. Consequently, vinyl frames emerge as the optimal choice for hot climates, boasting both durability and superior energy efficiency.

Top Window Materials for Texas Residences

Navigating through the myriad of window options can feel daunting. Fortunately, the professionals at Guardian Windows of Houston are well-versed in identifying the most suitable choices for Texas homes.

Given our primary concern of combating heat infiltration, double-pane windows crafted from low-E (low emissivity) glass reign supreme. Low-E windows feature an ultra-thin coating designed to curtail the ingress of solar heat by reflecting it away. This crucial feature ensures a more consistent indoor temperature throughout the year, fostering year-round comfort.

  • The effectiveness of low-E glass can be gauged through the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), a metric that measures how proficiently windows block or allow solar heat. With ratings ranging from 0 to 1, a lower SHGC is preferred for homeowners in warm climates, as it aids in maintaining interior coolness by impeding solar heat.
  • Furthermore, the U-Factor denotes a window’s capability to prevent heat loss, with ratings ranging from 0.14 to 1.20. In southern climates like Texas, windows must meet a u-factor rating equal to or greater than 0.40 to comply with regional standards.
  • Similarly, the R-Value signifies the insulation effectiveness of the window’s airspace between panes. For southern climates, windows are required to have an R-value falling within the range of 13 to 21.
  • While the Visible Transmittance (VT) metric measures the amount of light passing through a window on a scale from 0 to 1, its significance lies more in light transmission rather than heat regulation. Nonetheless, it’s a factor worth considering for homeowners prioritizing natural light penetration.

Are Vinyl Windows a Good Fit for Texas Residences?

Vinyl windows present a comprehensive solution that withstands heat exposure and the harshest weather conditions. Additionally, our insulated glass technology ensures a significant 48% decrease in solar heat gain, allowing your AC system to operate more effectively in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Moreover, our diverse array of customization options ensures you’ll discover the ideal replacement window tailored to your home’s needs. In summary: absolutely, vinyl windows stand as an excellent choice for Texas homes!

Impact-Resistant Windows for Texas Dwellings Amidst Hurricanes

Hurricanes pose significant threats to coastal regions such as Houston, Galveston, and throughout the southeastern United States. In such areas, hurricane impact windows not only offer desired energy efficiency but also crucial protection.

Crafted from impact-resistant glass and fortified with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) coatings, these windows deliver unparalleled defense against hurricane-force winds and airborne debris. By safeguarding against window breakage, they also mitigate abrupt pressure differentials that often lead to severe storm damage, such as roof detachment or structural collapse.

While the initial investment in hurricane impact windows may be higher compared to other window types, the invaluable peace of mind and protection they afford make them a wise choice, particularly for homeowners along the Gulf Coast. In storm-prone regions, these windows can indeed be a lifesaver.

Discover Energy-Efficient Windows for Warm Climates at Guardian Windows of Houston

At Guardian Windows of Houston, we’ve assisted numerous homeowners in transitioning to energy-efficient, climate-suited windows. If you’re eager to reduce your electricity expenses, reach out to us today for a complimentary in-home estimate.

“Elevate your view and style with our top-tier services, including exceptional window replacement services. Unleash excellence in every detail—choose  Guardian Window for unmatched quality and satisfaction”

  • REPLACE WITH TRUST
  • ENERGY-EFFICIENT
  • Your Home, Perfected
  • 40 Years of Experience
  • FREE CONSULTATION

or Call Us Now at

281 – 955 – 8994

Related Blogs

Other Posts

Blog

REACH OUT TODAY AND GET YOUR WINDOW REPLACED TOMORROW!

DON’T HESITATE, CONTACT NOW

At Guardian Windows, our dedication is to offer an outstanding window replacement near you. As your recommended and reliable solution for replacing windows, we invite you to get in touch for a complimentary consultation. Explore how Guardian Windows can assist in renovating your home with innovative windows.