Natural light is a key feature when shopping for replacement windows in Grand Terrace, CA. Getting more daylight into the home comes with so many benefits like enhancing mood, boosting productivity, and increasing health and well-being. It also has an impact on aesthetics, making a home feel brighter, larger, and more inviting. But how can you use replacement windows to manage and control the natural light entering the home? Here is some key information to keep in mind when shopping for new windows.
Window Size
Most people understand that larger windows allow in more natural light and smaller windows allow in less natural light. It is a basic concept, but it is still important to address. Because installing a bunch of smaller windows can also improve daylighting in the home. And there are so many other factors and features to consider instead of just the size of the window.
Window Orientation
The orientation of the home means that certain areas face certain directions. Like bedrooms on the south side, the kitchen facing west, and the home office to the east. And the orientation of the windows in these areas will all provide different types of natural light. The east, for example, lets in a lot of cool, early morning light. It will not heat the rooms as quickly, but it will often mean an earlier wake-up call for anyone trying to sleep in a room on the east side of the house. West facing windows get warm, afternoon light. These will get a significant increase in heat right along with the filtration of natural light.
Window Placement
Window placement is slightly different from window orientation. The placement dictates where the West-facing window ends up. Most windows are located in a central position on the wall. Some are placed low for bench seating, some are placed at a mid-level for a more expansive view, and some windows go way up on the wall for plenty of natural light while still maintaining a higher degree of privacy.
Window Style
The style of the window can also largely dictate the amount of light getting into a space. Homeowners who want to maximize natural light often choose picture windows because they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But other great styles for daylighting include sliding windows, awning windows, bay windows, bow windows, and skylights.
Window Tints & Coatings
Tints and coatings are other ways to use replacement windows to help control the transmission of visible light. Homeowners need to understand that different coatings have different jobs. Some only block heat, some block light, and some simply offer more privacy. Low-E coatings, for example, block radiant heat while allowing visible light to transfer through.
Window Coverings
Last, but not least, window treatments are also something to keep in mind when shopping for new windows. What if, during certain parts of the day you want plenty of natural light, but at other times of day you want to shut it out? That is where window treatments come in. And it is easy to dress some windows, like sliding windows and picture windows. But it can be difficult to dress other styles, like bay windows and bow windows.
Need more tips for choosing the right replacement windows in Grand Terrace, CA for better light control? Contact our team of window experts today.
