The climate in Michigan is described as temperate. In other words, there are four defined seasons: hot summers, cool springs and falls, and very cold winters. Choosing the perfect windows for your Michigan home requires that you take climate into careful consideration. Thankfully, Renewal by Andersen offers an array of glass options and special features that will not only keep out the winter cold, but also block that hot summer sun. Here’s a look at some features that are especially well-suited to your local climate.
The frequent fluctuations in temperature that occur in Michigan can be pretty hard on wooden window frames. Within a few years’ time, they may warp, creating pockets between the glass and window sash. Moisture from snow and springtime rain can also cause wooden frames and sashes to rot and mold. Renewal by Andersen makes all of their window frames from a material called Fibrex. Made with wood pulp and a special polymer, this material resists warping, even when temperatures fluctuate widely. It won’t mold or rot in the moist springtime weather, either.
Renewal by Andersen’s windows are made with sloped sills. This encourages any water to drain away from the window, so you don’t have to worry about leaks or caulk damage in the spring or during a January thaw. This feature is included regardless of what style of window you choose.
When June rolls around, temperatures in Michigan start soaring–and July and August are even hotter. It’s important to keep that summer heat out of your home so your air conditioning bills don’t skyrocket. When matching Andersen windows to your climate, SmartSun glass is a great choice. This low-e glass exceeds EnergyStar standards. It reflects heat rather than absorbing it, leading to 70% greater efficiency in the summer and 45% greater efficiency in the winter. Plus, SmartSun glass blocks 95% of UV rays, so the sunshine that does enter your home does not prove a threat to your health or your decor.
Though all window styles can be quite efficient when you choose low-e glass and a solid frame material, casement windows are especially known for their efficiency. When the cold winter winds are howling, casement windows lock tightly into their frames, so you don’t have to worry about chilly drafts blowing in.
If you like the efficiency advantages of casement windows but fear that they’ll look out of place considering your home’s architecture, you have options. You could fit a grille over your casement window to make it look like a double-hung window: the style that is customary for many traditional home styles.
Springtime in Michigan can be bright and sunny, and in order to take advantage of that sunshine, you may want to install a bay window in your living room or dining room. Since a bay window angles out from the wall, it allows sun to shine in from multiple angles, filling your home with brightness throughout the year.
Matching Renewal by Andersen windows to your climate is not as difficult as you may think. All of our products are made to suit a varied climate, as is found in Michigan, and will protect your home from both the heat and the cold. Contact us to schedule a free consultation in your Michigan home.
Topics: Michigan home, matching Andersen windows to your climate
