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WINDOWS

High Performance Glass
We want our homes to be comfortable all year round. We want a home that is warm and free of drafts in the winter. In the summer we want a home cooled by air conditioning. Old or inefficient windows can be one of the biggest energy losses in a home. Modern windows are designed to keep air out and reduce heat transfer across the glass. Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, standard on North Star windows, is coated with a microscopically thin metallic layer that keeps heat inside your home during winter and blocks summer heat outside. Low-E glass also reduces ultraviolet (UV) radiation that leads to fading and rotting of carpet, furniture, and drapes.

For even greater window efficiency, you can add argon gas. Argon gas can be added to the space between the two pieces of glass when making insulated glass. It makes Low-E even better at reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain during the summer. Argon gas is actually a better insulator than plain air.

Aluminum and metal spacers have been used for years to make insulated glass. These metal spacers rob your high performance windows of their high performance. Metal spacers transfer cold from the outer glass to the inner glass. North Star uses Super Spacer, non-metal structural foam, as a spacer when making insulated glass. By keeping the edge of the glass warmer the whole window will stay warmer. Don’t be misled by companies offering "warm edge" glass. They are still using metal spacers. They have only cut part of the metal away. The remaining aluminum still conducts cold 950 times faster than the insulating qualities of the Super Spacer.

Frosted or Obscure Glass
In certain rooms like bathrooms, you may not want natural light coming in without giving up privacy. But you don’t want to install blinds or curtains. Frosted or obscure glass can be the answer. It will let the light come through the window, while not allowing a direct view through the glass.

Tinted Glass
Grey or bronze glass can be added when you want to reduce the intensity of the light coming through the window’s glass. This would help to darken a room that it is uncomfortably bright.

Muntins or Grids
Give your windows a decorative flair when you choose from the wide selection of internal muntins. Rectangular muntins or grids can be added between the glass panels. Your muntins will no longer need dusting, painting, or straightening. The color of the muntins matches the color of your windows inside and out. Prairie style muntins will add architectural detail to your home. For an extra special look, your windows muntins can even be brass.

Color
There are 5 exterior colors available – White, Ivory, Hickory, Sandalwood, and Chestnut Brown. Use these colors to blend or add accent to your exterior colors. Many times builders use white windows because of its ability to be used with a whole range of siding, soffit, and trim colors.