Windows make up a major part of our homes, but most of us don’t give them a second thought.
We can look at them all day long without realizing there’s more to windows than meets the eye. But no longer! In today’s blog post, we’re revealing 5 “Who Knew?” facts about windows that you may not be aware of.
Read on for a peek at the long, interesting history of windows.
1: The Origin of the Word
The word “window” originally comes from the Old Norse word vindauga, which literally translates to “wind eye.”
It almost makes it sound like your window is constantly watching the wind, waiting for the perfect moment to let it in (which could lead to higher energy bills, if you don’t get that looked at).
The actual English word “window” was first recorded in the 13th century. Back then, it referred to an unglazed hole in the roof.
2: The First Glass Windows
Way back in ancient times, in Asia, windows were widely made of a special kind of paper (not the kind you write on), which was specially treated to help protect against the elements.
In England, people made windows out of animal horn. However, that took serious work to prepare properly, and the cutting and the flattening of the horn material was known to be quite “stenchful.”
The Roman Empire invented the first known windows made of glass, sometime around 100 CE.
It’s a little hard to imagine now but, back in the day, those early windows were basically just thick slabs of glass. You couldn’t see through them, but it was a start.
It took another thousand years or so before the invention of the transparent glass we know and love today.
3: Glass isn’t a Solid (or a Liquid)
Huh? Wait, so if glass isn’t a solid or a liquid, then what the heck is it?
Turns out, glass is known as an “amorphous solid.”
That may sound like a complicated scientific concept, but it’s actually pretty easy. It goes like this: Regular solids are made up of a highly organized crystal-like structure of atoms and molecules.
Amorphous solids aren’t. Instead, their molecules are tossed all over the place, willy-nilly, like a messy pile of toys.
This means that amorphous solids can take on a wide variety of shapes, which makes them nifty materials for all sorts of applications. From fiber optics to bulletproof glass, amorphous solids have proven time and again to be important parts in many of the products we use every day.
4: Faulty Windows Cost You Money
Are your windows costing you more than you realized?
According to the US Department of Energy, as much as 25-30% of an average household’s energy bill is due to leaky or faulty windows.
Imagine what you could do with that money if it wasn’t being wasted on leaky windows.
By replacing or repairing these problem spots, you can not only save money, but also improve the overall comfort of your home.
5: The Michigan Window Meets or Exceeds Energy Star
Energy efficiency has never been more important than it is now. Not only is it a great way to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but it also saves you money.
That’s where ENERGY STAR comes in.
This joint program between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy is aimed at helping people and businesses to adopt energy-efficient products and practices.
The Michigan Window embodies our commitment to energy efficiency, and that’s reflected in its Energy Star certification.
With its advanced glazing technology and superior insulation, the Michigan Window helps retain heat during the winter months, and keep your home cool during the summer.
Not only will this window save you money on your energy bill, but it’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more comfortable all year-round.
More Than Meets the Eye
Who would have thought that so much mystery and history lay behind the simple household window?
Ready to embark on your own exciting journey of window exploration? Then, stop by D&W Windows and Sunrooms today – your premier destination for all things window-related.
Our family-owned-and-operated business has been around since 1955. And because we want to ensure the highest quality for our customers at the lowest price possible, we manufacture all of our windows and sunrooms ourselves – no middleman needed!
Contact D&W Windows and Sunrooms for quality work that is sure to stand the test of time.