Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are part of the skin of your home, and you want them to last. Durability—the ability to hold up under sun, rain and freeze/thaw, not to mention vigorous opening and closing by teenagers and other perky life forms, is a big concern both from practical and green perspectives. A door that lasts for 40 years is twice as green as one that only lasts for 20, all else being equal, because it uses up only half as many resources.

There are many other green considerations that should affect your choice of doors and windows because they directly affect your energy bill and wallet. These all have to do with thermal performance: How well do they insulate, seal air flow (leaks), and control visible and infrared light transmittance? Basically, are they good enough to help maintain your thermal comfort, or will they be a liability to overcome, making your heater or air conditioner work that much harder? Cheap windows = high energy bills, so consider carefully before just choosing the least cost available. Like insulation, good doors and windows are to your energy bill gifts that keep on giving.