windows that open up the room to magnificent views. You love the idea of having a similar open space in your home, especially because you live in such a picturesque area.
Florida boasts sunshine and warm weather year-round, but that doesn’t mean it lends itself to homes with glass outer walls. If your house only has glass panes rather than a few solid walls, then you have a few windows too many. You must find a way to balance your windows with strong supporting walls so you can keep your house, family, and belongings safe from the elements.
Learn more below about why a glass house will not work and how to achieve balanced window space.
Reasons Why You Should Not Have Glass Houses
Windows open up a room and make it appear larger and brighter. However, despite that fact, you must not have windows in excess. Too many could lead to the problems listed here:
1. Low Energy Efficiency
Even if you purchase the most energy-efficient windows on the market, they will not prevent heat transfer as well as walls made of drywall, concrete, or other solid materials. Therefore, the more windows you have, the harder your HVAC system has to work to keep your home comfortable. You will have to spend more on your power bill as a result.
2. Reduced Privacy
Unless you have a shutter, blinds, or protective films, you will not have any privacy if you have a glass house. Thus, if you live on a busy street or near the beach, hundreds of people might get a glimpse into your life. Consider carefully before sacrificing your privacy for a great view.
3. More Frequent Cleanings
Whereas other sidings and building materials look presentable after rainstorms, glass requires regular cleaning because grime shows up on its surface more clearly. And while guests might not notice dirty windows, they will notice dirty glass walls.
4. Decreased Security
A larger number of windows decreases your home’s security in two ways. On the one hand, thieves have a better view of what you own, so they know they might steal something valuable if they break-in. They also know how to quickly grab what they want and run away because they see the route in front of them.
On the other hand, even if you have a system of blinds and UV coatings that block the view inside your home, your glass walls still give thieves an easy access point. Glass takes less effort to smash than doors or traditional solid walls, so thieves may go straight for the glass panes to get quickly in and out.
5. Increased Hurricane Vulnerability
When a hurricane strikes, would you rather hide yourself, your family members, and your belongings behind glass or something a little more substantial? You need solid walls when you live in an area with frequent hurricanes and tropical storms.
This is not to say that you should not have windows. A reasonable number will not affect your home’s security or structural integrity. Just make sure that you have a good ratio of glass to more reinforced materials.
Ways to Balance Windows and Walls
Windows should not occupy more than a third of the space in a given wall, at least in a standard room like a bedroom, bathroom, or living room. The same rules do not apply to greenhouses or sunrooms that attach to the rest of your home-so long as these rooms have a sturdy wall that separates them from your main living space. If in doubt, ask your window experts what they think constitutes a reasonable number of windows.
However, if you still want to bring more light and openness into a room, you have options even if you cannot add more windows.
1. Hang Mirrors and Other Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors perform more or less the same function as windows. They add more light and visual space, only they do it through reflection. Use mirrors to their full potential by mounting them opposite your windows. They receive more direct light this way, and they also reflect a fuller view and create the illusion of more windows.
2. Install Glass Interior Walls-Or Knock Down Walls Entirely
If you need your house to have more elbow room, consider knocking out walls rather than adding more windows. You can also replace existing walls, like the one between your kitchen and dining room-or kitchen and living room-with ones made of glass to give your home an extra touch of sophistication.
Of course, you should not avoid adding windows if your home needs them. If you only have small windows in each room, or if the windows do not bring enough light into your space, talk to your local contractors to see what they suggest. They can help you find the right balance between glass and solid walls to make your home’s interior brighter and more beautiful than ever.
FAS Windows & Doors is Central Florida’s largest volume window and door dealer, with direct from the factory pricing for replacement and new construction windows and doors. We have showrooms and distribution facilities in the major metro areas of Tampa, FL, and Orlando, FL. Call us at 877-289-0825 to see how we can assist you with your windows and door needs today!
Alexandra 12/9/2015