Whether you’re renovating a fixer-upper or making your current home more energy-efficient, replacement windows can change not only the look of your home but also its functionality and energy efficiency. These benefits make double pane windows the most popular choice in modern homes. No matter where you live or what weather you have to contend with, double pane windows will make your home more comfortable, more environmentally friendly, and more cost-effective. Here are just five of the many reasons why your home will benefit from double pane window replacement.

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest appeals of double pane windows is their energy efficiency. Double pane windows consist of, as the name suggests, two panes of glass. An inert gas like argon or krypton is inserted in the space between the two panes, better insulating your home and resulting in reduced heat transfer. By keeping heat out during the summer and in during the winter, you can reduce your energy usage and lower your carbon footprint. If you’re looking to make your home greener and more eco-friendly, double pane window replacement is an easy and effective step that comes with many additional benefits.

2. More Comfortable Temperature

As mentioned before, the insulation provided by double pane windows helps prevent heat transfer all year long. This means that your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, even when you don’t use (or don’t have) an HVAC unit. Not only does this save you money and reduce your energy use, but it also keeps you and your family more comfortable during all times of the year. If your furnace stops working during the winter or your air conditioning malfunctions during the height of summer, you can have peace of mind that your home with double pane windows will remain comfortable for significantly longer than it would with single pane windows.

3. Reduced Noise

Double pane windows’ additional insulation protects from not only heat transfer but also noise transfer. If you live near a busy road, a school, a shopping center, or any other high-traffic area, you may have to deal with a significant amount of noise pollution from outside. Thanks to the extra layer of glass and the insert gas involved in the installation, double pane windows reduce outside noise and make your home a quieter, more peaceful place to be.

4. Increased Home Value

Even if the benefits above don’t seem desirable to you, they’re desirable for the vast majority of homeowners. That’s why undergoing double pane window replacement is guaranteed to improve the value of your property. Many of today’s home buyers are searching for properties that are eco-friendly, and they’re often willing to pay a premium for houses that meet their requirements. The added comfort and noise reduction are also potential selling points that can not only attract more buyers but also attract buyers at higher price points.

5. Versatile Design Options

Even if you renovate and paint your home’s exterior, your house can still look dated with single pane windows. Double pane windows come in a wide variety of styles and materials that can accommodate any home design while still looking updated and modern. While updating the functionality of your home’s windows with double pane windows installation, choose a window design that upgrades the look of your home and boosts curb appeal. Your glazing contractors can walk you through all of the sizes, shapes, materials, and styles available for you to choose from.

If you need residential window replacement, ask your glazing contractors about double pane windows. At Golden Glass, we can perform double pane windows installation and fabricate custom windows that are perfectly suited to your home’s functional needs, aesthetic style, and budget. Stop by our Fullerton showroom to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff about your replacement windows, or give us a call at (800) 64-GLASS for a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you right away!

If you have broken, outdated, or inefficient windows in your home, you may be debating double-pane window replacement. Many homeowners are making the switch to double-pane windows when they need residential window replacement because of their energy efficiency and noise insulation. But before purchasing your new windows, you should know how and why double-pane windows are the best choice for your home, including how they’ve evolved over time, why they’re superior to single-pane windows and the ways in which they’ll benefit your home in the long run.

How Have Double-Pane Windows Evolved?

Windows as we know them today — clear sheets of glass — were introduced to the United States in the 19th century by the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. These windows were single-paned and were valued for their affordability above all else. However, a shift to double-pane windows began in the 1920s when owners and builders of skyscrapers in big cities sought a more energy-efficient solution to avoid costly heat loss plaguing these tall buildings. However, despite this shift in preference among commercial property owners, single-pane windows were still the industry standard for single-family homes until the 1950s. Once the energy crisis spiked in the 1960s and 1970s, energy-efficient double-pane windows were made more easily accessible to everyday consumers as the U.S. government ramped up its research into energy-efficient solutions.

What Makes Double-Pane Windows Superior?

Double-pane windows, as the name suggests, are windows with two panes of glass. The panes are typically separated by a pocket of argon gas, which acts as an insulator to reduce heat loss. The insulating benefits of double-pane windows are one of their most significant benefits, and it’s why they’ve become the industry standard in homes and businesses since the mid-20th century. It also allows some room for error, as a crack or break in one pane still leaves another pane intact to protect your home until the second pane can be repaired.

What Are the Benefits of Double-Pane Windows?

Double-pane windows have a long list of benefits that make them preferred by virtually all modern homeowners. Their biggest benefit is the thermal insulation they provide; they keep your home more comfortable during all seasons and prevent significant heat loss, reducing your energy bills and your environmental footprint. If you live in a busy area with distracting outdoor noises such as traffic, noisy residents, extreme weather sounds and even wildlife, double-pane glass will add an extra layer of insulation to reduce these noises and keep your home more peaceful. Finally, in addition to their practical benefits, double-pane windows come in a greater array of style options. You can choose from virtually any size, shape, color, and material for a window that perfectly suits your home’s design.

