The relationship between the weather and windows/doors is an important one. Windows and doors allow particular weather elements to come through while others are wisely reduced. In this essay window/door position, storm protection, air leaks, and screens will be covered. Windows allow visible light to enter while filtering out much of the harmful UV light. The light that does does get in will warm the inside like a greenhouse. If more warmth is needed in the house then windows facing the sun will certainly help. In the Northern Hemisphere middle and higher latitudes it will be the south facing windows that will get sunlight. Also, east facing windows will get morning light while west facing windows will get afternoon light. If extra heat from windows is not needed then it is a good idea to have closed blinds that will block this heat. If heat coming through the windows is still a problem you can consider tinting or reflective material that will reduce the amount of incoming sunlight through the window. The transparency and size of windows will help determine how much sunlight gets in. Large windows with no tinting facing the sun will let in the maximum amount of sunlight. Overhead windows can also let in a significant amount of sunlight depending on their size and transparency. Ask yourself how much sunlight will get in and what impact it will have on the heating the cooling bills. An effective use of window positioning and the control of light that comes through the windows will reduce energy bills. Doors and windows are often the weakest link during a storm. During a hurricane or severe wind storm, once the wind penetrates the windows or door then significant damage could occur. In a hurricane prone area it is important to have shutters, boards or other materials that can protect the windows and doors. Have the materials or installation done well before the hurricane threat. Once a storm is approaching is the time the stores run out of these materials. Be prepared. To reduce damage from hail and strong wind from thunderstorms you can consider adding storm windows and/or strong screens. It is often the south and west facing windows that have the most direct impact from a storm since they are facing in the direction the typical storms move from. Extra thickness to windows or two layered windows can provide extra protection from severe thunderstorms. Windows and doors are often a weak point for air getting into the home. When it is windy, feel for any air leaking through the doors or windows. Reducing this air flow will reduce utility bills. Cold air leaking through these weak points will mean extra heating. Hot air leaking through these weak points will mean having to run the air conditioner longer. Filling these cracks and leak points will also reduce the amount of bugs coming into the home. One way to check for cracks is to have someone shine a flashlight on the opposite side of the closed door. If light is clearly coming in then you know outside air and bugs can come in also. Another important way in reducing heating and cooling bills is to not let the door open for longer than is needed when the air conditioner or heater is running. Screens are effective at reducing bugs from getting into the home and controlling air flow into the home. A screen door comes in handy when you want to let in lots of outdoor fresh air in but you do not what bugs and debris coming into the home. Screens on windows serve the same function. The screens are also adding protection from severe storms such as hail and wind. Window screens and screen doors serve as an extra enforcement against damage to the windows or door. In conclusion, the information given will help protect the home from storms and reduce energy bill. Think about these points when buying a new home or when thinking about how to improve an existing one. |