Protecting your home from the sun and its harmful UV rays can be a very simple and practical task done by updating your windows and doors to go along with a little landscaping. Doing these following tasks will have your home sun proof in no time.
Not only does updating your windows and doors protect your interior such as carpet, drapes, and furniture from the sun, it can also save you money. Making the switch from single-pane windows to Energy Star qualified windows will save you an estimated $125 to $340 a year depending on the climate in which you live.
Low-E glass is a must when replacing your old windows. Low-E glass windows and doors block most harmful UV rays from entering during warmer weather while absorbing the rays and keeping them in during colder climates. You can also use laminated glass which has an inter layer placed between two window panes. These windows block nearly all UV rays while allowing just the right amount of light in for comfort and are ideal for protection during storms. Placement of your windows is very important as the windows on the south and west sides of your house tend to receive more sun, so make sure these sides are heavily protected.
Doors can also be made energy efficient. If you have a wooden door, apply a high quality, UV stabilized clear polyurethane coating to protect against the suns rays. Fiberglass doors are becoming more popular because most are typically filled with a polyurethane core to protect against not only the sun, but also harsher weather. Planting trees and shrubs around your house to create more shade is always a good idea, too.
When protecting your home from the sun, the most important thing to remember is Energy Star. All products that qualify will have an Energy Star label on them and will lead to better protection plus a few extra dollars in your pocket over time. If you have any questions on installing new windows or doors give us, Iron River Construction, a call at 952-442-1762 to see what we can do for you.
