Living in Greenville, you get to enjoy quite a few beautiful, sunny days. On average, the city sees over 215 sunny days per year. While this is great for enjoying hikes along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Network or kayaking on Lake Placid in Paris Mountain State Park, this near-constant sunshine can take its toll on your home. 

Over time, UV rays can fade wood-stained fences, older siding, and outdoor furniture. But the problem doesn’t end there. Your indoor furniture, rugs, painting, and more are prone to also fading. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. With low-E glass installed on your home, you can trust that you’re keeping your belongings safe from this fading.

If you’ve dealt with UV damage in the past and want to learn more about how low-E glass can help you keep your home safe from future damage, keep reading. 

What is Low-E Glass, and How Does It Stop UV Damage? 

Low-E glass, also known as low-emissivity glass, is a standard window pane that is treated with a microscopic metallic oxide coating. This coating behaves like a filter, managing solar energy by reflecting infrared heat. Beyond the infrared heat blocking, low-E glass is also capable of blocking up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. But how does it block these rays? 

The coatings on your low-E glass consist of thin layers of silver or tin oxide, and are applied in two or three layers. These metallic particles act like a smart barrier. They allow visible light to pass through, while reflecting UV radiation and infrared heat back, keeping your home cooler and safe from the radiation.

Without a low-E coating on your home, these UV rays enter your home, leading to damage to your carpet, drapes, artwork, hardwood floors, and furniture. This UV radiation can lead to cracking, fading, and discoloring over time, making low-E glass essential for anyone who wants to avoid damage to their home. 

What is the Difference Between Low-E and Tinted Glass?

While low-E glass might seem appealing to Greenville homeowners who’ve dealt with UV damage in the past, they may also consider other protective options. One inexpensive option homeowners may consider is window tinting. But is tinted glass going to provide the same UV protection provided by your low-E windows? 

Although both are capable of blocking UV rays, there are a few significant differences that give low-E windows an advantage. Low-E windows block only select rays, while admitting all other light, whereas tinted glass uses bronze, gray, or blue colorants to absorb solar radiation and blocks all incoming light. 

Additionally, tinted glass doesn’t provide the insulation and energy efficiency boosts that low-E windows are capable of. Finally, tinted glass may darken the view looking out of the window and can reduce the natural light in your room, which can be unappealing to anyone who wants to preserve the view from their home. 

Will Low-E Windows Make Your Home Darker? 

When you hear about low-E windows being coated in microscopic metallic particles, you may worry about the impact it will have on the light in your home. However, this isn’t something you need to worry about. Standard low-E windows transmit up to 80% of visible light and have very little impact on the light conditions in your home.

However, some high-performance windows, with up to 4 coats of the low-E coating, can lead to mild changes in light levels in your home. These high-performance windows may appear slightly darker, either gray or blue in tone. However, this shouldn’t be more significant than window tinting, allowing you to enjoy plenty of natural light. 

Additionally, the incredibly minor change in light levels are used to block the harmful UV rays that may have otherwise damaged your home. The slightly dimmer light levels in your home are going to help you keep your furniture, artwork, flooring, and more safe from future UV damage and restorative costs. 

What are the Disadvantages of Low-E Glass? 

Low-E windows are an incredible investment for your home, making them the best option for anyone looking to prevent UV damage and improve energy efficiency. However, these benefits don’t come without some drawbacks that you’ll want to consider before making the investment. Some of the most significant disadvantages of low-E glass include the following: 

• Higher upfront cost
• Slight reduction in natural light
• Winter heat loss
• Subtle hue or color shifts

While there are a few disadvantages to low-E glass, the major benefits you experience by investing in these windows make them well-worth it. If you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate to contact your window installer for additional support and to ask any questions you may have about their energy-efficient window options. 

Other Features to Look for In Your New Windows

While there are many amazing benefits to investing in low-E glass for your home, this isn’t the only thing you should look for in new, advanced windows for your Greenville home. If you’re considering installing new windows on your home, look for some of these features as well: 

• Quality Frame Materials: If you’re getting new windows, why not look for something with durable frame materials, like vinyl, aluminum, or wood, that are more energy efficient and prone to swelling, warping, and minimal maintenance. 
• Advanced Styles: Window replacement projects allow you to look for a better window style for your home and lifestyle, like casement, double-hung, or picture windows, that are more functional for your space. 
• Ratings & Labels: Consider talking to your window installation team about their Energy Star options to ensure they are rated and certified for the Greenville climate, and the windows U-factor and SHGC ratings. 

Let Surface Bella Install Your High-Quality New Windows

At Surface Bella, we know just how important it is for Greenville homeowners to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and energy efficient. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping you find the highest-quality, most reliable windows for your home. Whether you’re trying to avoid future UV damage or are tired of cool air escaping during the warmest months of the year, we’re confident that our high-quality vinyl windows are the ideal addition to your space. 

If you would like to learn more about our advanced window options, reach out to us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. 

