Windows are more than an opening in a wall. Glass panes can make or break the entire appearance of a business or residential home. People know how these glass additions operate yet little is known about where they originated from, heights of popularity, sturdiness, or cost.

In times past, open-air wall cut-outs were paired with metal bars and used as coverings as opposed to glass which is commonplace today. Glass has been in existence since the beginning of time. Formed mainly from melted rock, the earliest glass panes used for architectural purposes date back to A. D. 100 when the Romans included manganese oxide, otherwise known as clear glass, in their chief buildings in Rome and villas of Pompeii.

Stained glass is usually reserved for churches and other public buildings; however, some private homes feature the artwork as well. Despite possessing a delicate appearance, quality craftsmanship equates to incredible longevity. This can be witnessed in buildings that were erected in the middle ages and still display the original stained glass it was equipped with.

Many people have heard the word \”bay\” during re-modelings and initial constructions. This type of casement became popular in the 1870\’s and continues to hold aesthetic appeal more than one-hundred years later. Primarily associated with Victorian architecture, this is a glass structure that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building. It is comprised of three main sections of glass with an overall square or polygonal shape. This design is well-liked by many.

Double pane is another common term nowadays. Over the past few decades, the idea of two pieces of glass rather than one became ideal. Double pane features two pieces of glass with an inert gas in-between; Argon is used most frequently. Outside noises are greatly reduced when double pane is used. Furthermore, this type of construction acts as an insulator. This means warmth generated by the sun, or from fire places or heaters, will remain inside the dwelling for a much longer time when compared to single panes which allow heat to seep out quickly. Therefore, a double paned porthole or other type of window is considered to be more energy-efficient.

Glass is strong enough to withstand a certain amount of force from wind, rain, and other objects responsible for impact. However, glass does break under the right conditions. When talking about a window, the most common culprits of damage are rocks, baseballs, and bullets. Following closely behind these objects are strong earthquakes, hurricane winds, breaking and entering, rapid temperature change, and accidents such as moving furniture. Tempered glass is among the most strongest, withstanding hurricane winds of 155 mph.

The cost attached to these architectural necessities depends greatly on size, manufacturer, and retailer. Labor, or the price to have installation done on someone else\’s behalf, is a separate fee in many cases. Smaller frames are cheaper than larger ones, and double pane is more expensive than single pane.

Windows are much more than a piece of glass wedged between wood in a wall. They can add or take-away from the looks of a building, as well as make a difference in gas and electric costs. Being able to look outside from the inside, without being effected by nature\’s elements or man\’s noisy inventions, has been valued for years and will continue to be relied upon for decades to come.

Author Bio: Doors and windows manufacturer providing high quality and technologically advanced, bay and bow windows, patio doors as well as replacement windows.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: window replacement,homes,family,home improvement,home renovations,interior design