The Window Source Features & Options in South Bend, Laporte, Michigan City IN

Warm Edge Spacers

The layers of glazing in an insulating unit must be held apart at the appropriate distance by spacers. Because of its excellent structural properties, window manufacturers started using aluminum spacers in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Unfortunately, aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and the aluminum spacer used in most standard edge systems represented a significant thermal “short circuit” at the edge of the insulating glass unit (IGU), which reduces the benefits of improved glazings. In addition to the increased heat loss, the colder edge is more prone to condensation.

All Window Source windows utilize the latest warm edge spacer technolgies that reduce thermal conductivity while improving surface and corner appearance over other insulating glass spacers. Our innovative warm edge spacer systems saves energy by insulating the frame and edge of the insulated glass unit making the unit much less conductive around the perimeter.

Warm edge spacers have become increasingly important as manufacturers switch from conventional double glazing to higher-performance glazing. For purposes of determining the overall window U-factor, the edge spacer has an effect that extends beyond the physical size of the spacer to a band about 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) wide. The contribution of this 2-1/2-inch-wide “glass edge” to the total window U-factor depends on the size of the window. Glass edge effects are more important for smaller windows, which have a proportionately larger glass edge area. For a typical residential-size window (3 by 4 feet/0.8 by 1.2 meters), changing from a standard aluminum edge to a good-quality warm edge will reduce the overall window U-factor by approximately .02 Btu/hr-sq ft-°F.
A more significant benefit may be the rise in interior surface temperature at the bottom edge of the window, which is most subject to condensation. With an outside temperature of 0°F, a thermally improved spacer could result in temperature increases of 6-8°F (3-4°C) at the window sightline–or 4-6°F (2-4°C) at a point one inch in from the sightline, which is an important improvement. As new highly insulating multiple layer windows are developed, the improved edge spacer becomes an even more important element.

LowE Glass

For even more energy efficiency you can upgrade any window or door with our LowE/Argon high performance insulated glass package.

What is LowE glass with Argon?

LowE glass is glass that has had an invisible metallic coating applied to the surface. This coating dramatically increases thermal performance by reflecting radiant heat. It is most effective when used in a sealed insulated glass unit that has been filled with inert Argon gas. Performance is even further improved when a warm edge non-conductive spacer is used to separate the two panes of glass. With the proper LowE coating the window will meet EPA Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.

How do I select the right LowE coating for my climate?

Does LowE glass lower both heating and cooling cost?

Yes, the LowE coating works to save you money and keep you comfortable in both heating and cooling seasons. In the winter radiant heat produced by your heating system is reflected back into your home. In the summer radiant heat from the sun is reflected so that the load on your cooling system is greatly reduced. Unlike dark tinted glass, LowE glass allows almost all visible light to pass through.

Decorative Options

Does your home a have special color scheme that a custom exterior window color would compliment? Would a wood grain finish compliment a particular room in your home? Do you have a unique colonial grid pattern that you would like to preserve while upgrading your windows? The Window Source offers you a wide range of choices.

We have many color options to match your home.

The Window Source offers many different exterior window color choices to accent the unique color scheme of your home perfectly. You’ll love the way your home looks. Your sales consultant can show you actual color chips of our many options.