If you need double-pane window replacement for your Southern California home, Golden Glass can make the process seamless and hassle-free. From fabrication to installation, our family-run business will work with you every step of the way to bring your vision to life on time and on budget. Stop by our Fullerton showroom to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff about your next residential window replacement or window repair project, or give us a call at (800) 64-GLASS for a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you right away!

If you live in a home more than 10 years old that hasn’t been recently renovated, you likely have single-pane windows throughout your house. Double-pane windows have only become available within the last few years, but they have quickly become the go-to for homeowners across the country due to their many benefits over single-pane windows. If you need residential window replacement any time soon, consider these four factors driving homeowners to choose double-pane windows in record numbers.

1. Less Noise

Double-pane windows consist of two panes of glass with a several-inch space between them that is often filled with an inert gas such as argon. This gas serves many functions, but one of the most beneficial is noise reduction. Compared to single-pane glass, double-pane windows are much more effective at blocking out the sound of traffic and other street noise. While the exact level of noise reduction will depend on the windows and materials you choose, you can expect noise to be reduced by 20 to 50 percent on average. If you live on a busy street, near a flight path, or in any other high-traffic area, double-pane windows can significantly benefit your quality of life through effective noise reduction.

2. Less Condensation

When warm, moist air meets a cold surface, condensation forms. You see this most often in beverages, but it can also happen to your windows. Have you ever noticed fogged-up windows first thing in the morning? This occurs because your temperature-regulated, warm home interior meets the frigid cold of the outside through this thin, single-pane glass window. Double-pane windows offer insulation, which prevents this heat transfer and the resulting fogged windows. Less condensation also means reduced risk of leaks or frozen water around your windows, lessening the chances of needing window repair.

3. Lower Energy Costs

This insulation from double-pane windows also helps reduce your utility bills by dramatically decreasing, if not preventing altogether, heat transfer between the outside and inside of your home. With single-pane windows, warm air can easily escape into the frigid cold outside during winter; conversely, hot summer air outside can creep into your cool, AC-regulated interior. This causes your HVAC unit to work harder to maintain your desired internal temperature, increasing your energy usage and utility bills each month. By investing in double-pane windows for your residential window replacement, you’ll not only extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, but you’ll also reduce your monthly energy costs significantly.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Not only does reducing your HVAC usage save your wallet, but it also saves the environment. Roughly two-thirds of the electricity generated in the United States is generated from the burning of fossil fuels, including residential heating and cooling. By reducing the amount of heat your home needs to generate, you can reduce your carbon emissions and do your part to help the environment.

If you need residential window replacement or window repair, ask your glazing contractors about double-pane windows. At Golden Glass, we can fabricate and install custom double-pane windows perfectly suited to your home’s functional needs, aesthetic style, and budget. Stop by our Fullerton showroom to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff about your residential window replacement, or give us a call at (800) 64-GLASS for a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you right away!

With the new year comes the feeling of a fresh start, and for many homeowners, that translates to home renovations. Whether your goal is modernizing your home’s design, increasing property value, or simply starting fresh, redesigning your bathroom is a crucial starting point. Once you have your sink picked out and your floors ordered, it’s time to think about your shower. If you need new shower doors for your home, consider these pros and cons of frameless glass shower enclosures.

Pro: Modern Design

Frameless glass shower enclosures are distinguished through their lack of metal framing. Whereas framed shower doors use metal, rubber, or other prominent material to secure the shower door glass along the door’s edges, frameless glass shower doors utilize thick, tempered glass to maintain structure without the need for bulky framing. This design element gives it a sleek and modern appearance, making it a staple in any contemporary interior design. If you want your bathroom to have a modern and luxurious feeling, frameless glass shower enclosures are the optimal choice.

Pro: Low Maintenance

One of the most common reasons that homeowners need to replace their shower doors is corroded metal framing. Since frameless shower doors don’t require any sort of framing, there’s no risk of corrosion, and your shower doors can enjoy a much longer lifespan. In addition, the lack of framing makes the door easier to clean, as it’s made entirely of easily-wipeable glass that can be cleaned with standard glass cleaner.

Pro: Increased Property Value

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you may know that the bathroom offers one of the highest returns on investment of any room in the house. Modernizing your shower with a frameless glass shower enclosure will help you increase your property’s value and improve the chances of selling sooner. Although the initial cost of frameless shower door fabrication can make homeowners hesitant, the overall increase in property value will help you secure a significant return on investment in the long run.

