Your home's windows are a key element that play several roles. The right windows can up your home's curb appeal and add value, help you to reduce energy costs, and keep your family comfortable year-round. That said, choosing the best windows for your home isn't as simple as picking the one that looks the best. You need to also consider durability and performance... and where you live! Identical windows will perform and age differently in different areas of the country. For example, a window in New England needs to remain efficient through long cold winters, while in Alabama, your windows need to stand up to the temperatures and humidity of hot summers. It's crucial that your home has windows and doors that can stand up to Alabama's unpredictable weather. In this post, we will look at the best window choices to help enhance energy efficiency and help your family stay comfortable all year long!

Staying Comfortable in the Steamy South

The weather in Alabama can be unpredictable. With winter temperatures in the 40s, summer thunderstorms, and humid days that can soar into the 90s, you need a durable window that provides cold weather protection and keeps the heat out in the steamy summers. There are several features to consider when installing new or replacement windows in the south. To help block out solar heat you will want to purchase windows featuring a solar-heat-blocking low-E coating. Windows with low-E glass can reduce solar heat by up to 70% over regular insulated glass. In coastal Alabama, your windows and doors must be able to withstand estimated wind speeds of 120 mph or higher. Along with low-E coating, you'll also want to consider impact-resistant glass, and aluminum or composite frames since they are stronger than wood, and wood frames do not stand up to humidity and salt air very well.

The Best Windows for Central & West Alabama Homes

For homes in central west Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding areas, a relatively basic double-pane argon-filled wood/aluminum clad window should be best to protect against the colder weather in the winter and hotter humid air in the summer.  Alabama homeowners should splurge on spectrally selective low-E coated glass. This type of low-E glass blocks the entire solar spectrum, except for visible light, so your home will be flooded by beautiful natural light while solar heat gain is reduced by up to 70% over the regular insulated glass, significantly lowering your summer energy use.

What to Avoid...

We can't stress the importance of some kind of solar-heat-blocking low-E coating! Even the most high-quality windows without any coating will have homeowners cranking up the AC. Uncoated insulated windows also have poor air-infiltration resistance when battling hot, humid air. It can seep into your home, which can lead to mold growth.

The Best Windows for Coastal Alabama Homes

When a powerful storm blows out windows and doors, the structural integrity of your home could be in jeopardy. Building codes in many coastal areas require windows that resist structural pressure, impact, and air and water leakage. Weather-resistant windows are key in coastal Alabama because they offer protection against potential severe storms, high winds, and hurricanes. Impact glass with a strong polymer interlayer is reinforced to withstand strong winds. The most common window frame material throughout the coastal south is wood-clad aluminum, one of the strongest structural materials available.

What to Avoid...

In coastal areas, it's best to avoid vinyl windows. Vinyl is weak and prone to bending and warping. In the coastal south, wood might be an even worse choice. The pressure resistance of wood is similar to vinyl windows, but wood windows don't stand up well to wet weather and insects.

Tips For Choosing Energy Efficient Windows

One of the primary benefits you'll enjoy with new or replacement windows in the south is reduced energy use and lower costs. Look for low-E coatings. In the south, the low-E coating is applied to the exterior glass to reflect and prevent UV rays from entering your home. These windows keep the cold air in and the hot air out all summer long. Casement and awning windows are the most energy-efficient because they close more tightly than double-hung windows. Look for windows with multiple panes of glass separated by low-conductive argon gas and edge spacers with tightly constructed frames. As a general rule, look for windows with low U-values or U-factors. These windows have the best insulating properties.

Are you in the market for new or replacement windows and doors? Give the experts at Toulmin Windows & Doors a call at (205)366-0807 or schedule online here. We are proud to be one of Alabama's top window and door distributors representing beautiful Sierra Pacific windows and doors. Sierra Pacific offers a broad selection of glazing options, window styles, and the longest warranty in the business! If you'd like to learn more, check out our website or give us a call today! Located in Tuscaloosa but Serving the entire state of Alabama.