U and R Values Explained

Customers at The Window Man's three Northern Virginia locations are often confused about (U) and (R) values and how they rate a window's insulation capabilities.

One way that insulation is created is with dead-air space between panes of glass. Therefore a double-paned window gives more insulation than a single-paned one. Other factors contribute to the insulation qualities of a window, such as the gasket, the material type, and the gas used in a gas-filled window. The U/R value tells how the product insulates. It is a formula derived from the efficiency of the product, and that formula takes into account many of the factors just mentioned. A good R measurement is a high one, while a good U measurement is low since U is the reciprocal of the R. Homeowners are more interested in the R value, while builders are interested in the U value.

What are U and R Values & How Do They Relate To Window Insulation?

One way that insulation is created is with dead-air space between panes of glass. That's why a double-paned window gives more insulation than a single-paned one. Other factors contribute to the insulation qualities of a window, such as the gasket, the material type, and the gas used in a gas-filled window. The U/R value tells how the product insulates. It is a formula derived from the efficiency of the product, and that formula takes into account many of the factors just mentioned. A good R measurement is a high one, while a good U measurement is low since U is the reciprocal of the R. Homeowners are more interested in the R value, while builders are interested in the U value.

For more information on a specific window model's U and R values, stop by one of The Window Man' three Northern Virginia showrooms or call us at 703-978-9888.

Window Insulation: U & R Values

As you're looking for new or replacement windows for your DC, Virginia or Maryland home, you''ve probably run into some terms you're not familiar with, such as (U) and (R) values. U and R values relate to a window's insulation capabilities.

One way that insulation is created is with dead-air space between panes of glass. That's why a double-paned window gives more insulation than a single-paned one. Other factors contribute to the insulation qualities of a window, such as the gasket, the material type, and the gas used in a gas-filled window. The U/R value tells how the product insulates. It is a formula derived from the efficiency of the product, and that formula takes into account many of the factors just mentioned. A good R measurement is a high one, while a good U measurement is low since U is the reciprocal of the R. Homeowners are more interested in the R value, while builders are interested in the U value.

To learn more about different window materials and models, visit one of our three show rooms in Northern Virginia.