There are so many benefits to living in Western South Carolina. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities, entertainment options, and farm-to-table restaurants to enjoy. However, there is one significant drawback you may have to encounter. Every summer and fall, the state is battered by strong storms rolling off the Atlantic Ocean.

While this provides the city with essential moisture and feeds local farms, storm season can be tough on your home. One feature of your home that is especially prone to damage during storm season is your windows. Thankfully, with modern vinyl window options, you can keep your home safe from potential damage when the storms roll into town. But what should you look for?

In this blog, we’ll help you determine what makes modern vinyl windows a good choice for storm season and what else you should look for in this upgrade. 

Does Your Home Need New Windows Before Storm Season? 

Storm season can be daunting for any homeowner. You never quite know what you’re going to deal with until the storm rolls into town. In preparation for this upcoming season, you may find yourself planning extra trips to the grocery store, purchasing first aid kits, and ensuring you have ample sandbags nearby in the event of flooding. But is replacing your windows also important?

While many Greenville homeowners may benefit from the addition to stormproof windows, this isn’t going to be the case for everyone. But how do you know if it’s time to invest in more storm resistant windows? If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to reach out to your window contractor about investing in upgraded windows. 

• You’re dealing with major drafts, air leaks, and moisture infiltration along your windowsill. 
• The window is difficult, if not impossible, to open, close, or keep shut. 
• You have older windows that no longer meet modern building codes and standards. 
• There are visible signs of damage to the glazing, caulking, and glass. 

How Well Do Modern Vinyl Windows Protect Against Greenville Storms?

If you have older windows on your home, they often struggle to stand up to the strong winds, large hail, and heavy rain that Greenville experiences during storm season. Unlike the older windows on your home, modern vinyl windows are designed with impact glass and have a Design Pressure (DP) rating of DP-35 to DP-50. 

With a DP rating of DP-50, your windows can withstand winds of up to 173 miles per hour. Finally, with the higher quality vinyl frames, you can trust that your windows are internally reinforced and safe from rotting or warping as a result of moisture exposure. The reinforcement means your windows won’t bend or twist under the force caused by strong windows. 

If you’ve dealt with rotting, warping, or glass shattering during previous storm seasons, it may be time to reach out to your window contractor for support. With their understanding of their vinyl window catalog, you will have the peace of mind that your new windows are strong enough to withstand anything that comes their way. 

Can Vinyl Windows Withstand High Winds and Severe Weather?

Modern vinyl windows are engineered to withstand the challenging weather conditions that Greenville homeowners often face during storm season. Unlike older windows that may weaken over time, today’s vinyl frames are built with reinforced materials that help them resist warping, cracking, and structural damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain. 

Many modern vinyl windows also feature multi-pane glass and advanced sealing systems that provide additional protection when severe weather strikes. High-quality vinyl windows are tested to meet strict performance standards for wind resistance and water infiltration. This means they can help reduce the risk of drafts, leaks, and storm-related damage to your home’s interior. 

Their durable construction also helps maintain a secure fit within the window opening, minimizing vulnerabilities during extreme weather events. By upgrading to modern vinyl windows before storm season arrives, homeowners can improve both the safety and long-term resilience of their property.

How Do New Vinyl Windows Help Prevent Leaks and Damage?

Dealing with leaks during heavy storms can be incredibly stressful. It doesn’t just pose a risk to your windows, but to your entire home. Thankfully, with the addition of modern vinyl windows, you don’t have to worry about this happening in the future. Instead, you can comfortably wait out the storm. But how do these windows prevent leaks and damage? 

There are a few unique features that make modern vinyl windows resilient against the toughest weather conditions, including:

• No Moisture Absorption: Vinyl is a non-porous material, making it highly resistant to the decay that other materials, including wood, may experience. 
• Drainage Systems: Built-in channels move condensation and rain away from your windows to prevent water intrusions in your home. 
• Weathertight Seals: Tightly-fitting corners and multi-chamber frames prevent air and moisture from getting inside. 
• Expansion & Contraction: Modern vinyl materials and trim expand and contract with temperature changes, prevent gapping and warping. 

Why Are Modern Windows a Smart Investment Before Storm Season?

When it comes to protecting your home before storm season, investing in modern windows is a no-brainer. Choosing to forgo replacing your windows doesn’t just put the window at risk; it poses a risk to your entire home. You may find yourself dealing with major leaks and structural damage in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

Not only is this stressful, but it can also be incredibly costly. But it isn’t just about saving money. Investing in new windows ensures your peace of mind when the storm rolls into town. If you want to protect your wallet and avoid major anxiety in the week before a major storm, investing in modern vinyl windows is the way to go. 

Let Surface Bella Protect Your Home Before Storm Season

If you’re ready to commit to new vinyl windows before the start of this storm season, turn to our team at Surface Bella for expert support. We understand firsthand just how important it is to have reliable, durable windows installed on your home. When coupled with our whole-home generators, you can trust that you and your loved ones will be comfortable through the strongest storms. Don’t spend another storm season plagued by leaking, rattling windows when we have the highest quality products to protect your home.

