The main job of your windows is to protect you from the elements, but they have other functions as well. Here, we focus on two: (1) letting in natural light and (2) capturing the best views.
Natural Lighting
With the right design, you can get much of the daytime light you need inside the home without relying too heavily on electricity. If sunshine is abundant in your area, why not use that natural resource to brighten up darker rooms? Doing so doesn’t hurt the environment one bit—plus it’s absolutely free!
Positioning the right windows in St. Louis a certain way will allow you to make the most of the natural light in your area. Here are some helpful tips:
- To achieve balanced lighting, let daylight in from two directions instead of just one. This way, you avoid irritating glares and visual hot spots that can damage your eyes.
- When you install north- or south-facing windows, make sure there’s a reflective ground surface or wall nearby to catch and diffuse the daylight. However, if you put your windows in the east or west side of the home, avoid reflective surfaces as they will increase the glare from the low sun.
- You want to catch optimal amounts of daylight, but you don’t want undesirable heat making you uncomfortable. We recommend looking into energy-efficient glass options like those offered by Renewal by Andersen®. High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass bounces heat back where it came from. It has spectrally selective coatings, which means the unit’s ability to let in light isn’t compromised. In other words, you stay cool indoors while still getting the maximum amount of sunlight.
Best Views
Stunning scenery is a delight to come home to. Ocean, tree, and mountain views can relax or stimulate you, after all. A combination of the right units and proper placement can have a powerful visual effect. Here are some tips:
- For bigger views, your best bet is to go with non-operable units like picture and specialty windows. Sliding windows are also a great choice. They give a sense of openness and make you feel more connected to the outdoors.
- Consider whether your viewers will be sitting or st anding most of the time. Position the windows where they will most likely be directing their gaze.
- Install units on a higher point on the wall where views of the parking lot or road don’t ruin a pleasant scenery. If a neighbor’s house is in the way of a view you want, you can make the windows narrower.
- Opt for units with slimmer frames to get a larger viewing area. Fibrex®, a composite framing material, can easily be molded into leaner frames to allow for a bigger glass area. It’s tough and low-maintenance. Further, it can be fused with color during the manufacturing process for longer-lasting appeal.
Home remodeling in St. Louis MO is a tough job to h andle on your own. Good thing we at Renewal by Andersen of St. Louis are here to help. We’re one of the few window companies authorized to install Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex-frame windows and High-Performance Low-E4 glass options in our area.
Need help capturing the best views and indoor natural lighting? Call us up at (314) 310-3636 to set up an in-home consultation and request an estimate of our services with one of our experts.
