Living in Colorado Springs means enjoying stunning mountain views and plenty of sunshine. However, our unique climate also presents specific challenges for homes, especially for windows. The intense sun, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional hail can take a toll. Understanding how these local weather conditions affect your windows is key to choosing the right products and maintaining them properly. This guide will explain the impacts of our climate and help you select durable, high performing windows and doors Colorado Springs that are built to last.
The Mile High Sun: UV Radiation and Your Windows
Colorado Springs sits at a high altitude, which means the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is more intense here than at sea level. This strong UV exposure can affect your windows in several ways:
Fading Furnishings and Finishes
UV rays are a primary cause of fading in fabrics, carpets, artwork, and wood finishes. If your windows don’t offer good UV protection, you might notice your interior furnishings losing their color and vibrancy over time. It’s like leaving a colored piece of paper in direct sunlight; it will eventually bleach out.
Material Degradation
The sun’s constant bombardment can also affect the window materials themselves. Older vinyl frames might become brittle or discolor. Wood frames, if not diligently maintained, can dry out, crack, or warp under the persistent sun. Even the seals and weatherstripping around your windows can degrade faster with high UV exposure, leading to reduced efficiency.
Solution: Low E Glass and Durable Frames
Modern replacement windows Colorado Springs often come with advanced Low E (low emissivity) glass coatings. These coatings are excellent at blocking a significant portion of UV radiation without reducing the amount of visible light that enters your home. This helps protect your interiors and extends the life of your furnishings. When selecting frame materials, consider options known for their UV resistance and durability, such as high quality vinyl or fiberglass. These materials are engineered to withstand our sunny conditions better than some older alternatives.
Temperature Swings: Expansion, Contraction, and Seals
Colorado is known for its dramatic temperature fluctuations, not just between seasons but sometimes within a single day. These swings can put stress on your window units.
The Impact on Materials
Different materials expand and contract at different rates when temperatures change. If a window frame and the glass it holds expand and contract too differently, or if the material itself is not stable, it can lead to problems. Seals can be stressed and potentially fail, leading to drafts or condensation between panes. The moving parts of operable windows might also become misaligned or difficult to use.
Maintaining Airtight Seals
The seals around your window glass and between the window sash and frame are critical for energy efficiency. When these seals are compromised due to temperature related stress, you lose the insulating benefits of double or triple pane windows. This means your heating and cooling systems have to work harder, costing you more money.
Solution: Stable Materials and Quality Installation
Choosing windows made from materials with low expansion and contraction rates is beneficial in our climate. Fiberglass is particularly good in this regard, as it expands and contracts very little, maintaining its integrity and seals through temperature changes. High quality vinyl also performs well. Equally important is professional installation. A skilled window installer Colorado Springs will ensure that windows are installed correctly to accommodate minor movements without compromising the seals or overall performance.
Hailstorms: Protecting Your Investment
Hail is a reality in Colorado Springs, and hailstorms can cause significant damage to homes, including windows.
Risks from Hail
Large hailstones can crack or shatter window glass. Even smaller hail can sometimes damage window screens or dent softer frame materials like aluminum or low quality vinyl. Broken glass is an immediate security and safety concern, and also leads to energy loss.
Solution: Impact Resistant Options and Protective Measures
If you live in an area particularly prone to hail, you might consider impact resistant glass options. This type of glass, often laminated, is designed to withstand impacts much better than standard window glass. While it might crack under severe impact, it typically remains intact within the frame, preventing widespread shattering and maintaining a barrier. Discussing hail resistant features with window companies in Colorado Springs can provide peace of mind. Also, ensuring your homeowner’s insurance policy provides adequate coverage for hail damage is a wise step.
Wind and Moisture: The Importance of a Good Seal
Wind can be strong in certain parts of Colorado Springs, and while we don’t have a very humid climate, moisture from rain and snow needs to be managed effectively.
Preventing Drafts and Water Intrusion
Strong winds can push air through poorly sealed windows, creating uncomfortable drafts and increasing energy bills. Moisture can also find its way in through faulty seals or improper flashing around the window, potentially leading to water damage, mold growth, or rot in the window frame or surrounding wall structure.
Solution: Quality Weatherstripping and Professional Sealing
High quality windows come with robust weatherstripping systems designed to create a tight seal when the window is closed. During installation, proper flashing around the exterior of the window and meticulous caulking on both the interior and exterior are essential to prevent wind and water penetration. This is another reason why choosing an experienced window company Colorado Springs is so important; they will understand the best techniques for our local conditions.
Finishing Thoughts
The Colorado Springs climate, with its bright sun, temperature variations, and potential for hail, certainly puts demands on your home’s windows. By choosing the right replacement windows Colorado Springs made with durable materials and energy efficient features like Low E glass, and by ensuring they are professionally installed, you can enjoy comfortable, beautiful, and long lasting performance. Considering these climatic factors will help you make a smart investment in your windows and doors Colorado Springs, protecting your home and enhancing your living experience for years to come.