Best of Oberon
Informative Window Posts from Oberon
We have taken the time to compile here what we call, "The Best of Oberon", who is one of our more famous visitors to our discussion board. He brings the science of fenestration to a whole new level. Many of his posts are classics, and often go way over even our own heads.
If you're looking for some deep thinking on replacement windows, this is the place to start!
What types of windows are there?
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- Window Choices
An important question, why are you replacing your windows? Whether it is aesthetics, maintenance, energy or money saving, read about the options with your overall goal in mind.
- Window Choices
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- Laminated Glass
A discussion on laminated glass; topics include the phenomenon of "double vision" and its existence, light transmission and reflection properties.
- Laminated Glass
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- Impact Windows
What are impact windows? Read about four different types of impact glass that are manufactured, their major differences and the best performers.
- Impact Windows
What type of glass to choose?
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- Self Cleaning Glass
Can this type of window glass truly be capable of cleaning itself? Read about the characteristics of this glass and the reasons why they are titled "self cleaning."
- Self Cleaning Glass
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- Coated Glass
There are two types of coated glass, soft-coat and hard-coat. Both of these types contain different properties when it comes to blocking UV rays, temperature changes and light emission.
- Coated Glass
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- Low E Coatings
What is the definition of "Low E" or low thermal emissivity? Discover its significance in matters such as determining the heat flow and conduction through a window.
- Low E Coatings
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- Soft Hard Coat - Low E
Understand the difference between types of Low E windows to determine the difference of quality between older and newer generations of Low E.
- Soft Hard Coat - Low E
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- Window Air Infiltration Ratings
The importance of Design Pressure, or DP, revolves around knowing how a window will stand up to wind speed/strength. What is a good rating?
- Window Air Infiltration Ratings
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- Window U Value
The U Value describes how well a window can conduct heat. Determine what Oberon describes as the reason why U and R values exist as a measurement of thermal energy.
- Window U Value
What About Noise?
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- Window Sound Transmission
A quick lesson on the science of sound including important vocabulary including amplification, amplitude, sound transmission loss and more useful information
- Window Sound Transmission
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- Soundproofing Factor of Windows
An overview of what three things you should consider when soundproofing your windows; a combination of knowledge on laminated glass, wider airspace and glass thickness.
- Soundproofing Factor of Windows
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- Window Sound Transmission Class
STC or Sound Transmission Class is a rating of how well a window can reduce the force of sound. Here is the discussion on what window size has to do with sound transmission.
- Window Sound Transmission Class
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- Sound Proof Windows
Different sizes of laminate windows produce various levels of STC which impacts their sound blocking quality. Read more about the comparisons between different sizes.
- Sound Proof Windows
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- Dual Pane vs Triple Pane for Sound
A description of the impact glass thickness and airspace has on window panes and preventing unwanted outside sound. Are additional panes more beneficial?
- Dual Pane vs Triple Pane for Sound
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- Outside Noise Abatement
Does changing the thickness of glass, or air space between panes have the same function as installing laminated glass when it comes to blocking outside noise
- Outside Noise Abatement
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- Hurricane Windows
If you are searching for sound and hurricane proof windows, then laminated glass is Oberon's answer. Take a look over the five different types of products available.
- Hurricane Windows
What about gas and air?
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- Insulated Glass Units - IGU
An IGU or an Insulated Glass Unit are panes of glass separated by gas. What is their purpose in means of production and amount of pressure that they can handle?
- Insulated Glass Units - IGU
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- Value of Argon Gas in Windows
In this discussion, Oberon describes what it means when an Insulated Glass Unit is sealed with argon gas and its overall purpose.
- Value of Argon Gas in Windows
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- Air Infiltration & DP Ratings
How can you avoid unwanted air entering through their closed windows? In addition, is there a correlation between DP and this problem?
- Air Infiltration & DP Ratings
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- Argon vs Krypton Gas in Windows
A discussion on the main difference between the use of argon and krypton gasses as IGU's and how manufacturers insert gas into windows after installation.
- Argon vs Krypton Gas in Windows
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- Condensation Between Glass Panes
Should you be concerned about condensation building up on the inside of windows? It may just be the household humidity levels that are the issue, not the window itself.
- Condensation Between Glass Panes
- Desiccant in Windows
Desiccant is a substance used to keep the inside space of a window dry. Read more about its function and its occurrence in different types of spacing systems.
How does spacing work?
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- Spacing Between Window Panes
This response describes the function of the width of space between the panes of glass and what it has to do with a window's optimum energy performance.
- Spacing Between Window Panes
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- Spacer Window Performance
Determining the width of space and gas combination in a window are an important decision. Consider the most energy efficient option, the most optimal spacing or preferred type of gas.
- Spacer Window Performance
Miscellaneous posts:
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- PGT Impact Glass
The advantages of PGT brand windows and their impact glass windows.
- PGT Impact Glass
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- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
Solar heat gain coefficient is the amount of solar radiation admitted through a window. Is this a good or bad thing and what is the significance of SHGC numbers?
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
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- Scratches on Window Panes
Concerned about scratches? Read here to see if you should be worried with hairline scratches on your windows and what to do about them.
- Scratches on Window Panes
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- Imploding Argon Windows
Read the more about the legend; whether or not gas buildup can cause older windows to implode.
- Imploding Argon Windows
- Acoustic Properties of Windows
If a tree falls in a forest, but no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? -a discussion on sound, physics and philosophy by Oberon.