Increasing daylighting, along with reducing maintenance, is one of the unique benefits of replacing your windows in the 21st century. In the past, installing units with clear glass illuminated rooms well but did little to reflect the sun’s heat-causing infrared and damaging ultraviolet rays. Modern windows use advanced glazing technologies to filter out the unwanted portions of the solar spectrum while letting in plenty of natural light.
Sunlight Using Windows
However, it still takes careful planning to make the most of the sunlight you could catch. To maximize daylighting and reduce its inherent drawbacks, Renewal by Andersen® of Kansas City shares some great tips:
1. Put a Premium on Orientation
Any window company would tell you that window orientation plays a vital role to achieve adequate daylighting. Not all sides of your home get the same amount of natural light, and the position of the sun depends on the time of the year.
This is why veteran architects use south-facing windows to naturally warm homes in winter. Experts also recommend placing east- and west-orientated units near the north wall’s corner to catch the sun before it enters too deeply into the room.
It’s human nature to install sliding, picture, and casement windows to the best views, but not considering orientation could lead to glare problems.
2. Check Energy Performance Ratings
Choose products with the right mix of NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) ratings to enjoy maximum daylighting without dealing with sun damage and excessive heat. Since the City of Fountains is located in the North-Central Climate Zone, your windows must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less and an SHGC of 0.40 or less.
Of all our glass solutions, our High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ option offers the best trade-offs among heat gain reduction, UV protection, and visible light transfer. It blocks 72% of the sun’s heat, reflects 95% of UV rays, and allows 65% of clear, natural light through.
3. Let in Light in More than One Directions
Balanced lighting is key to eliminate glare and overly bright visual hot spots. Instead of having just one source of sunlight, invite the sun in at least two directions.
4. Use Translucent Glazing When Necessary
When privacy is a concern, add some decoration to the glass of your replacement windows. Our fern, cascade, obscure, and reed patterns would render your units translucent to block the view, not the light. This is useful in bathrooms and sleeping nooks where you want to hide from prying eyes outside.
Let Renewal by Andersen of Kansas City help you plan your window replacement properly to make your rooms airier with adequate daylighting. Call us now at (913) 956-0887 to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation at Kansas City, MO, and get a no-obligation estimate.
