Glass Performance Upgrades for Home Windows

Connecticut's Source for Low Maintenance, Energy Efficient Windows

If you are going to the trouble of replacing windows on your Connecticut home, why not get innovative performance upgrade windows for maximum efficiency and low maintenance? Building Concepts proudly installs custom‑made Sheffield vinyl windows which come with a variety of innovative upgrades that no homeowner should be without.

Use the Power of the Sun to Clean Your Windows

No matter how lovely your windows are, they are never fun to clean.SunClean™ Self‑Cleaning Glass by PPG actually lets you spend less time cleaning your windows ‑ while giving you a clearer view all the time.

SunClean self‑cleaning technology features a durable, transparent coating that is bonded to the outer surface of the glass during the manufacturing process. The coating makes use of the sun's ultraviolet rays and water to slowly decompose and loosen organic dirt and then rinse it away.

When ordinary windows with traditional glass get wet, the water beads up, concentrating the dirt into spots or streaks.

SunClean uses the sun's UV rays to help break down and loosen dirt. It also causes water to spread out over the surface of the glass ‑ not bead up. As the window begins to dry, sheeting action helps rinse dirt from the surface and speeds drying time. When it's completely dry, the window with SunClean will have very little spotting or streaking.

You want to enjoy your home and your leisure time. So consider choosing SunClean self‑cleaning glass for a clearer view ‑ and a lot less work.

Your Best Bet for Increased Energy Efficiency

Shefield Windows are designed for superior thermal performance. By choosing our ClimaTech® insulated glass, featuring Low-E Glass and the Intercept™ Warm Edge Spacer System, you can help reduce your energy costs even more, while further reducing consumption on fossil fuels.

What Makes ClimaTech® Inslated Glass Package So Effective?

Since 80% of a window is glass, substantial heating and cooling savings come from improved glass performance:

• Our combination of UV‑filtering Low‑E Glass, insulating argon gas and the Intercept™ Warm Edge Spacer System creates significant energy efficiency. Together they can cut the damaging effects of the sun, which can lead to the fading of carpets, curtains, and furniture by an additional 72% over clear insulated glass units.
• In winter, a warmer glass temperature is maintained, increasing the R‑value by an additional 104%.
• In summer, a 49% reduction in solar heat gain helps cut air‑conditioning costs.

The optional ClimaTech® Insulated Glass Package combines multi‑layered Low‑E Glass with the Intercept™ Warm Edge Spacer System and argon gas. The ClimaTech glass package is up to 40% more energy efficient than most other low‑E or mid‑E glass systems, and provides more than twice the energy efficiency of clear glass units.

Sheffield Windows with ClimaTech are so efficient, they far exceed the performance requirements set forth by the US Department of Energy in conjunction with the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) test criteria. One of the most critical NFRC tests measures the rate of heat loss through a window or door. This is known as a U‑Value. The lower the U‑Value, the better the product is at resisting heat flow, which results in a product with greater insulating value. The chart below clearly indicates that a Sheffield Window with the ClimaTech option will be far more energy efficient than a window with a clear glass unit.

Another critical NFRC test is for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This procedure measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. Again, the lower the number, the less solar heat the window transmits into the home. You benefit because you air‑conditioner will work more efficiently and lower your energy requirements.