Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Energy Saving Options: Tinted Glass and Low-e Windows for Bermuda and the Caribbean

The type of glass you choose for your windows and doors can be one of the most important choices you make for your home. There are several options to help save energy consumption and make your home more comfortable - especially in hot climates like Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Insulating glass can help save on air conditioning bills. It consists of two panes of glass separated by an insulating air space. The insulating value is increased if the air space is filled with an inert gas such as argon. Insulating glass also helps to reduce outside noise, and reduces condensation on the interior pane.

Low-e coatings are relatively inexpensive to add and can enhance the energy efficiency of windows and doors, reduce condensation, and help screen out the harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays that fade your furniture, carpeting and paintings. These nearly invisible coatings can be applied to windows in different ways to reduce wintertime heat loss in cold climates or to reduce summertime heat gain in warm climates.

Tinted glass can be effective in reducing solar heat gain and glare inside a home and in filtering out damaging UV rays. In warmer climates where solar heat is the major cause of high energy bills, tinted glass has proven to be an economical way of lowering these costs, as well as improving interior comfort. Care must be taken in choosing the tint that’s right for you. Some tints will lower solar heat gain while still letting through bright light. Other, darker tints can provide privacy without the use of draperies or blinds.

This info can also be in PGT's brochures. To download brochures and learn more about window options, visit our Window Page. We can help you decide what is best for your home based on your location, window sizes, architectural style and budget. Contact us to get started.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Vinyl or Aluminum - Which Window Material is Right for Me?

This is a question we hear frequently from our customers. The answer depends on several things - your building needs, budget, window configurations, and design preference. Both vinyl and aluminum are great choices. And, at Global Sales, we only offer windows that are rated and tested to withstand the Caribbean and Bermuda climates with the quality our customers expect. We can help you select the windows that are right for your home.

Visit our Windows Page to learn more, download brochures, and see our image gallery.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Charlie's Picks - Aluminum Shutters


Bahama Style

Colonial Style

My second pick is Gulfstream Aluminum Shutters. They offer a dozen standard colors for you to choose from – which is a great selection for a selection of standard colors. Plus, if you want something more custom to go with your home, they offer a lot of other options.
We’ve been working with Gulfstream for years. The materials we sold 5 years ago look as good as they did when they were installed. We’re confident in the quality and construction of these products. Contact us for more info.
- Charlie