When you’re ready to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to boost storage, improve aesthetics, and make the space feel more like your own. As you prepare for this project, you’re likely spending a lot of time picking out paint swatches, tiles, fixtures, and storage options. While all of these play an important role in reaching your bathroom goals, there is something else to consider.

If you’re preparing for a bathroom remodel, replacing your windows may be the ideal addition to the project. Although you might think your windows are ready to take on many more years of wear and tear, your bathroom remodeling project presents the perfect opportunity to look at more modern, reliable options.

In this blog, we’ll discuss just why replacing your windows during your upcoming bathroom remodel is the best addition to this project. 

Why Replacing Your Windows During a Remodel Saves Time and Money

When you think about it upfront, replacing your windows during an upcoming remodeling project can seem like an unnecessary add-on. However, this can be a far more cost-effective solution than you initially believe. When your remodeling team is already on site, choosing to combine these services can cut down on labor costs.

Many contractors will offer volume discounts, making this less expensive than if you scheduled the service individually. Additionally, while they may not appear to be causing damage to your home, replacing your windows during your remodeling project can allow them to catch moisture damage and dry rot before it damages your new bathroom. 

Finally, replacing your windows during your bathroom remodeling project can help lower your overall utility costs. In some cases, choosing to invest in new, modern, energy efficient windows can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. With this in mind, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars every year to keep your home comfortable. 

Benefits of Installing Energy-Efficient Windows During Renovation

There are many benefits to replacing your windows during an upcoming bathroom remodel, especially if you’re choosing an incredibly energy-efficient option. Some of the most significant benefits include: 

• Lower Energy Bills: Your old, worn-down windows may be the cause of drafts in your home. By replacing your windows, you can seal your home against the elements, leading to overall energy savings across the year. 
• Improved Comfort: Double- and triple-pane windows are the ideal option for homeowners who want to eliminate frustrating cold drafts and hot spots throughout their home during the summer and winter months. 
• Furniture Protection: If you talk to your window contractors about protecting your furniture and home accessories from harmful UV rays, they can help you find windows with high-quality Low-E coatings. 
• Noise Reduction: More modern, multi-pane windows are sealed tightly against the outside world, helping you reduce the interruptions you experience from noise pollution in high-traffic neighborhoods and areas with construction. 
• Increased Property Value: While this might not be an immediate concern, choosing to replace your windows during your bathroom remodel can help boost your home’s value, making it more appealing to buyers. 

How New Windows Improve Privacy, Natural Light, and Ventilation

When replacing your windows in your bathroom, it isn’t just important to choose an energy-efficient option. You also want to look for something that meets your lighting, privacy, and ventilation needs. If natural light is a priority, you may want to look for a modern window that features large, unobstructed panes of glass. 

For homeowners who’ve dealt with ventilation problems in the past, consider talking to your window contractor about casement or awning window options that allow for ventilation while showering. Finally, if you’re prioritizing privacy, talk to your team about texture or tinted glass options that can obscure your body from the outside world. 

By going into this project with window replacement in mind, you don’t have to make these upgrades to the window after completion. Instead, you can enjoy your refreshed bathroom from the moment your contractors leave your property. When they’re done, everything will meet your project wants and needs. 

Preventing Moisture Damage and Mold with Modern Window Replacement

Modern window replacement plays an important role in preventing moisture damage and mold growth during a bathroom remodel. Older windows often have worn seals, poor insulation, and gaps that allow moisture to collect around frames and walls. Over time, this excess moisture can lead to wood rot, water stains, and the development of mold and mildew.

New energy-efficient windows are designed with advanced sealing technology and improved materials that help keep moisture out while reducing condensation buildup. Many modern options also include features that enhance ventilation, allowing humid air to escape more effectively. 

By maintaining a drier environment, homeowners can protect their newly remodeled bathroom’s structural components and improve indoor air quality. Replacing outdated windows during a bathroom remodel is a proactive step that helps prevent costly moisture-related repairs in the future.

Increase Home Value with Remodeling and Window Replacement 

Combining a bathroom remodel with window replacement is a smart investment that can increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers. Updated bathrooms and modern windows signal that the home has been well maintained while offering improved comfort and efficiency. Key benefits of replacing your windows while remodeling your bathroom include:

• Enhanced curb appeal and interior aesthetics
• Improved energy efficiency and lower utility costs
• Better moisture control and reduced maintenance concerns
• Increased natural light and ventilation
• Stronger resale value and buyer interest

By replacing your windows and remodeling your bathrooms at the same time, homeowners can maximize their return on investment while creating a more functional and attractive living space.

Delivering Modern, Reliable Windows to Homes in Greenville, SC

If you’re looking for a reliable team to help you through your bathroom remodeling project and window replacement, turn to our team at Surface Bella for support. For years, we’ve helped homeowners across Greenville achieve their dream bathroom, find their ideal window replacements, and upgrade their homes for long-term efficiency. No matter what project you have in mind, we’re confident that we’re the right choice for your home.

When you’re ready to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team, contact us.