The Importance of Interior Window Treatment and Glass Selection

Many homeowners appreciate the comfort and privacy that window treatments like room-darkening blinds, tints, and other light-blocking options provide. However, some choices can unintentionally cause damage to your windows, especially when treatments are installed too close to the glass. When the sun shines directly on the window, this can lead to issues like overheating, warping of vinyl window frames, or even cracked glass due to trapped heat buildup.
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In this blog, we’ll break down how improper use of window treatments can cause expensive damage to your windows and how upgrading to Dayside advanced Low-E glass windows can help protect your home.

How Interior Window Treatments Can Cause Damage

Window treatments like blinds and curtains are often installed for privacy and light control, but when fitted too tightly against the glass, they can trap heat, especially during direct sunlight exposure. This buildup of heat can harm your windows in several ways:

Overheating and Warping of Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are popular because they’re energy-efficient and durable. However, when room-darkening blinds or blackout curtains are installed too close to the glass, they block airflow. This trapped heat can cause the vinyl window frames to overheat, leading to warping. Warped frames not only look bad, but they can also affect your window’s ability to keep out drafts, making your home less energy efficient.
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It’s common for homeowners to use blackout curtains in nurseries, shift workers’ rooms, or any space where daylight needs to be blocked out for restful sleep. But what many don’t realize is that blackout curtains are only part of the solution. Without the right windows, heat can still build up, making it difficult to control the room’s temperature.

In the photo above, you’ll see a beautifully set-up nursery where a blackout blind is used to block out sunlight. However, the true power comes from pairing these blinds with LowE6227 glass, which reflects solar heat and helps maintain a comfortable temperature without relying too much on air conditioning. This not only keeps the room cooler during the summer but also reduces energy costs.

Cracked Glass from Heat Buildup
Heat buildup can also damage the glass itself. Glass is made to withstand temperature changes, but when heat gets trapped between the glass and tight-fitting blinds, it can cause the glass to heat up unevenly. This stress can result in cracking.

Sometimes, homeowners may use dark or heat-trapping materials against their windows, which can intensify the sun’s heat and lead to cracking more quickly. These materials trap the heat, increasing the likelihood of cracking. Instead, opt for a professionally installed replacement with LowE-coated glass, and perhaps tinted glass or light-reflecting blinds that are designed to protect your windows without risking damage.

Problematic Materials Against Glass
Beyond blinds, some homeowners may cover windows with non-standard materials like dark plastic, paint, or even makeshift coverings like newspapers. These materials can reflect the solar heat back against the interior glass, concentrating the sun’s rays and intensifying heat on the window.
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Don’t apply materials like after-market window or automotive tint directly onto your windows.  When the interior glass temperature gets too high, especially during hot weather, the glass is at greater risk of cracking. Adding window tint, paint, or altering the window in any way will *void* your warranty.

How to Prevent Damage: Upgrade to Low-E Glass

A great way to protect your windows from overheating and cracking is by upgrading to some specific Low-E (low-emissivity) glass from Dayside Windows and Doors. This advanced glass technology helps reduce the amount of heat entering your home while still allowing natural light to pass through.

Dayside’s Low-E Glass Upgrade Options:
LowE7036 Glass: Blocks up to 80% of the sun’s heat, making it perfect for homes with moderate sunlight exposure. This option helps reduce heat buildup while keeping your home comfortable and reducing air conditioning costs during warmer months.

LowE6227 Glass: Offers even more protection, blocking up to 95% of the sun’s heat. This is ideal for homes with large windows facing direct sunlight, providing superior insulation for year-round comfort and energy savings.

LowE8071 Glass: The clearest Low-E coating, transmitting 71% of solar heat in a double-glazed unit. Ideal for Passive House designs, this glass is perfect for south-facing windows in colder climates where capturing the sun’s heat in winter is beneficial.

However, windows with this option should be shaded in the summer to reduce air conditioning costs. For homes using this option, upgrading to triple glazing (R=7.1) is recommended for better insulation, especially in Canada, while double-glazed units still offer R=3.7 to R=4.6 for good insulation values. For homeowners with windows exposed to direct summer sun, LowE7036 or LowE6227 is the best choice to minimize air conditioning costs.

Upgrading to these specific Low-E glass not only helps prevent damage to your windows but also improves your home’s energy efficiency. In the summer, it reflects heat outwards, keeping your home cooler, and in the winter, it retains heat indoors.

Additional Tips to Prevent Window Damage

Allow Proper Air Circulation
When installing blinds or curtains, always leave a gap (around 3-4 inches) between the window treatment and the glass. This small space allows air to flow, preventing heat from becoming trapped and damaging the window.

In addition to preventing heat buildup, leaving this gap also helps to minimize condensation, especially in colder months. Without proper air circulation, moisture can collect between the window and the curtain or blinds, which can lead to mold growth, window frame damage, and fogging. This simple step can extend the life of your windows and coverings while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
 
Keep Decorations Away from Windows
Furniture, pillows, or other decorations placed against windows can also contribute to heat buildup, especially if they’re in direct sunlight. Try to keep your window area clear so that air can circulate freely and prevent any trapped heat from causing damage.
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Beyond just heat buildup, keeping your windows unobstructed by furniture or decorations also prevents accidental damage to the glass, such as scratches or cracks. Additionally, large furniture pieces blocking sunlight can interfere with the natural lighting in your home, making rooms feel dimmer and reducing the overall aesthetic appeal. Keeping the area around your windows clear helps you make the most of natural light and reduces wear and tear on both your windows and the decorations themselves.

The Dayside Difference: Leading in Glass Technology

Dayside Windows and Doors offers a wide range of glass options tailored to meet your home’s specific needs. Whether your windows face the sun all day or you need extra insulation for winter, Dayside’s various Low-E glass options can provide the perfect solution. Our extensive selection means that you can choose the best glass for your home, ensuring maximum protection against heat buildup and improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.

In Conclusion

To keep your windows in great condition, it’s important to choose the right window treatments and avoid trapping heat. By choosing Dayside’s better Low-E glass options and following simple practices like leaving space for air circulation, you can protect your windows.
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For more information about upgrading your windows or to explore Dayside’s advanced Low-E glass options, visit Dayside Windows and Doors today. Protect your windows and enjoy a more energy-efficient, comfortable home year-round!

Your Next Steps for Upgrading Your Windows with Dayside

Evaluate Your Existing Windows
Check for signs of aging, such as drafts, condensation, or difficulty opening and closing. If they’re no longer energy-efficient, it might be time to upgrade to new Dayside windows.

Research Your Options
Explore our wide selection of energy-efficient windows, including advanced Low-E glass options, tailored to meet the needs of your home and climate. Visit our website for a detailed overview of Dayside's product line.
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Get a Quote
Request a free detailed quote to help you budget and plan your window upgrade. Our team is here to guide you through the process for a smooth installation experience.

Get a quote