Pro: Fully Customizable

Traditional framed shower doors tend to be mass-produced to fit standard shower dimensions. However, this may not work perfectly for every home. Frameless glass shower enclosures can be fully customized by glazing contractors to perfectly fit the dimensions of your shower and the functional needs of your household. Whatever size, shape, or glass type you need, your glazing contractor will work with you to bring your vision to life and create a perfectly tailored shower door for your home.

Con: Less Privacy

If multiple people use one shower, frameless glass shower doors may not be the ideal option. The transparent glass walls may not work for roommates or families that share a bathroom and are concerned about privacy. However, your glazing contractors may have fogged or semi-opaque glass options available that offer the same sleek design but greater personal privacy.

Con: Potential for Leaks

Since frameless shower doors lack frames and seals that keep water from exiting the shower, there is a greater risk for leaking with frameless enclosures versus traditional framed showers. However, precise and expert installation can help mitigate these risks and ensure that your glass shower enclosure offers ample protection from any potential leaking. To avoid the potential for leaks, find glazing contractors who will customize the shower enclosure specifically for your bathroom and install it with the utmost accuracy.

If you’re a homeowner looking to install new frameless glass shower doors, look no further than the experts at Golden Glass. We’re the nation’s premier residential architectural glazing contractors, with decades of 5-star ratings to attest to our quality craftsmanship. Let Golden Glass help you create the frameless glass shower enclosure that best enhances your home’s style by calling (800) 64-GLASS or filling out our online contact form today. One of our team members would be happy to talk you through our services and give you a free quote for your next project.

The new year often inspires feelings of renewal and a fresh start. With the year 2022 just on the horizon, many people are contemplating what they can do to refresh their life and their surroundings without breaking the bank. One way that many people choose to do this is by upgrading their home and renovating key rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. If you’re renovating your bathroom for the new year, changing out your outdated shower curtain for glass shower doors can transform your space and bring it into the modern day. If you’re searching for inspiration, look no further. Here are the top five glass shower door trends of 2021.

5. Framed Glass Shower Enclosures

One of the most consistently popular shower door designs throughout the years is the framed glass shower enclosure. In this style, glass shower doors are held up by an aluminum or steel frame for a solid structure that separates the shower from the rest of the bathroom, while still allowing for plenty of light to come in. Its practical construction makes it superior to shower curtains for preventing water leakage, and it’s a style that’s been popular for decades that works across all styles of home design.

4. Frosted Glass Shower Enclosures

If you have a shared bathroom or value privacy, frosted glass shower doors are a great choice. They can be incorporated into framed or frameless glass shower enclosures, so you can make them fit any design style you’re seeking. The frosted tempered glass offers a level of opacity that blocks a direct view into the shower while still allowing natural light to penetrate. If you want the sleek style of a glass shower enclosure with the privacy of a shower curtain, frosted glass shower doors offer the best of both worlds. 

3. Partial Glass Shower Enclosures

If you want a more open-concept bathroom, partial glass shower enclosures offer greater accessibility and convenience, as well as affordability. Popular in Europe, the partial glass shower enclosure covers half to three-quarters of the tub while leaving the remaining portion open to the rest of the bathroom. It serves as a partition and blocks spray from the showerhead while not taking up any excess space. Perfect for small bathrooms that have a modern design, ask your glazing contractors about partial glass shower enclosures for your home.

2. Semi-Frameless Glass Shower Enclosures

The perfect combination of several popular shower door trends, semi-frameless glass shower enclosures are one of the most requested shower door design trends of 2021. They have the strength and stability of a framed glass shower door while maintaining the sleek elegance of a frameless shower door. In this style, there is usually a frame around the exterior of the shower enclosure (against the bathroom walls and along the top and bottom of the doors), but there is no frame between the two glass doors, creating the illusion of one large glass pane. If you’re stuck debating between framed and frameless glass shower doors, semi-frameless may be the perfect glass shower enclosure style for you.

1. Frameless Glass Shower Enclosures

By far, the number-one most popular shower door design of 2021 is the frameless glass shower enclosure. With sleek and minimalist contemporary designs gaining rapid popularity, more homeowners than ever are requesting frameless shower doors. The all-glass structure doesn’t have any visible metal framing, creating a sleek and luxurious look that will work for all modern interior styles. The epitome of modern design, frameless glass shower doors allow light to flood the entire bathroom and create the illusion of a bigger space. If you want to bring your bathroom to the forefront of 2022 design trends, you can’t go wrong with frameless glass shower enclosures. 

If you want to modernize your bathroom with new glass shower enclosures, contact Golden Glass today. Headquartered in Fullerton, we’re a family-run business that will give you the personal attention of a small business with the world-class fabrication quality of a national corporation. To learn more about Golden Glass architectural glazing contractors and our glass shower door installation services, give us a call at (800) 64-GLASS or fill out our online contact form today.